It’s “Believe Again” Time in Western Pennsylvania!

The Believe Again! Clergy Study Team, in conjunction with Bishop Thomas J. Bickerton, his Cabinet and the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry (BOOM) , has introduced a plan to develop and support Faithful, Effective and Fruitful clergy leaders in Western PA. --- from W. PA Annual Conference web site

The Western Pennsylvania Annual Conference gets underway this week at the Grove City College campus. There is lots of excitement in the air as the delegates and youth pages make their way to Grove City.

The pre-conference journal was sent out to all delegates providing important information as to what to expect in the proceedings by way of legislation and constitutional amendments which will impact the whole United Methodist denomination for decades to come.

Much attention is given to the ongoing “Believe Again” program which was launched in 2006. It was extremely detailed and as one moves through all this the distinct impression is given that it strangely resembles the style of legislation that our elected officials in Washington DC consider time after time – lots and lots of organization and details to muddle through – oh yes, lots of money involved too!

The purpose of this massive effort is to revive the churches, establish new congregations, and obviously to increase the membership of the conference which has been in decline for years.

A simple question was posed – I am challenged as were all W PA United Methodists to “Believe Again!” So, just what is it I am to believe?

Details of this issue are found under the title, Believe Again! OK! But What Is It I Am to Believe? Use reverse feature on your web browser to return here.

If the Lord lets me live a few more days, it will be 50 years on June 21 that I preached my first sermon in two Methodist churches in New Castle PA to which I had been appointed as a newly licensed supply pastor.

During that time I have seen many changes and attempts to make the church stronger and larger in size through numerous programs and various quadrennial emphases. At the end of each program – each emphasis – each slogan and rallying cry – the end result has always been the same – we are “weighed in the balances and found wanting!”

What hasn’t been faced and there will always be determined resistance to do so – the fact that the root problem is theological and has been ever since the beginning of the 20th Century. Although the Methodist Church experienced growth in the earlier decades of the century and then an increase of membership as a result of merger in 1968, the seeds of destruction had been sown and the bitter fruit of that sowing became obvious as we moved through the latter years of the 20th Century. We have now become a denomination that is tolerant of just about anything by way of warped, twisted, and perverted beliefs!

There will be lots of hoopla at the annual conferences meeting in these days of late spring and early summer. There will be lots of resolutions passed urging action be taken and things be done to insure that we will have utopia on earth while our membership continues to decrease with some few and rare exceptions in some conferences. But for the general church we’re still in free fall!

And in Western Pennsylvania, I’m still being challenged to “Believe Again!” And I ask, “OK, but what is it that I am to believe?” Actually, speaking for myself -- there was never a time that I didn't believe! Ever since Jesus Christ transformed my life a long time ago, I have kept my faith centered in Him as Savior and Lord -- there have been many lessons learned and many yet to learn in my growth experience. So, I really can't change what I am already doing -- I still believe as I have been doing for well over half a century!

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. --- 2 Timothy 4:3, 4

The Most Powerful god in the World Is in a Staggering Mode and Suffering Acute Anemia!

"You shall have no other gods before Me.” --- Exodus 20:3

But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: for men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money…….lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God…--- 2 Timothy 3:1, 2a, 4b

Millions would deny it, but it is true, no matter the objections – the most powerful “god” in the world is no longer that. In fact as suggested by the title, this “god” is in a staggering and quite weakened mode, suffering acute anemia in terms of monetary strength!

It is most appropriate to refer to this as a “deity” that dominates the thoughts and lustful desires of a majority of this world’s population in all nations. Furthermore, it has the allegiance of the poor as well as the very wealthy. It is not just in the corporate world that this “deity” has its devotees, but in governments among all nations as well. This definitely includes a debtor nation known as the United States of America!

This “god” is money! As mentioned, there would be a lot of vehement denials, but as the old saying goes, “The proof of the pudding is in the eating!” Where is it that major attention is now focused and has been for quite some time? Is it not on what is happening in the world of finance? Is not the evidence overwhelming that money is the “god” to which multitudes give attention day and night, and it is that toward which they expend energy in order to get as much as they can? And in far too many places are not highly questionable “ethics” employed in that quest, because this “god” has no ethical standards – get all the money you can by “hook or by crook” – and whatever you can get away with, whether you be in government or in business, it’s OK so long as you don’t get caught. And if you should get caught, if you have enough of the “green stuff” you can usually buy your way out of the situation with a high powered lawyer (whose ethics may also be highly questionable) or get a very mild sentence at most! Years ago a fellow got nailed for insider trading on wall street, spent a short time in a country club prison and then was released to go and enjoy the millions he had made illegally. His philosophy was that a little greed is a good thing!

The crisis has developed, not just in the United States, but talk is in regard to the “world economy” and how disaster has struck in many, many places around the world in terms of the money situation! There are protests in many foreign cities as people feel extreme frustration about what is happening financially and the negative impact that is having on their lives.

Now if we may turn our attention to the true and living God Who created a mighty universe of which this puny world occupies but a small spec of space – for the time being this God has permitted the chaos to take place since a majority has chosen to make money their “god.” However, it is wise to remember that the true and living God also chooses when He will bring judgment on false and totally unreliable deities which people take unto themselves. One of the most dramatic demonstrations of this was when Almighty God set the Israelite people free from their enslavement to the Egyptians and brought them to the promised land of Canaan. It is explained simply in such words as these:

“For I will pass through the land of Egypt on that night, and will strike all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD.” --- Exodus 12:12

Have you ever noticed that God is quite explicit in speaking to the issue as to Who should be God and the deadly danger of replacing Him with another deity?

Keep alert and see what all happens in days to come as this very popular “god” which so many members of the human race have set up for themselves comes increasingly under the “gun” of the One Who put this world together a long time ago by simple spoken commands! It will also be most interesting to see how government leaders and their “expert advisors” deal with the “god” which is suffering from acute anemia – and you do know, do you not, that this “god’s” blood runs green!

By the way -- do you see what God says will happen if a people who make the claim that He is their God, but they choose to make another deity or a number of deities dominant in their lives? How about reading that whole chapter -- it takes a while for God to detail all the calamities that will come on a nation that makes the fatal mistake of replacing Him with false and unreliable gods!

"So you shall not turn aside from any of the words which I command you this day, to the right hand or to the left, to go after other gods to serve them. But it shall come to pass, if you do not obey the voice of the LORD your God, to observe carefully all His commandments and His statutes which I command you today, that all these curses will come upon you and overtake you: Cursed shall you be in the city, and cursed shall you be in the country…” --- Deuteronomy 28:14-16

When Wealth Isn't!

BERLIN - German billionaire Adolf Merckle has committed suicide after his business empire, which included interests ranging from pharmaceuticals to cement, ran into trouble in the global financial crisis, his family said Tuesday. --- reported by Associated Press on Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Adolph Merckle had worked hard to build a business empire which over time made him a billionaire worth an estimated 9.2 billion dollars according to Forbes. He had a number of business interests which begin to experience trouble as the world economy went into a financial tail spin. He obviously came to a point where he no longer saw any purpose in living and threw himself in front of a train.

