We are in the closing hours of a year that showered us with extremes. Extreme drought on the West Coast produced some of the deadliest wildfires those states that border the Pacific Ocean had ever seen. Extreme rainfalls on the East Coast prompted historic flooding in Virginia and the Carolinas, and that, coupled with the appearance of Hurricane Floyd brought misery to the Eastern Seaboard. The stock market kept us all wondering what was going to happen as it yoyoed through the early part of the spring and summer, but then it took a real "header off the cliff" in October and has plunged into numbers not seen since 2008.
And the political scene provided its share of drama this past year. The midterm elections were among the most contentious ever seen. The vitriol that was hurled by candidates toward one another has rarely been as intense as it was this year. And the manner in which the mainstream media has attacked President Trump for what he either did or did not do is almost unparalleled in American history. I think its closest comparison would be the attacks upon President Lincoln during those tumultuous days of the Civil War. Americans have forgotten how to have civil conversations. We have forgotten the art of debate rather than the heat of argument. We have given vent to anger rather than seeking compromise. And I am greatly saddened by this new reality. I believe it bodes ill-will as we attempt to move forward as a nation. I am not very optimistic that our now "divided government" will truly accomplish anything of significance in the coming year. The animosity appears to be too great - at least as we enter into the seating of a new Congress.
This past year saw the continued extremes within the international community. The civil war in Syria almost appears to be a war without an ending. It appears, at least from my perspective, that if that war is declared over, nothing will have changed. President Assad, the tyrant that he is, will still be in power. The Iranians and Russians, who were already embedded within the Syrian governmental structure, will also still be present. And those whose opposition to President Assad began this nearly decade-long civil war will still be opposed, but will have lost their strength and voice. What will be the impact when American forces are withdrawn from Syria? What impact will that have upon those rebel forces, including the Kurds, with which we have allied ourselves?
Of concern to Israel is the presence of Iranian forces near the border with Syria and within Lebanon. Just a few days ago, Israel launched a military airstrike against an Iranian supply depot near Damascus. According to Syrian sources, the Russian-supplied anti-missile defense system destroyed several of the air-to-ground missiles, yet some got through to create damage. And within the past few weeks, Israeli IDF officers have uncovered several Hezbollah tunnels under the Lebanese border, preventing what might possibly have been a serious terrorist attack upon Israel's northern-most cities. And there is still the problem of the Gaza Strip and of Hamas. One of the casualties of that "almost war" is the collapse of the Netanyahu coalition, thus creating the need for the dissolving of the Knesset and the calling of new elections in April 2019. What will Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran do during this time of political upheaval? Will they perceive this to be a time of weakness within Israel that could be exploited?
This past year saw an escalation in the persecution of Christians around the globe. Reports coming from China indicate that the Chinese government of President Xi-Xingping is clamping down upon those Christian churches that have not identified with the government-approved Three-Self Church movement. We read of Christians being murdered in Cameroons and in Nigeria and in Indonesia. We have read of the attacks upon expressions of faith right here within our own country. The expressions of faith within the public arenas have become targets by those who have a hatred of God. From school teachers and administrators to florists and bakers the risk of expressing your personal faith can have both financial and legal consequences. Yet I am free to express my contempt for God without any fear of reprisals. Something is definitely wrong with this picture.
And the crisis at America's southern border has reached a critical point. This crisis is the test of whether we continue to value the rule of law or do we cave to the demands of the mob. There is a legal way to enter into our country and we have welcome people through that portal for over two hundred years. And they have been received graciously. If we allow the mob to rule, then, essentially we will have no immigration laws. The Progressives and Socialists will have won with their "open borders." No one will be stopped. Criminal elements will traverse our borders as if they were merely going to the store. Security walls do work - just ask the Israelis. Yes, let's be welcoming to those who desire to come, but let's do it in the right way.
Friends, articles are stacking up on my desk that I want to share with you as we enter into 2019. Some of them are alarming, while others are affirming. So, let's keep the dialogue going for another year.
As I close, isn't it great to know that, although we truly have no definitive sense of what will happen in 2019, we can say with confidence that we know Who is in control of 2019 and He is the one who will see us through the mountains and valleys that will define 2019. Perhaps 2019 will be the year that The King returns. Until that trumpet blows, let us resolve that we will remain faithful to Him and to His calling upon our lives. May He find us faithful when He comes.
