UNCONTROLLED?

From My Perspective – - -

For quite some time, a debate has been taking place in terms of a Purposeful Creator versus a Purposeless Evolution. A Poll conducted by World Net Daily regarding – “BY DIVINE APPOINTMENT: Is Barack Obama God’s Sovereign Choice For America’s Next President?” (267 votes) shows results through November 30^th…
No, he was the establishment media’s choice – they just think they’re God – 34% (90)…
Yes, God is sovereign over everything – all things, whether we like them or not, work to his purpose and his glory – 26% (69)…
Yes, and if this doesn’t make Americans repent of their many sins, God could give us someone even worse next time – 12% (31)…
No, Obama is rabidly pro-abortion and God hates abortion – 6% (16)…
No, Obama’s victory was the result of millions of Americans exercising their free choice – 6% (15)…
Other Poll Suggestions:
Yes, and given his wealth-destroying economic philosophy, I fear his victory is evidence of God’s displeasure with America - 4% (11); Yes, the Bible says all authority is from God - 3% (9); Yes, God is testing our patriotism to see if we’ll prove worthy of the freedom he gave us – and for which so many made the ultimate sacrifice – by resisting Obama’s tyrannical policies - 3% (8); Other - 2% (6); No, there is no God - 1% (4); Yes, if by “God” you mean Allah - 1% (4); No, God has more important things to care about than who becomes our next president - 1% (2)…
The remainder of the Poll receiving insignificant response was:
No, God controls the spiritual realm but leaves the social realm to people – 0% (1); Yes, God has raised up Obama to heal our land – 0% (1); No, God believes in separation of church and state – 0% (0); Yes, God hates war and killing – Obama opposed going into Iraq from the beginning and he will bring our troops home – 0% (0); Yes, he’s the Messiah – God has to be on his side – 0% (0); Yes, it’s such a long shot for a black man to be elected in racist America, it had to be a miracle – 0% (0); Yes, otherwise it means Obama not only beat McCain, he beat the Almighty – 0% (0)…

It is both surprising and revealing that in a nation boasting a high percentage of “born again believers” and an “evangelical” orientation such responses to this Poll are given. If these results are representative of a random cross-section of the population, then the Christian Church had best re-evaluate its’ message and educational programs in terms of content and practical application. The observation stating: “Sitting in a Church does not make one a Christian any more than sitting in a garage makes one a Car!” has validity. It may be that the confusion here is based upon a false premise, namely, that attendance and belief systems are synonymous. One can recite The Apostles’ Creed (with/without: He descended into hell) but that does not substantiate it as a foundational belief, but merely as part of the ritual in the church one attends.

Consider these things with me – - In I Samuel 8:6 through 9, the people clamored for a king like the other nations: “But when they said, Give us a king to lead us, this displeased Samuel; so he prayed to the Lord. And the Lord told him: Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king. As they have done from the day I brought them up out of Egypt until this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so they are doing to you…” In Proverbs 21:1 (NKJV) we read, “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.” It would be worthwhile to read Romans 13:3-4… The above Poll suggests those surveyed have little knowledge or understanding of God the Creator and His Sovereign control-sustenance of all things (Colossians 1:16 through 18). You are called upon to “love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, soul, strength and mind” (Luke 10:27). His Sovereignty is not determined by a Poll. He is Eternal – before all things and after all things. You’ll never go wrong if you trust Him fully!

THE LAST GOBBLE

From My Perspective – - –

Thanksgiving is a favorite and festive time. Family and Friends gather, as the Pilgrims of old, to celebrate a time of Thanksgiving. There is a large meal – Turkey and Stuffing, Pies – Pumpkin, Apple, Mince Meat, Sweet Potato and Pecan… It is a time to recognize God’s Bountiful provision and care. The 53 Pilgrims who marked that first Harvest/Thanksgiving period consisted of: 4 Married Women; 5 Adolescent Girls; 9 Adolescent Boys; 13 Young Children; and 22 Men, among them – John Alden, William Bradford, Myles Standish .

Edward Winslow wrote concerning the First Thanksgiving in America: “Our harvest being gotten in, our governor sent four men on fowling, that so we might after a special manner rejoice together, after we had gathered the fruits of our labors; they four in one day killed as much fowl, as with a little help beside, served the Company almost a week, at which time amongst other Recreations, we exercised our Arms, many of the Indians coming amongst us, and amongst the rest their greatest King Massasoit, with some ninety men, whom for three days we entertained and feasted, and they went out and killed five Deer, which they brought to the Plantation and bestowed on our Governor, and upon the Captain and others. And although it be not always so plentiful, as it was at this time with us, yet by the goodness of God, we are so far from want, that we often wish you partakers of our plenty.”

