It has been two weeks since I last posted a blog. During that time, Marlys and I have traveled with our kids and grandkids (we missed our Texas 4 who could not join us) around the East Coast. We spent time in Washington DC, then up to Lancaster County PA with a trip to Gettysburg and Philadelphia. Finally it was off to Niagara Falls, Canada, then heading home. It was a journey through 11 states and 1 Canadian province. Lots of memories and highlights were recorded that will forever be etched in our lives.
So much is happening in our world right now that it is difficult trying to keep up. The situation in Syria continues to deteriorate and has the potential of being explosive. The prophet Isaiah foretold the destruction of Damascus - could that event be nearer than we realize? And don't forget Egypt and the ongoing struggle between the new President Mohamed Morsi and the Egyptian military leaders who want to continue controlling Egypt. Then there was the horrific crime in Aurora, CO where 12 innocent people lost their lives because of one madman. Remember, the Bible tells us that in the latter days, lawlessness will increase. I think every major city in America can affirm that. Even recently near the Twin Cities, in River Falls, WI, a father viciously slashed the throats of his three daughters, then nicely tucked them into bed. Yes, evil is becoming increasingly more evident.
But I would like to focus for a few moments this week on a story that I found very sad, yet so aptly illustrates the consequences of sin and the impact sin can have upon so many, even those who were not involved. This past Monday, the president of the NCAA handed down some harsh penalties against Penn State University for its failure to act with regard in the Jerry Sandusky affair. You will remember that Sandusky was an assistant football coach for the legendary Joe Paterno at the University. Earlier this summer he was convicted on multiple accounts of sexual assault on minor boys over the course of at least 10 years. The report of the Freeh Commission investigating this matter indicated that many of the leaders of the University knew about Sandusky and his molestations but turned a blind eye.
The problem was the fact that football at Penn State had become the god of the university. Joe Paterno, who coached at PSU for over four decades, consistently had a top ten football program in the country. The football program at PSU was almost as legendary as was the program at Notre Dame or Southern California. And, over the years, Paterno had stressed his interest, not just in creating athletes, but men who knew the values of life. But something happened - and that something was success. It seems that the more successful we become, the less in touch with life we become as well. Success breeds as many difficulties, or perhaps even more, than does failure. As the successful seasons mounted, Joe Paterno grew from just being the football coach, to becoming the living symbol of Penn State University. Somewhere, back around 1998-1999, Coach Paterno was made aware of the criminal acts of one of his assistant coaches. And, according to the Freeh report, Coach Paterno turned a blind eye, as did other PSU leaders. Perhaps they thought this was just a momentary indiscretion that would go away. Rather it became a monster that would not quit until it had destroyed all in its path.
Now the penalties have been handed down. Will they remove the stigma that now taints Penn State University? Should that stigma ever be removed? What impact do those penalties have upon other major universities who have winked at wrong doing committed by its coaches and athletes? Is it time for a de-emphasis upon collegiate athletics, especially those who rake in big dollars for universities through TV contracts? I don't have any answers, but I believe this might be a good place to start. Historically, colleges and universities had as their primary focus the training of men and women to be educators, architects, business leaders, scientists, physicians, etc. Now, many have become minor league camps for football, basketball, and other sports. Now I must admit that I enjoy a Saturday afternoon on a college campus watching my Iowa State Cyclones, but perhaps it is time to rethink the power college athletics have.
One of the strongest penalties was the impact upon the legacy of Joe Paterno. His reputation went from one of sterling silver to rusted iron. Forever, when one mentions the name of Joe Paterno, the first thing that will enter one's mind is not the football players and men who he produced, nor the victories he won, but the lives of ten young men who were brutalized by one of his assistants while he turned away. Perhaps it is good that Joe passed away earlier this year from cancer.
And, one further thought - I was reading this morning one writer crying out that the penalties hit young men who were not part of the Sandusky years. Their lives have now been altered. Were the penalties fair to them? Of course not! But penalties often are imposed upon the innocent as well as the guilty. Take, as an example, the story of King Zedekiah - the last king of Judah. Although warned time and again by the prophet Jeremiah that he needed to repent of his evil ways and lead the people of Judah back to God, the king consistently refused. And so judgment came upon him and the people as well in the form of captivity into Babylon. Were there people who were taken into captivity who had not bowed to idols or partaken of the evils of the day? Absolutely. The consequences of sin impact not only the sinner, but others as well. David's sin with Bathsheba impacted his family for generations.
Let's learn the lesson of Joe Paterno and Penn State's football program. When sin is known it is always the right thing to do to expose it and get rid of it. When sin is allowed to be hidden, it will grow and become a monster that will eventually destroy all around it, including legacies of those now longer alive. Let us remember - "the wages of sin is death..."
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
A Review of Rosenberg's Book "Implosion"
I recently completed the reading of Joel Rosenberg's newest non-fiction book titled, Implosion: Can America Recover from its Economic & Spiritual Challenges in Time? The book is published by Tyndale House Publishers out of Carol Stream, IL. I had looked forward to reading this work from the pen of a man whom I highly respect both for his passion for Israel and those prophetic events, and for his careful research.
This book is really divided into three parts. In the first part, chapters 1-8, the author examines what is happening in the United States at the present moment. Although I had read the facts and figures before, they were still chilling to read in the context of the question: Is America on the road to implosion? Joel first examines the case for those whom he calls the pessimists - those who believe that America's best days are behind her, that all indications are that we are about to fall over the cliff into the abyss below. The reader certainly does not feel any confidence after reading that section. Then he follows with an examination of the case for those whom he calls the optimists - those who believe that America will pull itself up by the boot-straps and become what it once was. Finally, Joel encourages us to look at America's situation through the lens of Scripture - what does the Bible say about America's future?