God bless you all as you enter into a New Year.
Thursday, December 27, 2018
Wednesday, December 19, 2018
A Christmas Word - Incarnation
It is hard to believe that another Christmas is just a few days away. It seems that the older I get the faster Christmases come. But what a wonderful time of the year! The music of Christmas is always inspiring. The excitement of Christmas is both exhilarating and tiring - concerts, programs, living nativities, shopping, card mailings, etc. But the story of Christmas is always a blessing! In fact, no matter how many times a person hears the story of the birth of the Lord Jesus, a fresher understanding always touches the heart.
This "Christmas blog" is perhaps my favorite one to write during the course of the year. Perhaps it is because I never grow tired of sharing the news that the angels delivered to some frightened shepherds that evening outside of Bethlehem. "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior who is Christ the Lord." Was there ever a grander birth announcement ever given? Was there ever a more special Child born? His birth changed the course of the world and His birth continues changing the lives of millions of people around the world.
If you have been following my blog over the years, you will remember that I have a strong fascination with that mystery known as the Incarnation - God becoming flesh. John writes such amazing and thought-provoking words as he begins his gospel account: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning." What John wants us to understand as he begins his grand retelling of the life of Jesus is that Jesus was God! He was not just alongside of God. He was not just an impersonation of God. No, Jesus was God! And he repeat that truth for our benefit with this powerful statement: "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." (John 1:14). In other words, friends, the key to understanding John's gospel is to believe that Jesus was God!
A similar analogy is found at the very beginning of Charles Dickens' classic "A Christmas Carol" where he begins by informing us that "old Marley was dead, dead as a doornail." Dickens then says that if we fail to understanding and believe that fact, then the rest of the story is totally irrelevant. I believe that John would have us believe that as well about Jesus.
Over the years many writers have wrestled with the idea of the Incarnation. Once such writer was C. S. Lewis. In his masterpiece of Christian apologetics known as "Mere Christianity," Lewis helps us to understand what occurred that first Christmas so many years ago in Bethlehem. Lewis writes: "Did you ever think, when you were a child, what fun it would be if your toys could come to life? Well suppose you could really have brought them to life. Imagine turning a tin soldier into a real little man. It would involve turning the tin into flesh. And suppose the tin soldier did not like it. He is not interested in flesh: all he sees is that the tin is being spoilt. He thinks you are killing him. He will do everything he can to prevent you. He will not be made into a man if he can help it.
"What you would have done about that tin soldier I do not know. But what God did about us was this. The Second Person in God, the Son, became human Himself: was born into the world as an actual man - a real man of a particular height, with hair of a particular colour, speaking a particular language, weighing so many stone. The Eternal Being, who knows everything and who created the whole universe, became not only a man but (before that) a baby, and before that a 'foetus' inside a Woman's body. If you want to get the hang of it, think how you would like to become a slug or a crab.
"The result of this was that you now had one man who really was what all men were intended to be: one man in whom the created life, derived from His Mother, allowed itself to be completely and perfectly turned into the begotten life. The natural human creature in Him was taken up fully into the divine Son. Thus in one instance humanity had, so to speak, arrived: had passed into the life of Christ. And because the whole difficulty for us is that the natural life has to be, in a sense, 'killed', He chose an earthly career which involved the killing of His human desires at every turn - poverty, misunderstanding from His own family, betrayal by one of His intimate friends, being jeered at and manhandled by the Police, and execution by torture. And then, after being thus killed - killed every day in a sense - the human creature in Him, because it was united to the divine Son, came to life again. The Man in Christ rose again: not only the God. That is the whole point. For the first time we saw a real man. one tin soldier - real tin, just like the rest - had come fully and splendidly alive."
Now, I realize that it takes several readings of C.S. Lewis to fully grasp what he has written. But I believe this is a remarkable description of something that is beyond our human understanding to fully grasp: God became a man; not just a man, but a baby. The powerful God became a powerless baby. The Creator became part of His creation.
Friends, I trust you will take some time these next few days and just ponder that great mystery of God becoming man. And He did it for you and for me. I can assure you that you will not fully understand it - no one has, really - but your heart will be richly blessed by it.
