To Wheedle Or Not To Wheedle

From My Perspective – - -

Everyone has been exposed to one who wheedles. In the current debates and pending actions of The Congress and President – there is no short supply of wheedling. To Wheedle is: “to endeavor to influence (a person) by smooth, flattering, or beguiling words or acts; to obtain through the use of flattery or guile…” Some of the synonyms for wheedle allow for a broader sense of what the words and acts mean – words such as, “finagle, maneuver, seduce, lure, mislead…” Obviously, wheedling can become a lifestyle for some people.

One of the problems with a person who is characterized as one who wheedles is the entitlement expectation of such a person. He/She claims to have a right to certain privileges and benefits apart from any self-help effort. In the process, one of the things that is sacrificed is a spirit and expression of gratitude and Thanksgiving. An excellent Editorial Comment is made by Bill Shuler, pastor of Capital Life Church in Arlington, VA on FoxNews.Com. He wrote and stated the following – - – Our thanks are best found in our giving.
In 1621 Pilgrims joined together with Native American Indians on New England soil to enjoy a feast celebrating the Pilgrims very first harvest. Plymouth’s Governor, William Bradford, made provisions for a day of prayer and thanksgiving. The following are 10 thoughts on Thanksgiving:
1. Americans will consume over 45 million turkeys on Thanksgiving Day.
2. The average Thanksgiving meal will constitute between 2,400 and 4,500 calories.
3. The U.S. population will gain over 171 tons of weight this year.
4. “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live them.” — President John F. Kennedy
5. Many psychologists concur that being thankful is the healthiest of all emotions.
6. Being thankful is a key component of healthy relationships.
7. We should be thankful for what we already have before we ask for more.
8. Our thanks are best found in our giving.
9. The Scriptures encourage us to give thanks in all circumstances and not to forget all God’s benefits.
10. Being thankful aligns us for wholeness.
In 1789 General George Washington declared by proclamation: “Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection, aid and favors…Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the Beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be: that we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks for his kind care and protection of the people of this country, and for all the great and various favors which he has been pleased to confer upon us.”

Just A Reminder as Families and Friends gather this Thursday – Be Sure To Thank God for His Provision and Care – - -
Psalm 92:1-2
“It is good to give thanks to the LORD, and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High; To declare Your loving-kindness in the morning, and Your faithfulness every night.”

Psalm 100
“Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs. Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are His; we are His people, the sheep of His pasture. Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise his name. For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Consider these things with me!

Supercilious Slogan

From My Perspective – - -

If a person is reluctant to use the Holy Bible as “the only infallible rule for faith and practice”, neither should that one use it for any political statement, sentiment or hopeful action. When people use the Bible to espouse a political philosophy or to arouse and inflame public sentiment, it is safe to say these people have gone too far. A valid hermeneutical statement is: “A Text out of its Context is a Pretext.” Also, this Catechetical thought given in response to the Question – What do the Scriptures principally teach? – the Answer is: The Scriptures principally teach what man is to believe concerning God and what duty God requires of man.” Well – along comes a current Bumper and T-Shirt Slogan suggesting that one “Pray for Obama” and uses the “text” in Psalm 109:8 to define a Political point of view and Sentiment: “May his days be few; may another take his office!” In the “context” that includes Psalm 109:9-10 the following is expressed: “May his children be fatherless and his wife a widow! May his children wander about and beg, seeking food far from the ruins they inhabit!”

Charles Haddon Spurgeon who wrote and produced the Treasury of David (a detailed commentary on all of the Psalms) more than a century ago offers this overview of Psalm 109: “In the first five verses (Psalms 109:1-5) David humbly pleads with God that he may be delivered from his remorseless and false hearted enemies. From Psalms 109:6-20, filled with a prophetic fervor, which carries him entirely beyond himself, he denounces judgment upon his foes, and then from Psalms 109:21-31 he returns to his communion with God in prayer and praise. The central portion of the Psalm in which the difficulty lies must be regarded not as the personal wish of the Psalmist in cool blood, but as his prophetic denunciation of such persons as he describes, and emphatically of one special ‘son of perdition’…” A safe instructional (hermeneutical) principle is: “Let Scripture interpret Scripture…” To properly understand the prophetic nature of Psalm 109:8-10, one must read Acts 1:15 through 20, “In those days Peter stood up…and said: Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke beforehand by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus. For he was numbered among us and was allotted his share in this ministry…For it is written in the Book of Psalms: May his camp become desolate, and let there be no one to dwell in it; and Let another take his office…” Obviously, this became the judgment upon Judas Iscariot for his disloyal and treacherous act of betraying the Lord Jesus Christ.

