Last week, the attempt by the Republican Party to overturn the
Affordable Care Act (aka: Obamacare) failed. Because of the
division in the majority party not enough votes could be
mustered in order to prevail. This failure to deliver on the
campaign promise made both by presidential candidate
Donald Trump and many congressional candidates as well is a
major setback.
The obvious conclusion is that our national government is
divided. The question that yet remains to be answered is, “Can
our government reach a level of unity where legislation can be
passed that will serve to move our country in a more positive
direction?”
Jesus Christ addressed the issue of a house divided in Matthew
12:22-26, “Then one was brought to Him who was demon-possessed,
blind and mute; and He healed him, so that the
blind and mute man both spoke and saw. And all the
multitudes were amazed and said, "Could this be the Son of
David?" Now when the Pharisees heard it they said, "This
fellow does not cast out demons except by Beelzebub, the
ruler of the demons." But Jesus knew their thoughts, and said
to them: "Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to
desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will
not stand. If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against
himself. How then will his kingdom stand?”
Barnes’ Notes comments, “Their subtle and cunning device
was completely foiled, and Jesus made their argument recoil
on their own heads. A kingdom or a family can prosper only
by living in harmony. The different parts and members must
unite in promoting the same objects. If divided-if one part
UNDOES what the other DOES-it must fall. So with the
kingdom of Satan. It is your doctrine that Satan has
"possessed" these whom I have cured. It is also your doctrine
that he has helped me to cure them. If so, then he has helped
me to undo what he had done. He has aided me to cast himself
out-that is, to oppose and discomfit himself.
At this rate, how can there be any stability in his kingdom? It
must fall, and Satan must have less than human prudence.”
(from Barnes' Notes, Electronic Database Copyright © 1997,
2003, 2005, 2006 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)
The national leadership of the United States seems to be
hopelessly divided. Can we come together to achieve a
common purpose? I’m sure we all hope for that outcome.
However, we must realize that if we continue on the current
divided against itself it will not stand.
Living in a divided world is one of those things that is vexing
to a Christian. How do we change this situation? Sadly, we
cannot change this situation.
But we can know that when we come together on Passover
evening, to participate in the footwashing, the bread, and the
wine it symbolically points to unity.
Unity begins with humility and service of others as
symbolized by the footwashing.
Unity is further accomplished as we continue to yield to Jesus
Christ continuing His work in us as symbolized by the eating
the bread and drinking of the wine.
We may live in a divided world, but we by our humility,
service, repentance, and growth in righteousness can be
unified as the body of Christ. In the Passover service, we are
renewing our commitment to be one with God and one
another.
I think Paul summarizes the concept of unity conveyed in the
Passover well in 1 Corinthians 10:16-18, “The cup of blessing
which we bless, is it not a very sharing in the blood of Christ?
When we break the bread do we not actually share in the body
of Christ? The very fact that we all share one bread makes us
all one body. Look at the Jews of our own day. Isn't there a
fellowship between all those who eat the altar sacrifices? (The
New Testament in Modern English, J. B. PHILLIPS)
Enjoy the Sabbath rest,
Gary Smith
Showing posts with label Trump. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Trump. Show all posts
Friday, March 31, 2017
Friday, January 20, 2017
Make Prayer Great Again
Today is a day of hope for many as our new President, Donald
Trump, takes office.
Donald Trump was never supposed to become the president of
the United States. He was considered a clown, a blowhard and
an entertainer with no political expertise. He was opposed by
Republicans, Democrats, and the media. In fact, he was given
no chance of winning the presidency.
But against all odds, he went on to be victorious on November
8, 2016. When many of us went to bed on that evening, we
doubted he would be the next president. I know I was sleeping
soundly when my wife came in and told me that Mr. Trump
had won Wisconsin. As I was falling back to sleep, I thought
he might really win. On Wednesday morning, I learned that
his victory in Pennsylvania had put him over the top in the
electoral tally.
We might ask, “Why did Donald Trump win the presidency?”
It seems that Mr. Trump latched onto themes that resonated
with the American people. He promised to make America
great again. Why would people latch onto this promise?
Because many people feel that America has lost its greatness
and unless we turn from the path we are on national greatness
will be lost forever.
It is my hope that the new President, the Congress and the
Cabinet can make some progress toward restoring many of the
values that have made our country truly great for the last two
hundred years. Our greatness over that time has come about
because of God’s grace and mercy extended to our land.
Greatness can only be regained as we turn to the God of the
Bible. The prophet Joel spoke of the need for a return to God
and God’s mercy, “But even now," says the Lord, "repent
sincerely and return to me with fasting and weeping and
mourning. Let your broken heart show your sorrow; tearing
your clothes is not enough." Come back to the Lord your God.
He is kind and full of mercy; he is patient and keeps his
promise; he is always ready to forgive and not punish.” (Joel
2:12-13).
One of our greatest presidents, Abraham Lincoln, was not
renowned for being overly religious when he took office.