And so I want to wish each of you a most blessed and special Christmas.
P.S. I have always thought it would be "cool" if Jesus would return on His birthday. Perhaps this might be the year.
This "Christmas blog" is perhaps my favorite one to write during the course of the year. Perhaps it is because I never grow tired of sharing the news that the angels delivered to some frightened shepherds that evening outside of Bethlehem. "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior who is Christ the Lord." Was there ever a grander birth announcement ever given? Was there ever a more special Child born? His birth changed the course of the world and His birth continues changing the lives of millions of people around the world.
If you have been following my blog over the years, you will remember that I have a strong fascination with that mystery known as the Incarnation - God becoming flesh. John writes such amazing and thought-provoking words as he begins his gospel account: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning." What John wants us to understand as he begins his grand retelling of the life of Jesus is that Jesus was God! He was not just alongside of God. He was not just an impersonation of God. No, Jesus was God! And he repeat that truth for our benefit with this powerful statement: "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." (John 1:14). In other words, friends, the key to understanding John's gospel is to believe that Jesus was God!
A similar analogy is found at the very beginning of Charles Dickens' classic "A Christmas Carol" where he begins by informing us that "old Marley was dead, dead as a doornail." Dickens then says that if we fail to understanding and believe that fact, then the rest of the story is totally irrelevant. I believe that John would have us believe that as well about Jesus.
Over the years many writers have wrestled with the idea of the Incarnation. Once such writer was C. S. Lewis. In his masterpiece of Christian apologetics known as "Mere Christianity," Lewis helps us to understand what occurred that first Christmas so many years ago in Bethlehem. Lewis writes: "Did you ever think, when you were a child, what fun it would be if your toys could come to life? Well suppose you could really have brought them to life. Imagine turning a tin soldier into a real little man. It would involve turning the tin into flesh. And suppose the tin soldier did not like it. He is not interested in flesh: all he sees is that the tin is being spoilt. He thinks you are killing him. He will do everything he can to prevent you. He will not be made into a man if he can help it.
"What you would have done about that tin soldier I do not know. But what God did about us was this. The Second Person in God, the Son, became human Himself: was born into the world as an actual man - a real man of a particular height, with hair of a particular colour, speaking a particular language, weighing so many stone. The Eternal Being, who knows everything and who created the whole universe, became not only a man but (before that) a baby, and before that a 'foetus' inside a Woman's body. If you want to get the hang of it, think how you would like to become a slug or a crab.
"The result of this was that you now had one man who really was what all men were intended to be: one man in whom the created life, derived from His Mother, allowed itself to be completely and perfectly turned into the begotten life. The natural human creature in Him was taken up fully into the divine Son. Thus in one instance humanity had, so to speak, arrived: had passed into the life of Christ. And because the whole difficulty for us is that the natural life has to be, in a sense, 'killed', He chose an earthly career which involved the killing of His human desires at every turn - poverty, misunderstanding from His own family, betrayal by one of His intimate friends, being jeered at and manhandled by the Police, and execution by torture. And then, after being thus killed - killed every day in a sense - the human creature in Him, because it was united to the divine Son, came to life again. The Man in Christ rose again: not only the God. That is the whole point. For the first time we saw a real man. one tin soldier - real tin, just like the rest - had come fully and splendidly alive."
Now, I realize that it takes several readings of C.S. Lewis to fully grasp what he has written. But I believe this is a remarkable description of something that is beyond our human understanding to fully grasp: God became a man; not just a man, but a baby. The powerful God became a powerless baby. The Creator became part of His creation.
Friends, I trust you will take some time these next few days and just ponder that great mystery of God becoming man. And He did it for you and for me. I can assure you that you will not fully understand it - no one has, really - but your heart will be richly blessed by it.
And so I want to wish each of you a most blessed and special Christmas.
P.S. I have always thought it would be "cool" if Jesus would return on His birthday. Perhaps this might be the year.
