The Gold Standard

Affairs of the Heart

2008-12-18T10:27:00.000-08:00

Check out this profile from Acme's dating service:

Hi, I'm Biff. I am witty, charming, and romantic. I sweep the ladies right off their feet. And, I have had my share of them. I have been married to four women. The last "lucky lady" is still married to me although she disappeared and hasn't been seen since October 2007. I say that she ran off with another man but the nosy state police, prosecutors and media insist that I had something to do with her disappearance. They claim that my past makes me suspicious. So let me tell you about my experience:

I was married to my first wife, Carol, for six whole years. She has told others that I was controlling and claims that I cheated on her. What can I say? She's just bitter. Vicki, my second wife claim alleges that I told her the following: I can kill you and make it look like an accident. Oh well, she can't prove it. Kathleen, my third wife, whose body was found in a dry bathtub and whose death was ruled a drowning had previously sought a restraining order against me and filed for divorce. We were still married when the "accident" occurred. I met my fourth wife, Stacey, and started dating her when she was 17 years old. I was 47 years young at the time. My mind is a little fuzzy but perhaps I was still married to Kathleen when we started dating. Anyway, Stacey is not around anymore. I'm looking to date and marry again. Love ya!

Do you expect this bio to receive an overwhelming response? It is based on Drew Peterson a former Bolingbrook, IL police officer whose last wife's disappearance has made national headlines. Yet and still, he is now reportedly engaged to someone. The bible says that love can overlook a plethora of faults. ( Proverbs 10:12 and1st Peter 4:8) It refers to the love of God towards us and the love of people towards one another. Those who are in love do overlook the loved one's faults. In fact, it is said that a marriage can not survive if this is not practiced. However, to respond to that profile begs the question:is it love or is it desparation?

We in this society are too trusting. People will move in with someone they barely know. Also, people have been known to marry someone within weeks of meeting. The heart shouldn't be ignored but neither should the brain.

*I do not mean to make light of the plights of Kathleen Savio or Stacey Peterson but simply mean to make a point.

Antesque

2008-12-16T06:04:00.000-08:00

I took the winter wear out of the closet and placed it on to my clothing rack some time between Election Day and Thanksgiving, purchased much of my winter time grocery staples this past weekend, and completed a few of the winterizing task for my car. The cream of wheat, along with accompanying brown sugar, and split pea shells are supplied for the long run. It is always my goal to be fully prepared by the December 1st that precedes the official Winter Solstice. I refer to this annual seasonal planning as an antesque approach to life.

The “Ant and the Grasshopper “is one of the renowned Aesop’s fables. The ant works feverishly throughout the warm months collecting and storing food to get ready for winter while his friend the grasshopper hangs out slouching the summer away. Winter arrives and finds the ant warm and well fed while his grasshopper friend is freezing and starving to death. The ant rebukes his friend when asked for assistance. He tells the grasshopper you had all summer to prepare for this but did not so forget it. The story concludes with the moral that explains that idleness will bring about bad results.

The Holy Bible speaks to this subject. King Solomon, whose name is synonymous with wisdom, is credited as the author of the book of Proverbs. His reign ended roughly three hundred years prior to Aesop’s birth. He referred to the ant’s notorious work ethic on at least two occasions. (see Proverbs 6:6 and 30:26) The bible underscores this notion even more explicitly in 2Thessalonians 3:10, where it states “…that if any would not work, neither should he eat.”

Lest I had been better prepared, many of my hardships could have been avoided or their effects mitigated. I understand many things happen and it is impossible to foresee and prepare for every possible misfortune, however preparation is a necessary part of life. A lack of planning can truly be disastrous. If you don’t believe me just ask the grasshopper.

Check yourself before you wreck yourself

2008-12-12T10:45:00.000-08:00

Gov. Rod Blagojevich of Illinois, my native state, was arrested by the F.B.I. for extortion. The Governor has the constitutional right to choose the Senator from his state when the Senate seat becomes open. Upon the election of Sen. Barack Obama to the presidency his seat will officially be open when he is inaugurated. Gov. Blagojevich is accused of trying to sell the Senate post to the highest bidder.

The ensuing investigations have snared the good name of Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., son of the renowned activist Jesse Jackson. He thus far is not accused of any wrong doing. This episode is the latest in a string of corruption cases to sting Illinois politics. Three Illinois governors have been sent to prison including Dan Walker and George Ryan. It has been speculated that former Governor Jim Edgar declined an additional run for office because skeletons threatened to emerge from his closet. I hate to admit it but we Illinoisans simply shrug upon hearing of this scandal.

The priorities of the people involved supply the root of the problem. Apparently some are willing to purchase the Senate seat whereas Gov. Blagojevich is allegedly willing to sell it. We, believers included, must be careful that our ambitions do not overtake us. We must honestly look within, for those who are willing to do anything to achieve their goals, even with regard to legitimate aspirations, run the risk of letting a desire become more important than the Lord. This is idolatry.

The first of the “ten commandments” declares “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” (Exodus 20:3) The danger of unbridled ambition (and this is especially true of church folk) is that it can destroy our relationship with God. We must be mindful of the Apostle Paul’s admonition that idolaters will not inherit the kingdom of God. (see 1st Corinthians 6:9)

Many effects are of great value; however none are worth an eternity in Hell. Therefore, we must heed the rhetorical question posed by Jesus: “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Mark 8:36 & Matthew 16:26)
We must control our ambitions lest our ambitions control us.