We know from the life of David that violence of the suggested slogan was not part of his thought-pattern or what was in his heart. A King who had set out to kill David (who had been anointed by the prophet Samuel as God’s choice to rule the nation of Israel) was King Saul. On one occasion, David had the moment and opportunity to kill King Saul. Instead, to let the King know what he could’ve done, he merely cut off a piece (a tassel) from the hem of Saul’s Royal Robe (which Saul was wearing at the time – See: I Samuel 24:4-11). David felt very convicted for his act as he stated to Saul in I Samuel 24:10, “Behold, this day your eyes have seen how the LORD gave you today into my hand in the cave. And some told me to kill you, but I spared you. I said, I will not put out my hand against my lord, for he is the Lord’s anointed.” The true sentiment of David’s heart and thoughts is expressed in I Samuel 12:23-24, “As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that is good and right. But be sure to fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you.”

A Supercilious Slogan conveys that the one embracing the slogan views another from a perspective that is “haughtily disdainful or contemptuous…” Perhaps the “failing to Pray For You” is more of the issue that allows for the trends of our time. If one wants to quote from the Holy Bible, such a one should make the Holy Bible the foundation for his/her life. Quite simply – Live It before you Quote From It! Consider these things with me!

The Faux Pas of the Founders

From My Perspective – - -

The Founders of our country must have been having a bad day when the idea for This Republic was conceived. The Framers of the Constitution erred in thinking The US Constitution would be a foundation for a free and prosperous nation. What was wrong with the early founders: George Washington; Alexander Hamilton; Thomas Jefferson; Benjamin Franklin; Thomas Paine and countless other Patriots? Were they delusional? Were they writing this document after sipping some home brew? Did they really believe that a country and society would one day jettison many of the principles for which the Founders were willing to state unequivocally: “We mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor…”? Whatever happened to the originating proposition: “We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America”?

The Faux Pas (a slip or blunder in etiquette, manners, or conduct; an embarrassing social blunder or indiscretion) did not become apparent until 233 years after the fact. If one wonders what happened, just suppose some of the political leaders of today had been the leaders in 1776 – people like the current President; Nancy Pelosi; Harry Reid; Mitch McConnell; John Boehner; the Federal Court System; Czar Appointees – how would they have framed the Constitution? Would it have included weakening the status and standing of the nation in the world? Would it have included the takeover of Banks and Major Businesses? Would it have championed taking control of one-sixth of the economy so that every legal or illegal resident in the nation could have Health Care provided? Would it contain a favorite status for Labor Unions receiving Government Contracts (rather than the Low Bidder)? Would this nation have survived for 233 years if the present politicians had been involved in preparing a foundational document to “…form a more perfect union…”? Would they have been willing to say: “We mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor…” in order to form a nation that will endure the test of time?

Focus on the Family released the following in 2006: “The American Experiment has the potential to prove unusually conducive to a deeper understanding of God’s design for the state precisely because it is unique in the history of the world. Here on these shores, and here alone, people with a strong Christian worldview have been afforded an unparalleled opportunity to create from scratch what they considered an ideal system of government…The New England Primer, the second best-selling book (after the Bible) of the colonial era, provides an intriguing window into the attitudes of early Americans. In particular, it reveals an outlook and a way of life powerfully shaped by the teachings of Scripture. The pervasiveness of this outlook is further demonstrated in statements made by America’s early political leaders, legal and social architects, and educational pioneers – people like Benjamin Rush, George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Samuel Adams, Charles Carroll, Noah Webster, and the founders of Harvard, Princeton, and Columbia Universities. In spite of the fact that not all of them were practicing Christians, these luminaries agreed with President John Adams that the success of America’s republican form of government would prove directly dependent upon the virtue and morality of her people, and that virtue and morality are necessarily founded upon religion – by which all meant the Christian religion…”

We have come a long way from those Founding Principles which seem to be almost forgotten and seldom embraced or championed today! Psalm 33:12 instructs and encourages: “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance.” Psalm 9:17 [NLT] continues: “The wicked will go down to the grave. This is the fate of all the nations who ignore God.” We have a choice and should have the good sense to return to the Foundation Principles of the Nation – and – of our Faith! Don’t let this become your Faux Pas! Consider these things with me!