Wednesday, December 12, 2018
Another Assault upon Christmas
If there is one season of the year in which those on the Left unite together against a common foe it is the Christmas Season. Their assault upon the season of our Savior's birth seems to know no limitations. Over the years we have seen Christmas programs within our elementary and secondary schools changed to Winter programs. We now celebrate snow and snowmen rather than the Savior and the shepherds. (Note: I am grateful for those schools who have not bent the knee to this Leftist lunacy and who still allow their students to celebrate the real reason for Christmas. I pray that they will continue to be firm in their resolve).
Municipalities have battled for years the legality of having a Nativity set up on the Town Square. When I was a boy growing up, nearly every little town in Iowa had its Nativity scene - some more elaborate than others, but each was a declaration by the community of the real reason for Christmas. Now one must travel for miles in search of such a Nativity display. The fears of lengthy and expensive litigation has now kept the manger in the warehouse.
Then a few years ago it became marketable to not use the words "Merry Christmas" within the retail communities. Yes, you could still use the greeting of "Happy Holidays" which I found to be inconsistent with their thinking. Let's see, the word "holiday" is a contraction of two words "holy" and "day." Now, let me ask you, "What makes this season, as opposed to, let's say August 25 or September 25 or July 25, a "holy day?" Is it not the birthday of Jesus Christ? So, when I say to a friend, "Happy Holidays," which I am really saying is this is a holy day because of Jesus.
But, just when you think the Left could not get more creative in their assault upon Christmas, a professor at Minnesota State University in Mankato dropped a bombshell this past week. Dr. Eric Sprankle is a professor in the graduate school of psychology at the university and also teaches classes on sexuality in the undergraduate school. Here is what Dr. Sprankle tweeted last week: "The virgin birth story is about an all-knowing, all-powerful deity impregnating a human teen. There is no definition of consent that would include that scenario. Happy Holidays." In other words, Dr. Sprankle is accusing God of sexually assaulting Mary against her wishes.
Dr. Robert Jeffress, pastor of First Baptist Church in Dallas responded, "Dr. Sprankle's comments are nothing but blasphemous babble from a liberal who is completely ignorant of the Bible." (quote from his interview with Todd Starnes).
Let's analyze the Biblical story to refute what Dr. Sprankle has said. First, there is no statement within the Gospel of Luke that records any sexual involvement between God and Mary. Here is what Luke simply says, "The angel answered, 'The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God" (Luke 1:35). Why does Dr. Sprankle accuse God of sexual assault? It is because he has a limited view of God. According to him, there is only one way to create a baby and that is through a sexual union. And, you know, for every human being since the time of Adam and Eve, that is a true fact. But the conception of Jesus was unique. There was no sexual union. Mary remained a virgin until after she had given birth. So, Dr. Sprankle, there could be no assault because there was no sexual union.
Second, Luke records that Mary did consent to God's request. Again, let's read from the Luke text: "'I am the Lord's servant,' Mary answered. 'May it be to me as you have said.'" (Luke 1:38). Friends, those are words of consent. Those are words still filled with many unanswered questions. Those are words still shrouded with fear. Yet, Mary agreed to this unique invitation from God. She said, "Yes!"
Did the angel put pressure upon Mary so that she had no other option but to say "yes?" Certainly there is no indication of such pressure within the Luke story. Did Mary fear the reprisals from God if she said "no?" Again, there is no indication within the text. No, Luke would have us believe that Mary made her decision based upon faith. When approached, Mary volunteered for the assignment God had commissioned.
Dr. Sprankle, you are just wrong in your understanding of the most beautiful birth narrative recorded in human history. There has never been a baby born, either before or after, like Jesus. His birth marks the defining moment in the history of mankind. Calendars were changed because of His birth. No, Dr. Sprankle, the only thing more difficult to understand than the birth itself, is the reason why God entered into His world. And that reason can be stated with just one word; love. Dr. Sprankle, I want you to know that John 3:16 is for you, just as it is for me: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." Oh that you would know the truth from that text.
Municipalities have battled for years the legality of having a Nativity set up on the Town Square. When I was a boy growing up, nearly every little town in Iowa had its Nativity scene - some more elaborate than others, but each was a declaration by the community of the real reason for Christmas. Now one must travel for miles in search of such a Nativity display. The fears of lengthy and expensive litigation has now kept the manger in the warehouse.