God has gone out of his way to warn us of the danger of wealth and allowing ourselves to become dominated by the desire to accumulate material goods. Money is a very prominent "god" in nations around the world. It is wise to remember also that God has specifically pointed out that there are times when He chooses to bring judgment on false "gods." One of the more dramatic displays of such action is seen when God chose to bring the Israelites out of Egypt under the leadership of Moses. So it stands to reason that in time the money "god" may also be slated for judgment at the hands of God.

The Scriptures repeatedly provide information about the subject of money and human experiences related to the accumulation and use of it. Many experiences reported are quite negative, further reinforcing the basic truth as given in Scripture about the love for money:

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. --- 2 Timothy 6:10

Problems with money are not confined to billionaires or millionaires. It can happen to just about anybody. Attention is diverted away from God and the issue of what it is that He wants from us to all those things in the world that we feel we just have to have -- so in order to get them, we have to get money, and preferably, tons of the stuff. And once we do that we can settle back and take it easy or will we?

It has happened more than just a few times that once people begin to get some big money in their possession the desire for more and more begins to kick in. Money has shown again and again that it is a merciless taskmaster!

Take a lesson from one man as revealed by Jesus:

And He said to them, "Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses." Then He spoke a parable to them, saying: "The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully. And he thought within himself, saying, 'What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?' So he said, 'I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods. And I will say to my soul, "Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry."' But God said to him, 'You fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?' So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God." --- Luke 12:15-21

It is possible to be in line to inherit wealth that far exceeds the empires which the wealthiest of billionaires have accumulated for themselves in this world. A Christian can say, "I've got it -- I just can't lay my hands on it right now or come up with a numbers value on paper, but it's real and it's promised to me!"

Before you leave try these on for size and then sleep on them tonight -- and then remember, in comparison to this Adolph Merckle was a pauper of the first magnitude!

"Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also."

The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs; heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. --- John 14:1-3; Romans 8:16, 17; 1 Peter 1:3-5

Up At the Speed of Light – Down At the Speed of a Lame Turtle!

Oil dives below $50 bbl, near 2 year low --- Internet headline on November 20, 2008

Have you ever noticed the way the gas prices at the pump change? If there is a headline or a news clip that says that the price of a barrel of oil has increased by $10 or $15, instantly the prices on those marquees at gas stations are increased right now – no hesitation whatsoever! In fact, if there is even a rumor that the price of a barrel of oil is going to increase, that is enough to up the pump price at least 10 cents or more per gallon – and that is quite some time before the tanker pulls in with a new supply of gas at the new price!

But when the prices of a barrel of oil start to drop off as they have been doing just recently, have you noticed how long it takes before that is reflected on the marquees? It takes about forever and a day until they finally reduce the price by a few cents – always lots and lots of foot dragging on price reduction.

It becomes a real stand-up comedian style experience when the oil company executives try to explain these things – one a while back attempted to explain when the prices were going up and then there was some reduction in the price of a barrel of oil but no reduction in prices at the pump that the oil companies had “absorbed” some of those earlier increases and that was why the price at the pump had not dropped as quickly as expected! Yea, sure – and what was that recent report about Exxon-Mobile having another quarter of record profits recently?

The name of the game in the petroleum industry is still pure unadulterated greed! But of course greed is the kind of disease that is pandemic at the present time and not limited to the issue of how much you pay to put a couple of gallons of gas in your tank – if you want an example of how it works in other areas, just look at what legislators have voted for themselves regarding salaries and “perks” at the state and federal levels – and that’s just for starters!

A Bible prophecy is right on target about this issue:

But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money…..--- 2 Timothy 3:1, 2

But there is good news – one of these days the Creator of this great universe is going to personally step in and interrupt the flow of human history – He will take complete control of this planet and things will be done His way from that moment on. To say the least, it will be a whole new ball game for the human race! The greed thing, along with a lot of other maladies afflicting the human race (including the desire to always wage wars somewhere), will no longer exist! One other great blessing as noted elsewhere on this blog is the undeniable fact that all politicians will be out of a job!

For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this. --- Isaiah 9:6, 7

Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. --- Revelation 19:11-16

Going Out in a Blaze of Glory!

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing. --- 2 Timothy 4:7, 8

These days in south central Pennsylvania have been a blaze of striking color everywhere we look – yellow, orange, red and the blending of these colors. Some of our trees are still in stubborn fashion hanging on to the traditional green color of spring and summer. A fully loaded maple in our front yard (as pictured above) is a mix of yellow, orange and a bit of green here and there.

Our weather has been quite mild and today is a cloudy day which makes the colors even more brilliant in the absence of direct sunlight. As I sat on my front porch in my comfortable La-Z-Boy rocker that I got at a yard sale for $5.00, I observed the leaves exhibiting their one last hurrah.

As they left the trees to which they had been attached since spring they headed for the ground. But the descent was not a dead stone-like drop straight down. The motion was varied – a twirl in a circle, a spin, a topsy-turvy tumble, or a smooth aircraft type of glide which may carry the leaf many feet from the tree to which it had been attached for a few months.

Is that not a bit of what life is like? The leaves experienced many conditions during their brief lifetime of a few months – blazing hot sun, high winds, drenching rain and vicious thunderstorms and sometimes the days of calm and quiet – but they hung on and now it’s time to go out in a blaze of glory!

A Christian is the only person on the face of this planet who goes through a wide variety of experiences – the storms of life and the times of quiet calm with the assurance that future glory is ahead as promised by the Lord Jesus Christ in His eternal Word.

Comparisons to natural situations do have their limitations – for the leaves, that last glorious colorful flight ends on the ground with the leaf drying up and eventually crumbling into lifeless pieces. But with the Christian, the exit from this life on earth means an entrance to a status of glory and honor.

No person could state it any better than the apostle Paul when he said, “Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.” And we who have chosen to follow Jesus are included in that sweeping declaration!

Having lived for a little over three quarters of a century and having served as a pastor for nearly 50 years of that time, those leaves I have been watching have a way of reminding me that glory, by the grace and mercy of my Lord, lies straight ahead! It is my responsibility to keep hanging on and to continue to fulfill the calling that Jesus Christ has extended to me to preach and teach His Word!

If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. --- Colossians 3:1-4

Can I Really Help a Terminally Ill Patient, If I'm a Terminal Case Myself?

Feds Plan Huge Bank Bailout - Paulsen: Hundreds of billions of dollars needed to address the problem --- Internet news headline, September 19, 2008

They do it again and again – those “bail-outs” of gigantic firms that have gone belly-up financially. And now the latest announcement of the bail out of banks which as Treasurer Secretary Paulson put it – “Hundreds of billions needed to address the problem.” President Bush and various officials are scrambling to deal with the issue as the stock market took a critical nose dive. After announcements of action to continue the "bail out" operation of various companies and financial institutions the stock market took off into the wild blue yonder with a big trail of GREEN! That is, for the time being.

Now there's a question here and it’s a legitimate one – suppose you are in over your eye balls in debt and a relative is on verge of bankruptcy and comes to you for financial help, would you or more importantly, could you give the cash needed to help that relative?

Think for bit -- here’s the federal government bailing out these big businesses, one after another, and “loaning” horrendous amounts of money – how? Our country is over 9 trillion dollars in debt and the hole is being dug deeper and deeper as time passes!

Isn’t this sort of like

• A terminal cancer patient in the last hours of life trying to console and comfort another cancer patient in the same condition as suggested in the title above?
  