Political Perpetuity

From My Perspective – - -

Is human behavior predictable? Is there validity to the phrase: “As now – so then!”? Is there a pattern that one follows based upon moral principles inculcated (to teach another by frequent instruction or repetition; indoctrinate) in the home, personal philosophy, educational choices, and political bias and orientation? Can it be said that Political Perpetuity is a reality and serves as a barometer in terms of a politician’s decision-making process? Perpetuity means: “The quality or condition of being perpetual…Time without end; eternity.” With that being true, would it not be wise to fasten one’s seat-belt for a long and arduous journey – one that will be “demanding great effort or labor; difficult…testing severely the powers of endurance; strenuous”?

Currently, the President of the United States has rejected all options offered him regarding the War in Afghanistan. If there have been random recommendations without complete detail of both objective and duration, that would demonstrate wisdom. If the rejection is based upon political considerations and perpetuity, that would be lacking in wisdom. A question is: Is there any barometer one can view that gives an indication of the direction in this decision-making process? Is it fair and adequate to look at one’s past political career to gain some insight to what’s ahead?

One insight we gain is, Barack Obama began his political career as an Illinois state senator, where he served from 1997 to 2004. He spoke out against the U.S. invasion of Iraq. This was backed up by the publication on his official candidate’s site of his speech at an anti-war rally in October 2002. Rather than fighting Iraq, he said: “Let’s finish the fight with Bin Laden and Al Qaeda, through effective, coordinated intelligence, and a shutting down of the financial networks that support terrorism, and a homeland security program that involves more than color-coded warnings.” Another insight is that as a senator in the Illinois legislature, he had a third option beyond “Yes” or “No” – namely – “Present.” This option allows a legislator to remain neutral on an issue at vote, side-stepping a stance. He was criticized by his campaign rival Senator Hillary Clinton’s campaign for the 129 “Present” votes he made from 1997 to 2004 [/source]. In 1999, he voted present on a bill that allowed juvenile offenders who committed certain crimes to be tried as adults. The results of this vote and others, including votes on abortion, allowed Clinton’s campaign to portray Mr. Obama as a talker rather than a doer [source 1="The" 2="New" 3="York" 4="Times" language=":"]. In the US Senate in 2007, he voted along Democratic Party lines 97 percent of the time – 10 percent more than the average for all Democratic senators [/source]. Of the leading Democrat candidates, he missed the most votes during the 109th Congress – 282 of the 630 total votes from Dec. 8, 2007, to July 28, 2008, or 44.8 percent. Is he still just a “talker rather than a doer” of what is wise and right?

As President, he has the difficult decision of whether or not to send more than 40,000 troops into harms way! What will he ultimately decide? Is Political Perpetuity at play here? Is he delaying his decision to preserve a fragile vote differential for the Health Care Reform legislation? There is an intriguing passage in the Bible that has all kinds of ramifications – Job 40:1-5 (NLT), “Then the LORD said to Job, Do you still want to argue with the Almighty? You are God’s critic, but do you have the answers? Then Job replied to the LORD, I am nothing – how could I ever find the answers? I will put my hand over my mouth in silence. I have said too much already. I have nothing more to say.” The words of Verse 2 in The Message: “…Job Answers God: I’m Ready to Shut Up and Listen…” Whether or not the politician of today will admit it, there is a bigger picture and a better plan. However – it includes The Sovereign God of Whom it is said – Isaiah 42:5-8 (NLT), “God, the LORD, created the heavens…He created the earth and everything in it. He gives breath and life to everyone in all the world…it is He who says: I, the LORD, have called you to demonstrate my righteousness…and you will be a light to guide all nations to me…I am the LORD; that is my name! I will not give my glory to anyone else…” The plans of our politicians need to be fitting into God’s plans for our nation. If we do it – we’ll succeed; if we don’t – failure will be a certainty and our destiny! May our leaders have the good sense to make the wise and correct choices! Consider these things with me!

