What a surprise to wake up the other morning to the sounds of thunder and falling rain. It actually felt great to feel raindrops on my head as I walked from the house to the car on my way to coffee. Most of the area reported receiving one and one half to two and one quarter inches of rain which lowers our deficit to fourteen inches for the year. But, who’s complaining. I mean, we’re not on fire nor are we under water, so compared to the rest of the country, we’re in pretty good shape, don’t you think? Come on, stop complaining and crying about no fireworks sales or displays this year for our country’s 235th birthday. And we’re not alone. Most of the State of Texas won’t be having any fireworks displays this year. There’ll be more 4th of July’s and maybe next year the show will be twice as big. I guess we’ll have to settle for watching someone else’s fireworks on the television. Once again, remember, things could be worse.
While walking down the street one day a US senator is tragically hit by a truck and dies. His soul arrives in heaven and is met by St. Peter at the entrance. “Welcome to heaven”, says Peter. “Before you settle in, it seems there’s a problem. We seldom see a high official around these parts, you see, so we’re not sure what to do with you.” “No problem, just let me in”, says the senator. “Well, I’d like to”, says Peter, “but I have orders from higher up. What we’ll do is have you spend one day in hell and one day in heaven. Then you can chose where you want to spend eternity.” And with that, Peter escorts the senator to an elevator and he goes down, down, down to hell. The doors open and he finds himself in the middle of a green golf course. In the distance he can see a clubhouse with all his friends and other politicians he had worked with. Everyone is happy and in evening dress. They run to greet him, shake his hand and reminisce about the good times they had while getting rich at the expense of the people. They play a round of golf and have a big extravagant dinner. The devil was there, a real friendly guy who was dancing and telling funny stories. Time was up and everyone gives him a hearty farewell. The elevator goes up, up, up to heaven. There he spends a day hanging out with a group of contented souls moving from cloud to cloud playing the harp and singing. They have a good time and before he knows it, time is up. Peter meets with the senator. “Well what will it be senator, heaven or hell?” The senator decided he liked hell much better, so Peter puts him in the elevator. Down, down, down he goes to hell. The doors open and he’s in a barren land covered with garbage. He sees his friends, dressed in rags, picking up trash and putting it into black bags. The devil greets him whereupon he protests about the change, “What has happened between yesterday and today?” The devil looks at him, smiles and says, “Yesterday we were campaigning. Today you voted.” Are you ready for campaign 2012?
[Psalm 33] “…From heaven the Lord looks down and sees all mankind; from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth …No king is saved by the size of his army …But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those who hope on his unfailing love …” No matter how big and strong this country becomes, if our politics and politicians don’t get right with God, soon, this country is going to run out of birthdays. Don’t, for a moment, think we can ever be stronger than the God who made US, for he can also destroy US whenever he finally gets tired of our disobedience.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Obedience and Respect
I’m getting old enough to see another generation taking charge of the world and running it as they deem to be correct. I guess I see the same things my forefathers have seen before me and as they probably did, I have a tendency to reflect on the not so good job I did raising children. I wish I had been mature enough to have done this or that a little different, and if I had, maybe this world wouldn’t be in the confused state it displays today. Don’t get me wrong here. I’m proud of my children and delighted with the attitude they have in raising their children. But, way too often I see neglect on the part of the father image all children want and need. It’s a basic instinct to want and need direction and discipline as a child gropes to find his or her place in the world. There has to be that safe stable place to go to for guidance and example, which, unfortunately, is missing in so many lives of young people today. I don’t guess there’s a father out there who feels he got it totally right when he looks back on how he raised his children, but I’ll bet he and grandma have good advise on how to raise their grand-children. Oops, didn’t mean to step on any toes. Advise wisely, but don’t demand.
I think the all time greatest story about the influence of a father has to do with adolescent elephants. In an effort to save the species, researchers were proud of the fact that they had raised many African elephants from birth to adolescent age. A problem of over-crowding arose in one preserve to a point of having to move several teenage bull elephants to another location. Little did those who ordered the transfer understand what would happen. In the new area, gradually, the teen elephants became unruly. They even formed gangs, throwing large tree branches around and killing rhinoceroses. The managers of the preserve began to take pictures and keep a “rap sheet” on offenders. Because they had no correction facilities for the juvenile delinquents, many of them had to be shot and killed. Finally, those in charge decided these young bull elephants didn’t know how to behave as elephants. They needed roll models and father figures; someone who would bring them under control. Some big mature bull elephants were shipped in and immediately the youngsters learned who was in control. The teens got whipped into shape in hurry, and the killing of rhinoceroses ceased. It’s funny what a little adult supervision can do. Where have all the fathers gone?
[Proverbs 29: 15] “The rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother.” A man was asked what he got for Father’s Day and he replied, “The bills from Mother’s Day!” Ouch! Well, what a father really wants is obedience and respect, and the Bible teaches, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother; which is the first commandment with a promise; that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth” (Ephesians 6:1-3). The Bible also teaches, “Fathers, do not exasperate your children, instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). Fathers, how do you gain obedience and respect from your children? Show obedience and respect. When faced with all the ideals of the world Joshua said, “…if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, …But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15). God loves a loving father and His wisdom as the Father of all is available for fathers raising great children.
