Daily I get e-mails from friends who literally scour the Internet looking for articles of importance. I value these dear friends because they become the filters through which a lot of information flows. So, when I get an e-mail from them, I know the article is worthy of my reading and examination. This past Monday I received such an e-mail from a dear friend. It is from The Patriot Post: Voice of Essential Liberty. You can read this article at: www.patriotpost.us/editions/16476. It is titled "Brief: Does Religion Matter in a Free Republic?" The article begins with a quote from John Adams, the second President of the United States: "Religion and virtue are the only foundations, not of republicanism and of all free government, but of social felicity under all government and in all the combinations of human society." Then the article goes on to cite research done by the Barna Group of 96 American cities as to which were most Biblically-minded. Biblically-minded is defined as "individuals who report reading the Bible in a typical week and who strongly assert the Bible is accurate in the principles it teaches." You might have guessed that the most biblically-minded cities were in the south, while the least biblically-minded were in the northeast. Let me just post a few of the results. The top seven were:
1. Knoxville, TN (52%)
2. Shrevport, LA (52%)
3. Chattanooga, TN (52%)
4. Birmingham/Anniston/Tuscaloosa, AL (50%)
5. Jackson, MS (50%)
6. Springfield, MO (49%)
7. Charlotte, NC (48%)
The bottom seven included:
90. San Francisco/Oakland/San Jose, CA (16%)
91. Boston, MA/Manchester, NH (16%)
92. Hartford/New Haven, CT (16%)
93. Portland?Auburn, ME (16%)
94. Burlington, VT/Plattsburgh, NY (16%)
95. Albany/Schenectady/Troy, NY (10%)
96. Providence, RI/ New Bedford, MA (9%)
Dallas TX checked in at #27 with a 38% score. Des Moines/Ames, IA came in a #49 with a 29% score. Los Angeles, CA was #68 with a 24% score. Minneapolis/St Paul, MN was #81 with a 21% score. Minneapolis finished lower than Chicago (#76 and 23%), Green Bay/Appleton, WI (#78 and 23%) and Washington DC (#63 and 25%).
What does this mean? Simply put: In American communities across our land, less than 50% of the residents do not read their Bibles and certainly do not practice its principles and teachings in their every day life. And, in a few communities, there is hardly a presence of Scriptural truth or of a godly witness at all. What has happened? I believe we have become too culturally adapted to the world around us. We are more concerned about what others might think, than of what God thinks. Other things crowd into our lives that drown out that voice that says, "Return to the Scriptures. Follow the Scriptures." It is so much easier to go with the flow than it is to swim against the popular current of our day.
It is time for those of us who know Jesus Christ personally, to dig more deeply into the Word. Get involved in a small group Bible study where the Bible is taken seriously. Become a discipler of your own children and grandchildren, remembering that that is your first mission field. Take a stand for what is biblical. It won't be easy and there might be a price to pay, but I remember what Daniel did and what Joseph did. And then we need to model in our office complexes, in our school board meetings, in our marketplaces, and in our neighborhoods the love of God and the principles of God's truth.
Can we make a difference? Absolutely! Is it too late to begin making such a difference? Absolutely, not! I believe many are truly seeking truth in the midst of these perilous days. They are looking for an anchor. Let's point them clearly to Jesus...our Rock and our Fortress.
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
An Election and An Anniversary
Yesterday Israeli voters went to the polls to elect members to the Knesset. Like our House of Representatives, all members of the Knesset are elected every four years. And the Knesset is a much smaller body - 120 seats. The pre-election polls had strongly hinted that Prime Minister Netanyahu and his strong coalition of Likud and Yisreal Beytenu parties would easily have a strong showing (they presently had 42 seats in the Knesset).
But pre-election polls often are not good predictors of outcomes. Yes, with nearly all returns counted, the Prime Minister has held on to win the opportunity to form a new government. But, the Likud-Yisreal Beytenu parties only secured 33 seats in the new Knesset. Finishing second was the Yesh Atid party (There is a Future), headed by political newcomer Yair Lapid, with 19 seats.
Of the 32 political parties that contested the election, 12 parties won enough support to have seats in the new Knesset. And, what I found most interesting, was the there was a near even split between those parties that were center-right and center-left.
The Prime Minister now has six weeks to form his coalition government. He will need at least 61 seats in that coalition, but will try to have even more to keep a coalition together. What will become very interesting in the forming of the coalition is America's response to the new Israeli government. As we all know, our President and PM Netanyahu have not been exactly the best of friends these past four years. How will the new Israeli government respond to the continued threats from Iran? From the increased volatile rhetoric from Egypt? From the continued violence in neighboring Syria?
Yesterday marked the 40th anniversary of the Supreme Court's decision on abortion, known as "Roe v. Wade." I read a statistic that over the past 40 years, over 54 million children in America have been aborted. That is 54 million opportunities to find a cure for cancer - snuffed out; 54 million opportunities to help bring peace - never allowed to live. Yesterday two articles caught my attention. Both have to do with the treatment of fellow human being.
The first article was from the Telegraph, a paper published in England. It was titled, "David Attenborough - Humans are plague on Earth." You can read the article at www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/earthnews/9815862/Humans-are-plague-on-Earth-Attenborough. David Attenborough is an acclaimed television reporter, best recognized for his documentary on the BBC called "Planet Earth." He said "the only way to save the planet from famine and species extinction is to limit human population growth. He went on to say, "We are a plague on the Earth. It's coming home to roost over the next 50 years or so. It's not just climate change; it's sheer space, places to grow food for this enormous horde. Either we limit our population growth or the natural world will do it for us, and the natural world is doing it for us right now." Well, David Attenborough, in America we have slaughtered over 54 million children these past 40 years. How many more do you want us to sacrifice so that a few more animals can survive?
