May 29, 2020

What Now America?

 

The greatness of America is legendary, but it is being challenged and perhaps changed. American Greatness is in need of serious qualification. America has been known for its creativity, courage and its entrepreneurial spirit. It prided itself on its physicality exhibited in its creation of an infrastructure of bridges, highways, railroads, and airways. Its prowess was also manifested in the Spirit of Sports.

The creation of its institutions and intellectual life provides evidence of an advanced culture. This was the America that produced politicians and statesmen like Jefferson and Lincoln, poets such as Eliot, Whitman, Frost, and Poe and novelists the likes of Melville, Fitzgerald, and Steinbeck. Scientists like Edison and Salk and social commentators, Mark Twain, Will Rogers, and Charles Krauthammer.

Today we are looking a bit shabby, our bright light has been dulled and things are feeling a bit dreary. It is not simply the arrival of the Wuhan virus. It is the dry rot that comes from abandoning our beginnings and our source of sustenance. We have aborted our original biblical world view which formed our social and ethical commitments.  We are perhaps like a freshly cut flower: the sparkle is visible, but it is beginning to dwindle. Soon it will wilt and then it will die.

Once to every man and nation comes a moment to decide

In the strife of truth with falsehood for the good or evil side:

with each choice God speaking to us offering each the bloom or blight

then the man or nation chooses for the darkness or the light.

~James Russell Lowell~

Shall we pray.

Serving Him with you

Until He comes for us,

Fred

May 22, 2020

                                            The Stigmata

The "global village" provides a multifaceted dwelling place for Christians. I live in Dallas, Texas historically part of the Bible Belt. (Some even say it has been the buckle!) Life as a Christian is not difficult given that the social surroundings are sympathetic to the sacred. But many of the pastors I teach and train live in unwelcoming parts of the world, places of hostility to the Cross of Christ.

I live in an area where during Easter we have signs in the lawn - He is Risen! Churches center our attention for 2 weeks if not more on the centrality of the Cross of Christ. But for most of the world the cross is a mark of disgrace, it is a stigma. The cross and its marks are called the "stigmata." It is only used one time in the New Testament where Paul says he bears the marks of Christ - the stigmata.

But may it never be that I should boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world......From now on let no one cause trouble for me, for I bear on my body the brand-marks of Jesus. (Galatians 6:14,17)

The cross of Jesus is either a mark of disgrace and distain or it is a mark of distinction. For the believer the stigmata is a spiritual tattoo and represents a sign of the significance of Spiritual life.

In the future there will be many who have the "Mark of the Beast on their head" (Rev. 13). Whose Stigmata do you have today on your heart?

Serving Him with you
Until He comes for us,

Fred

May 15, 2020

Living in the Land of the Liars

One of the difficulties and dangers for Christians living in the United States is the proverbial "frog in the kettle" syndrome. The slow but constant cooking makes us almost unaware of the danger we are in.

Our country is being transformed and it is renewing many of our minds and not in a good way. The apparent inability of both the press and politicians to tell the truth has become abundantly clear. The deceit and duplicity of many of the nation's governors, the narcissism evidenced in continual congressional corruption, and the political bias manifested by some on the Supreme Court, leaves one unable to find honor, integrity, dignity and nobility.

I know it is not all bad, but it is bad enough!

The Apostle Paul warned the Church of Jesus Christ not to be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of our mind. (Romans 12:1-2)  Paul reminds us to reorient ourselves toward, "whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things." (Philippians 4:8)

Question asked.....Waiting for an answer!

Serving Him with you

Until He comes for us,

Fred

May 8, 2020

An Ounce of Evidence is Worth a Pound of Assumption

Over the past few months we have seen and heard almost daily reports constructed on uncorroborated evidence created from unsubstantiated assumptions. Each day we are exposed to new reports about the vexing virus, the imploding economy, and the world's crisis situation that often have little resemblance to the truth and in fact change within the next 24-hour news cycle. 

This is often a tactic to convince you, control you, and circumvent you from the truth. We call this "The Media."  Unfortunately, many times its provision of information is actually a perversion that is disinformation. And, as is often the case, empty barrels make the most noise.

Clickbait, twitter feeds, blaring and blinking messaging notices & news alerts are ubiquitous. Many are there to make a creative impression, but do not correctly inform.

As former President Eisenhower once said; "Where you stand depends on where you sit."  It is essential that we sit at the feet of Jesus that we might stand in today's confusing and corrupt world. 

It is imperative that we have precise biblical insight and penetrating theological discernment in this day of uncertainty. Where are we to find such true truth to lead us through this unmapped darkness?

How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to your word. With all my heart I have sought you. Do not let me wander from your Commandments. Your word I have treasured in my heart
that I may not sin against you.  Psalm 119:10-12

Thy word is a lamp to my feet and light to my path.  Psalm 119:105

Serving Him with you

Until He comes for us,

Fred

May 1, 2020
                     

Fondly do we hope, fervently do we pray that this mighty

scourge of war may speedily pass away.
~Abraham Lincoln~

 

In today's war, Abraham Lincoln would challenge us to pray about the scourge of the virus that surrounds us and the destruction of the economy that confronts us. 

I can suggest nothing better than to encourage us all to boldly go before the throne of grace and make our petitions known to Him who knows all, and pray: "Thy will be done."  Nothing more, Nothing less, Nothing else.

Serving Him with you

Until He comes for us,

Fred