"And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be troubled: for such things must be; but it is not the end yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there will be earthquakes in diverse places, and famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrow." Mark 13:7-8
An old song says, "In times like these, we need a Saviour; in times like these, we need and anchor; be very sure your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock."
I have, like I'm sure you have, been watching the coverage of the devastation in Haiti. Tens of thousand are dead, thousands more injured or still missing, and the despair of the people is incomprehensible to those on the outside. Hopelessness and fear are turning to violence and outrage as people wait for relief efforts hampered by the destruction. Food, water, and medical supplies are pouring in. Getting it to those who need it most is proving to be a logistical nightmare.
It never fails in a situation like this that someone who should know better decides to affix blame for it all. One popular TV minister claimed that because some 18th century Haitians "made a deal with the devil", God's judgement has rained down Port-au-Prince in 2010. A well-known actor, who apparently didn't have his writer handy, declared that it was the result of those in Copenhagen not getting that world-wide Global Warming agreement. Media commentators run the gamut from "the US is moving too slowly in relief efforts" to "the US is moving too quickly and not well-enough prepared".
Sigh.
Our world is not the victim of a curse pledged to an impotent beast, nor is it in man's hands to prevent any natural disaster by agreeing to use less gas. The events we see all around us are the fulfillment of a promise made by a promise-keeping God, incapable of falsehood, and sure to deliver on His Word. Are there wars? Yes, He said there would be. Do we see disasters, famine, and disease all around us? In every part of this planet, there is hunger, epidemic, want, and unrest. There is no hope in politics, legislation, wealth, or fame. He promised it would all come to pass, and He keeps His Word.
But, Bless His Name, that's not all He promised!
"And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption is drawing near." Luke 21:28
This world shouldn't scare us or have any hold on us; the troubles we see all around us are the dark before the dawn. His peace and grace, His Word and Truth will triumph! Praise His Name!
"For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." Romans 8:18
He promised!
Monday, January 18, 2010
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Watch this one, Gabe!
"Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against his anointed, saying, 'Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.' He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision." Psalm 2:1-4
Late last year, world leaders, worldly intellectuals, and a group of highly intelligent, unknown and formerly unimportant scientists met in Copenhagen in the name of "Global Warming". This new religion, headed by Pope Albert II of Tennessee, has followers of all races, creeds, and nationalities, whose mission is to save the planet and all flora and fauna thereon. Human life is a secondary concern, seeing that humans are to blame for the problem in the first place. God does not factor in to this religion at all, and belief that He has any part in controlling the world is condemned as heresy. The cornerstone belief of Global Warming is that man can somehow control this world through an environmentally sound use of fossil fuels, hair spray, and toilet paper. GW zealots seek control of all facets of our existence, from the air we breathe to the waste we flush away. To that end, they had congregated to form an agreement among all nations on laws, restrictions, and sanctions that would, in fact, establish a world-wide governmental authority on climate control.
All of Copenhagen was put at their disposal. Jets, private and public, flew in from every corner of the earth; every limousine and call girl in four countries was hired and ready at the snap of a finger; hotels and inns were filled and stocked to bursting. Pope Al II would be there, selling his autograph and a handshake for a mere $1200 a pope -er- pop. Leaders from poor, down-trodden-but-peaceful-freedom-loving nations like Iran, Venezuela, and the USSR would be in attendance, as would the evil, resources-guzzling monster dictatorships like England, Israel, Canada, and the worst of the worst, the United States.
But, as they say on Broadway, a funny thing happened on the way to the forum. E-mails leaked to the media from Global Warming U in East Anglia began to unravel the tangled web that surrounded the Global Warming lies. Numbers had been "tweaked", facts had been twisted, revised, distorted, deleted, and re-invented to make the data support the claims. "Nonsense, nothing to it!" cried the faithful, trying to shrug the egg off their faces. However, the minor glitch quickly became a major impediment. Pope Al II became a no-show, suddenly remembering a previous engagement, and our President, sitting quietly as the US was blamed for just about everything, apologized most humbly and returned without the universal agreement for which he so desperately wanted credit.
Then came the punchline. Never let it be said God doesn't have a sense of humor. While all the GW parishioners were gathered for their general assembly, Copenhagen was hit with the worst blizzard some had seen in their lifetimes. This was followed by the weirdest weather patterns the world has experienced in almost a century. From England to Ecuador, America to New Zealand, the old joke is becoming the fact: "Don't like the weather? Wait a minute..."