The second article also came from a British paper - The Guardian. It was titled, "Let elderly people 'hurry up and die', says Japanese minister." It can be found at www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jan/22/elderly-hurry-up-die-japanese. "Japan's new government is barely a month old, and already one of its most senior members has insulted tens of millions of voters by suggesting that the elderly are an unnecessary drain on the country's finances. Taro Aso, the finance minister, said on Monday that the elderly should be allowed to 'hurry up and die' to relieve pressure on the state to pay for their medical care." The article quotes Mr. Aso as saying, "I see people aged 67 or 68 at class reunions who dodder around and are constantly going to the doctor. Why should I have to pay for people who just eat and drink and make no effort? I walk every day and do other things, but I'm paying more in taxes."
I guess that last quote struck home with me - I will soon be 66. Are Mr. Aso's comments typical of the way the younger generation views its aging parents and grandparents? Are his comments typical of the way that governments will soon view seniors? Sadly, I am afraid, those comments are more typical than we want to give thought to. If we have no pangs of conscience in taking the lives of over 54 million unborn children, why should society have any pangs of conscience in seeking the "hurry up and die" mentality toward its seniors? We truly are living in a moral vacuum.
My friends, aren't you glad that we have the rock solid hope in the coming of the Lord Jesus. He is our everything.
Have you ever had a desire to go to Israel, to walk in the footsteps of our Savior, to visit the city where He will reign as King someday? Let me share an opportunity with you. I will be leading a tour to Israel this coming October. The dates are October 17-31. We will fly from Philadelphia to Tel Aviv for 12 wonderful days in Israel and Jordan. We will travel up the Mediterranean Coast - visiting Caesarea, Haifa, and Acco. Then spending time in the Galilee - remembering those places where Jesus spent His time. Then it is down to Jerusalem - one of the most fascinating cities in the world. We will conclude our trip with a journey across the Jordan River and down to Petra. Cost for this tour is $4899 - includes airfare, all hotels, entrance fees, a wonderful Israeli breakfast buffet in the morning and a delicious dinner buffet in the evening, bus, guide, all taxes, tips, and others incidentals. If you would like to receive more information, just let me know - maxprincipal@aol.com. Will be excited to have you join us for this trip of a lifetime.
But pre-election polls often are not good predictors of outcomes. Yes, with nearly all returns counted, the Prime Minister has held on to win the opportunity to form a new government. But, the Likud-Yisreal Beytenu parties only secured 33 seats in the new Knesset. Finishing second was the Yesh Atid party (There is a Future), headed by political newcomer Yair Lapid, with 19 seats.
Of the 32 political parties that contested the election, 12 parties won enough support to have seats in the new Knesset. And, what I found most interesting, was the there was a near even split between those parties that were center-right and center-left.
The Prime Minister now has six weeks to form his coalition government. He will need at least 61 seats in that coalition, but will try to have even more to keep a coalition together. What will become very interesting in the forming of the coalition is America's response to the new Israeli government. As we all know, our President and PM Netanyahu have not been exactly the best of friends these past four years. How will the new Israeli government respond to the continued threats from Iran? From the increased volatile rhetoric from Egypt? From the continued violence in neighboring Syria?
Yesterday marked the 40th anniversary of the Supreme Court's decision on abortion, known as "Roe v. Wade." I read a statistic that over the past 40 years, over 54 million children in America have been aborted. That is 54 million opportunities to find a cure for cancer - snuffed out; 54 million opportunities to help bring peace - never allowed to live. Yesterday two articles caught my attention. Both have to do with the treatment of fellow human being.
The first article was from the Telegraph, a paper published in England. It was titled, "David Attenborough - Humans are plague on Earth." You can read the article at www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/earthnews/9815862/Humans-are-plague-on-Earth-Attenborough. David Attenborough is an acclaimed television reporter, best recognized for his documentary on the BBC called "Planet Earth." He said "the only way to save the planet from famine and species extinction is to limit human population growth. He went on to say, "We are a plague on the Earth. It's coming home to roost over the next 50 years or so. It's not just climate change; it's sheer space, places to grow food for this enormous horde. Either we limit our population growth or the natural world will do it for us, and the natural world is doing it for us right now." Well, David Attenborough, in America we have slaughtered over 54 million children these past 40 years. How many more do you want us to sacrifice so that a few more animals can survive?
The second article also came from a British paper - The Guardian. It was titled, "Let elderly people 'hurry up and die', says Japanese minister." It can be found at www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jan/22/elderly-hurry-up-die-japanese. "Japan's new government is barely a month old, and already one of its most senior members has insulted tens of millions of voters by suggesting that the elderly are an unnecessary drain on the country's finances. Taro Aso, the finance minister, said on Monday that the elderly should be allowed to 'hurry up and die' to relieve pressure on the state to pay for their medical care." The article quotes Mr. Aso as saying, "I see people aged 67 or 68 at class reunions who dodder around and are constantly going to the doctor. Why should I have to pay for people who just eat and drink and make no effort? I walk every day and do other things, but I'm paying more in taxes."
I guess that last quote struck home with me - I will soon be 66. Are Mr. Aso's comments typical of the way the younger generation views its aging parents and grandparents? Are his comments typical of the way that governments will soon view seniors? Sadly, I am afraid, those comments are more typical than we want to give thought to. If we have no pangs of conscience in taking the lives of over 54 million unborn children, why should society have any pangs of conscience in seeking the "hurry up and die" mentality toward its seniors? We truly are living in a moral vacuum.
My friends, aren't you glad that we have the rock solid hope in the coming of the Lord Jesus. He is our everything.
Have you ever had a desire to go to Israel, to walk in the footsteps of our Savior, to visit the city where He will reign as King someday? Let me share an opportunity with you. I will be leading a tour to Israel this coming October. The dates are October 17-31. We will fly from Philadelphia to Tel Aviv for 12 wonderful days in Israel and Jordan. We will travel up the Mediterranean Coast - visiting Caesarea, Haifa, and Acco. Then spending time in the Galilee - remembering those places where Jesus spent His time. Then it is down to Jerusalem - one of the most fascinating cities in the world. We will conclude our trip with a journey across the Jordan River and down to Petra. Cost for this tour is $4899 - includes airfare, all hotels, entrance fees, a wonderful Israeli breakfast buffet in the morning and a delicious dinner buffet in the evening, bus, guide, all taxes, tips, and others incidentals. If you would like to receive more information, just let me know - maxprincipal@aol.com. Will be excited to have you join us for this trip of a lifetime.