In the middle third of the book, chapters 9-12, the author looks at some possible scenarios that could greatly impact America's survival. Included are a financial implosion - and we know that an economic collapse certainly seems a reality; a war and terrorism event - how would our nation respond if another terrorist attack on the magnitude of a 9-11 should occur?; a natural disaster event - again what would happen should another Katrina hurricane hit our nation, this time not in New Orleans, but in New York or Washington DC?; and finally Joel wrestles with the impact the Rapture of the Church will have upon our nation as millions of believers are caught up to be with the Lord. Each chapter focuses upon a possible scenario. Joel writes, not as an alarmist, but with a realism that awakens the soul of his readers to the possibilities.
The final third of the book, chapters 13-17, I found to be the most fascinating. Here the author presents his thesis that what America needs is a Third Great Awakening. Because he understands that most of his readers are totally illiterate concerning the First and Second Great Awakenings, he takes time to relate the key people and events of each one. America's First Great Awakening occurred prior to America's Revolutionary War, featuring the strong preaching of Jonathan Edwards, George Whitefield, and John and Charles Wesley. The author strongly makes the claim that this First Great Awakening set the foundations upon which our nation was given birth.
America's Second Great Awakening occurred prior to America's Civil War. Joel Rosenberg focuses upon the ministry of Francis Asbury, the Methodist circuit riding preacher whose messages stirred revival west of the Appalachians. He also tells the story of Timothy Dwight, a grandson of Jonathan Edwards, whose leadership at Yale College resulted in a revival among the students there. He closes his study of the Second Great Awakening with a discussion of perhaps the most controversial of the revivalists - Charles Finney. Yes, I have some problems with the techniques Charles Finney used, but one can little deny the impact that his life and ministry had upon America's frontier.
Rosenberg then asks the question whether a Third Great Awakening could occur here in America. This chapter was a challenge. The impetus for revival must begin within the churches of America. Joel asks whether people want to have a spirirual awakening. Our age can better be described as one of apathy and indifference, of toleration for the rights of others to believe whatever they want to believe, for after all, we are all going to heaven. Joel strongly desires to see a Third Great Awakening, but his confidence level in its happening is not strong.
I identify three strengths of this book. First, the author has done an excellent job of presenting facts without getting into the mire of political wrangling. He has allowed the facts to speak for themselves. For many conservative authors today, this has been difficult. Second, the author has done an excellent job of laying a foundation from history. He has understood that the problems of today, as well as a possible solution, are grounded in history. Again, this is an area that many authors seem to overlook. Finally, the author has done an excellent job of helping his readers to understand that it is imperative that we look at today's scene in America through the lens of Scripture and seek to understand what God is saying.
As I read this book I thought to myself, "This is a book that would make a great study for a small group to interact with or for an adult Sunday school group to dialogue about." The challenge is to us as believers in Jesus Christ. But, we do not have much time left! Implosionm
This book is really divided into three parts. In the first part, chapters 1-8, the author examines what is happening in the United States at the present moment. Although I had read the facts and figures before, they were still chilling to read in the context of the question: Is America on the road to implosion? Joel first examines the case for those whom he calls the pessimists - those who believe that America's best days are behind her, that all indications are that we are about to fall over the cliff into the abyss below. The reader certainly does not feel any confidence after reading that section. Then he follows with an examination of the case for those whom he calls the optimists - those who believe that America will pull itself up by the boot-straps and become what it once was. Finally, Joel encourages us to look at America's situation through the lens of Scripture - what does the Bible say about America's future?
In the middle third of the book, chapters 9-12, the author looks at some possible scenarios that could greatly impact America's survival. Included are a financial implosion - and we know that an economic collapse certainly seems a reality; a war and terrorism event - how would our nation respond if another terrorist attack on the magnitude of a 9-11 should occur?; a natural disaster event - again what would happen should another Katrina hurricane hit our nation, this time not in New Orleans, but in New York or Washington DC?; and finally Joel wrestles with the impact the Rapture of the Church will have upon our nation as millions of believers are caught up to be with the Lord. Each chapter focuses upon a possible scenario. Joel writes, not as an alarmist, but with a realism that awakens the soul of his readers to the possibilities.
The final third of the book, chapters 13-17, I found to be the most fascinating. Here the author presents his thesis that what America needs is a Third Great Awakening. Because he understands that most of his readers are totally illiterate concerning the First and Second Great Awakenings, he takes time to relate the key people and events of each one. America's First Great Awakening occurred prior to America's Revolutionary War, featuring the strong preaching of Jonathan Edwards, George Whitefield, and John and Charles Wesley. The author strongly makes the claim that this First Great Awakening set the foundations upon which our nation was given birth.
America's Second Great Awakening occurred prior to America's Civil War. Joel Rosenberg focuses upon the ministry of Francis Asbury, the Methodist circuit riding preacher whose messages stirred revival west of the Appalachians. He also tells the story of Timothy Dwight, a grandson of Jonathan Edwards, whose leadership at Yale College resulted in a revival among the students there. He closes his study of the Second Great Awakening with a discussion of perhaps the most controversial of the revivalists - Charles Finney. Yes, I have some problems with the techniques Charles Finney used, but one can little deny the impact that his life and ministry had upon America's frontier.
Rosenberg then asks the question whether a Third Great Awakening could occur here in America. This chapter was a challenge. The impetus for revival must begin within the churches of America. Joel asks whether people want to have a spirirual awakening. Our age can better be described as one of apathy and indifference, of toleration for the rights of others to believe whatever they want to believe, for after all, we are all going to heaven. Joel strongly desires to see a Third Great Awakening, but his confidence level in its happening is not strong.
I identify three strengths of this book. First, the author has done an excellent job of presenting facts without getting into the mire of political wrangling. He has allowed the facts to speak for themselves. For many conservative authors today, this has been difficult. Second, the author has done an excellent job of laying a foundation from history. He has understood that the problems of today, as well as a possible solution, are grounded in history. Again, this is an area that many authors seem to overlook. Finally, the author has done an excellent job of helping his readers to understand that it is imperative that we look at today's scene in America through the lens of Scripture and seek to understand what God is saying.
As I read this book I thought to myself, "This is a book that would make a great study for a small group to interact with or for an adult Sunday school group to dialogue about." The challenge is to us as believers in Jesus Christ. But, we do not have much time left! Implosionm
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Record Heat, Lack of Power, Preparation for War, and Happy Birthday America!