William Bradford recorded his memories: “They began now to gather in the small harvest they had, and to fit up their houses and dwellings against winter, being all well recovered in health and strength and had all things in good plenty. For as some were thus employed in affairs abroad, others were exercised in fishing, about cod and bass and other fish, of which they took good store, of which every family had their portion. All the summer there was no want; and now began to come in store of fowl, as winter approached, of which this place did abound when they came first (but afterward decreased by degrees). And besides waterfowl there was great store of wild turkeys, of which they took many, besides venison, etc. Besides, they had about a peck of meal a week to a person, or now since harvest, Indian corn to that proportion. Which made many afterwards write so largely of their plenty here to their friends in England, which were not feigned but true reports.”

Some of the Lyrics from America, The Beautiful are a suitable reminder: “America! America! God shed His grace on thee, And crown thy good with brotherhood, From sea to shining sea! O beautiful for pilgrim feet, Whose stern impassioned stress; A thoroughfare for freedom beat Across the wilderness. America! America! God mend thine every flaw, Confirm thy soul in self-control, Thy liberty in law.” There is a Hymn Refrain that can serve as a Thanksgiving Prayer most should be willing to offer: “Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness! Morning by morning new mercies I see; All I have needed Thy hand hath provided Great is Thy Faithfulness, Lord unto me.”

Consider these things with me – - – Exodus 23:16 reminds us of the perpetual celebration of Thanksgiving. The Lord instructed His people, “Celebrate the Feast of Harvest with the first-fruits of the crops you sow in your field. Celebrate the Feast of Ingathering at the end of the year, when you gather in your crops from the field.” In the story of the Chicken and the Pig, the Pig reminds the Chicken that laying an egg is merely a contribution (and the normal routine continues), whereas to provide the Bacon and Ham requires total commitment (the Pig has to be slaughtered). Which brings us back to our Turkey and The Last Gobble. The Turkey can only celebrate vicariously! The Turkey’s life of strutting around the Barnyard unexpectedly came to an abrupt end so you/we can celebrate the Bountiful Blessings of God and His faithful provision for us. The Turkey had to die so we could be nourished – and gave his last gobble! Jesus had to die so we could be cleansed from our sin and have eternal life in Him – and gave His last cry: “Father, forgive them!” Have we died to self and self-interests? Have a Happy and Joyous Thanksgiving!

TIME-WARP

From My Perspective – - -

A generation was captivated by the possibilities of space through the fictional TV Series, Star Trek. In more recent times, the Star Wars series has evolved and been viewed as a scenario that could unfold in the worlds of the unknown. Earlier (1954), there was the film produced by Disney entitled, Twenty Thousand Leagues Under The Sea, where we were introduced to a whole different life and lifestyle. We were so easily caught up in the brilliance of Captain Nemo and his innovations and skill. As we viewed these productions, (a) we were drawn into the possibilities of Time-Warp, and (b) we forgot they were science fiction. The American Heritage Dictionary defines Time-Warp as – “A hypothetical discontinuity or distortion occurring in the flow of time that would move events from one time period to another or suspend the passage of time.”

Someone recently sent me an item entitled, “How Long Do We Have?” This is speculation rather than fiction, the hypothetical, or theories. While this is part of an article about The Athenian Republic, a more reliable source is to look at some of the events surrounding The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. Some of the sub-points: “Economic factors are cited as a major cause of the fall of Rome. Three single-issue models that led to the collapse: (1) Economic (lack of circulating currency and trade deficit, and other factors not clearly economic, like environmental change and decaying infrastructure); (2) Military (citizenship granted to all (illegal aliens) reduced the incentive to join the army), and (3) Gradual transformation (drift toward socialism-humanism).” A comparison between the Roman Empire and the United States shows serious and frightening parallels, namely, “One of the primary catalysts to the deterioration of the economy was the lack of circulating currency in the Western Empire. Two reasons for the lack of funds are wholesale hoarding of bullion by Roman citizens, and the widespread looting of the Roman treasury by the ‘barbarians’. These two factors, coupled with the massive trade deficit with Eastern Regions of the Empire served to stifle the growth of wealth in the west.” It brings to mind the oft-stated, and equally – oft-forgotten phrase – “He who forgets History is doomed to repeat it!” That thought is also seen in the writing of George Santayana (1863-1952), Life of Reason, vol. 1, chap. 12, p. 284 (1905)…”Progress, far from consisting in change, depends on retentiveness when experience is not retained, as among savages, infancy is perpetual. Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. This is the condition of children and barbarians, in whom instinct has learned nothing from experience.”