I sometimes imagine God punching Gabriel in the ribs and saying, "Watch this, it's gonna be hilarious!" God lets us go so far in our "knowledge". He watches our weak, vain, scrambling attempts to control our world and our lives for just so long, then, in an instant, lets us know that He is still in charge, and our intelligence is nothing. He laughs at our silliness, winks at our arrogance, and waits patiently until we come back to our senses and call on Him. Because, despite it all, He still loves us.
As Bro. Billy Murray once said, "Ain't we sweet? Ain't we pitiful!" Isn't God great? Isn't God good? Isn't God still in charge? And His love endures forever!
Late last year, world leaders, worldly intellectuals, and a group of highly intelligent, unknown and formerly unimportant scientists met in Copenhagen in the name of "Global Warming". This new religion, headed by Pope Albert II of Tennessee, has followers of all races, creeds, and nationalities, whose mission is to save the planet and all flora and fauna thereon. Human life is a secondary concern, seeing that humans are to blame for the problem in the first place. God does not factor in to this religion at all, and belief that He has any part in controlling the world is condemned as heresy. The cornerstone belief of Global Warming is that man can somehow control this world through an environmentally sound use of fossil fuels, hair spray, and toilet paper. GW zealots seek control of all facets of our existence, from the air we breathe to the waste we flush away. To that end, they had congregated to form an agreement among all nations on laws, restrictions, and sanctions that would, in fact, establish a world-wide governmental authority on climate control.
All of Copenhagen was put at their disposal. Jets, private and public, flew in from every corner of the earth; every limousine and call girl in four countries was hired and ready at the snap of a finger; hotels and inns were filled and stocked to bursting. Pope Al II would be there, selling his autograph and a handshake for a mere $1200 a pope -er- pop. Leaders from poor, down-trodden-but-peaceful-freedom-loving nations like Iran, Venezuela, and the USSR would be in attendance, as would the evil, resources-guzzling monster dictatorships like England, Israel, Canada, and the worst of the worst, the United States.
But, as they say on Broadway, a funny thing happened on the way to the forum. E-mails leaked to the media from Global Warming U in East Anglia began to unravel the tangled web that surrounded the Global Warming lies. Numbers had been "tweaked", facts had been twisted, revised, distorted, deleted, and re-invented to make the data support the claims. "Nonsense, nothing to it!" cried the faithful, trying to shrug the egg off their faces. However, the minor glitch quickly became a major impediment. Pope Al II became a no-show, suddenly remembering a previous engagement, and our President, sitting quietly as the US was blamed for just about everything, apologized most humbly and returned without the universal agreement for which he so desperately wanted credit.
Then came the punchline. Never let it be said God doesn't have a sense of humor. While all the GW parishioners were gathered for their general assembly, Copenhagen was hit with the worst blizzard some had seen in their lifetimes. This was followed by the weirdest weather patterns the world has experienced in almost a century. From England to Ecuador, America to New Zealand, the old joke is becoming the fact: "Don't like the weather? Wait a minute..."
I sometimes imagine God punching Gabriel in the ribs and saying, "Watch this, it's gonna be hilarious!" God lets us go so far in our "knowledge". He watches our weak, vain, scrambling attempts to control our world and our lives for just so long, then, in an instant, lets us know that He is still in charge, and our intelligence is nothing. He laughs at our silliness, winks at our arrogance, and waits patiently until we come back to our senses and call on Him. Because, despite it all, He still loves us.
As Bro. Billy Murray once said, "Ain't we sweet? Ain't we pitiful!" Isn't God great? Isn't God good? Isn't God still in charge? And His love endures forever!
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Mr. T and the Women
"Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? No, they were not at all ashamed, nor could they even blush..." Jeremiah 8:12
I don't often take time to comment on celebrity affairs, except among family, if the subject arises. I don't think promiscuity among public figures is entertaining, "captivating", or worthy of headlines. Frankly, it sickens me. But, this once, I've had enough and I am speaking up. To those who expected more of me, sorry. To those who disagree, tough.
For the last several weeks, we have been treated to the sexual indiscretions of golf legend Tiger Woods. He has been laid bare (no pun intended) for all to examine and judge. The sad thing is, he is being judged not by people who feel he did wrong, but by those who see headlines, TV specials, and dollar signs in their coverage of his sins. I agree with Fox News commentator Britt Hume: Woods desperately needs to turn his life over to a God who sees the man in sin, loves him still, and will forgive if he asks. I pray that he does.