Praise Report

2008-12-11T17:02:00.000-08:00

“Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of the sabaoth” (James 5:4 KJV)

“And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger from his right, and fear not me, saith the Lord of host.” (Malachi 3:5 KJV)

A praise report is due. The embattled employees of Republic Window have finally achieved justice. The workers won a hard earned $1.75 million settlement following an arduous six day sit in protest that attracted the nation’s attention. The workers faced the bleak prospect of receiving nothing in the way of payment following the sudden closing of the factory. And so they resisted.
http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/1325592,chicago-republic-window-and-door-sitin-121008.article

The dissent proceeded peaceably even as it forced a financial Goliath, Bank of America, to honor their commitment. Congratulations is due to the organizers and supporters, notably Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-Ill.), who helped bring about a happy ending to the Republic saga. The sit in demonstrated the maxim that I learned as an organizer: “you can’t win at the bargaining table what you lost in the streets”. However, most of all praise is due to God.

God is a God of justice. His word repeatedly condemns those who would deny workers that which is due to them. Furthermore, the Old Testament is littered with his prophets uttering disapproval of oppression and injustice. Amos, Isaiah and Ezekiel, for example, were critical of the leaders of Israel and Judah for their oppressive measures. Justice is generally defined as being or doing that which is right. The Lord cares about justice because what is just is what is right.

Where is the Christ in Christmas ?

2008-12-03T07:15:00.000-08:00

I wrote about our local “holiday parade” in the Gold Standard’s Friday 11/28/08 entry. The commentary emphasized the decision to call it a holiday festival instead of referring to it as a Christmas celebration. The name notwithstanding, the merriment centered on themes related to Christmas. The event overwhelmingly highlighted the secular aspects of the Christmas holiday. Nonetheless, the holiday is still Christmas.

The word Christmas is a combination of the words Christ and mass. Christ is the title that Jesus holds. Christ identifies the role Jesus performs the same way that captain, president, and principal identify the people who fulfill these respective functions. Christ refers to the anointed one. The word anointed in this frame of reference means chosen. The contemporary use of the word mass refers to a religious service namely of the Roman Catholic Church. However, the root meaning of this word relates to a gathering of people, particularly for the purpose of celebrating something. Christmas, therefore can be translated as a celebration of the Christ, the anointed one.

Christmas is a party for Jesus. In this case, it is a birthday party for Jesus. Something occurred to me while watching the “holiday” Christmas themed parade. Where is the local church presence at the Christmas parade? It was virtually nonexistent. Perhaps two or three vehicles represented churches.

Why is the church practically absent at a city wide celebration of something that is nominally a birthday party for Jesus? I don’t know. However, I do know that we as the church body are blowing a wonderful opportunity to evangelize. This type of church inactivity may be why the holiday has been secularized so much that a nativity scene spotting is going the way of the passenger pigeon.* Jesus said we are the light of the world. (Matthew 5:14) The world should see the church of Jesus Christ during the birthday season of Jesus Christ.

I am not here to be on the soapbox. I understand that responsibility for this state of affairs rest with me as well. To that end, I would appreciate any suggestions from the few people who read the Gold Standard. We as believers need to be seen and heard. Moreover, Jesus needs to be seen and heard especially at Christmas.

* The passenger pigeon refers to a bird that once numbered in the millions, possibly billions, but is now extinct.

Tis not the Season

2008-12-02T18:33:00.000-08:00

The angels, ambassadors of God, approached some chosen shepherds with news of the Christ child’s arrival into the world. (Luke 2:9-14 Holy Bible) They conveyed a message about an event that should delight all those who hear about it. Upon their return to heaven, the celestial chorus cried out in concert “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.” (Luke 2:14)
The angels’ song is synonymous with what the Christmas holiday represents.

It is only fitting that Christmas epitomizes the high point of the human experience. The holiday, when celebrated correctly, honors a divine act of love selfless and passionate in its expression. So how did “Black Friday” become a part of the Christmas season? And since when does seeking a bargain arouse our worse instincts? The recent events on each coast are troubling.

Men shot at one another at a toy store in San Diego. Who brings a gun to a toy store anyway? A frenzied crowd of bargain hunters stampeded a security guard to death at an East seaboard Wal-Marts. http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081129/ap_on_re_us/wal_mart_death;
I know this is extreme out of the ordinary behavior. Still, it is a disturbing commentary on us. The fact that someone would camp out in front of a store all night long for a bargain is bothersome in itself. Episodes of violence further show that we have gone astray.

The gift giving and surrounding hoopla have become too important to some of us. A holiday that celebrates the love of God and the birth of our savior Jesus Christ is now used as an excuse to bask in the excess for which we Americans are known. God is not pleased with this. Let us put Christ back into Christmas and we will have peace and goodwill toward all.

Everyone Loves A Parade

2008-11-28T06:19:00.000-08:00

A glorious caravan of floats, fire engines, marching bands, mascots, and other assorted festive moving parts will promenade through the ornamental tree lined streets in the heart of my home town tonight. It is a highly anticipated spectacle that arrives the day after Thanksgiving each year. It has but one flaw: the name, the Annual Holiday Festival and Parade.

The myriad cast that travels a two mile stretch through our downtown and attracts thousands of spectators, represent symbols associated with Christmas. Yet, for some reason we can not call it the Christmas Festival and Parade. The name is part of a disturbing trend of removing Christ out of Christmas celebrations.