Our nation is becoming a nation of entitlement and expectation. The “gimme” mentality is pervasive in our nation (reliance on or a demand for the generosity of others, esp. as one’s due). This week, while Citi-Corp was asking for and receiving Billions of Dollars for their portion of the “Bailout”, it was also revealed their expenditure of more than $400 Million Dollars ($20 Million Dollars per year for 20 Years) to have their Corporate Name placed on the New York Mets baseball stadium, now known as Citi-Field. Because of their cash short-fall, they will terminate the employment of thousands of people – but – keep paying to have their name on the stadium, One wonders, how and when did we lose our way so severely and badly? Whatever happened to prudence and self-discipline in both government, and personal management of obligations and responsibilities?

Consider these things with me – - – In Matthew 24:24-26, Jesus states: “False messiahs and false prophets will rise up…So if someone tells you, Look, the Messiah is out in the desert, don’t bother to go and look. Or, Look, he is hiding here, don’t believe it!” When will the end be near? Jesus continues in 24:37-39, “it will be like it was in Noah’s day. In those days before the Flood, the people were enjoying banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat. People didn’t realize what was going to happen until the Flood came and swept them all away. That is the way it will be when the Son of Man comes.” This sounds like us in our nation – spending, lavish living, carefree behavior, look to the government to pay for our mortgages, provide us with health-care, give us food stamps, etc. Ah, what Shock and Awe awaits! In the hour – the moment – when no one is thinking religious thoughts – their personal Time-Warp will cease and they will be abruptly introduced to – - THE END!

GLIBNESS

From My Perspective – - –

The way one approaches life is vital. These are serious times in which to live. Therefore, it behooves us all to give greater thought and to be more definitive in how we respond to “these times that try the souls of men.” In economic matters, this truth is just as urgent. The sound economic theory, stated as a parody, or cliché (of sorts) is: “If your outgo exceeds your income, your upkeep will be your downfall.” We are confronted with very serious financial matters. Much of this has occurred because of excessive risks in both loans and credit. The question before our nation and other nations of the world is: “What do we do now?”

It appears as though the response of our nation among the economists, government leaders, and the Central (Federal Reserve) Bank is characterized by glibness. The definition of the term describes the actions that are being taken: “Performed with a natural, offhand ease; Showing little thought, preparation, or concern…” To illustrate this point, we have a report submitted yesterday from the Bloomberg Press stating the following: “The U.S. government is prepared to provide more than $7.76 trillion on behalf of American taxpayers after guaranteeing $306 billion of Citigroup Inc. debt yesterday. The pledges, amounting to half the value of everything produced in the nation last year, are intended to rescue the financial system after the credit markets seized up 15 months ago. The unprecedented pledge of funds includes $3.18 trillion already tapped by financial institutions in the biggest response to an economic emergency since the New Deal of the 1930s, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The commitment dwarfs the plan approved by lawmakers, the Treasury Department’s $700 billion Troubled Asset Relief Program. Federal Reserve lending last week was 1,900 times the weekly average for the three years before the crisis…” All of this is occurring while the reality of business failures is multiplying; mortgage foreclosures are increasing; unemployment is rising – and the government committing over 7 trillion dollars into a situation that the Bloomberg Report characterizes as, ”The worst financial crisis in two generations has erased $23 trillion, or 38 percent, of the value of the world’s companies and brought down three of the biggest Wall Street firms.” The question is: when will this Glibness end?!

