Is Change Coming or is always going to be like this

“The more life changes the more things stay the same.”
Archeologist uncovered hieroglyphics apprehensive over the lack of discipline and shame among Egyptian youth. Historians uncover more than once sinister darker sides of famous leaders. Writers continually reveal disgusting evils practiced by legendary business and political personalities.
Yet, we continue today to take serious cries from the political, social and religious arenas that “The sky is falling! This nation is going to hell in a hand basket! We need a return to the good old days and old fashion family values!”
Our world today is not doing anything different than it did two, four or six thousand years ago. It is just being done with different tools and under faster and faster forms of communications.
Those good old days gone by were polluted with greedy business people paying minimum wages and manning sweat shops with illegal immigrant help. At the same time the handful of dishonest politicians accepted tainted money in one hand, while the other hand reached out to citizens with hollow gestures of help.
Everywhere men ruled society and their families with an iron hand. Definition of a  family required two married parents. Single parents, widows and orphans were social outcast in those family values societies. Women and children were objects to be possessed. An individual's color, gender, disabilities, disfigurements, religion, and other such small  differences were legitimate excuses for social rejection and even at times death.
Perhaps these historical perspectives might help us to more clearly see today's social, political, and religious situation. It really isn't any different than those of days gone by. It would read like this, “During the last decades of a roaring twentieth century a powerful nation experienced explosions of knowledge in the fields of communications and physical science. The impact on society was similar to the industrial and transportation explosions in the last decades of the nineteenth.
Numerous political leaders and statesmen are remembered for their honest and efficient leadership. Several of them, including presidents, had illicit extra marital and financial affairs. They were many involved with greedy social and financial elements in the society. Many business people and inventors rode their industrial success to great financial heights. They also established benevolent works in society. Sadly the news media of the day gave more attention to greedy and unethical people than the honest ones. Population also increased dramatically during those decades. Wars dominated the world scene.”
As in days gone by, most of the world quietly goes about living their lives guided by honest values. It is just a few rotten apples that make all the noise. What's new? Nothing! So, what should we do? Take a personal check of our own selves first. If the bottom or foundation of a society is solid, shouldn't those  who stand above be just as good?
First and foremost, do you vote in every election or do you let the handful select the leaders. One Arkansas governor was elected with about 433,000 votes out of a possible two million. Do you give your fair share of money and time to benevolent work? Do you avoid consumer debt? Do you give an honest days work for an honest dollar? Do you study in school to the best of your ability? Are you loyal to family and fiends? Is your word and hand trustworthy?
 Do you associate regular with not only people like yourself but others too? Do you give everyone equal respect? And so forth?
If your answers are a powerful yes to all of the above, you are a social gem. Now if we were to put you in a position of power, fame or fortune would you stay that way? History says, “No!” The point? Don't waste your time concerned about that great world out there until you have made a distinct improvement inside the one you live in. Or until you are ready to step forward and lead. The more life changes the more things stay the same? Not if you make it personal. The more my life changes the more things in my world will change.
 

Aromatic Christians

Almost every week I charge my congregation to be “Aromatic Christians” in the week ahead. Meaning their lives should give evidence of their faith. If you have to tell someone you are a Christian, you probably should keep your mouth shut.
  The label Christian was first used by people of other faiths, who saw the actions of the people and said, “There go the followers (disciples) of Christ.”  This is the basic definition of Christian.
Theologically a Christian, by our definition, is one who has received the Spirit of God and all the authority that entails.
  In this small detail lies the basic problem between most religions (in all religions the believer is touched by the divine spirit). Give authority to some people and they grow; give it to others and they swell. Being a part of creation is an awesome position. It means you represent a force that causes life! It causes things to exist! When you walk in the woods you are walking with your family, for we are related to everything that exist. You are a "little one" of God. The God and power who causes life. You represent the creator of all life!
  This reminds us that all who come as representatives of their Creator God, should be given respect. Do we respect all those things of God? The environment? Society? Other people? Our faith? Perhaps  if we remember that we also are a representative of the creator it might change your approach to others.
  We are each a representative - we only represent God. If we work for a company and they send us to visit a customer we cannot represent something to the customer the company will not do. Ambassadors understand that very well. Another English word for ambassador is apostle. They were/are representatives of Jesus. Jesus was/is a representative of God. We need only to project what/who we represent - the God of life and love.
  There is no room or tolerance for those who come in the name of God and represent death and hate; condemnation and rejection; and self centeredness.  By represent, I mean how we influence others by our words, actions and attitudes. No one can influence others to live on a higher level than that on which they live themselves. Just one act of ours may turn the tide of another person's life.
  When God says to a person, “Well done thou faithful servant,” it signifies that God feels that person represented God well. They gave of the aroma of love, grace, and acceptance; not hate, condemnation, and rejection. They were Christ like.

Down with Religion! Up with God!

I once promised to address the question, “Why is wanting to be God-like, a sin?”
Where can we find the first concept of sin? In three great religions it is found in primordial (No eye witnesses!) history, as related in the first eleven chapters of Genesis.
  The matter of sin is defined in a spiritual realm. Sin is concerned with the spiritual relationship that started with “So God created humanity (atham) in God’s own image, in the image of God they (atham) were created; male (ish) and female (isha) God created them.” Two equal parts to make the whole of humanity.
  Sin takes form where we read, “you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die.” God’s knowledge is the focus of spiritual activity. It is why we are called seekers. We spend our lives seeking basic truths of life. From the start God tweaked our curiosity about the ultimate truth, which can give us knowledge of good and evil.  
What happens when we seek this knowledge?    
God said, they are now like one of us, knowing good and evil. They cannot take  from the tree of life and eat and live forever. Are we not now taught that our purpose in life is to be like God and to live forever? Then why was it wrong in the beginning?
  Maybe there is a different perspective. If we are not to be like God, maybe we need to be in a right relationship with God. If so, then we seek not to have God’s light, but to be in God’s light. A humble reversal to being righteous in one’s self.
  Adam and Eve were in a right relationship with God and at peace. Then they sought to be like God. Perhaps the spiritual lesson of the Garden is our need for one’s humility of intellect. We are not God and never will be like God! Knowledge for true condemnation and judgement is in the hands of God and God alone. We are to strive to walk with God and be in a right relationship.
  Cain is our first lesson of why our relationship with God is important. The great sin of Cain? He was not in favor with God. Why? Who knows? Theories abound. Whatever theory, it ultimately ends up that sin is a major force in the world. Humans with no relationship with God are out of favor with God.
   In Noah, primordial history refines the lesson of sin, in the eyes of God. Noah was blameless among the people and walked with God. Our  reputation among people is different than our walk with God. Both are vital! But, Noah was spared because of his relationship with God, not what other people thought of him.
  God blessed Noah and family, but their souls would have to account for the life of their fellow beings. Sin relates to our relationship with others as well as with God.
  Noah was drunk (while in a right relationship with God) and laid uncovered. Ham saw his dad naked and told his brothers outside. They took a coat on their shoulders and walked in backwards to cover him. Their faces were turned, as to not see the father naked. When Noah discovered what Ham had done, he cursed Ham! What did Ham do wrong? Perhaps he saw a problem and did nothing about it? Is his sin passing the buck? He failed to act on the needs of another.
   Finally ancient history ends up at the Tower of Babel. Noah’s decedents spread over the earth and  the world had one language. People begin to build a tower to heaven to make a name for themselves and not be scattered over the earth.
  God saw the tower they were building and said, “If as one people speaking the same language they’ve begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them.”
  Primordial ends with this emphatic statement, that God did not intend the people to be like God!  I thought God wanted the world to be in one accord.
  And we are! Various cultures around the world were all created by God. Each is critical to the whole. This truth is a reason for honoring all the children of God, whether they are Protestant, Catholic, Jewish, Islamic, Buddha, etc.. God makes it clear in these first chapters, that the only thing important is a person’s walk with God. Any other focus is sin. Such as, a focus on self righteousness or being God-like. That is sin and out of harmony with God.
  The ancient lesson is God created humanity to walk with God and be in a right relationship with God. God considers that anyone, who attempts to know everything God knows and attempts to do all things like God, is not walking with God, but trying to be God. It humbles our intellect!