  
• A blind man trying to lead another blind man across an eight lane freeway in the middle of rush hour traffic?
  
  
• An alcoholic trying to help another alcoholic recover as together they drink their 3rd bottle of Jack Daniels with 2 more bottles to go?
  
  
• A person who can’t swim jumping out of a boat in water 100 feet deep and trying to rescue another person who is going down for the third time?
  

Now then, if you dare, check what the latest is in regard to our national debt at
National Debt Clock -- use reverse feature to come back to this place. But notice while you are there the fact that this debt translates into over $31,600.00 per citizen in this country. There are other items of information and links at that location.

What is not recognized by high ranking officials in business and government is that money is a most uncertain commodity. Money is also a very powerful false "god" with people and organized groups of one kind or another (banks, companies, corporations, governments at all levels, etc.) willing to do anything and everything to get their hands on huge amounts of it! In fact, money may be the false "god" that holds sway over greater numbers of people in this country and in this world than any other "god" or "goddess."

Therefore the person applying common sense coupled with a keen sensitivity to spiritual reality recognizes that the true and living God Who created this vast universe by spoken command will at a time determined by Him bring judgment on the false deities which humans have established for themselves -- and this includes the "god" of money! In fact God has made a statement to the effect that He will "famish" the "gods" of this world.

And since I'm in a rather good mood at this point in time, I'll let you hunt that statement up -- I'll even help you by giving a hint -- it's in the Old Testament! There, I've narrowed it down for you -- really, I'm a nice guy, however there are times when people just won't let me be nice!

But alas! I digress -- while the U. S. government will appear to be successful for a time in "shoring up" the finances of the country, just keep in mind that it is like trying to shore up a mine shaft with timbers riddled by termites! Or to put it another way, it's like the government flushing money down an object that is considered an absolute necessity in every home!

The righteous also shall see and fear, And shall laugh at him, saying, "Here is the man who did not make God his strength, but trusted in the abundance of his riches, and strengthened himself in his wickedness." --- Psalm 52:6, 7

But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: for men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money..... --- 2 Timothy 3:1, 2a

B. O. the Poster Child of Many Mass Media Folks?

Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. --- Colossians 2:8

It surfaced some time back -- statements that B. O. was getting more favored (and very biased) treatment from many of those in the mass media -- that is, he is their favored and preferred candidate and it is showing in the way they treat him and McCain in their reporting of Election 2008! Or another way of putting it -- the scales of the mass media are heavily weighted in favor of B. O! For McCain, it's really an uphill battle, since the "deck" is stacked against him so far as a large number of the mass media people are concerned. There are and will be more favorable sound bites for B. O. than there will be for McCain.

This was demonstrated in the area where I live within the last few days -- days of the Democratic and Republican conventions. Our local newspaper reported on the acceptance speeches of both candidates. The bias stood out like a proverbial sore thumb!

A letter was sent to the newspaper about this. With this newspaper, my letter has less chance of being printed than a snowball has of surviving intact in that very, very hot place to which a lot of people of all ages make reference from time to time! At my main web site I have devoted some time and space to my ongoing special "relationship" I have with the editorial department of this particular paper and their refusal to print any of my letters any longer -- they used to, but no more!

See the letter below ---

Friday, September 05, 2008

Editor:

Be careful right now because you just might be accused of being biased in your reporting on the presidential election of 2008. And this in turn would result in your being identified with much of the mass media which is rapidly building a reputation of being very biased toward and supportive of Barack Obama in his bid to be our next president!

Suspicion arises at the present time due to your handling of the acceptance speeches of Barack Obama and John McCain respectively.

Your front pages speak out loud and clear. On August 29th you had a photo of Barack Obama on the front page which measured 7 ¼ inches by 10 inches – not quite a traditional 8 x 10, but close! On September 5th your front page photo of John McCain measured 4 ¼ inches by 6 ½ inches, slightly over ½ the size of Obama’s acceptance speech photo! McCain’s photo doesn’t qualify for a traditional 5 x 7 by a long shot!

Written column space in the AP articles was approximately the same with one glaring difference. The Obama article on the inside page also included a picture of Mrs. Obama and daughters. This photo measured 3 ½ by 3 ¾ inches. John McCain and family did not fare that well as there was no photo of them at all.

Photos do have influence and the size of such do register – the bigger the photo, the more attention it attracts and greater is the impact on the observer, even when it comes to the election process. Cambria County being a kind of “Mecca” for the Democratic Party it can be assumed that Obama will be much higher profile than will McCain when it comes to media coverage.

This has been written by one who is a non-affiliated registered voter.
.
Still contending at www.crrange.com, blogging at http://cdharriger.blogspot.com and warning at www.crrange.com/USACoffin.html,

Clayton D. Harriger, Pastor

There you have it. It appears that we citizens need to maintain a high degree of suspicion when it comes to watching and listening to the mass media people -- are they JUST reporting news or are they trying to force-feed us with some propaganda and get us to vote for their favored candidate?

But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. --- 2 Timothy 3:13

Fame, Riches, Position and Power Can End Abruptly!

Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit"; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that." --- James 4:13-15

The sudden death of Tim Russert, well known host of “Meet the Press,” has been dominating news events for days since it happened. There have been some minor distractions such as a couple of teams known as Lakers and Celtics doing battle, Tiger Woods’ win of the U. S. Open, antics of some entertainment celebrity, the legality of the “Queen of Mean” in leaving 12 million dollars to her dog, etc.

A host of tributes has been issued, proposals to memorialize Russert in different ways have been made and endless discussions as to his success and effectiveness continue to take place here and there.

What is frequently forgotten in the midst of fame and fortune as well as on the part of the masses of unknowns who have neither fame nor fortune is this:

• we are sinful mortals each of which is under the sentence of death – Hebrews 9:27 quite bluntly tells us, "And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment..." And note also the details of sin being universal – a malady infecting the entire human race in Romans 3.
  
  
• we are prone to take much in life for granted such as expressed in Psalm 49:11 - "Their inner thought is that their houses will continue forever, and their dwelling places to all generations; they call their lands after their own names." Notice the rather common attitude of one fellow who said to himself, "And I will say to my soul, 'Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.'" (Luke 12:19).
  
  
• we each stand in need of redemption from our sins -- how more plainly stated can it be than this? "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." (John 3:16-18).
  
  
• each of us has to choose where our focus is going to be during our life's journey – on Jesus Christ and what He has in mind for us as to the direction our life shall take or self-determined goals and career -- you know, the big "I" calls all the shots! Jesus spelled out success in terms of time and eternity by saying those who come to Him, listen and do what He says are like a wise man who built a house on a foundation of rock, but those who refuse to listen and do not do what He says are like a foolish man who built a house on a foundation of earth – when the storms came and beat upon both houses – one stood and one collapsed – can you guess which one weathered the storm and survived? The lesson is clear – failure to take Jesus Christ and what He has to say seriously with commitment will always result in disaster! See details at Luke 6:47-49
  
  
• each of us will ultimately face Him and our eternal destiny will be determined by Him. We will hear Him saying one of two possible statements to us:
  It will either be:
  

  
  "His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.'" (Matthew 25:23).
  

  
  Or it will be
  

  
  "And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'" (Matthew 7:23).
  