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Thoughts about God
I know there is a lot going on in the world right now. Monday is the second inauguration of President Obama and the uncertainty of what the next four years will hold for our nation. But, as I watch his cabinet appointments, I have to say that I am concerned as I believe we are seeing his agenda come to the fore. Then Tuesday is the national election in Israel with the formation of a new government there. More uncertainty. The fiscal cliff looms ahead yet again, but has been lost in the panic of gun-control that now has center stage.
May I focus our thoughts this week in a totally different direction? Thanks. This past Sunday I preached a message titled, "So, What Do YOU Believe about...God?" It was the second in a series I am preaching about our church's new statement of faith. If you are interested in hearing the message in its entirety, you can go to our website www.buffalocov.org and the link will be on the home page.
As I had time to think about the immensity and awesomeness of God, the things of this world that we seem to focus our time upon suddenly pale into insignificance. I know this is a refresher for most of you, but let me just cite a couple of truths about God that we need to know in these uncertain days.
First, God is omnipotent. Listen to these words of Jesus, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible" (Matthew 19:26). Did you get that? "With God all things are possible." There is simply nothing too difficult for God to do. He can part the waves of a Red Sea. He can flatten the walls of a Jericho. He can feed the multitudes with five loaves of bread and two fish. He can bring the dead back to life. There is absolutely nothing God cannot do for you. You know that heavy load you are carrying right now...it is not too heavy for God to carry. That problem that seems almost overwhelming right now...is just a tiny speck to our awesome God. There is nothing in your life right now that God is incapable of solving or leading you through. I don't know about you, but that is an incredible thought that brings peace and hope.
Second, God is omniscient. I love these words from the pen of David: "You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD" (Psalm 139:2-4). There is nothing God does not know about you and me. There is nothing in your life or my life that can be kept secret from God. I don't know about you but I find that very refreshing. God simply knows me...He knows you. And, you know what, He has your very best in mind.
Third, God is love. The Apostle John, often described as "the apostle of love," said: "Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love" (1 John 4:8). Don't you find that incredibly awesome. God loves you! God loves me! And it is a love that is not based on what you or I have done. It is simply based on who we are! Oh to just rest in that love. I love the words to that great hymn written by George Matheson in 1882 on the eve of his sister's wedding as he remembered his days in college years before when the lady to whom he was engaged to be married said, "I cannot be married to a blind man" and walked away. Perhaps as Pastor Matheson thought of his heartache, he was drawn to an even deeper love:
"O Love that will not let me go, I rest my weary soul in Thee;
I give Thee back the life I owe, That in Thine ocean depths its flow May richer, fuller be.
"O Light that foll'west all my way, I yield my flick'ring torch to Thee;
My heart restores the borrowed ray, That in Thy sunshine's blaze its day May brighter, fairer be.
"O Joy that seekest me through pain, I cannot close my heart to Thee;
I trace the rainbow through the rain, And feel the promise is not vain That morn shall tearless be.
"O Cross that liftest up my head, I dare not ask to fly from Thee;
I lay in dust life's glory dead, And from the ground there blossoms red Life that shall endless be."
I don't know about you, but when I begin to focus upon God somehow that day just seems to go better. And to think that He is still sitting upon His throne. So I just need to trust Him more and more. I need to get to know Him better. I need to rest in His care more often.
I closed my message this past Sunday with a quote attributed to a father giving advice to his son. It comes from the first century and the father's name is Paternus. That is all we know about him...except for this statement he gave to his son. My friends, it is advice I need to share with my children and my grandchildren; you need to share it with your children and grandchildren. I read this and asked myself this question: Why don't we share words like this with our kids today? Perhaps it is because our walk with God is not as was that of Paternus. But I leave these ancient words of advice with you at the beginning of this near year:
"First of all, my child, think magnificently of God. Magnify His providence; adore His power;
pray to Him frequently and incessantly. Bear Him always in your mind. Teach your thoughts to
reverence Him in every place for there is no place where He is not. Therefore, my child, fear and
worship and love God; first and last, think magnificently of Him!"
Great advice for all of us, don't you think?
May I focus our thoughts this week in a totally different direction? Thanks. This past Sunday I preached a message titled, "So, What Do YOU Believe about...God?" It was the second in a series I am preaching about our church's new statement of faith. If you are interested in hearing the message in its entirety, you can go to our website www.buffalocov.org and the link will be on the home page.
As I had time to think about the immensity and awesomeness of God, the things of this world that we seem to focus our time upon suddenly pale into insignificance. I know this is a refresher for most of you, but let me just cite a couple of truths about God that we need to know in these uncertain days.
First, God is omnipotent. Listen to these words of Jesus, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible" (Matthew 19:26). Did you get that? "With God all things are possible." There is simply nothing too difficult for God to do. He can part the waves of a Red Sea. He can flatten the walls of a Jericho. He can feed the multitudes with five loaves of bread and two fish. He can bring the dead back to life. There is absolutely nothing God cannot do for you. You know that heavy load you are carrying right now...it is not too heavy for God to carry. That problem that seems almost overwhelming right now...is just a tiny speck to our awesome God. There is nothing in your life right now that God is incapable of solving or leading you through. I don't know about you, but that is an incredible thought that brings peace and hope.
Second, God is omniscient. I love these words from the pen of David: "You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD" (Psalm 139:2-4). There is nothing God does not know about you and me. There is nothing in your life or my life that can be kept secret from God. I don't know about you but I find that very refreshing. God simply knows me...He knows you. And, you know what, He has your very best in mind.
Third, God is love. The Apostle John, often described as "the apostle of love," said: "Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love" (1 John 4:8). Don't you find that incredibly awesome. God loves you! God loves me! And it is a love that is not based on what you or I have done. It is simply based on who we are! Oh to just rest in that love. I love the words to that great hymn written by George Matheson in 1882 on the eve of his sister's wedding as he remembered his days in college years before when the lady to whom he was engaged to be married said, "I cannot be married to a blind man" and walked away. Perhaps as Pastor Matheson thought of his heartache, he was drawn to an even deeper love:
"O Love that will not let me go, I rest my weary soul in Thee;
I give Thee back the life I owe, That in Thine ocean depths its flow May richer, fuller be.
