A Pilgrim's Perspective

Little Is Much

2012-02-01T06:36:00.000-06:00

From My Perspective - - -

This Blog began with a background thought of – "It’s All In The Math."The shift to “Little Is Much” was to avoid getting into numbers and how they are calculated and factored in to make a declaration of one sort or another. For instance, it was suggested by the Congressional Budget Office in 2001 that by 2012 there would be a $2 trillion dollar surplus. All that suggests with today’s $15 trillion dollar deficit is the GIGO principle, namely, Garbage In – Garbage Out. “Garbage is a colloquial term in data processing for ‘incorrect input’ which will, according to the proverb, inevitably produce faulty output.” This could also have some political bearing with the heated Republican Primary. With less than 5% of the delegates distributed between four candidates at this time, the statement is that due to one candidate winning in Florida means he will be the Republican candidate in November. That may be but another cliché suggests – It Isn’t Over Until It’s Over!

In The Weekly Standard, William Kristol touches on the numbers-factor in an Editorial entitled: “Why February Could Matter.” He suggests: “The Romney-Gingrich slugfest in Florida appears to have produced slightly fewer than 1.7 million voters in this year's primary. That's down by about 12 percent from the 1.94 million who voted in 2008…There's been a fair amount of commentary to the effect February won't matter much--it's a lull, a break in the action, etc. That's not so clear. February will see 187 delegates selected compared with 115 in January's contests. Two dates in particular will matter: February 7, with caucuses in Minnesota and Colorado (40 and 36 delegates, respectively), and a beauty contest primary in Missouri as well; and February 28, with primaries in Michigan and Arizona (30 and 29 delegates).” You see why the numbers-game can become misleading?

If you shift to a Biblical concept of numbers, one can embrace a faith-principle that says: “Little Is Much If God Is In It.” Just two Biblical citations to underscore this principle. Jesus taught His disciples this lesson in Mark 12:41-44, “Jesus sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. And He called His disciples to Him and said to them…this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on."

Another similar instance is recorded in I Kings 17:8-16 that tells us about The widow of Zarephath. Times were difficult – there was a drought - food and money were in short supply. The text indicates: Elijah “…came…to a widow who was gathering sticks. And he called to her and said, Bring me a little water in a vessel, that I may drink. And as she was going to bring it, he called to her and said, Bring me a morsel of bread in your hand. And she said, As the Lord your God lives, I have nothing baked, only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug. And now I am gathering a couple of sticks that I may go in and prepare it for myself and my son, that we may eat it and die." Hopeless and helpless – yet she responds to Elijah and gives him what he has requested – all that she had. “Elijah said to her, Do not fear…The Lord, the God of Israel said: The jar of flour shall not be spent, and the jug of oil shall not be empty, until the day that the Lord sends rain upon the earth.” The Widow responded affirmatively and The Lord provided for her and sustained her throughout the drought. When was the last time you employed the faith-principle to trust God in the hard times, the difficult days, the impossible circumstances? Little is much if God is in it! Consider these things with me!

Ridicule

2012-01-31T06:12:00.001-06:00

From My Perspective - - -

The words we use have consequence. Words can affirm another or shatter a person’s self-worth; they can build up or tear down; they can encourage or discourage; or they can motivate or demoralize. Ridicule is one of the more painful verbal tools one can use. We find that ridicule is “speech or action intended to cause contemptuous laughter at a person or thing; derision.” Such words and/or actions can wound another deeply and leave scars that will last a long time. The primary issue with ridicule is that the intention is to demean and denigrate another. The design is to cause another to surrender to the inevitable and quit in his/her pursuit of a goal or aspiration.

It is interesting that the Republican Primary has now become the occasion for ridicule – the sole purpose being that one candidate can convince enough people to vote for him than for his opponent – in other words, to win at any cost and by any means. It is interesting that a headline in today’s Reuters News is: “Romney Ridicules Gingrich On Eve of Florida Vote.” Some paragraphs in the news report states the following: “A confident Mitt Romney solidified his lead in Florida polls and ridiculed Republican rival Newt Gingrich on Monday, calling his opponent's attacks ‘sad’ and ‘painfully revealing’ the day before the state's crucial presidential primary. Romney's self-assuredness was on full display during a campaign tour that felt at times like a victory lap, with the front-runner telling a crowd of 2,000 in Dunedin, Florida: ‘With a turnout like this I got a feeling we might win tomorrow.’ Romney shrugged off the continued Gingrich attacks, drawing cheers from the crowd when he said Gingrich was not doing too well and had been ‘flailing about.’ ‘I know, it's sad isn't it?’ Romney said, calling it ‘painfully revealing’ and adding: ‘You've just gotta shake your head.’” You can glean the operative words of ridicule – sad; painfully revealing; flailing about; I know- it’s sad, isn’t it; You just gotta shake your head.

The focus for us is – what should one do when personal ridicule is occurring? In II Samuel 16:5-14, we have the following account: “When King David came to Bahurim, there came out a man of the family of the house of Saul, whose name was Shimei…and as he came he cursed continually. And he threw stones at David and at all the servants of King David, and all the people and all the mighty men were on his right hand and on his left. And Shimei said as he cursed, Get out, get out, you man of blood, you worthless man! The Lord has avenged on you all the blood of the house of Saul, in whose place you have reigned, and the Lord has given the kingdom into the hand of your son Absalom. See, your evil is on you, for you are a man of blood." The King’s men wanted to kill Shimei but David restrained them. II Samuel 16:11-14 records David’s rationale – “David said to Abishai and to all his servants, Behold, my own son seeks my life; how much more now may this Benjaminite…It may be that the Lord will look on the wrong done to me, and that the Lord will repay me with good for his cursing today. So David and his men went on the road, while Shimei went along on the hillside opposite him and cursed as he went and threw stones at him and flung dust. And the king, and all the people who were with him, arrived weary at the Jordan. And there he refreshed himself.”

None of us should ever have to suffer ridicule, but if we do, how we respond is far more important than the experience that is taking place. Compassion should always be present in our thinking and practice. To reciprocate or respond in kind would be an innate instinct. However, the child of God has a loftier standard. The Beatitudes (Matthew 5) come to mind, as well as the words in Ephesians 4:30-32, especially – be kind…tenderhearted…forgiving – just like Jesus Christ did. You can do it if you try! Consider these things with me!

The Importance Of Words

2012-01-30T07:15:00.000-06:00

From My Perspective - - -

The English Language is, to say the least, very complex. The best guess estimates indicate there are more than 400,000 words in the English Vocabulary. However, in response to the question: “How many words are in the English Language?”, the following is given as the best acceptable response: “According to AskOxford.com, the English Lexicon contains approximately 250,000 specific words. One can add another 750,000 if one includes senses, such as words used as adjectives or verbs, to make the total approximately one million words.” They go on to say: “Technically, however, there is no agreed-upon answer to the question…because there are currently no accepted parameters for what counts as a unique word.” With this in mind, communication should be measured carefully and wisely before any sweeping statement and/or generalization is spoken or written.

These thoughts have had special significance as the spouses of friends have died. What can be said by way of sympathy and/or comfort? The sense of sudden aloneness can be overwhelming and adjustment to a new situation and context for the survivors life can be overwhelming. For the one who is a Biblical Christian, faith and hope become a greater reality during this time of transition. Someone has penned the following words as one contemplates this new experience and life adjustment:

Should you go first and I remain to walk the road alone

I'll live in memory's garden, dear, with happy days we've known

In spring, I'll watch for roses red when fades of lilac's blue

In early fall when the brown leaves call - I'll catch a glimpse of you.

Should you go first and I remain to finish with the scroll,

No lengthening shadows shall creep in to make this life seem droll.

We've known so much of happiness - yes - we've had our cup of joy,

But memory is one gift of God that death cannot destroy.

Should you go first and I remain for battles to be fought,

Each thing you’ve touched along the way will be a hallowed spot.

I’ll hear your voice I’ll see your smile - And though blindly I may grope,

The memory of your helping hand will buoy me on with hope.

Should you go first and I remain one thing I’ll have you do -

Walk slowly down that long, long path for soon I’ll follow you.

And I want to know each step you take that I may walk the same -

For some day, some day down that lonely road, dear-

You’ll hear me call your name…

In terms of the words we speak and the timing with which they are spoken, is summed up for us in -Proverbs 15:23, “To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is!”And in Proverbs 25:11, A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.” I’ve always marveled at the words in II Corinthians 1:3-4 (NLT), “All praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the source of every mercy and the God who comforts us. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When others are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.” The reciprocal aspect to this is that because of the reality of comfort one experiences, that one can comfort others when they pass through a similar experience or situation. Consider these things with me!

When Vibrancy Wanes

2012-01-25T07:35:00.002-06:00

From My Perspective - - -

The passage from youth to older age seems to move very rapidly. At the outset of youth, it appears to move slowly, but as one advances into adulthood, the clock seems to accelerate and the years seem to pass more quickly. One of the major adjustments is in the area of vibrancy and vitality. Vibrancy, where one moves about quickly and without too many concerns or restrictions; and Vitality, where there is an excitement in both physical pursuits and mental achievements with few, if any, restraints. How can and should one adjust to the aging process and the limitations that come with it? One of the difficulties is the reaction and response of a younger generation who don’t always manifest any appreciation or need for those who have been down the road of life for several years.

The Biblical perspective of life is interesting as well. It shows the physical time-frame for it and the quickness of the passage of time and life. If or when one attends a funeral for a departed friend or acquaintance, aside from the “traditional” reading of Psalm 23, one may also hear these words from James 4:13-15, “Come now, you who say, Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead you ought to say, If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that." The Message Paraphrase is blunt, perhaps crass, when it shares: “And now I have a word for you who brashly announce, Today - at the latest, tomorrow - we're off to such and such a city for the year. We're going to start a business and make a lot of money. You don't know the first thing about tomorrow. You're nothing but a wisp of fog, catching a brief bit of sun before disappearing. Instead, make it a habit to say, If the Master wills it and we're still alive, we'll do this or that."

Another Biblical Chapter often used at a funeral is The Prayer of Moses in Psalm 90:10-12, “The length of our days is seventy years-- or eighty, if we have the strength; yet their span is but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away…Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” The New Living Translation, “Seventy years are given to us! Some may even reach eighty. But even the best of these years are filled with pain and trouble; soon they disappear, and we are gone…Teach us to make the most of our time, so that we may grow in wisdom.” The Bible is essentially preparing one, and his/her loved ones for the inevitability – life is more short than we think. We need to interact, not morbidly but with reality, that those who are aging will soon die and be buried. I have met too many people over the years who were full of regret for the lost opportunities and missed moments with for whom there was both care and interest.

What are the positives for those who are in the aging process? Isaiah 40:28-31 comes to mind, “Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” Another is, Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” In Joshua 14:10-12, my personal hero and one whom I hope I can emulate, is Caleb, who says: “And now, behold, the Lord has kept me alive, just as he said…while Israel walked in the wilderness. And now, behold, I am this day eighty-five years old. I am still as strong today as I was in the day that Moses sent me; my strength now is as my strength was then, for war and for going and coming. So now give me this hill country of which the Lord spoke on that day, for you heard on that day how the Anakim were there, with great fortified cities. It may be that the Lord will be with me, and I shall drive them out just as the Lord said." Stay focused! Keep looking unto Jesus! Always let Him be your strength and shield! Consider these things with me!

Keep Eulogies Current

2012-01-19T08:12:00.003-06:00

From My Perspective - - -

A eulogy is an interesting concept. The basic meaning is – “a speech or writing in praise of a person or thing; high praise or commendation.” We sometimes hear the equivalent of a eulogy when someone is being honored or elevated to a position of responsibility. However, for most individuals, eulogies are reserved for being “a set oration in honor of a deceased person.” This is something that makes one pause and think – should we not be more willing to affirm and honor people who are alive and trying to do significant work rather than it being more of a post-script to a life of one after his/her death? Isn’t it possible that such affirmation and/or honor would lift up another’s spirit and motivate an individual to keep pressing on toward a goal and the sense of achievement of the same? Why do we usually wait until after a person has died before nice and complementary things are shared about that person?

Some of us have experienced the demise of people we knew and appreciated. The wives of two colleagues died within days of each other as they succumbed to cancer. My wife and I had known and visited with them for almost fifty years or more – then suddenly, unexpectedly, abruptly – word came that they were gone – they had died. It was a time for emotional reflection for us as we discussed the transition and adjustment these two widowers were now experiencing and the tremendous sense of loss – aloneness – with which they would now have to cope. It allowed for some sobering reflection – what were the last words we shared with one another; what lasting memory would we have of the one who has been a partner in life for fifty years or longer; what does one do when the love of one’s life is no longer there to continue the journey in life; etc.? What do you do at night when you’re in bed and reach across to touch or hug the love of your life – and realize anew that he/she is not there?

We tend to deal with life – and – each other – in a more matter-of-fact manner than we should. We assume that we’ll continue to live and be with each other forever. It has provoked in us the desire of sharing with each another how very much we love and care for one another as we near a 57^th Wedding Anniversary. It’s fun – a joy – to do more and more things together – yard work, walking, shopping, driving – just to be together. Why is this the case? Why does one have this sense of affection? One of the aspects of a man and a woman wanting to be joined together in marriage is the inner and deep desire for oneness with the other person. My wife and I are working on a life history that will be passed down to our children and grand-children. In my introductory section, I have written the following: “The further influence comes from my life partner in this ministry odyssey and journey. A servant of the Lord is greatly handicapped without a “closest friend” and one who is united to him as an “heir together of the grace of life” (I Peter 3:7 NKJV). My beloved Peggy has enthusiastically shared in doing the work of ministry and has encouraged her husband to far exceed his skills in serving the King of kings and Lord of lords.”

The idea for a life companion is God’s! Whatever marriage is supposed to be has been originated by God for man’s completeness. We find this in Genesis 2:18-24 (NLT), “And the Lord God said: It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a companion who will help him…So the Lord God caused Adam to fall into a deep sleep. He took one of Adam's ribs and closed up the place from which he had taken it. Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib and brought her to Adam…Adam exclaimed: She is part of my own flesh and bone! She will be called woman, because she was taken out of a man. This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.” Someone formulated the following: God did not use a bone from man’s foot so he might walk all over her; God didn’t select a bone from man’s hand so be might beat or be abusive to her; God chose a rib from under man’s arm so that he would protect her – the rib also being near to man’s heart so he would love and cherish and love her. Express and demonstrate that love as frequently as you can. Share words of affirmation and appreciation as often as you can – while you can! Consider these things with me!

Choices

2012-01-16T09:32:00.001-06:00

From My Perspective - - -

Throughout our lives and experiences, there are always choices one has to consider. A wise person will always weigh the options of each choice before one along with the serious thought – What is the consequence (or consequences) for the choice before me? Another thought and question should be – not only how it may impact me – but also – how might the decision I make impact or influence another person with whom I may have contact or for whom I have oversight or responsibility? There are instances where one wishes the clock could be turned back so that a different choice could have been made or action taken. How many times have persons stated: “If I had my life to live over, I’d ______…”? The likelihood is, even if that was possible, the same decision, choice or action would’ve occurred.

There are several interesting statements offered about choices. Some are – (1) Pythagoras, who said: “Choices are the hinges of destiny.” (2) Roy Disney – It’s not hard to make decisions when you know what your values are.” (3) Unknown Source – “When one bases his life on principle, 99 percent of his decisions are already made.” There are other worthwhile thoughts in this regard. Someone stated this significant one: “Decisions become easier when your will to please God outweighs your will to please man.” Lastly, there is this comment that one hopes is proven to be incorrect: “Good decisions come from experience, and experience comes from bad decisions.”

In these considerations, some cautions need to be present, such as, on should be careful about making a choice or decision on the basis of a feeling, emotion or reaction. This would be especially true in terms of one’s choosing a life partner. The choice should not be made on the basis of physical attractiveness alone, or because of some “vibe” one thinks is occurring. The fact that there is an excessive number of divorces in society may be attributable to the wrong basis for the choice that one made. Great care should be exercised in all choices that one makes, not the least of which is the choice of a life partner in marriage. The above referenced statement – “Decisions become easier when your will to please God outweighs your will to please man.” – is a fascinating one to consider. There can be no greater reason for one’s pause or delay than for one to make certain the will of God is desired and will be done. The words in Colossians 4:12 have great purpose and import: “…always struggling in your prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God.” This will take time but will also prevent unwanted and unneeded consequences in one’s life. The Message Paraphrase has this rendering: “praying that you'll stand firm, mature and confident in everything God wants you to do.” Are you able to say that is foundational in your decision pondering and ultimate choices you make?

One of the major discrepancies occurring in many lives, even among those who regularly attend church, is their willingness to avoid taking a serious God seriously. Perhaps they have lacked diligence in reading and studying God’s Word, or matter-of-factly sloughed it off as being of little or no consequence regarding a loving God. As the Lord worked with His people when they were in Egypt and patiently instructed and guided them, there was always a bottom-line that would have to be embraced and followed by the people. One expression of this purpose is in Deuteronomy 6:24-25, “And the Lord commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear the LORD our God, for our good always, that he might preserve us alive, as we are this day. And it will be righteousness for us, if we are careful to do all this commandment before the Lord our God, as he has commanded us.” This is a clear expression of God’s will and purpose for His people then and now. The Message Paraphrase for verse 25 is, “It will be a set-right and put-together life for us if we make sure that we do this entire commandment in the Presence of God, our God, just as he commanded us to do." When your mind and will is determined to do the will of God, the words of Isaiah 30:21 will be your reality: “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it." Consider these things with me!

The Inadequacy Of Envy

2012-01-13T07:37:00.001-06:00

From My Perspective - - -

It is strange that so much attention in our nation and world has focused on class distinctions and wealth-envy. It has become an ongoing part of the political climate of our day and it does so by emphasizing over and over again the richest 1 percent versus the non-rich 99 percent. No one ever pauses to ask who comprises that 1 percent nor where they live in the world. The talking points of most politicians demean those of means while stirring up the rest to clamor for what that 1 percent has – namely, redistribution of their wealth.

CNN Money published a Headline Story on January 4, 2012 – “Americans Make Up Half Of The World's Richest 1%.” How many are there in that 1% bracket? Do the protest groups know? Do the Politicians who seek the vote of the poor adequately define the who and where of the 1%? Why do you think they omit the facts in that regard? There are 60 million people who fit into the designation of the World’s Richest. The CNN Money Report states: “The United States holds a disproportionate amount of the world's rich people. It only takes $34,000 a year, after taxes, to be among the richest 1% in the world. That's for each person living under the same roof, including children. (So a family of four, for example, needs to make $136,000.) So where do these lucky rich people live? As of 2005 -- the most recent data available -- about half of them, or 29 million lived in the United States, according to calculations by World Bank economist Branko Milanovic in his book The Haves and the Have-Nots. Another four million live in Germany. The rest are mainly scattered throughout Europe, Latin America and a few Asian countries…” The breakdown of the others is: 3 million in France, 3 Million in Italy and 3 Million in Great Britain; 2 million in Canada, 2 Million in Japan, 2 Million in Brazil and 2 Million in South Korea; the other Million are scattered throughout the countries of Switzerland, Spain, Australia, Netherlands, Taiwan, Chile, Singapore and a few other countries.

We should never allow ourselves to become calloused or indifferent toward the poor and needy. Their plight is dreadful and their needs are considerable. We must remember, implement and practice James 2:12-15 (NLT), “…whatever you do, remember that you will be judged by the law of love, the law that set you free. For there will be no mercy for you if you have not been merciful to others. But if you have been merciful, then God's mercy toward you will win out over his judgment against you. Dear brothers and sisters, what's the use of saying you have faith if you don't prove it by your actions? That kind of faith can't save anyone. Suppose you see a brother or sister who needs food or clothing, and you say, Well, good-bye and God bless you; stay warm and eat well -- but then you don't give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do?” A Goal worthy of consideration is:Do as much as you can for as many as you can.

One must also be careful and guarded regarding envy. There is a statement of candor and transparency in this regard in Psalm 73:2-7, “But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; My steps had nearly slipped. For I was envious of the boastful, When I saw the prosperity of the wicked. For there are no pangs in their death, But their strength is firm. They are not in trouble as other men, Nor are they plagued like other men. Therefore pride serves as their necklace; Violence covers them like a garment. Their eyes bulge with abundance; They have more than heart could wish…” In Psalm 73:11-14 (NLT) we find these words: “Does God realize what is going on? they ask. Is the Most High even aware of what is happening? Look at these arrogant people - enjoying a life of ease while their riches multiply. Was it for nothing that I kept my heart pure and kept myself from doing wrong? All I get is trouble all day long; every morning brings me pain.” A truth that one must remember is contained in Psalm 37:1-12, “ Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong…Trust in the Lord and do good…Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him…those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land…the meek will inherit the land and enjoy great peace.” The promises of God are sure and will never fail. Let your hope and confidence be in Him always. Consider these things with me!

The Heart Of The Matter

2012-01-12T08:15:00.001-06:00

From My Perspective - - -

The English Language contains many idioms and phrases that are used to summarize a thought and/or to narrow the parameters of a discussion on a particular subject or matter. One such phrase is – “the heart of the matter”. The Reference Dictionary shares the following as “the heart of the matter” finds its origin in the phrase – “the crux of the matter.” Most understand what the phrase means, namely, “the basic, central, or critical point of an issue…” In English usage it is also used to mean difficulty or puzzle… The word “heart” has been used in the phrase to mean “the vital part” of an issue or matter at hand.

The idea of the “heart” as “the vital part” has application in terms of physical, mental and spiritual matters of life. The Book of Proverbs 4:20-23 states – “My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words.Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to a man's whole body. Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” The New Living Translation is – “ Pay attention…to what I say. Listen carefully. Don't lose sight of my words. Let them penetrate deep within your heart, for they bring life and radiant health to anyone who discovers their meaning. Above all else, guard your heart, for it affects everything you do.” And, The Message paraphrases these verses – “ Dear friend, listen well to my words; tune your ears to my voice. Keep my message in plain view at all times. Concentrate! Learn it by heart! Those who discover these words live, really live; body and soul, they're bursting with health. Keep vigilant watch over your heart; that's where life starts.” In other words, all of these renderings is stating that the heart is vital – it is the seat of one’s emotions – it is necessary to the maintenance of a normal bodily function.