Then a few years ago it became marketable to not use the words "Merry Christmas" within the retail communities. Yes, you could still use the greeting of "Happy Holidays" which I found to be inconsistent with their thinking. Let's see, the word "holiday" is a contraction of two words "holy" and "day." Now, let me ask you, "What makes this season, as opposed to, let's say August 25 or September 25 or July 25, a "holy day?" Is it not the birthday of Jesus Christ? So, when I say to a friend, "Happy Holidays," which I am really saying is this is a holy day because of Jesus.
But, just when you think the Left could not get more creative in their assault upon Christmas, a professor at Minnesota State University in Mankato dropped a bombshell this past week. Dr. Eric Sprankle is a professor in the graduate school of psychology at the university and also teaches classes on sexuality in the undergraduate school. Here is what Dr. Sprankle tweeted last week: "The virgin birth story is about an all-knowing, all-powerful deity impregnating a human teen. There is no definition of consent that would include that scenario. Happy Holidays." In other words, Dr. Sprankle is accusing God of sexually assaulting Mary against her wishes.
Dr. Robert Jeffress, pastor of First Baptist Church in Dallas responded, "Dr. Sprankle's comments are nothing but blasphemous babble from a liberal who is completely ignorant of the Bible." (quote from his interview with Todd Starnes).
Let's analyze the Biblical story to refute what Dr. Sprankle has said. First, there is no statement within the Gospel of Luke that records any sexual involvement between God and Mary. Here is what Luke simply says, "The angel answered, 'The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God" (Luke 1:35). Why does Dr. Sprankle accuse God of sexual assault? It is because he has a limited view of God. According to him, there is only one way to create a baby and that is through a sexual union. And, you know, for every human being since the time of Adam and Eve, that is a true fact. But the conception of Jesus was unique. There was no sexual union. Mary remained a virgin until after she had given birth. So, Dr. Sprankle, there could be no assault because there was no sexual union.
Second, Luke records that Mary did consent to God's request. Again, let's read from the Luke text: "'I am the Lord's servant,' Mary answered. 'May it be to me as you have said.'" (Luke 1:38). Friends, those are words of consent. Those are words still filled with many unanswered questions. Those are words still shrouded with fear. Yet, Mary agreed to this unique invitation from God. She said, "Yes!"
Did the angel put pressure upon Mary so that she had no other option but to say "yes?" Certainly there is no indication of such pressure within the Luke story. Did Mary fear the reprisals from God if she said "no?" Again, there is no indication within the text. No, Luke would have us believe that Mary made her decision based upon faith. When approached, Mary volunteered for the assignment God had commissioned.
Dr. Sprankle, you are just wrong in your understanding of the most beautiful birth narrative recorded in human history. There has never been a baby born, either before or after, like Jesus. His birth marks the defining moment in the history of mankind. Calendars were changed because of His birth. No, Dr. Sprankle, the only thing more difficult to understand than the birth itself, is the reason why God entered into His world. And that reason can be stated with just one word; love. Dr. Sprankle, I want you to know that John 3:16 is for you, just as it is for me: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." Oh that you would know the truth from that text.
Wednesday, December 5, 2018
My Annual Christmas Recommended Reading List
Today has been designated as a day of national mourning and prayer in memory of the death of our nation's 41st president, George H.W. Bush, who passed away at the age of 94. Bush's presidency is often lost as it was sandwiched between that of Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton. President Bush completed the process of the tearing down of the Iron Curtain that President Reagan had initiated. When Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait in 1991, President Bush quickly assembled a coalition and countered that invasion. The only blemish in that war, which was won in a matter of days, was that he did not order the coalition forces to sweep on into Baghdad and overthrow the Saddam regime. If he had, perhaps 9-11 might not have happened.
Perhaps George H.W. Bush was the most qualified man to have sat in the Oval Office since the time of George Washington. His resume of political service was a long and distinguished one. Yet, he will be most remembered for those infamous words uttered during his presidential campaign, "Read my lips: No new taxes." Yet, he could not honor that pledge and that was his undoing when he attempted to run for a second term. There are some things the American people are quick to forget - immorality in the White House during the days of Bill Clinton; but there are some things people never seem to forget, especially when it comes to taxes.
It was right for President Trump to declare today a day of national mourning. It is right for our nation to honor a man who served us well. The historians can now tell the story of Bush #41. It will be a story worth reading, I am sure.
