Well, as the old saying goes, "Here we go again!" Just when you think you can no longer be shocked by what the world tries to foist upon us as being "normal", somehow they do it again. First, I refer you to an article published by Fox News that stuns one's senses. You can find the article, written by Todd Starnes, at www.foxnew.com/opinion/2017/07/18/parents-outraged-over-teen-vogue-anal-sex-how-to-column. Let me warn you that even Mr. Starnes comments on the article are graphic.
"Teen Vogue is defending its decision to publish a graphic tutorial to anal sex for children and teenagers - calling critics homophobic. 'This is anal 101, for teens, beginners and all inquisitive folk,' author Gigi Engle wrote in 'A Guide to Anal Sex.' ... Parents across the nation became enraged upon learning that Teen Vogue wanted to turn their children in[to] sexual deviants. 'I was truly flabbergasted,' Elizabeth Johnston told me on my radio show. 'They should not be teaching sodomy to our children. This is not a Republican issue or a Democrat issue. This is not a conservative issue or liberal issue. This is a parent issue,' she told me. More than 10 million people have viewed a video of Johnston burning a copy of Teen Vogue in her backyard. ... Philip Picardi, the magazine's digital editorial director, fired back in a flurry of tweets. 'The backlash to this article is rooted in homophobia,' he wrote. 'It's also laced in arcane delusion about what it means to be a young person today.' Teen Vogue would have you believe it's offensive for parents to be offended by the smut they are peddling. "
Friends, in the absence of any moral truth or any moral absolutes, what had been recognized twenty years ago as being a sexual perversion, now becomes not only acceptable by adults, but promoted among our impressionable teens. I used to say that our culture today "lowered the bar." But I have come to believe that they have "removed the bar."
But, wait, there's more - sadly. Yesterday I read another article, written by the same author - Todd Starnes - and posted on the Fox News website. You can find it at: www.foxnews.com/opinion/2017/07/25/drag-queen-storytime-for-kids-at-library. Again, allow me to share portions of this article with you. "Public libraries across the fruited plain are inviting drag queens to read story books to small children - leading some folks to wonder what in the name of Captain Kangaroo is going on? A trio of drag queens, decked out in full regalia, recently held court at the Indianapolis Central Library - gabbing about superheroes and cookies. 'Some parents choose to expose their children to religion, some parents choose to expose their children to culture, the arts,' parent Heather Pugh told USA Today. 'I'm working to teach my children to be open-minded, loving, accepting people.' And that's the point of Drag Queen Storytime - indoctrination. 'I want kids to experience just the fun of being around drag queens, the creativity, their style, their expression of their individuality,' said Stephen Lane. Mr. Lane is the library's point man for planning programs for children, USA Today reports.
"The Brooklyn Public Library held a similar event in May - funded by our tax dollars. Get a load of how the library promoted the event: 'What do drag queens and children have in common? They love dressing up and all things sparkly and fancy! Drag Queen Story Hour captures the imagination and play of the gender fluidity in childhood and gives kids glamorous, positive, and unabashedly queer role models.' A library spokesperson for the Indianapolis library told me there is nothing wrong with teaching small kids about gender fluidity. 'Young children often exhibit gender fluidity in their play, and Drag Queen Story Hour reinforces for them that there is nothing wrong with that.'"
Wow! Did you ever think you would live to see the day when sexual perversions would be welcomed and embraced as they are today? I sure didn't. But I am not surprised. When a culture removes God from being part of that culture, all that remains is the sinful nature to be expressed at will. In the absence of God, there is no moral rightness or wrongness. Who is going to make that decision? Only with the acknowledgment of God can there be any moral standard upon which to make a moral choice. Is it any wonder why home-schooling and privately-funded Christian schooling is exploding with enrollments that are crushing growth barriers. Families want their children and grandchildren to have some type of moral foundation. It is not being found in many of our public schools today - although some public schools are fighting hard to maintain that moral foundation. I pray that those schools will remain zealous and have a firm resolve.
Before I close, let me just touch upon recent events in Jerusalem - especially as they relate to the Temple Mount. On our recent tour our group spent an hour upon the Temple Mount. We were amazed by the size of the area - over thirty acres of stone pavement with almost a park-like setting in places. But, I have to admit - having been on the Temple Mount several times over the years - that there is an uncomfortableness there. Perhaps it is because of the intense screening Christians and Jews have to undergo to go upon the Temple Mount. There is only one entry point for Jews and Christians. You can take no Bibles or prayer books. You can have no jewelry that is strictly religious. And, I noticed, that while we were on the Temple Mount there was always someone listening in to what our guide was sharing with us. As one of our group members said later, "It was sort of creepy up there." Yet, Muslims have almost unfettered access, especially on Fridays which are the Muslim holy day of the week. Two weeks ago, two Israeli policemen stationed at the Lion's Gate - which is one of the main Muslim entrances to the Temple Mount - were shot and killed by Arab men who were armed and coming from Friday prayers. In response, Israeli authorities set up metal detectors at each of the Muslim entry points. Well, that act of security almost initiated World War III. Riots occurred. Police in riot gear fired both live and rubber bullets into the crowds killing several Palestinians and injuring scores more. The entire Arab world believed that the Israelis were using this security in order to regain control of the Temple Mount. Pressure built and finally the Israeli government removed the metal screeners. In their place are facial detection cameras and high image resolution cameras that can detect metal. It will be interesting to see what impact these will have when Friday prayers on the Mount come this week.
What is going to happen at the Temple Mount? The Bible gives us a very clear picture of its future. First, we know that another Jewish Temple will be built upon that site. The Bible does not give us a lot of details about it except that it will be the place where the Antichrist will proclaim himself to be God and desire to be worshiped as God. When will this Temple be built? Again, the Bible is not clear. Will it be built before the Antichrist is revealed, or will it be built after his revelation? I believe it will probably be the later. But this we do know, an organization known as the Temple Institute has nearly completed all the items necessary for use within the Temple. They are training priests who will serve the people. So, it should not take long before this 'tribulation temple" - as I call it - will be operational. But what about the Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque? you ask. I believe that God will remove those - probably through an earthquake.
But the story of the Temple Mount is not yet complete, for the prophet Ezekiel describes in detail for us a grand Temple - the size and scope which has never been seen. It will be the place where our Savior and King will reign. It will be the place to which the nations of the world will come to worship and celebrate the living God and His Son who sits upon David's throne. Oh what a day that will be.
Friends, aren't you glad that you are safely in the hands of Jesus Christ? Aren't you glad that you can rest secure knowing that God is in total control. He knows about drag-queens in public libraries. He knows about articles in Teen Vogue magazine. And, I can assure you, God is much more outraged about those matters than either you or I can be. They are an affront to His holiness. And, friends, someday His judgment will be poured out upon this sinful world. Once again, God's righteousness will prevail. Hallelujah for that moment!