The thermostat has definitely been turned up in most parts of our country. Triple digits - if not in actual air temperatures, then in the heat index readings - dot the landscape from America's southwest into the East Coast. Record heat blankets nearly two-thirds of the nation. Compounded with fierce storms that knocked the power out for many cities, especially along the East Coast, the misery index is at an all time high.
When the pictures are seen of what happened in Washington DC when the power went out - and that for an extended period of time - one begins to understand the magnitude of what could happen if one of the electrical grids that feed power to our nation was to suddenly go down - not just for a few days, but for months. How would we survive? It seems we could live without a lot of things, but electricity has become one of those staples for living that we overly depend upon. Without electricity, how would we fill our cars with gasoline? In fact, how would we drive our cars that are dependent upon electrical configurations to operate? For many, land line phones have given way to cellular phones, but how effective will those phones be if electricity is out for a prolonged period of time? So, communications will be more difficult. Of course, refrigeration will cease. Foods will spoil. Bank transactions will have to be made in person as there will be no electronic transfers. Perhaps there will be a revival in the postal service as we will need to pay bills via check rather than with a few clicks of a mouse. Without electricity, each one of us will have our lives turned upside down. If one electrical storm can cause this type of suffering in Washington DC, imagine what an EMP explosion in the atmosphere over America will do. So, the next time you flick that electrical switch, say a prayer of thanks to God that the current is still flowing.
Now for some other world news headlines. The New York Times reported yesterday that the United States has deployed warships and aircraft into the Persian Gulf region. According the article, this is a clear warning to Iran that "the military option is on the table" if Iran should do anything so foolish like to block the straits of Hormuz. One defense department official was quoted as saying, "Don't even think about closing the strait. We'll clear the minds. Don't even think about sending your fast boats out to harass our vessels or commercial shipping. We'll put them on the bottom of the gulf."
Also in the news, the Fars News Agency, one of the arms of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards, reported on Tuesday that Iran had successfully launched multiple missiles from various places within Iran to a designated hypothetical enemy airbase target. Brigadier General Amir Ali Hajizadeh said, "Long, medium and short-ranged surface-to-surface missiles will be fired from different locations in Iran...at replica airbases like those used by the trans-regional military forces." The threat is aimed at those US airbases in Afghanistan, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia - Iranian targets should a joint US-Israeli air strike be carried out against Iran.
One final headline - one that received little emphasis in the American press, but does have great ramifications for Palestinian efforts toward being recognized as a state without going through the dialogue process. Over the weekend, UNESCO declared that the Church of the Nativity be declared a Palestinian Authority heritage site. What this declaration does is to give legitimacy to the PA because world heritage sites can only be designated in recognized states.
Tomorrow is America's 236th birthday. Americans will find a variety of ways to celebrate. Some will gather for a family outing to the lake - on a hot day, being in the water will sound great. Others will attend patriotic concerts and parades. One can hear those stirring strains of "America the Beautiful" and "Stars and Stripes Forever." Then there will be the fireworks displays that will announce to a watching world that America is still the land of the free and the home of the brave.
I close today with a verse from Psalm 20 - "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God" (Psalm 20:7). We still engrave on our coins and print on our paper currency these words, "In God We Trust." It is time that America begin to act upon what is puts on its coins. It is time for us as Christians and as Americans to lead the way back to God. If we truly seek Him, He will be found.
I wish you a joyous Fourth of July.
When the pictures are seen of what happened in Washington DC when the power went out - and that for an extended period of time - one begins to understand the magnitude of what could happen if one of the electrical grids that feed power to our nation was to suddenly go down - not just for a few days, but for months. How would we survive? It seems we could live without a lot of things, but electricity has become one of those staples for living that we overly depend upon. Without electricity, how would we fill our cars with gasoline? In fact, how would we drive our cars that are dependent upon electrical configurations to operate? For many, land line phones have given way to cellular phones, but how effective will those phones be if electricity is out for a prolonged period of time? So, communications will be more difficult. Of course, refrigeration will cease. Foods will spoil. Bank transactions will have to be made in person as there will be no electronic transfers. Perhaps there will be a revival in the postal service as we will need to pay bills via check rather than with a few clicks of a mouse. Without electricity, each one of us will have our lives turned upside down. If one electrical storm can cause this type of suffering in Washington DC, imagine what an EMP explosion in the atmosphere over America will do. So, the next time you flick that electrical switch, say a prayer of thanks to God that the current is still flowing.
Now for some other world news headlines. The New York Times reported yesterday that the United States has deployed warships and aircraft into the Persian Gulf region. According the article, this is a clear warning to Iran that "the military option is on the table" if Iran should do anything so foolish like to block the straits of Hormuz. One defense department official was quoted as saying, "Don't even think about closing the strait. We'll clear the minds. Don't even think about sending your fast boats out to harass our vessels or commercial shipping. We'll put them on the bottom of the gulf."
Also in the news, the Fars News Agency, one of the arms of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards, reported on Tuesday that Iran had successfully launched multiple missiles from various places within Iran to a designated hypothetical enemy airbase target. Brigadier General Amir Ali Hajizadeh said, "Long, medium and short-ranged surface-to-surface missiles will be fired from different locations in Iran...at replica airbases like those used by the trans-regional military forces." The threat is aimed at those US airbases in Afghanistan, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia - Iranian targets should a joint US-Israeli air strike be carried out against Iran.
One final headline - one that received little emphasis in the American press, but does have great ramifications for Palestinian efforts toward being recognized as a state without going through the dialogue process. Over the weekend, UNESCO declared that the Church of the Nativity be declared a Palestinian Authority heritage site. What this declaration does is to give legitimacy to the PA because world heritage sites can only be designated in recognized states.