  
  

The wise person will live in this present world in such a manner that when his/her time on earth is terminated he/she can say the same as did an apostle named Paul:

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing." (2 Timothy 4:7, 8)

And when people refer to your passing from time into eternity the highest tribute that can be made is a simple phrase as was said of Abraham – “And he was called the friend of God.” (James 2:23).

Is the god of Pleasure Beginning to Take a Hit?

But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be...... lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God..." --- 2 Timothy 3:1, 2a, 4b

Our republic is really in a quandary of unprecedented proportions, is it not? There are just all kinds of things happening -- an election in the making with not a single candidate addressing the real issues that directly impact the future destiny of our nation -- a "war" that is hotly discussed and debated on a daily basis -- financial crises and a national debt that continues to escalate!

But the one thing that is beginning to dominate the thinking and decision making of most U. S. citizens every day is something called gasoline and related components such as diesel fuel and heating oil.

It makes headlines in newspapers and TV news reporters are positioned beside a gas station pointing to the recent increase in gas prices (as this is being written, I bought a few gallons yesterday at $3.99 per gallon in Nanty Glo PA) and use a growing favorite expression in their vocabulary -- "pain at the pump!"

There is a scramble to explain why and who is responsible for this growing expression of greed on the part of some very influential persons somewhere -- God alone knows who they are, where they are and what they are doing. The good news is that in due time He will return upon their heads the fruit of their doings -- no one has beaten the "law of sowing and reaping" yet and none ever will!

But maybe there is another factor to consider in all this chaos -- perhaps the "god" of Pleasure is beginning to be hammered a bit! God's actions at times are directed to the "deities" a nation forms for itself.

For decades we as a nation have been on a "pedal to the metal" pace in our pursuit of pleasures of every possible kind. It would take a long amount of space and a considerable amount of time to detail them all here.

It is evident to anyone who looks a bit and listens that we are a pleasure saturated country, and are constantly attempting to devise new ways of experiencing pleasure.

One obvious tragedy in this is the well established fact that we cannot get half of our population into a place of worship on Sunday morning to even go through the motions of worshipping the God Who brought this mighty universe into existence by simple spoken commands!

Sunday, as mentioned elsewhere on my website and blog, ought to be renamed Funday -- it is a day of zealous pursuit of pleasure from border to border and shore to shore.

Interesting, is it not, that now there is much talk not only about gas prices, but what heating costs will be this winter and the ripple impact from fuel prices in terms of groceries and various consumer goods.

Could it be that those guys I see gassing up at a gas pump (tanks on 4-wheelers on a trailer towed by a gas guzzling pick-up) on Sunday mornings may be forced to revise their pleasure agenda in the future? Many other examples could be cited as people deal with costly expenses related to the pursuit of pleasure to the neglect of giving time, attention, money and worship to the living God!

Stop and think for a minute -- a lot of decisions are going to be made and a lot of plans changed due to drastically changed financial spending -- we'll spend a lot more money on our gas, our heat, our groceries -- which means leas money for our pleasure pursuits than we've been used to having. And then there is the fact that many families are up to their eyeballs in debt because they made the deadly mistake of adopting the philosophy of "instant gratification" -- just have to have those things that enhance our fun times even if we have to go deeply into debt to get them.

Something we so easily forget -- the thing about God as He begins to deal with a culture and its rebellion is that He has many methods at His disposal and can keep turning the screws tighter and tighter as time progresses!

Of course we also have an abundance of information available that if the tactics do not bring about the desired results, then eventually judgment is employed and God has done that very thing a number of times, but somehow the dominant spirit in our republic right now is that we feel we are an exception -- besides, this is a "Christian" nation, isn't it?

What will be the next "god" or "goddess" on God's hit list? Now is the perfect time to review a portion of 2 Chronicles 36 -- see how one people fared who thought they could ignore God and get away with it -- start reading at about verse 11.

"For I will pass through the land of Egypt on that night, and will strike all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD." --- Exodus 12:12

Any Volunteers to Teach Jesus and Some Others About "Holy Conferencing?"

We believe Christians can discuss important issues without the acrimonious debate and parliamentary maneuvering that can divide a group into contending factions. We see too many examples of that in secular society. We believe the Holy Spirit leads in all things, especially as we make decisions. We want to avoid making decisions in a fashion that leaves some feeling like winners and others losers. --- from "Guidelines for Holy Conferencing - What God Expects of Us" as printed in W. PA Annual Conference (United Methodist Church) pre-conference reports and legislation information.

As one looks at the guidelines for "holy conferencing" it is quite obvious that someone needs to confront Jesus and at least a couple or so others in the New Testament about the fact of their defiance of these standards with the result of causing deep division and being guilty of making some feel like winners and others losers!

We won't even try to include the Old Testament prophets on this matter at the present time -- that would add quite a number to the list of those failing to do "holy conferencing" in addition to Jesus and others in the 1st Century.

A couple of those guidelines state, "Every person is a child of God. Always speak respectfully. One can disagree without being disagreeable.....Avoid using inflammatory words, derogatory names, or an excited and angry voice."

Now consider how Jesus handled Himself on certain occasions:

"I am One who bears witness of Myself, and the Father who sent Me bears witness of Me." Then they said to Him, "Where is Your Father?" Jesus answered, "You know neither Me nor My Father. If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also."....... Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God; nor have I come of Myself, but He sent Me. Why do you not understand My speech? Because you are not able to listen to My word. You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it. But because I tell the truth, you do not believe Me. Which of you convicts Me of sin? And if I tell the truth, why do you not believe Me? He who is of God hears God's words; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God." --- John 8:18, 19, 42-47

"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel land and sea to win one proselyte, and when he is won, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves.......Serpents, brood of vipers! How can you escape the condemnation of hell? Therefore, indeed, I send you prophets, wise men, and scribes: some of them you will kill and crucify, and some of them you will scourge in your synagogues and persecute from city to city, that on you may come all the righteous blood shed on the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah, son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar." --- Matthew 23:15, 33-35

Paul didn't seem to be a practitioner of "holy conferencing" on various occasions:

Then Saul, who also is called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him and said, "O full of all deceit and all fraud, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease perverting the straight ways of the Lord? And now, indeed, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you shall be blind, not seeing the sun for a time." And immediately a dark mist fell on him, and he went around seeking someone to lead him by the hand. --- Acts 13:9-11

And the next Sabbath almost the whole city came together to hear the word of God. But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy; and contradicting and blaspheming, they opposed the things spoken by Paul. Then Paul and Barnabas grew bold and said, "It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first; but since you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles. For so the Lord has commanded us: 'I have set you to be a light to the Gentiles, that you should be for salvation to the ends of the earth.'" --- Acts 13:44-47

Ought we not take a look also at Stephen who is described as one who was filled with the Holy Spirit? But what is this? Speaking to a group of very religious people (the kind who should engage in "holy conferencing") he gives a history lesson and then concludes:

"You stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so do you. Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who foretold the coming of the Just One, of whom you now have become the betrayers and murderers, who have received the law by the direction of angels and have not kept it." When they heard these things they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth. --- Acts 7:51-54

Oh yes, we must not forget that very radical cousin of Jesus, John the Baptist! Is it not possible that those who are strong advocates of "holy conferencing" and doing "dialog" would have more than a tad of difficulty with this fellow today? Is he guilty of name calling or what?

