In 1938 when the winds of war were blowing across Europe, England was faced with a dilemma similar to what our nation is embroiled in today. The Prime Minister and much of his cabinet believed that a policy of appeasement with Adolph Hitler would prevent war. A few within the government disagreed which caused a growing tension. One of those who saw appeasement as a disastrous policy was Winston Churchill. Another was Duff Cooper, who at that time was serving as the First Lord of the Admiralty.
The day after the Munich Agreement which annexed portions of Czechoslovakia to Germany, Cooper resigned. Part of what he said that day in Parliament are words that many within our government would do well to heed. Speaking for forty minutes without notes, Cooper said, "I besought my colleagues not to see this problem always in terms of Czechoslovakia, not to review it always from the difficult strategic position of that small country, but rather to say to themselves, "A moment may come when, owing to the invasion of Czechoslovakia, a European war will begin, and when that moment comes we must take part in that war, we cannot keep out of it, and there is no doubt upon which side we will fight." Let the world know that, and it will give those who are prepared to disturb the peace reason to hold their hand...the Prime Minister has believed in addressing Herr Hitler through the language of sweet reasonableness. I have believed that he was more open to the language of the mailed fist." (The Gathering Storm, pp. 324-325)
Duff Cooper's courageous stand was described by the Conservative Party's VyVyan Adams as "the first in the road back to national sanity."
Clear vision is necessary to see where one is going as well as what one is facing. In the Old Testament one tribe had 200 chiefs "who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do" (I Chronicles 12:32). When the leaders of a nation turn their back on God and attempt to go it alone, they not only don't understand the dangers of the times, they forfeit the clear vision to know what to do.
Viewing the elections of 2016 one can only hope there's a Cooper or a Churchill in the wings because we are running out of time.
Standing Strong
Friday, February 20, 2015
Thursday, February 19, 2015
Detours
A detour is defined as "the act of going or travelling to a place along a way that is different from the usual or planned way." Detours often cause frustration because many people don't like anything different while others like to have anything from a general idea to meticulous details to plan out their day.
The pages of Scripture are full of detours. From Joseph's trip to Egypt and Daniel's journey to Babylon, detours are a part of life. The detour may simply be a new way to work or something more serious like an unplanned visit to the hospital or a phone call about a loved one.
While the detours are unavoidable, we do have a choice in our response. We can get angry or we can see the unplanned event from a biblical point of view. Psalm 37:23 makes it clear that "the steps of a man are ordered by the Lord." He already knows where our steps (even in a detour) will take us before we leave for the journey!
A detour may open a new door of opportunity that will change your life in a way that could not possibly have happened if you had gone the "planned way."
God never makes mistakes in the lives of those who belong to Him. As you face your next detour remember David's advice from Psalm 37:1-5:
- Don't worry or get angry about the situation or the people involved.
- Trust God and decide to do to what's right because it's the right thing to do.
- Delight yourself in God's promises and faithfulness.
- Commit your detour to Him.
The cure for fear is trusting in the Lord.
The cure for depression is delighting in the Lord.
The cure for concern is committing your way to the Lord.
"God will make a way, where there seems to be no way. He works in ways we cannot see, He will make a way for me. He will be my guide and hold me closely by His side. With love and strength for each new day, He will make a way." (Don Moen)
Friday, August 31, 2012
God Will Keep You Safe
Those were scary times! As a Christian we have no promises that we will escape times of fear and trial. But we do have promises throughout the Bible that God will take care of us. Everyone goes through scary times but if you know the Lord you will find comfort and strength in Him!
In Psalm 57:1-5 we David crying out to God for help. You can hear his fear when he wrote "Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me! For my soul trusts in You." David was fearful and had no one else to go to but God. In verse 2 he uses the picture of a bird who places its wings over its babies to keep them safe. Hiding under the shelter of God's wings is a picture that David uses often in the psalms that he wrote (see Psalm 17:8; 61:4; 63:7 and 91:4).
When you're afraid like King David was, you can always go to God. He will protect you and give you peace just like the bird did in the picture above.
Thursday, August 30, 2012
NOAH'S ARK SOON TO BE COMPLETED
If you're like me. you've wondered about what did the ark that Noah and his sons built really look like? What would it be like to see it and even go inside it? Well it won't be much longer that those questions will be answered and you will actually be able to go inside a life size model of Noah's Ark!
Not only will you be able to see the Ark but you can now go in the most amazing museum in the world. The Creation Museum is open and thousands of people have been thrilled as they have visited the museum, the planetarium and the bookstore. My favorite thing about the museum are all of the DINOSAURS!!