Tomorrow is America's 236th birthday. Americans will find a variety of ways to celebrate. Some will gather for a family outing to the lake - on a hot day, being in the water will sound great. Others will attend patriotic concerts and parades. One can hear those stirring strains of "America the Beautiful" and "Stars and Stripes Forever." Then there will be the fireworks displays that will announce to a watching world that America is still the land of the free and the home of the brave.
I close today with a verse from Psalm 20 - "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God" (Psalm 20:7). We still engrave on our coins and print on our paper currency these words, "In God We Trust." It is time that America begin to act upon what is puts on its coins. It is time for us as Christians and as Americans to lead the way back to God. If we truly seek Him, He will be found.
I wish you a joyous Fourth of July.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Another Day That Will Live in Infamy
By now you have heard that the United States Supreme Court has validated the Constitutionality of Obamacare. The ruling was a 5-4 vote, with Justice Kennedy, who usually votes with the more liberal side of the Court, voting with the minority, and Chief Justice Roberts, who usually is a strong voice on the conservative side of the Court, voting and writing the majority argument.
What the Court did in effect was to rewrite the Law so that the individual mandate that everyone have health insurance or pay a penalty - that penalty now becomes a tax. The Court stated that it was the right of the Congress to pass and collect taxes. Yet, as you remember, as the Bill was going through the Congress, it was repeated over and over again that the penalty was not a tax. But now it is a tax.
What the Court said in its ruling is that the Court did what the Congress refused to do in order to make Obamacare constitutional. I always grew up believing that it was not the privilege of the Supreme Court to write laws or even to change laws, but to declare whether a law violated the United States Constitution. The precedent set by the Court today is dangerous. From now on, the Court can impose on the American people laws that were not passed by the Congress. In fact, the Supreme Court can make laws - and they are not accountable to the American people. This could truly be "taxation without representation" - something that began a war back in 1775.
FoxNews.com posted an editorial written by Karen Harned, the executive director of the National Federation of Independent Business Small Business Legal Center. Here is what she had to say: "Today marks a sad day in the history of America. With this decision, Americans have lost the right to be left alone, which Justice William O Douglas once called 'the beginning of all freedom.' It is painful to recognize that the liberties which our forefathers fought a revolution to secure have been lost. But it is clear that our original constitutional system has been thrown out, and we are left with only the democratic process to preserve our rights. That should be a sobering thought for anyone who values liberty."
Ms. Harned continues: "The significance of this decision cannot be overstated. Our Founding Fathers were greatly concerned that by giving too much power to the federal government, they would be endangering our liberties. So they sought to restrain the federal government by vesting it with only limited powers. As James Madison said, the powers of the federal government were to be 'few and defined.' Yet with this decision, it is clear that the powers of the federal government are no longer limited at all. Our only remaining protections are with those liberties which were explicitly spelled out in the Bill of Rights, and even those are under assault. So today Madison's vision of the American Republic has been turned on its head: The powers of the federal government are now broad and uncabined, and the freedoms of the people are few and confined."
She concludes: "We must now look forward, with great trepidation, into this brave new world, a world in which the Constitution has been undone, and federal power knows no limit. This is a day that our Founders would never have wanted to see. All that they had fought to secure and preserve has been lost." You can read the article in its entirety by going to
www.foxnews.com/opinion/2012/06/28/supreme-court-upholds-obamacare.
The City of New York is deciding that they should regulate the size of the soft drinks you can purchase. Other places are arguing that you must get counseling if you are obese. Will we soon be mandated that we can only purchase American made automobiles, after all, the government is in the car-business? If I want to drive a Honda or a Toyota or a Volkswagen I will have to pay a penalty - oops, I meant to say a tax. And what if I want to cool my home to 68 degrees, will the government come in and order me to set my AC to 78 degrees or I will have to pay that "tax?"
Today we have taken a huge step down the slippery slope toward the implosion that is coming. I shared with someone today, after hearing the announcement, that Pandora's Box has been fully opened, and now we get to see all the uglies that can crawl out.
I believe that June 28, 2012 will be one of those dates that will live on in infamy, much like January 22, 1973, or December 7, 1941.
With 68% of Americans stating that they disliked either all or parts of Obamacare, the question now becomes, "What will they do about it?" We have heard from the Court. We have heard from the President. Now it is time to hear from the people.
What the Court did in effect was to rewrite the Law so that the individual mandate that everyone have health insurance or pay a penalty - that penalty now becomes a tax. The Court stated that it was the right of the Congress to pass and collect taxes. Yet, as you remember, as the Bill was going through the Congress, it was repeated over and over again that the penalty was not a tax. But now it is a tax.
What the Court said in its ruling is that the Court did what the Congress refused to do in order to make Obamacare constitutional. I always grew up believing that it was not the privilege of the Supreme Court to write laws or even to change laws, but to declare whether a law violated the United States Constitution. The precedent set by the Court today is dangerous. From now on, the Court can impose on the American people laws that were not passed by the Congress. In fact, the Supreme Court can make laws - and they are not accountable to the American people. This could truly be "taxation without representation" - something that began a war back in 1775.
FoxNews.com posted an editorial written by Karen Harned, the executive director of the National Federation of Independent Business Small Business Legal Center. Here is what she had to say: "Today marks a sad day in the history of America. With this decision, Americans have lost the right to be left alone, which Justice William O Douglas once called 'the beginning of all freedom.' It is painful to recognize that the liberties which our forefathers fought a revolution to secure have been lost. But it is clear that our original constitutional system has been thrown out, and we are left with only the democratic process to preserve our rights. That should be a sobering thought for anyone who values liberty."
Ms. Harned continues: "The significance of this decision cannot be overstated. Our Founding Fathers were greatly concerned that by giving too much power to the federal government, they would be endangering our liberties. So they sought to restrain the federal government by vesting it with only limited powers. As James Madison said, the powers of the federal government were to be 'few and defined.' Yet with this decision, it is clear that the powers of the federal government are no longer limited at all. Our only remaining protections are with those liberties which were explicitly spelled out in the Bill of Rights, and even those are under assault. So today Madison's vision of the American Republic has been turned on its head: The powers of the federal government are now broad and uncabined, and the freedoms of the people are few and confined."