Limitations Of Loftiness

From My Perspective – - -

Leadership and Loftiness – are they compatible? Leaders inspire by example as well as spoken word! Lofty rhetoric can be nice to hear – but – is it always appropriate? A Lofty Manner is interesting to observe – but – is it always the order of the day? Does “Dignity” suffer if “Loftiness” is not always in the forefront? Is a Leader ever permitted to show genuine emotion without it being construed as “unmanly” or inappropriate? How should a Leader respond to a crisis (or crises)? Definitions for Loftiness in The American Heritage Dictionary include: “Elevated in character; exalted; pompous; arrogant; haughty.” A good Leader must display other characteristics and emotions in addition to constant loftiness! He should be angered by atrocities; engaged in a timely way with catastrophes; consoling immediately when carnage occurs; sensitive toward those who are suffering and sorrowing… The writer of Ecclesiastes reminds us (3:1-8): “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven…a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance…a time to be silent and a time to speak…a time for war and a time for peace.”

Commentators and Bloggers are having a “field day” because of the manner in which the President of the US responded to the events that had unfolded at Fort Hood. Two of the comments are: (1) On November 5, Ben Johnson wrote on David Horowitz’ Newsreal website that Obama’s “shout out” “says it all: Our Commander-In-Chief feels there is no event so serious that it cannot be prefaced by a moment of glib hipness, no solemn loss so sacred he will deny himself a moment of wry self-indulgence. Soldiers were killed? Let’s say “hi” to Joe first. An entire theater of war needs a plan to defeat the terrorists who struck America on 9/11? No reason I can’t go golfing, shoot some hoops, and hit the town with Michelle. We desperately need an adult in the White House. Sadly, today’s press conference proves we do not have one.” And (2) Linda Chavez wrote in a November 5 Blog Post for Commentary Magazine that “President Obama’s rushed press conference was surprising in its flippancy nonetheless. Before he got to the issue on everyone’s mind – namely the deaths of Americans in uniform – the president gave a ’shout-out’ to government bureaucrats gathered for a previously scheduled conference at the Interior Department, complete with appreciative chuckles. He treated the event like a pep rally rather than a tragic occasion with a wider audience than those gathered in the room…”

The President should be given some “slack” and the benefit of the doubt. However, it would be nice to see a “human side” to the President – some indignation at this outrage; a tear in the eye over a tragedy that has taken a life of a soldier, a spouse and/or parent; an emotional crack in the voice as comments are made and condolences shared; an awareness that soldiers (warriors) returning from battle zones are killed by a fellow-soldier in a debriefing clinic. Come On, Mr. President – be real, be human, be caring! Come On, Mr. President – we’ve heard your rhetoric! Give it a rest! Just once – Get rid of your robotic facade! Bury your Teleprompter and speak from your heart!

Wednesday marks a special day! It was at the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month that an Armistice was signed ending all hostilities in World War I. We now call November 11th Veterans Day to honor those who have died while representing our nation in the military. It’s good of you – Mr. President – to delay a trip to Asia so you can be at the Memorial Service in Fort Hood. Just a word of counsel, Mr. President – don’t speak! Just be there to give a hug; to shed a tear; to show you really care! This should NOT be a “news” event! This is NOT about YOU, Mr. President – It should be a time for the grieving families and hurting individuals! It also needs to be remembered -
*** It’s the Military, not the reporter who has given us the Freedom of the Press.
*** It’s the Military, not the poet, who has given us the Freedom of Speech.
*** It’s the Military, not the politicians that ensures our Right to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.
*** It’s the Military who salutes The Flag, who serves beneath The Flag, and whose coffin is draped by The Flag.
We remain One Nation, under God – because of our brave military! Consider these things with me!