Nativity scenes have become a relic in public displays of a holiday that is derived from the historical event depiced in the scene. All that remain are the secular images of Christmas, Santa Clause, elves, reindeer and the like. Don't get me wrong. I am not a grouch. I like these things. However, such niceties are merely marginal to the real meaning of Christmas. The incarnation of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and the accompanying grace this represents is the root of the Christmas holiday.

Would we ask people to celebrate Columbus day without making mention of the man, his name, or accomplishments? How about we celebrate on July 4th without speaking of our nation's origins? And forbid people to raise the flag on that day. Lets have Presidents Day without the presidents. The aforementioned examples sound ridiculous but the public accepts the ideal of a Christless Christmas without batting an eyelash.

It is time for logic and good sense to prevail. God gave Jesus to the world incarnated in the likeness of humanity to save and liberate us, from ourselves. (see John 1st chapter Holy Bible)
If God did not do this we would not have Christmas or anything else to celebrate. Give the Lord his due and allow us to celebrate the Christmas holiday and he who brought it to us.

Thanksgiving List

2008-11-26T06:51:00.000-08:00

On the eve of Thanksgiving Day, I am reminded of sage counsel the Apostle Paul shared with the believers in Philippi: “ Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” (Philippians 4:6 Bible KJV)

We should thank God during prayer even as our requests are made. With that in mind, here is a list of things of which I am thankful:

1. The Goodness of the Lord

God is all powerful, imbued with the mercy to over look our shortcomings and the grace to love as we are.

2. Good Health

I am not encumbered with physical limitations. Furthermore, my health does not prevent me from doing certain jobs. Good health is liberating.

3. A Good Family

The Lord has blessed. I have parents who are still among us, able to get around, and of sound mind. Also, my siblings and their families lead blessed lives. I remember a former co worker who jumped at the chance to work on every holiday. She told me that get-togethers with her in-laws were so contentious and unpleasant that she would rather spend Christmas at work. Fortunately, we don’t have relatives that I dread meeting with on the holidays.

4. What I Have

I have what I have and am glad of it.

5. The Promise of the Future

Currently, I am working on several projects that promise to serve God in the singular manner that he has assigned to me. Also, my body of work continues to grow and as such will lead to fulfilling my aspirations.

6. Bush is out, Obama is in

It will not be all peaches and cream, however, a disastrous reign of incompetence, corruption, willful neglect, and ignorance will come to an end.

7. Good times, and Good Food Enjoyed with Good People

Wow! I can't wait to visit my sister and brother in law's house for Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow. Happy Thanksgiving holdiay to all of you (assuming there is any of you) who read my blog.

Thanksgiving Testimony

2008-11-25T05:51:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving arrives in two days. It is a holiday that typically invokes delightful memories. One particular Thanksgiving Day stands out as an exception. The date was November 22nd, 2001 a rare Thanksgiving that was not the last Thursday of the month. I, to be perfectly honest did not feel so thankful. The month and my lease would end in eight days. I still had not secured another apartment.

I neither expected nor desired to renew the lease. The landlord would only renew the lease under the most egregious terms. Bad blood proliferated between us. The previous winter, I reported her to the city to get the heat working and a lock fixed. She was still ticked.

Two years prior, I blew the chance to rent from one of our saints. The place was a larger, less expensive apartment in a building far better maintained and in the same neighborhood. However, I did not move fast enough. This served as a good example of the maxim that today’s circumstances are a result of yesterday’s choices.

It is reminiscence of this time that reminds me of the words King David spoke: “I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.” (Psalm 37:25 Holy Bible KJV)

Circumstances can become daunting but the Lord will not forsake his own. All was not lost. I still had my good full time job, a very good car, family and church resources. Within the week I secured another place. Furthermore, the location cut my commute to work in half. It was the beginning of the end.

The number “8” loomed large on that Thanksgiving. In biblical parlance, eight is the number symbolic of new beginnings.* I began life in a new place with new hopes and new dreams. The initial move led to the move that has taken me to where I am now which will then lead me to another place, one where God will use me all the more for his glory.

*Noah is but one example of the scriptures’ tendency to use the number eight to denote starting over. The flood eliminated all creatures (people included) confined to living on land with the exception of those brought on to the ark. Noah along with his family regenerated the human population on the earth following the flood. The Bible notes in Genesis 7:7 and 2 Peter 2:5 how Noah and his family, who numbered eight, were the only people who entered on to the ark and survived to begin the world anew.

The Fight for Floyd

2008-11-21T06:22:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is Rivalry Saturday in college football. The teams representing the University of Iowa, (my alma mater) and the University of Minnesota play each other in their annual quest for the “Floyd of Rosedale” trophy, the bronze statue image of a state fair prize winning pig. The winner of our annual clash gets “Floyd” at the game’s end.

I had fun as part of this scene many years ago. There seems to be some common misconceptions concerning Christians and fun. Some believe that we do not have fun. Others, including some Christians, believe we should not have fun. Neither view is correct and more to the point such opinions are not biblically accurate.

The bible is replete with statements concerning behavior. Paul admonishes that certain lifestyle behaviors (see 1 Corinthians 6:9-10) are not acceptable to God. Fun is allowed unless we violate the will of God. Good natured cheering at the ball game and competitive sport play on the field are not frowned upon by the Lord. However, the excessive drinking and the gaming that surrounds the sports would be looked upon differently. In short, we have liberty to enjoy life as followers of Christ.