True Citizen Soldiers defend individual freedom

In the midst of the sad affairs in amongst the extremist around the world who are killing innocent woman and children in the name of religion the first week in June is very significant for me. It is "military week" and a time to remember significant events. Events that have shaped our national image as we know it today.
  June 1,1813 - Captain James Lawrence on the U.S.S. Chesapeake lay dying and uttered, "Don't give up the ship!" Our reputation of being a stubborn fighting machine is well earned. Our Armed Forces have brought many arrogant tyrant’s glorious armies and navies to their knees in humbling defeat. Raw as we may seem, the American fighting men and women can be counted on to "hang in there" till the job is done.
  June 3, 1916 National Defense Act created the civilian-officer concept (Reserve Officer Training Corp). The military academies at West Point and Annapolis had produced the bulk of the officers. Although the idea was met with some misgivings and ridicule, it has been valuable in building the world’s best citizen soldier fighting machine. Today the Reserves are a sizable part of our military.
  June 5, 1947, Secretary of State George Catlett Marshal, a professional officer, who gave up his uniform to serve in the cabinet, gave new meaning to citizen soldier. His "Marshall Plan" exhibited the gentle side of the relentless dogface citizen soldier. That day at Harvard he said, "Our policy is not directed against country or doctrine but against hunger, poverty, desperation and chaos." Our European Recovery Plan at the close of WW II healed wounds and rebuilt hopes in half the world. We were being good neighbors and our soldiers were battling this mess with the same fighting spirit they had shown during combat. "We stand firm and  we care" might be a motto for our citizen soldiers.
  June 6, 1944, known as D-Day confirmed the stubborn courage and determination of the Captain Lawrence's through out the history of this nation. An effective utilization  of civilian soldiers is important to conserving a true spirit of freedom. The international  blend of Allied Forces expressed our place in the world's neighborhood.
  June 6, 1962, Denny Reimer begins his march that eventually led him to the top position in our unique fighting force.  Along with him were his classmates who are just a few examples of the important concept of soldiers who will fight for the rights of individuals..
  June 7, 2013 celebrates what all this week is about. It is Freedom of the Press Day. Freedom of the press goes hand in hand with free speech. Free speech is what the citizen soldiers fight to defend and bring to others in other lands. Yes a nice touch to end my "military week."

Words can hurt or cure

  Words are written symbols of human understanding. Words can hurt and words can heal! They have divided the world in some of the smallest and unique ways. These divisions have sometimes been destructive in catastrophic proportions.  The great wars of this world were all began over differing views of what particular words meant. At the same time peace was achieved through other words.
  Our Creator knows the importance of words. If humans all spoke the same language with the same meanings nothing will be impossible for them to do.
  Funny isn't it that the Creator does not want us to all speak the same language. At least that was the message of stories like the Tower of Babel. What would happen if we could return to a day when we all spoke the same language?
  First it would reduce the number of divisions in society. We would all have the same concept or belief in Our Common Creator. Hmmm? I wonder, of the present words and symbols which  might be the correct or closes one? Would it be a super human being: Thor? Zeus? Buddha? Confucius? Jesus? Etc. Would it be nature itself? Trees and birds? Breath of Life? Great Spirit? Holy Spirit? Etc.? Would it be the essence of what is good in life? Goodness? Peace? Ying and Yang? Love? Etc.?
  If it comes to a vote, I want to nominate my word Yah to be the accepted and common understanding among all the peoples. Yah cannot be comprehend in worldly terms. Instead it can only describe the personality of Yah as developed from the collected facts since the beginning of time by millions and millions of people.
  While my Yah is the sum total of the opinion of all beings, my Yah still is a distinct essence with known personalities. Yah caused this creation in order to develop we human beings. Humans that when they leave this world will be with Yah beyond our space and time.
   Yah knows it is extremely difficult for humans to really understand Yah’s true essence and the purpose of human life. Therefore Yah communicated these expectations was through specific human being through out the course of human history. This humans all were understood to have fully human and fully divine characteristics. Something common with all persons, who believe in my Yah.  
  All of the followers of Yah are fully human and fully divine. We are members of the kingdom beyond space and time. How we live out our lives will develop our role in that kingdom, where Yah is fully understood. For us this is the only true focus for human beings - to prepare for Yah’s eternal kingdom.
  Yes if the world all had my word and symbol for our Creator we would put Our Creator first in all things and love others as we love ourselves. We would avoid being people who elevate and worship rules and laws. We would avoid condemnation of any human being and demonstrate love, joy and peace in our lives so that others we be drawn to Yah, so they might find Our Creator. Our  actions would speak our faith.
  Yes it would be nice if we all spoke the same language and understood Our Creator in the same way. Oh well, some day we will see all of the Creator’s kingdom and speak the same language. Until then could we learn to translate a little better?

