When truth becomes an insult ...

“The truth has become an insult.” ― Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

This is strictly politics; however, politics need not be bad. I think that in a democracy we as Christians should be involved. To what extent and how is up for grabs, and I don’t pretend to have all the answers. The principle of purpose, however, is the Golden Rule with love as foundational in all things political.  Not just any love, but the love of Christ. Do I hear an amen?

Racism is absolutely an anathema for any sensible Christian. The highly controversial border wall may be practical, but practical is not what we are called to be. We are called to be Christians, that is followers of Christ, who said,

“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these(Matt. 19:14).”

Now, that being the case, can we say any less? James also reminds us that

“Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world (James 1:27 NJKV).”

A heart of love does not stop at the border, it penetrates such barriers. As Christians we are not called to be pragmatists, we are called to be disciples, wall or no wall.

On another matter altogether. Have you noticed that Russia is the new convenient boogey-man? Poor old Devil seems to have been robbed of his power to influence elections. May I remind us that it has not been Russia that convinced a predominantly depraved majority in congress to sit sidesaddle on antiabortion legislation, or compassionate health care for all, or the means to afford a college education without having to hock the family farm, and a host of other issues. These are the issues that are driving the political process, and, may I say, selfishness underlines most of the decisions. Now, mind you, I am aware that there are grey areas there, but we are also called to deal with grey areas as Christians.

As for me, I am a conservative, that is, Jesus is always, hopefully, my default position. Not so with the politically correct crowd. The default position there is, “I decide what is right and wrong, and if we disagree, I will do my best to expose you for the hypocrite that you are!” The problem is the ways of men and God are not always the same. Besides that, there are times (since they have highjacked the English language) that I am so confused that I am at odds with what to say, and how to say it without offending one of them. Words like: race, gender, marriage, truth, and a host of others have been so morphed by the politically correct crowd that I had just as soon not talk to most of them, particularly when they get up on their high and mighty soapbox. Now, granted I don’t have a hold on the way words are used, but neither do they.

Furthermore, to take a good honest jab at these purveyors of insanity I don’t see any Godly value it surgically mutilating a male into a female, particularly when they haven’t even reached puberty yet. Nor do I feel comfortable with calling she, he or he, she just because they loath their birth gender. Makes about as much sense as one young college student that insisted that her classmates address her as “Hippo” since that is the species with which she had a kindred spirit. No, she wasn’t overweight, just felt that she was meant to be a hippopotamus, and somehow nature got things all mixed up and put her in the wrong body.  Now, mind you she was dead serious, so much so, that college administration had to call a high-level staff meeting and consult with the ethics committed to determine whether the law or moral ethics was broken if they choose not to honor her kookiness. Sympathy, yes, or perhaps pity, but as far as I am concerned, this is carrying things a bit too far. The girl needs help, not validation.

So, much for commonsense. By-the-way, were is Isaiah when we need him? He hit the politically correct response right on the head when he wrote:

“Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter (Isaiah 5:20).”

Shame on us, if we don’t shout a loud amen in response to the words of this ancient prophet, who was truly a friend of God. Now, as far as I am concerned political correctness is much more harmful to our society than haggling over banning assault rifles before even deciding what an assault rifle is. Now, mind you, I am not an NRA guy, nor do I own a gun—never have, and suppose that I never will. But I do have a tongue and I reserve the right to use it as an expression of love as long as I live. Otherwise, to pot with the politically correct crowd.

As with the Apostle Peter and those early apostles,

“We (too) must obey God rather than men (Acts 5;29)."

 JimR_/

A flozzie as a poster child . . .? Enough is enough!

Often in the course of history God pulls back the curtain and shows all who dare look just how rotten a nation is. Certainly, this was the case for Israel, time and time again. I believe America is at that juncture right now.

The “me-too-ism movement” is caught between a rock and a hard place, morally. Stormy Daniels is no victim, except in the broadest sense of the word, and yet she is made out to be some kind of heroine since she is willing to expose her alleged, and filthy shenanigans of a 60-year-old married man who happened to be later elected President of the United States. How one ounce of good can come out of any of this is beyond me.

So, let’s call it what it is: debauchery at the lowest, and one might say, highest level of our country.

For some floozie to expose her freakish silicone injected breast and blow kisses to a crowd of clambering photo frenzied reporters to be elevated to a First Amendment poster child is flabbergasting, to say the least. Yet, it is taking place right before our eyes—thanks to modern technology and an eager media to make it so.

The webs of sin and lies like a finely woven spider’s web have ensnared our country as never before, since Water Gate; and there seems to be no end to the entanglements that lay before us.

All is not well in Zion, and the sooner we wake up to the fact, as a nation, the better. If not, the consequences are unbearable to imagine.

The answer? Personally, I have none, except to say, in words of Scripture that,

“If God’s people, who are called by His name, will humble themselves and pray and seek His face and turn from their wicked ways, then will they hear from heaven, and He will forgive their sin and will heal our land (2 Chronicles 7:14).”

Otherwise, there is no hope this side of Heaven. So, my hope is that the pulpits of our land will echo a challenging call to repent and abandon that “other Gospel (Gal 1:6-9)” of which Paul speaks. Shall I name some of them? Let’s start with “feel-good-ism,” then move on to the pseudo spiritual magic of “get-rich-ism,” followed by “once-saved-always-saved-ism,” and last but not least, I would call “hallelujah-praise-the-Lord-spizzerinctum-ism.”