"O Light that foll'west all my way, I yield my flick'ring torch to Thee;
My heart restores the borrowed ray, That in Thy sunshine's blaze its day May brighter, fairer be.
"O Joy that seekest me through pain, I cannot close my heart to Thee;
I trace the rainbow through the rain, And feel the promise is not vain That morn shall tearless be.
"O Cross that liftest up my head, I dare not ask to fly from Thee;
I lay in dust life's glory dead, And from the ground there blossoms red Life that shall endless be."
I don't know about you, but when I begin to focus upon God somehow that day just seems to go better. And to think that He is still sitting upon His throne. So I just need to trust Him more and more. I need to get to know Him better. I need to rest in His care more often.
I closed my message this past Sunday with a quote attributed to a father giving advice to his son. It comes from the first century and the father's name is Paternus. That is all we know about him...except for this statement he gave to his son. My friends, it is advice I need to share with my children and my grandchildren; you need to share it with your children and grandchildren. I read this and asked myself this question: Why don't we share words like this with our kids today? Perhaps it is because our walk with God is not as was that of Paternus. But I leave these ancient words of advice with you at the beginning of this near year:
"First of all, my child, think magnificently of God. Magnify His providence; adore His power;
pray to Him frequently and incessantly. Bear Him always in your mind. Teach your thoughts to
reverence Him in every place for there is no place where He is not. Therefore, my child, fear and
worship and love God; first and last, think magnificently of Him!"
Great advice for all of us, don't you think?
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Thoughts upon Entering a New Year
The ball dropped on Times Square. The Crimson Tide won the national collegiate football title again. The Bears were not invited to the NFL's second season - both the Vikings and Packers were with only the Packers taking advantage of the invitation and remaining in the hunt for the Super Bowl title. The fiscal cliff was averted by some last minute persuasions, although in actuality, the only thing that really happened was the can was kicked down the road for another couple of months. The "January thaw" has hit Minnesota early, only to be followed by the "polar plunge" next week. Welcome to the reality that is known as 2013.
I am watching carefully the elections that are occurring in Israel on January 21. A lot of political intigue is being played out among the various candidates jockeying for position of Prime Minister. The outlook still looks rather positive for Benjamin Netanyahu to retain that position; the concern is the type of coalition that he will need to form in order to retain that post. Stay tuned because I believe this is going to get very interesting.
Meanwhile, in Cairo today Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi is meeting with representatives from Fatah and Hamas to attempt to come to some type of reconciliation between these two factions of the Palestinians. Basically these two groups have been at odds since the 2007 coup that led to Hamas's take over of the Gaza Strip. In 2011 Fatah and Hamas reached an understanding that was to lead to political union. However, pitfalls and stumbling blocks that have centered on basic mistrust between these two political entities have prevented that union from occurring. A possible thaw occurred this past Sunday when Hamas allowed Fatah to have a public demonstration within the Gaza Strip, an event that had not occurred since the violent take over in 2007. Both Hamas and Fatah have differed in their relations with Israel: Hamas is committed to the destruction of Israel through violence; in the past this has included rocket assaults from Gaza into Israeli terrority and other acts of terror. Fatah, on the other hand, has been more willing to sit down and dialogue with Israel about a two-state solution. Most experts expect that if an agreement is reached, that it will not be long before Hamas will control the West Bank as well as Gaza. That will present some incredible problems for Israel's leadership.
Staying in Israel: According to an article in the "Telegraph" a British paper, Israel is planning on building a 43 mile security fence in the Golan Heights, much like the one they have built around the West Bank. There is a strong concern that when the Assad regime falls in Syria radicals will assume leadership and Israel will face an imminent threat along the Syrian border. Such a security fence will cause another international outrage as it will be built on lands Israel captured from Syria during the 1967 War. But Israel has to do what it has to do to protect its people. Somehow things are never easy in Israel and that goes way back to Bible days.
One final article I want to share with you. It was published in the "National Review" and was written by Thomas Sowell. You can find it at http://www.nationalreview.com/articles/337103/role-educators-thomas-sowell. This is an important article as I believe it captures the essence of some of America's problems. We have forgotten to teach our children our history accurately. America's story needs to be told as it was, not as we would have liked it to have been. America's story centers around a group of individuals who had a vision for a nation founded upon principles of ethics and laws grounded in the Bible. Yes, our Founders would welcome people from all over the world. But they would also have said, you come here because you want to be part of who we are, not to change us to become like you. That was America's strength. People did come. They came as Irish, Swedes, Norwegians, Dutch, Italians, French, and Germans. They learned our language. They worked hard on our farms and in our factories. They educated their children. They became citizens, paid their taxes, voted in our elections and became Americans. People come to America today and expect our nation to change to fit their traditions and values. America simply cannot become all things to all people. Anyway, read the article and I would be interested in your response.
Well this will be another year in which we have to depend upon God. We are not to put our confidence in the decisions reached by men, nor put our trust in military or financial might. For, as we have seen, political, martial, and financial plans can collapse. "My hope is built on Jesus Christ and His righteousness." May that hope encourage us and move us forward in this new year.
I am watching carefully the elections that are occurring in Israel on January 21. A lot of political intigue is being played out among the various candidates jockeying for position of Prime Minister. The outlook still looks rather positive for Benjamin Netanyahu to retain that position; the concern is the type of coalition that he will need to form in order to retain that post. Stay tuned because I believe this is going to get very interesting.
Meanwhile, in Cairo today Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi is meeting with representatives from Fatah and Hamas to attempt to come to some type of reconciliation between these two factions of the Palestinians. Basically these two groups have been at odds since the 2007 coup that led to Hamas's take over of the Gaza Strip. In 2011 Fatah and Hamas reached an understanding that was to lead to political union. However, pitfalls and stumbling blocks that have centered on basic mistrust between these two political entities have prevented that union from occurring. A possible thaw occurred this past Sunday when Hamas allowed Fatah to have a public demonstration within the Gaza Strip, an event that had not occurred since the violent take over in 2007. Both Hamas and Fatah have differed in their relations with Israel: Hamas is committed to the destruction of Israel through violence; in the past this has included rocket assaults from Gaza into Israeli terrority and other acts of terror. Fatah, on the other hand, has been more willing to sit down and dialogue with Israel about a two-state solution. Most experts expect that if an agreement is reached, that it will not be long before Hamas will control the West Bank as well as Gaza. That will present some incredible problems for Israel's leadership.