My disgust with the whole mess comes not at disappointment in a man who has been held up as an example to young people; big men sometimes fail, fact of life. It comes in the depiction of the women who were using and being used by Woods as pawns or victims. When I was in my 20's, a woman caught in blatant immorality would avoid the press and try to assume at least some sense of shame for her part in the scandal. However, following the notoriety (and, in some cases wealth) bestowed on the likes of Donna Rice, Marla Maples, Jessica Hahn, and Monica Lewinsky, being the backseat babe of some rich, famous, or powerful man now carries a badge of honor. Near-naked shots of these women can be found on any news or tabloid site, sexually explicit tapes are going high-dollar, and talk shows are fighting over interviews like rabid dogs in a pit. Every one of these women knew who Woods was, knew he was married, and knew what they were doing. Not one of them, to my knowledge, has expressed any shame or remorse; not so much as a blush.
I don't watch "The View." I don't know anything about Joy Behar, except that the expression "foul-mouthed broad" seems to be tailor-made for her. Apparently, she has been asked to apologize for calling these women "prostitutes". It seems, on the surface, to fit the situation. They serviced a famous man and now they want to be paid. However, I don't think these women compare to the girls on the corner of Jefferson Street, who are earning a living the only way they think they can. I'm not condoning the profession; I'm just saying I have more respect for the girl on the street than I have for someone who willingly plays a part in a filthy and immoral game and then tries cashing it all in for fifteen minutes of fame.
"Wow, Jo, hard on 'em much?" Maybe. I am just so tired of sin and filth being made to look glamorous, fun, and profitable to us and our precious children. Maybe if more of us came down harder on the side of righteousness, public figures will get the message that we don't want this in our lives. So, yeah, I'm ticked off and not afraid to say so.
At the same time, I want these women to know that the God who will forgive Tiger Woods will forgive them. Don't believe me? Pull out your Bible and turn to St. John, the 8th chapter. He is faithful, loving, and forgiving, no matter who you are or what you have done. Will it all go away? Nope, not for a while, at least. Will He guide you through it and give strength and grace to bear it? Without a doubt. I pray that you let Him.
Said my piece; done.
I don't often take time to comment on celebrity affairs, except among family, if the subject arises. I don't think promiscuity among public figures is entertaining, "captivating", or worthy of headlines. Frankly, it sickens me. But, this once, I've had enough and I am speaking up. To those who expected more of me, sorry. To those who disagree, tough.
For the last several weeks, we have been treated to the sexual indiscretions of golf legend Tiger Woods. He has been laid bare (no pun intended) for all to examine and judge. The sad thing is, he is being judged not by people who feel he did wrong, but by those who see headlines, TV specials, and dollar signs in their coverage of his sins. I agree with Fox News commentator Britt Hume: Woods desperately needs to turn his life over to a God who sees the man in sin, loves him still, and will forgive if he asks. I pray that he does.
My disgust with the whole mess comes not at disappointment in a man who has been held up as an example to young people; big men sometimes fail, fact of life. It comes in the depiction of the women who were using and being used by Woods as pawns or victims. When I was in my 20's, a woman caught in blatant immorality would avoid the press and try to assume at least some sense of shame for her part in the scandal. However, following the notoriety (and, in some cases wealth) bestowed on the likes of Donna Rice, Marla Maples, Jessica Hahn, and Monica Lewinsky, being the backseat babe of some rich, famous, or powerful man now carries a badge of honor. Near-naked shots of these women can be found on any news or tabloid site, sexually explicit tapes are going high-dollar, and talk shows are fighting over interviews like rabid dogs in a pit. Every one of these women knew who Woods was, knew he was married, and knew what they were doing. Not one of them, to my knowledge, has expressed any shame or remorse; not so much as a blush.
I don't watch "The View." I don't know anything about Joy Behar, except that the expression "foul-mouthed broad" seems to be tailor-made for her. Apparently, she has been asked to apologize for calling these women "prostitutes". It seems, on the surface, to fit the situation. They serviced a famous man and now they want to be paid. However, I don't think these women compare to the girls on the corner of Jefferson Street, who are earning a living the only way they think they can. I'm not condoning the profession; I'm just saying I have more respect for the girl on the street than I have for someone who willingly plays a part in a filthy and immoral game and then tries cashing it all in for fifteen minutes of fame.
"Wow, Jo, hard on 'em much?" Maybe. I am just so tired of sin and filth being made to look glamorous, fun, and profitable to us and our precious children. Maybe if more of us came down harder on the side of righteousness, public figures will get the message that we don't want this in our lives. So, yeah, I'm ticked off and not afraid to say so.
At the same time, I want these women to know that the God who will forgive Tiger Woods will forgive them. Don't believe me? Pull out your Bible and turn to St. John, the 8th chapter. He is faithful, loving, and forgiving, no matter who you are or what you have done. Will it all go away? Nope, not for a while, at least. Will He guide you through it and give strength and grace to bear it? Without a doubt. I pray that you let Him.
Said my piece; done.
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