Wednesday, July 26, 2017
Wednesday, July 19, 2017
A Commencement Address with Purpose
Suppose you were invited to give the commencement address before a ninth grade class, what would you share with these young people? They have completed middle school and now before them await three years of high school and then college and university. Perhaps many of these young people have not yet decided upon a course of study or even what direction they want for their lives. They are just happy to have survived early adolescence without major damage. How would you challenge them? What words of advice would you share with them?
This past Sunday on the back page of the Opinion Section of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, portions of an address that Chief Justice John Roberts delivered at his son's ninth-grade commencement program was printed. Chief Justice Roberts offered some wise advice to that class, words that should be shared with every young person today. Allow me to just quote a few paragraphs from that speech.
"Now around the country today at colleges, high schools, middle schools, commencement speakers are standing before impatient graduates. And they are almost always saying the same things. They will say that today is a commencement exercise. 'It is a beginning, not an end. You should look forward.' And I think that is true enough.
"However, I think if you're going to look forward to figure out where you're going, it's good to know where you've been, and to look back as well. And I think if you look back to your first afternoon here at Carigan, perhaps you will recall that you were lonely. Perhaps you will recall that you were a little scared, a little anxious. And now look at you. You are surrounded by friends that you call brothers, and you are confident in facing the next step in your education.
"It is worthy trying to think why that is so. And when you do, I think you may appreciate that it was because of the support of your classmates in the classroom, on the athletic field and in the dorms. And as far as the confidence goes, I think you will appreciate that it is not because you succeeded at everything you did, but because with the help of your friends, you were not afraid to fail.
"Now, the commencement speakers will typically also wish you good luck and extend good wishes to you. I will not do that, and I'll tell you why."
Friends, the next part of Chief Justice Roberts speech is actually very alarming, yet also very profound. Listen to this sage advice:
"From time to time in the years to come, I hope you will be treated unfairly - so that you will come to know the value of justice. I hope that you will suffer betrayal - because that will teach you the importance of loyalty. Sorry to say, but I hope you will be lonely from time to time - so that you don't take friends for granted. I wish you bad luck, again, from time to time - so that you will be conscious of the role of chance in life, and understand that your success is not completely deserved, and that the failure of others is not completely deserved either. And when you lose, as you will from time to time, I hope every now and then your opponent will gloat over your failure. It is a way for you to understand the importance of sportsmanship. I hope you'll be ignored - so you'll know the importance of listening to others. And I hope you will have just enough pain to learn compassion. Whether I wish these things or not, they're going to happen. Whether you benefit from them or not will depend upon your ability to see the message in your misfortune."
Chief Justice Roberts is a realist, not an idealist. In many commencement addresses this spring, the speakers stated that the goal of life was to succeed, to live the good life. Did you hear what Chief Justice Roberts said to those boys: I hope you experience some of the hardships of life, because it is how you face those difficulties that you grow to become the person you were intended to be.
As I read this speech - and I applaud the Start-Tribune for printing it - I was reminded of many of the words Jesus shared with His disciples. Jesus certainly never told them that success would come easily. In fact Jesus shared just the opposite: life would become more difficult. Listen to these words of Jesus:
"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you" (Matthew 5:11-12).
"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you" (John 15:18-19).
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).
Friends, it is through difficulties that we grow. The butterfly struggles to be released from the cocoon, but it is that struggle that strengthens its wings so it can fly. A shoot struggles to break through the soil, but it is that struggle that strengthens that developing root. Chief Justice Roberts told those boys and their families he wished life would become difficult at times for them so that they would grow stronger. Jesus wishes for us difficulties so that we become stronger in our relationship with Him. I am reminded of those familiar words from the Apostle Paul as he wrote to the believers living in Rome: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28). What a great promise to always keep before us.
This past Sunday on the back page of the Opinion Section of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, portions of an address that Chief Justice John Roberts delivered at his son's ninth-grade commencement program was printed. Chief Justice Roberts offered some wise advice to that class, words that should be shared with every young person today. Allow me to just quote a few paragraphs from that speech.
"Now around the country today at colleges, high schools, middle schools, commencement speakers are standing before impatient graduates. And they are almost always saying the same things. They will say that today is a commencement exercise. 'It is a beginning, not an end. You should look forward.' And I think that is true enough.
"However, I think if you're going to look forward to figure out where you're going, it's good to know where you've been, and to look back as well. And I think if you look back to your first afternoon here at Carigan, perhaps you will recall that you were lonely. Perhaps you will recall that you were a little scared, a little anxious. And now look at you. You are surrounded by friends that you call brothers, and you are confident in facing the next step in your education.
"It is worthy trying to think why that is so. And when you do, I think you may appreciate that it was because of the support of your classmates in the classroom, on the athletic field and in the dorms. And as far as the confidence goes, I think you will appreciate that it is not because you succeeded at everything you did, but because with the help of your friends, you were not afraid to fail.
"Now, the commencement speakers will typically also wish you good luck and extend good wishes to you. I will not do that, and I'll tell you why."
Friends, the next part of Chief Justice Roberts speech is actually very alarming, yet also very profound. Listen to this sage advice:
"From time to time in the years to come, I hope you will be treated unfairly - so that you will come to know the value of justice. I hope that you will suffer betrayal - because that will teach you the importance of loyalty. Sorry to say, but I hope you will be lonely from time to time - so that you don't take friends for granted. I wish you bad luck, again, from time to time - so that you will be conscious of the role of chance in life, and understand that your success is not completely deserved, and that the failure of others is not completely deserved either. And when you lose, as you will from time to time, I hope every now and then your opponent will gloat over your failure. It is a way for you to understand the importance of sportsmanship. I hope you'll be ignored - so you'll know the importance of listening to others. And I hope you will have just enough pain to learn compassion. Whether I wish these things or not, they're going to happen. Whether you benefit from them or not will depend upon your ability to see the message in your misfortune."
Chief Justice Roberts is a realist, not an idealist. In many commencement addresses this spring, the speakers stated that the goal of life was to succeed, to live the good life. Did you hear what Chief Justice Roberts said to those boys: I hope you experience some of the hardships of life, because it is how you face those difficulties that you grow to become the person you were intended to be.
As I read this speech - and I applaud the Start-Tribune for printing it - I was reminded of many of the words Jesus shared with His disciples. Jesus certainly never told them that success would come easily. In fact Jesus shared just the opposite: life would become more difficult. Listen to these words of Jesus:
"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you" (Matthew 5:11-12).
"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you" (John 15:18-19).
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).
Friends, it is through difficulties that we grow. The butterfly struggles to be released from the cocoon, but it is that struggle that strengthens its wings so it can fly. A shoot struggles to break through the soil, but it is that struggle that strengthens that developing root. Chief Justice Roberts told those boys and their families he wished life would become difficult at times for them so that they would grow stronger. Jesus wishes for us difficulties so that we become stronger in our relationship with Him. I am reminded of those familiar words from the Apostle Paul as he wrote to the believers living in Rome: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28). What a great promise to always keep before us.