Staying in Israel: According to an article in the "Telegraph" a British paper, Israel is planning on building a 43 mile security fence in the Golan Heights, much like the one they have built around the West Bank. There is a strong concern that when the Assad regime falls in Syria radicals will assume leadership and Israel will face an imminent threat along the Syrian border. Such a security fence will cause another international outrage as it will be built on lands Israel captured from Syria during the 1967 War. But Israel has to do what it has to do to protect its people. Somehow things are never easy in Israel and that goes way back to Bible days.
One final article I want to share with you. It was published in the "National Review" and was written by Thomas Sowell. You can find it at http://www.nationalreview.com/articles/337103/role-educators-thomas-sowell. This is an important article as I believe it captures the essence of some of America's problems. We have forgotten to teach our children our history accurately. America's story needs to be told as it was, not as we would have liked it to have been. America's story centers around a group of individuals who had a vision for a nation founded upon principles of ethics and laws grounded in the Bible. Yes, our Founders would welcome people from all over the world. But they would also have said, you come here because you want to be part of who we are, not to change us to become like you. That was America's strength. People did come. They came as Irish, Swedes, Norwegians, Dutch, Italians, French, and Germans. They learned our language. They worked hard on our farms and in our factories. They educated their children. They became citizens, paid their taxes, voted in our elections and became Americans. People come to America today and expect our nation to change to fit their traditions and values. America simply cannot become all things to all people. Anyway, read the article and I would be interested in your response.
Well this will be another year in which we have to depend upon God. We are not to put our confidence in the decisions reached by men, nor put our trust in military or financial might. For, as we have seen, political, martial, and financial plans can collapse. "My hope is built on Jesus Christ and His righteousness." May that hope encourage us and move us forward in this new year.
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
A Christmas Reflection from Tragedy
Well according to the Mayan calendar we are now just two days away from the end of the world. From the crowds that I have witnessed at local shopping malls in recent days, the thought of the world ending certainly has not disquieted many hearts. Oh you read of a few groups that have huddled together to welcome the world's ending, but I wonder what will be their response when December 22 arrives with all its uncertainty. Friends, we know that the day is coming when this world as we know it will end. But of that day and hour only the Father in heaven knows. Mayan calendars, Nostradamus, and other instruments of prognosticating the future know nothing of the mind of God, let alone the dates that He and only He has determined. Now, I believe that Friday might be the day that Jesus comes for His Church, an event we know as the Rapture. If that would happen, I will gladly join with millions of other believers to welcome that exciting day. But, unless that event occurs, the world will keep spinning on its axis as it has for countless years; mankind will continue his quest to be like God, much as he has done since the Garden of Eden, with its resulting heartaches and sufferings; and the Church should, and I emphasize that word "should" proclaim with all the authority of heaven that God has provided a way for mankind to be reconciled to a holy God.
This year the Advent Season has been marked with incredible tragedies. Those images that filled our television screens and computer monitors this past Friday will be etched into our minds and hearts. We ask ourselves the question, "How could God allow this to happen? How could God stand by and allow a madman to destroy the lives of 27 innocent people and their families? Friends, I have to admit that I have no answers for those questions except to say that they come as a consequence of living in a world still dominated by the power of sin. Bad things happen to good people because we are citizens of a world still under the curse. Every day good, decent people die in car accidents. Every day good, decent people die of cancer and heart disease. Every day good, decent people lose their jobs. Every day good, decent people have their marriages ripped asunder. And each event is as tragic as was that of Newtown, CT this past Friday - except there the tragedy was magnified twenty-seven-fold and was before us on national television.
Now as we witness the sorrow and the funerals for these children and their hero-teachers who gave their lives to protect other children, our hearts are filled with both sorrow and rage. How could this happen so close to Christmas? But did you know that a similar tragedy occurred as part of that first Christmas story. We read in Matthew 2, "When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi. Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled: 'A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.'" (Matthew 2:16-18). Last Friday in Newtown, CT, parents were unaware of the danger that lurked in the halls of Sandy Hook Elementary School. They sent their children off that morning thinking it would be another normal day. Yet tragedy struck. Now just imagine what it would have been like if they had been forced to stand there and watch their children being murdered and could do nothing about it. Yet that is what happened in Bethlehem that day. Can you imagine the horrors? Can you hear the screams of the mothers and fathers? Can you hear the cries from the little boys, many of whom were just learning to walk, as they were wrested from their parents grasp? This is part of the Nativity story that we intentionally forget because it causes us to ask the unanswerable question - Why, God? The birth of Jesus Christ caused the deaths of many little boys in and around Bethlehem, little boys whose lives lay before them, lives filled with hope and joy. Why did God allow this to happen? Perhaps it was a proclamation that just as those innocent children died so that the boy Jesus might live, that years later the innocent Jesus - the Lamb of God - would die for those who were not so innocent.
As I have pondered the events of last Friday through the lens of the Advent story, I have discovered that there is a depth to the story of that first Christmas that we often never explore. In fact, to be honest, the Advent story raises a lot of deep questions that are ignored in our haste to retell the story in its simplicity. So, in these remaining days before Christmas, perhaps you could take some time, sit down with your Bible, and re-read the Christmas story. Read it slowly. Ponder how you would have responded if you had been Mary and greeted by an angel. Ponder how you would have responded if you had been Joseph and told that your fiancee was pregnant. Ponder how you would have responded if you have been one of the shepherds. Be honest with yourself. What questions would you have asked? What information would you have wanted? In that way you will be getting deeper into the significance of the story. And, if you want to be totally blown away, read John 1:14. That should cause you to pause in bewilderment: God became a baby. The One who created the world became a created being; the One who parted the waters of the Red Sea and caused the walls of Jericho to fall became a helpless infant. Oh that we might probe the depths of the Christmas story.