She concludes: "We must now look forward, with great trepidation, into this brave new world, a world in which the Constitution has been undone, and federal power knows no limit. This is a day that our Founders would never have wanted to see. All that they had fought to secure and preserve has been lost." You can read the article in its entirety by going to
www.foxnews.com/opinion/2012/06/28/supreme-court-upholds-obamacare.
The City of New York is deciding that they should regulate the size of the soft drinks you can purchase. Other places are arguing that you must get counseling if you are obese. Will we soon be mandated that we can only purchase American made automobiles, after all, the government is in the car-business? If I want to drive a Honda or a Toyota or a Volkswagen I will have to pay a penalty - oops, I meant to say a tax. And what if I want to cool my home to 68 degrees, will the government come in and order me to set my AC to 78 degrees or I will have to pay that "tax?"
Today we have taken a huge step down the slippery slope toward the implosion that is coming. I shared with someone today, after hearing the announcement, that Pandora's Box has been fully opened, and now we get to see all the uglies that can crawl out.
I believe that June 28, 2012 will be one of those dates that will live on in infamy, much like January 22, 1973, or December 7, 1941.
With 68% of Americans stating that they disliked either all or parts of Obamacare, the question now becomes, "What will they do about it?" We have heard from the Court. We have heard from the President. Now it is time to hear from the people.
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Morsi, Putin, and the Weather - What a Combination!
We finally have a declared President in Egypt. This past Sunday the SCAF (the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces) in Egypt declared that Mohammed Morsi, the Muslim Brotherhood candidate, had won the presidential election by a 51.7 to 48.3 percentage margin. The results echo the margin that the Muslim Brotherhood had declared shortly after the election. Among the first statements of the new Egyptian President were his desire to strengthen Egyptian relations with Iran so as to "create a balance of pressure in the region." Morsi also pledged that he would "preserve international accords and obligations" indicating that the 1979 Peace Accords with Israel will remain intact, at least for the time being.
An immediate roadblock in his pathway is his relationship with the SCAF. As you remember, even before the presidential elections, the Egyptian Supreme Court dissolved the Egyptian Parliament and the SCAF group of generals assumed major powers. They have said that they will surrender those powers when Morsi is inaugurated on June 30. One can only have a wait and see on this one.
Of course, the election of a Muslim Brotherhood official to the highest office in Egypt did not sit well with many in Egypt. Christians, Coptics, and secularists are fearful that Morsi will begin the imposition of Islamic Law that will greatly curtail the independence that many in Egypt have enjoyed, especially Christians and women. And the initial response from Israel was one of coolness. The Israelis had a strong interest in the outcome of the Egyptian elections. Now that a Muslim Brotherhood leader is in control, will that give greater power to Hamas, a puppet of both Iran and the Muslim Brotherhood?
These past two days Russian President Vladimir Putin has been in Israel where he dedicated a monument to the Red Army soldiers who died in World War 2 in their victory over the Nazis. Included in that number were nearly 120,000 Jewish soldiers out of the more than one millions Jews who served in the Russian army. This monument is located in Netanya, which is located along the shores of the Mediterranean Sea north of Tel Aviv. While in Israel Putin had conversations with Israeli President Shimon Peres and Prime Minister Netanyahu. Topics included the status with Iran and their nuclear ambitions - a program that Russia has helped sponsor in the past, and Syria - with Russia being one of the chief arms suppliers to Syrian President Bashir Assad. One Israeli editorial stated, "Putin's presence in Israel could serve as a warning to Iran that Moscow could cross the line and become closer to Israel if Iran does not cooperate with the United Nations and open up its nuclear sites for full inspection" (IsraelNationalNews.com). Probably nothing will come from this State Visit other than media highlights, but once again it demonstrates the worldwide attention being placed upon the Middle East.
Have you noticed the dramatic weather patterns this summer here in the US. Record breaking drought and heat have America's west literally burning up. Hundreds of square miles of lands in Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, and California have been consumed by wildfires. Property damage is being measured in the hundreds of millions of dollars. And in the SE, tropical storm Debby has left a mountain of rain in Florida, some places receiving nearly two feet of rain. And the East Coast has received incredible heat these past couple of weeks. Could it be that God is using the climate to get our attention? And how we need to listen to what God is saying!
I was reminded the other day of God's promise that He gave to Israel of old: "If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, will forgive their sins, and will heal their land" (2 Chronicles 7:14). Is it still possible that America could experience a Third Great Awakening? Yes, but only if Christians will wake up to the realities of sin around us, confess our toleration of those sins, often within our own lives, and then come with humility before God to accept His forgiveness. Could this happen? Possibly. Will this happen? Probably not!
God bless you this week in your service for the King!
An immediate roadblock in his pathway is his relationship with the SCAF. As you remember, even before the presidential elections, the Egyptian Supreme Court dissolved the Egyptian Parliament and the SCAF group of generals assumed major powers. They have said that they will surrender those powers when Morsi is inaugurated on June 30. One can only have a wait and see on this one.
Of course, the election of a Muslim Brotherhood official to the highest office in Egypt did not sit well with many in Egypt. Christians, Coptics, and secularists are fearful that Morsi will begin the imposition of Islamic Law that will greatly curtail the independence that many in Egypt have enjoyed, especially Christians and women. And the initial response from Israel was one of coolness. The Israelis had a strong interest in the outcome of the Egyptian elections. Now that a Muslim Brotherhood leader is in control, will that give greater power to Hamas, a puppet of both Iran and the Muslim Brotherhood?
These past two days Russian President Vladimir Putin has been in Israel where he dedicated a monument to the Red Army soldiers who died in World War 2 in their victory over the Nazis. Included in that number were nearly 120,000 Jewish soldiers out of the more than one millions Jews who served in the Russian army. This monument is located in Netanya, which is located along the shores of the Mediterranean Sea north of Tel Aviv. While in Israel Putin had conversations with Israeli President Shimon Peres and Prime Minister Netanyahu. Topics included the status with Iran and their nuclear ambitions - a program that Russia has helped sponsor in the past, and Syria - with Russia being one of the chief arms suppliers to Syrian President Bashir Assad. One Israeli editorial stated, "Putin's presence in Israel could serve as a warning to Iran that Moscow could cross the line and become closer to Israel if Iran does not cooperate with the United Nations and open up its nuclear sites for full inspection" (IsraelNationalNews.com). Probably nothing will come from this State Visit other than media highlights, but once again it demonstrates the worldwide attention being placed upon the Middle East.