Wednesday, July 12, 2017
Words That Descrbe Our Times
If I were to ask you the following question - What words would you use to describe our world today? - how would you answer? One word that immediately comes to mind is "terror-filled." Almost weekly we hear of a terror attack somewhere in the world. Whether it is a suicide bombing in Afghanistan or a runaway car in London or an ambush of a New York City policewoman, our minds have become almost numbed with the reports of innocents dying at the hands of terrorists.
Another word I would use is "truthlessness." I think I just created a word. By it I mean that as a culture we have abandoned a moral standard for truth. I am continually drawn to that question Pontius Pilate addressed to Jesus as He stood before him - What is truth? (see John 18:38). Pilate had heard many arguments based upon truth-perceptions. Now before him stood Jesus who declared that He had come into the world to testify to the truth (John 18:37). So, whom was Pilate to believe? What was really truth? Because we have abandoned an absolute moral foundation, there is no standard of objective truth any longer. We now live in a world of opinion. We expect to find opinions expressed on the editorial pages of our newspapers. But now we find only opinions expressed in the headlines and on the front pages. There is no objective reporting of news any longer because journalists today no longer have an absolute moral platform from which to measure the truthfulness of their stories. If Jesus was correct when He stated that it was the truth that will set us free (see John 8:32) - and we know that Jesus only spoke truth - then we have now enslaved ourselves into a world of relativity and opinions. What can we really know today? That is the question that needs to be answered.
Another word I would use is "confusion." I believe this naturally follows upon the waves of abandoning truth. I read an article, published on the Townhall.com website, that exemplifies this word "confusion." The article was written by Christine Rousselle and can be found at www.townhall.com/tipsheet/christinerousselle/2017/07/04/canadian-baby-given-unknown-as-a-gender-on-id-card. "A baby in Canada is believed to be the world's first to be not designated a gender due to a parent's request. Baby Searyl Atli was born in November to Kori Doty, who identifies as 'non-binary' and does not identify as male or female (and prefers the pronoun 'they'). Doty does not want a gender to ever be listed on their child's birth certificate or identification documents, and while British Columbia has so far refused to issue a birth certificate sans gender, the government did issue a state health card for Searyl with a 'U' as the gender. Without this card, Searyl could not see a doctor.
"Doty wants Searyl to eventually decide on his/her own gender, and believes that assigning a gender to an infant at birth is a human rights violation. 'I'm raising Searyl in such a way that until they have the sense of self and command of vocabulary to tell me who they are, I'm recognizing them as a baby and trying to give them all the love and support to be the most whole person that they can be outside of the restrictions that come with the boy box and the girl box,' Doty said."
This is "confusion." A child is born and can usually be distinguished as being male or female. (I do understand that, on rare occasions, a child can be born with a sex that is indistinguishable). But, in this case, we have a mother who is confused about her own gender identity, although she just gave birth to a child. "I don't want to be a male; I don't want to be a female; I just want to be a 'them' whatever a 'them' is." Friends, in the absence of absolute, moral truth based upon the holy and righteous character of God, confusion reigns.
But, in closing, I want to share another word to describe the times in which we live. And that word is "hope." Not everyone in our world today has "hope." But, because of the cross of Jesus Christ, the potential is that everyone could have "hope." For believers, for those who are Christ-followers, "hopeful" is who we are. We anchor securely upon the Blessed Hope of the return of Jesus Christ. As we survey the world's scene, that hope rises even higher. We also have "hope" in a new and better world that is coming. Someday sin will be eradicated from this world. Someday God will recreate this world and it will be as God intended from the very beginning. We have a "hope" beyond the grave. Because of this "hope" we are not filled with fear or despair. We are anchored to the Rock, Christ Jesus.
Friends, so what words would you use to describe our world today? Whatever those words might be, I trust you would also be able to add to that list the word "hope." And with that "hope" we look up and await the coming of our redemption.
Another word I would use is "truthlessness." I think I just created a word. By it I mean that as a culture we have abandoned a moral standard for truth. I am continually drawn to that question Pontius Pilate addressed to Jesus as He stood before him - What is truth? (see John 18:38). Pilate had heard many arguments based upon truth-perceptions. Now before him stood Jesus who declared that He had come into the world to testify to the truth (John 18:37). So, whom was Pilate to believe? What was really truth? Because we have abandoned an absolute moral foundation, there is no standard of objective truth any longer. We now live in a world of opinion. We expect to find opinions expressed on the editorial pages of our newspapers. But now we find only opinions expressed in the headlines and on the front pages. There is no objective reporting of news any longer because journalists today no longer have an absolute moral platform from which to measure the truthfulness of their stories. If Jesus was correct when He stated that it was the truth that will set us free (see John 8:32) - and we know that Jesus only spoke truth - then we have now enslaved ourselves into a world of relativity and opinions. What can we really know today? That is the question that needs to be answered.
Another word I would use is "confusion." I believe this naturally follows upon the waves of abandoning truth. I read an article, published on the Townhall.com website, that exemplifies this word "confusion." The article was written by Christine Rousselle and can be found at www.townhall.com/tipsheet/christinerousselle/2017/07/04/canadian-baby-given-unknown-as-a-gender-on-id-card. "A baby in Canada is believed to be the world's first to be not designated a gender due to a parent's request. Baby Searyl Atli was born in November to Kori Doty, who identifies as 'non-binary' and does not identify as male or female (and prefers the pronoun 'they'). Doty does not want a gender to ever be listed on their child's birth certificate or identification documents, and while British Columbia has so far refused to issue a birth certificate sans gender, the government did issue a state health card for Searyl with a 'U' as the gender. Without this card, Searyl could not see a doctor.
"Doty wants Searyl to eventually decide on his/her own gender, and believes that assigning a gender to an infant at birth is a human rights violation. 'I'm raising Searyl in such a way that until they have the sense of self and command of vocabulary to tell me who they are, I'm recognizing them as a baby and trying to give them all the love and support to be the most whole person that they can be outside of the restrictions that come with the boy box and the girl box,' Doty said."
This is "confusion." A child is born and can usually be distinguished as being male or female. (I do understand that, on rare occasions, a child can be born with a sex that is indistinguishable). But, in this case, we have a mother who is confused about her own gender identity, although she just gave birth to a child. "I don't want to be a male; I don't want to be a female; I just want to be a 'them' whatever a 'them' is." Friends, in the absence of absolute, moral truth based upon the holy and righteous character of God, confusion reigns.
