AND THE CHURCH BELLS RANG

From My Perspective - - -

Yesterday, the Supreme Court of the United States, in a Five to Four vote, struck down the Defense of Marriage Act. DOMA had prevented same-gender couples from being recipients of federal benefits allowable to heterosexual married couples. In this decision, the majority vote of SCOTUS gave tacit approval to same-gender marriage.

How did the so-called “christian” community respond to this decision? CBS News reported that in Washington, DC: “The National Cathedral is pealing its church bells, along with some other Washington churches, to celebrate the Supreme Court’s decisions on gay marriage…the bells rang at noon Wednesday for 45 minutes to an hour. Bells also rang at other Episcopal, Methodist, Presbyterian, Unitarian and other Christian Churches. The Cathedral scheduled a Prayer Service for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender families Wednesday at 7 p.m. to celebrate the ruling…the cathedral’s dean…says the church is ringing its bells to celebrate the extension of federal marriage equality to all the same-sex couples modeling God’s love in lifelong covenants…the ruling should serve as a call for Christians to embrace religious marriage equality.”

The President of the United States offered this statement regarding the SCOTUS decision: “I applaud the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down the Defense of Marriage Act. This was discrimination enshrined in law. It treated loving, committed gay and lesbian couples as a separate and lesser class of people. The Supreme Court has righted that wrong, and our country is better off for it. We are a people who declared that we are all created equal — and the love we commit to one another must be equal as well. This ruling is a victory for couples who have long fought for equal treatment under the law; for children whose parents’ marriages will now be recognized, rightly, as legitimate; for families that, at long last, will get the respect and protection they deserve; and for friends and supporters who have wanted nothing more than to see their loved ones treated fairly and have worked hard to persuade their nation to change for the better. So we welcome today’s decision, and I’ve directed the Attorney General to work with other members of my Cabinet to review all relevant federal statutes to ensure this decision, including its implications for Federal benefits and obligations, is implemented swiftly and smoothly. On an issue as sensitive as this, knowing that Americans hold a wide range of views based on deeply held beliefs, maintaining our nation’s commitment to religious freedom is also vital.  How religious institutions define and consecrate marriage has always been up to those institutions.  Nothing about this decision – which applies only to civil marriages – changes that. The laws of our land are catching up to the fundamental truth that millions of Americans hold in our hearts:  when all Americans are treated as equal, no matter who they are or whom they love, we are all more free.”

How does the Biblically-oriented remnant respond to this decision and these words? How should the Biblical-community-of-believers react and respond? More pointedly, how does the Sovereign and Eternal God view these matters? Has He or His Moral Standard changed? An apt summary of God’s thought in this regard is stated in Jude 1:5-8 – “Now I want to remind you, although you once fully knew it, that Jesus, who saved a people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe. And the angels who did not stay within their own position of authority, but left their proper dwelling, he has kept in eternal chains under gloomy darkness until the judgment of the great day-- just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which likewise indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire, serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire. Yet in like manner these people also, relying on their dreams, defile the flesh, reject authority, and blaspheme the glorious ones.” It echoes Romans 1:24-32, “…God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie…For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with…And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done…” The bells of heaven are not ringing in celebration of this law that condones that which God calls “a debased mind.” Consider these things with me.

CULTURAL MALAISE

From My Perspective - - -

One can observe various trends in our nation and world with which there is disagreement – but also – a sense of helplessness. Many of the traditions and foundational observances have been under scrutiny, challenge and opposition in and escalating and increasing way. In more recent times, Christmas is one observance that has been attacked in both subtle and direct ways. The idea of wishing one a “Merry Christmas” has been challenged and the political correct influence began to gain foothold as merchants changed their greeting to Happy Holidays.

The Freedom From Religion Foundation challenged the Crèche Display in the Atrium of Warren, Michigan. If the Manger Scene was going to be displayed, the FFRF wanted the right to display a sandwich board sign in the Atrium that stated: “At this season of the Winter Solstice, let reason prevail. There are no gods, no devils, no angels, no heaven or hell. There is only our natural world, Religion is but a myth and superstition that hardens hearts and enslaves minds.” To his credit, the Mayor denied the request of FFRF and said: “I felt that to allow them to put their sandwich board sign up was an offense act against religion, and it wasn’t exercising freedom of religion or freedom of speech. It was exercising the desecration and destruction of religion.” That is a bold assertion and clearly defines what the FFRF and other groups have as their goal, namely, “the destruction of religion.” This Mayor should be applauded and commended for his boldness, courage and forthrightness.