The “feel-good-ism” doctrine is based on how well one feels once they exit the church service following a pep talk on how great they are; “get-rich-ism” is something that has long since been debunked, yet it lingers—this is commonly known as the prosperity gospel; and lastly, the “hallelujah-praise-the-Lord-spizzerinctum-ism” gospel is based on how high you jump, and excited you can get in a good old rip roaring Pentecostal service. None of these is the Gospel. All are false, other gospels, which must be shunned.

 I am yours for a better tomorrow,

 JimR_/

Gun control? Is there a practical solution?

Just for the record, I have never owned a gun, or intend to own one. That does not mean, however, that I have no thoughts about the current epidemic of assault weapon killings in America. To begin with, why in the name of common sense would anyone want an assault weapon unless it was to kill someone? You cannot by law use them to hunt animals, so what other use is there for them. Protection? I think not—at least, not primarily so. Machoism and murder is at the core of America's fascination with these weapons. That is not to say that our brave police and military forces should not have them—they should; otherwise they should be not only outlawed but confiscated.

Now, having said that, let me add that I do believe our Second Amendment does allow us to protect ourselves. The truth of the matter is, however, when is the last time you ever heard of someone using an assault weapon to protect themselves? A handgun, or perhaps a rifle or shotgun, yes; but an assault weapon, I simply have no recollection of that. Do you?

At this juncture, I must interject, that a practical solution to the problem is impossible—not just elusive, but impossible. Why do I say this? I say this because there are just too many assault firearms out there in the hands of criminals, idiots, and lunatics to confiscate them all. Confiscating some—particularly, those in the hands of known criminals, the mentally disturbed, and placing age limits on owners, would no doubt make a dent in the statistics. So, I say, let’s make the attempt.

We all know that the real problem lies in the heart of the perpetrator, and all the anger in the world will not change that unless God intervenes. Conversion is a solution, but hardly the practical answer for an incorrigible and rebellious society. If you believe that it is; then try to reform the Devil and see how far you get. So, let’s get real. Tough measures must be taken to fortify our schools and other soft-targets with practical solutions.

Without delineating those practical solutions, allow me to suggest that we should begin with holding parents accountable for the wonky actions of their children. Not just the children but also the parents. Let them prove that they “raised up the child in the way that they should go, so that when they got older they will not depart from it (Proverbs 22:6).”

How’s that for starters?

The bottom line is that these children did not just, for the most part, get mean all on their own. Mom and dad, played a part, also. Now, as with most generalizations, there are exceptions, but I don’t think we can deny that this is a good starter.

So, I say band the assault weapons, place age limits on gun ownership without parental supervision, and educate our children to “rat on” those they suspect of potential violent behavior. Further, it is my considered opinion that agencies responsible for monitoring our society should be held accountable for negligence, as for example those individuals who recently allow the Lakeland’s shooter’s profile to slip by without hardly a second thought.

Now, as far as arming teachers goes, I think that is a personal choice. Just like any other citizen the teacher has a right to own a gun and use it when necessary. We should, however, not depend on our teachers to be both police officers and teachers at the same time. Let’s let teachers teach, and police officers protect. In closing, I must say, school gun free zones are just a bunch of hooey, criminals will never pay any attention to that anyway.

Normally, I don’t like to mix politics and religion, but at times it is simply unavoidable, particularly in a democratic society.

Again, may God give us both the wisdom and the will to do that which is right. So, take care, and walk softly before the Lord, and by all means let us pray for our president, and those in responsible positions.

I am yours for a better tomorrow,

 JimR_/

Fake news a sign of the times?

Data communication will eventually destroy America, if we do not repent as a nation. This I say because data is only as good as its source. So, when data is received without first filtering it through a truth grid, then we are in big trouble. And, friends, this is precisely what fake news is all about. Lying is accepted as the gospel truth by-in-large, it seems, by a substantial segment of our society, then acted upon—that is, either regurgitated by the liberal press, or by godless activists out to deceitfully destroy what little moral structure we have left.

One of the great challenges that we as a nation face is sifting through all the digital information that is communicated over the internet, and figuring what picture has been cropped, or data distorted, or purposeful lies spread just for the sake of misinforming the public—either for fun, or because some hacker is bored, or for a more sinister unpatriotic and treasonous reason, or for some partisan advantage.

The Bible speaks not only against telling a lie, but also against “he that maketh a lie (Rev. 21:27 KJV).” And, boy is the Devil at work twisting the news with made up stories to spew out his distortions! Problem is, about the only way to check it out is through more internet, or fishing around to find some network that will stay honest long enough for you to trust it. Biased reporting, liberal, conservative, or otherwise, is not reporting at all—it is simply some reporter pushing their agenda. So, running down truth over internet or through media outlets is an endless conundrum, and frustrating to say the least. So, unless and until we get enough honest people controlling the media we are in deep trouble.

Scriptures speak against those who choose to believe a lie, and delight in doing so (2 Thess. 2:12; Rom. 1:18-32). God forbid that we who have been sanctified by the Spirit ever indulge is such nefarious practices (Thess. 2:13).

Now, once again, may God give us the wisdom and strength to resist evil, and cling to that which is good.