But, in closing, I want to share another word to describe the times in which we live. And that word is "hope." Not everyone in our world today has "hope." But, because of the cross of Jesus Christ, the potential is that everyone could have "hope." For believers, for those who are Christ-followers, "hopeful" is who we are. We anchor securely upon the Blessed Hope of the return of Jesus Christ. As we survey the world's scene, that hope rises even higher. We also have "hope" in a new and better world that is coming. Someday sin will be eradicated from this world. Someday God will recreate this world and it will be as God intended from the very beginning. We have a "hope" beyond the grave. Because of this "hope" we are not filled with fear or despair. We are anchored to the Rock, Christ Jesus.
Friends, so what words would you use to describe our world today? Whatever those words might be, I trust you would also be able to add to that list the word "hope." And with that "hope" we look up and await the coming of our redemption.
Wednesday, July 5, 2017
Reflections from Israel
I have just returned after spending 12 days in the land of Israel. I had the privilege of helping to give leadership to a group of teenagers and parents from our church. These teens had successfully completed a four-year course of Bible study. There were 28 in our tour group.
Our group had a wonderful time while in Israel. The days were hot - near triple digits almost every day. So, needless to say, we drank gallons of water and slathered on lots of sunscreen. One of the highlights for our group was the morning we spent at an archaeological dig at Marasha which is located southwest of Jerusalem. We entered a couple of small caves, grabbed our little picks and spatulas, along with some empty buckets, and went in search of evidence of ancient life. We did find many pieces of broken pottery, some small pieces of ancient glass, a few small bones, and even an olive pit or two. But one of our teens hit the jackpot. Just before we left, he unearthed a beautiful clay jar that was still in one piece. We stood amazed to think that no one had seen this beautiful jar for over 1700 years. As a result of that morning's work, we all came to better appreciate the painstaking work of an archaeologist.
Another highlight was the morning we walked upon the Temple Mount. The Muslim Waqf keeps a tight control of who can be on the Temple Mount. They restrict what you can take upon the Mount. No Scripture readings are allowed and no prayers are permitted. Wherever we went while on the Temple Mount, there was someone listening in. The Temple Mount is huge in size, covering over 26 acres, which makes it somewhat overwhelming. We all felt a different emotion while on the Temple Mount. It was almost as if an oppressive spirit were present there. Perhaps it is no different than the oppressive spirit present upon this same place during the days of Jesus as the Pharisees and other religious leaders ruled the attitudes and actions upon the Temple Mount with a restrictive force. There was little joy experienced there. I think we were all relieved to walk across the Mount and enter into the beautiful sanctuary of the Church of St. Anne where we joined in singing "How Great Thou Art." What a wonderful place to make beautiful music.
Taking a ride upon the Sea of Galilee on a beautiful morning is always a highpoint. The skies were clear. The breeze was enjoyable. The boat we were on is the only one operated by a Christian captain - Danny. As worship music quietly played in the background we sailed those ancient waters pointing out place after place where the stories of Jesus played out. How those waters became an integral part of His ministry life - from Migdal to the slopes of the Mount of Beatitudes to Capernaum to Bethsaida to Kurzi which is on the "other side." I think one could easily spend hours just sitting on the Sea reflecting upon the Gospel accounts.
Finally, Jerusalem continues to be a city that fascinates. It is the meeting place of the ancient and the modern. If only its ancient stones could talk, what stories would be shared. I am continually impressed with the excavations being done in the City of David. The archaeologists have hit upon a treasure-trove of important artifacts that are revealing the magnificence of David's capitol city.
So, have I whetted your interest in going to Israel? I would like to announce that I will be leading a tour to Israel next Spring. The dates are April 20-May 4, 2018. On Tuesday evening, July 11, there will be an informational meeting here at Buffalo Covenant Church for all interested in knowing a little bit more about the tour. This meeting will begin at 7:00 p.m. Space is limited to 35 and should fill quickly. But I would love to have you join me in the Holy Land. It definitely is the tour of a lifetime that will change the way to read and understand the Bible.
Now, just a few thoughts about what is happening in our world. While we were in Israel, just moments after we had left an overlook of the Syrian border, Syrian mortar fire was received by Israel. We heard what sounded like small bombs, little knowing what had happened. Israeli planes quickly retaliated. But it was another reminder that Syria is a nation at war. The Middle East never rests in peace and, if my understanding the Scriptures is correct, it will not know peace until Jesus Christ returns.
Yesterday the North Koreans launched their first ICBM missile. With a known production of a nuclear warhead, the North Koreans now seem to have the capability of reaching almost any place they would desire. The South Koreans and Japanese governments are on high alert with this perceived threat. The question is: Is this just a perceived threat or a real threat? Would the North Koreans jeopardize their own existence by launching a nuclear strike at Seoul or Tokyo or even Alaska? Jesus' statement that in the last days there would be wars and rumors of war is becoming a reality.
Before I close I would like to extend another invitation to those living within the Greater Twin Cities area. On Thursday evening, July 13, we have the privilege of hosting Rabbi Baruch, a leading biblical teacher and scholar from Israel. Rabbi Baruch continues to instruct people around the world through his video teaching ministry, as well as the classes he conducts in Israel. Many in the Twin Cities have heard him before. You know you will not be disappointed. Rabbi Baruch will be sharing in two teaching sessions that evening, the first beginning at 7:00 with the second to follow around 8:00. I invite you to come and hear God open His Word through this amazing teacher of the Word. Our address is: 1601 Highway 25 North, Buffalo, MN 55313.
Friends, keep on praying for the "peace of Jerusalem." Keep on praying that God will reveal Himself to us more powerfully in these closing days of the age. And keep looking up because our redemption draws nigh.
Our group had a wonderful time while in Israel. The days were hot - near triple digits almost every day. So, needless to say, we drank gallons of water and slathered on lots of sunscreen. One of the highlights for our group was the morning we spent at an archaeological dig at Marasha which is located southwest of Jerusalem. We entered a couple of small caves, grabbed our little picks and spatulas, along with some empty buckets, and went in search of evidence of ancient life. We did find many pieces of broken pottery, some small pieces of ancient glass, a few small bones, and even an olive pit or two. But one of our teens hit the jackpot. Just before we left, he unearthed a beautiful clay jar that was still in one piece. We stood amazed to think that no one had seen this beautiful jar for over 1700 years. As a result of that morning's work, we all came to better appreciate the painstaking work of an archaeologist.
Another highlight was the morning we walked upon the Temple Mount. The Muslim Waqf keeps a tight control of who can be on the Temple Mount. They restrict what you can take upon the Mount. No Scripture readings are allowed and no prayers are permitted. Wherever we went while on the Temple Mount, there was someone listening in. The Temple Mount is huge in size, covering over 26 acres, which makes it somewhat overwhelming. We all felt a different emotion while on the Temple Mount. It was almost as if an oppressive spirit were present there. Perhaps it is no different than the oppressive spirit present upon this same place during the days of Jesus as the Pharisees and other religious leaders ruled the attitudes and actions upon the Temple Mount with a restrictive force. There was little joy experienced there. I think we were all relieved to walk across the Mount and enter into the beautiful sanctuary of the Church of St. Anne where we joined in singing "How Great Thou Art." What a wonderful place to make beautiful music.