I expect to do four things this weekend: write, work outdoors, attend church services tonight and Sunday, And holler at the television while my Hawkeye’s whoop up on the Minnesota Golden Gophers tomorrow night.

P.E. DAY

2008-11-19T05:07:00.000-08:00

I commemorate today’s date with a sunrise to sunset (6:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.) fast, abstaining from food and drink, when this date falls on a Tuesday or a Friday. The 19th of November ranks high on my personal hierarchy of calendar day appointments. It is revered less than Christmas and Resurrection Sunday (commonly referred to as Easter), near equal to my birthday and those of certain loved ones, and above all other days.

God allows me to honor it as I see fit. The Apostle Paul explains that “One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded. He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord: and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. …” (Romans 14:5-6)

Today is the fifteenth and thirteenth anniversaries of two memorable events. I will attempt to explain the significance of each with the following accounts:

Public Enemy
Friday November 19th 1993

Once upon a time, in a far away metropolis, (Chicago) located on the tundra of the west shores of Lake Michigan; there lived a labor union local that fought on behalf of a historically un spoken for people, mostly female, largely African-American ensemble who dutifully executed the task of assisting elderly and disabled people in their homes. The very effecting of these chores enabled those served to stay out of nursing homes and remain in their own abodes. The value of their toils immeasurable, yea priceless: You can not put a price on dignity but it must be worth more than $5 per hour.

Against this backdrop enters a labor organizer who only a few days earlier basked in the sun enjoying a retreat in the sand swept coniferous forest of East Texas. On that day he would buy a live turkey from a shop in the near north side community of Ukrainian Village. He then escorted by another organizer, Vickie, an organizer in training, Paula and a handful of union members set out for the corporate office. The plan was to present the corporate representative with the union local’s “turkey award”. Instead, the specter of a live turkey panicked the said company official. And, I the organizer was sent to jail at the police station located at 11th and State streets where I stayed for some hours.

The organizing drive ratcheted up a notch in intensity from thereon in. The company would hold meetings with employees at a Michigan Ave hotel where security awaited my presence. I was treated like public enemy number one. Each time I arrived radios ablaze announcing my entry, contacting police and otherwise harassing me. However, after all was said and done, the company had to face the union and a contract was signed by the spring of 1994. The whole experience gave focus to my mission in life.

Pentecostal Edification
Sunday November 19th 1995

Two years apart from the piney woods of Texas. Two years since my Friday night stay in jail. Two years removed and I am no longer a union organizer. I have since moved to another place within the city, work a different job, and already the infamy of my organizing days a distant memory. I regularly attend a church for some months with my newly married brother and sister in law. Several Sundays and a myriad of invitations later, I still had not joined.

On this day, the first Sunday after the pastor and first lady returned from the Holy Convocation in Memphis, I reminisced about how the Lord has blessed. And, I remember that on this date something occurred that fixed my focus. I walk to the front legs wobbling. For some reason, I was more scared at this time then when the police threw me in jail. Still, I nervously walked towards the front.

I joined: after so many years flirting with the sanctified embrace: for so long fasting, praying, seeking the Holy Ghost: Finally, I make it official and join the movement, whose inception occurred and put forth the contemporary fulfillment of the prophet Joel’s foretelling. (see Joel 2:27-29)

I was encouraged to use the avenue of writing to glorify our Lord, while a member of that “small noisy band”. This blog, any future publications, websites, or other expressed forms of writing
were conceived from that experience. The church, pastor, first lady, and members led by the Spirit have made a profound influence in my life.

Epilogue
November 19, 2008

I have since left the city and joined another small noisy band within the church body.
Today’s Gold Standard entry is my first record of these events. It is ironic that in all the years of scribbling about an array of subjects this has not been one of them. Sometimes we get so caught up in living life that the magnitude of events escape us at the moment. Such is the only explanation for these things not having been written about previously.
November 19th, P.E. Day.

The Expatriates

2008-11-18T05:01:00.000-08:00

I am suffering from post election withdrawal. The campaign activities, canvassing the precincts, registering voters, and hosting phone bank parties, provided fulfillment and purpose. I miss the camaraderie engendered by fighting for a common cause. The height of festivities occurred while celebrating overwhelming local success along side the election of a new President. I am glad to have contributed as a patriot citizen of the United States of America.

We as followers of Jesus Christ are patriots of America, or to whatever our nations of origin even as we owe are first allegiance to the kingdom headed by our Lord. His kingdom is not defined nor distinguished by ethnic identity, familial ties or country of birth. Rather, it is defined by love for and loyalty to our Leader. Given that we are not yet nor ever have been to our beloved home nation, we as believers are expatriates.

We, the expatriates, have a mission. We are to prepare the world for the embodied, incarnate return of our Prince. While we await his return, we as expatriates build his kingdom by exporting the revolutionary message that is the gospel of Jesus Christ. The message is simple: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, (the Prince) that whosoever believe in him should not perish but have everlasting life.” Believe in him and live.

Church do your job: Lead the way

2008-11-14T08:17:00.000-08:00

The church body I belong to issued a statement against same sex marriage on March 30 2004. The announcement declared that same sex marriage is at variance with biblical doctrine. God describes homosexual activity as an abomination. (Leviticus 18:22 KJV) The ideal of sanctioning behavior the Lord detest under the auspices of His sacred institution of marriage is blasphemous. As such, the church should stand up against it.