In Psychological and Medical Studies, an area has become known as the Broken Heart Syndrome (BHS). It is “a known medical condition that frequently occurs soon after the loss of a loved one. Although Broken Heart Syndrome is discussed in modern and ancient literature, it was not recognized as a physical ailment until the early 1990’s. Symptoms of broken heart syndrome include shortness of breath, chest pain, insomnia and depression.” It is also recognized as being twenty-one times greater within hours (and immediate days) following the death of a spouse with whom there had been a deep, intimate, and loving relationship. “BHS is most common in women who have suffered the loss of a loved one or similar intense emotional trauma. A sudden fright, such as a robbery or even a surprise party, can also trigger BHS. It is possible to die of a broken heart through broken heart syndrome. An extensive study by the Mayo Clinic found about 3.6 percent of fatalities rate in patients with broken heart syndrome. The study also found that patients who experienced physical stress had lower survival rates than those under emotional stress alone.”

The Psalmist described how Depression impacted his entire being in Psalm 38:6-8, “ I am utterly bowed down and prostrate; all the day I go about mourning. For my sides are filled with burning, and there is no soundness in my flesh. I am feeble and crushed; I groan because of the tumult of my heart.” The New Living Translation expresses it, “I am bent over and racked with pain. My days are filled with grief. A raging fever burns within me, and my health is broken. I am exhausted and completely crushed. My groans come from an anguished heart.” There are many verses in the Bible that address the centrality of the heart in all matters. Proverbs 14:30 states, “A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.” The Message renders this verse – “A sound mind makes for a robust body, but runaway emotions corrode the bones.” There is a safe place for an individual that encompasses all of that which is necessary and vital for one’s physical, mental and spiritual health. It is in a very simple statement of Proverbs 3:5-8 (NKJV), “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones.” Too often and too frequently,one focuses on just the physical aspects and desires medication to meet the inner need. However, one would be better served by focusing on the Spiritual resolve as being The Heart of the Matter. Consider these things with me!

Serious Times Require People Who Are Serious

2012-01-07T07:01:00.000-06:00

From My Perspective - - -

A Wall Street Journal Columnist wrote a very poignant paragraph regarding Republican Candidates for the Presidency. Last week, she wrote: “The worst trend in politics that fully emerged…People running for president not to be president but as a branding exercise, to sell books and get a cable contract and be a public figure and have people who heretofore hadn’t noticed you now stopping you in the airport to get a picture and an autograph. In an endeavor like this you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. You’re not held back by any sense of realism as to your positions, you don’t have to worry about them being used against you down the road because there won’t be a down the road. You can say anything. And because you do you seem refreshing. People start to like you—you’re not like all the others, who are so careful. You rise, run your mouth for a month and fall. Maybe this is harmless. But America is in crisis. The world is in crisis. Everywhere you look establishments and old arrangements are falling, toppling to the ground. Does it help, in this context, to lower the standing of the American political process by inserting your buffoonish, unserious self into it? Or does it make things just a little bit worse?”

Her rhetorical questions point to the fact that these Serious Times Require People Who Are Serious. How many times have you listened to a Candidate from any political persuasion, or a spokesperson for them, or a prognosticator and said to yourself – “You’ve got to be kidding! That just isn’t true!” Not enough of the cheering crowds pause to consider what they have heard nor the implication of what was said means. In other words, these Serious Times are devoid of People Who Are Serious. It reminds one of an old Radio and Television Program – Truth Or Consequences? It seems as though too many are willing to risk the Consequence rather than confront and demand the Truth! There seems to be a readiness and wiliness to set aside foundational principles and core values so that a greater good can be accomplished and satisfied. There are no parameters to reference – but – there is the willingness to blithely and blindly go forward in lock step – ignoring any and all warning signs in the process.

The realities of life and the shortness of it goes on. Later on today, there will be two Memorial Services conducted for the wives of two long-time friends. Both wives died after enduring the struggle with cancer and the treatments that were not accomplishing the desired result. It gives one a moment to pause and remember that real people are passing through serious personal times – and – they are having to deal with the gravity of the moment in the most serious of ways imaginable. James 4:13-15 reminds serious people that: “ Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money. Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” James reminds us that life is brief, at best, and goes on to say: “…you ought to say, If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that.” This truth is also shared in a Prayer of Moses – Psalm 90:1,10-12,“Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations…The length of our days is seventy years-- or eighty, if we have the strength; yet their span is but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away….Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

Considering these realities and the brevity of life, a renewed emphasis needs to be placed upon the need for Serious Times Require People Who Are Serious. RaviZacharias shared these thoughts: “Although the cultural revolution has abandoned the fundamental foundations of faith, restoration is possible if Christians will light the way. (1) We are thrust into a humanistic world view, and we wonder how it happened. (2) A cultural revolution is under way, and we must respond. (3) As we come unhinged from our Creator, our culture's foundations are being destroyed (4) The antagonism against things spiritual is real. (5) The revolution strikes at the jugular of every institution in the land. (6) God created us to be accountable for our actions, but that has been lost. (7) By losing accountability, we've eradicated conscience. ( God gave us charity, but that has been lost. We have lost the idea of beneficence.” Please – Consider These Things With Me!

Topsy-Turvy Normalcy?

2012-01-06T07:05:00.001-06:00

From My Perspective - - -

There was a time when Logic was the expectation and Order/Purpose was the expectation for the ebb and flow of life. But now, Topsy-Turvy has gained cultural traction and it has quelled one’s ability to anticipate the future and to plan accordingly. A question that should be answered by someone pertains to How and When Topsy-Turvy was invited in and allowed to become an accepted lifestyle embraced by many. The American Heritage Dictionary defines Topsy-Turvy as: “with the top downward and the bottom up, or – upside down; In or Into a state of utter disorder or confusion; that which has become inverted.” Roget’s Thesaurus shares that Topsy-Turvy is: “characterized by Physical Confusion; or that which is chaotic, confused, disordered, mixed-up.” One can almost hear another say: “I knew it! Someone opened the door and in came Topsy and Turvy, and nothing’s been the same since…”

If you happen to be one who doesn’t sense or realize the changes that are taking place within our culture and lifestyle – maybe even thinking this is the way it is supposed to be – then you have other issues that require your attention. During 2011, a Television Program that gained a growing audience was: “Hoarders: Buried Alive.” The stated purpose of the program has a simple focus, namely, “Hoarding explores the Psychology behind the compulsion to accumulate and store large quantities of non-essential things.Each episode tells the stories of Hoarders struggling with behavior that has made every day existence unbearable for both them and their loved ones.With the help of expert Therapists and Organizers, The Hoarders will attempt to unlock the key to their obsessions in hope of reclaiming their lives.” A major problem that surfaces is that the individual cannot separate himself/herself from the accumulated stuff and junk. It is painful to observe those who live in the midst of squalor protest that they launder clothing and bathe themselves and their infants even though it is obvious to everyone that it is untrue.

A Reviewer made this assessment: “Hoarders is the best depiction of mental illness on TV today… Hoarders works because you can see mental illness and its effects on screen like never before: in piles of trash, or rotting food…or, in one especially disturbing episode, dozens of dead cats. The two people featured in each episode are usually at some kind of turning point - their relationship is deteriorating, they’re going to be evicted—and so a professional organizer and/or specialist comes in with a cleaning crew to help them deal with what has accumulated over the years.Why can’t the show’s subjects just throw this stuff away?...But the subjects’ mental illness - for which hoarding may just be a symptom - prevents them from being able to do that, which makes it obvious that they aren’t just being stubborn. That frustration is clear in friends and family members, but particularly in the workers who have been hired to help clean up. They can’t understand why it matters that they threw away a piece of broken tile or scraps of paper…”

We need to look at our individual lives and the things that we allow to accumulate in them – the clutter that begins to stack up! Man’s chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. That being so, why have we allowed for the ‘Topsy-Turvy’ to dominate? Two passages from God’s Word that can serve as a resolve for us: (1) Psalm 119:133 (The Message) “Steady my steps with your Word of promise so nothing malign gets the better of me.” We might say: ‘Keep me from accumulating junk in my life that prevents me from glorifying and enjoying you always. On this passage, Charles Spurgeon suggests: David “was not afraid of being laughed at for living by method and rule, for he saw method and rule to be Divine institutions. He did not aspire to a random life, or envy the free-livers, whose motto is, “Do whatever you like.” He had no lusts to be his own master—he wished in all things to be governed by the superior and all-perfect will of God.(2) I Corinthians 14:40 (NIV) “But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.” This needs to be linked with Psalm 37:23-24 (NKJV), “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, And He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the Lord upholds him with His hand.” Topsy-Turvy should not be part of one’s life – order and purpose is God’s design and will for His own. Ask the Lord to order your steps and life. Consider these things with me!

Corruption

2012-01-04T07:19:00.000-06:00

From My Perspective - - -

One of the experiences we would all like to avoid is encountering corruption – yet – in one form or another, we have all encountered it to some degree. Corruption is a 14^th century word that was used in reference to material things, especially regarding dead bodies. It also had a spiritual application in terms of the soul and morals. In current times, we have had a glimpse of it regarding Governments, Businesses, Sports and Churches. Some have the idea that the wrong thing can be done in plain sight and the brightest daylight – but – that no one will notice or care. It is frequently rationalized by use of the trite notion – “well, everyone does it.” It is a breakdown of the moral fiber of a culture that has been nurtured with a marked imbalance of permissiveness, promiscuity and narcissism. It has allowed for an evolving climate where “everything/anything goes” and “no one is responsible for their actions.”

Two words that describe the climate of our times and that seem to go hand-in-hand with each other are Corruption and Decadence. Corruption focuses on the diminishing of moral standards and equivalents; depravity; and the perversion of integrity. Decadence focuses on “the act or process of falling into an inferior condition or state; deterioration; decay; moral degeneration or decay; turpitude; unrestrained or excessive self-indulgence.” The synonyms are: “degeneration, retrogression, decline.” Some historians, namely, Edward Gibbon, held that the fall of Rome can be attributed to internal decadence. Gibbon “…placed the blame on a loss of civic virtue among the Roman citizens. They gradually outsourced their duties to defend the Empire to barbarian mercenaries who eventually turned on them. Gibbon considered that Christianity had contributed to this, making the populace less interested in the worldly here-and-now, and more willing to wait for the rewards of heaven. The decline of Rome was the natural and inevitable effect of immoderate greatness. Prosperity ripened the principle of decay; the causes of destruction multiplied with the extent of conquest; and as soon as time or accident had removed the artificial supports, the stupendous fabric yielded to the pressure of its own weight…”

Five summary points have been offered and referenced over the years in terms of why and how the decline and fall of the Roman Empire occurred: 1) Increased number of Divorces resulting the undermining of the sanctity of the home; 2) Higher Tax Rates and the redistribution of wealth as money was spent for bread and celebrations; 3) the ever-increasing craze/demand for pleasure – sports events becoming more brutal and exciting with each passing year; 4) the building and amassing of larger and more potent armaments that would allow for defense and domination (more so than the M.A.D. concept – Mutually Assured Destruction); and 5) the indifference toward and the decay of religion – faith becoming more form than function – and ultimately becoming impotent. The time-frame for The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire was – 476. The application is both obvious and timeless – the historic narrative could almost be used as an overlay and description of the culture and society of the 21^st century.

The Bible instructs and warns one regarding the dangers of decadence. Galatians 6:7-8, “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.” Those who have ignored the Gospel and the advantages of it in terms of corruption, become those who would entice others to a godless and hopeless lifestyle. In II Peter 2:19, “They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved.” The only hope and the only help is in and through Jesus Christ. In II Peter 1:3-4, “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.” Don’t be among those who are deceived – identify with those who have been delivered by God’s Grace and Power. Consider these things with me!

The Day After

2011-12-26T06:39:00.000-06:00

From My Perspective - - -

There's an old expression regarding “the day after the night before” which pertains to the partying practices of different cultural groups in the world. It usually has reference to the “hangover” that some experience from their excessive drinking and consumption of alcoholic beverages the “night before”! For such a one, “the day after the night before” can be a miserable one as blurred vision and headaches accompany one in the process of becoming “sober” and functional.

However, “the day after the night before” has a different tradition, observance and reference than a binge with which one has inflicted himself/herself. Particularly in the British Empire, it has reference to the day following Christmas – December 26^th is observed as St. Stephen’s Day. “St. Steven's Day is an official holiday in Italy, Finland, Ireland and some other countries. It is also celebrated in some other countries as an official or unofficial holiday. In England and the English speaking Commonwealth countries it is known as Boxing Day and celebrated as an official holiday under that name. In Ireland, December 26th is celebrated under the name of St. Stephen's Day or sometimes referred to as Wren Day. Today the holiday is celebrated in Ireland very much like Boxing Day is celebrated in nearby England. But much of the lore of the day centers around a little bird known as the wren. In rural Ireland in times past, groups of young men and boys would dress in old clothes and blacken their faces. They would then capture and kill a wren, and march from house to house, carrying the dead wren on the top of a pole, and asking for a treat or money to bury the wren.” It is a strange way to commemorate a day bearing the name of one who was very significant in Christian and Biblical History.

We first read about Stephen in Acts 6. As the Church was expanding and growing, the Apostles were directed to find godly men who would be able to assist in aspects of ministry – especially the care of widows (and presumably orphans). The requirement for those to assist in a Diaconal role is stated in Acts 6:2-5, “Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word. And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit (along with six others)…” In Acts 2:8-15, a summary of Stephen’s life, character and ministry is given: “…Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. Then there arose some from what is called the Synagogue of the Freedmen…disputing with Stephen. And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke. Then they secretly induced men to say, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God. And they stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes; and they came upon him, seized him, and brought him to the council…And all who sat in the council, looking steadfastly at him, saw his face as the face of an angel.”

The result of the wicked scheming of the Freedmen is given in Acts 7:55-58, Stephen “…being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, and said, Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God! Then they cried out with a loud voice, stopped their ears, and ran at him with one accord; and they cast him out of the city and stoned him.” Stephen became the first Martyr of the Christian Church. Rather than the day being observed with the frivolity of a Boxing Day or a Day of the Wren, it should be commemorated as a day for noting the cost of true discipleship and a challenge to us all to have the same confidence, hope, courage and commitment to implement Ephesians 6:13, “…take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” Consider these things with me!

Heritage - Christmas Reflections !!

2011-12-21T06:41:00.001-06:00

From My Perspective - - -

On the website – Fathers.Com – is an interesting presentation regarding: “Your Heritage and Your Legacy” written by Ken Canfield. He states the following – “Some of my recent study has gone toward helping fathers understand the hand-in-hand connection between their heritage and their legacy. Becoming a father is often a catalyst for a man to process his past and begin planning for the future—his and his childrens. With that in mind, I have come up with an exercise for fathers consisting of two sets of six questions… The first six questions focus on your heritage: (1) In reflecting on your relationship to your father or father figure, how would you describe his support of you? (2) Did he regularly show you affection? (3) Was he present and accessible to you growing up? (4) Did he struggle with substance abuse or was he unfaithful to your mother? (5) Did he abuse you or another family member? (6) Would you say he was a good example? The second set focuses on your legacy: (1) What values and skills do you want to pass on to your child? (2) What are your child’s greatest challenges? (3) What are his greatest strengths and gifts? (4) How can you strengthen your relationship with him in the coming year? (5) What physical and emotional resources will be required for your son or daughter to face the future with confidence? (6) Whom can you count on for support and counsel as you father your child?...”

One’s life can be greatly influenced and impacted by his past. I am the youngest of three children and have a vivid memory of seventy years ago today. It was in the early morning hours when the policemen came to the door of the tenement in which we resided to inform my Mother that our Father had died. I stood at the doorway behind my Mother and have the continuing memory of the emptiness of that moment and the wonderment of what the future held (our Father was buried on Christmas Eve, 1941). Where we lived was in a nice, clean German-oriented neighborhood. For whatever reason (perhaps embarrassment, or financial need), shortly after the turn of the year, my Mother decided to relocate us to a tenement that was the reverse of where we were living – to a dingy and dirty and backward community where we were clearly the “outsiders.” It was clear that we did not fit, did not speak Italian, were not Roman Catholic and were further advanced in schooling than in the comparable grades where we were placed (or displaced). We didn’t know that we had moved into a “ghetto” atmosphere – but – we were aware that it was traumatic for all of us. My Mother had to find employment; my Grandmother came to live with us and to be a care-provider; due to our Father’s malady, we had to go to the Board of Health for X-Ray observation…It was a debilitating, demeaning and difficult time – – a time when we felt isolated and alone.

One of the positives with these transitions was that our Maternal Grandmother - a godly woman who knew the Bible and was willing to share it with everyone - came to live with us. A verse that is too often generalized rather than particularized is Psalm 127:3, “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.” The Message paraphrases it: “ Don't you see that children are God's best gift? the fruit of the womb his generous legacy?” There are several places and circumstances where one can observe the workings of the Lord in one’s life. Personally, I find substance and application to the clichéd words – “I’m not all of what I ought to be; I’m not all of what I’m going to be; but – praise God – I’m not all of what I could have (or might have) been!” Early on in my life, I underscore a verse in my Bible – Deuteronomy 33:27 – “The eternal God is your refuge, And underneath are the everlasting arms; He will thrust out the enemy from before you, And will say, 'Destroy!'” I think it was a personal quest to be accepted or to have some sense of worth and value. Our Mother would remind us – “Be the best of whatever you are.” In that regard – and later on - a different verse challenged and motivated me – II Corinthians 5:15, “He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.” These words, as well as those of a college Hymn, challenged me then – and – continue to challenge me now. The Hymn: “All For Jesus, all for Jesus! All my beings ransomed powers; All my thoughts and words and doings, All my days and all my hours… Let my hands perform his bidding; Let my feet run in His ways; Let my eyes see Jesus only; Let my lips speak forth His praise. Consider these things with me!

A Festival Of Light

2011-12-20T06:18:00.000-06:00

From My Perspective - - -

This year the Jewish Celebration of Hanukkah begins at the evening hour. today Hanukkah means Dedication - the time commemorating the re-dedication of the Temple in Jerusalem in 165 B.C. The events leading up to this event are given in the writings of Flavius Josephus and in I Maccabees, especially Chapters 1 and 2. Briefly, “In 168 B.C.E. the Jewish Temple was seized by Syrian-Greek soldiers and dedicated to the worship of the god Zeus. This upset the Jewish people, but many were afraid to fight back for fear of reprisals. Then in 167 B.C.E. the Syrian-Greek emperor Antiochus IV made the observance of Judaism an offense punishable by death. He also ordered all Jews to worship Greek gods.” The oral history tells of the extent to which Antiochus went in his Hellenization efforts. One such incident, such as, if any Mother with a male child who had been circumcised – that Mother was killed, as was her infant son, and they hung that dead son around the Mother’s neck. It was a treacherous and hideous time.

History records that “Jewish resistance began in the village of Modiin, near Jerusalem. Greek soldiers forcibly gathered the Jewish villages and told them to bow down to an idol, then to sacrifice and eat the flesh of a pig – both practices that are forbidden to Jews. A Greek officer ordered Mattathias, a High Priest, to acquiesce to their demands, but Mattathias refused. When another villager stepped forward and offered to cooperate on Mattathias' behalf, the High Priest became outraged. He drew his sword and killed the villager…” In I Maccabees 1:20-28, “After subduing Egypt, Antiochus returned in the one hundred and forty-third year. He went up against Israel and came to Jerusalem with a strong force. He arrogantly entered the sanctuary and took the golden altar, the lampstand for the light, and all its utensils. He took also the table for the bread of the Presence, the cups for drink offerings, the bowls, the golden censers, the curtain, the crowns, and the gold decoration on the front of the temple; he stripped it all off. He took the silver and the gold, and the costly vessels; he took also the hidden treasures which he found. Taking them all, he departed to his own land. He committed deeds of murder, and spoke with great arrogance. Israel mourned deeply in every community, rulers and elders groaned…

I Maccabees 2:1-22, contains a summary of both the commitment and courage of Mattathias and his sons. Given the opportunity to compromise their core values, and in observing the degree and extent to which the arrogance of Antiochus has gone, when Mattathias : “… saw the blasphemies being committed in Judah and Jerusalem said, Why was I born to see this, the ruin of my people, the ruin of the holy city…the sanctuary given over to aliens?” When called upon at the moment of actual compromise, he said: “…Even if all the nations that live under the rule of the king obey him, and have chosen to do his commandments, departing each one from the religion of his fathers, yet I and my sons and my brothers will live by the covenant of our fathers. Far be it from us to desert the law and the ordinances. We will not obey the king's words by turning aside from our religion to the right hand or to the left." When the victory is won and the Temple is to be rededicated, only one small vessel of dedicated oil is found to light the Menorah – only enough for one day – as they proceed, the oil lasts for eight days. That tradition and celebration – The Festival of Lights - continues to this day.

The summary of the Birth of Jesus Christ in John 1:1-14, “ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it…The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world…the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” This “Festival of Light” is celebrated by the Christian world as Christmas. The sadness that attaches to this celebration is the fact of John 3:19-21, “And this is the condemnation (verdict, judgment): light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil.For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed.But whoever does what is true comes to the light… Have you come to the Light – Jesus Christ? Do you – with commitment and courage – abstain from all compromise as you grow in knowing Him and making Him known? Consider these things with me!

Compromise

2011-12-17T06:43:00.000-06:00

From My Perspective - - -

Is there ever a time when Compromise is the correct and only course one can/should take? Does Compromise violate another’s conviction, principles of life, core values and moral compass? What is the standard by which Compromise can take place without there being a violation of ones conscience? Should Compromise merely be accepted as “the way things are” and “we need to learn to live and let live” – or – is it a case that the stronger and more dominant are allowed to exercise their will upon those who are weaker and with little or no influence at all? Has Political Correctness been allowed to run amuck in this nation? Has any one raised a voice of protest or – like a Caspar Milquetoast (a milquetoast is a weak, ineffectual or bland person; the word is derived from the character Caspar Milquetoast from the 1924 comic strip The Timid Soul) – just shrugged and willingly accepts that as the new status quo?