Tell your parents that you (as their smartest kid :-) have found the perfect place for a great family vacation! You can read more about the Creation Museum at http://creationmuseum.org/.
LAND PURCHASED
Passing another significant milestone, the Ark Encounter, LLC, closed recently on the last and largest piece of land for its planned development on an 800-acre site in Williamstown, KY, off Interstate 75 (south of Cincinnati). Under the direction of Answers in Genesis (AiG), a full-scale Noah’s Ark will be constructed as the featured attraction at the Ark Encounter. Research indicates the Ark Encounter will draw well over a million people in its first year.
In addition, the completion of complex engineering and architectural work on the Ark structure has allowed for significantly greater guest capacity inside the Ark than originally anticipated. This finding has eliminated the need to build additional biblical attractions simultaneously to accommodate the projected crowds.
For more information about this exciting development, check out the recent press release from Answers in Genesis.
Get on board the Ark! Visit ArkEncounter.com to see how you can help us raise $24.5 million in donations for an all-wood Ark in northern Kentucky.
Thursday, August 23, 2012
You are Uniquely You!
One time a teenager said to me, "I can't figure out who I am!" My response was "you are you!" That might sound funny but its true. You are uniquely you. On the outside you look like you and on the inside you have more than 100 trillion cells. Those cells contain all of the genes and all of the information necessary to make a human being. Most of that information is found in the control center of each cell called the nucleus.
Each nucleus stores its genetic information in chromosomes. Most of us have 46 chromosomes in each of our cells. Half of these come from our mom and the other half come from our dad. Each one of these chromosomes is made up of genes that contain information that other parts of the cell use to make proteins. Without proteins our bodies can't work the way God designed them to.
Genes are made up of strands of different lengths that are called DNA. DNA contains four chemicals that work together to make up you.
You're right if you think that all of this is complicated! Each cell is unique and
so detailed that scientists who study cells (cell biologists) are amazed at the beauty and make up of just one cell.
Just one human cell is pretty incredible-- you have more than 100 trillion of them in your body!!! How did all of these cells come into existence? The Bible makes it clear that God as the author of life not only designed your cells, He designed you! In Jeremiah 1:5 God told the prophet Jeremiah, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you." David tells us that God designed him in Psalm 139:13, "For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother's womb." You are uniquely you! God designed you just the way He wants you to be. The next time you wonder who you are remember, you are uniquely designed to be you by the Creator of the universe!
For more information about the cell, DNA and genes check out Dr. Georgia Purdom at http://www.answersingenesis.org/home/area/bios/g_purdom.asp.
Each nucleus stores its genetic information in chromosomes. Most of us have 46 chromosomes in each of our cells. Half of these come from our mom and the other half come from our dad. Each one of these chromosomes is made up of genes that contain information that other parts of the cell use to make proteins. Without proteins our bodies can't work the way God designed them to.
Genes are made up of strands of different lengths that are called DNA. DNA contains four chemicals that work together to make up you. You're right if you think that all of this is complicated! Each cell is unique and
so detailed that scientists who study cells (cell biologists) are amazed at the beauty and make up of just one cell.
Just one human cell is pretty incredible-- you have more than 100 trillion of them in your body!!! How did all of these cells come into existence? The Bible makes it clear that God as the author of life not only designed your cells, He designed you! In Jeremiah 1:5 God told the prophet Jeremiah, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you." David tells us that God designed him in Psalm 139:13, "For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother's womb." You are uniquely you! God designed you just the way He wants you to be. The next time you wonder who you are remember, you are uniquely designed to be you by the Creator of the universe!
For more information about the cell, DNA and genes check out Dr. Georgia Purdom at http://www.answersingenesis.org/home/area/bios/g_purdom.asp.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Who Were Cavemen?
- Next: Caveman Confusion
Need a sneak peek? These articles are available online:
Cavemen—mysterious denizens of our past—who were they? When did they live, and what happened to them? How different were they, really, from us? In the next issue ofAnswers magazine (April-June 2012) you’ll meet Homo erectus, Neanderthals, “Hobbits,” and other so-called cavemen and learn where they fit in biblical history.
The evolutionary explanations normally associated with the remains of early humans cause most Christians to be a little uneasy discussing them, but there’s nothing to be uncomfortable about. Many questions remain about these people and how they fit into history, but the Bible gives us some clear answers, and they don’t depend on evolution or millions of years.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
What's the Real Issue?
After some very serious surgery that has occupied the last three months of my life I can sit up and blog. Seems like a simple thing but it's a big deal for me!