Have you noticed the dramatic weather patterns this summer here in the US. Record breaking drought and heat have America's west literally burning up. Hundreds of square miles of lands in Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, and California have been consumed by wildfires. Property damage is being measured in the hundreds of millions of dollars. And in the SE, tropical storm Debby has left a mountain of rain in Florida, some places receiving nearly two feet of rain. And the East Coast has received incredible heat these past couple of weeks. Could it be that God is using the climate to get our attention? And how we need to listen to what God is saying!
I was reminded the other day of God's promise that He gave to Israel of old: "If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, will forgive their sins, and will heal their land" (2 Chronicles 7:14). Is it still possible that America could experience a Third Great Awakening? Yes, but only if Christians will wake up to the realities of sin around us, confess our toleration of those sins, often within our own lives, and then come with humility before God to accept His forgiveness. Could this happen? Possibly. Will this happen? Probably not!
God bless you this week in your service for the King!
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
What a Weekend! What a Week!
There are so many places where I can begin this week's blog. But let's begin in Egypt where the news is changing almost every hour. Tomorrow we should know with certainty the outcome of last weekend's presidential elections. Eleventh hour dramatics even before the voting began included the Egyptian Supreme Court dissolving of Parliament and invalidating the parliamentary elections held earlier this year - elections dominated by the Muslim Brotherhood and the Salafist party candidates. With this dissolution, the effective leadership in Egypt remained in the hands of the military generals who have run the country since the overthrowing of President Mubarak in January 2011. Both the presidential candidates have declared victory. The Muslim Brotherhood candidate, Muhammed Morsi, and the the last prime minister under Mubarak, Ahmed Shafiq present different programs for the advancement of Egyptian government. Fears among many in Egypt remain that Morsi will espouse radical Islamization, including Sharia Law, while others fear that Shafiq will merely become the puppet leader for the SCAF (the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces). One can foresee that whoever is declared the winner tomorrow, unrest will certainly prevail in Egypt. And this becomes further enhanced with the news yesterday that the now convicted former President suffered a stroke that has placed him near death. Real democracy seems yet very distant in the Land of the Pharaohs.
Then there are the results of the elections last weekend in Greece. The New Conservative Party, which supported the bailout agreement reached with the European Central Bank and the IMF earlier this year, won enough votes to form a ruling coalition. The fears that Syriza, a leftist party that objected to the bailout and the accompanying severe austerity measures, would win did not materialize, although Syriza did gather seats in the new Parliament. Yet there is still a great deal of uncertainty in Europe over the situation in Greece. Will the people fully support the austerity plans that Germany and others place upon them? Will a coalition government collapse almost as soon as it is formed? Will Greece leave the Eurozone? And, furthermore, even as those questions are being asked, the situation in Spain becomes more severe, with the European Central Bank promising $125 billion to stave off default of Spanish loans - at least temporarily. Europe still sits on the proverbial financial teeter-totter. World markets will continue to reflect this uncertainty as the Euro seeks to find some solid footing.
Little noted here in the States were the parliamentary elections held last weekend in France. The results were the Socialists winning control of the French Parliament, thus adding strength to the presidency of Francois Hollande who has said that he would enact measures of "tax and spend" to bring France out of its spiraling financial crisis. Both houses of the French Parliament are now in the hands of the Socialists, giving free reign for President Hollande. I wonder if "tax and spend" will work better for the French than it seemingly has worked elsewhere?
I think that takes care of elections - at least for now. An article from the "ITAR-TASS News Agency" - a Russian paper - dated June 15, featured these headlines: "Black Sea Fleet ships ready to go to Syrian Coast." They will be sailing to the port of Tartous, the only Russian naval base outside of the former Soviet Union. Immediately speculation abounded as to the reasons for sending this fleet of ships - including, the armed evacuation of President Assad to Russian exile, the sending of troops to assist the Syrian forces, or the sending of more weapons to Assad.
We do know that the Russians have been deeply involved in Syrian affairs. The photos coming out of the G-20 Summit in Cabos San Lucas in Mexico of the meeting of President Obama with Russian President Vladimir Putin echo the strain between the two leaders over Syria. Then, just yesterday, the semi-official Iranian news agency "Fars News" stated that the Russians, Iranian, Chinese, and Syrians were planning "the biggest-ever wargames in the Middle East." This would involved over 90,000 troops, 400 aircraft, and 1000 tanks that would take place along the Syrian coast within the next month. The report stated that "Russian atomic submarines and warships, aircraft carriers and mine-clearing destroyers as well as Iranian battleships and submarines will also arrive in Syria and that Egypt has agreed to let 12 Chinese warships cross the Suez Canal for the exercises." The Syrians immediately announced that the report was false.
As I was reading the story of the Russian-Syrian-Iranian-Chinese wargame plan, my heart was drawn back to the words of the ancient 6th century BC prophet Ezekiel who saw a similar coalition revealed to him by God, recorded in Ezekiel 38-39. I began to wonder how Ezekiel would respond to the news flashes of today. I think he would climb up the walls to the watchtower and sound the trumpet as loudly as he knew how. Danger is imminent. We need to be ready. But Ezekiel would also assure us that God was in control, and for that truth, I am more grateful and hopeful - aren't you?
So, friends, don't fall into apathy this summer. I think it will prove to be among the most exciting we have seen in our lifetimes. And let your Bible be your guide to understanding what is happening in this world of ours. That is the only resource that help you to make sense out of it.