Taking a ride upon the Sea of Galilee on a beautiful morning is always a highpoint. The skies were clear. The breeze was enjoyable. The boat we were on is the only one operated by a Christian captain - Danny. As worship music quietly played in the background we sailed those ancient waters pointing out place after place where the stories of Jesus played out. How those waters became an integral part of His ministry life - from Migdal to the slopes of the Mount of Beatitudes to Capernaum to Bethsaida to Kurzi which is on the "other side." I think one could easily spend hours just sitting on the Sea reflecting upon the Gospel accounts.
Finally, Jerusalem continues to be a city that fascinates. It is the meeting place of the ancient and the modern. If only its ancient stones could talk, what stories would be shared. I am continually impressed with the excavations being done in the City of David. The archaeologists have hit upon a treasure-trove of important artifacts that are revealing the magnificence of David's capitol city.
So, have I whetted your interest in going to Israel? I would like to announce that I will be leading a tour to Israel next Spring. The dates are April 20-May 4, 2018. On Tuesday evening, July 11, there will be an informational meeting here at Buffalo Covenant Church for all interested in knowing a little bit more about the tour. This meeting will begin at 7:00 p.m. Space is limited to 35 and should fill quickly. But I would love to have you join me in the Holy Land. It definitely is the tour of a lifetime that will change the way to read and understand the Bible.
Now, just a few thoughts about what is happening in our world. While we were in Israel, just moments after we had left an overlook of the Syrian border, Syrian mortar fire was received by Israel. We heard what sounded like small bombs, little knowing what had happened. Israeli planes quickly retaliated. But it was another reminder that Syria is a nation at war. The Middle East never rests in peace and, if my understanding the Scriptures is correct, it will not know peace until Jesus Christ returns.
Yesterday the North Koreans launched their first ICBM missile. With a known production of a nuclear warhead, the North Koreans now seem to have the capability of reaching almost any place they would desire. The South Koreans and Japanese governments are on high alert with this perceived threat. The question is: Is this just a perceived threat or a real threat? Would the North Koreans jeopardize their own existence by launching a nuclear strike at Seoul or Tokyo or even Alaska? Jesus' statement that in the last days there would be wars and rumors of war is becoming a reality.
Before I close I would like to extend another invitation to those living within the Greater Twin Cities area. On Thursday evening, July 13, we have the privilege of hosting Rabbi Baruch, a leading biblical teacher and scholar from Israel. Rabbi Baruch continues to instruct people around the world through his video teaching ministry, as well as the classes he conducts in Israel. Many in the Twin Cities have heard him before. You know you will not be disappointed. Rabbi Baruch will be sharing in two teaching sessions that evening, the first beginning at 7:00 with the second to follow around 8:00. I invite you to come and hear God open His Word through this amazing teacher of the Word. Our address is: 1601 Highway 25 North, Buffalo, MN 55313.
Friends, keep on praying for the "peace of Jerusalem." Keep on praying that God will reveal Himself to us more powerfully in these closing days of the age. And keep looking up because our redemption draws nigh.
Monday, June 19, 2017
Reacting to a Verdict
Making headlines here in the Twin Cities area this past weekend was the verdict of acquittal for Jeronimo Yanez, an office with the City of Saint Anthony police department who had been accused of shooting Philando Castile on July 6, 2016 after a routine traffic stop. According to the Ramsey County Prosecutor's office, the verdict was "the product of a fair and impartial investigation, thorough prosecution review and a trial by a jury of Ramsey County residents." According to one juror who was polled following the reading of the verdict, the way the law was written just did not provide any reason for a guilty verdict.
After the verdict was read, anger began to mount among the black community. Friday evening protesters took to the streets blocking a major interstate highway causing hardships for those traveling those roadways. Cries of discrimination filled the airwaves. Fortunately, there was no violence.
But, as disappointing as the verdict was to many, it was still a verdict that had been reached fairly. Officer Yanez had his day(s) in court. A jury impaneled from among his peers heard days of testimony. Both the defense attorney and the prosecutor brought their "A-game" to the courtroom. Finally, after hours of deliberation, the jury reached a verdict of not guilty. This was not a judge's decision; this was the decision reached by twelve members of the community. For these twelve individuals, there simply was either not enough evidence to bring a conviction or their understanding of the law was not sufficient to render a guilty verdict. Perhaps it was a combination of both. This day and age to get twelve people to agree on anything is a minor miracle, let alone an agreement in a criminal case.
A trial among your peers is one of our foundational freedoms. At times, juries do make a wrong decision, but that does not happen very often. Yes, we may second-guess the decision. We may even strongly disagree with the decision, but we must accept it. Failure to do so will lead to a continued breakdown of both moral and legal authority. I believe that submitting to a jury's verdict is one aspect of submitting to authority that the Apostle Paul describes in Romans 13. It is part of our responsibility as a Christian and as a citizen.
Tensions continue to increase over the skies of Syria where a Navy fighter plane shot down a Syrian warplane yesterday. I am confident that the Russians will increase the volume of their rhetoric over this incident. Tensions continue to also increase in London where an attack outside a mosque left one person dead. Tensions continue to mount in the Korean Peninsula as the North Koreans continue in their attempts to develop a vehicle that could bring death and destruction to Japan and even to the United States. I am so grateful that the Lord is coming and our hope is to be in Him.
There will be no blogs for the next couple of weeks. I leave tomorrow with a group of teenagers and parents to spend 12 days in the Holy Land. This will be my 12th tour to Israel and I am about as excited as I was when I made my very first trip some 38 years ago. I know our group will appreciate your prayers while we are there. I believe God has some wonderful truths to teach us as we walk in the footsteps of the patriarchs and of Jesus. Upon my return, I will give you an update on what is happening there in that strategic part of God's world.
After the verdict was read, anger began to mount among the black community. Friday evening protesters took to the streets blocking a major interstate highway causing hardships for those traveling those roadways. Cries of discrimination filled the airwaves. Fortunately, there was no violence.
But, as disappointing as the verdict was to many, it was still a verdict that had been reached fairly. Officer Yanez had his day(s) in court. A jury impaneled from among his peers heard days of testimony. Both the defense attorney and the prosecutor brought their "A-game" to the courtroom. Finally, after hours of deliberation, the jury reached a verdict of not guilty. This was not a judge's decision; this was the decision reached by twelve members of the community. For these twelve individuals, there simply was either not enough evidence to bring a conviction or their understanding of the law was not sufficient to render a guilty verdict. Perhaps it was a combination of both. This day and age to get twelve people to agree on anything is a minor miracle, let alone an agreement in a criminal case.