 Take care, and walk softly before the Lord,

 JimR_/

Shifting sands of time . . .

There are only two kinds of men: the righteous who think they are sinners and the sinners who think they are righteous. Blaise Pascal

One may resolve to live righteously; yet, foolishly twist the words of Christ and scriptures to suit themselves. Such self-righteousness is not righteousness at all—it’s a spiritual oxymoron, if there can be any such thing. Yet, some try to go it on their own. They make up the rules along the way, and think that they can get by with it. It’s the modern answer to an old outdated morality, they proclaim.

Somehow, according to their way of thinking, love—erotic or otherwise, trumps all. God has shifted His eternal will to meet today’s cultural norms, and self-defined love is the standard. The quicker the old morality is replaced, the better, as far as they are concerned, particularly when the politically correct wind of the future is blowing in a different direction.

Gender identity is scoffed at, by these absent-minded purveyors of political and religious liberalism. After all, as the reasoning goes, why cannot one become what one wishes to become? Born a man, want to be a woman? No problem. A good surgeon and some hormonal shots and enough money, and that can be resolved. Thus, despite all available scientific and psychological research, these decadent purveyors of licentiousness plod on trampling decency underneath them wherever their warped theology takes them.

Strange isn’t it, that in regard to gender and marriage, Jesus responded to the Pharisees,

“Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? So, they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let no one separate.” (Matthew 19:8)

No question of gender there, or whom should marry whom. Why then do our politically correct churches agitate for change? Same sex marriage? Not in God’s eye, they’re not.

What about the foolish regulation that wool could not be mixed with linen when making a garment (Deuteronomy 22:11)? Surely that was a stupid law, right alongside the other regulations found in the law—as for example, proscribing same sex relations, and a host of other archaic regulations.

Well, the answer is simple. Only the priest had that privilege (Deuteronomy 22:11)—that is, to wear a garment made in such a way. So, laypersons were prohibited to dress that way. Today there are similar laws. It’s illegal to dress up in a badge and a uniform to impersonate a police officer, isn’t it? Police have the authority to stop a speeding car, or handcuff a person, or breakup a domestic dispute and arrest the culprit — things no one else may do. In a similar manner, God gave priests special authority to lead worship in his Holy Presence, administer Temple rituals so that they were, therefore, identified by the clothes they wore. So, it was and is unethical and misleading for a lay person to dress up like a priest, particularly when this can confuse the public or provide unwarranted privileges to the imposter.

I bring the issue up once again because I see so many Christians, pastor’s and laymen alike retreat to a politically correct corner and cave in to the most egregious immorality imaginable. Murder is alright—their warped reasoning goes, after all an abortion is a woman’s right. Furthermore, love is the bond that unites a couple, regardless of sex; and, therefore, God must be pleased to sanction such practices.

Not according to Scripture, particularly Romans 1:18-32, or as implied by the words of Christ, as found in Matthew 19:8, which was quoted above. The natural minded confuse the order of creation, including human sexuality, among other things, when our theology strays from God’s Word. Friendships aside, we are obligated to take a stance solidly on Scripture; speaking in love (Ephesians 4:15), of course.

We are only complete in Him. There is no perfection outside that. Anything less is like spinning our wheels. We get nowhere. Frustration sets in. Like the proverbial gerbil, round and round we go, and where we stop no one knows.

The writer to the Hebrews declared,

For both the One who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are of the same family. That is why Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers. (Hebrews 2:11)

Which brings about an interesting conundrum, and that is, who sanctifies us? Christ, of course. He is the One who sanctifies us, the Scripture tells us, doesn’t it?

So, it’s best to stick with Jesus and His Word under all circumstances, past and present, whether or not it is the politically correct thing to do.

Let us therefore, put on the whole armor of God, including the breastplate of righteousness (Ephesians 6:11-20). For It is because of God that we are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God--that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption (1 Corinthians 1:30).

Therefore, to dismiss the words of Christ and his duly appointed Apostles and prophets, upon whom the Church is built, with Jesus as the Chief Cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20) as outdated is perhaps religion, but not much more—certainly not the faith that was delievered once and for all to the saints, of which Jude speaks. 

Now, may God keep you safely in the arms of Jesus, for in Him dwells all the fulness of God bodily, and we are complete in Him (Colossians 2:9-10).

JimR/-

Navigating through the next 4 years

One of the first Scripture verse that I memorized as a young aspiring teenage preacher was:

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)

It makes sense, doesn’t it? that if Jesus is God, then as God He does not change. It certainly does not take any stretch of logic to arrive at that conclusion. That’s for sure.

Yet, like the fellow who insist that each succeeding generation must reinvent the wheel, this generation of “progressives” feel the old rules don’t apply. God develops right alongside society, warts and all, according to them. The nice thing, they say, about these new rules, is that you can be what you want to be. If you were born male, never mind that’s easy, with just the right amount of money and a good surgeon’s knife “bingo” you are now female. And, if you don’t want to go through all that trouble, then you can just as easily change things with a little makeup and a dress with a new swagger to your walk. That’ll work just fine. The good news—according to them, of course, is that you now have your choice of bathrooms, and if that doesn’t fit your fancy, the government will see to it that you get a new unisex one built just for you.