Insufficiency Of Superfluity

From My Perspective – - -

When is enough – enough? For those who want to receive something for nothing, are they ever satisfied? If a special “Midnight Madness Sale” is being held at a Business, what is the decorum and behavior of those wanting to be “first” so they can grab the “most” (whether or not they actually need it)? If there is an actual error in pricing, do most people point that out to the merchant or take advantage of it? There was this incident in Columbus, Ohio on October 12th, 2009 headlined: “Clothing Store Trashed After Woman’s Winning Lottery Claim.” The report states: “Hundreds of people were left disappointed Tuesday after a woman who claimed she won the lottery promised to return to a clothing store and spend her winnings on all the customers. The woman said she won $500,000 and wanted to buy clothes for customers at the east side Burlington Coat Factory…The offer was extended to every shopper at the East Main Street store and not just for clothes…a shopper said: “I just need assistance with my rent and she said, How much is it? and she promptly wrote out a check….The woman asked customers to tell their friends and family about her offer and said she would stay until the store closed…The woman then announced to the store that she was returning to the bank to secure more cash but by 3 p.m., police announced that the shopping spree was over and turned the crowds away…When shoppers learned the merchandise would not be paid for, some customers trashed the store…”

Certain obvious truths stand out as and when this incident occurred: (1) Some people were in the store looking for a particular item of clothing and were just shopping; (2) Some people were there wondering how they could afford what they genuinely needed – some with restricted finances, and personal needs; (3) Some people appeared and responded out of a greed motive – something for nothing and “I want in on the action whether or not I have any need for any of the stuff” (these may be the same ones who trashed or looted the store when they discovered the giveaway was a hoax). The store had nothing to do with the hoax, yet they suffered the loss and consequence of this event. One has to feel especially sorry for those with financial needs who would have benefited IF this offer had been bonafide. Its no wonder why a growing number feel so downtrodden and neglected. Sadly, the government expands its control and power as they project “caring” whereas most care only about the next election and as many votes as they can garner. Giveaway programs by the Government are similar to the woman’s hoax in the Columbus, Ohio store – all promise but little – if any – benefit for those have the least and who need the most – hoping for something – anything – to alleviate serious need!

A secular society can be focused upon and absorbed by the Insufficiency Of Superfluity (Superfluity = a superabundant or excessive amount, luxury) – always wanting more whether it is needed or deserved.
The nation would do well to remember and apply – I Timothy 6:6-10 (The New Living Translation): Yet true religion with contentment is great wealth…we didn’t bring anything with us when we came into the world, and we certainly cannot carry anything with us when we die…if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content. But people who long to be rich (and have all kinds of stuff) fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money (and stuff) is at the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money (and other stuff), have wandered from the faith…”
Similar words in Hebrews 13:5-6, “Keep your lives free from the love of money (and things, and stuff) and be content with what you have, because God has said: Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you! So we say with confidence, The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid!”

There needs to be genuine caring for the genuinely poor and needy (not the greedy)! There needs to be a sharing from what one has with those who would be benefited because they have little or nothing. Caring is more than just Giving – it is Compassion for those who are least among us and who desperately need someone to show them love and concern. Can YOU be that someone? Are YOU…? Consider these things with me!

Architectural Anomaly

From My Perspective – - -

October 31st is usually thought of as Halloween or All Saints Day. However, this day is significant for another reason. “On 31 October 1517, Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the church door at Wittenberg, accusing the Roman Catholic church of heresy and error. Some cite this as the starting point of the Protestant Reformation even though men such as John Wycliffe, John Hus, Thomas Linacre, John Colet and others had already put their life’s work and lives on the line for same cause of truth, laying the foundation of Reform upon which Luther now built. Luther’s action was in great part a response to the selling of indulgences by Johann Tetzel, a Dominican priest. Luther’s charges also directly challenged the position of the clergy in regard to individual salvation. Luther’s views were condemned as heretical by Pope Leo X in the bull Exsurge Domine in 1520. Consequently Luther was summoned to either renounce or reaffirm them at the Diet of Worms on 17 April 1521. When he appeared before the assembly, Johann von Eck, by then assistant to the Archbishop of Trier, acted as spokesman for Emperor Charles the Fifth. He presented Luther with a table filled with copies of his writings. Eck asked Luther if he still believed what these works taught…Luther apologized for the harsh tone of many of his writings, but said he could not reject the majority of them or the teachings in them. Luther respectfully but boldly stated, Unless I am convinced by proofs from Scriptures or by plain and clear reasons and arguments, ‘I cannot and will not retract, for it is neither safe nor wise to do anything against conscience. Here I stand. I can do no other. God help me. Amen.’ On May 25, the Emperor issued his Edict of Worms, declaring Martin Luther an outlaw.”