Many larger cities bowed to the secular pressure and disallow any “Christian” displays or celebration, even to preventing the singing of Christmas Carols by school children. As was pointed out in yesterday’s Blog – “Long Day…”, a city such as Chicago may minimize the traditional Christmas or Easter celebrations and allow for a more secular and inclusive seasonal observance – however – they allow for a hundred vacant lots to display partial heads of Buddha as a means to curtain violence in the city. Their hope is that people will become more contemplative and peaceful, thereby curtailing violent acts. The twisted irony here is that there is an outright dismissal of any representations regarding The Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ – but – allowing for a replacement, namely, Buddha in the city square and streets of the city.

It is very sad that the Cultural Malaise maintains a populace that is ill-informed and/or otherwise ignorant regarding what is occurring in the secularization of the nation. The day is rapidly approaching when people will be wondering what happened to the nation and why didn’t anyone do something about it. The humorous story about life goes something like this: “There were four people named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody. There was an important job to be done and Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it. Somebody got angry about that because it was Everybody's job. Everybody thought that Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn't do it. It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have done.” Does that sound familiar?

How should you approach your culture? How bold should you be in terms of addressing the errors within your culture? There is an important and fascinating statement in Hebrews 10:35-39, “Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. For - Yet a little while, and the coming one will come and will not delay; but my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him. But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.” A key phrase is “shrinks back.” It comes from an old verb that means: “to draw oneself under or back, to withdraw,” Too often, the “christian” community chooses not to be involved. Such behavior has serious repercussions. The walk and life of faith has no place for one to lack “confidence” or “to shrink back.” Be strong in the Lord. Be courageous for Him. Consider these things with me.

LONG DAY - WE'VE COME A LONG WAY

From My Perspective - - -

Forty-five years ago, a marketing effort by the Phillip Morris Company featured a new product – Virginia Slims Cigarettes - designed to appeal to young professional women. The commercial slogan was: “You’ve Come A Long Way Baby.” Their marketing was skillful. The first test market was San Francisco, California and originally scheduled for six-months. However, due to the success of the introduction of this product, they accomplished their goal in seven weeks.

When we think of the longest day of the year, June 21st, 2013, it not only marked the first day of summer but also a day utilized for Pagan Pursuits. In the Hartford (Connecticut) Courant, a news item stated that June 21st has become a significant day for the promotion of Pagan participation and promotion. The news article states: “Pagan is an over-arching term that includes Wiccans, Druids, Celtic Pagans, Norse Pagans, those who don’t specify a single tradition and others. Some practice alone; others gather in rituals as varied as the traditions they follow. The summer solstice is very important to the Druids…” What is the practice and tradition that is being embraced? The article continues: “Everyone gets in a circle, marked as a sacred space by walking around the edge of it with a sword or staff. The four elements – earth, air, fire and water – are honored as ancestors and the ‘universal creative force.’ There are prayers to the sun, a ‘Bard’s Blessing’ in which anyone can recite poetry or sing. The ritual closes with an expression of gratitude to ancestors, again, and the participants. The purpose is basically to give thanks to the Divine, or God, or whoever you call it, and to remind us that we all have a connection to the earth and the universe and each other…”

Meanwhile, the Chicago Tribune contains an article that states: “100 Buddhas Rise From Vacant Lots In Hopes Of Calming City’s Violence As Part Of Art Project.” This is all done under the banner of “Ten Thousand Ripples”, a public art project that culminated last week when community activists installed the 100th statue of a partial Buddha head emerging from the ground…Since November, 300-pound emerging Buddhas have suddenly appeared as if rising out of the earth in ten neighborhoods across Chicago…” And then, we have an Associated Press report that states: “It seems Warner Brothers has taken Movie-Marketing to a whole new level – even higher than a bird or plane. The studio enlisted Christian-focused Grace Hill Media to promote ‘Man Of Steel’ to faith-based groups by inviting them to early screenings and creating trailers that highlight the film’s religious themes…and…to create a Superman-centric sermon outline for pastors titled – Jesus: The Original Superhero.” What is the thrust of this design and effort? The article goes on to say: “Let’s consider how Superman’s humble origins, his high calling and his transforming sacrifice point us to Jesus, the original Superhero…”