In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!" For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying: "The voice of one crying in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the LORD, make His paths straight.'" And John himself was clothed in camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then Jerusalem, all Judea, and all the region around the Jordan went out to him and were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins. But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, "Brood of vipers! Who has warned you to flee from the wrath to come? "Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance, and do not think to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones." --- Matthew 3:1-9

Maybe I missed it -- do you see any place where John announces, "Brothers and sisters, it's time for us to enter into a "holy conferencing" experience since we have some serious issues which need to be addressed." It is noted, however, that this man was filled with the Holy Spirit from the time of his birth. Hmmmmm -- filled with the Holy Spirit, but yet did no "holy conferencing" as is stressed in church circles these days! The way he acted is it possible he wouldn't be permitted to enter a lot of churches today -- that is, unless he kept his mouth totally shut?

Just a few of many examples drawn from an infallible source of information which indicate that "holy conferencing" was not a priority when it came to confrontations over various issues. Jesus, of course, is the prime example. It appears that He was not too convinced that one just has to dialog and do the "holy conferencing" thing. But this one thing He did, and which He calls us to do -- be witnesses to God's eternal truth always -- no compromising on that! But that is where the problem is -- too many have bought into the idea that absolute moral truth does not really exist, and this provides the perfect climate for dialog and "holy conferencing!"

No where do you see any indication that God was willing to enter into dialog about anything -- He draws the line on all moral and spiritual issues. He defines what is acceptable and what is unacceptable on human sexuality, but in dialog and "holy conferencing" we want to erase the line God has drawn or else come up with an agreement that it is a "fuzzy" issue and we don't quite fully agree on it yet, but we'll continue to engage in "holy conferencing" until we do -- maybe it will happen at the next General Conference of the United Methodist Church in 2012!

On the most critical spiritual issue, God has said that we either are forgiven and restored to righteousness through His Son, Jesus Christ, or we are not -- plain and simple! But the conferencing and dialog sessions come to the conclusion that whatever "religion" you may practice is good enough -- Christianity is but one of many peas in the same pod -- just pick the one that seems to fit and work best for you!

So then, who will put the bell on the cat -- oooops! I mean, who will volunteer to confront Jesus and the others with the fact that they have violated the guidelines for "holy conferencing?" If we have more than one, maybe we can get up a committee to do it! In mainline denominations especially, is that not the only way anything can be done these days?

I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. --- 2 Timothy 4:1-4

Time to Pray for a Special "Visitation!"

Lord, I cry out to You; make haste to me! Give ear to my voice when I cry out to You. Let my prayer be set before You as incense, the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice. Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips. Do not incline my heart to any evil thing, to practice wicked works with men who work iniquity; and do not let me eat of their delicacies. Let the righteous strike me; it shall be a kindness. And let him reprove me; it shall be as excellent oil; let my head not refuse it. For still my prayer is against the deeds of the wicked. --- Psalm 141:1-5

It seems there are two main things which dominate the news media -- the antics of political candidates as we come down the home stretch of primary elections and the "pain at the pump" which millions of U. S. citizens are experiencing as they never have before -- recent headlines mentioned gasoline hitting over $4 a gallon in a couple of metropolitan areas -- but even as this is being written, it has likely surged over that figure in many other places as well, and if it hasn't already, it will in the near future -- like maybe tomorrow?

Finger pointing as to who is to blame and accusations directed mainly toward elected officials for failure to do anything about this "crisis" are spreading faster than the dreaded Bubonic plague of the middle ages!

It is rather certain that there are influential persons somewhere who have the power and position to manipulate situations in the world of finance and market activity. While it may be possible to identify some and the companies of which they are a part, it really is not all that important that we be able to do so.

And here's why -- Almighty God knows who they are and the gods to which they do homage -- in many cases, the idol dominating them is best summed up in the word, "money!" This disease of the spirit is not limited to petroleum -- it is rampant in many other areas as well in the ruthless corporate world of business and finance.

Can we do anything more than whine and complain, or as some choose to do -- curse them also?

Yes -- we do have a powerful weapon at our disposal -- it is called prayer and it can used for much more than asking for some kind of blessing, which is about as far as some go with it!

Quite specifically, it is legitimate to pray against the deeds of the wicked as mentioned in Psalm 141 which is quoted above. Greed is wickedness -- manipulating financial circumstances so that you can profit excessively at the expense of others who will be plunged into unreasonable hardship because of your actions is an abomination to a holy God!

So pray that God will return upon the heads of those guilty of fostering these conditions the fruit of their greedy actions! This very second God knows who they are, where they are and what they are doing to accumulate excessive wealth at the expense of the poor! By the way, this thing of God visiting upon the heads or returning upon the heads of certain persons the fruit of their doings is noted in the Scripture. So, not just in the petroleum industry but in others as well, there is a need to pray against those who are not acting ethically, honestly, reasonably and fairly in their way of doing business for the enhancement of the human race!

Paul hinted at such an approach when he referred to a man by the name of Alexander. This is what he said about this man:

Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm. May the Lord repay him according to his works. --- 2 Timothy 4:14

So the time is now for us to pray that God will repay those who are driven in their greedy quest and manipulating market conditions with the result of making what many would agree are "obscene profits" while at the same time bringing increased hardship into the lives of those who have very limited resources to begin with!

As for me and my house, we will continue to pray against the deeds of the wicked. Will you join us in this unique way of waging war against evil and all who are a part of it in today's confused world? Pray for a special "visitation" upon certain people who by their financial scheming, plotting and manipulating are increasing by large measure the suffering of millions!

P.S. For some reason I feel especially moved to pray as mentioned above each time I lift the nozzle at the gas pump and put a few quarts into the gas tank. I think especially of those who are responsible for this insanity -- I don't know their names, but God does -- and that makes a difference!

I have seen the wicked in great power, And spreading himself like a native green tree. Yet he passed away, and behold, he was no more; indeed I sought him, but he could not be found. --- Psalm 37:35, 36

The Bell Tolls for Eight Belles!

"She ran an incredible race. She ran the race of her life." --- Larry Jones, trainer for Eight Belles

She proved to all who watched that she could run with the "boys" -- she was the only filly in the field of 20 in a race that some have labeled as the most exciting 2 minutes in the arena of all sporting events.

Eight Belles was seeking to be the fourth filly in Kentucky Derby history to win the race. She didn't win, but came in 2nd behind Big Brown who was favored to win the 2008 running of the Derby. But shortly after crossing the finish line she suddenly collapsed with both front ankles shattered. And shortly after that the heart rending decision was made to euthanize her on the track where a short time before she demonstrated that she was a fierce competitor!

For many it brought back memories of a race two years earlier of a Derby winner -- Barbaro who shattered a rear ankle after starting a few days later in the Preakness. I saw that race also and was impressed with the fact that this horse, in spite of his injury, wanted to stay in the race until his jockey stopped him!

Perhaps, if we will, we can learn a lesson from animals such as Eight Belles and Barbaro. Their hearts were in racing -- that's what they were trained to do and they put all they had into it until the end.

In this crazy world of confused values and goals, God seeks to break through and remind us that He has a plan for each conceived human being. It will involve training and on our part, giving it the best that we have. The plan begins to unfold once we have repented of our self-centered ways and our sinful rebellion against our Creator, and have received Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord.