Hopefully, this will change with the new administration, but I am not holding my breath, simply because this foolishness is too ingrained in our snobbish culture to reverse the trend. Yes, we have a new administration in the White House, but the majority are hitting the streets coalescing around a common agenda of licentiousness and change—not for the better, but for the worst.

Now, I am all for personal choice as long as it doesn’t force itself on me or my pocket book. The point is, to legislate morality is a nebulous thing, and is best left alone unless it adversely affects me or someone else that thinks differently then they do. So, needless to say I find it personally unsettling for the thought control Nazis to do my thinking for me, and in the process, invade my God given rights, as well as others.

Now, if by chance, there is someone out there that does not understand this cultural war—really, a spiritual war; then brace yourself because the worst is yet to come. Just wait until the new millenniums take over. I will be thankful if we can reverse the trend but I am not holding my breath on that.

Our only hope is an old fashioned God ordained revival, but I am not holding my breath on that one, either. It’s not that God can’t change things; it is simply that man won’t, and I simply do not see Him violating the free will of man to bring it about. The Bible talks about Noah’s generation revisiting us, and there is very little to convince me that these unwelcomed guests are not already knocking at our doors—kicking them down in some instances, I must say.

Now, I realize that the temptation for some is to write this all off as the ramblings of an old worn out preacher—but with age, I must tell you, comes wisdom that only experience can bring. So, my strong advice is for us to brace ourselves for the onslaught that I sense looming over the not so distant horizon.

For as Peter reminds us, we must:

"Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." (1 Peter 5:8 NIV)

An angel of light? Yes, that, too. But most often he is found hiding under the guise of sheep’s clothing waving a banner of freedom, liberty and justice for all. Problem is, they have written the dictionary instead of God.

Once again, be blessed—better yet bless others.



Jim/ 

Election Year Hallabaloo . . .

Always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth. (2 Tim. 3:7)

I don’t know about you, perhaps it is just me, but I find it increasingly difficult to distinguish between the current political campaigns and the Ringling Brother’s Circus. Surely, we should not be asked to take the process seriously. And, in my opinion, herein comes the rub. These are serious times. No room for politically correct shenanigans or name calling here, as far as I am concerned.

The whole scene reminds me of the words of Christ, when he said in Matthew 11:16-19):

“To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others: “ ‘We played the pipe for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’”

Could it be that sensible people are simply turned off by the whole scene and see it as just another game that Americans play every 4 years, or whenever there is another election? I think so. There certainly seems to be a majority that fit the category.

Further, in this same parable, Jesus reminds them that even when unadulterated truth faces them---in this case, John the Baptist—they sluff it off by discrediting the messenger, with these words:

For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’

Then He ends the parable with this cryptic statement: “wisdom is only proved right by her deeds.” For years, I wrestled with what that meant, now I understand that all Jesus was saying is that “the proof is in the pudding.” In other words, where had all their shenanigans lead them? Most assuredly nowhere. Nothing wise about that. That’s for sure.

Now, may I ask in all sincerity, “Where will all this election hullaballoo lead us?”

Unfortunately, without God, I must say, we will only have more of the same in the foreseeable, and beyond according to the Bible I read.

At this point, I ask myself if I am a pessimist by nature or are these the facts. Well, to answer that: neither; I’m a realist. Be that as it may, however, this is no excuse for me or for any of us to stand idly by.  For we must work, until we can no longer work. (John 9:4).  

As ever, be blessed—better yet, bless others!

JimR/

Dallas and beyond . . .

By now most of the world has heard about Micah Johnson, a 25-year-old Army veteran who shot and killed 5 Dallas policemen and wounded several others. While reflecting on the incident and watching the press emote over the event, I turned to Scripture for an answer. But not just any answer … I wanted the answer. Of course, I knew and have always taught that Christ is the answer; however, I questioned whether he alone was sufficient. Well, of course, the truth is yes and no. He is the answer in so far as we allow him to be; but herein lies the crux of the matter: in all honesty we seldom do. We would rather fix the problem ourselves.

Our solution is generally a call for more highly trained police, and/or more economic and social equality and less inflammatory rhetoric or something along those lines. Seldom do we see ourselves as the culprit.

Now, keep in mind I am a white man and I know what white people say by-in-large in private.

Far too often the illegal alien Latino is labeled as just another wetback, and budding criminal if not one already.  The same brush is used to paint the welfare mom, or an unemployed black man as just another example of a drag on our society. Ignoring the truth that not all welfare moms are out to scam the system, or that all unemployed are blacks lazy. Sadly, when we choose such labels, the love meter slowly begins to tilt towards either indifference or a seething prejudice which in turns leads to bitterness or in some cases violence.

The truth of the matter is that on some level we have all been guilty of generically labeling some a misfits and drags on society simply because they do not fit into our perfect picture of how things should be. Make no doubt about it, there are criminals and lazy bums, as well as the garden variety of misfits, but to treat them differently than God treats them is grossly sinful.

Micah Johnson and Dallas Police Chief David Brown are a case in point. Ironically both men are black. Obviously, both have seen the world though different lenses. Johnson’s view was filtered through hatred; whereas, Chief Brown chose to filter his through love and service. Now keep these two in focus and let us man up and admit that far too often we have been guilty of throwing all blacks into the same basket along with ‘wetbacks’ the gays and lesbians or the transgender, or the bourka dressed  Muslim next door, and perhaps for good measure those annoying Jehovah Witnesses that just rang our door bell, or what have you. This is true, whether we admit it or not.