Thankfully, the voters in California agree. They voted in favor of Proposition 8 which defines marriage as between a man and a woman and as such the only union that will be legally recognized in their state. Several other states voted in referendums that indicate a like minded approach. This is good news in light of recent history.

As of late certain church organizations have decided to validate this sin the Lord has referred to as an abomination. The church is supposed to be the light illuminating Jesus Christ to a lost world. (Matthew 5:14-16) We as believers are the body of Christ, the church for which Jesus laid down his life, should be at the forefront of public policy rather than meekly go along with whatever is in vogue. We can not lead the world to Christ while willfully agreeing with behavior explicitly condemned by God.

The church as a whole at some point needs to stand up for Jesus even when it is not popular. The church has been at the vanguard of movements which allowed America to redeem itself of her past transgressions. The anti slavery, women’s suffrage, and civil rights movements were led by faith based factions whose beliefs did not represent the majority of American citizens yet nonetheless changed this country for the better. The church will fail both God and America when it takes its cues from political correctness rather than doctrine espoused within the Holy Bible.

Hip to be Square

2008-11-12T16:47:00.000-08:00

Americans have chosen Sen. Barack Obama to become our 44th president. Upon inauguration, we will have a president with whom I can relate. I don’t connect with President Elect Obama simply because he is African-American. He will become the first oval office occupant I can identify with, in nearly thirty years, for a much more deeply rooted reason: he, like the Sunday school teaching peanut farmer Jimmy Carter, is a square. Yes, the choice of billionaire Warren Buffet and Hollywood celebrities is as square as a box.

I like him for what he is not. He is not a reformed thug, and better yet he is not an unreformed thug. He is not hip hop, nor is he a jock, a mega church celebrity preacher, or some other assorted attention starved “name” that people have come to associate with successful African American men.

He is definitely un-hip. He embodies intellect in a time of dumb downed “Joe the plumber” political rhetoric. He is an idealist while cynicism is the cultural norm. He unlike a certain saxophone playing skirt chaser (who thankfully is out of the public eye) is a family man who promises to be boring gossip magazine fodder. Yet, the nation chose him. He is so square that it’s cool.

A Day for Patriots

2008-11-11T08:29:00.000-08:00

“Greater love hath no man than this,that a man lay down his life for his friends.”
Jesus (John 15:13 the Holy Bible KJV)

The most exemplary show of patriotism is to serve one’s country in the military during a time of war. The combatants who endure this sacrifice to advance our nation’s well being are rightfully regarded as the greatest of patriots. Today, we honor the courageous men and women who served in past military conflicts and those who currently serve in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The word patriot refers to one who loves his or her country with a zeal. It is a passionate love that causes one to risk life and limb for another. However, even love of this extreme is not blind. Patriotism is not defined in any dictionary as the unquestioned, unthinking, blanket swallowing of all propaganda put before the public by the people in charge. Indeed, love of country, spouse, child, parent, friend or anyone else contains a degree of correction.

The same Jesus who laid his life down at Calvary, and the same God who sent him, say in their word “For whom the Lord loveth he chastenith, and scourageth every son he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as sons. … But if ye be without chastisement whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards and not sons.”

America has been steered of late by “leaders” who define patriotism as a lemming like following of any and all policies implemented by them regardless of their merit. Instead, true patriotism is sacrifice, selflessness, and the temerity to tell the emperor that he is bare naked and needs to cover his backside. We as citizens have the duty, indeed the obligation to love our nation enough to criticize our leaders when their erroneous actions threaten the security and well being of our beloved country.

America in the Spotlight

2008-11-07T07:11:00.000-08:00

The whole world fervently awaited the presidential election results on this most recent Tuesday night. A multitude of souls throughout the world rejoiced upon hearing the news that Americans chose Sen. Barack Obama as their next president and commander in chief. The news video displayed footage of revelers dancing in the streets of Kenya, the country of his paternal origins. The eyes of the international community focused firmly on the United States of America.

The ascent of an African-American man to the highest office in the land is a first time occurrence. America, however, is familiar with the spotlight having exported her inventions, products and culture in a heretofore unprecedented volume in world history. She, in all her glory, is admired, beloved, despised, envied, imitated and most of all observed.

I asked in Wednesday’s entry: is America chosen? I spoke of how God blessed her even in light of sin she practiced at her origins and for many years thereafter, remarked of her redemption, and her lifelong vocal espousal of attributing God to her fortune. I concluded with what is known: God has and does bless America: God liberally sheds his grace, mercy, and affection because it is his nature to do so: as such America did not necessarily “deserve” this blessing, praise and redemption notwithstanding: the Lord does not definitively refer to America in the Bible much less designate her status as chosen in its pages: He knows our end from our beginning.

The last affirmation combined with watching the international community view the election results led me to speculate. God, in his omniscience, blessed America in its infancy knowing that one day the whole world would look to her for what she has to offer. And, He has put it upon her more so than any other nation to share the gospel. The light that America is to shine is not her own but of the Lord. As such, she must redeem of past transgressions and continue to uplift His good name.

America; The Chosen Nation?

2008-11-05T16:34:00.000-08:00

I confess. I did not always sip the Obama kool-aid. A number of critics, myself included, believed that he lacked the experience needed for the position and at any rate would not be elected. We vastly under estimated the man. However, I would later discern that every reason to believe he was not the best choice actually revealed that he was the only choice. The people of Iowa, my home for several years, confirmed this when they chose him in their caucus.