At one point the holy Scriptures refer to our journey here on earth as a "race" --

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. --- Hebrews 12:1, 2

So, how goes the race on a day by day basis in your experience? There are a lot of distractions and a lot of voices clamoring for attention. All the noise and clamor at Churchhill Downs did not distract a determined filly to give her best and provide dramatic witness that she could indeed run with the best of them!

Eventually each one of us will stand before Jesus Christ -- we will hear one of two statements coming from His mouth -- will it be "Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord." (Matthew 25:21) OR "I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!" (Matthew 7:23)

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing. --- 2 Timothy 4:7, 8

Am I Missing Something on This One?

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world; the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life; is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever. --- 1 John 2:15-17

I do occasionally breeze through the auto ads to see how much prices have jumped since the last time I did such a maneuver. I also take note of how the ads are baited -- lease a new vehicle for an almost unbelievable small number of dollars per month. Then you begin to wade through the small print which may have been designed by the over active mind of a Philadelphia lawyer! Finally you come to it -- that item says you have to also put a hefty amount of cash down, or hope that when you trade in that relic you have been driving, it will be worth the amount of cash the guy wants in order for you to get into that "bargain" lease rate -- usually your trade-in isn't worth very much! When was the last time you traded and got more than you thought your car was worth on the trade-in?

Anyway, the ad that caught my eye was one by a used car outfit -- a 1987 Porsche 911 was listed, picture and all -- the asking price? A mere $28,500.00 for a car that is 21 years old! I admit looking a second time and then a third time -- I began to wonder -- no mileage was listed as some dealers do in their ads -- just some of the features and the statement after that which said, "Extra Sharp Car."

I understand that Porsche is a very big name when it comes to prestige -- and it seems that those who are in the class of being wealthy (or think they are) want to drive vehicles that make a statement that says, "This vehicle is owned and driven by somebody who is SOMEBODY!"

The Porsche in question is a little shrunk up thing with 4 wheels -- as a few might admit, it could very well compete in an ugly dog contest when it comes to looks. But then the retort to anyone holding such a view would be, "You just don't appreciate the finer things of life!" Sort of like, if you are somebody of significance then you will eat raw snails and caviar -- for some of us, an Angus beef hamburger with lettuce, tomato and mayo has a greater appeal!

Each person has to make choices in regard to their personal system of values -- what is it that is most valued in life and what is it that we most zealously pursue? It certainly is evident each day that a majority are given to the ardent pursuit of that which is experienced through the 5 senses -- at the center of all this is something called money and all the things it will buy, including a Porsche 911!

It can be frustrating and the temptations do abound in a nation and a world where the rich are getting richer (dare we include oil company executives among others in this group?) and the poor are getting poorer!

One solemn bit of advice was given by the One Who put this universe together in the first place by speaking some rather simple commands -- He declared it to us in this way --

"Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or' What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." --- Jesus speaking in Matthew 6:31-33

It was also this same Jesus Who asked the most probing question ever asked in any generation which is being swallowed up in its materialistic quick sand --

"For what is a man profited if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?" --- Matthew 16:26

It is good, sane and very smart to live with a perspective in which one views oneself as merely a pilgrim passing through on the way to eternity and a personal meeting with the Creator and Judge of this world -- His Name is Jesus Christ, the One Who sacrificed His life for the sins of the entire human race so that those who choose to repent and seek to obey and serve Him may have a place in His Kingdom forever!

So I guess I'll pass on that 21 year-old Porsche with an asking price of $28,500.00 -- besides, once I fold my 6'2" frame up like an accordion to get into it, I may not be able to get back out of it and that would be nothing short of a hell of my own making!

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing. --- 2 Timothy 4:7, 8

You Don't Like Bible Verses Thrown Your Way, Do You?

"The truth is you need to do more than spout off Bible verses to combat racism in the church." --- statement by "anonymous" of W. VA in response to my post on the scheduled W. PA Annual Conference mandatory training sessions on racism.

Actually I find myself agreeing with "anonymous" from W. VA who objected to my post about the forthcoming training session on racism in the W. PA Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church -- well, up to a point that is.

Note the phrase, "The truth is you need to do more than spout off Bible verses to combat racism in the church."

Two things are most essential in experiencing the transforming power of God's Word:

First, there has to be a determination as to what this Bible, containing lots and lots of "verses," really is. The testimony, as given in the Bible, makes statements such as the following:

"Is not My word like a fire?" says the LORD, "And like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?" --- Jeremiah 23:29

"Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away." --- Jesus in Matthew 24:35

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. --- 2 Timothy 3:16, 17

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. --- Hebrews 4:12

However, the Scriptures have not only been viciously assailed outside the church, but within as well. One survey among protestant pastors a few years back determined that only about 51 percent of those pastors have a Biblical world view! And among United Methodist pastors that number dropped to 27 percent! But little wonder -- in the latter years of the 19th Century a deadly "virus" was imported from Europe -- in the disguise of "scholarship" it infected people with the view that the Bible is not trustworthy and as that expanded the end result was that many things as reported throughout the Bible simply did not take place and were not true!

So it really comes down to this -- a decision as to whether the Bible is nothing more than a "rag sheet" and we really can't be sure of much of anything by way of its contents, OR we are dealing with a volume of information brought together over time by the miraculous working of the Holy Spirit. If the latter view is taken then there is also recognition that where there is faithful witness to that Word and it is received by persons who are open in mind and heart, then miracles of change will take place!

Second, however, there must be a willingness to receive it -- both the Old and the New Testaments record numerous incidents in which God's Word was rejected. God's Word is light -- it is truth -- it explicitly reveals Jesus Christ to be God in human form and exclusively the only way of salvation and hope for human beings -- it rebukes and challenges -- it enhances growth in the Christian faith -- it enables the believer to discern right and wrong -- it often calls for decisions to be made in order for one to be conformed to the will of God -- and it provides absolute assurance for the future in terms of time as well as eternity! I am tempted to "spout off" a number of Bible verses in support of all this but I won't at the present time.

Ooops! I forgot -- when one does such a thing you are guilty of "proof-texting" are you not? It is quite interesting what people do to avoid being exposed to God's Word -- how their "defense system" automatically kicks into high gear when one of us "Bible thumpers" has made reference to something God has revealed for His people's benefit. If I quoted from the latest issue of Newsweek magazine or an ancient mold-covered issue for that matter, the Bible resisters would likely accept that without objection.

Yes, "anonymous" from W. VA, it does take more than "spouting" Bible verses as you put it to combat racism in the church -- there has to be a recognition of what it is you are dealing with when you confront the Bible, and whether or not you are willing to receive the contents of said Book which have the power to bring about desired and very positive changes in human life and relationships!

Since our culture finds itself in about the same identical position as that of the ancient kingdom of Judah in its latter years just prior to invasion and destruction by King Nebuchadnezzar and his army, our response to God's Word is also identical to theirs as well. Consequently racism, which is but one of the many spiritual, moral and ethical maladies infecting our nation, will continue!