Are these things new to religion? No! In Acts 17:16-31, Paul is addressing those in Athens regarding their ignorance about God, and their practice of pagan rituals. In verses 22-25, Paul states: "Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription, 'To the unknown god. 'What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything…” The issue that Paul raises is that (a) the people are seeking righteousness absent the righteousness of Jesus Christ, and (b) the people are ignorant of The One True God. Paul had observed as he entered the city that “it was full of idols.” Also, in order not to offend any “god” that had become part of their culture and rituals, they erected an altar (Verse 23): “…with this inscription, To The Unknown God.”

At great risk, but with great commitment and determination, Paul proclaimed: “What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you.” What about you? What do you say or do in light of the trends, directions, rituals, cultural malaise of our day? Do you ‘play it safe’ and say or do nothing? Or, are you willing to be engaged and presenting the True God Alternative and the Life-Changing-Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ? You cannot be neutral. What choice will you make…take? Consider these things with me.

SERIOUSLY

From My Perspective - - -

If one indicates that we are living in “serious times”, what exactly does that mean and convey? What is meant by “serious”? Serious is a word that has a multiple meaning, such as: (1) “badly; in great need of; dangerous; harmful; problematic; and (2) truly; in a true or literal way; without exaggeration of deceit; in a sincere manner; earnestly.” The Urban Dictionary contributes another possibility – “disbelief in a sarcastic form.” In an increasingly diverse culture, what does one conclude is serious and actual?

One of the problems can be illustrated with a response by James Clapper in the following summary of the testimony before a Congressional Committee:  “James Clapper's self-assessment, that he answered in the least untruthful manner when the senator asked whether the National Security Agency was collecting data about millions of Americans, speaks for itself. No, sir…not wittingly, Clapper said, when the answer was clearly -- and is now demonstrably -- yes.” The broader question pertains to - how seriously one takes an oath and swears to tell the truth…and nothing but the trust…and then commits a nuanced perjury? Is there a consequence for one who has purposefully lied or spoken in “the least untruthful manner”? Who has the obligation and urgency when it comes to seriously speak the truth in a non-nuanced manner? 

One of the serious issues of our day is in regard to the unfolding events in the Middle East. Just two of the more serious factors are: (1) Iran and its continuing commitment to develop nuclear weaponry, and (2) Syria and the ongoing civil war – a civil war in which there has been the death of more than 93,000 Syrians and the introduction of the use of chemical weapons. These are serious issues for the world although some treat it as events far removed from where we live and the lifestyle we seek to maintain. The American Enterprise Group raised the serious concern in 2012 when discussing the topic: “Getting Serious On Syria: Can We Close The Assad Era Without Opening A Can Of Worms?” One statement worthy of note is: “Ammar Abdulhamid of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies stressed that time is not on America’s side.  The U.S. could have had a better chance at stopping Syria's genocide if the…administration had acted earlier, but now, the stability of the region is at stake.” A serious statement regarding serious events and the need for a serious response. How does our nation respond? It seems as though everything comes under the banner of: “its under investigation at this time.”

Two years ago, I authored the book: “Taking A Serious God Seriously.” One of the purposes of the book was to redirect one’s thinking back to the Eternal God and His involvement and control in the events of the world. On the Back Cover of the Book, I wrote the following: “In Daniel 5:24-28, Daniel has been summoned before the king to interpret the writing on the wall of the palace. A hand has suddenly appeared and a finger wrote Mene, Mene, Tekel, Parsin. The writing is giving warning to the king that his kingdom is going to end. The word “Tekel’ is interpreted: ‘you have been weighed in the balances (God’s balances) and found wanting.’ The king had failed to understand the need to Take A Serious God Seriously. Because of that, the judgment of God will come upon him and the nation (the nation divided between the Medes and Persians). God is very serious about sin and the ways in which it becomes so easily condoned by those who are identified as His people. The day is coming when all of one’s professions, deeds and actions will be weighed in God’s eternal scale. When you are weighed in God’s balances, will you be found wanting?” Worthy of note is that modern day Persia is the Islamic nation of Iran. The broad question is in terms of whether or not we, our nation and the world in which we live will begin anew to Take A Serious God Seriously. Events continue to unfold rapidly that seem to indicate a finger writing on the wall of our world – you are weighed in the balances (God’s Balances) and found wanting.

