ABSOLUTE HYPOTHESIS

From My Perspective - - - 

With the world trending toward cultural captivity, it is both incredulous and amazing when one considers that which is deemed a priority by world leaders and representatives. A Headline on CNS News stated: United Nations Climate Chief, Christiana Figueres said: (We’re) “Not Very Far' from Considering 'Climate Change as a Public Health Emergency/“ She repeated her comments when: “(she) told a World Health Organization (WHO)-hosted event in Geneva Wednesday that we are not very far from the point where climate change should be declared an international public health emergency, according to her prepared remarks.” The United States Secretary of State John Kerry has called climate change "the biggest challenge of all that we face right now,” and his French counterpart has warned of climate "chaos" in 500 days, and now the U.N. climate change chief is implying that climate change can be viewed on a par with the deadly Ebola outbreak. In her speech Figueres,said that while it was easy to view climate change as “the equivalent of a disease” it was actually the symptom.“The disease is something we rarely admit,” she said. “The disease is humanity’s unhealthy dependence on fossil fuels, deforestation and land use that depletes natural resources.”

These “leaders” and others speak in absolutes regarding global warming. It should be alarming to the citizens of the United States, as well as all other nations, when the U.S. Secretary of State indicates: "the biggest challenge of all that we face right now,” One would suppose from that comment that world events have little or no significance in comparison when compared to the absolute hypothesis regarding “humanity’s unhealthy dependence on fossil fuels, deforestation and land use that depletes natural resources.” Is one supposed to ignore the current world events of the day: (1) Russia’s troop movements into Ukraine? Are we supposed to be naive and detached to what the intent is for Russia? (2) ISIS and their growing radical military capability in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and anywhere else they decide to make their objectives and presence known? (3) The persecution of non-Islamists in the Middle East, as well as the genocide there and elsewhere in the world? (4) Economic uncertainty in the United States and other key nations of the world? (5) POTUS and his stated lack of a strategy for combatting a great evil being perpetrated in the Middle East with no credible opposition? (6) The steady erosion of religious influence and impact in our nation and world? (7) The porous border that allows illegal immigrants easy entrance into the nation and becoming eligible for government assistance through various welfare subsidies?

The champions of their absolute hypothesis are engaged in seeking agreements that will enable them to impose their mandates upon the citizens of the world. The CNS Report continues: “Next month U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon will host a summit in New York where world leaders will be urged to make commitments ahead of the Paris conference. This agreement will be universal and applicable to all countries. It will address current and future emissions. If strong enough, it will prevent the worst and chart a course toward a world with clean air and water, abundant natural resources and happy, healthy populations, all the requirements for positive growth. Seen in this light, the climate agreement is actually a public health agreement.” The article also states: “This week the administration has come under fire over claims that President Obama is working on reaching an agreement in Paris in a way that will enable him to sidestep Senate ratification, which is constitutionally required for international treaties. At the White House, press secretary Josh Earnest said, “Because that agreement is not written, it’s not yet clear exactly what sort of role Congress would be required to play.”

One should be concerned regarding how God views what is happening in His world. There are two possibilities. The first is indicated in Psalm 2, “Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the LORD and against his Anointed One. Let us break their chains, they say, and throw off their fetters. The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them. Then he rebukes them in his anger and terrifies them in his wrath…” The thought is that God laughs at the folly of mankind as the scurry about the world like ants without any purpose of reason for their behavior or actions. The second possibility is indicated in Genesis 6, “Then the LORD said: My Spirit will not contend with man forever, for he is mortal…the LORD saw how great man's wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time. The LORD was grieved that he had made man on the earth, and his heart was filled with pain.” In Genesis 6, God mandated a flood that would purge His world from evil and wickedness. In Jeremiah 32, the Lord allows for the Babylonian Captivity because of the people who had turned their backs to God. There is a ray of hope in every generation IF ONLY there was sense enough to seek it and the Lord Who offers it. Will God laugh at the folly of our leaders? Will He be grieved because of our evil and wicked ways? Will He send us off into captivity until we come to our senses and seek Him? We can escape the cultural captivity and the consequences for our having ignored God. It will require that we seek Him now and turn from our foolish and wicked ways now! Consider these things with me.