The Church of the Reformation moved forward with determination. It met in modest and simple surroundings as it slowly progressed. The lavish places of worship and ornate nature of them was a stark contrast to monastic life. For several centuries, places of worship have been built at great expense. Even in the Old Testament Scriptures, the description of the Tabernacle in the Wilderness and the Temple of Solomon, give evidence of the detail and lavishness of them. Equally intriguing is the idea of Church Steeples. A study was shared in 2001 by Christian History Journal on Church Steeples. The article stated: “Steeples are inspiring, but they don’t necessarily serve any practical architectural purpose…they beg the question: Where did the idea come from? The spire originated in the twelfth century, but America’s steeples are descended from those designed by Sir Christopher Wren after the Great Fire of London in 1666. The fire began early on September 2, not far from the famed London Bridge, overtaking everything in its path. Over four days the conflagration destroyed most of the city. Many famous buildings, including St. Paul’s Cathedral and 86 other churches (not to mention more than 13,000 homes), were destroyed, and the city smoldered for months. The task of rebuilding many of these houses of worship fell to Wren, a young architect. Noted for his Oxford background as a mathematician and astronomer, Wren was commissioned by King Charles II to rebuild St. Paul’s Cathedral. In his design of St. Paul’s and about 50 other city churches he included steeples, leading men and women to turn their gaze toward God in his heavens. Wren’s simple, straightforward treatment of the steeple quickly caught on. They were increasingly found on American churches, often with bells built in the tops. These bells served dual purposes, calling worshipers to services and summoning citizens for special announcements or emergencies.”

An anomaly is: “Deviation or departure from the normal…form, or rule.” The ABC News Webpage includes a weather story: “Storms rolled through the Mississippi Valley last night…and toppled over a Church Steeple in Shreveport, Louisiana.” Steeples can be meaningful and attractive, but what occurs beneath the Steeple is far more important. Jesus demonstrated that truth in Matthew 21:12-14 [The Message]: “Jesus went straight to the Temple and threw out everyone who had set up shop, buying and selling. He kicked over the tables of loan sharks and the stalls of dove merchants…My house was designed and designated to be a House of Prayer; You have made it a hangout for thieves. Now there was room for the blind and crippled to get in. They came to Jesus and he healed them.” You should not need a Steeple to cause you to “Keep Looking Unto Jesus – the Author and Finisher of your Faith [Hebrews 12:2].” He is always near!  Consider these things with me!

Ebenezer Scrooge Lives On

From My Perspective – - -

From a brief summary: “Ebenezer Scrooge is the main character in Charles Dickens’ 1843 novel, A Christmas Carol. At the beginning of the novel, Scrooge is a cold-hearted, tight fisted, greedy man, who despises Christmas and all things which engender happiness. A quote from the book reads ‘The cold within him froze his old features, nipped his pointed nose, made his eyes red, his thin lips blue, and he spoke out shrewdly in his grating voice…’ His last name has come into the English language as a byword for miserliness and misanthropy, traits displayed by Scrooge in the exaggerated manner for which Dickens is well-known.” He changed his ways near the end of his life but caused much suffering and inconvenience before he did.

An application can be made for the present Congress of the US. In their effort to offer the possibility of a Government Option so everyone can have Health Care Coverage, they have resorted to their slight of hand magic. While attention is focused on center stage, the real action is occurring behind the scenes and behind locked doors. In a very gushing and enthusiastic manner, Nancy Pelosi presented her long-promised Health Care Reform Bill – along with the promise that it will be posted on the Internet before it is voted on so the American People can read this for themselves – all 1,990 pages of it. Also, “it will not add one-dime to the deficit.” To make it appear to be budget-neutral, it required moving some things from the Health Reform Bill to a separate Bill to be introduce later. The saying – “the devil is in the details” – could not be more true than it is with the unconscionable and devious manipulations of those who in actuality are betraying a public trust. They conveniently find a Poll that indicates 55% of the people support Health Care Reform to justify their plan. What are some of the unstated direction of Health Reform? One does not need to read the 1,990 pages of the Bill – just look at the Medicare Fees for 2010. The Premiums for Advantage Coverage have doubled; co-pays have been re-introduced; patients will pay $200.00 per day (up to 6 days) for a Hospital stay; Prescription Drug co-pays will be required. Fixed Income people, whose 2010 Social Security Benefits did not receive an increase for the first time in many years, will have to figure out some way to meet their medical costs at the expense of other necessities of life. Ebenezer Scrooge Lives On! While one watches the discussions and proposals of Congress, the slight of hand in Medicare has already mandated costly changes for one’s Medical Care. The devil is in the reality and bottom line of 2010 Medicare costs and benefits.