A trial among your peers is one of our foundational freedoms. At times, juries do make a wrong decision, but that does not happen very often. Yes, we may second-guess the decision. We may even strongly disagree with the decision, but we must accept it. Failure to do so will lead to a continued breakdown of both moral and legal authority. I believe that submitting to a jury's verdict is one aspect of submitting to authority that the Apostle Paul describes in Romans 13. It is part of our responsibility as a Christian and as a citizen.
Tensions continue to increase over the skies of Syria where a Navy fighter plane shot down a Syrian warplane yesterday. I am confident that the Russians will increase the volume of their rhetoric over this incident. Tensions continue to also increase in London where an attack outside a mosque left one person dead. Tensions continue to mount in the Korean Peninsula as the North Koreans continue in their attempts to develop a vehicle that could bring death and destruction to Japan and even to the United States. I am so grateful that the Lord is coming and our hope is to be in Him.
There will be no blogs for the next couple of weeks. I leave tomorrow with a group of teenagers and parents to spend 12 days in the Holy Land. This will be my 12th tour to Israel and I am about as excited as I was when I made my very first trip some 38 years ago. I know our group will appreciate your prayers while we are there. I believe God has some wonderful truths to teach us as we walk in the footsteps of the patriarchs and of Jesus. Upon my return, I will give you an update on what is happening there in that strategic part of God's world.
Wednesday, June 14, 2017
Flag Day - Has It Lost Its Meaning?
Today is Flag Day, a day set aside to give honor to the American flag. Our flag is a piece of cloth adorned with thirteen stripes alternating between red and white and with a dark blue corner that fields fifty stars, each one representing a state within the Union. But our flag is much more than a mere piece of cloth. It is a symbol of American idealism. It is a symbol of dreams and hopes for tomorrow. It represents the greatest expression of the freedom of mankind since the inception of the world. For the past two and a half centuries, people have come to our shores because of what our flag stands for: freedom of expression of ideas and opinions both written and spoken; freedom of worship as our hearts dictate; freedom to have peaceful public assembly; and freedom to even challenge governmental actions and decisions. All of these, when exercised with propriety and restraint, are not contested by any authority.
But, on this Flag Day 2017, let's ask ourselves this question: What does America really stand for today? What does the flag symbolize today? Allow me to share from two recent events that might bring some clarity. First is an article that was posted yesterday on the Townhall website. It was written by Todd Starnes who has become one of the guardians of the First Amendment. You can find the article at www.townhall.com/columnists/toddstarnes/2017/06/13/school-students-may-not-pray-or-mention-jesus. Let me just share briefly from this article. "Moriah Bridges wanted to thank God for His immeasurable blessings on Beaver High School's graduating class. But she could not, because she was told it was against the law. The Pennsylvania teenager wanted to offer thanksgiving to the Almighty for parents and coaches and teachers. But again, she could not, because she was told it was against the law. 'Make us selfless. Make us just. Make us successful people, but more than that, make us good people,' Moriah wanted to pray. But that too, was determined to be unlawful.
"She [Moriah] crafted a lovely prayer that mentioned her 'Heavenly Father' and her 'Lord.' 'Lord, surround us with grace and favor everywhere we go,' she prayed. 'Soften our hearts to teach us love and compassion, to show mercy and grace to others the way that you showed mercy and grace to us, even to the ultimate sacrifice. Help us love our brothers and our sisters deeply. Lead us to bless them.'
"On May 31, the district notified the teenager that her prepared remarks were unlawful, unconstitutional, and therefore, impermissible. 'The selected students may still address their class and indicate the things that they wish/hope for their class, but they may not do it in the style of a prayer and most certainly may not recite a prayer that excludes other religions (by ending 'in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ' or 'in the matchless name of Jesus,' principle Steven Wellendorf wrote to Moriah in a letter. The principal flat-out told the young lady that prayer - even student-led prayer - is not permissible by federal law.
"Moriah abided by the school district's edict - and then contacted First Liberty Institute, one of the nation's top religious liberty law firms. Their attorney Jeremy Dys said that it was the school district that broke the law. 'In short, school officials - in violation of the First Amendment - forced Moriah to censor her personal remarks during the closing exercise of her commencement ceremony merely because of the religious viewpoint of her remarks. Because of Dr. Rowe's instructions, Moriah was muzzled and restrained by school officials on the penultimate day of her high school career."
So, what does our flag stand for today? If you are a young teenager denied the opportunity to offer a simple prayer at graduation, it means that you are not as free as you thought.
Now, let's look at a second example. Last week the Senate Budget Committee held confirmation hearings for Russell Vought, President Trump's nominee for the position of deputy director of the Office of Management and Budget. Mr. Vought is a graduate of Wheaton College and in January 2016 had written a article published by "The Resurgent" - a conservative outlet. In the article Mr. Vought made the following statement: "Muslims do not simply have a deficient theology. They do not know God because they have rejected Jesus Christ his Son, and they stand condemned." Senator Bernie Sanders from Vermont and former presidential candidate strongly objected to this statement and began to intensely grill Mr. Vought. He stated: "In my view, the statement made by Mr. Vought is indefensible, it is hateful, it is Islamophobic and an insult to billions of Muslims throughout the world. This country, since its inception, has struggled, sometimes with great pain, to overcome discrimination of all forms...we must not go backwards." To this line of questioning, Mr. Vought, with a calm demeanor, replied, "Senator, I wrote a post based on being a Christian and attending a Christian school that has a statement of faith that speaks clearly with regard to the centrality of Jesus Christ in salvation." As he concluded his questioning, Senator Sanders said, "I would simply say, Mr. Chairman, that this nominee is really not someone who is what this country is supposed to be about. I will vote no."
Really, Senator Sanders! You can't mean that, can you, Senator Sanders? Senator Sanders, how long has it been since you last read the United States Constitution - you know, it is that which you swore to uphold when you took the office of a United States Senator? Perhaps you need to reread Article VI which states, in part: "No religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any offence or public trust under the United States." Did you get that, Senator Sanders? What a person's personal faith is shall not be considered when being considered for a public office! What you are ultimately saying, Senator Sanders, is that persons of Christian faith are not qualified to be in the public arena just because they are Christians. Senator Sanders, that position is blatantly unconstitutional. Such a position would have never entered into the minds of our Founding Fathers. Maybe the reason, Senator Sanders, that you so strongly oppose people like Mr. Vought is that many Christians stand in the way of your progressive agenda. Yes, I will admit that many of us fear your progressive agenda of a world governed from the top down; where the ordinary citizen has no say. And, yes, we believe that there will be a day when your progressive agenda will become a worldwide policy; but we also believe that those days will not be described as "paradise" but more like "hell on earth."