Friends, I want to thank you for being on the journey with me for another year. One can only wonder what the New Year will hold for us as we await the return of Jesus. But we will be there to help you understand the events from a biblical perspective.
So, I wish you and yours a very Merry and Blessed Christmas and a New Year filled with His presence in all things.
This year the Advent Season has been marked with incredible tragedies. Those images that filled our television screens and computer monitors this past Friday will be etched into our minds and hearts. We ask ourselves the question, "How could God allow this to happen? How could God stand by and allow a madman to destroy the lives of 27 innocent people and their families? Friends, I have to admit that I have no answers for those questions except to say that they come as a consequence of living in a world still dominated by the power of sin. Bad things happen to good people because we are citizens of a world still under the curse. Every day good, decent people die in car accidents. Every day good, decent people die of cancer and heart disease. Every day good, decent people lose their jobs. Every day good, decent people have their marriages ripped asunder. And each event is as tragic as was that of Newtown, CT this past Friday - except there the tragedy was magnified twenty-seven-fold and was before us on national television.
Now as we witness the sorrow and the funerals for these children and their hero-teachers who gave their lives to protect other children, our hearts are filled with both sorrow and rage. How could this happen so close to Christmas? But did you know that a similar tragedy occurred as part of that first Christmas story. We read in Matthew 2, "When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi. Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled: 'A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.'" (Matthew 2:16-18). Last Friday in Newtown, CT, parents were unaware of the danger that lurked in the halls of Sandy Hook Elementary School. They sent their children off that morning thinking it would be another normal day. Yet tragedy struck. Now just imagine what it would have been like if they had been forced to stand there and watch their children being murdered and could do nothing about it. Yet that is what happened in Bethlehem that day. Can you imagine the horrors? Can you hear the screams of the mothers and fathers? Can you hear the cries from the little boys, many of whom were just learning to walk, as they were wrested from their parents grasp? This is part of the Nativity story that we intentionally forget because it causes us to ask the unanswerable question - Why, God? The birth of Jesus Christ caused the deaths of many little boys in and around Bethlehem, little boys whose lives lay before them, lives filled with hope and joy. Why did God allow this to happen? Perhaps it was a proclamation that just as those innocent children died so that the boy Jesus might live, that years later the innocent Jesus - the Lamb of God - would die for those who were not so innocent.
As I have pondered the events of last Friday through the lens of the Advent story, I have discovered that there is a depth to the story of that first Christmas that we often never explore. In fact, to be honest, the Advent story raises a lot of deep questions that are ignored in our haste to retell the story in its simplicity. So, in these remaining days before Christmas, perhaps you could take some time, sit down with your Bible, and re-read the Christmas story. Read it slowly. Ponder how you would have responded if you had been Mary and greeted by an angel. Ponder how you would have responded if you had been Joseph and told that your fiancee was pregnant. Ponder how you would have responded if you have been one of the shepherds. Be honest with yourself. What questions would you have asked? What information would you have wanted? In that way you will be getting deeper into the significance of the story. And, if you want to be totally blown away, read John 1:14. That should cause you to pause in bewilderment: God became a baby. The One who created the world became a created being; the One who parted the waters of the Red Sea and caused the walls of Jericho to fall became a helpless infant. Oh that we might probe the depths of the Christmas story.
Friends, I want to thank you for being on the journey with me for another year. One can only wonder what the New Year will hold for us as we await the return of Jesus. But we will be there to help you understand the events from a biblical perspective.
So, I wish you and yours a very Merry and Blessed Christmas and a New Year filled with His presence in all things.
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Of Korea, the Middle East, and the Fiscal Cliff
The eyes of the world were on North Korea this morning as they launched a missile with the purported purpose of putting a satellite into orbit. The South Koreans and the Japanese governments are filled with uncertainty as to what this launch really means. But it does demonstrate that the North Koreans have the capacity to deliver a warhead into South Korea, Japan, and possibly even to the United States. We know that the regime in North Korea is anti-God, anti-West, and anti-democracy. Reports indicate that a contingent of scientists from Iran were present at the launch. This only confirms what was already speculated of the ties between those two countries. One can only feel for the people of North Korea, the most impoverished nation on the face of the earth. Resources that could have been used to promote their welfare were used to enhance North Korea's pledge to be a scourge to the rest of the world. I will be interested to see what the reaction from Beijing will be.
Fall out continues from the recent Israeli offensive in Gaza and the renewed Arab Spring in Egypt. Last week Khaled Mashaal, the political leader of Hamas who has been in exile from the Gaza Strip, returned amid much fanfare. The Egyptian government under President Morsi, a leader within the Muslim Brotherhood, permitted Mashaal's return, the first time in 45 years. Can the connection between the Muslim Brotherhood and Hamas be more clear? While in the Gaza, Mashaal said, "Palestine will be Palestine. We will never surrender the land, Jerusalem, the right of return or our right to resistance. We will not leave any inch of Palestinian land and we'll never give up any of our rights." According to the article published in "Religion Today", Israeli President Shimon Peres stated in response to Mashaal's comments, "He unmasked the real nature of Hamas: to kill, to conquer, not to compromise, the people of Gaza can remain poor and hungry."
There are two things happening now in the Middle East that I find alarming. First, the situation in Egypt continues to unravel. As I have shared with you, this coming Saturday, December 15, the Egyptian people will be voting on the new constitution which is primarily forcing Egypt under Islamic Sharia law. The outcome of this election is uncertain at the moment, but if passed will have disastrous consequences to Egypt's Coptic Christian minority as well as to those liberal Egyptians who have enjoyed freedoms under the Mubarak regime. Protests continue in Tahrir Square. One wonders what the arrangements are between Morsi, the Muslim Brotherhood, and the Egyptian military leaders. To further compound this concern is the recent decision by the Obama Administration to deliver 20 F-16 fighter planes to the Morsi government. Malou Innocent, a foreign policy analyst at the Cato Institute is quoted in an article in Arutz Sheva, the online news from IsraelNationalNews.com, "Should an over reaction by Egypt spiral into a broader conflict between Egypt and Israel, such a scenario would put U.S. officials in an embarrassing position of having supplied massive amounts of military hardware...to both belligerents. Given Washington's fiscal woes, American taxpayers should no longer be Egypt's major arms supplier."