I think the all time greatest story about the influence of a father has to do with adolescent elephants. In an effort to save the species, researchers were proud of the fact that they had raised many African elephants from birth to adolescent age. A problem of over-crowding arose in one preserve to a point of having to move several teenage bull elephants to another location. Little did those who ordered the transfer understand what would happen. In the new area, gradually, the teen elephants became unruly. They even formed gangs, throwing large tree branches around and killing rhinoceroses. The managers of the preserve began to take pictures and keep a “rap sheet” on offenders. Because they had no correction facilities for the juvenile delinquents, many of them had to be shot and killed. Finally, those in charge decided these young bull elephants didn’t know how to behave as elephants. They needed roll models and father figures; someone who would bring them under control. Some big mature bull elephants were shipped in and immediately the youngsters learned who was in control. The teens got whipped into shape in hurry, and the killing of rhinoceroses ceased. It’s funny what a little adult supervision can do. Where have all the fathers gone?
[Proverbs 29: 15] “The rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother.” A man was asked what he got for Father’s Day and he replied, “The bills from Mother’s Day!” Ouch! Well, what a father really wants is obedience and respect, and the Bible teaches, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother; which is the first commandment with a promise; that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth” (Ephesians 6:1-3). The Bible also teaches, “Fathers, do not exasperate your children, instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). Fathers, how do you gain obedience and respect from your children? Show obedience and respect. When faced with all the ideals of the world Joshua said, “…if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, …But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15). God loves a loving father and His wisdom as the Father of all is available for fathers raising great children.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
God, Help US
Most everyone I know is having some sort of trouble during this prolonged time of economic stress. Slow-downs, lay-offs and no pay raises seem to be the normal practice of most employers. No intention of blame or misconduct from me as I know employers have to shell out more and more money just to have employees, but that’s another subject all together. The price of everything is going up with little to no increase in income. It doesn’t take a PhD to see what the future holds. The buying power of the dollar is shrinking and people of low or fixed income are slipping into poverty at an alarming rate. Well, to cut to the chase, it’s time for each and every one of us to step up to the plate and pinch-hit for someone else. I was able to knock one out of the ball-park for someone this past week and I have to admit it felt good. I hadn’t worked on someone else’s car in a long time, but for a friend and brother in Christ, I couldn’t refuse. The problem with the car’s engine was easy to troubleshoot and rather inexpensive compared to most repairs these days, but very time consuming to repair. All said and done, the car still isn’t perfect, but it’s a lot more reliable and will definitely burn less gas per mile than before the fix. In the back of my mind I shuttered when I said I would look at his car. I couldn’t see where the time would come from to help him out, but low and behold, my great God was there to help all the way.
You know I love the Sunday comics. I find so much truth in them they’re about the only section of the paper I tend to fully believe. A couple of weeks back I loved the strip, Prickly City by Scott Stantis, which features a girl named Carmen and a dog named Winslow. They live in the desert and most of the scenes consist of nothing but rocks and sand and sometimes nothingness. Carmen has wild mood swings and Winslow seems to always be wanting to help Carmen feel better about herself, that is, when he’s not seeking God in some way. This particular strip illustrated that helping hand I was talking about and how good it makes the recipient feel, which a lot of us may not realize and it may be the only payment we receive for our help. With a deeply depressed look Carmen says, “I feel small; The world is in a tumble; Everything is in a flux; Nothing is certain; It makes me rudderless and diminished.” Winslow pops in and says, with a big grin, “I’ll let you get on my shoulders, Carmen. Then I can carry you for a piece.” Atop Winslow’s shoulders, a smiling Carmen says, “I feel big!”
[Job 5: 8-27] Three friends sat with Job sharing in his suffering for seven days and nights without saying a word (Job 2:11-13). Job speaks a very depressed lament (Chap. 3), to which one of his friends, Eliphaz, replies (Chaps. 4 &5). Just touching the surface of the scripture’s meaning, look at Eliphaz’s advise to Job concerning his situation. “But if it were I, I would appeal to God; I would lay my cause before him. He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted (Job 5:8-9). American’s are crying out for relief. I applaud Texas Governor Rick Perry and his call for a day of fasting and prayer to the God of this great nation this August 6th. Sean Faircloth, executive director of The Secular Coalition of America says, "The last thing our officials should do in times of national struggle is promote a divisive religious event that proposes no real solutions to our country's real-world problems." Asking God to lift US up is the first thing we should do! Let’s get on God’s shoulders.