Speaking of stories to read. I want to highly recommend the newest book from the pen of Doris Kearns Goodwin. It is titled, "Leadership." Ms. Goodwin is a gifted writer of history. She researches her subjects well and she carefully documents her stories. This book is the study of four American presidents: Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and Lyndon Johnson. Now, friends, you cannot get more diverse than these four. Ms. Goodwin shares the remarkable story of how each of these men grew up and how each grew in his abilities to lead. Then she identifies one crisis in each one's administration that tested that leadership ability. For Lincoln, her focus was upon the Emancipation Proclamation; for Theodore Roosevelt, it was the coal strike; for Franklin Roosevelt, it was the great depression; and for Lyndon Johnson, it was the civil rights act of 1964. These crises certainly tested the resolve of each man. At times they walked the pathway alone, yet, all the while, continually teaching their cabinets and other officials of the necessity of following that vision. Ms. Goodwin closes her book with a study of how the death of each man impacted those that followed. This is not a difficult book to read. Ms. Goodwin has a way of drawing you into the story. I found myself getting involved in the tensions created within each president. This book would make for an excellent Christmas gift to that person who enjoys American history and to that person who is seeking to cultivate his or her leadership skills.
A second book that I would recommend is the newest book by Bill O'Reilly and titled, "Killing the SS." This is the latest book in his "Killing" series. Like most of his other books, this one reads so easily. Again it is well footnoted. The thesis for this book is the intense hunt that took place following World War II for those Nazi leaders who had orchestrated the "Final Solution" which came to be known as the Holocaust. The center piece of that focus was Adolph Eichmann. Others included Joseph Mengele, the doctor who performed medical experiments upon victims at Auschwitz, and Klaus Barbie, also known as the "Butcher of Lyon." One of the facts that surprised me as I read was the number of former SS officers who, following the War, were hired by our CIA to spy on the Russians. Some were never held accountable for the atrocities committed by the SS during the War. I found myself getting caught up in the intrigue of the search for Eichmann, of his kidnapping from his hiding place in Argentina, his trial and execution in Israel. This book would make a great Christmas gift to those readers on your list.
Let me close with two additional titles that were meaningful to me this past year. The first is titled, "The True Jesus" and was written by David Limbaugh. This book is a follow-up to a previous book titled, "The Emmaus Code." In that book, Mr. Limbaugh shares the portraits of Christ found in the Old Testament. He sort of envisions Jesus' conversation with the two disciples on the Road to Emmaus that first resurrection morning, thus the title. "The True Jesus" is a look at the portrait of Christ found within the four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Mr. Limbaugh attempts to follow the life of Jesus in a chronological sequence, and he does it very well. Either of these books could be used as a small group resource. I am anxious to read his latest book in this series, "Jesus Is Risen" which is the portrait of Christ discovered within the writings of the Apostle Paul and the Early Church writers. I have this on my shelf as a must for 2019.
The final book I would recommend is titled, "Grant" and was written by Ron Chernow; the same author who gave us the biography of Alexander Hamilton upon which the Broadway musical success "Hamilton" is based. This book will probably be the definitive study of the life of the man who led the Union to victory in the Civil War. Having only studied about Grant's war years, it was fascinating to me to read of those tumultuous years he served as President. Historians have been quick to cast the title of "inept or corrupt" upon the Grant Administration, but Mr. Chernow helped me to see that Grant was too accepting of people - he took them at face value. This was often the cause for people misusing that trust to accomplish their purposes rather than those of the President. This is a huge book - don't let its volume of pages deter you from a powerful read. After the reading I believe you will be convinced that Ulysses S Grant was one of the most dynamic leaders our nation has produced.
Friends, that is my annual list of books I recommend for those readers on your list. With the winter months upon us, how refreshing it is to sit by the fireside with a steaming cup of hot tea or hot chocolate, and grab a book that will encourage and challenge us.
Perhaps George H.W. Bush was the most qualified man to have sat in the Oval Office since the time of George Washington. His resume of political service was a long and distinguished one. Yet, he will be most remembered for those infamous words uttered during his presidential campaign, "Read my lips: No new taxes." Yet, he could not honor that pledge and that was his undoing when he attempted to run for a second term. There are some things the American people are quick to forget - immorality in the White House during the days of Bill Clinton; but there are some things people never seem to forget, especially when it comes to taxes.