We as Christians must never allow ourselves to be tainted with the rhetoric of hate or embrace an attitude of disgust simply because we cannot see past the color of one’s skin or their country of origin or, for that matter, their religion. Ours’s is not to judge but to love. Only God is capable of both. We are restrained from judgement: that is His job. For even "… God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him (John 3:17)."

A lassie fare attitude will not work either. We must become involved. If an open forum is not a comfortable style for us, then privately in our work-a-day activities or in our private moments with those around us. Keep in mind, however, that we are not God’s moral squad commissioned to fix this broken world. Our job is not to fix, but to offer a viable solution. Any less of a stance will eventually lead to irreconcilable differences, division, prejudice and hate. The bottom line is that none of us can cram love down anyone’s throat. So, that is not even an option.

On the other hand, though, we must embrace one another as brothers and sisters in love, or die as fools. This I say because America is not invincible, particularly so when and if we continue to allow ourselves to be divided one against the other in an atmosphere of hate and distrust. Black, white, the brown and all hues in-between are God’s children, as well as the 'haves' and the 'have-nots. '

As ever, be blessed and — 

 “Let those (among us) without sin cast the first stone … (John 8:7.”

JimR_/-

Dallas and beyond . . .

By now most of the world has heard about Micah Johnson, a 25-year-old Army veteran who shot and killed 5 Dallas policemen and wounded several others. While reflecting on the incident and watching the press emote over the event, I turned to Scripture for an answer. But not just any answer … I wanted the answer. Of course, I knew and have always taught that Christ is the answer; however, I questioned whether he alone was sufficient. Well, of course, the truth is yes and no. He is the answer in so far as we allow him to be; but herein lies the crux of the matter: in all honesty we seldom do. We would rather fix the problem ourselves.

Our solution is generally a call for more highly trained police, and/or more economic and social equality and less inflammatory rhetoric or something along those lines. Seldom do we see ourselves as the culprit.

Now, keep in mind I am a white man and I know what white people say by-in-large in private.

Far too often the illegal alien Latino is labeled as just another wetback, and budding criminal if not one already.  The same brush is used to paint the welfare mom, or an unemployed black man as just another example of a drag on our society. Ignoring the truth that not all welfare moms are out to scam the system, or that all unemployed are blacks lazy. Sadly, when we choose such labels, the love meter slowly begins to tilt towards either indifference or a seething prejudice which in turns leads to bitterness or in some cases violence.

The truth of the matter is that on some level we have all been guilty of generically labeling some a misfits and drags on society simply because they do not fit into our perfect picture of how things should be. Make no doubt about it, there are criminals and lazy bums, as well as the garden variety of misfits, but to treat them differently than God treats them is grossly sinful.

Micah Johnson and Dallas Police Chief David Brown are a case in point. Ironically both men are black. Obviously, both have seen the world though different lenses. Johnson’s view was filtered through hatred; whereas, Chief Brown chose to filter his through love and service. Now keep these two in focus and let us man up and admit that far too often we have been guilty of throwing all blacks into the same basket along with ‘wetbacks’ the gays and lesbians or the transgender, or the bourka dressed  Muslim next door, and perhaps for good measure those annoying Jehovah Witnesses that just rang our door bell, or what have you. This is true, whether we admit it or not.

We as Christians must never allow ourselves to be tainted with the rhetoric of hate or embrace an attitude of disgust simply because we cannot see past the color of one’s skin or their country of origin or, for that matter, their religion. Ours’s is not to judge but to love. Only God is capable of both. We are restrained from judgement: that is His job. For even "… God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him (John 3:17)."

A lassie fare attitude will not work either. We must become involved. If an open forum is not a comfortable style for us, then privately in our work-a-day activities or in our private moments with those around us. Keep in mind, however, that we are not God’s moral squad commissioned to fix this broken world. Our job is not to fix, but to offer a viable solution. Any less of a stance will eventually lead to irreconcilable differences, division, prejudice and hate. The bottom line is that none of us can cram love down anyone’s throat. So, that is not even an option.

On the other hand, though, we must embrace one another as brothers and sisters in love, or die as fools. This I say because America is not invincible, particularly so when and if we continue to allow ourselves to be divided one against the other in an atmosphere of hate and distrust. Black, white, the brown and all hues in-between are God’s children, as well as the 'haves' and the 'have-nots. '

As ever, be blessed and — 

 “Let those (among us) without sin cast the first stone … (John 8:7.”

JimR/

Personally, I don’t recall any other time that American politics has disturbed me anymore than these days. Defamation of character seems to be the order of the day. Call your opponent a big fat slob, or a liar, or any other childish name you wish and your ratings go up.


No, I am not just talking about the Donald, either. There are exceptions, but their rating are in the single digits. Listen carefully and you will find as many Democrats squealing as you do Republicans using the same ad hominem attacks. Yes, I know Jesus called Creaser an old fox, but can you think of a better description? Nonetheless, when perfectly decent men and women are vilified it is to me a different proposition altogether.

That aside, however, the news media goads and baits politicians for the sole purpose of ratings or advertising revenue which only accentuates the frenzy. It’s all about the money. Further, it seems that a politician’s moral character is secondary for some of our larger churches and universities. Everybody wants to be on the winner’s side, it seems. Compromise, particularly when money is involved, seems to be the name of the game.