It strikes one as being strange that the traditional Christmas Season has succumbed to Political Correctness, and to the Atheists who purport that their rights are violated when a Church places a Nativity Scene on Church-owned property. Should the “will” of these and other groups be allowed to determine what Music is permissible at this time of the year or what type of Display can be viewed by the public? In addition, this issue of Compromise has entered the rules of the House of Representatives as our elected officials are told how they can communicate with their Constituents. The Washington Examiner headlined a report (12-16-11): “Congressman Can’t Say Merry Christmas In Mail.” The column begins: “Looks like the PC Police have threatened members of the House of Representatives against wishing constituents a “Merry Christmas”, if they want to do so in a mailing paid for with tax dollars. Members who submit official mailings for review by the congressional franking commission that reviews all congressional mail to determine if it can be “franked”, or paid for with tax dollars, are being told that no holiday greetings, including ‘Merry Christmas’, can be sent in official mail.” They were also told they cannot say ‘Happy New Year’ but can say “have a happy new year’ – referencing the time period of a new year, but not the holiday…” The columnist then opines: “So it's true, the elected representatives of the nation that puts ‘In God We Trust’ on its currency are not permitted to use the greeting that has likely been uttered by every living adult American at least once in their lifetimes. Just another demonstration that political correctness and freedom of speech, faith and thought are utterly incompatible.”

Compromise is defined as being: “a settlement of differences by mutual concessions…adjustment of conflicting or opposing claims, principles…” A Biblical narrative of a Compromise that never should’ve occurred is: “II Chronicles 18 - Jehoshaphat, the good king of Judah, and Ahab, the wicked king of Israel, joined together to make war against Syria. Jehoshaphat was intent on asking God’s will before going to war, so Ahab summoned 400 of his prophets. They all foretold victory. Jehoshaphat then asked if a prophet of the Lord could be found (it seems he could tell the difference!). Ahab said there was one, the prophet Micaiah (V.7), “but I hate him, for he never prophesies good concerning me, but always evil” (Devotional By Life Lines). Once Compromise is permitted, it can only lead to worse choices and events. Ahab convinced Jehoshaphat to wear his clothing and to drive his war chariot. “Jehoshaphat allowed himself to forget a major core value: “Once you have sought out God’s will, don’t ignore it.” The astounding part of this story is that after God’s prophet foretold defeat, Ahab and Jehoshaphat went to war anyway!” We might expect this from Ahab, but Jehoshaphat should have known better! What was the end result? Jehoshaphat came within seconds of being killed because of his having been duped into wearing Ahab’s garments and driving Ahab’s War Chariot. How closely have you come to a costly error and ruin because of a foolish and unprincipled compromise? Ecclesiastes 7:5 states, “It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise than for a man to hear the song of fools.” The NLT renders this verse, “It is better to be criticized by a wise person than to be praised by a fool!” Be a principled person who is governed by a moral compass that guides you away from unwise and unfounded compromise. Let Isaiah 30:21 be part of your core value and life practice: “And your ears shall hear a word...saying, "This is the way, walk in it…" Consider these things with me!

Christmas Reflections

2011-12-16T11:51:00.002-06:00

From My Perspective - - -

Christmas is a time of considerable merriment, joyous anticipation and happy celebrations because of the special One Who was born on Christmas Day. Any more, before Thanksgiving has come and gone there are the displays and music to let all know that Christmas is nearing and will soon be here. The stores are decorated; the strains of Christmas Melody ring out; merchandise is being purchased for gifts that will be given to loved ones and friends; travel will be planned so families can be together; meals will be planned – cookies and pies will be baked – and the aroma of the special day fills the home. The traditional Salvation Army Bell-ringer is in place outside of some of the busiest stores and many people drop Money in the bucket so that those without – those who have little or close to nothing - might have reason for some hope and joy.

At this Joyous Season and time of Merriment, there are also those who have Reflections Of The Past that left an indelible mark upon them. They are conflicted as they celebrate the reason for the season – The Birth of Jesus Christ – while at the same time they reflect nostalgically about how things brought about sadness and dampened some of the Christmas excitement. They can remember the joy that suddenly turned to sadness when word was received of an illness or death of a family member. This occurred in our family in 1941 seventy years ago – the artificial Christmas Tree was in place and decorated with lights, ornaments and tinsel; gifts had been wrapped and placed under the tree; the artificial fireplace occupied a corner of a crowded room; stockings had been hung with the expectation of candy, fruit, cookies, nuts and a silver dollar in the toe being in them on Christmas morning. Our Father had been ill for some time and was in the Hospital but there were gifts wrapped for him and placed under the tree. The possibility of his recovery was not great. However – no one expected the knocking on the door late one night just a few days before Christmas – and the policemen informing our Mother that our Father had died. For three days before Christmas, time was spent at the Funeral Home. Our Father’s burial would occur on the day of Christmas Eve. This impacted my brother, sister and me at that time and for me, there is the remembrance and emptiness of that Christmas past.

It does cause me to think about many who will be unable to celebrate Christmas with Family or Friends. Because of many factors, the emptiness of the past becomes somewhat vivid in the present as one contemplates a day without the children, or special aromas, or the gifts under the tree. Despite that fact, we nevertheless put up a tree and some other decorations realizing that only “we” will enjoy it – together – just the two of us. But then – I think of those in the Nursing Home – not a place of their desire or choosing – but there out of necessity – the hope is that they will not be forgotten or included in some way.

On a Facebook entry, someone allowed: "Set your minds on things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God." (Col. 3:2) And then, he wrote: “We cannot do this if we do not ever visualize a real and tangible Heaven! Truth be told most of us know absolutely nothing about Heaven.” This caused me to do some research on and about Heaven and found in the Easton Bible Dictionary that the Redeemed and “…The Blessed are said to "sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob," and to be "in Abraham's bosom" (Luke 16:22; Matthew 8:11); to "reign with Christ" (2 Timothy 2:12); and to enjoy "rest" (Hebrews 4:10,11). In heaven the blessedness of the righteous consists in the possession of "life everlasting," "an eternal weight of glory" (2 Corinthians 4:17), and…the "fullness of joy" for ever (Luke 20:36; 1 Peter 1:4; 5:10). The believer's heaven is not only a state of everlasting blessedness, but also a "place", a place "prepared" for them (John 14:2).” May this be your reality, your confidence, the reason for your joy and hope. Remember those who are alone and sad. Consider these things with me!

Has Truth Become Disingenuous?

2011-12-14T07:28:00.002-06:00

From My Perspective - - -

Is truth identifiable in the broad spectrum of your life? Can it be found in politics? What about religion, can it be found there? Within family structures, has the influence of culture become so invasive that families have deficiency in the area of truth? Is there a clearly defined line that determines the moral from the immoral (and even the amoral)? Whatever happened to the principle: “You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free”?

In 1966, at a World Congress on Evangelism, one of the speakers was Dr. Francis A. Schaeffer (1912-1984). In his address to the Congress, he made this statement: “The mark of our century is the victory of the Hegelian concept of synthesis, instead of a recognition of truth in the sense of antithesis and absolutes. Prior to Hegel, non-Christians generally acted upon the concept that if a thing was true, the opposite was false. In morals likewise, if a thought or action was viewed as right, the opposite was considered wrong. If the Church in that day, including the Evangelist, said that Christianity was true, or that a thing was right, this had meaning and was understood…Since the influence of Hegel…this is no longer the case. We are increasingly surrounded by a culture in which a concept of truth in the sense of antithesis, and of moral right and wrong does not exist…”

Was Francis Schaeffer right then? Is his analysis of the culture dominant in 1966 even more prevalent and dominant in 2011? In his book, Escape From Reason, he shared these observations: “It is an important principle to remember, in the contemporary interest in communication and in language study, that the Biblical presentation is that though we do not have exhaustive truth, we have from the Bible what I term ‘true-truth.’ In this way we know true truth about God, true truth about man, and something truly about nature. Thus on the basis of the Scriptures, while we do not have exhaustive knowledge, we have true and unified knowledge…We cannot deal with people like human beings, we cannot deal with them on the high level of true humanity, unless we really know their origin - - who they are. God tells man who he is. God tells us that He created man in His image. So man is something wonderful…” Francis Schaeffer points out another observation that has application to the times in which we live: “We are watching our culture put into effect the fact that when you tell men long enough that they are machines, it soon begins to show in their actions. You see it in our whole culture - - in the theatre of cruelty, in the violence in the streets, in the death of man in art and life…”

David had a similar sense about his culture, his world and lifestyles that were devoid of a sense about God and the standards He established, when he wrote in Psalm 139:11-20, “If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night, even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you. For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them. How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I would count them, they are more than the sand. I awake, and I am still with you. Oh that you would slay the wicked, O God! O men of blood, depart from me! They speak against you with malicious intent; your enemies take your name in vain…!”

We need to regain the voice of Truth and champion that message tirelessly. When Jesus said in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father except by Me.” – this was not just an encouraging word for His disciples, it was the message He wanted all men in all generations to champion and make known until He returns. Have we ‘dropped the ball’ when it comes to the ‘true-truth’? Have we lost our courage to have and to make a courageous statement of our faith and belief? Consider these things with me!

Anniversaries To Remember and Celebrate

2011-12-05T07:33:00.001-06:00

From My Perspective - - -

In one way or another, all of us recognize and celebrate anniversaries throughout one’s lifetime. Perhaps the most notable anniversary is one’s Birthday. Children, especially, have come to expect cards, gifts, and a Birthday Party to mark the passing of another year. For those who have been united in Matrimony, the wedding Anniversary becomes very significant. A Husband can forget many things but he had best devise a way to remember the Wedding Anniversary. Otherwise, what should have been a day of remembering the love and joy of marriage, he may experience a day of misery and woe.

Historically, there are significant “anniversary” days that one should remember. For instance, I, along with several classmates, can remember detail surrounding the Assassination of President Kennedy (we were in a class with a Guest Lecturer of note). Many can remember exactly where they were and what they were preparing to do on September 11, 2001 – an anniversary date that now marks the reality of world-wide terrorism as well as the vulnerability of our nation that here-to-for has been safe from attack within the borders of our nation. This week represents an date that was declared as one that would live in infamy – December 7, 1941 – the 70^th Anniversary of the Japanese Attack at Pearl Harbor. Words cannot adequately describe how life in and for this nation changed dramatically 70 years ago. “Remember Pearl Harbor” became a rallying cry for the nation that summoned a level of unanimity and patriotism across this nation.

Part of what should be remembered is the Historical Data regarding December 7^th, 1941: “…The Japanese air attack on Pearl Harbor and on the airfields of Oahu began at 0755 on December 7, 1941 and ended shortly before 1000. Quickly recovering from the initial shock of surprise, the Americans fought back vigorously with antiaircraft fire. Devastation of the airfields was so quick and thorough that only a few American planes were able to participate in the counterattack. The Japanese were successful in accomplishing their principal mission, which was to cripple the Pacific Fleet. They sunk three battleships, caused another to capsize, and severely damaged the other four. All together the Japanese sank or severely damaged 18 ships, including the 8 battleships, three light cruisers, and three destroyers. On the airfields the Japanese destroyed 161 American planes (Army 74, Navy 87) and seriously damaged 102 (Army 71, Navy 31). The Navy and Marine Corps suffered a total of 2,896 casualties of which 2,117 were deaths (Navy 2,008, Marines 109) and 779 wounded (Navy 710, Marines 69). The Army (as of midnight, 10 December) lost 228 killed or died of wounds, 113 seriously wounded and 346 slightly wounded. In addition, at least 57 civilians were killed and nearly as many seriously injured. The Japanese lost 29 planes over Oahu, one large submarine (on 10 December), and all five of the midget submarines. Their personnel losses (according to Japanese sources) were 55 airmen, nine crewmen on the midget submarines, and an unknown number on the large submarines. The Japanese carrier task force sailed away undetected and unscathed…”

The Bible indicates there are particular matters that one should remember. One of the ideas is shared in these excerpts from Ecclesiastes 12:1-5, “Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near of which you will say, I have no pleasure in them…in the day when the keepers of the house tremble, and the strong men are bent, and the grinders cease because they are few…they are afraid also of what is high, and terrors are in the way…” In a day marked by uncertainty and apprehension – Remember Your Creator. Another consideration that must be remembered and put into practice – if we want and expect the help of the Lord - is II Chronicles 7:13-15, “When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command the locust to devour the land, or send pestilence among my people, if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayer that is made in this place…” Do you believe this? Have you been implementing it in your life, home, family, church? Do you believe this is the primary foundation upon which hope is to be built? If so, begin – without delay – to do it. Consider these things with me!

The Quest: Clarity

2011-12-01T07:40:00.004-06:00

From My Perspective - - -

From: The Message

Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious - the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.

Philippians 4:8-9

In his comments to the 1,000 plus attendees of the 31st General Assembly meeting of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Stated Clerk Jeffrey Jeremiah said: “I believe our Lord is saying to us today, I see your orthodoxy. It is essential and I commend you for it. I see your orthopraxy as well. Now, show me your orthopathos."

Basically, what is Jeffrey Jeremiah saying and meaning? The words used have specific meaning: (1) Orthodoxy pertains to what one believes! (2) Orthopraxy pertains to what one does or practices! But - what is (3) Orthopathos? The closest one can come to a sense of what it means is that it pertains to what one feels, namely, a feeling of sympathy and/or compassion (about what he has heard and how he feels about those with whom he is associated).

In actuality, it is an old pedagogical formulation for the one teaching to keep in mind that the bottom line and focus is what one wants those whom he has taught to (1) know, (2) think, (3) do in terms of what they have heard. Teaching, if it is viable and valuable, should produce both understanding and action. The instruction is not to the end that the listener will possess more knowledge and warehouse it, but that he will glean from it what his response and application must be as a result of that instruction.

This is also a suitable and useful formulation for those who are called to "preach/teach the word" – namely - action is the expected response and result of preaching! What does one want his congregants or students to (1) Know, (2) Think, (3) Do. Regrettably, there is too much "talking" in the pulpit and from the lectern rather than "teaching"! The result is that no one - including the preacher/teacher - has any notion regarding what one is to Know, Think or Do.

In this regard, The Message Paraphrase has an excellent rendering of I Corinthians 2:1-5, “You'll remember, friends, that when I first came to you to let you in on God's master stroke, I didn't try to impress you with polished speeches and the latest philosophy. I deliberately kept it plain and simple: first Jesus and who he is; then Jesus and what he did - Jesus crucified. I was unsure of how to go about this, and felt totally inadequate - I was scared to death, if you want the truth of it - and so nothing I said could have impressed you or anyone else. But the Message came through anyway. God's Spirit and God's power did it, which made it clear that your life of faith is a response to God's power, not to some fancy mental or emotional footwork by me or anyone else.”

In all of ones communication, one should strive to keep it simple, basic, clear and understandable. Otherwise, one will emulate the noisy gong and clanging cymbal spoken of in I Corinthians 13:1.How do others respond to your communications? Are they impressed with your intellectual skills and abilities, or with the fact that you have spent time in the study and preparation of God’s Word – and – you have spoken it in such a manner that even the youngest and/or most simple can understand and benefit from it? Consider these things with me!

When Truth Is Trampled

2011-11-30T08:20:00.000-06:00

From My Perspective - - -

A major question often posed in the areas of philosophy and theology is, “What is truth?” It is the question posed by Pilate at the trial and ultimate crucifixion of Jesus Christ – when he asked Jesus – “What is Truth?” If only he could have known and connected the dots from the ministry of Jesus when Thomas had asked: “How can we know the way?” On that occasion, Jesus answered with an amplified and comprehensive statement in John 14:5-6, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except by Me.” Pilate did not connect the dots in his day and people are not connecting the dots in our day either.

This profound question – “What is truth?” is current in our news cycle as a Republican Presidential Candidate tries to explain the complaints and charges of sexual harassment by five women. The bottom line of his defense so far has been “they are not telling the truth.” One thing is certain – before this is over – it will become obvious in terms of who lied and who is telling the truth. Wisdom Words of the ages will unfold, namely: “Be sure your sins will find you out!” There is the misconception where people believe they can insulate themselves from responsibility for all kinds of deceit and/or corruption – but such a one is deceiving himself/herself. The fact is that a day of reckoning will always come and truth will always prevail.

There are moments within ones lifetime where religion plays an important role. Usually, it occurs at a time of War and/or Great Tragedy. People have the innate cry of despair – that helplessness and sense of a need that one cannot humanly meet – an a cry goes out to “God”. It is like an S.O.S. signal sent out across the horizon in the hope that someone – somewhere – will hear the distress signal and call – and come to the rescue. Pearl Harbor and World War II was such a time; September 11, 2001 was another occasion; times of accident or illness also tend to be a time when religious thoughts occur. However, these times and moments suffer from disconnect and neglect. It is not a constant in many lives. It tends to be an emergency type religion that is embraced and practiced. Someone observed and poignantly wrote: “Between the bookends of our moment of terror yesterday and our moment of truth today, lie the pages of our life as a people. The picture is not pretty. The headlines reveal, as renowned pollsters George Gallup and George Barna have for a decade declared, a profound moral and spiritual disconnect between the way we see ourselves and the way we truly live.” Some other observations that were shared are: “Morality, ethics and dishonesty were named by the Gallup Poll in 2001 as the top problem facing the nation...not terrorism. Virtues have given way to values as every one does that which is right in his own eyes. 33% of our children are born out of wedlock as are 80% of those in the major cities of our land. Less than half of us believe it is immoral to live together outside of marriage, confirming why cohabitation precedes 37% of all marriages in the United States…Now 91% of us lie regularly…The wave of corporate fraud did not emerge in a vacuum. It’s in part a consequence of a society that refuses to recognize absolute standards of right and wrong…TRUST is rapidly slipping away for all of our institutions…”

How does The Eternal God see this world today? What does the Word of God allow has happened to truth and righteousness? Is there a remedy – a solution? Psalm 5 along with Isaiah 59 state a summary of what God is observing and has determined: “…your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear…No one enters suit justly; no one goes to law honestly…feet run to evil, and they are swift to shed innocent blood; their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity…there is no justice in their paths… For our transgressions are multiplied before you, and our sins testify against us…we know our iniquities: transgressing, and denying the Lord, and turning back from following our God…conceiving and uttering from the heart lying words. Justice is turned back, and righteousness stands far away; for truth has stumbled (is trampled underfoot) in the public squares, and uprightness cannot enter. Truth is lacking…The Lord saw it, and it displeased him…” The remedy is Isaiah 59:1, “Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save, or his ear dull, that it cannot hear…” It is time to repent and to return to the Lord! Consider these things with me.

Fair and Balanced

2011-11-26T06:15:00.000-06:00

From My Perspective - - -

One particular News Agency loves to state that their News Reporting is “Fair and Balanced – we Report, You Decide.” The question is: Is there any News Agency whose reporting is “fair and balanced.” On the ABC News Website, the following appears: “Critics of President Obama felt little holiday cheer after the president did not thank God in his Thanksgiving-themed weekly Internet address. They immediately took to Twitter and the Internet to voice anger and disbelief…"Somebody ought to remind Obama (and his speechwriter) that when Americans sit down around a meal today and give thanks, they give thanks to God." Over on the website of Fox News Radio, radio host Todd Starnes also took issue: His remarks were void of any religious references, although Thanksgiving is a holiday traditionally steeped in giving thanks and praise to God…The president said his family was reflecting on how truly lucky we truly are, Starnes said. For many Americans, though, Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on how blessed and thankful they are." Is any of that “fair and balanced”? No! Why, you may ask?

The ABC Report continues: “…the President explicitly thanked God earlier in the week in his written Thanksgiving proclamation, which called the holiday one of our nation's oldest and most cherished traditions, and an occasion that brings us closer to our loved ones and invites us to reflect on the blessings that enrich our lives. As we gather in our communities and in our homes, around the table or near the hearth, we give thanks to each other and to God for the many kindnesses and comforts that grace our lives. Let us pause to recount the simple gifts that sustain us, and resolve to pay them forward in the year to come, Obama wrote.” Lest the political opponents get too gleeful too quickly, observe the following: “Ironically, the attacks on Obama came as the Republican White House hopefuls suspended their criticism of the president on Thursday in favor of a unified message of thanks to U.S. service members and their families. Three of the Republican presidential candidates – Mitt Romney, Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum – issued Thanksgiving statements that omitted any references to God. Michele Bachmann, Herman Cain and Rick Perry mentioned God in their statements…”

It is becoming safe to say that we are becoming more and more irreligious in our nation and among the national leadership. Religious comments by politicians seem plastic and inclined to appeal to a portion of a political base rather than from a real and personal commitment to the Eternal God Who created and sustains the universe – and Who is carrying out His Will and Purpose regardless of who agrees or disagrees. In this age of political correctness and an imbalanced commitment to avoid offending or alienating those of Islamic convictions, we have jettisoned our foundational principles and core values as a nation. Our nation is in the process of turning a corner in terms of Israel and being identified with that nation that is surrounded by Arab States.

In the midst of our imbalances, we need to regain a focus and commitment to the principles and values that should never be compromised. There is a place where “fair and balanced” are of no consequence at all – namely – when it comes to The Authority of God. We would do well to note Isaiah 43:10-11, “You are my witnesses, declares the Lord, and my servant whom I have chosen, that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor shall there be any after me. I, I am the Lord, and besides me there is no savior.” And, Isaiah 45:5-7, “I am the Lord, and there is no other, besides me there is no God; I equip you, though you do not know me, that people may know, from the rising of the sun and from the west, that there is none besides me; I am the Lord, and there is no other. I form light and create darkness, I make well-being and create calamity, I am the Lord, who does all these things.” Remember Who spoke these words and Who will speak the last words as well! Consider THESE THINGS with me!

Whose Counting

2011-11-23T07:23:00.000-06:00

From My Perspective - - -

We live amid fast-paced lives – always doing; always buying; always going somewhere; always wanting something new or different; more and more – leaving one breathless at the end of the day and unable to get adequate rest. Then – there is the embrace of “worries” and “anxieties” – the cares of life and the world piling up and overwhelming one – will my employment be terminated; will my home be lost to foreclosure; can I maintain a reasonable and adequate standard of living; can I meet the rising costs of the basics of life – these and many other concerns weigh one down and leave one weary and aching at the end of the day.