I close with one more "spout off:"

Zedekiah was twenty-one years old when he became king, and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem. He also did evil in the sight of the LORD his God, and did not humble himself before Jeremiah the prophet, who spoke from the mouth of the LORD. And he also rebelled against King Nebuchadnezzar, who had made him swear an oath by God; but he stiffened his neck and hardened his heart against turning to the LORD God of Israel. Moreover all the leaders of the priests and the people transgressed more and more, according to all the abominations of the nations, and defiled the house of the LORD which He had consecrated in Jerusalem. And the LORD God of their fathers sent warnings to them by His messengers, rising up early and sending them, because He had compassion on His people and on His dwelling place. But they mocked the messengers of God, despised His words, and scoffed at His prophets, until the wrath of the LORD arose against His people, till there was no remedy. Therefore He brought against them the king of the Chaldeans, who killed their young men with the sword in the house of their sanctuary, and had no compassion on young man or virgin, on the aged or the weak; He gave them all into his hand. And all the articles from the house of God, great and small, the treasures of the house of the LORD, and the treasures of the king and of his leaders, all these he took to Babylon. Then they burned the house of God, broke down the wall of Jerusalem, burned all its palaces with fire, and destroyed all its precious possessions. --- 2 Chronicles 36:11-19

Monkey See, Monkey Do Continued!

But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! --- 2 Timothy 3:1-5

The monkey above appeared recently in a post which was titled in part with the term, "Money See, Monkey Do!" You'll have to go back a ways to see it or hit the word, monkey, in the label list. In light of developing events, the title is appropriate for today's comments.

This past Monday it was reported in Waycross GA that nine 3rd-grade students conspired to hit their teacher over the head with a blunt object, handcuff the teacher and then stab the teacher! The plot was discovered before the little tykes (or substitute monsters for this one!) were able to execute the plan. Investigation continues with the students (word used loosely) suspended. One theory is that the conspiracy was hatched because of a student being punished.

In addition to the knife discovered in the backpack of a student, other items recovered were duct tape, handcuffs, ribbon and a heavy crystal paperweight. Well now, where do you suppose those young 'uns ever got an idea such as that? Some at least will admit there is a lot excessive violence available for our young to experience by way of "musical lyrics," gaming and supposed "entertainment!"

April 3, 2008 news report from WJAC-TV in Johnstown PA -- three kindergarten boys cornered a 6 year-old girl, exposed themselves to her, and demanded that she touch them in their private area and give them oral sex! Where was the teacher while this little drama was playing itself out? It seems the teacher wasn't paying very close attention to just what the activity time involved for three who were her responsibility!

Same question as asked above -- just where did those little guys come up with all that, or are they starting graphic sex ed classes at the pre-school or kindergarten level now -- you know, teach those kids how to do it, do it right, and do it safely, right?

In the case of the three with their little hormones going crazy, perhaps they got instruction off the Internet -- it is now possible for them to access some very graphic stuff for free in spite of so-called "controls" put in place!

Have you been getting any feelings lately that something has gone a bit awry -- that the ship of a republic known as the United States is listing a bit -- or maybe a more dramatic example -- we resemble a modern day Titanic which has struck some spiritual, moral and ethical icebergs and are unable to plug the gash -- just ain't enough duct tape around to seal those gaps!

Things haven't improved a whole lot have they since those days decades ago when we decided to banish God, His Word and the practice of praying to Him in our public schools? Activities that now fill in the vacuum left by that debacle are not all that attractive are they? And then we followed up with the systematic extermination of what amounts now to about 100,000 unborn children on average per month throughout the year -- tally is now pushing up toward a grand total of 50 million victims! When we reach that, is it possible that God might step in and say the slaughter has gone on long enough -- time to stop it! Time will tell -- but speaking for myself and my family, we really don't want to be around at that precise moment when God makes a direct response to these abominations -- and rest assured, He will be making a response -- not whether He will, but WHEN!!

How do you avoid such tragedies as those just mentioned? The formula has been around for a long, long time -- but as a culture we have rejected the formula and chosen rather to give God an obscene gesture by way of response!

"Now this is the commandment, and these are the statutes and judgments which the LORD your God has commanded to teach you, that you may observe them in the land which you are crossing over to possess, that you may fear the LORD your God, to keep all His statutes and His commandments which I command you, you and your son and your grandson, all the days of your life, and that your days may be prolonged. Therefore hear, O Israel, and be careful to observe it, that it may be well with you, and that you may multiply greatly as the LORD God of your fathers has promised you; 'a land flowing with milk and honey.' Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one! You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might. And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart; you shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates." --- Deuteronomy 6:1-9

No Fooling! I'm Being Taught by the World's Greatest Theologian!

"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you..... However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you." --- Jesus speaking in John 14:26; 16:13-15

April 1, 2008 -- On this day -- a day which ranges all the way from a simple April Fool's joke to very complex and elaborate hoaxes, it is appropriate to consider our privilege to learn from One Who holds the undisputed title of "World's Greatest Theologian" and that's no joke!

In a post a few days ago I posed the question as to whether any who had stopped by had met Theo, my Administrative Assistant, at my web site, Circuit Rider's Range. He has a special area at that location identified as
The Theology Pit!

It is there that the subject of something called "theology" is pursued a bit. Pastors can even become obsessed with it and seem at times to come close to deifying certain idividuals who have come to be known as "theologians."

But of all those persons who over centuries of time have been known as theologians along with the many books they have produced, there is but One Who stands in a class all by Himself and the Book which He has produced -- His name? Holy Spirit! His book? the Bible!

What too often happens is this -- we (pastors and laity) can easily get so enraptured with theologians and authors of the day to an extent that we spend more time with them than we do with the World's Greatest Theologian and His Book!

Look at it this way -- suppose you were traveling a long distance on an airline flight and you were given the choice with someone else paying the tab -- the choice is to go 1st class or coach (2nd class) -- which would you take? I haven't flown in a while, but as I remember -- 1st class had amenities you didn't have in the coach section plus wider and much more comfortable seating! I do remember a flight I was on in which a young fellow in the military along with his wife and infant child were in the coach section. The child was very fussy and they were trying to get it quieted down -- after a while the pilot came back and asked them if they wanted to move into the 1st class section and finish the trip seated there. They didn't hesitate and soon were able to get the child settled down.

A 1st class experience is making oneself available to the Holy Spirit and taking a generous amount of time to do this -- and then take His Book and see Jesus make good on His promise that the Holy Spirit would teach us -- guide us into the truth -- and show us things to come! What more can one ask than that -- to be personally instructed by the Author of the Book which He brought into existence over centuries of time?

A 2nd class experience is giving time to all those others -- I realize the risk of being accused of being radical and prejudiced on this issue. But stop and think through what Jesus promised -- it really does amount to a choice of going 1st class in an experience with the Holy Spirit and His Book or 2nd class with the others and their books. It comes down to how much time we are willing to give to whom (or Whom) and their writings each day!

We can learn a very profitable lesson from the people of a place called Berea in the 1st Century. Paul and Silas eventually made their way into that community. They shared the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Scriptures note that these people were more fair minded than those in Thessalonica where Paul and Silas had been. It is stated that the Bereans searched the Scriptures daily to see whether the things Paul and Silas had spoken were really so. (Acts 17:11).

Seems these days we are more concerned about what some Tom, Dick and Jane have to say about the Bible than what the Bible has to say about us, them, the entire human race and what God's expectations and plans are!