What a crazy topsy-turvy world!

Our degenerate political correctness has conveniently hidden the awfulness of the morning after pill under the euphemism of “emergency postcoital contraception” and the killing of the innocents as “prochoice”—it’s a woman’s right, you know. What rubbish. Moreover, for the P. C. crowd Islamic jihadist must not be referred to as Muslim extremists, or in any constructive way be linked to the source of its putrid origins. Again, what rubbish.

Yet, even now we are faced with another jihadist attack from terrorists born, raised in and protected by the ostensibly peace loving Muslims in the Molenbeek section of Brussels. After all, grandma’s home or the neighbor next door has proven to be a safer haven than the streets of Europe, so why not stick close to home and enjoy a fine home cooked meal and the camaraderie of old pals? By the way, when is the last time you have heard of peace loving Muslims turning one jihadist in? I can’ think of one. Perhaps, it’s high time for us to distinguish between complacency and peace loving. I’m just saying.

Once more, what a crazy topsy-turvy world!

As you know, currently I am in Beijing which surprisingly has a thriving and open Christian community as well as a large ethnic Muslim population throughout the rest of the country. Speaking of Chinese Muslims, I’m no expert but I can’t imagine China’s leadership losing any sleep over Guantanamo if the shoe were on the other foot. Surely there must be a lesson in all of this. Could it be that murder and mayhem parading under the banner of Islam requires swift and severe punishment?

Granted the Scriptures declares: 

He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? (ESV)

But what justice, however, is there for an unrepentant heart? Release the jihadist from Guantanamo and what do you get? Just another jihadist on the loose, as far as I can see. So, perhaps, just perhaps, it is best to stick with Scripture on this one:

“For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy (James 2:13).”

Sound harsh? I hope not. But we must be realistic, and we must be practical.

On the practical side and on another matter, I would suggest that vetting extremism is an ongoing task; and if you or your religious persuasion is detrimental to the state, potentially or otherwise, you lose your right to practice your particular brand of fanaticism. Naturally there must be a balance in all of this, but I am not sure we in the west have come up with a solution. Now, don’t misread me on this, the real test is in determining who the real extremist are. Cherry picking for individual jihadist in the process at this point is for all practical purposes impossible. Therefore, in my opinion, vetting individuals is secondary to vetting the sectarian system in which these fanatics thrive. Until we are able to successfully do that, we are in for a heap of trouble.

Need I say more?

As a voter most Christians are increasingly caught in a Catch-22 between the lesser of 2 evils. On the one hand the choice is an abortion advocate and proven incompetent, and on the other someone who quite well may just as well take us to the brink of Armageddon and beyond. Truth is there is no moral majority to fall back on either—that is, if there ever was one.

There is, however, one comforting fact, that I find in Acts 17:26 which reads:

“From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands.”

To me, this undeniably declares that God is in ultimate control and He sets the course of history and will keep it on track until the very end. We have the privilege and opportunity to play the roles as we see fit, but He has written the play. And, in the end, God wins.

Well, I’ve gone out on a limb on this one, but it is not the first time. And, quite frankly, on this one, I had just as soon be proven wrong.

Yours in the Bonds of Calvary,

JimR_/-

"Status quo? ... that's Latin for the mess we's in."

Not only do the political elite refuse to label Islamic terrorism for what it is, during the middle of one of the largest terror attacks ever the President dances the tango and goes to a baseball game with a dictator. Again, what a topsy-turvy world!

I remember once an old black man being asked what the word "status quo" meant; without hesitation he reply, "Oh, that's an easy one. That's Latin for the mess we's in." His grammar may have been off but there is a world of wisdom in that definition. We's in a mess, that's for sure.

As a friends just posted, "Okay .... it's not funny anymore. Where's the real presidential candidates?" Have ever seen anything so silly in all your life? Any candidate with any lick of sense whatsoever is buried in the polls. Knocked out not by common sense but with remarks such as "low energy' or 'who would vote for a face like that?' or by calling someone a lair without one shred of evidence whatsoever. Better yet letting a known adulterer smear another candidates by innuendo alone. The name of the game seems to be “If it works, use it!” Trouble is how can we trust anyone with such moral ineptitude? Believe me there’s enough blame to go around on both sides of the aisle.

Correct me if I am wrong, but I blame the mess we’s in on Christians who refuse to join in on the process and get out and vote, and quit kowtowing to political correctness. The whole system is corrupt from most of the Supreme Court right through Congress and most certainty throughout the Administration. When are we going to begin to judge these people by the fruit they bear? It’s one thing to get up on Easter morning and put on an “I love Jesus” face, and quite another to live the life day in and day out. People make mistakes that’s for sure, and I can’t fault them for that. But most Christians I know seek forgiveness, not just from God but from one another. I may have missed it, but I have failed to hear one candidate apologize either to God or man for the antics that are going on in this Ringling Brother’s Circus that we call a political campaign.

Believe it or not, one of my hobbies is to collect clowns. I have the in all shapes and forms. All the way from some priceless Emmett Kelly’s to some that I happen to run across in second hand stores and garage sales. One of my favorites is a windup carrousel of clowns dancing to the tune of “Bring on the Clowns.” I’m tempted to bring it out each evening when I watch the evening news coverage on this present political season. But again that’s not necessary because they seem to come out on their own and dance their own goofy dance. As a New York Yankee would say, “Enough, already!”