When the Queen of Sheba came to visit King Solomon, several factors began to interplay with each other. There was the pride, lust and naiveté of King Solomon. There was the subtlety, flattery, and craftiness of the Queen of Sheba. The account of this meeting can be read in II Chronicles 9:1 through 12. Note the dynamic of what occurs during this meeting: “When the queen of Sheba saw the wisdom of Solomon, as well as the palace he had built, the food on his table, the seating of his officials, the attending servants in their robes, the cupbearers in their robes and the burnt offerings he made at the temple of the Lord, she was overwhelmed. She said to the king, The report I heard in my own country about your achievements and your wisdom is true. But I did not believe what they said until I came and saw with my own eyes. Indeed, not even half the greatness of your wisdom was told me; you have far exceeded the report I heard…” At the end of the day, we read: “King Solomon gave the Queen of Sheba all she desired and asked for; he gave her more than she had brought to him. Then she left and returned with her retinue to her own country…”

Consider these things with me – - – God has blessed our nation. It is inappropriate and sad when nations come to a point where they forget Who their Source and Resource has been. Can the words “King Solomon gave the Queen of Sheba all she desired and asked for” be a commentary regarding the Government “Bailout” of Banks and Businesses and Industries in our nation. Large companies that have made very large profits come and ask for $25 Billion to $50 Billion. Will we allow our Glibness to contribute to the downfall and/or demise of our nation? Will our excesses and lack of responsible financial acumen (shrewdness shown by keen insight) blind us to the inevitable bankruptcy toward which we are headed at an accelerated rate? If you were headed toward a bridge that had collapsed, would you continue to proceed at full speed – not slowing down or stopping – until you had plunged over the precipice? Disaster is preventable! Will we return to our Source and Resource while there is time? I hope you will and that you will be thankful you did!

CIRCUMLOCUTION

From My Perspective – - –

Upon entering College, the class was assigned and challenged to read the dictionary – at least five (new) words a week. Reading a Dictionary can be very boring or very exciting. If one is to expand his/her vocabulary, there is no alternative. For those who study people and their vocabulary usage, the following is the best estimate of a Vocabulary Count in various sectors: “Grade 1 Student =1,000 words; Normal Person (Graduate) = 5,000 to 6,000 words; University Professor = 15,000 words; Spelling Bee Winners = 30,000; College Dictionary (Abridged) = 50,000-70,000; Total Words in English Language = 250,000 (Growing); Dictionary (Unabridged) with derivatives = 450,000…”

After completing Graduate Studies, there was a renewal of interest in words and their meaning. Watching a TV Program such as Firing Line with William F, Buckley (plus reading his editorials) became a motivator for expanding vocabulary. One program in particular featured Gore Vidal, an intellectual and rival and critic of William Buckley, In one of Vidal’s vitriolic tirades, Buckley responded with a twinkle in his eye – very glibly and sarcastically – “your comment was stated so mellifluously by you.” Obviously, Vidal was not intending his words to be spoken “sweetly or smoothly flowing; sweet-sounding…”

There are not all that many who have mastered the English Language. An Editorial Writer who comes closest to a Buckley-type is George F. Will. In a recent column on public financing of Presidential Elections, Will makes this comment about the Washington Post – “The Post, which is melancholy about the system’s parlous condition…” Parlous meaning, ”perilous, dangerous”! He then gives his terse and practical bottom-line with these words: “The Center for Responsive Politics calculates that, by Election Day, $2.4 billion will have been spent on presidential campaigns in the two-year election cycle that began in January 2007, and an additional $2.9 billion will have been spent on 435 House and 35 Senate contests. This $5.3 billion is a billion less than Americans will spend this year on potato chips…”

Currently, Bill O’Reilly is closing his O’Reilly Factor telecast with words that are either obscure and/or obsolete. His website lists 61 words that he most often uses. When reminding people about email sent to him, he will use a word: “Don’t be meretricious (based on pretense, deception, or insincerity)”. A word that used to be a favorite of his is, “Don’t be a blatherskite (a person given to voluble, empty talk)”. An amusing citation is, “Don’t be a codswallop (nonsensical talk or writing).” One that he hasn’t used in a while is, “Don’t be a jabberwocky (an example of writing or speech consisting of or containing meaningless words)”.

Consider these things with me – - – The words one uses are important. Those words, most often, can and will be of the more common sort so one can communicate clearly. During this week of Thanksgiving, words that should flow readily and be heard are, “Grateful, Blessings, Thanks, Gratitude, etc.” Rather than using words such as, Beneficent or Philanthropic, how simpler it would be to suggest being kind to and doing good for another! An older Hymn suggests: “Count Your Blessings, name them one by one…; And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.” Someone thought the lyric could be changed slightly to: “Count Your Blessings, name them by the score; And it will surprise you there are many more.” As you approach Thanksgiving Day, take time to echo some of the thoughts of David in Psalm 103:1 through 6, 8 – “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 iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with loving-kindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. The Lord executes righteousness And justice for all who are oppressed…The LORD is merciful and gracious; he is slow to get angry and full of unfailing love…”

Have A Happy and Joy-Filled Thanksgiving!