SHAKE UP - WAKE UP

From My Perspective - - - 

The News Headlines and Reports of yesterday and today include some of the following: 
(1) San Francisco Bay Area Assessing Damage After The Large Quake: The San Francisco Bay Area's strongest earthquake in 25 years struck the heart of California's wine country early Sunday, igniting gas-fed fires, damaging some of the region's famed wineries and historic buildings, and sending dozens of people to hospitals. The magnitude-6.1 quake, centered near the city of Napa, an oasis of Victorian-era buildings nestled in the vineyard-studded hills of northern California, ruptured water mains and gas lines, hampering firefighters' efforts to extinguish the blazes that broke out after the temblor struck at 3:20 a.m. The temblor lasted 10 to 20 seconds, according to the United States Geological Survey.

(2) LIMA, Peru - A large 6.9-magnitude earthquake has struck a sparsely populated area of central Peru, the U.S. Geological Survey said Sunday. Authorities were still surveying the region, including the Ayacucho area where the quake was centered. According to the survey's updated figures, the quake occurred at 7:21 p.m. EDT Sunday and was centered about 27 miles east-northeast of an area called Tambo, and about 290 miles southeast of the capital of Lima. It had a depth of 62.8 miles, the survey said. Local media said that the quake was felt in parts of Lima and in many major cities of southeastern Peru, including Cuzco and Arequipa.

(3) A magnitude-6.4 earthquake shook the region near the Chilean port city of Valparaiso on Saturday evening. The centre of the quake, which was also felt in the capital city of Santiago, was 37 kilometres north of Valparaiso at a depth of approximately 40 kilometres, according to the seismological institute at the University of Chile. 

Meanwhile, the gruesome video of an American Photo-Journalist being beheaded by a representative of ISIS (Islamic State In Syria) was shown. Also, at least 19 people have been beheaded in Saudi Arabia during August 2014 in a clampdown by the authorities on drug smuggling and sorcery, according to Human Rights Watch officials. Four hashish smugglers were beheaded on August 18, the latest in a string of executions across the country since the beginning of the month, Saudi Press Agency reported. All four were men from the same family, reported the Independent, while another suspect, Mohammed bin Bakr al-Alawi, was beheaded for practicing black magic sorcery.

Just a thought: WHAT IF God is employing these means to gain the attention of people in this nation and worldwide who have been ignoring Him? WHAT IF God is using these means to indicate that it is much later in terms of the eternal plan and purpose? WHAT IF God is allowing that the theological interpretations and hermeneutical applications of man do not agree with His time schedule for His world? WHAT IF God is indicating that Luke 21:10-11 (along with: Mark 13:8, Matthew 24:7) is His now? Jesus said: "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.There will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences. And there will be terrors and great signs from heaven.” WHAT IF God is saying to a world that is rejecting His Son that they need to give attention to Colossians 1:16-17, “For by him (Jesus) all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities, all things were created through him and for him. And he (Jesus) is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” WHAT IF God is indicating that if Jesus just slightly lessens His grip on this universe all kinds of cosmic-disturbances will occur? This could well be the last Shake Up - Wake Up  moment. WHAT IF God’s bottom-line for us is He wants us to give attention to Ephesians 5:14-17, “Awake, O sleeper,and arise from the dead,and Christ will shine on you. Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” It’s time to (a) pay attention, (b) assess the reproach that has been brought to Christ's Name and (c) to amend one’s ways. Consider these things with me!

CONVERSION PERVERSION

From My Perspective - - - 

The news is generally focused on ISIS/ISIL and their rapid expansion from Syria into Iraq and a portion of Lebanon. This movement has been strategic in that they have seized assets from a large bank; taken possession of military equipment that was provided by the United States for the Iraqi Military; and intimidated those referred to as “Christians” that they either convert to Islam or die. ISIS/ISIL is marked by commitment, fervor, brutality, urgency and fearlessness. Those who resisted have been buried alive; or beheaded; or forced from their homes and made to surrender all of their earthly possessions. During a Department of Defense Press Conference on Thursday: August 21, General Dempsey (Chairman of The Joint Chiefs of Staff) stated regarding ISIS/ISIL: “Their long-term vision is the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham. And al-Sham includes Lebanon, the current state of Israel, Jordan, Iraq, Syria and Kuwait. If they were to achieve that vision, it would fundamentally alter the face of the Middle East and create a security environment that would certainly threaten us in many ways.” An early visual of the ISIS/ISIL ultimatum is gleaned from a British report which stated: “Hundreds of terrified families belonging to the besieged Yazidi sect have reportedly been threatened with execution if they refuse to convert to Islam today…Yazidi    refugees who are stranded on Mount Sinjar said they have received calls from family members trapped behind enemy lines in villages now controlled by Islamic State jihadis. They have reportedly been handed a brutal ultimatum: convert to Islam – or die.”