Oh to God that we had a few John the Baptists, or Isaiahs. Perhaps just even one reluctant Jonah might do. Where are they? Most Christians I see are hiding behind their political correctness, or timidity or complacency, or whatever. They are certainly not making any waves. That’s for sure. Now, I not advocating taking on each candidate one by one and pointing out their flaws. That’s not necessary. It’s the system that I’m after. The cultural relativism. The “I don’t care as long as it doesn’t affect my pocket book" mentality, that what I’m talking about. Perhaps the rich fool is an appropriate parable here (Luke 12:13-21).

Now, it’s obvious that the America public at large is fed up with the status quo. Problem is most don’t have the answer. They keep looking in the wrong places. So until America and Western civilization has a deep moral rebirth in my opinion we are doomed. I challenge you, visit China if you disagree; or even an up and coming India. Economically we are going to be slam-dunked in the not too distant future if we’re not careful. Forget Mexico and Japan and the likes. These giants will dwarf them all.

I’m personally not a dooms day guy. I am by nature optimistic. However, I do have to call it like it is, as far as I can see it.

Again, I hope I’m wrong on this one, but my gut feeling is that I am not.

I am yours, however for a brighter future, 

JimR_/

Will the real bigot please standup!

The Oxford International Dictionary defines a bigot:

“as a person who is intolerant toward those holding different opinions.”

That being the case, why should Christians and other otherwise law abiding citizens take the rap for bigotry when the liberals are actually more intolerant than those who hold conflicting political and/or moral views than they do?

For instance, when’s the last time you saw those opposed to same-sex marriages, or trans-gender bath rooms shut down a college campus or sit down in the middle of a busy interstate highway to show their opposition? Or, entire companies refusing to do business with those that are not “politically correct”? Also, is it not bigotry to fine a Catholic fined $13,000 for refusing to host same-sex ‘wedding’ at their farm. If that is not bigotry, pray tell me what is. What about the Little Sisters of the Poor who are currently fighting an adjunction under the Obamacare to provide insurance to cover abortion? Is this not an outrage? Bigotry at its worst. Further, we cannot overlook the fact that many of our larger cities have mandated neutral gender bathrooms to accommodate transgender individuals over which we as the average citizen have no choice since it is their “Constitutional right!” Really? I would rather think of it as political correct tyranny at its worst. Also, what about the removal of historic monuments just for the sake of trying to erase the past to pacify ethnic and/or political minorities? Is this not historical revisionism and bigotry at its worst?  And this is just the tip of the iceberg.

Further, do I like the Confederate flag? No, absolutely not. But I have friends who do and who incidentally as far as I can see are not bigots. They are just proud of being Southerners. On the other hand if someone wants to sing “I’m a Yankee Doodle Dandy” that’s fine with me, too

Well, while I am at it. I must say that black lives matter. I mean that from the bottom of my heart. But in the protest let’s include those dress in blue. As a matter of fact, let’s include all the senseless killings that are going on in America, and do something about it, rather than just talk. Certainly Second Amendment rights are part of our Constitution; however, to politicize those rights and allow suspected jihadists who are on the no-fly list who can still walk into a gun show and purchase an Uzi is total insanity. Yet, The Left who are otherwise in opposition to our Second Amendment rights will champion those rights to protect these potential murders because it is the political correct thing to do. We must not called them Muslim extremists or curb their "rights," either. It smacks too much of profiling, they argue. Really? You could use the same argument to release Charles Manson from prison since he never personally killed anyone. He didn't have to since he had others to do it for him; however, who would dare hand him an Uzi because it is his Constitutional right and we mustn't profile him? So, in my opinion, if and when a jihadist is caught redhanded advocating murder and mayhem, not only should he or she be placed on the no-fly list—better yet, they should be placed in a cell right next to Manson himself.

I am not prepared to say which way the scales will tip in the current polarization; however,  my bet is the economics will win over human freedom and that political correctness is only a convenient vehicle for the greedy and powerful to stay in office. Amazing isn’t it that PayPal has scrapped its North Carolina expansion plan over the state's new LGBT law depriving at least 400 new employees a job just to please the LGBT lobby; or that a host of other companies have taken similar positions? Sadly, this is all done under the disguise of patriotism—that is to say, it is the American way. Let freedom ring. Even if it does mean forcing your daughter or wife to share a bathroom with a sexual pervert.

C.S. Lewis usually didn’t have much to say about politics Yet in The Four Loves—his book on the variety of human loves—Lewis talked at length about the horrible damage that can be done by patriotism, or love of country. Citing examples of damage done in the name of patriotism, Lewis mentions the trampling of the rights of Native American tribes, the gas chambers of Nazi Germany, the sins of apartheid.

Lewis is right, An enforced misplaced patriotism that is driven to the far edge of idolatry, has always led to the enforcement of a fear-based ideology, and often to death. I might say in reflecting on this that a few years past one would have never imagined that our political system could or perhaps would lead us in this direction. All we must do, however, is to replace the words"gas chambers" with the words "abortionist's rooms;" or the words "native American" with words "conservative Christians" to sense the real possibility— you get the point. We may not be there yet, but all the signs are pointing in that scary direction.