Then there are the results of the elections last weekend in Greece. The New Conservative Party, which supported the bailout agreement reached with the European Central Bank and the IMF earlier this year, won enough votes to form a ruling coalition. The fears that Syriza, a leftist party that objected to the bailout and the accompanying severe austerity measures, would win did not materialize, although Syriza did gather seats in the new Parliament. Yet there is still a great deal of uncertainty in Europe over the situation in Greece. Will the people fully support the austerity plans that Germany and others place upon them? Will a coalition government collapse almost as soon as it is formed? Will Greece leave the Eurozone? And, furthermore, even as those questions are being asked, the situation in Spain becomes more severe, with the European Central Bank promising $125 billion to stave off default of Spanish loans - at least temporarily. Europe still sits on the proverbial financial teeter-totter. World markets will continue to reflect this uncertainty as the Euro seeks to find some solid footing.
Little noted here in the States were the parliamentary elections held last weekend in France. The results were the Socialists winning control of the French Parliament, thus adding strength to the presidency of Francois Hollande who has said that he would enact measures of "tax and spend" to bring France out of its spiraling financial crisis. Both houses of the French Parliament are now in the hands of the Socialists, giving free reign for President Hollande. I wonder if "tax and spend" will work better for the French than it seemingly has worked elsewhere?
I think that takes care of elections - at least for now. An article from the "ITAR-TASS News Agency" - a Russian paper - dated June 15, featured these headlines: "Black Sea Fleet ships ready to go to Syrian Coast." They will be sailing to the port of Tartous, the only Russian naval base outside of the former Soviet Union. Immediately speculation abounded as to the reasons for sending this fleet of ships - including, the armed evacuation of President Assad to Russian exile, the sending of troops to assist the Syrian forces, or the sending of more weapons to Assad.
We do know that the Russians have been deeply involved in Syrian affairs. The photos coming out of the G-20 Summit in Cabos San Lucas in Mexico of the meeting of President Obama with Russian President Vladimir Putin echo the strain between the two leaders over Syria. Then, just yesterday, the semi-official Iranian news agency "Fars News" stated that the Russians, Iranian, Chinese, and Syrians were planning "the biggest-ever wargames in the Middle East." This would involved over 90,000 troops, 400 aircraft, and 1000 tanks that would take place along the Syrian coast within the next month. The report stated that "Russian atomic submarines and warships, aircraft carriers and mine-clearing destroyers as well as Iranian battleships and submarines will also arrive in Syria and that Egypt has agreed to let 12 Chinese warships cross the Suez Canal for the exercises." The Syrians immediately announced that the report was false.
As I was reading the story of the Russian-Syrian-Iranian-Chinese wargame plan, my heart was drawn back to the words of the ancient 6th century BC prophet Ezekiel who saw a similar coalition revealed to him by God, recorded in Ezekiel 38-39. I began to wonder how Ezekiel would respond to the news flashes of today. I think he would climb up the walls to the watchtower and sound the trumpet as loudly as he knew how. Danger is imminent. We need to be ready. But Ezekiel would also assure us that God was in control, and for that truth, I am more grateful and hopeful - aren't you?
So, friends, don't fall into apathy this summer. I think it will prove to be among the most exciting we have seen in our lifetimes. And let your Bible be your guide to understanding what is happening in this world of ours. That is the only resource that help you to make sense out of it.
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Another Interesting Week: From a Queen's Celebration to Locust Swarms
Well it has been another interesting week around the globe. In Great Britain the Diamond Jubilee Celebration of Queen Elizabeth II's reign came to an end. And what a celebration it was. The Queen is now the longest reigning monarch in the world today, and she is just a couple of years away from being the longest reigning monarch in British history - next to Queen Victoria. If the party the British people gave the Queen is any indication, the party they will be throwing later in July for the Olympics there in London should be fabulous. The British certainly know how to celebrate in style.
The violence in Syria continues almost unabated. The fifteen months have seemed longer than that. Estimates are that nearly 15,000 Syrians have been killed during this war, many of them brutally executed by Assad's military leadership. Just this past week reports surfaced of another massacre that included many women and children. Another report indicated that the Syrian military was deliberately using children as human shields during these firefights, thus accounting for the high percentage of deaths of children. What little value is placed upon life! I am reminded of how highly Jesus valued children while on earth. He even rebuked those adults who tried to keep Him from children. Jesus even went so far as to say that we must become like children if we are to enter into heaven. There must be great sadness in heaven over the deaths of these innocent boys and girls there in Syria. (And I won't even get started on those children here in this country who are aborted even before they get to experience life). Will NATO and/or the United States finally get involved? But I am now believing that it will take something catastrophic - perhaps even the destruction of the city of Damascus - to remove Assad from power. Then comes the wonderment of who will fill that vacuum.
I read an interesting article in the "Financial Times" titled, "Locusts swarm in wake of Libya uprising." The writer, Xan Rice in Lagos, Nigeria, writes: "The death of Muammar Gaddafi continues to reverberate across Africa - this time in the form of desert locusts. The Food and Agricultural Organisation of the United Nations warned on Tuesday that croplands in Niger and Mali were at imminent risk from locust swarms moving south from Libya and Algeria. The revolution in Libya played a major role in allowing the pests to breed, it said. 'The fall of Gaddafi was an enormous factor, to be honest,' said Keith Cressman, FAO senior locus forecasting officer. 'It depleted the Libyans' capacity to monitor and respond as they normally would.'" Who would have thought that the overthrow of a dictator would cause a crisis with locusts?
This week Israeli President Shimon Peres is in Washington for talks with the Obama Administration. The situation in Syria and the latest reports that the Russians have been supplying attack helicopters to the Assad regime will top the list of items for discussion. But also Peres will relate the status or, I should say, the non-status of negotiations with the Palestinians. It will be interesting to see how the mainstream media will cover this visit.