INTERLOCUTORS

From My Perspective – - -

At the birth of this nation, many notable men made a contribution. Not all had religious scruples of a valid religious belief system. One such man was Thomas Paine. He was reared a Quaker but never embraced “religion” as anything he valued for himself. In the course of time and events, he became a prolific writer. As such, he was an Interlocutor of his time – one who “takes part in a conversation or dialogue…a person who questions; an interrogator.” In London (October, 1774), he met Benjamin Franklin who encouraged and assisted him to emigrate to America. With a letter of recommendation from Benjamin Franklin, Paine was employed as managing editor of the Pennsylvania Magazine, to which he contributed miscellaneous poems and essays. In Philadelphia from 1774, Paine became a journalist and essayist. After the publication of his pamphlet, “Common Sense”, he continued to inspire and encourage the patriots during the Revolutionary War in a series of pamphlets called, “The Crisis” (1776-1783). In one of those pamphlets, he wrote: “These are times that try men’s souls” that described the beginning of the Revolutionary War. In those same pamphlets was another pithy comment, “Lead, Follow, or Get Out Of Thee Way”! Another statement from that series was, “If we do not hang together, we shall surely hang separately.” In less than 20 years (1792), he would pen in his pamphlet, The Rights Of Men: “A thing moderately good is not so good as it ought to be. Moderation in temper is always a virtue; but moderation in principle is always a vice.”

In the governance of our nation today, we have many Interlocutors. While some love to speak, few do so with substance and/or conviction. They have become “Politicians” who say what they must to certain groups so they can garner votes. There are many voices speaking – but equally – many who will not Lead, or cannot get themselves to Follow, and who have been in political office for so long that the preservation of their “career” has allowed them to just Get In The Way. This nation, and many nations in the world, are in very desperate situations. Reuters News Service for November 20th reports, “U.S. economic and political clout will decline over the next two decades and the world will be more dangerous, with food and water scarce and advanced weapons plentiful, U.S. spy agencies projected on Thursday…The National Intelligence Council analysis Global Trends 2025 also said the current financial crisis on Wall Street is just the first phase of a global economic reordering…China and India were likely to join the United States atop a multi-polar world and compete for influence…” Other nations will be vying for power and influence.

Consider these things with me – - – These are times that can (and will) try men’s souls. In Rick Warren’s book, The Purpose Driven Life, he begins by quoting two atheists: “Unless you assume a God, the question of life’s purpose is meaningless.” (“Bertrand Russell), and Andrei Bitov, a novelist who lived in Russia’s atheistic communist regime: “Without God, life makes no sense.” In his own way, King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon allowed for the multiplicity of gods, but ultimately came to believe people should worship him as their god/idol. He had a dream/vision of a huge image of himself erected. After Daniel interprets his dream, we read in Daniel 2:46-47: “Then King Nebuchadnezzar fell prostrate before Daniel and paid him honor and ordered that an offering and incense be presented to him. The king said to Daniel, Surely your God is the God of gods and the Lord of kings and a revealer of mysteries, for you were able to reveal this mystery.” Did he truly mean what he said? In Daniel 4:30 we read Nebuchadnezzar’s words: “Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?” He is driven from his palace into the fields and becomes like an animal feeding on the grass, and being covered with dew. Then we read in Daniel 4:34-35, “At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever. All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back his hand or say to him: What have you done?” God can and will make a difference in the lives and affairs of men and nations – if only – they would “seek the Lord while He can be found, and Call upon Him while He is near…” (Isaiah 55:6-9).

OSTENTATIOUS

From My Perspective – - -

The old saying “talk is cheap” has a reality to it in these times. Even though it costs millions of dollars to place Ads and to get one’s point of view before the public, the reality remains – rhetoric is one thing – content/substance is another. To be able to deliver or to have a means to deliver in terms of one’s rhetorical declarations – requires foundational principles and a clear, precise idea how the rhetoric will be matched by reality.