The following has been attributed to a number of political philosophers and thinkers, including Lord Thomas Macaulay, Alexander Tytler and Alexis DeTocqueville, namely: “A democracy cannot exist as a permanent form of government. It can only exist until the voters discover that they can vote themselves largesse from the public treasury. From that moment on, the majority always votes for the candidates promising the most benefits from the public treasury with the result that a democracy always collapses over loose fiscal policy, always followed by a dictatorship. The average age of the world’s greatest civilizations has been 200 years. Great nations rise and fall. The people go from bondage to spiritual truth, to great courage, from courage to liberty, from liberty to abundance, from abundance to selfishness, from selfishness to complacency, from complacency to apathy, from apathy to dependence, from dependence back again to bondage.” We are almost there and are displaying eagerness to knock on that door. Remember though: Ebenezer Scrooge Lives On!

It is easy in this culture to become susceptible and selfish. Most have that potential and propensity. One can read about such a choice in The Amplified Bible, Numbers 21:5-6 – “And the people said against God and Moses, why have you brought us out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no bread, neither is there any water, and we loathe the light (contemptible, unsubstantial) manna.” The people complained about God’s supernatural provision for them. God’s response to their complaints is: “God sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people, and many Israelites died.” Psalm 78:18 states: “…they tempted God in their hearts by asking for food according to their selfish desire and appetite.” The real choice is limited and should be obvious: Follow the Lord! Trust in Him at all times and for all things! Do not fear men or the governments of man! God’s Grace is always sufficient! Consider these things with me!

Language Manipulation – Semantics

From My Perspective – - -

There seems to be an unwritten code for most politicians, that in order to succeed with proposed legislation, one must be adept with Language Manipulation and the clever use of nuance, idioms and semantics. Semantics is: “The study or science of meaning in language. The meaning or the interpretation of a word, sentence, or other language form…” It reminds one of the old saying: “A Rose by any other name is still a Rose.” It also suggests remembering the words attributed to Abraham Lincoln: “You can fool some of the people some of the time, but you can’t fool all of the people all of the time.” The Basic Premise is that ambiguity confuses the true definition and detail. This is a tool used when discussing “Funding” for a proposed Legislation. The current discussion of Health Care Reform is using this tool when the statement is released that there will be a savings of $81 Billion without indicating there is still a Basic Cost of more than $850 Billion, and the reduction of Medicare Funding, and the Increase of Taxes (shall we call them enhancement fees, or a way to arrive at universal inclusion?). The Congressional Logo should be a Spider Web to symbolize the words of Sir Walter Scott: “Oh, what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive.” Language is intended to Clarify – not Confuse! Language is intended to Help – not Hinder! Language is intended to be Definitive – not Deceptive!

An illustration of Language Manipulation is given in a Headline on Breitbart in an Associated Press Release on October 26th with this Headline: Pelosi: Health Care ‘Public Option’ Needs New Name. The AP News Item states: “A government-sponsored public option for health care lives, though it may be more attractive to skeptics if it goes by a different name, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Monday. In an appearance at a Florida senior center, the Democratic leader referred to the so-called public option as The Consumer Option. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Florida, appeared by Pelosi’s side and used the term Competitive Option. Both suggested new terminology might get them past any lingering doubts among the public—or consumers or competitors.”