In your personal relationship to Christ, are you Taking A Serious God Seriously? Are you endeavoring to know Him and to make Him known? If not, why not? The urgency of the day and time in which we live should demand a more immediate response to the things of God. We should give heed to II Corinthians 6:2, "In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you. Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” Consider these things with me.

STRONG DELUSION

From My Perspective - - -

There is so much verbiage that comes our way every day requiring one to sort through it all in terms of that which is authentic and true versus that which is prevarication and deception. There is a great and growing need for a return to speak truthfully about all matters and at all times. Someone has defined truth as “sincerity in action, character and utterance.” More than 50 years ago, Francis Schaeffer observed: “Today not only in philosophy but in politics, government, and individual morality, our generation sees solutions in terms of synthesis and not absolutes. When this happens, truth, as people have always thought of truth, has died.” He was right then and his words are right today. The issue – are people able to comprehend, accept and act upon truth in this culture today?

When Fox News Chairman Roger Ailes was awarded the Bradley Prize, he made particular remarks. Some are: “…we must all focus on defining the themes for the future and lead the people to it…I speak here with the highest authority and title anyone could ever aspire to -- citizen of the United States.We must stop waving our extended arms in an effort to balance ourselves as we tiptoe along the edges of the Constitution, in an effort not to upset weak-kneed appeasers, with our unflinching belief in the ideas and principles that made our country different and yes, great!Are we losing America to the inevitable onrushing tides of history? No. But we are in a storm, the mast is broken, the compass is barely functioning, and there is a big…hole in the boat!We have allowed ourselves to be manipulated by others, many of whom want to impose their culture and laws under the manufactured utopian idea that all cultures are equal and most are better than America’s. Of course all people should be proud of their heritage. They should teach their children to be proud of their history and traditions….Back to the hole in the boat: America is losing its historic literacy. Recently some 556 seniors surveyed at 55 of the nation’s top colleges -- only 60 percent placed the American Civil War in the correct half of the 19th century. Only 34 percent identified George Washington as the American general at the Battle of Yorktown. Thirty-four percent thought it was Ulysses S. Grant. At 78 percent of the institutions polled, no history whatsoever was required in the undergraduate program…If the hole in the boat is to be fixed, it will require the tenacity and ingenuity of the pioneers. Each of us must understand and teach the journey of liberty and justice. It requires steadfast insistence -- we must not allow our collective memory to fade or morph into trendy revisionist versions of political correctness, which becomes a substitute for truth…”

The truth – what is it and who can one believe is speaking it? How does a nation or people arrive at the point where prevarication and falsehood is embraced over veracity and integrity? Two thoughts from Scripture may explain it. First - Ephesians 4:25, the directive is: “…having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.” To speak the truth is a deliberate discipline – not as an act of convenience but as a principle of conviction. Second – II Thessalonians 2:9-12, the day of delusion is due to: “The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” The two major factors stated are: (1) “they refused to love the truth” and (2) “they had pleasure in unrighteousness.” The result is that “God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false.”

Are we living in a day when falsehood or truth is paramount? Are we living in a day of arrogance or humility? Are we living in a day of base instincts or moral verities? Roger Ailes spoke of the political climate of our day. However, his remarks can and should be applied to the spiritual climate of our time, namely, “we must not allow our collective memory to fade or morph into trendy revisionist versions of political correctness, which becomes a substitute for truth…” Take heed while you still can. Consider these things with me.

BIFURCATION

From My Perspective - - -

Bifurcation is a term that is infrequently utilized but in actuality is frequently experienced. The definition is not very detailed. It states simply: To Bifurcate is “to divide or fork into two branches.” The Encyclopedia Britannica gives a broader background regarding bifurcate, namely, “(from Greek dicha “apart” and “tomas” cutting); a form of logical division consisting of the separation of a class into two sub-classes, one of which has and the other has not a certain quality or attribute…there can be no overlapping…This method of classification, though formally accurate, has slight value in the exact sciences, partly because at every step one or more of the groups is merely negatively characterized and is usually an artificial, motley class…”

While bifurcation is very apparent throughout the culture of the world – political bent, religious persuasions, racial intolerance – it is usually understood and explained in terms of national and/or individual goals and values. The world has been marked by atrocities of almost every description – the holocaust, genocide, apartheid, abortion, intolerance, etc. There seems to be no limit to the diabolical and evil imaginations that find expression in viciousness and hideous activity that causes pain, affliction, suffering, maiming and death.