Many words have been stated to express where our nation is, or where it is headed – terms such as – Humanistic, Marxist, Socialist, etc. Two statements worth pondering are: (1) A tenant from Humanist Manifesto III, “Humans are an integral part of nature, the result of unguided evolutionary change. Humanists recognize nature as self-existing. We accept our life as all and enough, distinguishing things as they are from things as we might wish or imagine them to be. We welcome the challenges of the future, and are drawn to and undaunted by the yet to be known.” (2) A statement made in the early years of Sir Winston Churchill, “Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy.” It is interesting to view the words of President Roosevelt in 1933, “…my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself—nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance…” and to ask, what is his foundation for such a declaration? Other than it being swelling and inspiring rhetoric, what significant meaning does it have for those thrown into poverty and losing all they have worked for and owned? Is the State the savior for a nation?

In like manner, the very stirring rhetoric and commentary of Sir Winston Churchill in 1940 during warfare and bombardment, “I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat…” In terms of facing a relentless and determined enemy, he expressed his aim as: “It is victory, victory at all costs, victory in spite of all terror, victory, however long and hard the road may be; for without victory, there is no survival…” What is the foundation for his dramatic and dynamic rhetoric? Is the State the savior in this instance? Is the hope in the skill and determination of the Royal Air Force to ward off the enemy, evoking more rhetoric, “…never has so much owed by so many to so few…” Is it the human ingenuity and determination that is the deciding factor for Great Britain and the United States of America?

Consider these things with me – - – and also think about these words in Psalm 56:3 through 7, “When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me? All day long they twist my words; they are always plotting to harm me. They conspire, they lurk, they watch my steps, eager to take my life. On no account let them escape; in your anger, O God, bring down the nations.” These words are in a Psalm of David after he has been taken captive by the Philistines in Gath. As the Anointed King, where is his hope? What is his hope? There are two truths that stand out in these words of David: (1) There are times when one will be genuinely afraid, and (2) There is a focus in terms of the enemy being just ‘mortal man’ and he asks himself – ‘what can a mortal man do to me?’ David is looking beyond an earthly army, and human determination, and self-help theories. He unashamedly declares that his hope and trust and confidence is in The Sovereign God; the God who created all things and who maintains all things by the Word of His Power.

As people face uncertain economical times; as jobs, and savings, and homes are lost; when one looks into the tunnel and all one can see is more tunnel; when billions of dollars are being given to failed corporations and one is at wits end – what should you do? Where can you go? Where can you find relief and help? Why not do what David did when he was confined and limited in terms of his human resources! When he had reached a peak of being afraid, what did David do? His conviction and commitment is crystal clear: “When I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid.” Emulate David and put your faith, and trust, and confidence, and hope in the trustworthy, Sovereign God!

AUSPICIOUS

From My Perspective – - –

We have all heard about, or seen, or participated in an auspicious moment in our lives. Hopefully – there have been many such occasions. In the current trend of our times, “auspicious” does not appear to be the operative word. “Auspicious” refers to “promising success; opportune; favorable…giving promise of prosperity, or happiness; predicting good…” Can President-Elect Obama, with all his oratorical skills, and seeing the realities of this nation and world, rise to the occasion and inspire a nation to stretch itself and aspire to its potential? We all hope and pray that this nation will turn from its excesses and find stability once again.

As we look at these times, there is a vague similarity to the events surrounding World War II. In his first speech as Prime Minister, on May 13^th, 1940, Winston Churchill met his cabinet and sought to gain their confidence, and that of the people of Great Britain. While he wanted to encourage them during very difficult and hard times, he said: “I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat.” Churchill’s address ended with these stirring words: “We have before us an ordeal of the most grievous kind. We have before us many, many long months of struggle and of suffering. You ask, what is our policy? I can say: It is to wage war, by sea, land and air, with all our might and with all the strength that God can give us; to wage war against a monstrous tyranny, never surpassed in the dark, lamentable catalogue of human crime. That is our policy. You ask, what is our aim? I can answer in one word: It is victory, victory at all costs, victory in spite of all terror, victory, however long and hard the road may be; for without victory, there is no survival. Let that be realized; no survival for the British Empire, no survival for all that the British Empire has stood for, no survival for the urge and impulse of the ages, that mankind will move forward towards its goal. But I take up my task with buoyancy and hope. I feel sure that our cause will not be suffered to fail among men. At this time I feel entitled to claim the aid of all, and I say, “come then, let us go forward together with our united strength.”