A danger to all of this is what will get crowded out of one’s life – the important and necessary for the maintenance of stability. One can become so involved and absorbed with secular survival, that the spiritual is forgotten and/or neglected. The focus on the here and now dominates and allows one to bypass the eternal. In Mark 4:18-19, Jesus states a Parable about the Seed and The Sower. He rightly points out the various kinds of soil one will encounter. Then Jesus makes this observation about some of the seed: “…And others are the ones sown among thorns. They are those who hear the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful...” The language is plain and simple – (1) the cares of this world, and (2) the deceitfulness of riches – enter into one’s thinking and becomes the number one concern. In the process of this occurring, the Word of God – “My God shall supply for all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” – is choked out of one’s life and alternative for living – and – is not allowed to be fruitful for practical living. The Message Translation of Mark 4:18-19 is even more clear: “The seed cast in the weeds represents the ones who hear the kingdom news but are overwhelmed with worries about all the things they have to do and all the things they want to get. The stress strangles what they heard, and nothing comes of it.”

Another area that needs to be refreshed and remembered in our lives is some time allotted for Meditation and Remembering. In 1896, the Hymn Writer succinctly reminded one to:

Count your blessings, name them one by one,

Count your blessings, see what God hath done!

Count your blessings, name them one by one,

And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

In Psalm 103:1-6, one is reminded of this same truth – the things one should remember as Blessings from the Lord Who is merciful and gracious, as well as bountiful in the various ways by which He blesses: “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits, Who forgives all your iniquity, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from the pit, Who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, Who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. The Lord works righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed...”

As you gather with family, friends, loved ones – make certain that all are directed to remember: “Christ is the Head of this house; the Unseen Guest at every meal; the Silent Listener to every conversation.” A Polish Blessing shares these thoughts: “Lord, we ask You to bless this family with a warm place by the fire when the world is cold; a light in the window when the way is dark; a welcoming smile when the road is long; a haven of love when the day is done; For the Blessing of this home, we give thanks.” Also, I remember the popular song by Perry Como that contained these words: “Bless this house, Oh Lord we pray, Make it safe by night and day. Bless these walls so firm and stout, Keeping want and trouble out. Bless the roof and chimneys tall, Let thy peace lie over all. Bless this door that it may prove, Ever open to joy and love…Bless the people here within, Keep them pure and free from sin. Bless us all that we may be, Fit Oh Lord to dwell with thee. Bless us all that we, one day, may dwell, Oh Lord, with Thee.” Take time to think about spiritual things – eternal things! Commit yourself to rest in the Lord and to live in His peace. Remind your loved ones of these great truths – and – have a Happy, Joyous Thanksgiving. Consider these things with me!

Posturing

2011-11-21T07:01:00.000-06:00

From My Perspective - - -

Government and Gamesmanship are almost synonymous with each other. It is made to appear that through posturing and proclamations – these are the rules of the game. The teams – Republicans and Democrats – come to the center of the field. The Referee – the President – flips the coin and tells the teams to let the game begin. The teams have been given a date by which the game must be concluded otherwise there will be an automatic scoring that will take place for which both teams will be able to disown the result. Then – the Referee – not only leaves the field of play – he also leaves the country for a period of time and lets the unmanaged and uncontrolled teams play their game according to their own rules. This, in brief, is how the Debt Reduction Committee was formed, organized and performed. There was little or no expectation that anyone would have the gumption to do what was necessary and/or right.

The origin of the word “gumption”, taken from the online etymology dictionary, states the primary sense and usage of the word: “The Word Origin and History – gumption – 1719, Scottish – common sense, shrewdness, initiative, give attention to…” I suppose that in terms of the ever-increasing National Debt (now more than $15 Trillion) it could be said that the Commission and Congress allowed this once great and proud nation to die of neglect. As a nation, we are struggling to keep our heads above water and gasping for air to breathe. Where is the Life Preserver? Who will throw it – The Chinese…The Iranians? Where is there a Lifeboat – a rescue vessel? Is there anyone who cares? Will someone come to their senses and see there is an immediate need? Can those who decide be willing to forget about their individual career and look at the bigger picture – the survival of the nation? They have already taken care of themselves at the cost of a neglected citizenry.

As a nation, we have come to the time in our calendar and observe a day called Thanksgiving. It is a time to cease from all other things and to acknowledge that God has blest us far greater than we deserve and with much more than we need. It’s a time when we can look beyond ourselves and/or our own to those who are in desperate and hopeless situations in our world. Hopefully, any effort to reach out will be welcomed. Sometimes the effort may be rejected by one group or another but there are all too many alternatives. My wife and I had come across an opportunity to get some beautiful clothing at a greatly reduced cost. The first country we thought of has been devastated with storms and poverty, etc. Our offer was essentially rejected because giving the clothing “would put people out of work who are making the clothing.” Our view was – perhaps it would give them something nice and useful to clothe their children and allow them to get to work. Part of our thinking is a result of an almost obscure text in Mark 4:35-41, “…when evening came, He (Jesus) said to His disciples, Let us go over to the other side.Leaving the crowd behind, they took Him along, just as He was, in the boat. There were also other boats with Him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke Him and said to Him, Teacher, don't you care if we drown?...”

The phrase for special note is – “There were also other boats with him.” Why? When the storm was most furious and the situation most desperate, for whom are the disciples expressing concern – the other little boats with them – or – themselves? When the disciples come to the stern of the boat and awaken Jesus, there is no mention of the other little boats – just – “Teacher, don't you care if we drown?” The preoccupation with self and the immediate needs and wants for self are the occasion of the urgency. If Only – we could get the focus off of “self” and refocus onto others, and let them know that we care. Also, it would be good if we would remember to pause and give thanks to the Faithful God – maybe even using the words of Psalm 103 – Who showers us with His benefits; Who forgives; Who heals; Who redeems; Who Satisfies; Who restores and renews our strength - Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise His holy name… While we are remembering to do this, let us not forget the little boats out there where the needs are so very great and situations are so very dangerous and desperate. Let us do what we can to alleviate those conditions and to let them know - we genuinely care! Consider these things with me!

Super Committee - Super Failure

2011-11-17T07:17:00.001-06:00

From My Perspective - - -

How does a unique power in History suddenly become a disrespected weak one? What does it take to snatch defeat out of the jaws of victory? How can that which has been a Super Success drastically become a Super Failure? This past week Leon Panetta, Secretary of Defense offered a grim and bleak outcome if the Super Committee of Congress (composed of 6 Democrats and 6 Republicans) failed to arrive at a place where they had a significant Budget Reduction to lower the National Debt by close to 2 Trillion Dollars. Their inability to do so would trigger automatic reductions – 600 Billion being in the area of Defense. Panetta was adamant: Failure Would Hurt Defense.

The publication – Roll Call – reports: “Panetta warned lawmakers in a letter today that the military would face substantial problems if House and Senate negotiators fail to come to an agreement on a massive deficit reduction deal by next week.If the Joint Committee on Deficit Reduction deadlocks and automatic across-the-board cuts kick in, Panetta said the consequences would includes the halting of most ship and construction projects, cuts in contractors, and the smallest Air Force in history.His letter reiterated his previous testimony before Congress while more clearly outlining the potential effects of sequestration — the automatic cuts that would slash roughly $500 billion in defense spending as well as other areas of the federal budget.The impacts of these cuts would be devastating for the Department…Facing such large reductions, we would have to reduce the size of the military sharply. Rough estimates suggest after ten years of these cuts, we would have the smallest ground force since 1940, the smallest number of ships since 1915, and the smallest Air Force in its history…As a result, we would have to formulate a new security strategy that accepted substantial risk of not meeting our defense needs. A sequestration budget is not one that I could recommend.”

What is true and possible in Government Affairs is also true in and for Personal Lives. The determining factor for both are the Core Values – those things that define and shape Purpose - that are embraced. Without valid Core Values, Governments and Individuals will drift through life in a listless manner (having or showing little interest in anything) – merely drifting from pillar to post. For Nations and Lives, there is an interesting description given regarding God’s People as they wandered without purpose or vision in Psalm 105:13-23 – “…wandering from nation to nation, from one kingdom to another people, He allowed no one to oppress them; He rebuked kings on their account, saying, Touch not my anointed ones, do My prophets no harm! When He summoned a famine on the land and broke all supply of bread, He had sent a man ahead of them, Joseph, who was sold as a slave. His feet were hurt with fetters; his neck was put in a collar of iron; until what he had said came to pass, the word of the Lord tested him. The king sent and released him; the ruler of the peoples set him free; he made him lord of his house and ruler of all his possessions, to bind his princes at his pleasure and to teach his elders wisdom…” The Message Translations states Verse 13, 14 - “Wandering from country to country, drifting from pillar to post, He permitted no one to abuse them. He told kings to keep their hands off…”

Have you ever tried to function apart from focus, vision, purpose, a sense of God’s Will? Have you ever allowed yourself to be relegated to the “wandering from pillar to post” category? Have you arrived at a point where you feel you are no longer necessary or needed? Or – do you “bluff” as though you are on the top of your game? Do you try to project confidence and ability which you lack? Have you manipulated situations so you might gain status or a position for which you were neither equipped or qualified? Have you attempted to project an “image” that you wished was true – but – you know it wasn’t? If so, like the Super Committee you will be drifting toward Super Failure.

The lyric to an old Hymn is a good commitment to have – “My times are in Thy hand;My God, I wish them there; My life, my friends, my soul I leave Entirely to Thy care… My times are in Thy hand, Jesus, the crucified! Those hands my cruel sins had pierced Are now my guard and guide.” This is the best core value and safest place to be! Consider these things with me.

Changing Times

2011-11-16T07:27:00.000-06:00

From My Perspective - - -

The events of our current day illustrate the climate for change that is occurring in the world, as well as in our own nation. From the overthrow of governments in the Middle East to the gatherings of the Occupy Groups in our nation – frustration, envy, inequity, hopelessness and despair – all seem to contribute to the expressions of our day. The other part to this scenario is that there appears to be no immediate resolve or remedy for those who have lost their employment; or are having to do more menial tasks at lesser remuneration; or those who have endured foreclosure as the housing bubble burst; etc. The Government that promised “hope” and asked to be “trusted” has failed to prove they have earned or deserve a response of either hope or trust. Those who are entrusted with tax revenues and budget management have enlarged the nation’s debt level; and those who insist on reminding us that they are concerned for the “people” feather their own personal nest with “Insider Trading Benefits” (According to CBS: 60 Minutes on 11-13-11) that would cause the rest of us to be incarcerated.

Changing times also impact traditional families in the nation. It is provable that the Holidays are the most critical in the lives of people, especially for the aging and elderly. In too many ways, the aging and elderly can be neglected and/or forgotten. What once was an exciting time of family festivity and gathering has turned into an empty-house and loneliness. Where decorations were common place because the children were coming home with their children, now is barren and relegated to the non-eventful. The aging and elderly can feel as though they must either force their way into being included and/or allow themselves to be squeezed into a different context where they don’t feel or believe they really fit. They may accommodate the situation but do so reluctantly because they believe more in the Traditions than they do the Transitions. They wonder – whatever happened to the merry song – “Over the river and through the woods to Grandmother’s house we go; the Horse knows the way to carry the sleigh…” Some who read this will claim it is false, whereas others will read it and fully identify with it. One sees it from the perspective where it becomes a case of there being a tension between Traditions on the one hand Transitions on the other. There is a time and place for the younger families to begin forming their own Traditions as their families grow – but – at what cost to the aging and elderly?

Some of the things that do not change include the general teaching of God’s Word, Exodus 20:12 – “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.” The Apostle Paul found this sufficiently important that he added it in Ephesians 6:1-3 – “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother which is the first commandment with a promise that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth." The words of Ephesians 6:4 may be the reason why some Transitions take place and Traditions become scuttled, “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” The Message translates the verse: “Fathers, don't exasperate your children by coming down hard on them. Take them by the hand and lead them in the way of the Master.” The second generation can get the feeling that their parent or parents have become “grumpy” and “fuss at their children” too often and too much. The result is that no one of the third generation wishes to come home and the second generation would rather not have to contend with the complaints of their own children not wanting to go to the Grandparents home. What a reality! What a tension! What a problem! What a Tension!

One way to Remember and to Honor one’s parents – don’t avoid them and don’t treat them as relics. Your aging and elderly parents don’t need gifts – they already have plenty of “stuff”! They just need to be loved, understood, wanted, included and remembered. This is even more true for the Mother/Grandmother who tends to live longer than the Father/Grandfather. Is it too much to expect that the Children and Grandchildren will regularly remember those who are an important part of their lives and heritage? Just some words for the wise! Don’t read into them – rather - heed them! Consider these things with me!

Character

2011-11-15T07:30:00.001-06:00

From My Perspective - - -

What does it take to be a person whose character is beyond reproach? How long does it take for one’s character to become tainted? How much time will it take to repair one’s tainted character and to have trust and confidence regained? Is it possible to repair what has been besmirched? Can it ever fully take place? The Synonyms for the word “character” give a summary of what is meant by good character, namely: “the characteristics possessed by a person; especially moral qualities, ethical standards, principles; the distinctive qualities that make one recognizable as a person differentiated from others; the combination of outer and inner qualities that will determine the impression that a person makes upon others…”

One’s words, thoughts, deeds, behavior, associations, etc. must be guarded carefully because it takes only a moment of time to destroy that which has taken a lifetime to establish. For instance, (1) a person with ambitions to become the Republican nominee for President begins to gain some traction and moves into the lead of several polls; his popularity begins to soar; his fund-raising has increased dramatically – and then – word leaks out from “someone” regarding the possibility of inappropriate behavior approximately 15 years earlier that is deemed to be sexual harassment – nothing specific and no individual named – BUT – the character of the candidate is brought into question – AND – he begins to have to defend his character against the unidentified and the unspecified. What becomes lost here is that on the one hand there is alleged sexual harassment and on the other possible character assassination. (2) a person who has achieved what no one else has achieved – 46 years a Head Football Coach with more wins than any other coach – is now suddenly and unceremoniously fired as the Head Coach. Why? It is alleged that an Assistant Coach 12-15 years ago began to be involved in inappropriate behavior with young boys and was reportedly observed as having raped one of them. Once this “news” begins to be circulated, the Head Coach – a man of character and reputation for most of his 84 years – becomes culpable because – once he learned of this alleged act - he did not report it to the police.

In Proverbs 22:1 (NLT), “Choose a good reputation over great riches, for being held in high esteem is better than having silver or gold.” The Message Translation: “A sterling reputation is better than striking it rich; a gracious spirit is better than money in the bank.” When Paul was instructing Timothy in terms of commitment and character, he wrote in I Timothy 1:18-19, “This charge I entrust to you, Timothy, my child, in accordance with the prophecies previously made about you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting this, some have made shipwreck of their faith…” In this instance, Good Character means having a strong faith in God and His Word and a Clear Conscience as every effort is made to live consistently and obediently to his calling and conviction.

Paul states the Qualifications for an Overseer in the Church in I Timothy 3:1-7, “The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church? He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.” Verse 2 in the New Living Translation states: “He must be a man whose life cannot be spoken against. He must be faithful to his wife. He must exhibit self-control, live wisely, and have a good reputation.” Paul wanted the godly man to know the stakes are very high. It takes a lifetime to develop character – but – it takes just a moment for one’s character to become personally tainted, as well as bringing reproach to the name of Christ and His Church. In I Peter 2:12-22, Peter wrote about the need to “Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God^...” Can you do it? Will you? Consider these things with me!

Occupying Forces

2011-11-11T05:53:00.001-06:00

From My Perspective - - -

The Cost Of Freedom should never be forgotten. In the modern culture that maintains a self-indulgence that is unprecedented, it has become too easy to be focused upon what “I want now” versus “What it cost” for that degree of freedom to exist. Today, for instance, should focus upon the many who placed their lives in jeopardy for the defense of the freedoms and liberties of this nation and in behalf of others who yearned to be free. It is now called Veteran’s Day to commemorate – to honor – all the brave men and women who have served in the military – and – especially the many who died in the conflicts. Originally, this was known as Armistice Day when the significant surrender of the enemy occurred on the eleventh day of the eleventh month at the eleventh hour in the year 1918 ending what was called “The Great War.”

On this day, in November 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…" The original concept for the celebration was for a day observed with parades and public meetings and a brief suspension of business beginning at 11:00 a.m.

To that end, The United States Congress officially recognized the end of World War I when it passed a concurrent resolution on June 4, 1926, with these words: Whereas the 11th of November 1918, marked the cessation of the most destructive, sanguinary, and far reaching war in human annals and the resumption by the people of the United States of peaceful relations with other nations, which we hope may never again be severed, and Whereas it is fitting that the recurring anniversary of this date should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations; and Whereas the legislatures of twenty-seven of our States have already declared November 11 to be a legal holiday: Therefore be it Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), that the President of the United States is requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on November 11 and inviting the people of the United States to observe the day in schools and churches, or other suitable places, with appropriate ceremonies of friendly relations with all other peoples.”

How will this day be observed across this nation? In all likelihood, with very little remembrance or fanfare. However, “Occupying…” is part of our current news and vernacular. “Occupying” groups are taking place in many cities across our nation. Some of them are orderly, while other groups are not. Regrettably, violence has occurred – rape and shootings – perpetrated by some who have infiltrated the Occupying Groups. Those given to conspiracy by the establishment will attribute that to police brutality. They will say that without a shred of evidence to prove their point – but – say it they will. Part of the primary purpose – to decry and denounce the one percent of the nation who represent “wealth and material gain” versus the ninety-nine percent (47 percent of who pay no taxes) demanding an equal share in the wealth.

It reminds one of an illustration of Jesus Christ when he spoke of the 99 safe sheep and the 1 sheep that had gone astray. The shepherd would leave the 99 and seek for that 1 lost sheep. If we view this in a juxtapositional way, an effort needs to be made to reach the 99 who seem to be lost in their understanding of finances and business. They can “Occupy” if they wish – but – that is a command that was issued to the disciples of Jesus in terms of His Kingdom. In Luke 19:13ff, the Lord states a parable about a man of wealth and his distribution of some of it. The direction in Luke 19:13 (NKJV) is simple: “Do business till I come.” Most of us were nurtured in Church with the KJV of the Bible. It seems to be the only translation that expresses Luke 19:13 to: “Occupy Until I Come.” Clearly, the “Church” has lost its “Occupying” duty, vision and fervor. Our “Occupying” is supposed to share the Gospel message. How are we doing? Consider these things with me!

Only Tops Should Spin

2011-11-10T06:56:00.001-06:00

From My Perspective - - -

In a more innocent time, different types of Tops were designed with the sole purpose that they could and would spin better than some other manufacturer’s Tops. We have progressed to a point where in this day People do most of the spinning. It’s no longer the Toy but politicians, educators, religious leaders, sports representatives – they and sundry others have learned how to “spin” verbally to try and make a negative become a positive. Currently, there is the long-tenured Head Football Coach whose only defense against child abuse that occurred by one of his assistants was – “I should’ve done more…I did what I was supposed to do.” No! – he did not do what he was supposed to do! He was supposed to notify the police that a felony had been committed and a child had been sexually violated.

This is not dissimilar than when a large world-wide Church became aware of charges being made about and against pedophile priests. What should be done when a priest violates the laws of decency and morality? What should’ve been done wasn’t done. Instead, you remove the priest from Parish A and assign him to Parish B. Now – that should be the remedy and cure! Was it? No! The only remedy was to admit what had occurred and to remove the priest from any and all parish duties and activities. He should’ve been arrested and the crime of child abuse addressed legally. But – “Spin” and “Evade” seem to be the preferred route to be taken.

More recently, an American political leader who loves to talk is heard in conversation with a French political leader. What’s at issue? The One News Now report states: “French President Nicolas Sarkozy recently made negative comments to President Obama, saying ‘Netanyahu is a liar.’ Obama quipped back, ‘You're fed up with him, but I have to deal with him every day!’” When did this occur? “The two leaders exchanged barbs targeting Benjamin Netanyahu after a press conference at the G-20 summit, but they did not realize that reporters were still listening via translation headphones.” The report continues: But even though the blunder was witnessed by a number of reporters…the…administration will find ways to use the diplomatic embarrassment to its advantage. The White House spin machine will do whatever they have to do to reassure friends in the Jewish community that it's been blown out of proportion or whatever…But I (Gary Bauer) am also absolutely convinced that they will go to the people they're reaching out to in the Muslim community and say, 'I hope you saw those remarks by the president about what he thinks of Netanyahu.'"

Somehow – Somewhere – there needs to be a return to (a) accepting responsibility for one’s words and acts, and/or (b) a precise and prompt confrontation that addresses the negative or wrong that has taken place. There is an interesting place in the Bible where the main character manipulates events – in other words, “Spins” them – so the end result is most favorable to him and his reputation. The conclusion to the event is recorded in II Samuel 12. The story is well-known. David observes Bathsheba bathing and lusts after her. He sends for her and she becomes pregnant. Now – what should one do? David tries to “spin” the matter to his advantage – 1) bring her husband home from the battle; 2) set it up so it will appear that he is the father of the child – but he has failed to consider the loyalty of commitment of this soldier-husband. Her husband refuses to go into the comfort of his home while his comrades are still engaged in battle. David – in his frustration – arranges the battle lines so that this brave, courageous, and innocent man – is left exposed and will be killed in battle.

The confrontation with David comes in II Samuel 12:1-7. Nathan spoke a parable where a rich man took the ewe lamb of a poor man to feed an unexpected guest. The King became infuriated and wanted to know who that man was because he was deserving of death. The passage states: “David burned with anger against the man and said to Nathan, As surely as the Lord lives, the man who did this deserves to die! Then Nathan said to David, You are the man! This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says…” No wiggle-room here! No “spin” to manipulate the event. No – just – “You Are The Man!” Don’t try to “spin” who or what you are! Be open, transparent, honest before the Lord! Walk with Integrity before all men! Consider these things with me!