The second alarming situation still developing comes as a result of the Palestinians being given a new status at the United Nations. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas now believes that the world recognizes the legitimacy of a Palestinian State, although officially there is none. But the international perception is greater than the reality. The Israeli government compounded the problem with its granting permission to build some 3,000 housing units in Judea, Samaria (the West Bank) and around Jerusalem. The International Community, especial the European Union nations, were incensed with many recalling their ambassadors in protest. According to Israeli authorities, these permits were granted in areas that would not be part of any two-state solution.
A senior Abbas aide, Nabil Shaath, said, "by continuing these war crimes of settlement activities on our lands and stealing our money, Israel is pushing and forcing us to go to the ICC (the International Criminal Court)." Israel is withholding some $100 million in tax rebates and other fees it collects on behalf of the Palestinians to pay for Palestinian debts to the Israeli communities. If the Arab world cannot destroy Israel through acts of violence, it will seek to do it through attacking its reputation at the World Court. Friends, isn't it great to know that according to the Bible we know how this story will end - not with Israel's demise at the World Court or through a series of attacks, but with the arrival of their King, the Lord Jesus.
With less than three weeks remaining, Congressional leaders and the President appear to be no closer to a solution to the impending "fiscal cliff" than they were before the November elections. To be perfectly honest, I am not sure what a solution would look like. The problem is that no one wants to bear the inevitable pain that will be associated with a solution. It is time for churches to begin creating a plan to help parishioners when the difficult times come. Clothing closets, food shelves, listing of who is a plumber, an electrician, a roofer, a doctor, etc, and the list goes on. This is how Christians have survived difficult times in the past. And, in our preparedness, the Church will be ready to help their communities to be salt and light in difficult times.
And so the world rushes on this Advent Season unaware of the cliff it is careening toward. Yet, for those of us who are believers, as we prepare to celebrate Christ's birthday, we are preparing to celebrate His return. That makes the Christmas Season extra-special.
Fall out continues from the recent Israeli offensive in Gaza and the renewed Arab Spring in Egypt. Last week Khaled Mashaal, the political leader of Hamas who has been in exile from the Gaza Strip, returned amid much fanfare. The Egyptian government under President Morsi, a leader within the Muslim Brotherhood, permitted Mashaal's return, the first time in 45 years. Can the connection between the Muslim Brotherhood and Hamas be more clear? While in the Gaza, Mashaal said, "Palestine will be Palestine. We will never surrender the land, Jerusalem, the right of return or our right to resistance. We will not leave any inch of Palestinian land and we'll never give up any of our rights." According to the article published in "Religion Today", Israeli President Shimon Peres stated in response to Mashaal's comments, "He unmasked the real nature of Hamas: to kill, to conquer, not to compromise, the people of Gaza can remain poor and hungry."
There are two things happening now in the Middle East that I find alarming. First, the situation in Egypt continues to unravel. As I have shared with you, this coming Saturday, December 15, the Egyptian people will be voting on the new constitution which is primarily forcing Egypt under Islamic Sharia law. The outcome of this election is uncertain at the moment, but if passed will have disastrous consequences to Egypt's Coptic Christian minority as well as to those liberal Egyptians who have enjoyed freedoms under the Mubarak regime. Protests continue in Tahrir Square. One wonders what the arrangements are between Morsi, the Muslim Brotherhood, and the Egyptian military leaders. To further compound this concern is the recent decision by the Obama Administration to deliver 20 F-16 fighter planes to the Morsi government. Malou Innocent, a foreign policy analyst at the Cato Institute is quoted in an article in Arutz Sheva, the online news from IsraelNationalNews.com, "Should an over reaction by Egypt spiral into a broader conflict between Egypt and Israel, such a scenario would put U.S. officials in an embarrassing position of having supplied massive amounts of military hardware...to both belligerents. Given Washington's fiscal woes, American taxpayers should no longer be Egypt's major arms supplier."
The second alarming situation still developing comes as a result of the Palestinians being given a new status at the United Nations. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas now believes that the world recognizes the legitimacy of a Palestinian State, although officially there is none. But the international perception is greater than the reality. The Israeli government compounded the problem with its granting permission to build some 3,000 housing units in Judea, Samaria (the West Bank) and around Jerusalem. The International Community, especial the European Union nations, were incensed with many recalling their ambassadors in protest. According to Israeli authorities, these permits were granted in areas that would not be part of any two-state solution.
A senior Abbas aide, Nabil Shaath, said, "by continuing these war crimes of settlement activities on our lands and stealing our money, Israel is pushing and forcing us to go to the ICC (the International Criminal Court)." Israel is withholding some $100 million in tax rebates and other fees it collects on behalf of the Palestinians to pay for Palestinian debts to the Israeli communities. If the Arab world cannot destroy Israel through acts of violence, it will seek to do it through attacking its reputation at the World Court. Friends, isn't it great to know that according to the Bible we know how this story will end - not with Israel's demise at the World Court or through a series of attacks, but with the arrival of their King, the Lord Jesus.
With less than three weeks remaining, Congressional leaders and the President appear to be no closer to a solution to the impending "fiscal cliff" than they were before the November elections. To be perfectly honest, I am not sure what a solution would look like. The problem is that no one wants to bear the inevitable pain that will be associated with a solution. It is time for churches to begin creating a plan to help parishioners when the difficult times come. Clothing closets, food shelves, listing of who is a plumber, an electrician, a roofer, a doctor, etc, and the list goes on. This is how Christians have survived difficult times in the past. And, in our preparedness, the Church will be ready to help their communities to be salt and light in difficult times.
And so the world rushes on this Advent Season unaware of the cliff it is careening toward. Yet, for those of us who are believers, as we prepare to celebrate Christ's birthday, we are preparing to celebrate His return. That makes the Christmas Season extra-special.