On the other side of the Atlantic, Franklin Delano Roosevelt gave his First Inaugural Address in 1933. He shared this grim perspective and reality to a desperate but hopeful nation: “This great Nation will endure as it has endured, will revive and will prosper. So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself—nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance….In such a spirit on my part and on yours we face our common difficulties. They concern, thank God, only material things. Values have shrunken to fantastic levels; taxes have risen; our ability to pay has fallen; government of all kinds is faced by serious curtailment of income; the means of exchange are frozen in the currents of trade; the withered leaves of industrial enterprise lie on every side; farmers find no markets for their produce; the savings of many years in thousands of families are gone. More important, a host of unemployed citizens face the grim problem of existence, and an equally great number toil with little return. Only a foolish optimist can deny the dark realities of the moment…Happiness lies not in the mere possession of money; it lies in the joy of achievement, in the thrill of creative effort. The joy and moral stimulation of work no longer must be forgotten in the mad chase of evanescent profits. These dark days will be worth all they cost us if they teach us that our true destiny is not to be ministered unto but to minister to ourselves and to our fellow men…In this dedication of a Nation we humbly ask the blessing of God. May He protect each and every one of us. May He guide me in the days to come.”

Consider these things with me – - – and remember the thinking of King David in Psalm 27, “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom/what shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life–of whom/what shall I be afraid?…Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I WILL BE CONFIDENT…My heart says of you, Seek his face! Your face, Lord, I will seek…Teach me your way, O Lord; lead me in a straight path…I AM STILL CONFIDENT of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” Don’t lose your focus or your confidence. Trust the Lord now – and – always!

ALTRUISM

From My Perspective – - –

In the ebb and flow of life, as one shuffles from place to place, it appears that altruism is either lost in our culture or shoved so far into the background that it is no longer recognizable. If it was implemented in practical ways, much of the dialogue and posturing with which we have become all too familiar would no longer be relevant. We would be doing and being what we should have always been doing and being. Altruism (according to Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary) is: “Regard for others, both natural and moral; devotion to the interests of others; brotherly kindness; — opposed to egoism or selfishness…” The American Heritage Science Dictionary defines it as: “Instinctive cooperative behavior that is detrimental or without reproductive benefit to the individual but that contributes to the survival of the group to which the individual belongs…”

A Headline in the UK Newspaper, The Guardian emblazons: “37 Million Poor Hidden In The Land Of Plenty…” The story-line continues: “Americans have always believed that hard work will bring rewards, but vast numbers now cannot meet their bills even with two or three jobs. More than 1 in 10 citizens live below the poverty line, and the gap between the haves and have-nots is widening…That is 12.7 per cent of the population – the highest percentage in the developed world…Each year since 2001 their number has grown…” There are similar reports from other places… In France, “The number of poor people in metropolitan France was estimated at 7.9 million, which is equal to about 13.2 percent of the total population… From the India Post News Service comes a report – August 8, 2008 -“Poverty falls in India, but number of poor increases…The Poverty rate in India has dramatically declined although the number of poor has increased in 20 years up to 2005, according to new World Bank economic estimates. As per the revised estimates for India, the percentage of people living below the $1.25 a day decreased from 60 percent in 1981 to 42 percent in 2005. Even at a dollar a day (2005 prices), poverty has declined from 42 percent to 24 percent over the same period….” The statistics are dramatic from India – the numbers (instead of percentages) would be – 600 million down to 429 million; down to 240 million…

What if an old form of assisting the poor followed the philosophy of: “If you give a man a fish, he can eat for one day. If you teach him how to fish, he can feed himself the rest of his life.” I appreciate the ministry service and philosophy of Food For The Hungry. On their webpage (http://www.fh.org) they state what they do and what their goals are: “FOOD SECURITY – Transferring farming technologies to increase agricultural production, promoting forestry, soil conservation and water conservation… ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT – Micro-enterprise, irrigation, natural resource management, education, water & sanitation, community health. HEALTH – Preventing malnutrition, illness, and poor sanitation practices; performing health assessments and administering first-aid treatment; training and educating local health-care representatives…” They go beyond mere food distribution. They seek to challenge people to stretch themselves beyond their situation and circumstance so they can produce for themselves.