True Terrorist vs True Soldiers

True Terrorist vs True Soldiers
   Someone long time ago said, “A wise man fears the Lord and shuns evil, but a fool is hotheaded and reckless.” Yes I know it is Proverbs 14:16.
   It is beyond my comprehension how any group of people (nation, race, religion, or whatever) can say they are the only chosen people of God and that they can condemn or harm mentally and physically anyone who doesn’t agree with them.
   In my youth we use to say to people like that, “Who died and made you God?” What right did they have to be judge and jury over events or circumstances?  Especially if they chose to do harm to the persons or groups they deemed had did wrong according to them. “Who died and made them God?”
   Today we are calling them terrorist.  They are not terrorists. They are hotheaded aand reckless cowardly acting bullies. They hide behind covered faces, black masks, white hoods, and a hundred of other different cowardly traits.
   Oh, but Dennis you don’t understand, they are soldiers in a great cause. Baloney! I was a soldier for 31 years and soldiers like wise men do not hide behind masks, hoods and anything else. They stand tall waving their flag and fight their enemy face to face.
  It is time we change our headlines around the world. Their aren’t any such thing as terrorists. There are hotheaded reckless cowards bullying people bringing terror to innocent women and children around the world.
  It is time for every religion to condemn these cowards wether they are wearing ski masks, white hoods, or any other facade to hide behind. True soldiers battle the enemy with honor. These women and baby killers have zero, zilch, no honor.
  It is time we put an end to this form of bullying before they lead us to a war we may never recover from on this beautiful blue planet.

The Devil Made Me Do It

  Hallelujah! Praise the Lord! Open up the jails! I have just seen the ultimate solution to tort reform and crowded jails.
  The other day the newspaper reported that a man killed eighteen people, yes eighteen. The man's defense was that he was a crack head, abused by his mother and raped by a social worker when he was a young boy. It wasn't his fault after all. The dealer, his mother and the social worker actually pulled the trigger.
  Like a flash of light, it came to me that we all can claim our problems are the result of the actions of people, who came before us. Following this logic to its ultimate conclusion, we discover we can all blame Adam and Eve for our problems. Cain killed Able because of his upbringing. So bulletin!: we no longer need jails, courts, judges, and lawyers. The common and unbeatable defense is now: Adam and Eve made us do it!
  Of course Adam and Eve's only defense was "the devil made me do it." Somebody made me do it? A six foot burly drunk exclaims, "my wife makes me drink". Now she is five foot two, it takes real mental power to visualize her holding him down on the floor. And it takes even more to see her pouring the drink down his throat as he desperately attempts to struggle free.
  The same struggle surfaces while reflecting back on my youth. Three boys went into a small local store, owned by a little old  and kind lady. Two decided to steal a bottle of Nehi grape soda. The third chose to sneak back and pay her the ten cents. All three lived on the same street and came from similar families. Today we know, by popular demand and acceptance, that the two who snatched the sodas did so because of something negative in their background or families. What on earth caused the third boy to do a good act? Today we aren't sure.
  Sixty some years ago, the little boy who paid the dime did so because he felt sorry for the little old lady. She worked so hard and was kind to all of them many times. From the time he first left the store his conscience wouldn't leave him alone. The other two seem to have no conscience. They got what they wanted and to heck with the old lady. They even made fun of the third boy for going back. In fact they resented him. They were concerned only for themselves, he was concerned for others.
  Who made them that way? The two who stole the Nehi came from families with a father and mother, brothers and sisters, with their own homes and no real trauma in life. The third boy couldn't remember his real father, lived in basement home and was raped by a neighbor at age six. According to what is in the news these days this story is all wrong. This boy made a moral decision and took responsibility in the middle of an immoral setting, where the majority were acting irresponsibly.
  Today he could have gone back and brutally attacked, raped and killed the old lady, before turning on his friends in rage and killing them under stress. A good lawyer and a sympathetic jury would easily see that his father, who abandoned him and his sister, the neighbor who traumatized him and the modest living quarters were more than enough to justify his actions. In fact they probably would award him millions from Nehi Beverages for making sodas that would entice young boys to steal.
  God holds each person responsible for there own actions. The devil cannot make anyone do anything. The only power anyone has over another is the power to influence. History is littered with persons, who have given up their lives rather than act irresponsible or immoral. Successful societies hold people responsible for their own actions.
  Physical and mental cowards shy away from accepting responsibility for their actions. They also allow and encourage others to make immoral and irresponsible decisions. "Real Men and Women" use their past only for understanding themselves and certain influences in their lives. However, "Real Men and Women" then hold themselves accountable to make moral and responsible decisions. They do not tolerate any less from others.
  Aren't you tired of this endless rhetoric that is nothing more than one big excuse for irresponsible behavior? I am! It is my cause to stand up against things irresponsible. I don't want to be buddies with my children, I want to be their father. I don't want to be well liked, I want to be respected for my principles. I am going to say, no to the man who hits a woman; to a child being disrespectful toward an adult; to thief the first time he steals; to a teenager crowding in line at the movies; to the church gossip killing the reputations of others; to sin; and to anyone tolerating immoral and irresponsible behavior.
  Many of you know the basic problem. In my Uncle Tom's words, some chose to do good and some chose to do bad. My grandmother would say some want to go to heaven others to hell. I say their are self centered people, who don't give a damn about anyone or anything, and there are God centered people, who care enough about others enough to act responsibly and morally. Let us call it what it is - Evil (period). And let's start when they are little boys.

Bread is Life in many ways

  A man dying in the vast hot dry desert suddenly found a bottle in the sand. It was empty. He rubbed it against his chest. As he did a vapor cloud and a huge genie pop out of the bottle and said, “For three wishes, I am yours to command.”
  Realizing there were only three he thought carefully and said, “My first wish is to have the greatest riches of every kind in the world - food, drink, women, power.”
  “It is done,” said the genie, and with a snap of fingers the man was transported to a magnificent mansion, clothed in rich raiment, surrounded by adoring beauties who served his every need.    “What is your second wish?” asked the genie.
  “To be once more in the prime of life.” Once again the genie snapped his fingers and the man became a magnificent specimen of a man surround by power and beauty.
  “What do you want for your last wish?” asked the genie again.
  The man knew this would be his last so he thought carefully and finally declared, “I have everything I have always wanted but since I have one last wish, there is something I have always wanted - make me a perfect malted milk shake.” And in a snap of his fingers there was the mansion, the women, the money and on the couch in the middle of everything where the young man had been sitting was the world's most perfect malted milk shake.
The moral?
What you eat is always food for thought. How much you eat is food for strength.
  “Tell me what you eat, and I will tell you what you are.” - Savarin in The Physiology of Taste 1825