The Aquila Report has published an article by Denny Burk, dated June 2, 2013: “Andy Stanley’s Poison Pill for The Doctrine of Scripture.” The subheading states: “we do not hold to the Dalmatian Theory of Inspiration – that Scripture is Inspired in Spots.” Burk writes: “Stanley says that his belief in Adam and Eve is not because the Bible says so, but because Jesus says so. The first and most obvious problem with this formulation is the fact that our only knowledge of what Jesus says comes to us from the Bible. There can be no bifurcation between what the Bible says and what Jesus says. The former gives us the latter…In short, Stanley affirms the historicity of Adam and Eve, but not because Genesis says so. Rather, he bases his belief on what Jesus says about Adam and Eve.” He quotes Stanley: “The foundation of our faith is not the Scripture. The foundation of our faith is not the infallibility of the Bible. The foundation of our faith is something that happened in history. And the issue is always – Who is Jesus? That’s always the issue. The Scripture is simply a collection of ancient documents that tells us that story…Here’s why I believe this actually happened. Not because the Bible says so, but because of the Gospels – Jesus talks about Adam and Eve. And it appears to me that he believed they were actually historical figures. And if he believed they were historical, I believe they were historical because anybody that can predict their own death and resurrection and pull it off – I just believe anything they say.”

Two issues arise at this point – (1) Many will support this view because of who said it, and (2) Many will not draw the important distinction between a historical view versus the significance of the verbal plenary inspiration view. The bottom line is this – we do not believe in Adam and Eve based upon history, but because of Inspiration. Where does one encounter the concept of Inspiration? What does it mean? There are Scriptural passages (among several) one should know and understand. First, Genesis 1 and 2 – the Creation narrative that indicates God saw, God said and God did. The focal point is Genesis 1:26-27, “Then God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness…So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” This is what God saw, what God said, and what God did. Second, Hebrews 1:1-2 (along with Colossians 1:15-17), “Long ago…God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.” Third, II Timothy 3:16-17 along with II Peter 1:20-21), “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.” Just as God breathed into man and made him a living soul, be breathed out His Word and it was and is the Living Word of God – fully inspired and without error in all of its parts. Bifurcation at this point is unwarranted and invalid. The choice is simple – either follow a man and his historical view, or follow the Scriptures – the God-breathed, living Word of the Creator and our God. Consider these things with me.

A FOOL'S ERRAND

From My Perspective - - -

NewsMax headlines a story: “America’s First Atheist Monument: A 1,500-Pound Granite Bench”. The article states: “The nation's first atheist monument to be erected on public land is to be unveiled this month in staunchly Christian north Florida. The monument - a granite bench, engraved with secularist quotes - is to be dedicated June 29 outside the Bradford County Courthouse in Starke. The bench will stand in contrast to a display of the Ten Commandments put up last year on the same patch of land…Last year, Bradford County established a Free Speech Forum outside the courthouse, which permitted private groups to erect monuments at their own expense. Following the ruling, the Community Men’s Fellowship, a local Christian group, placed a 5-foot, 6-ton slab engraved with the Ten Commandments. American Atheists sued the county, arguing that the Ten Commandments statue violated separation of church and state. A settlement allowed the Ten Commandments slab to stay and allowed the atheists to put up their own monument, a 1,500-pound granite bench engraved with quotes from prominent secular thinkers such as Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin…” 

The Atheists, being a resourceful lot, have indicated some detail about their monument: “The monument…will include a quote from the Treaty of Tripoli, a 1796 pact between the United States and North African Muslims. The treaty is a seminal document for atheists because of its declaration that ‘the government of the United States is not in any sense founded on the Christian religion…’ We have maintained from the beginning that the Ten Commandments doesn't belong on government property…There is no secular purpose for the monument whatsoever, and it makes atheists feel like second-class citizens. But if keeping it there means we have the right to install our own monument, then installing our own is exactly what we’ll do. The atheists' monument will feature Biblical quotes listing harsh punishments for breaking the Ten Commandments. The inclusion is designed to make it clear that the Ten Commandments are not the 'great moral code' they're often portrayed to be…”