Consider these things with me – - – and remember the words of Jesus Christ to the morally upright man who ran up to Him in Mark 10:17 through 31, (Vs, 21-23) Jesus looked at him and loved him. One thing you lack…Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me. At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth. Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!” Personal Altruism would have you provide a meal for a hungry person; share a warm jacket with someone who is cold; give a drop of water to one who is thirsty; assist one who is desperate and at wits end. Don’t do it just to practice altruism. Do it because it is the right thing to do and what Jesus did throughout His earthly ministry. What if your family brought a 20 lb. Turkey to a family that had no Thanksgiving meal – would your children learn anything by that deed? Would that family be nourished and thankful? Would Jesus Christ be honored and pleased? You know that He would! Would you be blest and rewarded because of it? Try it and see!

WINDS and WHIRLWINDS

From My Perspective – - –

We have arrived at the morning after and what does that mean? Most of the Ballots have been counted! Approximately 115 million people are recorded to have voted! Millions of dollars have been spent to promote one candidate over another – one issue over another! Almost half the country will be disappointed by the result. Many accusations of “how they won” will be echoed across our land. But – what does all of this mean? Is Almighty God any less Sovereign today than He was yesterday (Colossians 1:16-18)? Is He any less powerful? Is He any less in control? Is faith no longer viable?

There are particular truths that are worthy of our remembering. (1) Proverbs 21:1-3, “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases. All a man’s ways seem right to him, but the Lord weighs the heart. To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.” (2) Hosea 8:4-7, “They set up kings without my consent; they choose princes without my approval. With their silver and gold they make idols for themselves to their own destruction…My anger burns against them. How long will they be incapable of purity? They sow the wind and reap the whirlwind. The stalk has no head; it will produce no flour. Were it to yield grain, foreigners would swallow it up.” The affairs of man and state are important to God. When a nation proceeds without Almighty God as the sole focal point, He will allow them their choices. It is reminiscent of the words in Psalm 106:13-15, “ But they soon forgot what he (The Lord) had done and did not wait for his counsel.  In the desert they gave in to their craving; in the wasteland they put God to the test. So he gave them what they asked for, but sent a wasting disease upon them.” Basically, there are always consequences for one’s actions.

It would be interesting to know what Almighty God thinks the candidates and election, and if His physical presence was a reality in our nation – what would He say? What would He ask? More importantly, would we be interested in what He was saying or asking? Would we have time for Him? Or, would we be absorbed in ourselves and ignore Him, His Voice and His Word? Henry & Richard Blackaby have written in: “Hearing God’s Voice” the following: “When God speaks, neutrality is not an option. A response is unavoidable, and the condition of people’s hearts is revealed in that response.” Could it be that the “Change” proclaimed and enunciated so often and so clearly is a change from being blest to being cursed; from being free to being enslaved; from being victorious to being defeated; from being among the wealthiest of nations to being the poorest; from being an influence in the world to being totally ignored by it?

Consider these things with me – - – and remember the cries of the Prophet to God’s people (Jeremiah 6:9-15): “This is what the Lord Almighty says…To whom can I speak and give warning? Who will listen to me? Their ears are closed so they cannot hear. The word of the Lord is offensive to them; they find no pleasure in it…Their houses will be turned over to others, together with their fields and their wives, when I stretch out my hand against those who live in the land,” declares the Lord. From the least to the greatest, all are greedy for gain; prophets and priests alike, all practice deceit. They dress the wound of my people as though it were not serious. ‘Peace, peace,’ they say, when there is no peace. Are they ashamed of their loathsome conduct? No, they have no shame at all; they do not even know how to blush. So they will fall among the fallen; they will be brought down when I punish them,” says the Lord.” And, Jeremiah 6:19-21, “Hear, O earth: I am bringing disaster on this people, the fruit of their schemes, because they have not listened to my words and have rejected my law…Therefore this is what the Lord says: I will put obstacles before this people. Fathers and sons alike will stumble over them; neighbors and friends will perish.” And lastly, Jeremiah 13:15-17, “Hear and pay attention, do not be arrogant, for the Lord has spoken. Give glory to the Lord your God before he brings the darkness, before your feet stumble on the darkening hills. You hope for light, but he will turn it to thick darkness and change it to deep gloom. But if you do not listen, I will weep in secret because of your pride; my eyes will weep bitterly, overflowing with tears, because the Lord’s flock will be taken captive.” Let us give heed and hear His voice today!