   During World War II a group of Jewish orphans at a convent could not go to sleep at night. It puzzled the sisters until one realized they were frightened of what each tomorrow would bring. That night each child was given a slice of bread to take to bed. The children all slept through the night. They knew they would have bread in the morning and would not be hungry the next day.
  “All forms of government fall when it comes up to the question to bread - bread for the family, something to eat. Bread to a man with a hungry family comes first - before his union, before his citizenship, before his church affiliation. Bread!” - John L. Lewis
  Bread is central to the Biblical message. In the wilderness they received a bread from heaven - manna. Bread was un-leaven to remind them that they had to leave Egypt in a hurry. Some bread was round, some in loaves and some in heart shape. It was essential to everyday life as well as the farmers and soldiers in the field. It was a gift for strangers. It was used as the spoon, when eating.
  Bread is the focus of many today. We work to make more bread. We break bread together. Bread is and always has been central to life on this planet. The essentials for life are water and bread and clothing and a house to cover one's nakedness, but we cannot live by physical bread alone!
 The Christ declares that he is the bread of life. Do you want a slice or a loaf? Do you want only enough to get you through the night? A slice!
  So many times we take part in Communion and only want a slice. We leave church a malted milk shake. A little peace, some assurance about heaven and a possibility that maybe God loves me.    Today as always The Christ offers each of us the whole loaf. Peace of mind, assurance of an eternal life beyond the grave and knowledge that God loves me - total acceptance by God just as I am today.
   So slice Or loaf? i.e. “do you want the whole thing?” Jesus [his principles or example] is not something you make a sandwich out of in life. We don't take our world and wrap it with a Jesus roll. We make Jesus [his principles and examples] our life support to live in this world. He is our bread and the world is his butter.
  Perspective: Jesus is the bread of life, but God is the giver of life. The next time you take communion please remember we partake of Jesus the bread and worship God the baker.
 Through the bread we learn about the baker. In the bread we find the ingredients of the meaning of life used in the recipe of the Creator.
 A slice allows you to learn about Jesus. The whole loaf gives us knowledge of God. Don't settle for less. Make all your wishes count. Yet the question remains, Slice or Loaf? Part of God or all of God. Live a little of a Godly life or jump in fully feet first that is the question!
  The Bread of Life, Christ Jesus, was prepared by God to be a banquet not a snack tray. It is above all affiliations. It brings peace at night. It sustains and strengthens your every effort. Are you getting enough bread today?

The Real Clowns of God

  A favorite book is "The Clowns of God" by Morris West, author of  "The Shoes of the Fisherman".  A favorite song is "Where are the Clowns" by Barbara Streis, especially the closing line, "bring on the clowns. (pause) don't bother they're here". In my office is a bust of the famous  clown Emmett Kelly.
  Clowns have an important place in my life. They catch me when I take myself or life to seriously. Times when a person’s remark lifts me to the mountain top or plunges me to the valley floor. Whether I am going up or going down the frowning smile on Emmett's face reminds me there are downs after ups and ups after downs, or "Relax! This too shall pass."
  Periodically, I have been known to mutter things like, "Mmmm just once I would like to have access to the clowns, who allow all the Congressional waste.”  Or even closer to home, " Lord,  I’d like a long talk with the clowns who let the church fall into the hands of those bunch of clowns." Then a lovely voice whispers in my ear, "don't bother they are here." My own ignorance and apathy allows them, the clowns, to remain in power. The song ministers to me, as it seemingly says, "Relax! All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
  The active pastoral ministry has been a great joy as well as a great sadness. Joy because people are always searching for God and the truth about God. Sadness because within the denominations of Christianity we still bicker amongst ourselves while the world drifts farther away. Heaven forbid, in just our little area alone, we have divided so much we now have about six Methodist Churches, five Presbyterian, five Assembly of God, twenty-eight Baptist, three Christian, thirteen Church of Christ and about thirty assorted others, and still dividing and multiplying.
  Who is causes these divisions among the people of God? In "The Clowns of God" the main character discovers the culprits are the petty church leaders, pushed by a thirst for power and hunger for financial security. They habitually do peculiar and selfish things contrary what to is good for the whole body of believers in God's kingdom.
  These little power centered creatures, who by selective reading reject the whole of the gospel of God to worship their petty little religious corner of the world, are called "the clowns of God". Morris West seemingly is saying, "Relax! Different gifts and workings, but the same Spirit and Lord."
  Clowns can be funny or sad. Clowns can be out there or in here. Clowns can be me or you. My guess is, God probably sees us all as clowns in life's circus.
  When our God says, "This too shall pass", is it said with light humor or with profound sincerity? I have heard it both ways. At times the message is "don't sweat the small stuff, look at the big picture." Other times, while in the depths of despair, the arm of God seems to slip around my shoulders with a comfort that says, "Hang in there, there is nothing in life that you and I can't handle together." Do you think Emmett taught that to God or God to Emmett?
  Did you ever suspect that when God informs us, "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," there follows at times a "heavenly chuckle"? For certain there is a chuckle when a clown of God, who thinks he or she has a direct link to the truth, is informed they are also sinners! History of God's people has demonstrated over and over that the holier than thou people were usually the first ones who yelled, "Crucify Him!"  They are the true terrorists.
  Sad but true, some clowns wear smiles on their faces and frowns in their hearts. A funny word here might be hypocrite, phoney or pharisee. God just laughs a belly laugh at self righteousness.
  When God declares, "Different gifts and workings, but the same Spirit and Lord." It is not funny to oppose or alter that principle. The clowns who put denomination or theology or practice above the whole people of God are not funny. They wear frowns on their faces and frowns in their hearts. God definitely frowns on their behavior. These clowns of God drive away the followers of God and replace them with clown followers. No it is not funny! It's a cult of clowns.
  So, Dennis, quit clowning around and get to the point. You got it! First, life is too short to take yourself too serious. Put on a happy face and a happy heart. Loosen up, God loves you! Second, we are all the same, we want love and freedom from death. Relax with the knowledge that in God's eyes you are normal! Finally, the clowns were allowed to divide the church universal (body of Christ). God wants us to stop clowning around and bring the people of God together again. God wants a family reunion. So bring on all the clowns,(pause) don't bother we are all here.
 