It was right for President Trump to declare today a day of national mourning. It is right for our nation to honor a man who served us well. The historians can now tell the story of Bush #41. It will be a story worth reading, I am sure.
Speaking of stories to read. I want to highly recommend the newest book from the pen of Doris Kearns Goodwin. It is titled, "Leadership." Ms. Goodwin is a gifted writer of history. She researches her subjects well and she carefully documents her stories. This book is the study of four American presidents: Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and Lyndon Johnson. Now, friends, you cannot get more diverse than these four. Ms. Goodwin shares the remarkable story of how each of these men grew up and how each grew in his abilities to lead. Then she identifies one crisis in each one's administration that tested that leadership ability. For Lincoln, her focus was upon the Emancipation Proclamation; for Theodore Roosevelt, it was the coal strike; for Franklin Roosevelt, it was the great depression; and for Lyndon Johnson, it was the civil rights act of 1964. These crises certainly tested the resolve of each man. At times they walked the pathway alone, yet, all the while, continually teaching their cabinets and other officials of the necessity of following that vision. Ms. Goodwin closes her book with a study of how the death of each man impacted those that followed. This is not a difficult book to read. Ms. Goodwin has a way of drawing you into the story. I found myself getting involved in the tensions created within each president. This book would make for an excellent Christmas gift to that person who enjoys American history and to that person who is seeking to cultivate his or her leadership skills.
A second book that I would recommend is the newest book by Bill O'Reilly and titled, "Killing the SS." This is the latest book in his "Killing" series. Like most of his other books, this one reads so easily. Again it is well footnoted. The thesis for this book is the intense hunt that took place following World War II for those Nazi leaders who had orchestrated the "Final Solution" which came to be known as the Holocaust. The center piece of that focus was Adolph Eichmann. Others included Joseph Mengele, the doctor who performed medical experiments upon victims at Auschwitz, and Klaus Barbie, also known as the "Butcher of Lyon." One of the facts that surprised me as I read was the number of former SS officers who, following the War, were hired by our CIA to spy on the Russians. Some were never held accountable for the atrocities committed by the SS during the War. I found myself getting caught up in the intrigue of the search for Eichmann, of his kidnapping from his hiding place in Argentina, his trial and execution in Israel. This book would make a great Christmas gift to those readers on your list.
Let me close with two additional titles that were meaningful to me this past year. The first is titled, "The True Jesus" and was written by David Limbaugh. This book is a follow-up to a previous book titled, "The Emmaus Code." In that book, Mr. Limbaugh shares the portraits of Christ found in the Old Testament. He sort of envisions Jesus' conversation with the two disciples on the Road to Emmaus that first resurrection morning, thus the title. "The True Jesus" is a look at the portrait of Christ found within the four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Mr. Limbaugh attempts to follow the life of Jesus in a chronological sequence, and he does it very well. Either of these books could be used as a small group resource. I am anxious to read his latest book in this series, "Jesus Is Risen" which is the portrait of Christ discovered within the writings of the Apostle Paul and the Early Church writers. I have this on my shelf as a must for 2019.
The final book I would recommend is titled, "Grant" and was written by Ron Chernow; the same author who gave us the biography of Alexander Hamilton upon which the Broadway musical success "Hamilton" is based. This book will probably be the definitive study of the life of the man who led the Union to victory in the Civil War. Having only studied about Grant's war years, it was fascinating to me to read of those tumultuous years he served as President. Historians have been quick to cast the title of "inept or corrupt" upon the Grant Administration, but Mr. Chernow helped me to see that Grant was too accepting of people - he took them at face value. This was often the cause for people misusing that trust to accomplish their purposes rather than those of the President. This is a huge book - don't let its volume of pages deter you from a powerful read. After the reading I believe you will be convinced that Ulysses S Grant was one of the most dynamic leaders our nation has produced.
Friends, that is my annual list of books I recommend for those readers on your list. With the winter months upon us, how refreshing it is to sit by the fireside with a steaming cup of hot tea or hot chocolate, and grab a book that will encourage and challenge us.
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