ITSOGS

Recently a prominent and experienced reporter announced on cable television that he would become somewhat apprehensive if he planned on getting on an aircraft and saw someone wearing a turban (I paraphrased here). That statement caused him to get relieved of his duties. When we experience events where Incendiary Devices are Reported on Commuter Jets, is there any wonder why he was so apprehensive? I have said before and I continue to maintain that unless the Muslim community are prepared to “make a loud noise” against tragic occurrences that include the name of Allah and the Muslim religion, there is no reason to expect these feelings to change.

Isaiah 41:10 encourages us, “Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Often we fear the future and what will become of us. But Jesus reminds us that God cares for the birds of the air, so how much more will He provide for His children? “So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows” (Matthew 10:31). Just these few verses cover many different types of fear. God tells us not to be afraid of being alone, of being too weak, of not being heard, and of lacking physical necessities. These admonishments continue throughout the Bible, covering the many different aspects of the “spirit of fear.” What does the Bible say about fear?

Even at this late stage, our beloved President is still sticking to his beliefs that the now infamous Obamacare plan is a good one. Maybe I am missing something, but are politicians expected to tell the truth? I am sorry, I guess that only applies to those who believe in God and his laws. What we see happening here is the unraveling of a ill planned bill that will eventually be proven a disaster.

The question then remains – is there ever a time when lying is the right thing to do? The most common illustration of this dilemma comes from the life of Corrie ten Boom in Nazi Germany. Essentially the story is this: Corrie ten Boom is hiding Jews in her home to protect them from the Nazis. Nazi soldiers come to her home and ask her if she knows where any Jews are hiding. What is she to do? Should she tell the truth and allow the Nazis to capture the Jews she was trying to protect? Or, should she lie and deny that she knows anything about them? In an instance such as this, where lying may be the only possible way to prevent a horrible evil, perhaps lying would be an acceptable thing to do. Such an instance would be somewhat similar to the lies of the Hebrew midwives and Rahab. In an evil world, and in a desperate situation, it may be the right thing to do to commit a lesser evil, lying, in order to prevent a much greater evil. However, it must be noted that such instances are extremely rare. It is highly likely that the vast majority of people in human history have never faced a situation in which lying was the right thing to do. Is it ever right to lie?

A few months ago Glen Beck had an event on the steps of the Capital where it was billed that they would be taking back America. Everyone knew “up front’ what was slated for the agenda to come. I see now that  Jon Stewart is planning a “show” of his own in Washington, unfortunately because of his experience in late night comedy and his constant jabs at politicians, (mostly Republicans) does anybody take him seriously?

Many of you have at times felt a numbness around the brain. You have felt disinclined to take hold of any labor which required either mental or physical exertion, until you have rested from the sense of this burden imposed upon your system. Then, again, there is this sense of desertion. But you say it is more food that is wanted, and place a double load upon the stomach for it to care for. Even if you are strict in the quality of your food, do you glorify God in your bodies and spirits, which are His, by partaking of such a quantity of food? Those who place so much food upon the stomach, and thus load down nature, could not appreciate the truth should they hear it dwelt upon. They could not arouse the benumbed sensibilities of the brain to realize the value of the atonement and the great sacrifice that has been made for fallen man. It is impossible for such to appreciate the great, the precious, and the exceedingly rich reward that is in reserve for the faithful over-comers The animal part of our nature should never be left to govern the moral and intellectual. (EGW)

Amazingly enough, or should I say not surprisingly, the federal government (namely the Democrats) are once again thinking that they should have the right to manipulate the system to help them in their political life.  Why would anyone, especially someone in government, suggest that it is not appropriate for immigrants to require that they are citizens in order to vote? First they shoot down the Arizona Governor for trying to follow up on requiring proof of legal residence, now they want to let the same illegal immigrants have the right to vote. By the way, not asking to prove legality, is the same as allowing illegals to vote. Anything to get back in office I guess.

The vast majority of illegal immigrants in the United States have come for the purpose of having a better life, providing for their families, and escaping from poverty. These are good goals and motivations. However, it is not biblical to violate a law to achieve something “good.” Caring for the poor, orphans, and widows is something the Bible commands us to do (Galatians 2:10; James 1:27; 2:2-15). However, the biblical fact that we are to care for the mis-fortunate, does not mean we should violate the law in doing so. Supporting, enabling, and/or encouraging illegal immigration is, therefore, also a violation of God’s Word. Those seeking to immigrate to another country should always obey the immigration laws of that country. While this may cause delays and frustrations, these reasons do not give a person the right to violate a law. What does the Bible say about illegal immigration?

I am pretty sure that many who choose to indulge in underwater activities will disagree with me, but I am one of those people that believe in staying above the water. Fishing is one thing (from above) but going down under and swimming with the fish, well that is quite another story. There are too many shark attacks on people who just happen to be out there to have a good time. Are they accidents, I wonder?

A better question would be “Why does God allow good things to happen to bad people?” Romans 5:8 declares, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Despite the evil, wicked, sinful nature of the people of this world, God still loves us. He loved us enough to die to take the penalty for our sins (Romans 6:23). If we receive Jesus Christ as Savior (John 3:16; Romans 10:9), we will be forgiven and promised an eternal home in heaven (Romans 8:1). What we deserve is hell. What we are given is eternal life in heaven if we come to Christ in faith.

Yes, sometimes bad things happen to people who seem undeserving of them. But God allows things to happen for His reasons, whether or not we understand them. Above all, however, we must remember that God is good, just, loving, and merciful. Often things happen to us that we simply cannot understand. However, instead of doubting God’s goodness, our reaction should be to trust Him. ”Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6). Why does God allow bad things to happen to good people?