 

The True Judgement Seat

Tired of reading about what is bad with people? Did you know God only judges us on our holiness (goodness)? There are no heavenly scales that weigh our good acts against our bad. God addresses solely the goodness in our lives at the judgement seat.
  This seat as identified in Scripture in the Book of  Revelation is solely for those people, who have successfully finished a race. They come and stand in front of the judgement seat to receive their awards for performance.
  In the Christian faith and most all other faiths the only people, who finish the race are the ones, who have somehow gained eternal life and citizenship in the Kingdom of Light (Kingdom of God). In the Christian gospels, they are the ones, who have been born from above (“born again” is an inappropriate translation). They are the ones, according to Jesus, who love God above all things and their neighbor as themselves. Jesus understood the Holy Spirit is needed to do those two things.  The same Spirit that gives eternal life.
  At judgement, God will judge us as to how much of our lives we have turned over to the control of the Spirit. In other words, how holy are we?  Which is truly good news, when compared with the works concept which balances good against the bad. Oh, I know there are people, who believe their good works out weigh their bad works. In the Spiritual realm they are immature beings, who actually believe they can gain eternal life on their own faith. They totally ignore the essential place of God’s Spirit in the great scheme of things.
   Whenever we pray believing and ask God to forgive us, God is just and forgives us. Now comes the tremendous news of God’s grace. When God forgives a person, it is forgotten about for all eternity. It is gone! It is out of my life! This constant cleansing allows God’s people to work more on their goodness, instead of agonizing over their badness. That’s the basic good news I find in Christ Jesus, who God used to make this extra-ordinary formula work.
   For this reason God challenges us to love one another. By this God means not judge, which means no evaluation or concern for my negative side, because that is between me and God. Instead we accept people for the goodness they have, no matter what level it has obtained.
  What a wonderful world! A place where we only see good in people! Children will no longer tease others for their imperfections. Adults will not go to war to prove others wrong.  People of God will join hands and let their light outshine all the darkness of this world. Yeah, I like that idea.  We only deal with the good, just like God does it.

Father Abraham's Children (all of them)

  Each day I awake and think, "I don't have a clue!" A clue to what it really takes to be a child of God in this life. Each day I awake and wish I had enough faith to be a disciple of the Christ. You know a follower, one who tries to discipline themselves after the teachings of Christ Jesus. Historically they have been called Christians and God's people.
  Paul taught that a person is justified before God by faith,  independent from any obedience to the law. Baptism of any type, works, and any religious practices are only responses to our salvation. It is faith alone that saves us. For no one can confess Jesus as Lord except through the gift of faith from God's Holy Spirit.
  If we want such a faith, one that relies fully on God (like Abraham) and frees us from the pressure of trying to justify and save ourselves (religious law), we begin by admitting openly and honestly that none of us has enough faith (at least all the time) to either justify or save ourselves.  Our daily prayers are, "I believe. Help me in my unbelief." If we truly have faith we are praying each day to receive faith.
  Such a faith (trust in God's love) becomes possible when we put ourselves in a situation or position in which we hear and experience God's love over and over again. Such a place is in the middle of God's children, who are descendants of Father Abraham. They are the historical community of faith. Today we call it the church universal or people of God.
  In short each of us, who don't have a clue, admit our faith comes totally from God. It, not works, keeps us in the universal community of faith.
A community that includes all children of Abraham: Ishmael and Isaac, Esau and Jacob, as well as their descendants.
  Christ Jesus acknowledged he came to fulfill the covenant of Abraham. Christians believe he was the worlds Passover lamb. As that lamb of God, Jesus made salvation by faith a reality for the people of Abraham. He was the Christ or Messiah in Jewish history.
  Do you acknowledge you do not have enough faith? Not a clue? If so you are on the first leg of being a descendant of Abraham. Do you accept the gift of faith from God, since on your own you have none? If yes, do you understand you now belong to the community of faith and are a member of the covenant people of God as was  promised to Father Abraham?
  If you so will you now put yourself into a position in that community where you must have faith? Where God can use you as a member of his covenant people. Those who totally rely on God to fulfill their call or purpose in life. Our Father Abraham did.
  Admitting you don't have a clue is the first act of humility. Humility is required if God is to ever use you, like he used Father Abraham. Even Jesus recognized this shining example of the faith God seeks in people. His life fulfilled this covenant relationship. As disciples we are to follow his example. So growth begins with, "I don't have a clue!"

Lent is a different view

  Tradition! Tradition! Sings the Fiddler on the Roof. And no season holds more tradition for the majority of Christians than the period from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday. There are five main traditions within this period: Ash Wednesday (which is Wednesday February 13th this year); Lent (40 days till Easter not counting Sundays); Palm Sunday (Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem); Holy Week (includes Maundy Thursday [Last Supper] and Good Friday [Crucifixion] ending with Easter (Resurrection).
   Ash Wednesday : The ashes remind us at the beginning of Lent that none of us have ever done a great work in the church. If the world applauds you for your Christian work, humility helps us to remember that it was work was done by God.  We just happen to be the instrument of choice at that particular moment. The ultimate humility of the ashes is a gentle reminder that we are not Gods and therefore we do not know what is best for others. We leave that to be between them and their God. The final sign of humility associated with the ashes is the words ashes to ashes spoken at most funerals. They remind us that no matter what we think about how great we are, it doesn’t mean a thing at death. Only God controls that part of our lives.
   Lent: Lent is the only path to Easter. It is a special time for prayer, meditation and confession.  During this period many people will fast in some fashion or another during the forty days till Easter. Sundays are not included in Lenten practices. By the way Lent comes from a Middle English term “Lente” or “Springtime.” Hence this is a period of spiritual renewal.
  Palm Sunday: This is a day when we remember in humility how Jesus made a triumphant entry into Jerusalem. The same people, who later cried “Crucify Him!” were standing on the sides of the rode waving palm branches. The waved palm branches to honor royalty. The shouted Hosanna, which means God save us!
  Holy Week: We remember the last week of Jesus on Earth. On Maundy or Whits Thursday we remember the last supper in the upper room and Jesus washing the feet of the disciples. Friday is remembered as God’s Friday or Good Friday when Jesus was crucified. We believe he was the Passover Lamb for the whole world.
  Easter: This important season of tradition ends with celebrating the resurrection of Jesus, whom we declare to be the Christ.
  In summary we begin with humility, practice repentance and a renewal of our spiritual nature, experience the work and sufferings of Jesus, and end with a victory over death! It is a unique time and yes it is something we should do all year long. However, we are human and it is good to have special days during the year.

What is an inauguration?