As I have watched the Washington scene continue to deteriorate over the last several weeks there have been cries of a return to patriotism and the principles of our founding fathers echoed by many. I could not agree more even though I believe that is only part of what is needed. To appreciate the views of our founding fathers we have to understand what the crux of our problem is as a nation. It is all wrapped up in a five letter word called TRUTH. Why have we strayed as a nation and why do we continue to struggle? We've lost sight of the truth. So much so that for many now there is no truth that is absolute. We are caught up in a post-modern society that defines truth as something that can't be known. If we can't know what is truth and error then what do we tell our children about good and bad behavior? Why do we obey the laws of the land if no one is capable of knowing the truth? Truth is the glue that holds a society together. When we see the leaders of our country look straight into a camera and lie to the nation it becomes apparent that things like honor, decency and ethics have gone out the window only to be replaced by situational ethics. It should be no surprise to realize that our founding fathers would not only not recognize their country today, they probably wouldn't be welcomed by most in Washington who now occupy the seats of honor they once held.
There was a time in the first century when chaos reigned as political intrigue and deception was the only game in town. From the political thrones to those in the synagogues truth was a rare commodity. It is in this setting in Jerusalem that we find Jesus under arrest, at His first trial before Pilate. The dialog is laid out for us in the Gospel of John chapter 18 and verses 28-38. As Pilate argues first with Jews He then turns to question the Lord. In verse 37 Jesus tells him, "Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice." Pilate looked at Him and said, "What is truth?"
Things haven't changed much. Many congressmen, senators and those in Executive Branch operate with that same philosophical approach. Texas' latest "Alamo" is the battle over the content of public school textbooks with every persuasion arguing what to include and what to remove. Here's a novel idea that would simplify everything. Why not just tell the truth? Tell the country the truth, tell each other the truth and please tell our children the truth before this generation is completely convinced that there is no truth to be known. When that happens then all of the patriotism in the world can't undo the damage of hiding the truth.
By the way, what is truth to you?
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Is it Just a List of Names?
There are different ideas about how to treat the book of Genesis. Some would say that there are gaps of time between verses 1 and 2 of chapter one. Others would say that a day as it is used in the creation account doesn't really mean a calendar day but could instead represent an unspecified period of time. And then there are others who imply that there are gaps in the genealogical list found in the tenth chapter of Genesis. All of these views are held to in one way or another in order to explain evolution and interpret the geological column. Then the Bible would conform with modern sciences ideas about millions of years, the origin and demise of dinosaurs as well as a host of other theories.
The real issue is often masked by the arguments presented. When we try to say that a day doesn't mean a day (even though it is almost always used to describe a 24 hour calendar day in the Bible) and that there must be gaps of time to explain creation, we are really questioning the validity of Scripture. If every verse in the book of Genesis doesn't mean what it says and can't be taken literally then on what platform do we try to convince people of the authenticity of any other portion of the Word of God. The Bible is either what it claims to be or it is not. If that is the case then "we of all men are most miserable."
In closing consider Genesis chapter 10. Here we have a list of descendants of Noah. If there are gaps in this list in various places then we cannot rely on the information and it becomes what some describe as just "another dumb list of names!" However, if this chapter is literally true and accurate as presented then we have not just “another list of names”, but rather a reliable list of the nations and peoples who descended from Noah. If that is the case, chapter 10 becomes a vital part of human history!
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
A Lesson From the Past
As mentioned yesterday, I believe a storm unlike anything America has ever seen is on the horizon. A change is coming that found its footing and fruition in a new administration and an already very corrupt Congress. It is in the past that I think we can find our for boding future.
Think about it. What in the world is going on? As a nation we have incredible technology and amazing advancements in every field. We have for the most part the best of the best. Even with all of that something is missing. Like a cake without a key ingredient, the taste just isn't right. For the most advanced nation in the world to be approaching implosion should be a cause for question if not alarm. If we suddenly become ill we call the doctor to diagnose the problem. If the check engine light pops on we don't ignore it and assume everything is alright. And yet, while many are concerned about about the direction that our government is heading, I have only heard one person in the national media mention the solution.
At the end of the book of Judges we find the nation of Israel in one of her bleakest and darkest periods. The nation had reached the low point of rejecting God's leadership through a king. They wanted none of it and sought to do it their own way. We read in 21:25 "In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes." As a result of rejecting God everything was falling apart. Eventually God brought Israel's own enemies in to drag them into captivity so that they would willing come back to Him. Throughout the Old Testament any time God's chosen people cut Him out of their lives trouble ensued.