In contrast to the Secularist’s view, The Scriptural declaration is that the Law of God represented to the people two primary purposes: (1) What mankind is to believe about God, and (2) What duty God requires of mankind. Table 1 of the Law causes one to focus on God and God Alone – how He is to be revered and honored; Table 2 of the Law regulates interactional behavior God wants practiced among people. If an Atheist opposed God’s Law, the Scriptures indicate the display of God’s indignation toward those who ignored Him. An interesting moment occurs with the Philistines after they capture the Ark of the Covenant (which contained the 10 Commandments). In I Samuel 5:1-8, “After the Philistines had captured the ark of God, they took it from Ebenezer to Ashdod. Then they carried the ark into Dagon's temple and set it beside Dagon. When the people of Ashdod rose early the next day, there was Dagon, fallen on his face on the ground before the ark of the Lord! They took Dagon and put him back in his place.  But the following morning when they rose, there was Dagon, fallen on his face on the ground before the ark of the LORD! His head and hands had been broken off and were lying on the threshold; only his body remained. That is why to this day neither the priests of Dagon nor any others who enter Dagon's temple at Ashdod step on the threshold.  The Lord's hand was heavy upon the people of Ashdod and its vicinity; he brought devastation upon them…” The Philistine’s decide to send The Ark back toward Israel.

The Scriptural view also states the purpose and benefit of God’s Standards for an individual in particular and His people in general. In Psalm 19:7-11, “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.More to be desired are they than gold…than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them Your servant is warned, and in keeping them there is great reward.” Make the wise choice – God and His Word Alone. Consider these things with me.

TO BLUSH OR NOT TO BLUSH

From My Perspective - - -

In a Shakespearean play, "The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark", Hamlet muses: “To be, or not to be: that is the question: Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, Or to take arms against a sea of troubles, And by opposing end them? To die: to sleep; No more; and by a sleep to say we end the heart-ache and the thousand natural shocks that flesh is heir to, 'tis a consummation devoutly to be wished. To die, to sleep; To sleep: perchance to dream: ay, there's the rub; For in that sleep of death what dreams may come When we have shuffled off this mortal coil, Must give us pause: there's the respect That makes calamity of so long life; For who would bear the whips and scorns of time…” An interpretation of Hamlet’s words is: “What Hamlet is musing on is the comparison between the pain of life, which he sees as inevitable…and the fear of the uncertainty of death and of possible damnation of suicide. Hamlet's dilemma is that although he is dissatisfied with life and lists its many torments, he is unsure what death may bring…He can't be sure what death has in store; it may be…an experience worse than life. Death is called the undiscovered country from which no traveler returns…”

More importantly, a question of our day might well be: “To blush or not to blush, that is the question.” What is it “to blush”? The word means: “a sudden reddening of the face from embarrassment, shame, modest, or guilt.” A shift has occurred within our national psyche. We no longer have a reverence for The Holy God and His Word. We go to great lengths to avoid offending those of Islamic persuasion but have no such sensitivity toward Historic Christianity and the once referenced moral/core values which were deemed to be foundational to our national way of life. The focus and purpose for the nation is no longer marked by clarity and/or precision. Most of those who are in positions to govern conveniently avoid identity with God, The Bible, Evangelical Christianity, etc. The National Day of Prayer has been greatly diminished in the last few years. In many ways, our nation has embraced a lifestyle that is not espoused or condoned in the Bible – and are convinced that tolerance should be foremost rather than standards of religion; adapting to the times is preferred rather than norms that once served this nation well. It might well be asked: “Who are we?” – and – “What are we becoming?”

In Jeremiah 6:13-17, the siege of Jerusalem, the Lord speaks and describes the behavior and choices of the people: "From the least to the greatest, all are greedy for gain; prophets and priests alike, all practice deceit. They dress the wound of my people as though it were not serious. Peace, peace, they say, when there is no peace. Are they ashamed of their loathsome conduct? No, they have no shame at all; they do not even know how to blush. So they will fall among the fallen; they will be brought down when I punish them, says the Lord. This is what the Lord says: Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But you said, We will not walk in it. I appointed watchmen over you and said, Listen to the sound of the trumpet! But you said, We will not listen.” It is a description of a stubborn people who refuse and deny God in their lives and culture. Even though disaster and tragedy await, they head toward it with no apprehension, fear or pause.