January 20 has an interesting history to a word always used on that day - inauguration. This history might help you understand what is said at any inauguration in our nation's capital. It has helped me better understand some of my favorite inauguration remarks. We'll look at those after scanning the history of the word inauguration.
  In ancient Rome, an "augur" foretold the future by observing the flight of birds. The augur's method of forecasting reflected the root of the word, which at that time meant literally "One who performs with birds." It evolved into the verb "inaugurare" or "foretell the future from the flight of birds." This verb was applied to the installation of someone in office after the appropriate omens had been determined. Since then we have lost the association of this action with forecast or birds.
  But let me suggest that the original intent of those ancients is quite appropriate today. Words spoken by several of our Presidents have seem to be for the birds (sometimes eagles, other times Dodo birds) and indicators of where our nation was headed at the time. It also in retrospect forecasted what our nation was about to face.
  The one closes to my heart was John F Kennedy, even though he kept the Corps of Cadets standing in freezing weather for two hours before he made his belated entrance. Once he found his position on the podium he uttered his famous eagle words, "Ask not what you country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country." JFK seem to recognize that our nation was heading toward being a society in which individuals expected the government to take care of them. He was saying look to serve, not to be serve.
  Other birds (turkeys) of our nation were outraged at JFK's remarks as an "augur" and before his term was up they silenced his voice. Since then we have become a nation heavily influenced with me first people. Industrial leaders are me first when the give or receive huge incomes and bonuses for being fired or doing an average job. Poor people are me first people when the lose all incentive to pull themselves up by their own boot straps. The average citizen is a me first person, when they say to heck with being evolved in life and curl up on the couch with their remote control.
  Inauguration day can be a day when we forecast the future by watching the birds. Remember the words of Harry S Truman? "The supreme need of our time is for men to learn to live together in peace and harmony." Dwight D. Eisenhower reminded us that, "whatever America hopes to pass into the world must first come to pass in the heart of America." Eagles speaking at a time when this nation was seeking to be eagles, a nation of self sustained people.
  Today let us hope that the President from Hawaii sees a bright future for us after observing our flight in life. Does this President see us as a nation seeking to soar to new and greater heights? Does he see us concerned with not only other people, but the preservation and development of our resources. Resources that stretch from what we find in the ground to what we find in the people and from industry to education and from service to technology.
  If President Obama sees this in our nation, then we must fly with him to new heights far above any self centered political agendas promoted by the turkeys in our society. You know the ones, they say things like "Me, me, me, me, me," and could care less about "you, you, you, you, you." If our augur can see the eagles, it will be a great four years. If not it will be four years of turkey baloney.
  As a patriot who believes in Duty, Honor, Country I pray the Republican and Democratic eagles take us to new heights and don’t let the any of the Republican or Democratic turkeys drag us down. Let this inauguration lift us as a nation, so we can again soar with wings of eagles in the future!

New Age of Sense and Sensibility!

My 2012 Christmas Message: New Age of Sense and Sensibility!
     I waited until today, December 22, 2012 to write my Christmas Message. After all if the Doomsday people had been correct, there would be no Christmas 2012. But I believe and pray that the Mayans were correct in that today is the first day of a new era! And what I pray about that new era is that this world that has gone mad with greed and hatred would return to being a world of Sense and Sensibility.
    Just think what it would be like to have leaders in government, religion, finances, business, education, military, marketing, entertainment and every other profession show us common folk some good old fashion common sense and sensibility about decency about everything.  Instead of “what’s in it for me?” let it be, “what does this do for my neighbor?”
    In my faith my Holy Scripture teaches in John 3:17, “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” And Jesus’ basic message was we are called to respect our fellow beings on this planet we call Earth. Respect regardless of the differences to us. Respect as to their well being in regards to my acts and belief in life.
    This Christmas let us make our gift the acceptance of a new era, as predicted by the ancient Mayans, and live lives that reflect Sense and Sensibility in all things! If we can maybe Christmas will last all year long! Have a Great New Year and a New Era!

Holy Days and Pagan Days

  It’s that time of the year. Where do we draw the line between “Christian” and “pagan” customs, such as Halloween, Christmas, and Easter? These three more popular special days all have a connection to some “pagan holiday” in terms of time of the year and the kind of celebration. The only holy day (holiday) that is nearly pure in its Christian origin is Pentecost (A Jewish Holy Day), which celebrates the birth of the first church.
  So what should I do about these pagan slanted days and my own faith? Should I support them, boycott them vigorously, ignore them, or keep them in perspective with my faith and ethics?
  In my youth I understood from my particular church that they were against a or any special day for celebrating Christmas, and if I recall, it also felt the same about Easter. I don’t recall anything big about Halloween. Our town always had a great big Halloween party on Front Street with awards for best kinds of costumes, vats to dunk for apples, cider and powdery donuts, and lots of pumpkin jack-o-lanterns.
  But even though our church didn’t celebrate Christmas and Easter, almost all of the members did. We just looked upon it as a cultural holiday. As I have matured, I have seen how that distinction has greatly expanded. Christmas and Easter are Special Marketing seasons for American retailers. Their coffers have benefitted from these celebrations. Our economy depends upon them.
  When was Jesus born? Exactly what happened at Easter? Neither question is of concern to the retailers celebration. That is why in most Churches we take a special evening and a special morning to celebrate these events within the walls of our church. That is my major separation.
  Paul taught the followers of Christ that they are in the world, but not of it. So my special religious events are celebrated with my own people, and I don’t impose them on others.
  In turn I can pick and choose within my own society or culture which special days I want to celebrate and which ones I don’t. It is the same option I had when I lived in or visited other countries. I found some of the Greek, Mexican, German, and Israeli holidays to be great fun! I enjoyed getting to know the people in the places where I traveled. I never once took on their celebrations as my own.
  The same is true in my own country. When I walk around and feel surrounded by the retail Christmas, which starts in early October, I don’t take them on as my own. They are popular, so somebody must like them.
  I don’t believe there can ever be a culture totally based on one set of religious standards. Ever where I look, I see “religious based countries” with deep religious divisions within themselves. Unfortunately the religious bullies try to reign over the others, and ruin it for all. I see this today in the major Moslem movements throughout the world. They don’t care to share their space with anyone different.
  So where do I draw the line between religious and cultural celebrations? I keep the religious ones within my religious body, and pick and chose which cultural ones I will celebrate. Let’s see I love chocolate bunnies, powdered donuts, and cider. I hate the loneliness and stress I see in people around our retail orientated Christmas, because suicides increase and people go deep in debt to satisfy children seduced by clever marketing tools. It is a season of depressions of all kinds.
  In my life there is no line needed between pagan and Christian, because they are two separate worlds. In my spiritual world a man’s word is honored. It ain’t so in the one where I now live.