President Elect Obama spoke of America’s role as a beacon to the rest of the world during his acceptance speech. America, he said can be revered once again not in relying on the hubris of its military and economic strength but by aspiring to the higher ideals of democracy, liberty, hope and opportunity.

Has God chosen the U.S.A. as a light to the rest of the world? I don’t know.
America, in the beginning, employed chattel slavery towards one population, practiced genocidal devices against another, lubricated the wheels of the industrial revolution with the blood of laborers, enabled the ruthless practice of Jim Crow, (segregation), reneged on treaties with her indigenous people, and belittled women by tradition and decree. Still, the Lord did bless her.

She openly voices reverence to the Lord in her founding documents, on her currency, and laws. Furthermore, she has largely (though not completely) redeemed herself of much of her past sin. Perhaps the redemption puts her in a position for the blessing. I don’t know? I do know that God sheds his grace freely and that grace is not earned. I do know that he shines the sun on the good and the evil and rains on the just and the unjust. (See Matthew 5:45 KJV)

The nation of Israel was chosen as the people to show the Lord to the world. I know this because despite all of their failures, disobedience, and imperfections, their history as such is recorded in the Bible. Does God bless America? Yes. Has he chosen America? I don’t know. The U.S.A., to my knowledge, is never referred to in the Holy Bible. God apparently has not spoken through the word to acknowledge our great nation as having that distinction. However, he has blessed us thus far and he does know our end from our beginning. It could be that our phenomenal blessing is a preparation for that role. But again, I don’t know.

How to Vote Today

2008-11-04T05:41:00.000-08:00

The faithful among us often behave no differently than those we should be leading to Christ. The divorce rate among church members rivals that of the world. Also, we fall prey to the same traps of materialism, superficial sensibilities, and following the herd. I understand that we all live in the same world and take on the same life challenges as the unbelieving among us. However, the disciple Peter wrote (1 Peter 2:9) that we are called to be a holy nation, and a peculiar people chosen from among the world. We must lead the charge, and shine the light with our actions.

Paul in writing to Timothy said “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear: but of power and of love, and of a sound mind." (2Timothy 1:7) We, in light of today’s duty to vote, should act accordingly. America for too long, believers included has voted based upon our fears. We as a whole have fallen prey to catch phrases like “law and order” and “before it’s too late” among others. We must consciously seek to vote and act in all ways pleasing to God. Regardless of who we vote for, it should be done in the spirit of God.

God gives us the spirit of power: the ability to confront obstacles set before us with confidence derived solely from doing the will of God. The ability to make the right choice even when it means going against the grain displays power. Remember, just because everyone “is doing it” whatever it is, drugs, fornication, etc, does not make “it” right.

God gives us the spirit of love: the affection that drives us to achieve great feats, accomplished by overcoming inborn vulnerabilities, for the betterment of another (or others) and the glory of God. Love is demonstrated by the single parent who despite her fatigue helps her son with his homework after she arrives home from work.

God give us the spirit of a sound mind: the reasoning capacity strengthened by the peace and joy the Lord instills within us, that allows us to sort between right and wrong. It is with this assurance that we can see clearly, choose wisely, and not believe the hype.

God gives us the ability to act with power, love and a sound mind with a divine stamp imprinted within us that moves beyond our human limitations. We as believers should strive for this in our actions today and every day hereafter. Let us vote with the spirit of power, love, and a sound mind.

Change is in the Air

2008-10-31T05:35:00.000-07:00

“What you won’t hear from this campaign or this party is the kind of politics that uses religion as a wedge, and patriotism as a bludgeon—that sees our opponents not as competitors but enemies to demonize.” Sen. Barack Obama, June 3, 2008

The implications of an election night victory for Sen. Barack Obama venture beyond the obvious. True, he would become the first African-American voted president of the United States, only a generation removed from the Voting Rights Act of 1964 and the height of the civil rights movement which brought it to fruition. However, the more fundamental change would be the way in which politics are practiced. People innately tend to imitate success. An Obama victory could be the harbinger of the following good trends:

Mulching the grass roots at the national level

Once upon a time, I was a labor/community organizer. We had a saying that “you can’t win at the bargaining table what you lost in the streets”. Sen. Obama has been a practicing lawyer, law professor, and a community organizer. The genius of this campaign relied on his experience in the field. He understands that word of mouth never goes out of style. Phone banks, canvassing, and other personal avenues have factored heavily in this campaign. The commercials and infomercial would not matter if not for the early canvassing.

Money from the masses

It has been said that he who pays the piper calls the tune. Sen. Obama is not beholden to big moneyed interest. His campaign raised over $150 million in the month of September with donations averaging $85 per contributor. An advocacy group associated with him raised money from bake sales. I know this. I contributed bakery to and purchased a cake from one of them.

Message that matters

Sen. Obama’s message is simple: before policies can be changed politics must be changed. The American public is tired of its leaders petty bickering and failure to arrive at solutions to our most pressing problems. Mr. Obama has addressed this frustration and connected to people in doing so. The message is what makes people knock on doors, make phone calls, donate money, and eventually vote for the messenger.

Manners over muck

Barack Obama has run a straight forward, clean campaign unburdened with cheap shots, name calling and the like. He has stated his message, argued his strengths, and highlighted his opponents’ weaknesses without portraying them as the devil incarnate.