You know I love the Sunday comics. I find so much truth in them they’re about the only section of the paper I tend to fully believe. A couple of weeks back I loved the strip, Prickly City by Scott Stantis, which features a girl named Carmen and a dog named Winslow. They live in the desert and most of the scenes consist of nothing but rocks and sand and sometimes nothingness. Carmen has wild mood swings and Winslow seems to always be wanting to help Carmen feel better about herself, that is, when he’s not seeking God in some way. This particular strip illustrated that helping hand I was talking about and how good it makes the recipient feel, which a lot of us may not realize and it may be the only payment we receive for our help. With a deeply depressed look Carmen says, “I feel small; The world is in a tumble; Everything is in a flux; Nothing is certain; It makes me rudderless and diminished.” Winslow pops in and says, with a big grin, “I’ll let you get on my shoulders, Carmen. Then I can carry you for a piece.” Atop Winslow’s shoulders, a smiling Carmen says, “I feel big!”
[Job 5: 8-27] Three friends sat with Job sharing in his suffering for seven days and nights without saying a word (Job 2:11-13). Job speaks a very depressed lament (Chap. 3), to which one of his friends, Eliphaz, replies (Chaps. 4 &5). Just touching the surface of the scripture’s meaning, look at Eliphaz’s advise to Job concerning his situation. “But if it were I, I would appeal to God; I would lay my cause before him. He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted (Job 5:8-9). American’s are crying out for relief. I applaud Texas Governor Rick Perry and his call for a day of fasting and prayer to the God of this great nation this August 6th. Sean Faircloth, executive director of The Secular Coalition of America says, "The last thing our officials should do in times of national struggle is promote a divisive religious event that proposes no real solutions to our country's real-world problems." Asking God to lift US up is the first thing we should do! Let’s get on God’s shoulders.
Saturday, June 04, 2011
One Honorable Statesman
Where are all the servants we continually place in office to represent our thoughts and ideals? Why are they not listening to us? Six months ago the word out of Washington was that things were getting better and by mid-year the economy would show great improvements. So, of course, the first thing to do is go crazy speculating on oil to get this new money coming down the pipe, which increases the price of fuel yet try to believe that it won’t effect the projected economic growth. And, as long as your pockets are full of money, this is true. Well, here it is June and guess what? The economy has slipped, and low and behold, our leaders think it might have something to do with the increase in the cost of petroleum products. You Think!? Nothing escapes the increase cost of petroleum. Everybody has to pay for fuel over and over again. You not only have to fill your own gas tank, but you also have to share in filling the fuel tank of every truck on the highway. Every plastic product goes up in price. Medicines go up in cost. Food goes up in cost. Everything costs more because of the increased price of a barrel of oil. Speculative greed is the culprit and the economy will continue to stumble as long as this goes on. A man named Dalton Key wrote in an editorial a description of politics. “Politics has been described as the art of taking money from the rich and votes from the poor while promising to protect each from the other. With respect to government, political matters are fast becoming partisan, self-serving and in many cases corrupt. Many of us would gladly agree to trade one-thousand questionable politicians for just one honorable statesman.” I have a feeling that description was written a long time ago because it has come to fruition.
It doesn’t seem like anybody pursues wisdom anymore. It is power over others, that’s on the mind of most people. A rookie police officer was out for his first ride in a cruiser with an experienced partner. A call came in to disperse some people who were loitering. The officers drove to the street and observed a small crowd standing on the corner. The rookie rolled down his window and said, “Let’s get off the corner people.” He received a few glances, but no-one moved. So he barked, “Let’s get off the corner…NOW!” Intimidated, the group began to leave, casting puzzled stares in his direction. Proud of his first official act, the rookie turned to his partner and asked, “Well, how did I do?” “Pretty good”, chuckled the vet, “you cleared a bus stop.”
[Mark 10: 35-45] I can’t help but believe that the founding fathers of this great nation were attempting to form a government that was truly made of servants to the people. Time has diluted their intents as God is continually pushed aside by the people and government has become a big business, not serving the people, but becoming a service to the people. The smallest forms of government are lording their power over the people because the next higher up form is lording their power over them and so on all the way to the top. Jesus said His kingdom will not be organized in that way. He said, “…whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Can you imagine those in power of the world governments giving their all as servants to their citizens? I bet that without power we’d have a hard time finding just one honorable statesman.
It doesn’t seem like anybody pursues wisdom anymore. It is power over others, that’s on the mind of most people. A rookie police officer was out for his first ride in a cruiser with an experienced partner. A call came in to disperse some people who were loitering. The officers drove to the street and observed a small crowd standing on the corner. The rookie rolled down his window and said, “Let’s get off the corner people.” He received a few glances, but no-one moved. So he barked, “Let’s get off the corner…NOW!” Intimidated, the group began to leave, casting puzzled stares in his direction. Proud of his first official act, the rookie turned to his partner and asked, “Well, how did I do?” “Pretty good”, chuckled the vet, “you cleared a bus stop.”
[Mark 10: 35-45] I can’t help but believe that the founding fathers of this great nation were attempting to form a government that was truly made of servants to the people. Time has diluted their intents as God is continually pushed aside by the people and government has become a big business, not serving the people, but becoming a service to the people. The smallest forms of government are lording their power over the people because the next higher up form is lording their power over them and so on all the way to the top. Jesus said His kingdom will not be organized in that way. He said, “…whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Can you imagine those in power of the world governments giving their all as servants to their citizens? I bet that without power we’d have a hard time finding just one honorable statesman.
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