Angels Are Real But Not Like the Paintings
Angels are a hot topic these days for TV and publishers. It isn’t uncommon to hear conversations about whether or not people even believe in angels.
  Discussions, such as that, are a waste of time. But it would be the same in a laboratory if someone asked do we believe in atoms. No one has ever seen them, so why can’t we question it? Growth in the scientific world is built upon collected data. As long as the data supports previous conclusions we can continue accepting it as a fact, not a belief. Believing says, “I hope this or that.” Fact says, “I know this much to be true.”
  In Hebrew the word is malak. In Greek the word is angelos. Both words  mean messenger. I don’t mean I believe they mean messenger, I know from fact they mean messenger. Their most common use in Scripture denotes spiritual and superhuman beings, who are messengers from God. There are only a few books of the 66 books in the Bible that do not mention these messengers (malak or angelos): Ruth, Nehemiah, Esther, the epistles of John and James. The doctrine of these messengers or angels became more distinct in the later periods of Jewish history. Angels are more significant in the New Testament writings. Angels appear more frequently with the coming of Jesus, whom we call Lord.
  According to Jesus (Joshua in Hebrew) angels are personal, sinless, immortal beings, existing in great numbers, and in close relation with individuals and the history of the kingdom of God. They appear to us in human form. We know little of the history of the angels themselves.
  The denial of the existence of Angels comes from attempting to define them with natural or physical laws or facts. If in a research laboratory we attempted to define something in the chemical arena with laws of physics we would produce a lot of confusion and misunderstandings. Any theories derived from this method would be wrong and incomprehensible. The first thing in all growth of knowledge is to establish a basic truth in a particular arena and build on it.
  To comprehend angels or messengers from God, it is important to understand the foundation of their existence is in the spiritual realm, the realm beyond space and time. In my tradition we happen to call that the kingdom of God. Scripture for me is like the laboratory notes of other people. It is their understanding and conclusions built upon what others before them have discovered about the kingdom of God. Some theologians call this revelations, and I agree.
  In Scripture angels have real value to humans. They force us to widen our view and understanding of God's creation. They give us a better insight into the position of Christ. They give us a glimpse into the other world. The are an example of how God's perfect joy works. They also remind us of the high rank of human beings. Angels deliver us messages from God. Not speculations or opinions, but direct revelations of something God wants us to know. In a manner of speaking,  God simply eliminated the middle man (prophet) so there will be no misunderstanding.
Sunday, Dec 23, for the vast majority of Christians around the world is the Angel Sunday of Advent. It celebrates the direct revelation that the Messiah was being born that day. Not if you believe. It declares we believe for a fact the Messiah was born. Period! End of Story! Now build on that information or fact. Thank God for angels. If God had chosen to bring that information through inspiration to a human, we would have studied it six ways to Sunday and split seventy different ways in our interpretation. In the end nothing new would have come out of it except a lot of books stating opinions as fact. Thank God for angels. The angel that resides and oversees us agrees!    

Time for new Eagles

Two recent conversations struck me funny. One person asked, "How do you know which group is God’s people?" The other asked, "Who calls a person to be a pastor? the people? the elders? or God?" Answers to both questions depend upon your view of religion. Is it a personal or corporate thing? This little story may clarify.
There were two baby eagles in the nest, all alone for several days. Their parents went to forage for food and never returned. Perhaps they were now trophies displayed in some great hunters den. Meanwhile the eaglets realized they were now on their own. They must do something if they were to survive.
It was a big drop over the side of the nest. But they must risk it. It would be their first flight. As the went into the air their wings weren’t strong enough to give them flight, but enough to gently take them to the ground. They landed near the edge of the forest where a flock of turkeys were assembled.
Now, how many of you know that turkeys always stay in a flock. The focus of their lives is pecking out a daily living. They are short sighted, so they never plan ahead. When there is danger they run for cover. Once a turkey always a turkey.
But as turkeys go, this flock that was assembled were a nice bunch. As a group they were very friendly. They looked out for one another. They had compassion for the baby eagles, who had landed. So they raised and nurtured them to be good little turkeys. They taught them to focus on earning a daily living and fitting into the group. The little eaglets, also were taught not to take risk or challenge authorities. As they grew they became very good at keeping their beaks to the grindstone. Even their religious views remained inward, regional and self-serving. The good little turkey eaglets helped the leaders maintain control over the entire flock. The future seemed secure and all was right in the world. Or so it seemed.
One day one of the turkey eaglets, who was now a pastor, was fired from his job. The elders thought he was getting to big for his feathers, when he begin to examine and question certain traditions in the church. At the same time, the other turkey eaglet asked his pastor if God ever talked to him and if so, how did the pastor know it was God talking. The pastor was very upset with his question and told him not to concern himself with that question. The elders would decide for him.
Days later the two young turkey eaglets were walking near the edge of the forest. Both were filled with despair. Inside them they ache to learn more about God. More then just what was found in books written by turkeys. While they were good little turkeys inside, there still beat the heart of an eagle inside.
As they walked they noticed a great bird soaring high in the sky. Eagles can see far ahead and always forage for food for the days ahead. When there is trouble they rise far above it and only swoop down for survival. As they watched they heard, "Who, who!" When they looked up they saw a wise old owl. In life, we are fortunate to meet such beings filled with wisdom.
The old owl asked if they knew who that was soaring so high in the sky. They anxiously said they did not. The owl replied that it was an eagle, the greatest bird in the sky. The turkey eaglets were awestruck. The owl asked if they knew they were just like that bird. Oh no! They were good little comfortable turkeys with degrees from good turkey schools. You know the ones that teach people to be exactly like everyone else.
But their curiosity got the best of them. Perhaps their eagle hearts pumped a little faster. They asked how they could know for sure if they were in fact like the great soaring eagle. The wise teacher told them to go out of the forest into the field and begin flapping their wings. So they did. As they stretched and flapped the turkeys in the forest were highly agitated. How could they go against tradition and all the elders wisdom? As the flapped they slowly begin to rise and as they rose they got braver and braver. As they got braver they flew higher and higher, until they were soaring like the great bird. They had become eagles! Each of us has to live with turkeys, but we don’t have to let them keep us from soaring like eagles.
God calls pastors to congregations. The elders may examine and determine the terms of call. The people may confirm God’s call on a person. But, only God can take a person away. The elders may ask it, but only the people can confirm it. Of course, I write of eagle style organizations and not the ones run by turkeys.
God speaks to people and only those people know if God is speaking to them. How? If it comes true it must have been from God. If not it wasn’t. Do I speak the word of God? Only time determines if a person was a eagle. Most eagles in the Bible, and particularly the chief eagle, were rejected by the religious turkeys of their day. But eagles don’t acted on things according to how turkeys will react. They act on things because that is what they feel God wants them to do. And until they act they will never know if it was from God. That doesn’t scare eagles, but it frightens the heck out of turkeys.
The world is in a great disarray over the religious conflicts scattered all over the planet. Why? The turkeys are in control and the eaglets are either afraid or indifferent. Why? Greed? Power? Fame? Or anyone of the thousands of underlying motivations of sin.
Its time foe a modern day Abraham or Moses to say, "Lets flap our wings and rise above these turkeys."
(I want to thank an old friend a Southern Baptist preacher and author for the basics of the turkey eagle story. His name is Peter Lord. He told me to say, "This is Lord’s story!")