In the New Testament we see what happened when a group of people rejected God. In Romans chapter one we are told that "although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing them selves to be wise they became fools." Out of this rejection of God came twenty two characteristics of a society that rejects God. You can find these listed in verses 28-31. While this was written a long time ago it certainly sounds like a contemporary description of America.
What has happened? First we took prayer and Bible reading out of our schools, then we made the wholesale murder of our children a legal and acceptable practice. In recent years calls have come from some in our own Congress to remove all of the verses of Scripture from our government buildings. We've outlawed Christmas carols, Nativity scenes, any mention of God and now we are printing money without "In God We Trust."
Is the coming storm anything like what Israel went through? If so we are headed for some major changes. Is it too late to reverse things or is our course set?
Think about it. What in the world is going on? As a nation we have incredible technology and amazing advancements in every field. We have for the most part the best of the best. Even with all of that something is missing. Like a cake without a key ingredient, the taste just isn't right. For the most advanced nation in the world to be approaching implosion should be a cause for question if not alarm. If we suddenly become ill we call the doctor to diagnose the problem. If the check engine light pops on we don't ignore it and assume everything is alright. And yet, while many are concerned about about the direction that our government is heading, I have only heard one person in the national media mention the solution.
At the end of the book of Judges we find the nation of Israel in one of her bleakest and darkest periods. The nation had reached the low point of rejecting God's leadership through a king. They wanted none of it and sought to do it their own way. We read in 21:25 "In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes." As a result of rejecting God everything was falling apart. Eventually God brought Israel's own enemies in to drag them into captivity so that they would willing come back to Him. Throughout the Old Testament any time God's chosen people cut Him out of their lives trouble ensued.
In the New Testament we see what happened when a group of people rejected God. In Romans chapter one we are told that "although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing them selves to be wise they became fools." Out of this rejection of God came twenty two characteristics of a society that rejects God. You can find these listed in verses 28-31. While this was written a long time ago it certainly sounds like a contemporary description of America.
What has happened? First we took prayer and Bible reading out of our schools, then we made the wholesale murder of our children a legal and acceptable practice. In recent years calls have come from some in our own Congress to remove all of the verses of Scripture from our government buildings. We've outlawed Christmas carols, Nativity scenes, any mention of God and now we are printing money without "In God We Trust."
Is the coming storm anything like what Israel went through? If so we are headed for some major changes. Is it too late to reverse things or is our course set?
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
A Nation Adrift
Each morning when I check the latest news updates I remind myself that I can't remember any period of our nation's history that parallels what we are growing through, at least not in my life time. The majority of politicians on all sides continue to operate as if they are the vassals and the rest of us are the serfs. The president is regularly apologizing for America as he busily reshapes "the land of the free and the home of the brave" into a state that would have made Karl Marx proud. Any disagreement with him brings calls of racism that I thought was part of our countries past rather than a topic of revival for the present.
On the world scene America's new status is causing confusion in Poland and glee in Moscow. Holocaust denying dictators are welcomed to the podium of the United Nations while the Prime Minister of Israel faces a hostile crowd of diplomats at the same organization. Iran breaks all the rules developing a nuclear arsenal while Israel is told she can't defend herself. A collapsing global economy, record unemployment and fear about what's next characterizes the world today.
Maybe it's just me but do you get the feeling that something is going on? I don't mean just the antics of a new administration but something more. Something that has been developing for a long time; a plan that has been in the works for decades or even longer. I sense it in the news and I hear it in the checkout line at Wal-Mart. Like a distant storm forming on the horizon, something is coming.
In the book of Ecclesiastes we find the following words in verse 1: "To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven." An interesting question to ponder is what season and time do we now find ourselves in? The answer might very well help us understand what's going on as well as the severity of the coming storm.
Join me tomorrow for some answers.
On the world scene America's new status is causing confusion in Poland and glee in Moscow. Holocaust denying dictators are welcomed to the podium of the United Nations while the Prime Minister of Israel faces a hostile crowd of diplomats at the same organization. Iran breaks all the rules developing a nuclear arsenal while Israel is told she can't defend herself. A collapsing global economy, record unemployment and fear about what's next characterizes the world today.
Maybe it's just me but do you get the feeling that something is going on? I don't mean just the antics of a new administration but something more. Something that has been developing for a long time; a plan that has been in the works for decades or even longer. I sense it in the news and I hear it in the checkout line at Wal-Mart. Like a distant storm forming on the horizon, something is coming.
In the book of Ecclesiastes we find the following words in verse 1: "To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven." An interesting question to ponder is what season and time do we now find ourselves in? The answer might very well help us understand what's going on as well as the severity of the coming storm.
Join me tomorrow for some answers.
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