Similar thoughts are shared in Jeremiah 8:9-12, when the Lord says: “The wise will be put to shame; they will be dismayed and trapped. Since they have rejected the word of the Lord, what kind of wisdom do they have? …Are they ashamed of their loathsome conduct? No, they have no shame at all; they do not even know how to blush. So they will fall among the fallen; they will be brought down when they are punished, says the Lord.” The Message Paraphrase of verse 12 is: “Do you suppose they are embarrassed over this outrage? Not really. They have no shame. They don't even know how to blush. There's no hope for them. They've hit bottom and there's no getting up. As far as I'm concerned, they're finished. God has spoken.”

We would do well to have the sense of our need as expressed in Ezra 9:6 (ESV), “O my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift my face to you, my God, for our iniquities have risen higher than our heads, and our guilt has mounted up to the heavens.” To blush or not to blush – is our question. Consider these things with me.

IS EVERYBODY HAPPY

From My Perspective - - -

Ted Lewis was an entertainer and musician whose peak years were between 1925 and 1945. A catch-phrase that he would often use in his stage performances was: “Is everybody happy?” The audiences would respond with applause as their indication that they were “happy” at that particular moment. The question of “Happiness” was the subject of a recent Harris Poll conducted online during April 10-15, 2013. Because of the way the Poll was conducted, the results may not be an accurate reflection of the level of Happiness versus Unhappiness in the nation. However, the results indicated: “Only a third of U.S. adults say they are very happy - minorities show particularly pronounced declines in the past two years, a U.S. survey indicates…Since last measured two years ago, the Happiness Index was especially low among the Hispanic-American population. It is important to note that a causal link cannot be established, it might not be a coincidence that this drop coincides with a political landscape that has seen frequent, sometimes contentious, discussion of immigration policy in recent months…”

The Poll Analysis also reflected the following: "While the attitudes on the economy may be improving, we're seeing that this is not translating into an improvement in overall happiness… Americans earning under $50,000 per year were less likely to qualify as very happy than in 2011 - down from 33 percent to 29 percent among those earning less than $35,000, and from 35 percent to 32 percent among those earning between $35,000-$49,999. Those 50 and older were more likely to be very happy than younger people. Thirty-two percent of political independents were less likely to qualify as very happy than members of either the Democratic or Republican parties at 35 percent each.”

There is a basic deficiency in terms of measuring “Happiness.” Why? A general answer is that “Happiness” depends on two variables: (a) what is happening/occurring at a particular moment of time; and (b) the unpredictable nature of circumstances. For instance, an unplanned and unpredicted automobile accident can and will radically change one’s sense and level of “happiness.” An older adult can suddenly and unexpectedly fall and broken bones can often be the result – none of which makes the individual “happy.” The list could include many of the unknowns that one may encounter, One of the keys to happiness is in terms of one’s focus. If one is seeking “happiness” based upon wealth, fame, recognition, or status, then disappointment awaits. All of that – like “happiness” itself – rests upon the shifting sands of circumstances and events, The events of life are temporary and need to be viewed as being so.

Two passages of Scripture should be of assistance in terms of true happiness. The first is Matthew 5 where Jesus shares Eight Principles for Life and Practice. They are The Beatitudes. Books and Commentaries have been written on these eight principles. One point that is obvious is the word “Blessed.” An accurate and apt translation is – “perfectly happy” is the one who does what Jesus is teaching. Matthew Henry Concise Commentary begins the discussion of Matthew 5 with these words: “None will find happiness in this world or the next, who do not seek it from Christ by the rule of His Word. He taught them what was the evil they should abhor, and what is the good they should seek and abound in.” The second passage is John 15 where Jesus speaks of the relationship between the vine and the branches. Jesus emphasizes in verses 7 and 11: “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you… These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.”

What then is the difference between “happiness” and “joy”? Happiness is determined by circumstances and happenings, whereas joy is based upon a relationship with and in Jesus Christ. The two criteria for “Joy” being the reality in one’s life is (a) Abiding in a continuous relationship with Jesus Christ, and (b) His Word being the authority in and for one’s life in all things and at all times. The question might be better asked: Is everyone’s “Joy” complete and full? If one is abiding in Christ, the answer will be “Yes”! If one is allowing events and circumstances as the determining factor regarding “Happiness, then the answer will be “No”! Choose Jesus Christ and His Word and have complete joy. Consider these things with me.