So, what does our flag truly symbolize today? I say this with great sadness and reservation: I believe the flag is losing it symbolism. When was the last time you "pledged allegiance to the flag of the United States of America?" When was the last time you stood in awe as the colors were paraded down the main street as part of a community celebration? Sadly, for many today "Old Glory" has lost its "glory" and is just "old." It's no wonder that we have a Senator Sanders and a school district declare that the flag doesn't mean what we think it does.
But, on this Flag Day 2017, let's ask ourselves this question: What does America really stand for today? What does the flag symbolize today? Allow me to share from two recent events that might bring some clarity. First is an article that was posted yesterday on the Townhall website. It was written by Todd Starnes who has become one of the guardians of the First Amendment. You can find the article at www.townhall.com/columnists/toddstarnes/2017/06/13/school-students-may-not-pray-or-mention-jesus. Let me just share briefly from this article. "Moriah Bridges wanted to thank God for His immeasurable blessings on Beaver High School's graduating class. But she could not, because she was told it was against the law. The Pennsylvania teenager wanted to offer thanksgiving to the Almighty for parents and coaches and teachers. But again, she could not, because she was told it was against the law. 'Make us selfless. Make us just. Make us successful people, but more than that, make us good people,' Moriah wanted to pray. But that too, was determined to be unlawful.
"She [Moriah] crafted a lovely prayer that mentioned her 'Heavenly Father' and her 'Lord.' 'Lord, surround us with grace and favor everywhere we go,' she prayed. 'Soften our hearts to teach us love and compassion, to show mercy and grace to others the way that you showed mercy and grace to us, even to the ultimate sacrifice. Help us love our brothers and our sisters deeply. Lead us to bless them.'
"On May 31, the district notified the teenager that her prepared remarks were unlawful, unconstitutional, and therefore, impermissible. 'The selected students may still address their class and indicate the things that they wish/hope for their class, but they may not do it in the style of a prayer and most certainly may not recite a prayer that excludes other religions (by ending 'in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ' or 'in the matchless name of Jesus,' principle Steven Wellendorf wrote to Moriah in a letter. The principal flat-out told the young lady that prayer - even student-led prayer - is not permissible by federal law.
"Moriah abided by the school district's edict - and then contacted First Liberty Institute, one of the nation's top religious liberty law firms. Their attorney Jeremy Dys said that it was the school district that broke the law. 'In short, school officials - in violation of the First Amendment - forced Moriah to censor her personal remarks during the closing exercise of her commencement ceremony merely because of the religious viewpoint of her remarks. Because of Dr. Rowe's instructions, Moriah was muzzled and restrained by school officials on the penultimate day of her high school career."
So, what does our flag stand for today? If you are a young teenager denied the opportunity to offer a simple prayer at graduation, it means that you are not as free as you thought.
Now, let's look at a second example. Last week the Senate Budget Committee held confirmation hearings for Russell Vought, President Trump's nominee for the position of deputy director of the Office of Management and Budget. Mr. Vought is a graduate of Wheaton College and in January 2016 had written a article published by "The Resurgent" - a conservative outlet. In the article Mr. Vought made the following statement: "Muslims do not simply have a deficient theology. They do not know God because they have rejected Jesus Christ his Son, and they stand condemned." Senator Bernie Sanders from Vermont and former presidential candidate strongly objected to this statement and began to intensely grill Mr. Vought. He stated: "In my view, the statement made by Mr. Vought is indefensible, it is hateful, it is Islamophobic and an insult to billions of Muslims throughout the world. This country, since its inception, has struggled, sometimes with great pain, to overcome discrimination of all forms...we must not go backwards." To this line of questioning, Mr. Vought, with a calm demeanor, replied, "Senator, I wrote a post based on being a Christian and attending a Christian school that has a statement of faith that speaks clearly with regard to the centrality of Jesus Christ in salvation." As he concluded his questioning, Senator Sanders said, "I would simply say, Mr. Chairman, that this nominee is really not someone who is what this country is supposed to be about. I will vote no."
Really, Senator Sanders! You can't mean that, can you, Senator Sanders? Senator Sanders, how long has it been since you last read the United States Constitution - you know, it is that which you swore to uphold when you took the office of a United States Senator? Perhaps you need to reread Article VI which states, in part: "No religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any offence or public trust under the United States." Did you get that, Senator Sanders? What a person's personal faith is shall not be considered when being considered for a public office! What you are ultimately saying, Senator Sanders, is that persons of Christian faith are not qualified to be in the public arena just because they are Christians. Senator Sanders, that position is blatantly unconstitutional. Such a position would have never entered into the minds of our Founding Fathers. Maybe the reason, Senator Sanders, that you so strongly oppose people like Mr. Vought is that many Christians stand in the way of your progressive agenda. Yes, I will admit that many of us fear your progressive agenda of a world governed from the top down; where the ordinary citizen has no say. And, yes, we believe that there will be a day when your progressive agenda will become a worldwide policy; but we also believe that those days will not be described as "paradise" but more like "hell on earth."
So, what does our flag truly symbolize today? I say this with great sadness and reservation: I believe the flag is losing it symbolism. When was the last time you "pledged allegiance to the flag of the United States of America?" When was the last time you stood in awe as the colors were paraded down the main street as part of a community celebration? Sadly, for many today "Old Glory" has lost its "glory" and is just "old." It's no wonder that we have a Senator Sanders and a school district declare that the flag doesn't mean what we think it does.
Wednesday, June 7, 2017
Remembering the Past; Acknowledging the Present; Anticipating the Future
The news coming out of Tehran was stunning this morning. A team of ISIS attackers stormed the Iranian Parliament building and a nearby shrine of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, resulting in the deaths of at least 12 and injuring scores more. This was the first attack by ISIS inside of Iran. The Iranians have been the presumed financial supporters of most terror organizations around the world, so this attack by ISIS upon "the hand that feeds them" was a stunning one. Reports so far have been hard pressed to understand the exact nature and purpose of these attacks, especially the one upon the shrine to the father of the Iranian Revolution of 1979. We know that ISIS is being pressed hard in Mozul, Iraq, and now in Raqqah, Syria. Perhaps it is their way of saying that they are not ready to roll over and play dead. It will be interesting to see how the Iranian government responds to these attacks. The leaders in terror have now become the victims of terror themselves. I wonder how "that shoe will fit?"
Today is June 7 - a day in which history remembers the reunification of the City of Jerusalem as part of the Six Day War of 1967. For fifty years Jerusalem has remained a united city in spite of concerted attempts by the world leaders to render it asunder once again. But the cry of June 1967 was "Never again!" and it has resonated among the Jewish people with solidarity these past years. In just a few days I will have the privilege of standing before that Western Wall and giving thanks to God for His faithfulness. It is always a moving moment.
Today also marks the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Midway, the greatest naval battle in history. A battle that turned the fortunes of World War II in favor of the Allies. This battle marked the beginning of the ending of the visions of empire by Japan. I guess we could say it was World War II's equivalent to "Gettysburg," but it would take another three long years before the War would end. And, of course, yesterday marked the 73rd anniversary of D-Day, really the battle that changed the fortunes of war in Europe. These are dates that should never be forgotten.