The idea of conversion has several different applications. In religious terms, it means: “change in character, form, or function; spiritual change from sinfulness to righteousness; change from one religion, political belief, viewpoint, etc., to another; a change of attitude, emotion, or viewpoint from one of indifference, disbelief, or antagonism to one of acceptance, faith, or enthusiastic support, especially such a change in a person's religion.” One of the things that invariably occurs is that when the “Church” is silent about what it claims to believe, others seize the concept and terminology and apply it to their devious ends. Conversion is one of the terms. As the church in The Book of Acts was beginning, one of the core beliefs was boldly proclaimed. In Acts 3:19-21 (NKJV), Peter states: “Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that He may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before, whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began.” Some recent translations use the phrase “turn back to God” or “turn to God” to define “convert.

One of the issues for the modern church is that our expectations for the professing christian is so minimal. Repentance and Conversion are often absent from the message of what is called “the evangelical church” of today. If in a correct way we had a measure of the commitment, fervor, and fearlessness of ISIS/ISIL, we would have far greater impact in our nation and world with the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. 

What was the Gospel that Jesus proclaimed? Luke 13:1-3 speaks of a similar treacherous treatment of some Galileans by Pilate. The text states: “There were some present at that very time who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And he answered them: Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way?” At this point, Jesus relates this to the Gospel we should be proclaiming: “No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” When David was in the process of repenting because of his sins around his involvement with Bathsheba, as he seeks for forgiveness from God his plea includes the words recorded in Psalm 51:12-13 (NKJV), “Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit.Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, And sinners shall be converted (turn back) to You.” Is this your sense and urgency and passion with the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ? Let’s reclaim the true meaning of Repentance and Conversion. We can have a greater impact on a worldwide culture that has lost its way. Consider these things with me.

OSTENTATIOUS NULLIFICATION

From My Perspective - - - 

The one who is ostentatious is “characterized by or given to pretentious or conspicuous show in an attempt to impress others.” Ostentatiousness can usually be detected or observed by the “actions, manner, qualities exhibited and intended to attract notice.” It is seen in those who exhibit an air of prominence and professionalism. The definition for air includes the following as usages five through seven: “the general character or complexion of anything; appearance; the peculiar look, appearance, and bearing of a person; airs, affected or unnatural manner; manifestation of pride or vanity; assumed haughtiness.” The easiest example to illustrate this would be politics and politicians. The modern politician usually is not too interest in what you need or want, nor do they necessarily represent your best interests. If one is able to speak with a politician, the impression receives is that they know and you don’t know, It is the air of superiority and authority being manifested.

An example of a historical figure who was almost totally ostentatious was Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon (605-562 BC). Scriptural reference about a portion of Nebuchadnezzar’s reign and life is recorded in Daniel 2-4. Daniel 2 records that the king had a graphic dream but is unable to remember it or what it was about. As the last resort, Daniel will be asked to interpret the dream. In Daniel 2:17-18, one gets a sense of the gravity of this moment: “Then Daniel went to his house and made the matter known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions, and told them to seek mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that Daniel and his companions might not be destroyed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon.” Verses 19-23 is Daniel’s Prayer of thanksgiving and praise for God’s revealing to him the king’s dream. It is about a great image with a head of gold; chest and arms of silver; its middle and thighs are bronze; the legs are iron and the feet a mixture of iron and clay. Nebuchadnezzar’s ostentatiousness is evidenced in his stubborn pride and great arrogance. He will have to deal with the reality and power of God. This occurs in Daniel 4:28-33 where and when he will experience great humiliation as a judgment for his pride and arrogance. Daniel 4:33 describes his humiliation: “He was driven from among men and ate grass like an ox, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven till his hair grew as long as eagles' feathers, and his nails were like birds' claws.”

In terms of the nullification of ostentatiousness, there is a Biblical application for all to heed and implement. Paul states it in Romans 12:3-8, “For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.” There must be a mutual esteem, love and appreciation for one another and the gifts of God’s Grace as He has bestowed them.

In both the secular and spiritual areas, there are those who with swagger and an air of self-sufficiency and eruditeness, expect a type of homage and special recognition. There will come a time when they will have a reality check in their lives. Jesus spoke about this as He pronounced woes upon the scribes and Pharisees in Matthew 23:11-12, “The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” Jesus is stating that the ostentatious individual will be abased (brought low and humbled). He never called anyone to ostentatiousness. He does call people to follow Him and to learn from Him that He is meek and lowly. Walk humbly with your God! Consider these things with me!

