From My Perspective - - -
Is God a mere museum piece – some kind of artifact made known to each culture by means of oral tradition – or – is He an Eternal Being Who created the heavens and earth and all that is contained in them? Is “God” someone (or something) that we parade out for personal convenience or that we always exhibit because of a personal conviction that He is – always was – always will be – in control of what He created? Why do we ask? Well – God was on exhibit yesterday – briefly – because it served the need of the “bully pulpit” script.
The AFP International News Agency reported the following: “President Barack Obama Wednesday said even God wanted to put Americans back to work, invoking divine blessing for his joust with Republicans over measures designed to slice into high unemployment. Obama also taunted his foes with historic arguments in favor of repairing vital infrastructure once made by conservative icon Ronald Reagan, as he stumped for a $60 billion infrastructure bill being taken up by the Senate. The president rebuked the House of Representatives for passing a bill reaffirming the US motto ‘In God We Trust’ rather than getting to work on his stalled $447 billion jobs program. That's not putting people back to work. I trust in God, but God wants to see us help ourselves by putting people back to work, the president said.”
A basic error occurred later in a news briefing – an error that is often stated by people who have identified with the “church” for years. Note the error when the President’s Press Secretary sought to clarify what the President meant. “Obama's spokesman Jay Carney denied that Obama had perhaps gone too far by dragging the Almighty into a fierce political spat. I believe that the phrase from the Bible is 'the Lord helps those who help themselves,' Carney said. I think the point the president is making is that, you know, we have it within our capacity to do the things to help the American people. The White House was later forced to clarify however that the phrase Carney used, though often mistaken for scripture, was not in fact biblical.” Those who are not too conversant with God on a personal basis ought not to venture into unknown territory in order to make a point – either from the “bully pulpit” or from a session seeking to clarify with the press what the intent was when God was invoked to make a political point.
A basic error occurred later in a news briefing – an error that is often stated by people who have identified with the “church” for years. Note the error when the President’s Press Secretary sought to clarify what the President meant. “Obama's spokesman Jay Carney denied that Obama had perhaps gone too far by dragging the Almighty into a fierce political spat. I believe that the phrase from the Bible is 'the Lord helps those who help themselves,' Carney said. I think the point the president is making is that, you know, we have it within our capacity to do the things to help the American people. The White House was later forced to clarify however that the phrase Carney used, though often mistaken for scripture, was not in fact biblical.” Those who are not too conversant with God on a personal basis ought not to venture into unknown territory in order to make a point – either from the “bully pulpit” or from a session seeking to clarify with the press what the intent was when God was invoked to make a political point.
On Got Questions.Org – the following is shared: “Many Christians fall into the trap of inactivity – they ask God for help, but then expect God to do everything Himself. They excuse this by pointing to the fact that God will provide according to His will and in His timing. However, this is not a reason for inactivity. As a specific example, if you are in need of a job, ask the Lord to help you find a job - but then be active in actually looking for a job. While it is in His power to do so, it is highly unlikely that God will cause employers to come looking for you!” A Scripture reference shared as clarification regarding “God helps those who help themselves” – the following declaration is given – Isaiah 25:1-6 (NLT) – “O Lord, I will honor and praise Your name, for You are my God. You do such wonderful things! You planned them long ago, and now You have accomplished them…strong nations will declare Your glory; ruthless nations will revere You. But to the poor, O Lord, you are a refuge from the storm. To the needy in distress, you are a shelter from the rain and the heat. For the oppressive acts of ruthless people are like a storm beating against a wall, or like the relentless heat of the desert. But you silence the roar of foreign nations…So the boastful songs of ruthless people are stilled…the Lord Almighty will spread a wonderful feast for everyone…”
Governments and their leaders should never attempt to assume the role or prerogatives of The Eternal and Almighty God. Reading the Book of Daniel and observing the antics of a boastful King Nebuchadnezzar is sufficient to demonstrate that the one who exalts himself to be a “god” will be brought low – the one who attempts to usurp the authority of God will be judged harshly and ultimately destroyed. When God said – “you shall have no other gods before Me” – He meant it. He is not to be treated as an exhibit for the “bully pulpit”. Instead, we are to be oriented to Taking A Serious God Seriously. Consider these things with me!
No comments:
Post a Comment