Curmudgeonly

2011-11-07T05:49:00.004-06:00

From My Perspective - - -

This past week a person of notoriety – Andy Rooney – died at the age of 92. In recent years, he was known for his brief commentaries on 60 Minutes that covered a wide area of topics. He was referred to – whether earned and deserved or not - as being a “curmudgeon.” The strict definition of a curmudgeon is: “a bad-tempered, difficult and cantankerous person; one who is surly, miserly, a grouch; a person who complains a lot. The Synonyms for Curmudgeon include: “fault-finder, griper, grumbler, malcontent, whiner.” In the case of Andy Rooney, it seems as though he had a finger on the pulse of many fellow-citizens, so that after his commentary, many would find points of agreement and be glad that someone gave expression to the oddity or absurdity of what was passing as acceptable.

There are an array of comments by others who aspire to be known as being curmudgeonly, such as this statement by Dick Cavett: “It's a rare person who wants to hear what he doesn't want to hear.” That statement could be construed more as “tongue in cheek” rather than a curmudgeonly observation. Some other examples include: “Write a profound saying and your name will live forever.” – Anonymous; and - “One of the symptoms of an approaching nervous breakdown is the belief that one's work is terribly important.” - Bertrand Russell.

A person who could fit in the curmudgeon classification is Peggy Noonan. She has a style of writing that which many are thinking. An example is her recent column – “Happy Days Aren’t Here Again.” In it, she writes: “…Party brand don’t dictate outcomes…A brand is a reputation. Here both the Republicans and the Democrats face challenges. What is called the tea party…became angry that they had trusted the Republican establishment during a Republican presidency, only to see that establishment run up huge debt, launch foreign wars, contribute to the surveillance state, and refuse to control America’s borders. What made the anger deeper is that they were angry at themselves. They felt complicit: They had not rebelled, they had trusted the party: They’re the GOP establishment, they must know what they’re doing. What the conservative base had learned by 2008 is: Don’t trust the Republican party…The old loyalty was over. It may or may not come back. The Democrats’ challenge? They’re living on faded glory, and Mr. Obama has done nothing for the brand. In January 2009 it was bright and shiny. He has murked it up pretty good. The cascade of government-private sector scandals, from Fannie Mae to Solyndra, has dulled the brand further. Party of the working man? Party of the guy who kited the mortgage deals, got bailed out, and left the working man living in his car. The Republicans’ challenge now: holding together, and breaking 20th-century stereotypes. They should distance themselves from government even as they prove they can govern, and not only oppose but propose. They should put themselves apart from the rigged, piggish insider life of Washington. And try not to look nuts while they’re doing it….” This is good curmudgeonly stuff!

From a Biblical point of view, several of the prophets (also apostles) could’ve been understood as being grumpy, frumpy and grouchy, that is, a type of Curmudgeon. In Isaiah 57:3-5, “But you - come here, you sons of a sorceress, you offspring of adulterers and prostitutes! Whom are you mocking? At whom do you sneer and stick out your tongue? Are you not a brood of rebels, the offspring of liars? You burn with lust among the oaks and under every spreading tree; you sacrifice your children in the ravines and under the overhanging crags…” This type of curmudgeonly rhetoric would be construed as being very confrontational. Another example is the prelude to the Seven Woes (judgments) pronounced by Jesus. In Matthew 23:1-7, “Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples: The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat. So you must obey them and do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach. They tie up heavy loads and put them on men's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them. Everything they do is done for men to see…” The pronouncement of judgment by Jesus was upon the hypocrites of His day. Jesus was pointing out that the “leaders” were misrepresenting the message and were not Taking A Serious God Seriously. They are similar to those mentioned in Hebrews 4:2 (NKJV), “…the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it.” But – what about you? Have you “mixed with faith” the instruction you have received from God’s Word? Are you Taking A Serious God Seriously? Consider these things with me!

God In The Bully Pulpit

2011-11-03T06:30:00.002-05:00

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.

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!

The Discarded

2011-11-02T08:30:00.000-05:00

From My Perspective - - -

The current financial trends and woes in our nation is impacting all areas of life as well as most businesses. Everyone seems to be feeling the economic pressure. One such organization that has been in operation from its founding by Benjamin Franklin is the United States Postal Service. With the advent of Cell Phones, Email, Face-Book and Tweeting – the Postal Service is no longer as vital in our day. For Package delivery, both FedEx and UPS seem more reliable and dependable than the Postal Service. Much of what the Postal Service delivers is discarded – some of it unopened and/or read. The bulk of the mail delivered to our home is Advertisement or Solicitation. We are like most people who don’t even open what is received. It is viewed as junk and is thrown into the trash – discarded.

However, there are a few pieces of such mail that we do open and read. In the area of our residence, there are organizations that are genuinely caring for the homeless and hungry, and who do not consume contributions in top heavy administrative costs – they receive our attention, prayer, and if we are able – a contribution. Two of these organizations are Palmer Home for Children (Columbus, MS) and French Camp Academy (French Camp, MS). Both of these groups work with children from broken and/or parentless home situations and deplorable living conditions. A recent letter from French Camp Academy communicated the following: Of the children/students that they care for – “20% lived with someone other than their parents; 31% have no Mother involved in their lives; 52% have no Father involved in their lives; 15% have either a Mother or Father in prison; 12% have either a Mother or Father deceased.” An additional paragraph states: “Because of FCA, they are recovering. Healing is more than a Hope – it is a Reality. God is using you, me and many others to transform lives, restore relationships, build confidence and lay foundations for successful living.”

Are such places making a difference? Are they providing for children and young people ‘A Shelter In The Time of Storm’? Are you concerned about those who are alone, desperate, needy? There is a challenge and requirement given in James 1:26-27 (ESV), “If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.” The Message Paraphrase states: “Anyone who sets himself up as ‘religious’ by talking a good game is self-deceived. This kind of religion is hot air and only hot air. Real religion, the kind that passes muster before God the Father, is this: Reach out to the homeless and loveless in their plight, and guard against corruption from the godless world.”Are you able to relate to the orphan and widow in their respective plight?

A young person at FCA shared: “My family lived in some very disgusting places. In one place, if I put my plate on the table, roaches quickly crawled all over the food. In another place, my room was in the attic with the mice. I would see them scurrying around, and when I could finally sleep they would feast on my borrowed books and school papers…I thank God for giving me a good home (FCA), where I am safe, loved, and growing in trust of Him…”

When the Lord issued His guidelines for Social Justice as His people were becoming a nation, it included these words in Exodus 22:22-24, “You shall not mistreat any widow or fatherless child. If you do mistreat them, and they cry out to me, I will surely hear their cry…” Also Exodus 23:6, "You shall not pervert the justice due to your poor in his lawsuit.” What is your level of sensitivity toward the poor, oppressed, the huddled masses yearning to be free? Have you ever exercised compassion toward the needy, hungry, poor? If not, what is the reason and rationale that you deem to be valid before Almighty God? If God did toward you what you have done toward others – would you be well-cared for or struggling with needs and hunger and lack of necessities? Do you treat as Discarded those who have obvious and valid needs? When you express gratitude to God for His blessings, have you reached out to be a source of blessing in another’s life? Are you dispassionate toward those who are “discarded” or compassionate? Consider these things with me!

Certainty Or Not

2011-10-28T07:48:00.003-05:00

From My Perspective - - -

During one’s lifetime, it is inevitable that one will hear the comment: “There are only two things one can know with certainty – (a) you will have taxes to pay, and (b) at some point, you will die.” That is not as true today as it once was inasmuch as 47 percent of the people in the USA do not pay Income Taxes. One way or another everyone has some tax to pay even if it is only a Sales Tax on items purchased. A story is told of the Town Sage to whom people would come seeking wisdom and counsel. It goes: “Two men who lived in a small village got into a terrible dispute that they could not resolve. So they decided to talk to the town sage. The first man went to the sage’s home and told his version of what happened. When he finished, the sage said, “You’re absolutely right.”The next night, the second man called on the sage and told his side of the story. The sage responded, “You’re absolutely right.”Afterward, the sage’s wife scolded her husband. “Those men told you two different stories and you told them they were absolutely right. That’s impossible—they can’t both be absolutely right.” The sage turned to his wife and said, “You’re absolutely right.” At the very least, this was “feel-good” advice given by the Town Sage! Is that what you sense you are receiving from the Government - "feel-good" advice?

To say that we live in a world of uncertainty and malice would be an understatement. It seems as though this nation has lost its way. Even though we appear to be directionless, we are moving with great speed headed somewhere. What does it mean when recent surveys indicate that 79 percent of the country believes we are headed in the wrong direction. There is the story of the Airline Pilot who came on the Plane’s Intercom to report to the passengers: “I have some good news and some bad news. The bad news is that we are lost – the good news is that we are making excellent time.” Lost – but traveling at great speed and making excellent time – what a commentary as well as an indictment.

In a perplexing and uncertain time – Abraham Lincoln shared in his second Inaugural Address on March 4, 1865 these words as the Civil War was still being fought. Referencing both sides in the conflict, Lincoln said: “Both read the same Bible and pray to the same God, and each invokes His aid against the other. It may seem strange that any men should dare to ask a just God's assistance in wringing their bread from the sweat of other men's faces, but let us judge not, that we be not judged. The prayers of both could not be answered. That of neither has been answered fully. The Almighty has His own purposes…Yet, if God wills that it continue until all the wealth piled by the bondsman's two hundred and fifty years of unrequited toil shall be sunk, and until every drop of blood drawn with the lash shall be paid by another drawn with the sword, as was said three thousand years ago, so still it must be said ‘the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.’ With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations.” Sage thoughts and counsel for a troubled nation in uncertain times.

Those who would be wise and at peace should consult the Holy Scriptures. In Psalm 33:10-11, “The Lord foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.” These should be words for our encouragement and stability. As well as Proverbs 19:20-21, “Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise. Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails.” The question is – to whom and to what do you turn to? The so-called “wisdom” of man has brought us into the uncertainty and his continued paths will only bring us deeper into the maze. Man’s wisdom is vain! Seek the Lord – His wisdom and His counsel. He will guide you and provide for you! Consider these things with me!

Communication

2011-10-24T07:15:00.000-05:00

From My Perspective - - -

Most of us have a general idea of the meaning of communication. After all, we communicate with someone else most days of our lives. It is “the imparting or interchange of thoughts, opinions, ideas, or concerns by utilizing speech, writing, or signs…it is something transmitted or imparted…” There was a very significant breakthrough disclosed on CBS: 60 Minutes – Sunday, October 23^rd, 2011 – of how an Apple Computer became a vital and useful tool for an autistic young man at age twenty-seven. By use of a special program, he was enabled to make known some of what he was thinking and needing – for the first time, he was able to communicate with words and phrases. Previously, his Mother had gotten him to make use of charades for his avenue of communication.

Today marks a very important anniversary regarding communication. It occurred while the Civil War was underway. While the battles took place between the North and the South, something very significant was taking place from the East to the West - today is the 150^th Anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental telegraph. The Associated Press uses these words: “From sea to shining sea, it electronically knitted together a nation that was simultaneously tearing itself apart, North and South, in the Civil War. Americans soon saw that a breakthrough in the spread of technology could enhance national identity…” The Archivist for Western Union said: “it was huge as lines were strung across mountains and canyons and tribal lands to make the final connection…Cities in California were able to communicate with Washington and the East Coast in real time. It’s hard to overstate the impact of that…”

In the rapidly changing events in the world today, many people have been drawn into the process and protests by electronic means – the computer; face-book; tweet – a result being that large assemblages of people can come together quickly in a common place. In several places where governments have imposed restrictions regarding communication in groups, forums, churches, etc., the electronic age of i-Phones and i-Pads have enabled people yearning to be free to break through those restrictions and to climb the imposed barriers – and – to communicate.

Our nation will have a new experience on November 9^th, 2011 at 2:00 PM (EST) when the Emergency Alert System will be activated nationwide for the first time. It is designed to allow the President of the United States to speak to the nation within 10 minutes. All Radio and Television Programs will be silenced – the only national communication being that of the President or an Agency assigned to that task. The assignment is FEMA – The Federal Emergency Management Agency and the FCC – Federal Communications Commission. The stated purpose of the test is to assess the reliability and effectiveness of the system in alerting the public.

When the Telegraph was being completed 150 years ago today to enhance communication from East to West, what if there had been some form of vital and meaningful communication between the Northern and Southern States – could the deaths of more than 625,000 fighting men been avoided? Could the pillaging and suffering been averted? What if people of good conscience and principle had been able to employ some Biblical principles, could it – would it have been useful to settle the differences that had arisen? What if the words of Isaiah 1:16-20 been considered and applied, would the physical carnage have occurred? Isaiah wrote: “…Take your evil deeds out of my sight! Stop doing wrong, learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow. Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord…If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land; but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken…” The Message translates verse 20: “…if you're willful and stubborn, you'll die like dogs. That's right. God says so.”

In the body politic of our day, one can often hear about which candidate will receive the support of the evangelical community. Sadly, the “evangelical” community is as divided as the nation - liberal versus conservative – principled versus non-principled – moral values versus permissiveness – Biblical Standards versus Political Expediency. Come NOW and let us reason together on GOD’S TERMS. Let's return to doing things God's Way. Consider these things with me!

Simplicity

2011-10-21T05:20:00.000-05:00

From My Perspective - - -

The 21^st Century has begun in a fascinating way. One truth with which most can identify is that we live in a very complex and complicated world. Events unfold at such an accelerated pace and rate that one finds it difficult to be current in all things. We are well beyond what some liked to refer to as the K.I.S.S. principle, namely, Keep It Simple Stupid. As a matter of fact, the way that “simplicity” is usually defined is by contrast with that which is not simple. When Rene Descartes (1596-1650), a French Philosopher and Mathematician set out to give perspective on simplicity, he did so with his “Ontological (or a priori) Argument” as he sought to give understanding about God.

One who tried to summarize the basic argument of Descartes summed it up in the following way: “Descartes often compares the ontological argument to a geometric demonstration, arguing that necessary existence cannot be excluded from idea of God anymore than the fact that its angles equal two right angles, for example, can be excluded from the idea of a triangle. The analogy underscores once again the argument's supreme simplicity. God's existence is purported to be as obvious and self-evident as the most basic mathematical truth. It also attempts to show how the ‘logic’ of the demonstration is rooted in our ordinary reasoning practices.” Simple? You have to be the judge of whether or not this is the best approach to an eternal matter of great importance.

Another summary statement regarding the approach of Descartes is: “Descartes' ontological (or a priori) argument is both one of the most fascinating and poorly understood aspects of his philosophy. Fascination with the argument stems from the effort to prove God's existence from simple but powerful premises. Existence is derived immediately from the clear and distinct idea of a supremely perfect being. Ironically, the simplicity of the argument has also produced several misreadings, exacerbated in part by Descartes' failure to formulate a single version.”

The attempt of Wikipedia to give some parameters for simplicity states: “Simplicity which means to be simple. It usually relates to the burden which a thing puts on someone trying to explain or understand it. Something which is easy to understand or explain is simple, in contrast to something complicated...The concept of simplicity has been related to truth in the field of epistemology. According to Occam's Razor, all other things being equal, the simplest theory is the most likely to be true. In the context of human lifestyle, simplicity can denote freedom from hardship, effort or confusion. Specifically, it can refer to a simple living lifestyle…”

In part, the complexity issue arises because of an inability to utilize faith in and embrace of basic premises: (1) There is a God; (2) This God is all-powerful; all-knowledgeable; everywhere present at the same time; and unchanging – in other words, He is unlimited in terms of time and space and functions whenever and wherever He pleases to accomplish His divine will and plan; (3) This God has also spoken in a) His revelation – the Holy Scriptures and b) His Son. A simple summary (if one employs faith) is given in Hebrews 1:1-4 (NLT), “Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets - now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son. God promised everything to the Son as an inheritance, and through the Son he made the universe and everything in it. The Son reflects God's own glory, and everything about him represents God exactly. He sustains the universe by the mighty power of his command. After he died to cleanse us from the stain of sin, he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God of heaven.”One of the most “simple” and clearly stated books in the Bible is First John. One such example is I John 5:11-12, “And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.” This truth can only be embraced and implemented by faith. Faith is the only pathway to receive the benefit of these words, namely, eternal life. Believe and Receive! Consider these things with me!

Vacuums and Voids

2011-10-12T06:37:00.000-05:00

From My Perspective - - -

The pendulum of time and the cycle of life is a reality and a factor one should consider more often than not in terms of life and how it can/should be lived. One of the major issues of our time is that people who are the so-called “leaders” in government and business don’t seem to get it in terms of the frustrations being expressed or of the protests that are taking place. There is an apparent insensitivity by those in “high places” who seem to have a deaf ear to any concern. Those who dare to challenge the trends or actions of government are castigated (criticized or reprimanded severely) and besmirched (to detract from the honor or luster of). There was an observation made regarding the Republican Candidates for President in terms of where they rate in the Polls. The comment made regarding some of the candidates was: “at first, they are ignored until they gain some traction, then they are mocked for their views, and finally – if they are surpassing anyone who is the supposed leader – they are attacked.” That is quite a summary – ignored, mocked, attacked! Is that what we have become as a nation of people?

The vacuum and void can be addressed best by wise choices being made during a primary or the ultimate election. If one is concerned, that one should become involved in the process and try to be or make a difference. One of the other choices is by means of a formal and orderly Protest. The politicians would display wisdom if they would listen rather than speak and/or demean. Corporate leaders should display awareness to the concerns of people who are unemployed and seeing job availability trickle steadily to other countries while manufacturing facilities in this nation are closed. When the masses of people begin to sense that no one is listening and that no one really cares, their frustrations begin to bubble up within until it spills over – currently, it is being expressed by Protest Rallies across the nation. The uniqueness of these protests this year is that both the “right” and the “left” are expressing their frustrations with calls for change regarding the way things are and the way in which the business of this nation is conducted both politically and corporately. If these protests continue to be met with a deaf ear or a manipulated reason for them, what will be the next step or steps in terms of the vacuum and void of our times.

There is another segment of our culture that needs to be part of this equation – it is called The Church. People have grown frustrated with the “church” and their protest is seen by their decision to just not attend. While some would claim that “the Lord is blessing them with growth”, the bottom line is what bonafide or credible difference does the “church” really have in the lives of people and our culture as a whole. Bonafide means: “done in good faith; without deception or fraud; authentic.” Credible means: “capable of being believed; worthy of belief or confidence; trustworthy.” Whether or not the “church” is functioning today in a bonafide and credible way, one can best gauge it by the results. You may have received an email (meant as humor?) regarding a prayer about the President referencing Psalm 109:8, “May his days be few; may another take his office!”Similarly, another verse circulated to define the political culture of our day is Ecclesiastes 10:2, “The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but the heart of the fool to the left.”

More on point is the place and value of Prayer. James 5 references two Old Testament men – Job and Elijah as examples of patience and prevailing. Read James 5:13-18 – a paragraph that usually has a title – “The Prayer of Faith.” Take special note of verse 16: “confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The fervent prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” Healing is not just of the body, but also for the nation. Consider this verse with II Chronicles 7:14, “if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” What has God promised to heal if His people humble themselves and pray and seek His face? He will hear and forgive and heal their land! Do you believe this truth from God’s Word? Have you been implementing it in your prayer life? Have you prayed for the nation? Do you have a daily Prayer time – or is this a vacuum and void area in your life? Consider these things with me!

Helping Or Hindering

2011-10-11T05:19:00.000-05:00

From My Perspective - - -

Events in the world today are unfolding at almost unprecedented speed. The demonstrations in the Middle East that has led to the change in government leadership is one example. However, when a vacuum or void is generated, that which fills that vacuum or void is vital. A case in point is an Associated Press Report by Maggie Michael on October 10, 2011 under the Headline: “Christians Under Siege In Post-Revolution Egypt.” Some could easily debate the point in terms of whether or not it is a “post-revolution” climate prevailing there, as well as discussing whether or not any of these events have anything to do with Biblical prophesy as it pertains to the “end times.” We would do well to ponder - why it is occurring; and what it all means!

Maggie Michael’s column states: “Egypt's Coptic Christians have long felt like second-class citizens in their own country.Now many fear that the power vacuum left after the overthrow of Hosni Mubarak is giving Muslim extremists free rein to torch churches and attack Coptic homes in the worst violence against the community in decades.An assault Sunday night on Christians protesting over a church attack set off riots that drew in Muslims, Christians and the police. Among the 26 people left killed in the melee, most were Copts…it was evidence that the Christian community in Egypt is vulnerable as never before.In the absence of law, you can understand how demolishing a church goes unpunished. Once a majority in Egypt, Copts now make up about 10 percent of the country's 85 million people. They are the largest Christian community in the Middle East. Their history dates back 19 centuries and the language used in their liturgy can be traced to the speech of Egypt's Pharaohs. Proud of their history and faith, many Copts are identifiable by tattoos of crosses or Jesus Christ on their right wrists, and Coptic women do not wear the veil as the vast majority of Muslim women in Egypt do. Under Mubarak, the problems of Copts festered even if they faced less violence than they do now. Their demands for a law to regulate construction of churches went unanswered and attacks on churches went unpunished. Copts shared in the euphoria of the 18-day revolution that ousted Mubarak and like so many other Egyptians their hopes for change were high - they wanted to be on equal footing with Muslims.”

The rhetoric of our government continues. A summary by David Limbaugh is: “…President Obama believes that only 'big and bold' intervention by the government can get an economy moving…Anyone who disagrees with or opposes him is engaging in partisan politics rather than acting in good faith, on principle and in the best interests of the country…” When push-comes-to-shove, there is always a way out for our leaders – namely – blame someone else for the problem. It is no surprise then the news conference included these words: “… our economic mess was created by George W. Bush, the Japanese tsunami, the two wars, the Republican gamesmanship over the debt ceiling, and Europe's financial instability.”

James 1:19-25 is written as spiritual instruction for the true believer and follower of Jesus Christ. However, there is an obvious application for the secular culture as well. “Know this…let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God…put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness The…Word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror…goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law…of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing. If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless.” We desperately need people whose behavior and rhetoric would be of help rather than a hindrance. I don’t know about you – but this would be a welcomed format in most of the Churches today. It surely would serve to the benefit of many if it was applied and practiced in the secular culture. It is obvious that such behavior needs to be applied and practiced by the one whose profession is that he/she is a “believer” and a “Christian”! Do the words of James describe you positively or negatively? Consider these things with me!