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Of EMPs and Chemical Weapons
There was a very interesting article this morning in Arutz Sheva, the Daily Israel Report from IsraelNationalNews.com. The headlines were: "Doomsday for Iran? US Tests EMP Bomb." The article was written by Tzva Ben Gedalyahu. "Boeing has successfully tested an electro-magnetic pulse (EMP) missile that turns 'science fiction into science fact' and could be the doomsday weapon against Iran, but media have largely ignored the development." The article continues, "The U.S. Air Force and Boeing demonstrated the device more than two months ago over a military site in the Utah desert, reported the VR-Zone technology website. Boeing did not keep the test a secret, but most mainstream media and technology sites overlooked the report. The test was named CHAMP - Counter-Electronics High Power Advanced Missile Project and was the first time a real EMP missile has been tested with positive real world results."
What does an EMP device do, you are asking? The article states, "EMP causes non-lethal gamma energy to react with the magnetic field and produces a powerful electromagnetic shock wave that can destroy electronic devices." According to the article, the Utah test was successful in that video cameras showed images of numerous desktop computers running and then suddenly all of them go out quickly followed by the camera going black.
What is the significance of this little article tucked away in an Israeli online paper? Reports had circulated for years of the possibilities of using an EMP device to create targeted damage through the destruction of the electrical grids. Now possibilities have become realities. Just think, for a moment, of the damage an exploded EMP would create over a city the size of New York. All of the power would be destroyed. No lights. No traffic signals. No subways. No automobiles (don't forget the heart of modern cars is a sophisticated electronics system). No telecommunications. The result would truly be chaos and anarchy as everyone would be in survival mode. In literature about EMPs the little phrase, "back to the dark ages" is often used. Now we know that that can in fact happen.
Should we be concerned? Absolutely. If the United States has this technology, it is almost assured that other nations are developing it as well. Could it be possible that Iran is working on EMP alongside of its nuclear program? Most assuredly. We know it is developing a more sophisticated long-range missile system, including satellite launchings, that could be used as a delivery system both for a nuclear and EMP bomb.
I don't want to be an alarmist, but just thought you should know. The fiction of yesterday is now the reality of today.
Are you following the events in Egypt? Lots of unrest in Cairo and beyond. The proposed Constitution is scheduled for a popular referendum on December 15th. Will the people approve this return to Islamic rule by the Muslim Brotherhood and President Morsi? I guess that will depend upon how intimidated the people are by the MB. There just might be another "Arab Spring - the Sequel" on the horizon.
And Israel's response to the United Nations General Assembly vote to recognize the Palestinian Authority as a non-member observer state has aroused international concern. Several nations either have threatened to recall their ambassadors or have done so in response to Israel's decision to proceed with the construction of 3,000 housing units around Jerusalem and in Judea and Samaria (also known as the West Bank). But, according to Israeli sources, these units will be built on land that would not be included in any land given to the PA as part of a two-state solution. Stay tuned, this one might get very interesting.
And then there is the threat that the beleaguered Syrian President Assad might use chemical weapons against the rebels within his country. This brings alarm to Turkey and Israel especially. NATO has agreed to send Patriot missile batteries to Turkey's border with Syria. And you know that Israeli forces are on high alert along the Golan Heights. Will NATO step in if chemical weapons are deployed? Another unfinished story.
Jesus told His disciples as they sat overlooking the temple and its glory, that in the end of the age there would be "wars and rumors of war." The rumors are spreading quickly these days. Perhaps as we celebrate Christ's first Advent, He will honor us with His second. Even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus.
What does an EMP device do, you are asking? The article states, "EMP causes non-lethal gamma energy to react with the magnetic field and produces a powerful electromagnetic shock wave that can destroy electronic devices." According to the article, the Utah test was successful in that video cameras showed images of numerous desktop computers running and then suddenly all of them go out quickly followed by the camera going black.
What is the significance of this little article tucked away in an Israeli online paper? Reports had circulated for years of the possibilities of using an EMP device to create targeted damage through the destruction of the electrical grids. Now possibilities have become realities. Just think, for a moment, of the damage an exploded EMP would create over a city the size of New York. All of the power would be destroyed. No lights. No traffic signals. No subways. No automobiles (don't forget the heart of modern cars is a sophisticated electronics system). No telecommunications. The result would truly be chaos and anarchy as everyone would be in survival mode. In literature about EMPs the little phrase, "back to the dark ages" is often used. Now we know that that can in fact happen.
Should we be concerned? Absolutely. If the United States has this technology, it is almost assured that other nations are developing it as well. Could it be possible that Iran is working on EMP alongside of its nuclear program? Most assuredly. We know it is developing a more sophisticated long-range missile system, including satellite launchings, that could be used as a delivery system both for a nuclear and EMP bomb.
I don't want to be an alarmist, but just thought you should know. The fiction of yesterday is now the reality of today.
Are you following the events in Egypt? Lots of unrest in Cairo and beyond. The proposed Constitution is scheduled for a popular referendum on December 15th. Will the people approve this return to Islamic rule by the Muslim Brotherhood and President Morsi? I guess that will depend upon how intimidated the people are by the MB. There just might be another "Arab Spring - the Sequel" on the horizon.
And Israel's response to the United Nations General Assembly vote to recognize the Palestinian Authority as a non-member observer state has aroused international concern. Several nations either have threatened to recall their ambassadors or have done so in response to Israel's decision to proceed with the construction of 3,000 housing units around Jerusalem and in Judea and Samaria (also known as the West Bank). But, according to Israeli sources, these units will be built on land that would not be included in any land given to the PA as part of a two-state solution. Stay tuned, this one might get very interesting.
And then there is the threat that the beleaguered Syrian President Assad might use chemical weapons against the rebels within his country. This brings alarm to Turkey and Israel especially. NATO has agreed to send Patriot missile batteries to Turkey's border with Syria. And you know that Israeli forces are on high alert along the Golan Heights. Will NATO step in if chemical weapons are deployed? Another unfinished story.
Jesus told His disciples as they sat overlooking the temple and its glory, that in the end of the age there would be "wars and rumors of war." The rumors are spreading quickly these days. Perhaps as we celebrate Christ's first Advent, He will honor us with His second. Even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus.
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