DIVISION OF THE HOUSE

From My Perspective - - - 

For anyone who has ever been part of a deliberative body or assembly, a parliamentary procedure that is sometimes called for is “division of the house.” When the call for “division” is physically enacted upon, it would require members of the assembly to go to different parts of the room (or chamber), literally dividing into groups, indicating a vote in favor of or in opposition to a motion under consideration. In larger assemblies, it is often carried out by standing in place and tellers (those counting) determining a number for or against a motion under consideration. There is usually a count requirement based upon whether or not a quorum is present, as well as if a predetermined percentage of those eligible to vote is cast. 

On June 18, 1858 Abraham Lincoln addressed the Republican State Convention in Springfield, Illinois regarding the issue of slavery. His lengthy address contained some of the following comments:  “Mr. President and Gentlemen of the Convention. If we could first know where we are, and whither we are tending, we could then better judge what to do, and how to do it. We are now far into the fifth year, since a policy was initiated, with the avowed object, and confident promise, of putting an end to slavery agitation. Under the operation of that policy, that agitation has not only, not ceased, but has constantly augmented. In my opinion, it will not cease, until a crisis shall have been reached, and passed. A house divided against itself cannot stand. I believe this government cannot endure, permanently half slave and half free. I do not expect the Union to be dissolved -- I do not expect the house to fall -- but I do expect it will cease to be divided. It will become all one thing or all the other. Either the opponents of slavery, will arrest the further spread of it, and place it where the public mind shall rest in the belief that it is in the course of ultimate extinction; or its advocates will push it forward, till it shall become alike lawful in all the States, old as well as new -- North as well as South…”

The “House Divided Against Itself” were words gleaned from the Gospel narrative in Matthew 12:22-32. Jesus had healed a demon-possessed man who was both blind and mute. As the people marveled at what had been done, the Pharisees were incensed because of it. They said: ”It is only by Beelzebub, the prince of demons, that this man (Jesus) casts out demons." It is at this point where Jesus responds to them with the words: "Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand.” The application of Jesus is in terms of a person’s commitment to Him and the desire for oneness with Him. Jesus said: “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.” Jesus is emphasizing the desired and needed oneness in terms of His mission and purpose. Jesus also has a word for His critics and opponents. It is a word of a pending judgment and condemnation: “Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven people, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. And whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.”

We are living in a greatly divergent, divisive and broken world. It is a world that has lost any valid focal point. We flail and flounder. Any hope for a common purpose is elusive. We are living in the reality of II Corinthians 4:3-4, “And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled only to those who are perishing. In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” Those powerful forces are operative and at work today. This should not be construed as a day of despair but as a time for renewed commitment to Jesus Christ. We need to be aligned with His mission and purpose. Evil seems to be the only choice for multitudes. We need to model and proclaim the righteousness of Christ to all. Consider these things with me! 

FACILITATION

From My Perspective:

As one looks at the world and cultural trends, several questions can be asked: (1) How did we get here? (2) What did we do/not do to allow the trends of the time gain momentum and impasse? (3) Now that we are where we are, where do we go from here? A general answer to the questions is that we go where we are because of compromise, complicity, facilitation and/or indifference. 

In a book that I wrote and that will soon be released, Trending Toward Cultural Captivity, the Promotional Statement contains the following: We are standing at the threshold of Cultural Captivity. It is no less real than Israel’s years of bondage in Egypt (1500 BC). It is not dissimilar to the oppression and Captivity of Babylon (587 BC). It is nearing the severity of Rome’s oppression of Christians in the First Century. Despite the many warning signs, they have largely been ignored and we now stand at a point of complete domination by the culture and a Cultural Captivity. One Author (Erwin Lutzer) writes: “It’s gone. Some of you will remember when the Christian philosopher (Francis Schaeffer) wrote in the 1970s that someday we would wake up and find out that the America we once knew was gone. That day is here. We have crossed an invisible line, and there are no signs that we are capable of turning back.The “cultural war” we used to speak about appears to be over, and we have lost.” Another Author (Bill O’Reilly) summarizes: “America is in the midst of a fierce culture war between those who embrace traditional values and those who want to change America into a secular-progressive country. This is a conflict that differs in many ways from the usual liberal/conservative divide, but it is no less heated, and the stakes are even higher.” One other author (Robert Bork) summarizes: “Our’s is a culture in decline, a nation in such serious moral trouble that its very foundation is crumbling: a nation that slouches towards Gomorrah.” We can survive the inevitable but not without cost. We need to be certain that we can identify with the commitment of Paul in Philippians 1:20, “it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored (magnified) in my body, whether by life or by death.” 