The Significance of Nothing

2011-10-08T07:11:00.000-05:00

From My Perspective - - -

When one looks at the trends of our time, one of the truths that becomes obvious is the desire of many for something. The signs read – we want our jobs; we want our share; we want our money; we want…. The bottom line is that no one wants to have a share of nothing – nearly everyone has the innate desire for something. The shortsightedness of the current political rhetoric is that it is generating class envy and division. Generally, the speeches contain words to the effect that the “rich have it” and you don’t. The rhetorical solution – “let’s increase their taxes” so you can have more of what you think you need and want. Let the rich pay your way and your added costs.

It cannot be denied that there is considerable imbalance, injustice and inequity in the world. When one hears of the millions of dollars that a corporate executive receives when he retires and/or relinquishes his position, and one measures that against the numbers of hungry and starving people in this nation and world, it does cause one to be more than a bit squeamish and resentful. When one observes the cronyism in government that allows for more than a half-billion dollars to be given to a political ally whose business goes bankrupt and the cost is borne by the taxpayer, it infuriates and embitters. To say that something is wrong is a gross misstatement and understatement. The truth is that it is more criminal than anything else.

A radio personality was sharing his approach to achievement and shared an interesting concept with his radio audience. He told of an early pursuit when he would purchase a bound composition notebook that he used as a personal and daily journal. He had a goal and each day he would make an entry in terms of what he had done to meet that goal. He did not want to be in the “nothing” category – he wanted to achieve. In a rare moment of candor, he shared that there were times went his journal went for several days when he had written “nothing” in terms of his goal pursuit. He went even further and indicated that there were times when he went for months and his entry was “nothing” – times when he felt spent, and dry, and empty – times when he was exasperated and frustrated because he didn’t have what he wanted so badly. This entire idea of “nothing” can become significant for one of two reasons – (1) the person either gives up and allows the “nothing” entries to overwhelm him to the point where he doesn’t try anymore to achieve any goal, or (2) the person allows the “nothing” entries to be a stimulant and motivator for the reorganizing of one’s life priorities to allow one to get back on track and to return to a more disciplined pursuit that will allow achieving the meaningful goals that had been set.

One of the major balances for all is to consider the point and place for contentment. The Apostle Paul, as an older Mentor, shares this concept with the younger Timothy as he moves forward with a ministry goal. It is succinctly stated in I Timothy 6:6-10, “Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.” The Message Paraphrases this passage: “A devout life does bring wealth…Since we entered the world penniless and will leave it penniless, if we have bread on the table and shoes on our feet, that's enough…Lust for money brings trouble and nothing but trouble. Going down that path, some lose their footing in the faith completely and live to regret it bitterly ever after.” One person mused: “I came into the world with nothing and I have most of it left.” That phrase may contain an element of humor and truth but it should not blur or negate (1) contentment in one’s walk and relationship with God, and (2) trusting the Lord day by day for His continued care and provision for all of your needs. One may not have all of his/her wants – God has promised to meet one’s needs – not always one’s wants! An old Hymn contains these words: “Jesus Christ is made to me, All I need, all I need. He alone is all my plea, He is all I need.” Is that your belief? Is that your contentment? Consider these things with me!

Protest Promenade

2011-10-05T05:50:00.001-05:00

From My Perspective - - -

We live in interesting and trying times. Interesting, because we stand at a threshold of new opportunity and renewed purpose; trying, because the economy is so bleak and the prospect for recovery seems so remote. In the political arena, we have prominent individuals who have unwisely championed two trends that lend themselves to hopelessness – (a) a miscalculated class warfare, and (b) an ill-timed racial divide. If this was a plan to gain votes for one candidate and/or party, it was ill-conceived from the outset. At a time when the nation needs to be united and working together, the major stimulus that most have received is diatribe that divides people and tears apart worthy objectives and goals.

There have been sounds of protest raised by those who believe the Government was too intrusive and spending too much, as well as the elected officials being out of touch with the citizens and their constituents. They also argued that Government had intruded into the private areas and were regulating more than is necessary. This group – the Tea Party - became castigated and negatively labeled by those holding a more secularist and progressive approach to governing. They were called ultra-conservative, far right, racist, and chalked off as being uninformed. Interestingly, there are currently national protests under a banner of the Wall Street Protest. These groups are functioning from coast to coast and increasing in numbers. They are comprised of those who had been on-board with the progressive movements – but – have also come to see that they were more than likely being “used” by the power groups to achieve “their goals” rather than addressing the needs and desires of the cross-section of people. These are unabashedly the far left and the share-the-wealth re-distribution champions. The politicians and media have not designated them as being ultra-progressive, far-left or any other negative or derogatory name – yet!

Hopefully, regardless of the intentions and/or neglect of elected officials, the populace will find a basis to be united once again in a just and noble cause. Regardless of the extreme political orientation of either group – Tea Party or Occupy Wall Street – there is a strange oneness that could emerge centered upon the long-reach of Government into the every day affairs of the citizenry, as well as government-intrusion into the corporate function of the country, while maintaining a close affinity to the wealthy despite the rhetoric regarding increased taxation upon that group. The purpose may have been to divide-and-conquer via a class distinction/warfare – but – it may prove to have been in vain due to miscalculation regarding the independent thinking and will of many in this country. The rhetoric may easily slide into catastrophic consequences, as well as the collapse of what was once foundational in this nation. When people in power allow the moral compass to be smashed and core values to be removed, the end result can easily become chaotic and costly.

Tougher times and greater hardships may yet besiege the nation, and severe testing may soon befall the “church” (so-called). Historically, desperate times have come that have caused life to be increasingly trying and difficult. The Bible references such times with graphic and descriptive words. Deuteronomy 28:52-57 speaks to a people who had jettisoned moral and ethical standards. The Lord said to them: “…they shall besiege you in all your towns…you shall eat the fruit of your womb, the flesh of your sons and daughters, whom The Lord your God has given you, in the siege and distress with which your enemies shall distress you…” Years later, a similar incident is described in II Kings 6:26-29. A little later yet, Jeremiah 19:9 and Lamentations 4:10 another vivid description, “…I will make them eat the flesh of their sons and daughters, and everyone shall eat the flesh of his neighbor in the siege and in their distress…” However, in the midst of the gloom, despair and misery – there is always hope. Philippians 4:19 remains valid and operational: “My God will supply for every need of yours according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” In the same way, Matthew 6:25-34 remains as an assurance from Jesus Christ for His own: “…do not be anxious saying, What shall we eat? What shall we drink? Or What shall we wear?...Your Heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Can you believe God’s truth? Will you believe and implement it today? Consider these things with me!

The Games Have Begun

2011-09-30T07:54:00.005-05:00

From My Perspective - - -
It is frustrating to listen to the news and political commentary currently barraging us of late. It seems as though our propensity as a nation is toward the horrific, bad, and negative news – whether it is true or mere speculation. The Political Polls are a case in point – Polls that are indicating today that which they predict will occur several months from now when an actual election is held. With the expanded use and interest in the Internet, all kinds of email, gossip, suspicions and what is deemed to be “fact” is spread widely and indiscriminately in an almost constant stream.

To this end, CNS features this headline and story today: “Former Clinton Adviser: 'Very Possible' Obama Will Bow Out of Presidential Race.” The initial paragraphs of the column state the following: “In an interview with conservative radio icon Sean Hannity, former President Clinton adviser and campaign manager Dick Morris stated that, after speaking with a Democratic strategist, he thinks it is very possible that President Obama might acquiesce to requests from the Democratic leadership in Congress and bow out of the 2012 race, leaving the door open for him to return sometime in the future. I asked a top Democratic strategist the other day and he thought that it was possible that, in January, Harry Reid comes to Obama and says, Look you cost us control of the House last year, you’re going to cost us control of the Senate this year. For the good of the party you have to step aside’” said Morris. And, then, (Obama) pulls a Lyndon Johnson, he says I’m fighting to solve the recession, and problem is because of partisanship and my re-election people reject everything I say because of partisanship, so I’m going to not run for president and focus my full time attention on solving this recession’ and then go out popular, Morris added.” There’s more of this story but this is sufficient to give you a sense of how political rumor and innuendo will begin to inundate us with suspicions and prognostications about this “reliable source.”

In the first few years of the First Century, political times were cause for concern and the actions of some political leaders were harsh and cruel. When the Apostle Peter wrote his two letters (epistles) to the believers, the times were difficult and uncertain. The Church did not meet in one location – Christians were scatter in different locations. There is an interesting translation in The Message from I Peter 1:1-3, “I, Peter, am an apostle on assignment by Jesus, the Messiah, writing to exiles scattered to the four winds. Not one is missing, not one forgotten. God the Father has his eye on each of you, and has determined by the work of the Spirit to keep you obedient through the sacrifice of Jesus. May everything good from God be yours!” Wow! Really? Do “scattered to the four winds” and “may everything good from God be yours” fit together and mesh?And then, Peter dares to state in I Peter 3:8-11 (ESV) these guidelines for attitude and action: “Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. For whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it.”

How then are we to live during chaotic times and when despotic rulers are gaining with their agendas? Peter cautioned and instructed in I Peter 2:16-17, “Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.” Can these principles of behavior be applied and function in the 21st Century? When the affairs of life seem so bleak and when hope is almost gone, can we both pray for and honor those who have set us on a road of uncertainty and instability? Paul gave this counsel in I Timothy 2:1-4, I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone-- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” This – we need to remember and do! Consider these things with me!

The World: Turmoil Or Tranquility?

2011-09-27T06:21:00.000-05:00

From My Perspective - - -

The world’s economic woes are a reality and many have become aware of the plight of nations in this regard. With the turmoil and uncertainty in the Middle East; with the near collapse of nations economically as bankruptcy looms; and with the undisciplined spending and increasing debts of the United States – it seems as though there is no rational resolve for the stress of nations and the peoples of the world.

Meanwhile, The Liberty Prayer Bulletin Reports on the religious plight of nations. Two nations that share a common border are Iraq and Iran. In regard to Iraq, the following is being reported in terms of the churches in that nation: “On Monday 15 August a bomb exploded outside Saint Ephrem's Syrian Orthodox Church in Al Ummal Square, central Kirkuk, causing major damage but no casualties. It was the third church bombing in Kirkuk in two weeks. The previous night, four bombs exploded simultaneously inside Kirkuk's Saint Afram Syriac Orthodox Church. Whilst there were no casualties, it was the first time insurgents had managed to detonate bombs planted inside a church. On 2 August, 15 people were wounded including church staff when a car bomb exploded about 5:30am outside the Holy Family Syrian Catholic church in Kirkuk. Bombs were subsequently found and defused outside the Saint Giwargis Church of the East and the Evangelical Presbyterian Church in the Almass district. Kirkuk Archbishop Louis Sako told Aid to the Church in Need, 'This is only happening because we are Christians. Maybe the people responsible want to empty the city of Christians. Please pray for us. Pray for peace and stability. We are afraid.' Pray for Iraq's besieged Christians.”

In Iran, the viewpoint is larger and broader than just the churches. The Liberty Prayer Bulletin Reports: “Under President Mahmud Ahmadinejad Iran has become more assertive in its quest to lead the Muslim world in Islamic Revolution. The regime has been greatly aided towards this by the war in Iraq which has dramatically altered the balance of power in the Middle East. To woo Arabs and Sunni Muslims into its axis, ascendant Iran is cranking up its anti-Israel and anti-US rhetoric while taking every opportunity to demonstrate its superior Islamic credentials. Support for international terrorism, state violence and religious persecution are at an all-time high. The American Centre for Law and Justice reports at least 285 Christians were arrested in 35 cities in Iran during the first six months of 2011 without any public reaction.”

It appears that a threefold strategy is unfolding – (1) economic collapse worldwide and the devaluing of currency; (2) persecution of churches and Christians in Iran, Sudan and elsewhere; (3) plans for a military revolution and nuclear dominance in the Middle East. While these events are occurring rapidly in our world, it appears that the Governments of the world and the Christian Church can only opine with generalizations and speeches. All seem unprepared and devoid of reasonable alternatives and/or solution. When President of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the United Nations on September 23, 2011, he referred to it as the “Theater of the Absurd.” He then closed his remarks with an appeal to the words of the Prophet Isaiah – Isaiah 60. The context of the passage 60:1-6) is the future hope and reality for Israel with eschatological overtones: “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the LORD will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you. And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising. Lift up your eyes all around, and see; they all gather together, they come to you; your sons shall come from afar, and your daughters shall be carried on the hip. Then you shall see and be radiant; your heart shall thrill and exult, because the abundance of the sea shall be turned to you, the wealth of the nations shall come to you. A multitude of camels shall cover you, the young camels of Midian and Ephah; all those from Shebashall come. They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall bring good news, the praises of the Lord.” This will occur suddenly! Consider these things with me!

Sooner Or Later?

2011-09-23T07:03:00.005-05:00

From My Perspective - - -

Sooner or Later should be thought of as a question. Is an event or occurrence about to happen “now” or sometime in the “future” or not at all? While we go about our regular tasks, and keep up with the busyness of our lives, there are those whose thoughts are elsewhere, on much larger goals and purposes. To illustrate, on September 2^nd, 3011, an Op-Ed piece appeared in the New York Times titled, “Don’t Fear Islamic Law in America” written by Eliyahu Stern. It is connected to a statement by the publication: “New York Times Supports Sharia Law in USA.”

The article makes the following statements and assertions: “More than a dozen American states are considering outlawing aspects of Shariah law. Some of these efforts would curtail Muslims from settling disputes over dietary laws and marriage through religious arbitration, while others would go even further in stigmatizing Islamic life: a bill recently passed by the Tennessee General Assembly equates Shariah with a set of rules that promote “the destruction of the national existence of the United States. Supporters of these bills contend that such measures are needed to protect the country against homegrown terrorism and safeguard its Judeo-Christian values. The Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich has said that ‘Shariah is a mortal threat to the survival of freedom in the United States and in the world as we know it.’ This is exactly wrong. The crusade against Shariah undermines American democracy, ignores our country’s successful history of religious tolerance and assimilation, and creates a dangerous divide between America and its fastest-growing religious minority. The suggestion that Shariah threatens American security is disturbingly reminiscent of the accusation, in 19th-century Europe, that Jewish religious law was seditious. In 1807, Napoleon convened an assembly of rabbinic authorities to address the question of whether Jewish law prevented Jewish people from being loyal citizens of the republic…”

In a nation where the assumed posture has become, and the hew and cry remains constant that there must be the maintenance of “the separation of Church and State.” In a nation that has disallowed Prayer and Bible Reading in Government Schools; the posting of the Ten Commandments in the Court House; the banning of the singing of Christmas Carols at any Government Social gathering; and the removal of The Crèche (Nativity Scene) from the public squares – how can Sharia gain recognition and be championed as being acceptable? In lieu of what is disallowed in our nation, the origin and meaning of Sharia is: the Code of Law derived from the Koran and from the teachings and example of Mohammed; Shariah is only applicable to Muslims; under Islamic Law, there is no separation of church and state.” As a nation, are we willing to abandon our Christian Heritage?

The Eternal God has been very explicit in terms of His Unchanging Word. (a) Deuteronomy 5:6-7, “ I am the Lord your God who brought you out of…bondage. You shall have no other gods before Me.” (b) Deuteronomy 6:12-14, “…take care lest you forget the Lord…It is the Lord your God you shall fear. Him you shall serve…You shall not go after other gods…” (c) Romans 1:20-25, “…although they knew God, they did not honor him as God…Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images…Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts…because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator…” (d) II Kings 17:34-36, “They do not fear the Lord, and they do not follow the statutes… The Lord made a covenant with them and commanded them, "You shall not fear other gods or bow yourselves to them or serve them or sacrifice to them, but you shall fear the Lord, who brought you out of the land of Egypt with great power and with an outstretched arm.” We need to Honor the Lord and Lift Up His Name always! Sooner or Later we may lose our freedom to do so. While we still can, we should urgently implement Hebrews 3:13, “…exhort one another every day, as long as it is called today, that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.”Consider these things with me!

Bleakness Everywhere

2011-09-22T07:59:00.000-05:00

From My Perspective - - -

Slogans are easy to say and print – but – many times very difficult to implement. One’s mind often thinks back to a different day of hope and possibility – 50 years ago - when a President stated: “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” I wonder what he would say to our country today. There was a gifted speaker who shared the possibilities of a future of equality in and for this nation when he said to cheering crowds: “I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal." Sadly, these two men who inspired multitude came to an untimely end as a result of an assassin’s bullet. There was another analytic and inspiring message that had a President saying: “Government is not a solution to our problem, Government is the problem.” He, too, almost fell victim to an assassin’s effort.

There is a restlessness, frustration and uneasiness as unemployment remains high; savings are evaporating; investments have depreciated; and homes have lost to foreclosure. The Associated Press contains a report that defines an aspect of the bleakness today: “In record-setting numbers, young adults struggling to find work are shunning long-distance moves to live with Mom and Dad, delaying marriage and buying fewer homes, often raising kids out of wedlock. They suffer from the highest unemployment since World War II and risk living in poverty more than others…New 2010 census data released Thursday show the wrenching impact of a recession that officially ended in mid-2009. It highlights the missed opportunities and dim prospects for a generation…coming of age in a prolonged slump with high unemployment…Their…high levels of underemployment and unemployment will haunt young people for at least another decade…the employment-to-population ratio for all age groups from 2007-2010 dropped faster than for any similar period since the government began tracking data in 1948.”

In the midst of Bleakness and uncertain times, what can and should a person do? The Government doesn’t have a ready solution – where should one turn for hope and help? Christianity Today reported on a Baylor Faith Study that included: “As belief in a divine plan grows, so does belief in a major part of the American dream. The survey asked if Americans agreed that ‘anything is possible for those who work hard.’ A majority who strongly agreed in God's plan also agreed with this statement about hard work. Support was lowest among those who did not believe in a divine plan. Those who do not believe in God's plan were half as likely to agree that anything is possible with hard work…A majority of those who strongly believe in God's plan also believe that able-bodied people who are out of work shouldn't receive unemployment checks…”

An argument can be made from the Bible for both sides of this discussion and survey. As part of Christian Faith and Practice, Jesus said in Matthew 25:34-36, Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you…for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me…” It speaks of one’s Care and Compassion toward all, and the reward Jesus bestows as a result. On the other hand, II Thessalonians 3:10-13 teaches, “…when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies. Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work…but as for you…do not grow weary in doing good.” This is condemning laziness and lack of industry, and includes condemnation for those who ignored the poor and were uninvolved with care for the needy. However, if one errs at all in this regard it should be in the care and compassion effort rather than the judgmental that allows one to miss and ignore bonafide need. Consider these things with me!

Setup To Fail

2011-09-21T06:15:00.002-05:00

From My Perspective - - -

Ridicule, Bullying, Taking Advantage of Another – all of these things occur among and in the interactions of person to person situations, or by a group toward a deranged, pitiful or helpless individual. Children in school are often subjected to being bullied or ostracized by another, or a group. It seems to be great sport to some if they can manage to cause another additional hardship and deprivation. An example of this is mentioned in the British Publication, Mail Online (an entertainment report of The Sun) for September 21^st, 2011, where the following entertainment report is given regarding the program – X-Factor. “Last Sunday, viewers watched...as Ceri Rees was subjected to her fourth rejection from the panelists - having made several attempts to reach boot-camp over the last six years in 2005, 2006 and 2008. The 54-year-old widow from Bridgend, Wales came under fire for her tone-deaf performance and was given a resounding chorus of 'No' on the final show of the audition rounds. She was allocated a generous seven minutes and 11 seconds of broadcasting; a sixth of the entire show's running time.” An observer said she “…was sickened by the producers decision to keep the scene in for entertainment value, saying: …they shouldn't have aired that audition, she's clearly ill.”

In defense of their decision and action to have this person on camera and the telecast, but with words that are somewhat hollow and devoid of compassionate meaning - Mark Davies, director of communications at Rethink Mental Illness, told The Sun: “While we can't speculate on Ceri's mental health, she does appear vulnerable and it was clear she'd been set up to fail.Producers have a responsibility not to put vulnerable people in the spotlight when it's clear the intention is for the public to ridicule and laugh at them. It could be seen as a form of bullying. Neighbors in the South Wales area said Ceri lived in a world of her own in a one-bedroom bungalow since husband Clive died in 2007.But last night an X Factor spokeswoman insisted Ceri was happy with her television adventure.She said: The welfare of contestants is of paramount importance. We have psychologists to provide expert opinion if we have any specific concerns, or if the contestant raises any issues.”

In Luke 10:30-37, Jesus gives an illustration of a person in need of help and compassion. The man’s situation is dire. Jesus describes it: "A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.” The thieves were doubtlessly given to ridicule, bullying, taking advantage of another, and cruelty. The thieves left this man “half dead.” On that road were – A Priest and A Levite – people who should’ve been ready and willing to make a difference in what remained of this “half dead” man’s life. However, they excused themselves of any personal involvement, crossed the road and passed him by. Jesus continues His illustration: “But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. On the next day, when he departed, he…gave money to the innkeeper, and said to him: Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.”Then Jesus asks this probing question: “So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?" The applicable question is: What would you have done? What have you done in the past? What are you doing now to make a difference in the life of the less fortunate and those suffering abuse at the hands of others?

The answer to the question Jesus asked was:"He who showed mercy on him." Then Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise." Your response might be – “Who?” “Me?” – and Jesus responds – “Yes!” “You!” – Get out of your comfort zones and be an individual who will make a difference in the life of another for Me - the one who is ridiculed, bullied, disenfranchised or set up to fail. Oh - by the way, that’s part of the Great Commission duty, opportunity and privilege! Consider these things with me!

Cynicism and Confusion

2011-09-19T09:06:00.002-05:00

From My Perspective - - -

It would be an ideal experience if one could accept everything at face value. However, our culture and world have become something other than trustworthy. It’s becoming almost a daily occurrence to either read about or hear about someone being demeaned or someone else being defrauded. One is left with the helpless and hopeless sense in regard to who can be trusted; who is reliable; and with whom can one share anything in confidence.