When times seem hopeless

After reading the newspaper and listening to the news I am having a difficult time being optimistic. Have you faced a moment in life when everything seemed hopeless in advance? In other words have you ever found yourself in a hopeless situation with no hope in sight?
Jewish tradition has a famous story that only those over thirty may read. The Book of Ezekiel the prophet, who preached during the time Jerusalem fell to Nebuchadnezzar in 587 BCE. Prior to the fall he preached judgement. Afterwards words of consolation and restoration. His most well-known is the vision of the dry bones showing the dead might live again.
The opening lines of that story are among the most important in the whole Bible. They witness a time when the power of God actually breaks into history and gives new direction to the people of God. In this famous story there is a message of hope for those who have lost all grounds for hope.
And the preacher must speak the words where it seems there is none to hear. It seems as if the message creates its own hearers. Even after a nation, a church, or a person seems to have died there is hope. There is with God the possibility of life from the dead. No situation is hopeless, no matter how dead a person feels.
Ezekiel also speaks of the Spirit. It lies beyond all that can be seen and measured. It is the breath of life. The Spirit stands for vitality. It caused John to quote Jesus saying, "Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these ..."
The Spirit is in the people of God as the breath of life which comes from God. We are said to be "inspired" or "possessed" by the Spirit when we are lifted beyond are normal self and become for those moments the instrument of a power not our own. We are alive in a new way!
Until then we are to be like Ezekiel. We are to be faithful to our present tasks, even though there is little prospect of success. The world is bigger, richer, more wonderful than we imagine; therefore let us continue being faithful to our present tasks. There is no limit to what God may do; at any moment God may break into history and transform our present situation; therefore let us serve God according to our knowledge, leaving it to God whether or not to continue the discipline of our failure or transform our frustration and failure into God's marvelous success.
Today we all hoping God will break into history again and bring life to a hopeless situation. This time it must be for the whole world!

Nationalism or God

In an old classic comedy sketch, Jack Benny is being greeted by a would be mugger. The jittery stick-up man cries nervously, "Your money or your life!" After what seemed like an eternity the high-strung stick-up anxiously shouts, "I said, your money or your life!"
Finally, Mr. Benny folds his arms and calmly replies, "I'm thinking; I'm thinking." - a classic response.
Once upon a time a court jester displeases a king. So the king orders him put to death. Since the jester had been a member of the royal court for many years, the king says, "I will let you decide how you are to die." The condemned jester slowly responds, "Most exalted ruler, if it is all the same to you, I choose to death by old age." - a classic response.
It is like the classic response when Jesus is confronted by a circle of religious and jealous folk who are trying to trap him with a question that seems not to have a correct answer. Should the Jews pay taxes to Caesar? If Jesus says they must not pay taxes, he certainly will be arrested for treason. If he says they should, he will bring on the fury of those following him.
It is kind of like this old trick - "Please answer my question with only a yes or no. Do you still beat your spouse?"
Again, Jesus introduces a new understanding of these old questions. "Render unto Caesar what is Caesar's and render unto God what is God's." Simple, direct yet revolutionary. There is a distinct difference between the world system and the system of the kingdom of God. A wise person understands this and picks fruit of both trees.
In terms of the individual: Jesus teaches there are worldly obligations, that should be met. We must care for ourselves and those we choose to include in our lives, including employers and the country we live in. At every age we are called to be concerned with our physical and emotional well being; to educate ourselves to the best and highest level possible (There is no excuse for not learning basic survival skills such as reading, writing and arithmetic); and to give a good day's work for a good day's wage. Our earthly responsibilities should be taken seriously and with honesty.
Jesus is saying we are not to neglect our responsibility toward God by not growing spiritually and increasing our love of God and humanity. Our realm of God responsibilities should be taken seriously and with honesty.
In terms of the church: Jesus seems to be saying keep physical and organizational structures in tip top shape. Honor God with your tithes and gifts. Use the money wisely.
He challenges the church to develop its spiritual side, which is done through study, worship and prayer.
In terms of the nation: Remember we choose to live where we live and have the ability to elect our leaders. Honor your leaders by position not personalities.
He again is saying there is an aspect of any nation, that is granted by God. That is the idea of community. We are all responsible to a higher power, so give credence to others.
In terms of the world: Everything in the world is temporary. Everything with God is permanent. Pick the fruits of your labor in both worlds, but eat them all at the table God has prepared for you.

Is Peace Possible

All my academic and life experiences have led me to this conclusion:
1) every human being on this planet is accountable to the Creator for his or her moral character. 2) no one can discover peace or further dimensions of life if they refuse to acknowledge a creative authority.
3) Individual and Societal peace of mind and society cannot be found without commitment to the basic tenets of honor.
For today, let’s set aside the debate about whether or not there is a creative force and if so by what name? Let’s examine what it means to be accountable.
Five words come to mind when one examines the word accountable:
agreeable, answerable, open, citizen and responsible.
Agreeable is accepting other’s ideas to be as valid as yours. You let others talk as much as you do, because you know the more facets you have the better the diamond. Answerable is to know everyone answers to someone. Every wake in the water rocks every boat in the harbor. How much depends on the stability of both boats. Remember the ad? "Ring around the collar" the woman feels guilt because her husband’s shirt has ring around the collar. Did anyone ever ask, Why didn’t the husband wash his neck?"
Open is being the opposite of closed minded. No one snowflake in an avalanche ever feels responsible. No raindrop in a flood ever feels responsible. No one person in a war ever feels responsible. No one person in a book burning community ever feels responsible. Yet we are all responsible for the greater community and issue.
Citizen is any resident of my street, community, state, nation, continent, and world. No person can withdraw from life. We cannot isolate ourselves in any corner of this planet, it is too large and still growing. Every person’s actions affect others. A good citizen understands this fact.
Responsible is to fulfill our duty to others. God so loved the world. The whole world, not just some of it or one particular people or area. People who blame others for the problems of the world haven’t begun to learn about life. People who blame themselves for the problems of the world have begun their education. AND people who blame no one for the world’s problems have finished their education. Being responsible is being educated about life.
Sin is to miss the mark or violate the law of love. Accept this as part of the landscape of life and accept the fact that love or holiness can only come through blameless people accountable to God.
The question? Do we feel more accountable to ourselves, family, religion, causes, nation, or world, than we do toward God? If so, I believe we cannot survive.
It saddens me to see the resurgence of isolationism and exclusivity that dominated the World in the 1930's and made a war possible. A war caused by persons who felt only accountable to themselves. Too be accountable, I must respect everyone regardless of gender, race, nationality or religion. Let’s not make our community or world an exclusive isolated island, because if we do we will never experience the fullness of creation as God intended it to be.
Whether you are Muslim, Jew, Buddhist, Roman or Orthodox Catholic, Protestant, Reformer, Mormon, or whatever does not help anyone if your belief causes someone to hate enough to kill another for what they believe. We need a renewal in the area of who we all answer to in this life without getting into an argument over the name, gender, and color of our common Creator. If we don’t we will see the world in the worst conflagration it has ever experienced. Peace on Earth and Good Will to All is more than a slogan, it is our only hope.