Makings of a new day in America

Just as the civil rights movement was not about Martin Luther King, this election is not about Sen. Barack Obama. It is about planting the grass roots culture, serving the people not the p.a.c.s (political action committees), communicating about what really matters and doing so in a civilized manner. Better politics will beget better polices.

Choose Wisely

2008-10-29T06:02:00.000-07:00

God in his holiness and omniscience is inherently different from us, even followers who profess him as Lord. As a result, he brings a perspective that often conflicts with ours. He told the prophet Isaiah “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8,9)

Jesus taught this principle as it applied to leadership. James and John, along with their mother, upset his other disciples when they requested a special seat of power in his kingdom. Jesus pointed out that in his kingdom unlike those of the world; the leader serves those who are under his dominion. (Matthew 20: 20-21, 25-28) (Mark 10:32-35, 42-45) The Lord’s ideal of leadership is the only one that works. History is replete with examples of nations, corporations, and movements that failed (e.g. Roman empire, Enron) when leadership did not adhere to this perspective.

America has theoretically borrowed the Lord’s leadership concept from her beginning. And, her presidents who have not stayed with the leader as servant model have mired her into unwieldy military conflicts that do not address security concerns. Other such leaders spy on their opposition and partake in cover ups. America is positioned to choose the next president and should take into account which candidate will better fulfill the Lord’s leadership model as leader of these United States. America choose wisely.

The Value of Virtue

2008-10-28T05:58:00.000-07:00

Christianity Today featured an article that discussed how we should choose the next president in its June 2008 issue. It did not review the candidates’ prior experience, foreign policy initiatives, tax proposals, or the like. Instead, the piece argued that virtue should be the basis upon which America elects the next president. It went so far as to value virtue over competence. In fact, it said the following: “Competence without virtue is poisonous. It simply makes one more effective at doing wrong.”

The essay’s most convincing argument was that virtue involves the whole person. In the final analysis, the man or woman making the decision can not be separated from the decision. This view is supported by history as recorded in scripture. The Old Testament is replete with kings whose wickedness brought Israel to ruin and eventual captivity. Virtue does matter.

Who looks best when the virtue spotlight shines on them? It is true Sen. McCain demonstrated courage and perseverance as a prisoner of war in Vietnam. However, it was a situation thrust upon him in which he reacted admirably. Sen. Obama, on the other hand, chose to speak out against the Iraq war at the beginning when most people supported it. His objections would be prophetic. He warned the war would “require a U.S. occupation of undetermined length, at undetermined cost, with undetermined consequences.”

Today, the U.S. is mired in the Iraqi conflict without a solution in sight. A lack of intelligence did not lead to this debacle. The Commander in Chief’s pride, vengeance, and arrogance led to the current plight. The controversial way in which George W. Bush “won” the presidency provided a peak into the type of leadership he would embrace. The same man elected to lead will be the same man who leads. Virtue or lack thereof follows the person into office. A nation that can't trust its leader will suffer with his decisions

Baseball makes the Fall Classic

2008-10-24T07:34:00.000-07:00

The World Series is upon us, tied up at one win each. The onset of the fall classic brings many pleasant things to mind. Garret Morris , the lone African-American among the original “Not Ready for Prime Time Players” of Saturday Night Live, performed the recurring role of Chico Escuela, a Latin American baseball player. In the skits, someone would interview Chico, and all he would say in his fractured English is “baseball been very very good to me”.

I feel the same way. I have fond memories of neighborhood friends, my brothers, and I going to play baseball at an empty lot on summer days. Baseball (well actually softball) was for me a highly anticipated staple of summer Saturdays at the Y.M.C.A. The group would leave the “Y” together and walk across the river to a nearby baseball field. Both the lot and the field have been replaced by housing.

The family outing White sox games also emanate pleasurable recall. The first game I remember attending was “Luis Aparicio day” in honor of the iconic veteran shortstop. The game was either in 1970 or 1971. To be honest, I am not sure. However, I positively remember that I enjoyed myself. I became a Cardinal fan (I still like the White Sox) in 1981. For one, I thought they were cheated out of the playoffs due to the strike. They had the best regular season record for the whole National League and did not make the post season. Second, I liked the way they played. The 1982 edition with Ozzie Smith won it all although they were last in the majors in home runs.

The apostle Paul encouraged the saints in Phillipi by telling them to think on those things that are pure, honest, just, lovely, and virtuous. (Phillipians 4:8) Baseball and its role in my life provide good thoughts. Yeah, baseball been very very good to me.

Leaf Them Alone

2008-10-22T16:05:00.000-07:00

Why do we rake leaves? What harm is it if leaves stay on the ground? I thought about this as I raked leaves yesterday. And I am still not sure of the answer. It is one of those things that we do.

Security in Maturity

2008-10-21T05:58:00.000-07:00

The two major party candidates for President of these United States of America provide a stark contrast in style. One is a brash former p.o.w. (prisoner of war) with an exceptional service record, a decorated Vietnam veteran, and represents the party military personnel have traditionally supported. The other is a liberal, professorial type with quite the oratorical gift of gab, did not serve in the military, and represents the major party that has not always enjoyed the support of military service members. It is obvious who would garner the backing of the man who is arguably the best known military figure in America today. It is Sen. Barack Obama of course.