If any one of us had the ability to try to alter an event in history, where would we begin and to whom would we appeal? Would we be able to employ rhetoric and action to avert a major event from occurring? It’s easy to think of the cynicism that surrounded the account of Noah building an Ark in a day and time when it hadn’t rained and there hadn’t been a flood. The people in his day thought he was crazy and they mocked and ridiculed him as he labored. If you fast forward to the 19^th and 20^th centuries, the cynics were still alive and well. Rather than merely attempting to discredit the account of Noah, they took the first eleven chapters and became advocates for the demythologizing of Scripture. What this amounts to “…eliminating all mythical elements from a piece of writing, especially the Bible, so as to arrive at an essential meaning.” One of the most noted contributor and champions for the concept of demythologizing was Rudolf Bultmann (1884-1976) who had a long and illustrious career as an Evangelical Protestant exegete, theologian, and minister… He participated in the teaching that would introduce the concept of form-criticism of the New Testament… In 1941 his essay on The New Testament and Mythology was published, in which he called for the demythologizing of the New Testament.”

When Jesus was challenged by the Scribes and Pharisees for a sign, He spoke of Jonah – Matthew 12:38-40 – “…He answered them, An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” The Scribes and Pharisees were already a bit cynical regarding Jesus and His teaching so his reference to Jonah would only serve to feed that cynicism and negative reaction. However, Jesus would also go on in His teaching to reference Noah and the Flood in Matthew 24:37-39, “But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.” This would only serve to add to their cynicism and ridicule of Him.

It all comes down to whose word will you accept as being true – (a) the cynics who spread their error and confusion, or (b) Jesus Christ Who declared in His reference to Jonah, the reality of His resurrection; and in reference to Noah, the suddenness and reality of the flood that served as God’s judgment upon a sinful culture? This past week, the Bulletin Supplement at Church was: Noah’s Ark – Everything I Need To Know, I Learned From Noah’s Ark. The 10 Things are: (1) Don’t miss the Boat; (2) Remember that we are all in the same boat together; (3) Plan Ahead – it wasn’t raining when Noah Began Building the Boat; (4) Stay Fit – when you’re 60 years old, you may be asked to do something big; (5) Don’t listen to critics and cynics who wish to confuse – just get on with the job that needs to be done; (6) Build your future on High Ground; (7) For safety’s sake, travel in pairs; (8) Speed isn’t always an advantage – the Snails were on board with the Cheetahs; (9) Remember that the Ark was Built by Amateurs – the Titanic was build by Professionals; (10) No matter how great the storm, when you’re travelling with God, there’s always a Rainbow waiting! Reject what the Cynics teach and those who spread Confusion! You can always have confidence in Jesus and with the Words He has spoken! Believe what Jesus believed! Trust Him only! Go with Him always! Consider these things with me!

Trying To Remember

2011-09-12T07:28:00.001-05:00

From My Perspective - - -

In one’s lifetime, there are particular events and circumstances that are traced indelibly in one’s mind and are remembered for a lifetime. When I was a boy, the Japanese attacked the United States Fleet at Pearl Harbor. The carnage was great and the damage to Naval Vessels considerable. One Battleship stands as a landmark and monument to remind us of the events that took place. The USS Arizona served stateside during World War I. However, the Arizona is mostly remembered because of her sinking, with the loss of 1,177 lives, during the Japanese Attack on Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941, the event that provoked the United States into entering World War II. The nation has been called to remember another day - the Tuesday morning a decade ago – 11 September 2001. The day that started out normally – people at work; merchants readying their businesses for another day of commerce; restaurants preparing their food for the physical needs of their patrons; people on airplanes for their flights to particular destinations; etc. And then, at 8:46 A.M. – everything suddenly changed – forever. One of the airplanes was rammed in the 86^th floor of the World Trade Center by a terrorist. Then – shortly thereafter – another plane was rammed into the second tower And then – a third plane was flown into the Pentagon. A fourth plane was crashed at Shanksville, PA when brave passengers made a decision to try to end the carnage that was being perpetrated by terrorists. What were we called to remember?

Besides the devastation caused by the planes that were being used as missiles, we were being called to remember – the total number killed in attacks: 2,983; firefighters and paramedics killed: 343; NYPD officers who died: 23; number of port authority police officers: 37; number of people who lost a spouse or partner in the attacks: 1,609; estimated number of children who lost a parent that day: 3,051… Who can begin to measure the impact for the extended families of those who perished in these events? Who can comprehend the related maladies experienced by those who searched the ruins for any survivors and/or body parts? Who can estimate the psychological struggles experienced by many of those who were there and were involved? Who will soon forget his horrendous event and the scar that it has left? The 9-11 Memorial that has been erected where the World Trade Center once stood will serve as a constant reminder of this attack upon America.

One of the criticisms to the Memorial Event held yesterday was the decision made by Mayor Bloomberg to not include any prayer and no representation by the first responders. It seemed that it would be without any religious reference at all. To his credit and with the gratitude of many, President Obama began the proceedings with the reading of Psalm 46 – “God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling. There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High. God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God shall help her, just at the break of dawn. The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved; He uttered His voice, the earth melted. The Lord of hosts is with us…Come, behold the works of the Lord…He makes wars cease to the end of the earth…Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! The Lord of hosts is with us…”

Rudy Giuliani, New York City's mayor at the time of the attacks, came up to the lectern, where he read a passage from the book of Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 – “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal, a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to win, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; a time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace…”

There is much to remember – not the least of which is that the eternal God is still able to deliver – and He will – if only one would turn to Him and seek His face. The Zwemer Center for Muslim Studies issued a list of Prayer Needs for this day of remembrance, the first of which was: “Pray For Revival In The Church, Because the Greatest Danger is NOT Islam’s Strength – but – The Weakness of Christianity.” Try To Remember – And If You Remember – Then Follow Jesus Christ! Consider these things with me!

The No-Go Or The Go-Go

2011-09-10T06:30:00.000-05:00

From My Perspective - - -

Europe has been very accommodating for the “new” and unorthodox over the years. However, the policy of multiculturalism that has been allowed for several years may be ready to bite them. A publication – The Berean Call – has issued a very troubling report entitled: “The Rise Of Islamic "No Go" Zones.” The Hudson Institute has stated the following: “Three and a half years ago, one of the Church of England's most senior bishops…warned that Islamic extremists had created "no-go" areas across Britain too dangerous for non-Muslims to enter. His politically incorrect concern sparked a firestorm of denial and criticism. Well, the evidence of how multiculturalism "has gone wrong" is in. Soeren Kern at the Hudson Institute documented the proliferation of such no-go zones throughout Europe - autonomous Islamic "microstates" under Sharia rule (having rejected their host countries' legal systems), where non-Muslims must either conform to the cultural, legal, and religious norms of fundamentalist Islam or expect to be greeted with violence…”

In nations where permissiveness and promiscuity have been allowed to run amuck, it should have been obvious for those who have the ability to think and the courage of conscience to address the cultural descent that was occurring, that if they failed to step forward and confront such choices – something at sometime would arise and fill the vacuum. Since no one stepped forward, the following is what is occurring: “In Britain, where there are already as many as eighty-five Sharia courts in operation, an Islamist group called Muslims Against the Crusades has launched an ambitious campaign to turn twelve British cities into independent Islamic states, including Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester…In the Tower Hamlets in East London - or as the Muslims there refer to it, "the Islamic Republic of Tower Hamlets" – imams…issue death threats to unveiled women, and gays are attacked by gangs of young Muslim men. The neighborhood has been littered with leaflets announcing, "You are entering a Sharia controlled zone. Islamic rules enforced…"

“In France, there are an astonishing 751 so-called Sensitive Urban Zones (ZUS). "Sensitive" indeed: the nature of the ZUS, and chaos like the nightly burning of cars in Paris, are topics that the French media largely downplay to avoid accusations of racism or Islamophobia…The Dutch government has released a list of forty "no-go" zones in the Netherlands. In Brussels, Belgium, which is twenty percent Muslim, police have to patrol with two police cars, to watch each other's back. In Sweden, which an imam there has labeled "the best Islamic state," whole patches of the city of Malmö…are no-go zones. There and in Gothenburg, Muslim teenagers have been burning cars, attacking emergency services, throwing stones at patrolling officers and temporarily blinding them with green lasers…The Conclusion drawn is: “These dangerous enclaves are…the byproduct of decades of multicultural policies that have encouraged Muslim immigrants to create parallel societies and remain segregated rather than become integrated into their European host nations…what the Islamic supremacists want is not merely a place at the table…but their own separate table, utterly distinct from the man-made laws of infidels.”

What awaits the United States and the “church”? The direction of both have been downward and the influence of both has been greatly diminished. Why has this occurred? It may have something to do with the choices people make. The Lord issued choices to His people in Deuteronomy 11:26-28 – “See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse: the blessing, if you obey the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you today, and the curse, if you do not obey the commandments of the Lord your God, but turn aside from the way that I am commanding you today, to go after other gods that you have not known.” The words are plain and the choice should be obvious. Our culture has chosen permissiveness and promiscuity – the end result being God’s curse rather than His blessing. This is similar to the challenge and choice in Joshua 24:14-15, “…fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River. or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell...as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord…” The choice to be made is obvious! Choose wisely and correctly! Consider these things with me!

Looming Disaster Or A Time To Refocus

2011-09-07T07:10:00.002-05:00

From My Perspective - - -

We began to get hints of problems within the United States Postal Service on May 18^th, 2011 when two headlines appeared – “4 Months Until Post Office Defaults...” and “Next Up For Bailout: Post Office...” Other Headlines appearing that indicated the issues were not being fabricated were: June 22 – “Post Office Halts Retirement Contributions for Employees...”; July 20 – “Post Office Home Delivery 3 Days A Week?”; August 11 – “Post Office Proposes Cutting 120,000 Jobs, Pulling Out Of Healthcare Plan...”; September 04 – “Broke: Post Office System May Shut Down Entirely This Winter...Unless Congress Takes Emergency Action…” The immediate need is for $5.2 billion to meet operating expenses. One of the raised concerns is that 80% of revenues received are needed and used for employee costs. At UPS, 52% of revenues go toward employee costs, and at FedEx 36% of revenues go toward employee costs. The above Headlines are grim and the possible result for 120,000 Postal employees is dire. This is just one illustration of several that could be mentioned.

Where is the solution to the problems facing the nation and individual lives? How can and will one survive in difficult times? Can the elected politicians solve the problem? They seem at their best and being most adept when they are casting aspersions and blaming others – Obama blames Bush; Democrats blame Republicans (and vice-versa); the poor blame the rich; One Race blames Another; Class Warfare is generated; etc. Where is the answer and resolve in times that are impacting people materially, physically and spiritually? Following September 11, 2001, Adrian Rogers addressed the aftermath of the terrorist with these thoughts: “The Christian’s Response To Terror.”

Adrian Rogers basic presentation included: “Many have asked how should Christians respond to what happened in America on September 11. The first thing I want to tell you is to trust God. He will see us through this. His anchor holds in the storm. Proverbs 18:10 says, "The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runs into it, and is safe." Psalm 20:7 says, "Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God." America may go to war with manmade weapons, but our safety and ultimate victory comes from the Lord. Second, we need to gather and pray…We need pray for God's kingdom to come and God's will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. God's word says, "I exhort therefore, that first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, then giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and for all that are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life, in all godliness and honesty, for this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior." (1 Timothy 2:1). We need to pray for and we need to work for peace. Third, all the prayer in the world is not going to do any good unless we repent. In II Chronicles 7:14 it says, "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." We, as a nation, must repent. We, as Christians, who have stood back in apathy and allowed our nation to slide into a cesspool of immorality, need to repent for our sins…”

It is difficult to adapt to the cultural times that impact individual lives, especially those who wish to maintain Biblical and Christian values. The temptation is to cut corners and compromise – even though one knows better. In the early 1900s, A.B. Simpson stated in a sermon: “I shall never forget a remark George Mueller once made in answer to a gentleman who asked him the best way to have strong faith. The only way to learn strong faith, he replied…is to endure great trials. I have learned my faith by standing firm in severe testing… Be not afraid, only believe. If you are afraid, just look up and say, What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee…” These are words from Psalm 56:3-4 (NKJV), “Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You…In God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me?” The Psalmist learned to trust The Lord Who is His Shepherd in all situations and at all times. Is this what you have learned and believe? Consider these things with me!

Differences - Then and Now

2011-09-02T06:52:00.004-05:00

From My Perspective - - -

The Blog posted yesterday concluded with a reference to Genesis 47:13-27. Pharaoh has placed Joseph in charge of preparing for a seven-year famine. When the famine occurs, Joseph is also in charge of the allocation of grain and seed, etc. Biblical Chronology places this period somewhere between 1897-1878 BC. The key to this Biblical event is that the Egyptians would negotiate away their possessions for food and survival. Genesis 47:18-19 is when the people are near the end of their resources and they are forced to come once again: “…when that year was ended, they came to him…and said… We will not hide from my lord that our money is all spent. The herds of livestock are my lord's. There is nothing left in the sight of my lord but our bodies and our land. Why should we die before your eyes, both we and our land? Buy us and our land for food, and we with our land will be servants to Pharaoh. And give us seed that we may live and not die, and that the land may not be desolate.” It is a case of desperate times and failure to prepare for them that bring them to the place of desperate choices – giving away everything – including themselves – so that as subjects of the state – they can survive.

Yesterday’s Blog produced an email and reflection that made a very important point, namely, “None of our presidents of late seem to have had a vision or dream from the Lord. Neither have we had a prophet like Joseph who has gained the ear of our Leaders and credibility from decision makers of our country. Therefore Egypt and the USA are very different. Egypt stored up a reserve during years of plenty while the USA during years of plenty not only spent like wild but also accumulated a huge additional debt. Therefore for the USA, we do not have stored reserve to help during the lean years. However, we will likely have future inflation since we print more money with nothing to back it up like we did when we were under the gold and silver standard. The people in both cases lost there possessions and become slaves to the government…” There is an online sermon by a “Pastor Vern” on Genesis 47:13-27 where he states: “What can we learn from this? That turning to the Government instead of to God to be our provider in hard times only leads to slavery…The only reason the government wants to be our provider is to also become our Master…we see the same thing happening today – the Government today wants to ‘share the wealth’ – to take it from us and redistribute it back to us. It wants to take control of health-care, just as it has taken control of education and ration it back to us – and when Government rations it, then Government decides who gets it, and how much, and what kind. And if we go along with it, and do it willingly, then we will wind up no differently than the people of Egypt did 4000 years ago – as slaves to the Government and as slaves to our leaders…”

Is there any practical hope and/or resolve for the people of God when confiscation and control become the norm for the day? Can the people of God have any hope in the 21^st Century when the economy seems so negative and the remedies seem so few? Genesis 47:27 should give the people of God reason for hope – “Israel settled in the land of Egypt, in the land of Goshen. And they gained possessions in it, and were fruitful and multiplied greatly.” Nothing was confiscated from them. They realized blessing and provision from the Lord. The only sacrifice on their part was relocation. Two hundred years later – when they violated the Covenant of God – they would become slaves of Egypt. With their unique advantage of being – “one nation under God” – that had as it's reality – “In God We Trust” – one would think that it would be faithfully adhered to and be passed on to future generations. It wasn’t done for very long then – and – it hasn’t been done lately in our own nation.

Just note that at the upcoming 10^th anniversary of 9-11 at Ground Zero – there will be no prayer to God - either thanking Him for His protection and/or invoking Him to continue to guard, protect and bless us! Are we nearing the day – inching toward it - of confiscation, bartering for our existence, getting a computer chip (mark) to allow us to buy and sell, and slavery to the State? Be instructed and encouraged by the words of Psalm 33:10-12, “The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; he frustrates the plans of the peoples. The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations. Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage! Think about and consider these things with me!

When The Melting Pot Is Melting

2011-09-01T06:34:00.001-05:00

From My Perspective - - -

We continue to live in very serious and momentous times. The world continues to be a dangerous place and the United States, with limited resources, can no longer respond with dispatch and generosity as it once was able to do. Some Headlines (taken from Drudge Report – August 31, 2011) conjure up all kinds of possibilities – not just in terms of the affairs of nations – but also in terms of if and how these things might fit into a spiritual sphere rather than being isolated to just the secular. The Headlines were: “Israel Moves Ships; Iran Moves Ships; Israeli Settlers to be given tear gas to defend homes…” Part of the body of the news report from the Associated Press states: “The Israeli Navy (INF) has decided to boost its presence and patrols near 15^th fleet to the Red Sea as well to "convey message of peace and friendship to all countries". Israeli security sources stated: …that two additional warships have been dispatched to Israel's Red Sea border with Egypt. Another source said that the operation was routine…that "two naval craft have been sent to the Red Sea. This is not unusual." It all sounds grim and dangerous.

In the United States, some of the major issues continue to be: illegal immigration; continued unemployment; entanglement in two ‘official’ wars with involvement in the affairs of other nations; the excessive national debt. The illegal immigration is not a new phenomena. In August, 1977, President James E. Carter sent a long message to Congress in this regard. Part of his written and expressed concerns were: “In the last several years, millions of undocumented aliens have illegally immigrated to the United States. They have breached our nation's immigration laws, displaced many American citizens from jobs, and placed an increased financial burden on many states and local governments. The set of actions I am proposing cannot solve this enormous problem overnight, but they will signal the beginning of an effective Federal response. My Administration is strongly committed to aggressive and comprehensive steps toward resolving this problem…” Has the problem been resolved? Thirty-five years later, the answer is a resounding NO!

Where are we headed as a nation? How about final enslavement to the government? In order to survive, every possession given over freely – just to get food! Could it happen here? Take time to read Genesis 47:13-27 carefully. It speaks of a time of great famine and great need in Egypt. Joseph was in charge and note what he ordered and did: “…there was no food in all the land, for the famine was very severe, so that the land of Egypt and the land of Canaan languished by reason of the famine. Joseph gathered up all the money that was found in the land…in exchange for the grain that they bought. Joseph brought the money into Pharaoh's house. And when the money was all spent in the land of Egypt…all the Egyptians came to Joseph and said, Give us food. Why should we die before your eyes? For our money is gone. Joseph answered, Give your livestock, and I will give you food in exchange for your livestock… So they brought their livestock to Joseph, and Joseph gave them food in exchange for the horses, the flocks, the herds, and the donkeys. He supplied them with food in exchange for all their livestock that year…when that year was ended, they came to him the following year and said to him, We will not hide from my lord that our money is all spent. The herds of livestock are my lord's. There is nothing left in the sight of my lord but our bodies and our land. Why should we die before your eyes, both we and our land? Buy us and our land for food, and we with our land will be servants to Pharaoh. And give us seed that we may live and not die, and that the land may not be desolate. So Joseph bought all the land of Egypt for Pharaoh, for all the Egyptians sold their fields, because the famine was severe on them. The land became Pharaoh's. As for the people, he made servants of them from one end of Egypt to the other…”

Have we as a nation forgotten God and removed Him from the equation of our personal and cultural affairs? Will we voluntarily bring all our possessions and ourselves to the government just so we can survive? The end result may be the loss of all we deemed as valuable, then enslavement, and then…??? Consider these things with me!

The Selection Of A Target

2011-08-30T05:28:00.002-05:00

From My Perspective - - -

There are those in the media who make a determination of what and who should be targeted for special scrutiny in the political arena. Of particular interest in this political season are those who have either a personal label of being “Christian” or who are being endorsed by those who come from the broad mainstream of “evangelical Christianity.” A recent editorial written by Bill Keller in the New York Times illustrates this point. Note some of his comments: “…when it comes to the religious beliefs of our would-be presidents, we are a little squeamish about probing too aggressively. Michele Bachmann was asked during the Iowa GOP Debate what she meant when she said the Bible obliged her to “be submissive” to her husband, and there was an audible wave of boos — for the question, not the answer. There is a sense, encouraged by the candidates, that what goes on between a candidate and his or her God is a sensitive, even privileged domain, except when it is useful for mobilizing the religious base and prying open their wallets.”

He then becomes very specific with his concerns: “This year’s Republican primary season offers us an important opportunity to confront our scruples about the privacy of faith in public life…We have an unusually large number of candidates, including putative front-runners, who belong to churches that are mysterious or suspect to many Americans. Mitt Romney and Jon Huntsman are Mormons, a faith that many conservative Christians have been taught is a cult…Rick Perry and Michele Bachmann are both affiliated with fervid subsets of evangelical Christianity — and Rick Santorum comes out of the most conservative wing of Catholicism — which has raised concerns about their respect for the separation of church and state, not to mention the separation of fact and fiction…Every faith has its baggage, and every faith holds beliefs that will seem bizarre to outsiders. I grew up believing that a priest could turn a bread wafer into the actual flesh of Christ. But I do want to know if a candidate places fealty to the Bible, the Book of Mormon…or some other authority higher than the Constitution and laws of this country. It matters to me whether a president respects serious science and verifiable history…I do care if religious doctrine becomes an excuse to exclude my fellow citizens from the rights and protections our country promises. And I care a lot if a candidate is going to be a Trojan horse for a sect that believes it has divine instructions on how we should be governed…”

We would do well to note and remember that a Sovereign God is involved in the affairs of the world He has created. Proverbs 21:1-3 (NKJV), “The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes. Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, But the Lord weighs the hearts. To do righteousness and justice Is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.” The Message Translation states these verses: “Good leadership is a channel of water controlled by God; he directs it to whatever ends he chooses. We justify our actions by appearances; God examines our motives. Clean living before God and justice with our neighbors mean far more to God than religious performance.” The words of Proverbs 14:34 should also be noted and remembered: “Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a reproach to any people.” The Message has a succinct rendering of this verse: “God-devotion makes a country strong; God-avoidance leaves people weak.” Daniel 2 is a place to begin if one is to understand God’s control of His universe. In Daniel 2:45, Daniel states to King Nebuchadnezzar: “A great God has made known to the king what shall be after this. The dream is certain, and its interpretation sure." Nebuchadnezzar was a slow learner, and the interpretation of his second dream states – Daniel 4:24-25, “this is the interpretation, O king: It is a decree of the Most High, which has come upon my lord the king, that you shall be driven from among men, and your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field. You shall be made to eat grass like an ox, and you shall be wet with the dew of heaven…till you know that the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will.” It matters little what the media thinks or who they target. A sovereign God rules and will accomplish His will and His purpose in His universe! Consider these things with me!