Yes, I have quite a collection of books, including those written by persons considered to be "theologians" and have read in them, but I much prefer giving more time and attention to the World's Greatest Theologian and His Book -- the only time I can say as I hold His Book in my hands -- at last, here is Something I can believe and not have to struggle and ask, "Does this guy or gal know what he or she is talking about or not? Is it true or will it lead me down the path to disaster?"

So, if you dare -- how does your time spent in reading "stuff" compare to taking the Bible in hand and then with openness of heart and mind, alloting a significant amount of time in allowing the World's Greatest Theologian to teach you things that are vitally important for time and eternity?

And you will find that's no joke -- on April Fool's Day or any other throughout the year!

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. --- 2 Timothy 3:16, 17

Peace in 2008?

But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt "There is no peace," says my God, "for the wicked."………The way of peace they have not known, and there is no justice in their ways; they have made themselves crooked paths; whoever takes that way shall not know peace. --- Isaiah 57:20, 21; 59:8

As 2007 closed out with eruptions of violence in many places and crowned with the assassination of the former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Benazir Bhutto, the quest for peace continues unabated.

Just how successful will be the efforts in establishing peace in 2008? At the risk of being labeled a gloom and doom pessimist of the first magnitude I have to respond and say, “There will be no peace of any significant note!”

An Authority far greater than any existing government in the world or that monstrosity of confusion and chaos known as the United Nations has revealed that peace will never be a reality as the world presently stands.

Jesus said that prior to His return to earth conflicts will be the order of the day:

"And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows. Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name's sake.” --- Matthew 24:6-9

He also indicated that mass rejection and division over Him will result in conflicts on a major scale:

"Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and scourge you in their synagogues. And you will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you. Now brother will deliver up brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. And you will be hated by all for My name's sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved……..Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven. Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. For I have come to 'set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.' And 'a man's foes will be those of his own household.' He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it. He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me.” --- Matthew 10:16-22, 32-40

Since the vast majority of the world population is unregenerate in mind and heart, including leaders of existing governments, it can be said that 2 Timothy 3:1-5 is literally being fulfilled before our very eyes:

But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: for men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! --- 2 Timothy 3:1-5

Actions and policies advocated by politicians at both the federal and state levels of government in the United States provide daily displays of the truth of 2 Timothy 3:1-5 as well!

Will there ever be peace? Yes, but only due to the direct personal intervention of Jesus Christ when He comes back to this world in His glorious majesty as King of kings and Lord of lords! Until then the message and witness of every Christian is basically,

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life……..Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. --- John 3:16; Romans 5:1, 2

Only through Jesus Christ can there be personal peace as well as corporate peace!

"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid......These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." --- John 14:27; 16:33

Are You Among Those Special "Reserves?"

"Yet I have reserved seven thousand in Israel, all whose knees have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him." --- 1 Kings 19:18

He found himself in the pit of deep despair – he was on the run and trying to hide – a very powerful and wicked woman was after his head, literally!

Elijah had just won a major victory over the false prophets of a heathen deity named Baal. A part of that victory involved the execution of those false prophets. Queen Jezebel, who had been instrumental in importing Baal worship into the northern kingdom of Israel, had vowed to remove Elijah’s head from his shoulders due to the major blow he had inflicted on the institution of Baal worship!

And so as the prophet engaged in a major self-pity experience and felt the best thing for him now was to simply die and have his miserable existence terminated, God dramatically revealed that Elijah was not the only faithful one left, as he had led himself to believe. "Yet I have reserved seven thousand in Israel, all whose knees have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him," said God! In the midst of all the confrontations which had taken place and the challenging of the heathen prophets, Elijah had failed to recognize the existence of God’s “reserve” force.

In a 21st Century republic known as the United States of America God has His “reserves” that have refused to bow the knee to the modern Baals, which are manifested in many forms. Consider some of those Baals in our culture to which millions of knees are bowing every day -----

• the Baal of pleasure which now dominates the weekends, including the day which was set apart for the worship of the true and living God Who created this mighty universe by spoken command and Who loves us humans so much that He gave His own Son, Jesus Christ, as a sacrifice for our sins so we could be forgiven and be citizens in His Kingdom forever. Less than half of U. S. citizens are willing to go to a place of worship on Sundays!
  
  
• the Baal of money which now enslaves a huge multitude of individuals as well as a growing number of corporations. This brand of Baal has the unique power to fan into raging flames a vicious appetite called greed. But it’s not limited to individuals nor corporations headed up by CEO’s who are driven by a desire to chalk up record breaking profits year after year, but elected officials enjoy sticking their thumbs into the public money pie with constant scheming as to how the citizens can be bled for more and more revenue!
  
  
• the Baal of entertainment, talk-show, mass media and political celebrities. There is a wide variety of personalities here as well as the subject matter which may be expelled from the mouths of the same. The problem is that millions follow this one or that one and regard every word spoken by the one to whom they are ever loyal as “gospel truth.” Devotees of these celebrities are much more concerned about what their “idols” have to say about anything than what Almighty God has to say – and He does have a lot to say about the most critical issues of life on a personal level as well as on the collective level! Even among those who profess to be Christian in their faith there is all too often a confession that they do not spend the time studying the Bible as they feel they should! It is the God-inspired record of the Bible which is the measuring stick as to whether members of the aforementioned group are true or false in whatever statements and claims they make about anything.
  
  
• the Baal of sexual immorality which is a very cruel and merciless deity as it exploits the part of our being that expresses its cravings at a very young and tender age. Thanks to perverted thinking, reasoning and example setting by adults over time, our young are now constantly exposed to damnable teachings that sexual experiences under just about any condition are good – you, and you alone determine what your sexual preferences should be and how to be sexually intimate with whoever and whenever! God’s revelation about the boundaries of expressing and experiencing our sexuality are totally rejected. The evidence is overwhelming that our culture is resolved to take a fatal plunge into the pool of disaster when it comes to handling God’s sacred gift of human sexuality!
  
  
• the Baal of humanism which attempts to convince each one of us that we humans can handle all the issues of life be they personal and individual, or at the collective level. At times scientific advancements coupled with new breakthroughs in technology have been quite impressive and a person can be persuaded that we no longer need a “crutch of superstition” consisting of belief in a “higher power” which has whatever name you may give to that deity. However, along the way as we choose to travel this road, human life often becomes very cheap and expendable. And so there is no real moral sensitivity at the national level and no real concern that we have destroyed millions of unborn children over the past few decades!
  
  
• the Baal of “church-ianity” – the word is probably not in the dictionary, but it’s a way of best describing the infiltration of the church by forces of compromise, “political correctness,” unbelief and brazen immorality! Those in a number of church groups who hold to a Bible based faith are being pressured to compromise the faith (e.g. that Jesus is NOT the exclusive way of salvation), to speak a certain language so that no person is ever offended, to doubt the mighty acts of God in times past as well as what God has specifically planned for the future, and to accept without question sexual behavior patterns which God has clearly condemned! Constantly through legislative actions or declarations from church leaders the exhortation is to bow to the modern Baal and kiss him!
  

Somewhere scattered throughout the 50 states that comprise this republic is a minority number of persons – the ones who have not bowed the knee to the 21st Century version of Baal in its many grotesque forms – they are God’s special “reserves!” Are you one of them?

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing. --- 2 Timothy 4:7,8