To Facilitate means: “to make easier or less difficult; help forward (an action, a process, etc.); to assist in the progress of a person or group.” In the present culture, this has meant revising laws; dismissing the Judeo-Christian ethic and moral value base; and redefinition of national and foundational principles. As a result, marriage requirements have been legally changed; when life begins has been redefined; across the board change is occurring via Government Regulations and Executive Orders. The general public may complain or gripe about these trends but seldom place themselves on the front lines of the battles and/or issues that need to be fought and defined accurately. A slang word from Yiddish is nebbish. It means and refers to one who is: “pitifully ineffectual, luckless, and a timid individual.” Does that describe a cross-section of the population today? Does it give a hint that it might be you/us?

Anytime there is facilitation, or compromise and complicity taking place, there is also the offer of excuse and a plea of ignorance about a given matter. Proverbs 24:9-12 makes a statement, asks a question, and then offers a declaration: “The devising (or facilitation) of folly is sin, and the scoffer is an abomination to mankind. If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small. Rescue those who are being taken away to death; hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter. If you say: Behold, we did not know this, does not He who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not He who keeps watch over your soul know it, and will He not repay man according to his work?” Matthew Henry’s comments regarding verses 11-12 is: “If a man know that his neighbor is in danger by any unjust proceeding, he is bound to do all in his power to deliver him. And what is it to suffer immortal souls to perish, when our persuasions and example may be the means of preventing it?” We are at a crucial time and moment for a decision. Will you be strong or weak? You are called upon to be strong! What’s your excuse for being weak? Consider these things with me!  

BAMBOOZLED

From My Perspective - - - 

The culture of the world loves to sit on its laurels and think that it has arrived at a place where it is the most intelligent; the most ingenious; the most capable; the most self-sufficient; the most important people in all human history. While it is true that there have been considerable advances in many important fields of study such as technology, electronics, medicine, science, etc., there are other basic areas where our nation has faltered. A major place to focus would be the education levels within our nation. Studies on public education show a consistent and persistent diminished level in mathematics, science, and reading skills. 

Those who conduct these studies come to the table with their presuppositions: (a) ethnic and racial groups will perform poorly, and (b) socio-economic factors contribute greatly to under-performance. One study concludes: “Achievement disparities are often attributed to socio-economic factors. According to 2009 data from the Census Bureau, of all children younger than 18 living in families, 15.5 million live in poverty…According to a seminal study of language development in 1995, by age 3, children in poverty have smaller vocabularies and lower language skills than children from middle-income families. Research has also shown that dropout rates tend to be higher for children who live in poverty. According to the U.S. Department of Education’s 2011 Condition of Education report, about 68 percent of 12th-graders in high-poverty schools graduated with a diploma in 2008, compared with 91 percent of 12th-graders in low-poverty schools. A recent study by the Annie E. Casey Foundation (2011) found that children who both live in poverty and read below grade level by 3rd grade are three times as likely to not graduate from high school…”

Are the above references the actual cause for under-performance or are we being Bamboozled? One who is bamboozled is one who is easily deceived. Synonyms for the word are telling. Bamboozled is parallel with: "gyp, dupe,trick, cheat, swindle, defraud, flimflam, hoax, delude, mislead, fool." One consideration that should be factored in for any study of performance and/or under-performance should be the home and family. Does the home of any socio-economic group have a loving and caring Mother and Father who are supportive of a child’s educational achievement? Does such a home nurture the child in terms of social activity, Christian religious participation and educational achievement? Does the home and family provide motivation for the child to learn and to take pride in excellence and performance? If these and other matters are not part of the equation, then one is being bamboozled. One of the more important decisions within the bamboozled trend and process was the diminishing of Prayer, Bible Reading and Religious exercises (such as The National Day of Prayer) as being essential for the betterment of the individual and the nation. Once the emphasis on cultural pluralism emerged, the place for God, Prayer and the Bible faded. Pluralism means: “a condition in which minority groups participate fully in the dominant society, yet maintain their cultural differences; a doctrine that a society benefits from such a condition.” The mantra became: offend no one - everyone is equal.

This nation and culture need to give attention to Isaiah 46:8-13 (ESV - Selected), “"Remember this and…recall it to mind…I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying: My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose…Listen to me, you stubborn of heart, you who are far from righteousness…I bring near my righteousness…and my salvation will not delay…” If our nation had a fraction of the intelligence and common sense about which we boast, we would flee from being bamboozled and return to the Creator of the Universe, the Almighty and Eternal God. Our nation needs to implement Isaiah 55:6-7, “"Seek the LORD while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.” Consider these things with me.