Another illustration is when The War On Terror underwent Semantic Revision. A News Item in the Washington Post on March 24th, 2009 stated: “The U.S. is no longer engaged in a war on terrorism. Neither is it fighting Jihadists or in a global war. President Obama’s top homeland security and counterterrorism official took all three terms off the table of acceptable words inside the White House during a speech Thursday at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington think tank. The President does not describe this as a war on terrorism, said John Brennan, head of the White House homeland security office, who outlined a new way of seeing the fight against terrorism. The only terminology that Mr. Brennan said the administration is using is that the U.S. is at war with al Qaeda. We are at war with its violent extremist allies who seek to carry on al Qaeda’s murderous agenda. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said that the administration was not using the term war on terror…” What is the new term for the activity of the U.S. Military in Iraq and Afghanistan? It is NOT “War On Terror” but “Overseas Contingency Operation“.

All of this is a far cry from the words of Jesus Christ in the Sermon On The Mount (Matthew 5:37): “Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.” In the New Living Translation, it is stated: “Just say a simple, ‘Yes, I will,’ or ‘No, I won’t.’ Your word is enough. To strengthen your promise with a vow shows that something is wrong.” And, in The Message: “Just say ‘yes’ and ‘no.’ When you manipulate words to get your own way, you go wrong.” Jesus confronted the Pharisees (Matthew 12:36-37) with these words: “But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless (idle) word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” Jesus condemns Language Manipulation! He wants us to be exact and precise in the words we use – say what we mean and mean what we say! Consider these things with me!

Locked Door Transparency?

From My Perspective – - -

Life is filled with many oxymoron situations (oxymoron: a rhetorical figure where contradictory terms are combined). Government of the people, for the people, and by the people is supposed to operate with openness and clarity. Instead, what is taking place in an unfolding drama (or is it charade?) in the US Senate at the present time is anything but that purpose and commitment. A Committee that is working on particulars of a Health Reform Bill and Budget has decided to exclude the Republicans from the discussions because “they don’t behave properly”! They have carried this to a point of absurdity by not only locking the doors to the conference room but also changing the lock on the door. Guess who doesn’t have a key to the door?! At a time when one would hope there would be bi-partisan involvement, a decision for exclusion has occurred. Even if a group or individual “does not behave properly”, should they not be allowed to participate and offer constructive amendments to very important matters and legislation? When did we become a nation of rule by 60% rather than 100% representation? This means that a growing number of citizens are deliberately being ignored and disenfranchised so a multi-trillion dollar legislation can be enacted.

One wonders if the following words have any meaning or significance: “We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.” Whatever happened to “Tranquility” and “Liberty” in the scheme of things in Congress? Haven’t our elected officials sworn to uphold the Constitution of the United States? It appears they need to read at least the Preamble – and – do so soon. In fairness, if a person wants to participate in a conference meeting, the purpose should be something more than to merely wrangle about minutia and counter-proposals. Those who are “locked out” should remember that they did very little to address health reform when they were the majority. The best they could do was come up with an outlandish and nightmarish Prescription Drug Program.

Is there any true hope that can emerge when some choose to do business in the shadows and secretly? Can exclusionary politics work effectively for a nation? What is the ultimate hope and goal for a viable nation that commits itself against any form of indenture or tyranny? One would hope there would be the reality of particular Biblical truth in the minds and governing protocols of elected officials.
Proverbs 21:1 from The Message: “Good leadership is a channel of water controlled by God; He directs it to whatever ends He chooses.”
In the KJV: “The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: He turns it whithersoever He will.”
Proverbs 14:34 from ESV: “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.”
John 7:4 – As Jesus was beginning his public ministry, his brothers tried to impress upon him a principle:
“No one who wants to become a public figure acts in secret. Since you are doing these things, show yourself to the world.”
Luke 12:2-3 – A Truism Enunciated By Jesus:
“There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs.”

There is always a day of reckoning and accountability for us all. Those who speak, whisper and act in what they deem to be exclusionary privacy will one day hear their words that were “whispered in secret” shouted in public! It is a frightening prospect for us. This very possibility should provoke greater character and manifestation of integrity and transparency both in one’s personal life as well as in matters that affect a greater number of people. How much whispering and scheming do you do in the shadows and darkness? Our Mandate is to “Walk in the Light as He is in the Light.” Why don’t we just do it? Consider these things with me!