When A Donkey Talks

2011-08-25T06:16:00.000-05:00

From My Perspective - - -

Many nations in the world are in turmoil. People are protesting and clamoring for freedom and relief from stern and cruel leaders. Many have lived under the rule of a Dictator all their lives so that their understanding of freedom is suspect. Opportunists lurk everywhere waiting for their moment to seize power and control people – there continues to be danger and peril on every hand. There is great confusion in terms of what the True God might want for them versus what a god has supposedly instructed them to be and do. They really do need at least a Donkey to speak and give them some indication of a pending danger. The Bible contains such a moment in Numbers 22:22-32. Balaam is riding his donkey and is going in a direction contrary to where God wants him to go. When the Donkey saw the Angel of the Lord with his sword drawn, he went in a different direction. The text states: “And Balaam's anger was kindled, and he struck the donkey with his staff. Then the Lord opened the mouth of the donkey, and she said to Balaam, What have I done to you, that you have struck me these three times? And Balaam said to the donkey: Because you have made a fool of me. I wish I had a sword in my hand, for then I would kill you. And the donkey said to Balaam: Am I not your donkey, on which you have ridden all your life long to this day? Is it my habit to treat you this way? And he said, No.” Balaam’s eyes will soon be opened so he can see and know what his Donkey has seen and known.

Wiki-Leaks has posted 349 cables from Libya. Among the documents is a congratulation note Gaddafi sent President Obama on winning the election. Part of Gaddafi’s comments include: “Dear Mr. President Obama, I have the pleasure to send a congratulation note for the first time to an American president… we have the right to congratulate you from the bottom of our hearts because you are the son of Africa. God gives reign to whom He wishes and takes it away from whom He wishes; he holds dear whom he wants and humiliates whom he wants as well. He retains all the good in His hands, and He is the all powerful…” Where do these thoughts originate? One place is Daniel 2:19-23 after the King – Nebuchadnezzar – has had a perplexing dream that no one can interpret. As a last resort, he sends for Daniel who approaches the king with these words: “…the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision of the night. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven. Daniel answered and said: Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might. He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding; he reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with him. To you, O God of my fathers, I give thanks and praise, for you have given me wisdom and might, and have now made known to me what we asked of you, for you have made known to us the king's matter." King Nebuchadnezzar will hear words of condemnation and judgment that will soon come upon him.

Another passage of significance is Isaiah 40:10-25. The prophet declares the Word of the Lord–“Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand and marked off the heavens with a span, enclosed the dust of the earth in a measure and weighed the mountains in scales and the hills in a balance? Who has measured the Spirit of the Lord, or what man shows him his counsel? Whom did he consult, and who made him understand? Who taught him the path of justice, and taught him knowledge, and showed him the way of understanding? Behold, the nations are like a drop from a bucket…All the nations are as nothing before him, they are accounted by him as less than nothing and emptiness…He brings princes to nothing, and makes the rulers of the earth as emptiness…”

What will it take today for our nation to acknowledge the True God? What will gain their attention? Will it be a Talking Donkey? It seems there are many voices of confusion making the sound of a braying donkey and who appear to act just as dumb and stubbornly. What will it take for you to respond affirmatively to God? Why not begin now to - Seek the Lord while He can still be found – and to - Call upon Him while He is still near! There is still time to repent and to return to the Lord. Don’t delay – Do it today! Consider these things with me!

A Brilliant Light

2011-08-22T07:23:00.002-05:00

From My Perspective - - -

From a secular perspective, it is safe to say that all of us have had some experience with a thunder and lightning storm… At nighttime – a brilliant light is seen during a thunderstorm; A jagged beam of bright and brilliant light flashes in the dark sky – frightening some and startling others; It appears suddenly and lasts but a fraction of a moment; The leader stroke reaches the ground in about 20 milliseconds; the return stroke reaches (or returns to) the cloud in about 70 microseconds…Based upon the knowledge one has regarding lightning – in our homes, we utilize SURGE PROTECTORS - - - WHY DO WE DO THAT? We use Surge Protectors because (a) We know there can be damage caused by a bolt of lightning; and (b) We want to safeguard costly electronics, such as computers, television sets, etc.

In 2000, Dr. Ronald B. Standler wrote an essay regarding Damage Caused By Lightning and summarized: “Lightning causes damage to buildings and equipment in three different ways. (1) There can be damage as a result of a direct lightning strike. Such damage includes damage to roofing materials, structures such as chimneys, heating or air conditioning units located on the roof or exterior of a building, or fires caused by lightning igniting combustible material, such as wood-frame buildings or flammable liquids or vapors. (2) Part of the lightning current can be carried inside a building by electric power, telephone, analog or digital data lines (e.g., closed circuit television cameras, sensors in an industrial plant, etc.). This direct injection of lightning current inside a building can cause immense damage to electrical – and especially electronic – circuits and equipment. (3) The electromagnetic fields from the current in a lightning stroke can induce currents and voltage in wire and cables inside a building. Such surge currents are typically less intense than direct injection of current, but can easily vaporize integrated circuits in computers, modems, electronic control circuits…Electronic equipment is typically designed to operate in a well-controlled electrical environment.

From a spiritual perspective, Isaiah 59:1-10 contains these thoughts regarding the darkness that prevails in our world: “Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save, or his ear dull, that it cannot hear; but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear. For your hands are defiled with blood and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies; your tongue mutters wickedness. No one enters suit justly; no one goes to law honestly; they rely on empty pleas, they speak lies, they conceive mischief and give birth to iniquity…Their works are works of iniquity, and deeds of violence are in their hands. Their feet run to evil, and they are swift to shed innocent blood; their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity; desolation and destruction are in their highways. The way of peace they do not know, and there is no justice in their paths; they have made their roads crooked; no one who treads on them knows peace. Therefore justice is far from us, and righteousness does not overtake us; we hope for light, and behold, darkness, and for brightness, but we walk in gloom. We grope for the wall like the blind; we grope like those who have no eyes; we stumble at noon as in the twilight, among those in full vigor we are like dead men.” What a picture! Men groping and stumbling in the darkness…grasping for a wall. How great is that darkness and how deceptive it has become. How greatly it surrounds and imprisons one!

In Psalm 77:18, The Psalmist observed and marveled when contemplating a display of God’s power, “…Your lightning lighted up the world; the earth trembled and shook…” In Luke 17:22-24, Jesus gives this word of instruction to His disciples regarding the power and glory at the time of His second coming: “…The days are coming when you will desire to see one of the days of the Son of Man, and you will not see it.And they will say to you, Look, there! or Look, here! Do not go out or follow them.For as the lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one side to the other, so will the Son of Man be in his day.” In John 1 at the announcement regarding His first coming, the descriptive words were: “In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.” It is a sad fact that the world prefers darkness and alternative religious systems rather than the Gospel in Jesus Christ. However, even in the “Church” where the message of the True Light is to be proclaimed, there are those who continue to stumble in the darkness – groping for a wall like a blind person – completely lost and unaware. Before it is too late, come to The Light – Jesus Christ and follow Him only and always. Consider these things with me!

Moral Collapse

2011-08-15T07:48:00.002-05:00

From My Perspective - - -

It is obvious that in this nation and our world the moral compass is askew. The entire sense of values and what is right or wrong has been blurred to the point where differentiation between the good and bad, the right and wrong, uprightness versus criminality has been trampled underfoot. This nation and our world have allowed for permissiveness to the degree and point where the only standard for human behavior has become - what “I” want and what “I” want – the outcome being “I’LL” just take it. Unruly mobs of people decide to break into businesses and take the things they want and believe they are entitled to have – just because they want them.

The Associated Press has a unique news article and assessment of what has occurred in England. Prime Minister David Cameron has stated: “Britain must confront its slow-motion moral collapse…declared Monday, following four days of riots that left five people dead, thousands facing criminal charges and at least 200 million pounds ($326 million) in property losses.He said his coalition government would outline new policies designed to tackle a culture of laziness, irresponsibility and selfishness which he believes fueled Britain's unrest.He also pledged to toughen rhetoric from ministers and officials, who he claimed had too often had shied away from promoting strong moral standards.His government would no longer be timid in discussing family breakdown or poor parenting, or in criticizing those who fail to set a good example to their community.This has been a wake-up call for our country. Social problems that have been festering for decades have exploded in our face…Just as people last week wanted criminals robustly confronted on our street, so they want to see these social problems taken on and defeated…Cameron insisted that racial tensions, poverty and the government's austerity program - much of which is yet to bite - were not the motivations for the riots across London and other major cities.Criminality and a lack of personal responsibility were at the roots of the disorder…pledging that the government would intervene to help 120,000 of the country's most troubled families before the 2015 national election.One of the biggest lessons of these riots is that we've got to talk honestly about behavior and then act - because bad behavior has literally arrived on people's doorsteps. And we can't shy away from the truth anymore…”

In the midst of all of the turmoil and criminal activity, the “Church” that is supposed to be the voice of moral standards established by Almighty God – has been silent. The root problem is that the “Church” cannot not – and should not – pick and choose among God’s Laws and mandates. God’s Law means all of it and the application for it is supposed to be universal. The Prime Minister also said: “Britain's damaged society has for too long been one which incites laziness, that excuses bad behavior, that erodes self-discipline, that discourages hard work. Amid recklessness by bankers, the lawmakers' expense check scandal, and media phone hacking saga, the leader also acknowledged that all sectors of society had a share of the blame. Moral decline and bad behavior is not limited to a few of the poorest parts of our society. In the highest offices, the plushest boardrooms, the most influential jobs, we need to think about the example we are setting…

The last verse in the Book of Judges (21:25) closes with a statement – “In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” The implication of these words for the culture of our day is that we lack sound moral leadership and that has allowed for a behavior that goes unchecked and a lifestyle that is undisciplined. If one believes that Jesus Christ is King of kings and Lord of lords, then one’s behavior should reflect submission to the will of the King. On one occasion, when Jesus was confronted by a Lawyer – the interaction is in Luke 10:26-28 – “He (Jesus) said to him, What is written in the Law? How do you read it? And he (Lawyer) answered: You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself. Jesus said to him, You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live." This should be one’s beginning point for one's Godliness and Moral Uprightness. Consider these things with me!

Is - "Tch, Tch" - Appropriate?

2011-08-13T06:37:00.001-05:00

From My Perspective - - -

The times in which we live are already past the challenging stage – they are now desperate. Nations are in turmoil and many are near bankruptcy; people are losing their employment, homes and planned retirement income; riots are once again becoming evident in other nations, as well as our own – and – our response too often is to “whistle while passing the graveyard” (idiomatic for: an attempt to stay cheerful in a dire situation; to proceed with a task, ignoring an upcoming hazard, hoping for a good outcome) or the utterance of – “tch, tch” (a sound made at a moment of frustration).

The column by Peggy Noonan for August 12^th, 2011 captures some of sense of the times through which we are living and passing. She writes in a column entitled “Apres le Deluge” (after us, the deluge): “The riots in Britain left some Americans shaken…The British press, left, right and center, was largely united in a refusal to make political excuses for the violence. Almost all agreed on the cause and nature of what happened. The cause was not injustice; this was not a revolt of the downtrodden masses, breaking into stores looking for food. The causes were greed, selfishness, a respect and even lust for violence, and a lack of moral grounding. Conscienceless predators preyed upon the weak. The weak were anyone who happened to be passing by, and those, many of them immigrants, who tried to defend their shops and neighborhoods…The denunciations were swift and fierce. Max Hastings, in the conservative-populist Daily Mail: "The depressing truth is that at the bottom of our society is a layer of young people with no skills, education, values or aspirations…Nobody has ever dared suggest to them that they need feel any allegiance to anything, least of all Britain or their community…Not only do they know nothing of Britain's past, they care nothing for its present…More stinging and resigned was the brief essay by Theodore Dalrymple in the intellectually bracing City Journal. The subject -- the decline of Western society -- has been his for 20 years. He has written what he saw as a doctor working in British prisons. ‘The ferocious criminality exhibited by an uncomfortably large section of the English population’ in the riots did not surprise him. To have spotted it required no great perspicacity (keenness of mental perception and understanding)on my part; rather, it took a peculiar cowardly blindness, one regularly displayed by the British intelligentsia and political class, not to see it and not to realize its significance..."

The phrase – “after us, the deluge” (Apres le Deluge) – is fascinating! It has historic Biblical meaning. In Genesis 6:5-7, “The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And the Lord was sorry that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him to his heart. So the Lord said, I will blot out man whom I have created from the face of the land, man and animals and creeping things and birds of the heavens, for I am sorry that I have made them." The aftermath was the destruction of the world by means of a deluge – a flood. Only Noah and his family were spared because they found refuge in the Ark that the Lord had directed him to build. What does this account of Noah have to do with the current events of our time? Take note of what Jesus Christ spoke in His Olivet Discourse – Matthew 24:37-42, “For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark,and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man…stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.” These words need to be taken seriously! We are living in desperate and degenerate times! We would be unwise to be “whistling past the graveyard” and uttering “tch, tch” as though these events were just passing trends and not to be taken too seriously. The words of Jesus – “Stay Awake” – should gain the attention of us all. Use what time remains, to share the Gospel and to live righteously! Consider these things with me!

Offended By What - - By Whom??

2011-08-12T08:32:00.002-05:00

From My Perspective - - -

What are the values that guide one in the 21^st Century? What are you living for – and – what would you be willing to die for? In the United States, is the Constitution an archaic artifact that is to be viewed as a museum document, or is in a living legacy by which this nation is to be governed and guided? Whichever conclusion may be drawn, who has the right to make that decision, and what is the objective in nullifying the foundational principles upon which this nation was built?

A news item that received little notice or attention pertained to an action taken by the United States Air Force Academy. Basically, it is summarized in the following note entitled: “Air Force guilty of religious bigotry - bans Scripture in class.” Dated August 9^th, 2009, it states: “Dear Friend, The Air Force has banned a class on the Christian-based ‘Just War Theory’ because the class used verses from the Bible. ’Just War Theory’ has been a part of Western civilization since the days of St. Augustine in the 5th century A.D. It uses the abiding standards of the word of God to help members of the military determine when the use of lethal force against an enemy of this country is morally legitimate and helps them to know how to use that force in a morally just way. The class has been taught for more than two decades at Vandenberg Air Force base, and has been an important source of perspective for those who have their fingers on the missile launchers that protect our liberties. But because of noisy complaints from secular fundamentalists the class has now been shelved, and our military has been robbed of the moral guidance of the Scriptures. Rather than fight for religious liberty, the Air Force meekly suspended the entire class the day the complaint was filed. And so the banning of the Bible in the armed services continues. Donated Bibles were burned in Afghanistan because it might offend Muslims in Afghanistan…It's time for this extinguishing of the lamp of God's word to stop…”

More by coincidence than by moral conscience values, the following has been observed: “For the past four nights we have watched London devastated by young thugs setting fires, looting stores, fighting police and gloating that ‘Now we own the streets.’ David Cameron, the Prime Minister, has taken swift steps to have a large force of policemen who arrested several thousand. He charged that ‘if these rioters are old enough to commit the crime, they are old enough to be tried for their crimes.’ Last night British magistrates (judges) conducted court all night long, processing 100 of the rioters with prompt jail time meted out. Stunned parents watched as their 14- and 16-year-old sons and daughters, (even a few of them 12 years old) were carted off to jail for four and six-months sentences. Too late, they promised that they would try to control their kids better in the future. Again, on August 11, 2011, Prime Minister Cameron was cheered in Parliament as he promised that swift justice would be given all these rioters even if the courts had to conduct trials around the clock.”

A Biblical basis for this action – whether or not it is actually known and become the basis for the action, are these words from Ecclesiastes 8:11 (NIV), “When the sentence for a crime is not quickly carried out, the hearts of the people are filled with schemes to do wrong.” The NLT states: “When a crime is not punished, people feel it is safe to do wrong.” In Today’s English Version it is rendered:"Why do people commit crimes so readily? Because crime is not punished quickly enough" In a Blog entitled “Feeling Reality”, the writer refers to the seeming desert and the dearth that accompanies it. In the midst of all the compromise and jettisoning of the basic and valid principles in the Word of God, another reality prevails. It appears in Isaiah 43:18-19 where the Lord is speaking to His people, “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”

The Church – such as it is in the 21^st century – ought to be offended rather than complicit. The same is true for the “professing Christian”. The adage that says: "Stand for something or you’ll fall for anything” is an apt description of where we are today. Consider these things with me!

They Didn't Have A Prayer

2011-08-06T07:48:00.000-05:00

From My Perspective - - -

The expression – “they didn’t have a prayer” – is often used to describe a hopeless situation where one may be found. A car where the driver is not paying attention and crosses into the oncoming lane of traffic causes a head-on collision resulting in the death of unsuspecting and innocent individuals; the pilot informing the passengers on the airliner that the engines have failed and the plane will have to make a crash landing; the sloppy and unkempt high school student who attempts to date the Home-Coming-Queen – these and a host of many other unlikely possibilities bring about the expression – “they didn’t have a prayer.” Someone raised this interesting observation and question: “Why is it that in these and so many other apparently hopeless situations, people who never darken the doors of the church will use this expression, “They don’t have a prayer”? Is there some latent recognition that prayer really could make a difference?”

Let’s fast-forward to today when the Governor of Texas – Rick Perry – has announced and called for a Day of Prayer for our nation. He has called it – The Response! Why has he done it and how have people responded to it? The Washington Post reports: “The event, originally conceived by Perry before he started laying groundwork for a presidential campaign, is one of the most explicit appeals to conservative Christians by any of the Republican hopefuls, and it will closely link his candidacy to his evangelical faith if he decides to run. Evangelical Christians make up a critical voting bloc that could comprise more than half of the voters in some of the GOP primaries. But liberals are criticizing Perry, highlighting the controversial comments of some of the people he has invited to participate. And some Republicans worry that the Texas governor could hurt his prospects of winning the general election if he chooses to emphasize religion rather than his record of job creation…Perry invited his fellow governors to the event, but so far, only Kansas Republican Sam Brownback has said he will come…Perry says the day is inspired by the words of the Old Testament Book of Joel in which the prophet calls on the Hebrew people to pray, fast and ask for God’s forgiveness. The Texas governor argues that America similarly needs to ask for God’s help today because it is a nation in crisis. We have been besieged by financial debt, terrorism, and a multitude of natural disasters…As a nation, we must come together and call upon Jesus to guide us through unprecedented struggles, and thank Him for the blessings of freedom we so richly enjoy.” Hopefully, people will respond affirmatively!

There have been negative responses to the Governor calling for such a meeting. Many represent the same groups that oppose any religious appeal in the public arena. Regrettably, these negative groups have seemingly won the day in most situations. Could it be that the so-called Christian Community who call themselves “believers” have lacked the backbone to take a stand and to participate in prayer? It may very well be that an underlying factor is that the “Church” has lost its way. When people gather weekly in a building called “The Church”, why have they come? Do they come to Worship…Pray…Seek the Face of Almighty God – or – are they merely maintaining a tradition and ritual? A Biblical Model for Worship could easily be John 4:22-24, “You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know…the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth." A Biblical Model for Prayer could easily be II Chronicles 7:14-16 after the Temple had been completed, “…if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayer that is made in this place. For now I have chosen and consecrated this house that my name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will be there for all time.” When you attend “your Church”, don’t be identified with those of whom it was said – "They Didn’t Have A Prayer!” Come and gather to Worship and Pray as modeled by the Word of the Lord? Consider these things with me?

As Compared To What...?

2011-08-03T07:20:00.001-05:00

From My Perspective - - -

Some people love to label other people by characterizing them in some way or seeking ways that would demean another. It seems as though civil discourse takes a back seat if an opportunity presents itself to make a negative comment. The intent is to form an opinion that will denigrate someone else by use of a single term or phrase. In many situations, the negative remark or accusation has its intended result. The person so labeled is forced to spend an inordinate amount of time and resources to remedy the negatives that have been deliberately or carelessly bandied about.

If you had a choice, with what would you like to be compared? Why would that label be your choice? What would you hope would be conveyed about you if one word or brief phrase was used to summarize who you are? A friend of mine recently printed in a Church Bulletin one type of comparison. It was the comparison to a pencil. A Pencil may seem to be of little consequence and surely without a great cost. The item suggested: “A pencil maker told the pencil five important lessons it needed to remember just before placing it in a box: (1) Everything you do will always leave a mark! (2) You can always correct a mistake you have made! (3) What is important is inside of you! (4) In life, you will undergo an occasional painful sharpening which will only make you better and more functional! (5) To be the best Pencil, you must allow yourself to be held and guided by the hand that holds you…!” Obviously, pencils have different purposes: The Artist needs some pencils with a softer lead so he can achieve a desired result in terms of dimension and shading; The Draftsman needs pencils with a hard lead so that the result he achieves will easily display the sharp distinctive of what has been drawn and the dimension of each area.

Some people use a pencil in ways for which it was not designed and manufactured – they will chew on it; tap it incessantly; toss it aside as though it had no value. That can and may characterize that particular life – a person with no purpose; one who doesn’t try to be creative or develop skills; one who chooses to be an annoyance to others; one who has no set of values. This type of person is usually marked by low self-esteem and under-achievement. Such a one is content to drift aimlessly through life and could care less about any label that is attached. Just leave him alone to chew on his pencil and to tap it endlessly – and then – to be tossed aside as though it had no value.

There are two Biblical illustrations (among several) that describe how life can and should be viewed: (1) The meaningfulness and purposefulness of a life with correct priorities, namely, a godly life. Psalm 1 describes it well. The person who avoids all of the negative appeals that come his way is likened to – Psalm 1:1-3, “… his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.” This life is marked by productiveness and fruitfulness. (2) One must be – should be – cognizant of the brevity of life. It carries with it the idea of the adage – “never put off to tomorrow what can be done today.” In James 4:13-14, “…you who say, Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit - yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that."

In my early teens, when I had no sense of direction or purpose, Mark 8:35-37 had a convicting and haunting impact upon my life: “For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it.For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?For what can a man give in return for his soul?” Gradually, and in His timing, the Lord moved me and prepared me to serve Him. I had sense enough and willingness to be like a pencil in the hand of the Master – to be used as He saw fit and wherever He wished to use me. How about you? Are you clay in the Potter’s Hand – a pencil in the hand of The Master Artist? Consider these things with me!