Colin Powell is a retired general, former Chief of Staff, and served as Secretary of State under President George W Bush. He announced his endorsement of Sen. Obama on the news program “Meet the Press”. He likes Sen. McCain, however, he takes issue with his selection of Sarah Palin for Vice President and the negative tone of his campaign ads with its mudslinging robocalls. fyi http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2008/10/mccain-robocall.html

Sen. Obama, however, comes across as more inclusive and responsible. The apostle Paul, in 1st Timothy chapter three outlined the characteristics desired of men who would be leaders. The words sober, blameless, and given to hospitality were used to describe the preferred traits. Yes, character does matter. An irresponsible, name calling, dirty, deceptive, campaign suggest that Sen. McCain may well become that kind of president if elected. How one gains the office is indicative of how one will govern in office.

The forces in the field also support Sen. Obama. The non partisan Center for Responsive Politics published the results of its findings with regard to campaign contributions in August 2008. Troops deployed abroad contributed six times the amount to Sen. Obama as they did to Sen. McCain. The people who are in the best position to see how the war effort is going are throwing their support to the liberal. Apparently they would rather leave Iraq soon instead of staying there another 100 years.

Rotten Fruit

2008-10-17T05:40:00.000-07:00

A few items to consider:

-Sen. Obama refused to make an issue of Sarah Palin’s out of wedlock grandchild. Would the republicans backed by the “Christian” right be so forgiving?

-Mr. Obama has demonstrated admirable restraint in limiting his comments about Senator McCain’s ties to Charles Keating, the disgraced public face of the savings and loans debacle of some twenty years ago. This is especially courteous given the unfortunate economic reality challenging the nation.

-The McCain-Palin rallies of late have taken on an ugly tone. Reports of supporters yelling “kill him” and “terrorist” have surfaced in connection to these gatherings. An African American camera man was insulted and referred to as “boy” at one such rally. Neither Sen. McCain nor Gov. Palin discouraged this behavior.

-Mr. McCain made further attempts to link Sen. Obama to Bill Ayers Vietnam era rebellion during their final debate. This would be laughable were it not for some people who will take it seriously. Bill Ayers association with the radical Weather Underground occurred during Mr. Obama’s childhood.

Voting shenanigans-

-The N.Y. Times recently released a report which claims that voters in six swing states, Colorado, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Nevada, and North Carolina have been taken off the voting rolls violating the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA a.k.a. the Motor Voter Act) by removing voters within 90 days of a federal election.

-Republican party officials in Michigan and Ohio have considered challenging voter eligibility based upon home foreclosures.
http://michiganmessenger.com/4076/lose-your-house-lose-your-vote?

Jesus declared in Matthew 7: 16, “ Ye shall know them by their fruits...”. What kind of fruit is on display in this campaign season?

Reflection on Elections

2008-10-15T06:45:00.000-07:00

The election process and voting have not always been kind to me. Jimmy Carter, the only president during my lifetime that I have liked, ( I don’t remember Johnson or Kennedy) was swept out of office by Ronald Reagan’s so called “mandate” achieved with barely 51% of the popular vote. I first voted on that terrible Tuesday November 4, 1980. A decent man and vastly under appreciated president was replaced by a “B” movie actor who would begin an assault on the middle class , labor, and civil rights that continues to this day.

I volunteered for an election campaign for the very first time during the winter of 1982. Jane Mills Reed, a wonderful lady, retained her position on the Will County (IL) board in a hotly contested democratic primary where blatant polling place violations, race baiting, and character assassination, ruled the day. Stakes were high because winning the democratic primary in our district assured victory in the general election. Jane was a true maverick, unlike this fraud McCain. She then tragically died in an auto accident in the spring of that same year.

I went away to school in August, 1982. It was there in Iowa where republican backers chose to put flyers with a picture of an aborted fetus on car windshields to get their point across. Wow! Yes the election process has hardly been my cup of tea. The condition our nation is in indicates that as of late election results, particularly on the presidential level, have not been kind to the good ole U.S. of A. Still, I am back at it canvassing, phone banking, and walking the precinct beat. What can I say? I am a glutton for punishment. I sincerely hope this November 4th turns out better then the first one in which I voted

No Bragging about Sagging

2008-10-14T07:56:00.000-07:00

I first learned about the jail yard origins of the saggy pants phenomenon while listening to a Sunday afternoon sermon. The speaker, our pastor, while indulged in social commentary alluded to how prison officials prohibit belts as a precaution to suicide by hanging. He also observed that young men psychologically prepare themselves to become prisoners when following this trend. Other sages have noted that prisoners use this style quirk as a means to demonstrate “availability” to other inmates.

The saggy pants “dress down” fad symbolizes disturbing anti social behavior that represents the worse kind of self destruction. Communities across the country, particularly in the south, have passed laws against this dubious fashion statement. The town of Riviera Beach, FL outlawed it by referendum in March of this year. In a September ’08 ruling, Circuit Judge Paul Moyle ruled it unconstitutional. I for one applaud this ruling. People have a right to stupid self destroying behavior to a degree. However, the legal implications are not the focus of my agreement.

The reality is that many sporting the buttocks showing, underwear displaying, fashion faux pas are by law minors or other non adults theoretically under the guardianship of adults. It is not the state’s role to make the droopy draws look illegal. I am sure many of the adults who passed this referendum with a 72% mandate are parents. It is time for parents to make the demands, enforce the curfews, and instill the discipline that too often is being left to the government. It is foremost their responsibility to provide these things.