Friends, we need to pray and work harder than ever before.

I am yours in the bonds of Calvary,

JimR_/

 

Why all the hype about the Syrian refugees?

"But is he Syrian?"

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". . . speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ." Ephesians 4:15

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Dear friends, prayer and financial partners,

 

The truth is not always popular. Yet, as Christians we must be truthful. We know, however, that that is not always the case. Particularly is this the case during the heat of a political campaign. So, what I am about to say may not set right with some, but it is the truth as far as I can tell.

What I have in mind is the fuss over the Syrian refugee problem. Shall we let Syrian refugees in, or shall we not? Let me begin by saying that this is not the first time refugees have been a topic of heated discussion. Some of the more popular refugees in the Bible are Joseph, Moses, and Esther. However, there were many many more. For example, Isaac and Rebekah (Genesis 26) were forced to migrate because of famine. Jacob (Genesis 27, 31, and 47) was forced to flee because of a threat on his life, financial exploitation and famine. Esau (Genesis 36) is another refugee mentioned in Scripture. Joseph (Genesis 37) was a victim of international human trafficking. Then, of course, there is the tender story of Naomi and Ruth who were forced to migrate because of famine. Oh, my, the list could go on forever, it seems. Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, the prophet Elijah are a few more.

In face of this redemptive history, however, the Jews still harbored an inbreed prejudice against the foreigners in their midst. 

Is it any wonder then that the Jews were reminded to be kind to refugees? As far back as Leviticus God said:

"The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the LORD your God." (Leviticus 19:34 NIV)

Further, we read in Jeremiah:

"Thus says the Lord: Do justice and righteousness, and deliver from the hand of the oppressor him who has been robbed. And do no wrong or violence to the resident alien, the fatherless, and the widow, nor shed innocent blood in this place." (Jeremiah 22:3 NIV)

Even Jesus, identified himself with the stranger, and the needy:

"For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me." (Matthew 25:35 NIV)

So, friends the bottom-line is that we have no choice. We must open ourselves up to once again be a sanctuary for the disenfranchised, downtrodden, and, yes, the refugee.

That is not to say, however, that we should be naïve or foolish and allow this international crisis to become a Trojan horse that secretly hides the enemy inside. Vetting is absolutely necessary. But it may surprise some that this is already being done. Not just any Ahmad, Mohammad, or Ali can qualify. As a matter of fact under current police none of the thousands of refugees flooding Europe now qualify. And, it may interest you to know that less than .01 % of the current refugees currently residing in the Middle East right now are accepted to go immigrate anywhere.

As I said, we must be honest, and we must have the facts.

Rumor and scare tactics are rampant, however. For example, it is reported that over 2,000 Syrian refugees are currently being processed through our immigration facilities in Louisiana, and the impression is left that these are hot off the boats that fled from Syrian to Europe. Not true. These are men, women, and children that have been languishing in refugee camps in the Middle East for years. Now, granted there are a few exceptions, primarily those who qualify as political refugees and the seriously ill. In a word, these poor indigents deserve our prayers, not out wrath.

Now, I realize that information like this doesn’t win elections, but we must accept the facts; and tell the truth while we are at it. And, not I am not a Clinton-ite, or a Trump-ite, or anything in-between; nor am I suggesting that we throw caution to the wind. However, to suggest that these refugee camps are invested with a bunch of jihadists just waiting (on average 5 years) just to enter our country so that they can blow it up is simply not the truth.

Last evening Bonnie and I returned from Minneapolis after spending Thanksgiving with family there, and at the airport we got on the wrong shuttle to take us to our car; however, the driver very enthusiastically said I will take you to the nearest pickup point to catch the right shuttle. When we got off the shuttle to get on the right one, I thanked him in Arabic. His eyes lit up and then he expressed his delight that someone spoke Arabic to him, and in the process said he was from Egypt and was extremely thankful to be in America. Another Egyptian overheard the conversation and immediately joined in thankful to be in America, too. So, my question is shall we refuse these persecuted Christians simply because they happen to be brown and speak Arabic? I think not. I know, I know, we have had problems with the Somalians in Minneapolis that had radicalized and joined the jihadists; however. it should be noted that they were never really vetted. They were simple rescued from a war zone and plunked down in America.

Now, you ask, what about those homegrown terrorists that appear to be totally integrated into American society but are later radicalized and turn on us, as we have just witness in the incident in San Bernardino? Unfortunately, the spouse (wife) in this case had not been properly vetted. Obviously, tightening up the vetting process is an absolute necessity; however, we must find a way to allow Christian love and compassion reign. As much as I hate to say it, however, we must begin to profile these individuals and place them under closer scrutiny. Whether or not this will take an act of Congress I do not know. All I know is that something must be done to stop gun violence. Suspending the Second Amendment is not the answer, but background checks are an absolute necessity. England has very strict gun laws and freedom to go along with that. So, a democracy can fully operate with such laws and not be a totalitarian state. Surely there is a happy medium here somewhere!

So, the point is, we as Christians are to be as wise as serpents and as harmless as doves and in the process always err on the side of love.

 

As ever, I am thankfully yours,

 

JimR__/

 

P.S. Make sure you double click onto the cartoon to reach the video link to get the real facts.