Making headlines yesterday was the arrest of Reality Winner, an employee of a company contracted by the National Security Agency. Ms. Winner has been accused of passing classified materials to a news organization, thus violating federal law and potentially putting American interests at risk. So, a leaker has been arrested. The question I have is this: how many more "Reality Winners" are there within our government? These people are traitors to their government. If they had reservations about the direction their government was going, the only right thing to do was to resign and move on to another place. But somehow these people believe they have the right to expose that which they personally do not like in the hopes of bringing about the collapse of a government they do cannot endorse. And these people feed right into the hands of a liberal, main-stream press that is ravenous for such materials. The MSM salivates for these "juicy morsels" of leaked information. In many ways, they are as complicate as is Ms. Winner. The government must prosecute Ms. Winner to the full extent of the law in order to send a strong message to other leakers who are undermining our government. If they fail to do this, then the leaking will not only continue, but more people will be encouraged to become involved in the leaking.
As I read articles about Ms. Winner, I was drawn to the story of Achan, found in Joshua 7. Achan was just another of the nobody members of the family of Israel. He had heard the commands that emanated by God through the voice of Joshua stating that everything within Jericho was to be totally destroyed - EVERYTHING. That word leaves NO ROOM for any exceptions! Yet, Achan felt that the decree from his governmental leader was too restricting. He did not like it. So, he took some clothing and some gold and silver. I don't know if Achan thought to himself "I'll show Joshua that he is wrong and I am right" or if he merely was looking out for himself. But his actions had fatal consequences to the family of Israel - defeat and death and despair. Through a legal process, Achan was exposed and punished severely - I would say being stoned to death and then having one's body burned was pretty severe. Yet, from that point on we read of no one else who tempted to take that which did not belong to him or her. The punishment of Achan sent a strong message to all.
Attention will be focused tomorrow morning on the testimony of former FBI director James Comey before the Senate Intelligence Committee. The buzz is "what will he say?" What I find difficult is the acceptance of anything that is said. We are living in a time when truth has been "kicked under the bus." Truth is now what I think truth should be. Will James Comey tell the truth? In his eyes he will. In the eyes of those who approve of what he says, he will. But in the eyes of those who disapprove of what he say, he will not. How is one to know truth these days? In the absence of any moral foundation, truth just becomes personal opinion. So the testimony will take place tomorrow but, upon its completion, there will still be this nagging question - "Did he tell the truth?"
Marlys and I had a great few days of vacation last week. We went to Branson and parts of Northwest Arkansas. If you will be in the Branson area, we highly recommend you get tickets for the Sight & Sound Theater production of "Moses." It is outstanding! And, if you want an outstanding meal served with youthful exuberance, then we recommend the Dobyn Room located on the campus of the College of the Ozarks. You will not be disappointed.
In these troubled days, it is good to know where our destiny really is. And how we need to stay focused upon the certainty of the promise of Jesus - "I will come again." May it be soon!
Today is June 7 - a day in which history remembers the reunification of the City of Jerusalem as part of the Six Day War of 1967. For fifty years Jerusalem has remained a united city in spite of concerted attempts by the world leaders to render it asunder once again. But the cry of June 1967 was "Never again!" and it has resonated among the Jewish people with solidarity these past years. In just a few days I will have the privilege of standing before that Western Wall and giving thanks to God for His faithfulness. It is always a moving moment.
Today also marks the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Midway, the greatest naval battle in history. A battle that turned the fortunes of World War II in favor of the Allies. This battle marked the beginning of the ending of the visions of empire by Japan. I guess we could say it was World War II's equivalent to "Gettysburg," but it would take another three long years before the War would end. And, of course, yesterday marked the 73rd anniversary of D-Day, really the battle that changed the fortunes of war in Europe. These are dates that should never be forgotten.
Making headlines yesterday was the arrest of Reality Winner, an employee of a company contracted by the National Security Agency. Ms. Winner has been accused of passing classified materials to a news organization, thus violating federal law and potentially putting American interests at risk. So, a leaker has been arrested. The question I have is this: how many more "Reality Winners" are there within our government? These people are traitors to their government. If they had reservations about the direction their government was going, the only right thing to do was to resign and move on to another place. But somehow these people believe they have the right to expose that which they personally do not like in the hopes of bringing about the collapse of a government they do cannot endorse. And these people feed right into the hands of a liberal, main-stream press that is ravenous for such materials. The MSM salivates for these "juicy morsels" of leaked information. In many ways, they are as complicate as is Ms. Winner. The government must prosecute Ms. Winner to the full extent of the law in order to send a strong message to other leakers who are undermining our government. If they fail to do this, then the leaking will not only continue, but more people will be encouraged to become involved in the leaking.
As I read articles about Ms. Winner, I was drawn to the story of Achan, found in Joshua 7. Achan was just another of the nobody members of the family of Israel. He had heard the commands that emanated by God through the voice of Joshua stating that everything within Jericho was to be totally destroyed - EVERYTHING. That word leaves NO ROOM for any exceptions! Yet, Achan felt that the decree from his governmental leader was too restricting. He did not like it. So, he took some clothing and some gold and silver. I don't know if Achan thought to himself "I'll show Joshua that he is wrong and I am right" or if he merely was looking out for himself. But his actions had fatal consequences to the family of Israel - defeat and death and despair. Through a legal process, Achan was exposed and punished severely - I would say being stoned to death and then having one's body burned was pretty severe. Yet, from that point on we read of no one else who tempted to take that which did not belong to him or her. The punishment of Achan sent a strong message to all.
Attention will be focused tomorrow morning on the testimony of former FBI director James Comey before the Senate Intelligence Committee. The buzz is "what will he say?" What I find difficult is the acceptance of anything that is said. We are living in a time when truth has been "kicked under the bus." Truth is now what I think truth should be. Will James Comey tell the truth? In his eyes he will. In the eyes of those who approve of what he says, he will. But in the eyes of those who disapprove of what he say, he will not. How is one to know truth these days? In the absence of any moral foundation, truth just becomes personal opinion. So the testimony will take place tomorrow but, upon its completion, there will still be this nagging question - "Did he tell the truth?"
Marlys and I had a great few days of vacation last week. We went to Branson and parts of Northwest Arkansas. If you will be in the Branson area, we highly recommend you get tickets for the Sight & Sound Theater production of "Moses." It is outstanding! And, if you want an outstanding meal served with youthful exuberance, then we recommend the Dobyn Room located on the campus of the College of the Ozarks. You will not be disappointed.
In these troubled days, it is good to know where our destiny really is. And how we need to stay focused upon the certainty of the promise of Jesus - "I will come again." May it be soon!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