Two elections to watch over the upcoming weekend. First, final round in the election of a new President in Egypt will occur. Two candidates remain - one, a member of the Muslim Brotherhood, howbeit a moderate member, the second a former official in the Mubarak regime. Polls indicate that it will be a close race, probably giving way to all types of charges of voter fraud. We may not know the outcome for several weeks. The second election is in Greece where people will go to the polls for the second time in 6 weeks to elect a new parliament. Much rides on the results of this election, including the future of the Eurozone. I have read several reports from analysts who have widely divergent viewpoints on the consequences if Greece were to leave the Eurozone. Some believe it would be the beginning of the end of the European Union, while others believe it would have little, if any impact. American markets have been skitish about the Greek affair.
By the way, you know that over the weekend the European Central Bank indicated that it would loan the Spanish government $125 billion to pay its debts - at least temporarily. Spain now becomes the fourth European nation to be bailed out. The main source of the funding of the Central Bank comes from the German people, whose economy is among the most robust in all of Europe. But one wonders how soon the German people will become tired of using their tax dollars to help another. The problem in Europe today is that nations do not have any regulatory control over their finances. They cannot print their own money. They are not accountable to their own banking systems, but to an outside system, namely the Central Bank. A group of men sitting on the Central Bank board of directors is imposing financial decisions upon the Greeks, for instance. We must remember that Europeans have generally been very distrustful of each other. Many are the wars that they have fought among themselves over the course of history. So, for the Eurozone to have lasted for this long is a miracle in and of itself. And we know that prophetically Europe will play an important role during the time of the Tribulation. Therefore one wants to keep a strong eye upon what is happening there.
Well I am on my way to pick up my copy of Joel Rosenberg's newest book. "Implosion" debuted yesterday. I am excited to read his perspective on what is happening in our country from a biblical viewpoint. Later this summer I will write a review of the book and place it on this blogsite. If this book is anything like "Epicenter" and "Inside the Revolution" I know it will be a book that I can highly recomment.
We are another week closer to the coming of the Lord Jesus! This is not a time for rest or retreat, but a time to re-equip ourselves and then to re-charge into the battle for souls. May we do this well for His honor and glory.
The violence in Syria continues almost unabated. The fifteen months have seemed longer than that. Estimates are that nearly 15,000 Syrians have been killed during this war, many of them brutally executed by Assad's military leadership. Just this past week reports surfaced of another massacre that included many women and children. Another report indicated that the Syrian military was deliberately using children as human shields during these firefights, thus accounting for the high percentage of deaths of children. What little value is placed upon life! I am reminded of how highly Jesus valued children while on earth. He even rebuked those adults who tried to keep Him from children. Jesus even went so far as to say that we must become like children if we are to enter into heaven. There must be great sadness in heaven over the deaths of these innocent boys and girls there in Syria. (And I won't even get started on those children here in this country who are aborted even before they get to experience life). Will NATO and/or the United States finally get involved? But I am now believing that it will take something catastrophic - perhaps even the destruction of the city of Damascus - to remove Assad from power. Then comes the wonderment of who will fill that vacuum.
I read an interesting article in the "Financial Times" titled, "Locusts swarm in wake of Libya uprising." The writer, Xan Rice in Lagos, Nigeria, writes: "The death of Muammar Gaddafi continues to reverberate across Africa - this time in the form of desert locusts. The Food and Agricultural Organisation of the United Nations warned on Tuesday that croplands in Niger and Mali were at imminent risk from locust swarms moving south from Libya and Algeria. The revolution in Libya played a major role in allowing the pests to breed, it said. 'The fall of Gaddafi was an enormous factor, to be honest,' said Keith Cressman, FAO senior locus forecasting officer. 'It depleted the Libyans' capacity to monitor and respond as they normally would.'" Who would have thought that the overthrow of a dictator would cause a crisis with locusts?
This week Israeli President Shimon Peres is in Washington for talks with the Obama Administration. The situation in Syria and the latest reports that the Russians have been supplying attack helicopters to the Assad regime will top the list of items for discussion. But also Peres will relate the status or, I should say, the non-status of negotiations with the Palestinians. It will be interesting to see how the mainstream media will cover this visit.
Two elections to watch over the upcoming weekend. First, final round in the election of a new President in Egypt will occur. Two candidates remain - one, a member of the Muslim Brotherhood, howbeit a moderate member, the second a former official in the Mubarak regime. Polls indicate that it will be a close race, probably giving way to all types of charges of voter fraud. We may not know the outcome for several weeks. The second election is in Greece where people will go to the polls for the second time in 6 weeks to elect a new parliament. Much rides on the results of this election, including the future of the Eurozone. I have read several reports from analysts who have widely divergent viewpoints on the consequences if Greece were to leave the Eurozone. Some believe it would be the beginning of the end of the European Union, while others believe it would have little, if any impact. American markets have been skitish about the Greek affair.
By the way, you know that over the weekend the European Central Bank indicated that it would loan the Spanish government $125 billion to pay its debts - at least temporarily. Spain now becomes the fourth European nation to be bailed out. The main source of the funding of the Central Bank comes from the German people, whose economy is among the most robust in all of Europe. But one wonders how soon the German people will become tired of using their tax dollars to help another. The problem in Europe today is that nations do not have any regulatory control over their finances. They cannot print their own money. They are not accountable to their own banking systems, but to an outside system, namely the Central Bank. A group of men sitting on the Central Bank board of directors is imposing financial decisions upon the Greeks, for instance. We must remember that Europeans have generally been very distrustful of each other. Many are the wars that they have fought among themselves over the course of history. So, for the Eurozone to have lasted for this long is a miracle in and of itself. And we know that prophetically Europe will play an important role during the time of the Tribulation. Therefore one wants to keep a strong eye upon what is happening there.
Well I am on my way to pick up my copy of Joel Rosenberg's newest book. "Implosion" debuted yesterday. I am excited to read his perspective on what is happening in our country from a biblical viewpoint. Later this summer I will write a review of the book and place it on this blogsite. If this book is anything like "Epicenter" and "Inside the Revolution" I know it will be a book that I can highly recomment.
We are another week closer to the coming of the Lord Jesus! This is not a time for rest or retreat, but a time to re-equip ourselves and then to re-charge into the battle for souls. May we do this well for His honor and glory.
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