However, the magnitude of being president as the nation was
divided in Civil War drove President Lincoln to turn to God in
a way he had not done in his earlier life. I believe that if our
president and other leaders turn to God then we can turn things
around. But will our leaders and our nation humble
themselves before God and seek his wisdom in the years
ahead?
President Trump faces a divided nation similar in many ways
to the time before the Civil War. There was no reconciliation
between the aggrieved parties in 1860 and it seems to be a
most formidable challenge to heal the breaches that exist in
2017. Healing the breaches in the present day are especially
formidable because there no longer seems to be a fixed
standard of right and wrong. Most sadly, if decisions are made
that are in harmony with God and His word the outcome will
likely be outrage among many in our land.
In Paul’s time, the Roman Emperors reigned supreme and
during the last part of his ministry, Nero ruled. Nero was an
abominable ruler and yet Paul requested prayers for him in 1
Timothy 2:1-4: “Therefore I exhort first of all that
supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be
made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that
we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and
reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God
our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the
knowledge of the truth.”
Paul gives us good instruction in regard to how we should
pray for the new president. Mr. Trump faces a formidable
challenge ahead of him. Not only should we pray for all men,
but we should pray that God would make it possible for us to
“lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and
reverence.”
We can be thankful this Sabbath day that we worship a God
who will be with us regardless of how things work out in the
political world.
Have a pleasant Sabbath,
Gary Smith
Trump, takes office.
Donald Trump was never supposed to become the president of
the United States. He was considered a clown, a blowhard and
an entertainer with no political expertise. He was opposed by
Republicans, Democrats, and the media. In fact, he was given
no chance of winning the presidency.
But against all odds, he went on to be victorious on November
8, 2016. When many of us went to bed on that evening, we
doubted he would be the next president. I know I was sleeping
soundly when my wife came in and told me that Mr. Trump
had won Wisconsin. As I was falling back to sleep, I thought
he might really win. On Wednesday morning, I learned that
his victory in Pennsylvania had put him over the top in the
electoral tally.
We might ask, “Why did Donald Trump win the presidency?”
It seems that Mr. Trump latched onto themes that resonated
with the American people. He promised to make America
great again. Why would people latch onto this promise?
Because many people feel that America has lost its greatness
and unless we turn from the path we are on national greatness
will be lost forever.
It is my hope that the new President, the Congress and the
Cabinet can make some progress toward restoring many of the
values that have made our country truly great for the last two
hundred years. Our greatness over that time has come about
because of God’s grace and mercy extended to our land.
Greatness can only be regained as we turn to the God of the
Bible. The prophet Joel spoke of the need for a return to God
and God’s mercy, “But even now," says the Lord, "repent
sincerely and return to me with fasting and weeping and
mourning. Let your broken heart show your sorrow; tearing
your clothes is not enough." Come back to the Lord your God.
He is kind and full of mercy; he is patient and keeps his
promise; he is always ready to forgive and not punish.” (Joel
2:12-13).
One of our greatest presidents, Abraham Lincoln, was not
renowned for being overly religious when he took office.
However, the magnitude of being president as the nation was
divided in Civil War drove President Lincoln to turn to God in
a way he had not done in his earlier life. I believe that if our
president and other leaders turn to God then we can turn things
around. But will our leaders and our nation humble
themselves before God and seek his wisdom in the years
ahead?
President Trump faces a divided nation similar in many ways
to the time before the Civil War. There was no reconciliation
between the aggrieved parties in 1860 and it seems to be a
most formidable challenge to heal the breaches that exist in
2017. Healing the breaches in the present day are especially
formidable because there no longer seems to be a fixed
standard of right and wrong. Most sadly, if decisions are made
that are in harmony with God and His word the outcome will
likely be outrage among many in our land.
In Paul’s time, the Roman Emperors reigned supreme and
during the last part of his ministry, Nero ruled. Nero was an
abominable ruler and yet Paul requested prayers for him in 1
Timothy 2:1-4: “Therefore I exhort first of all that
supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be
made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that
we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and
reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God
our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the
knowledge of the truth.”
Paul gives us good instruction in regard to how we should
pray for the new president. Mr. Trump faces a formidable
challenge ahead of him. Not only should we pray for all men,
but we should pray that God would make it possible for us to
“lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and
reverence.”
We can be thankful this Sabbath day that we worship a God
who will be with us regardless of how things work out in the
political world.
Have a pleasant Sabbath,
Gary Smith
Friday, August 5, 2016
Fake Culture Wars and True Prosperity
I did not watch any of the Republican National Convention, but I did make note of news reports and commentary. I thought a few comments from a speech as recorded in a July 22, 2016 staff article at CNSNews.com were significant enough to note them in this week’s Sabbath Thought.
In that article, it was noted by Peter Thiel, co-founder of PayPal that “fake culture wars only distract us from our economic decline.”
“When I was a kid the great debate was about how to defeat the Soviet Union and we won. Now we are told that the great debate is about who gets to use which bathroom,” said Thiel. “This is a distraction from our real problems. Who cares? Of course, every American has a unique identity. I am proud to be gay. I am proud to be a Republican. But most of all, I am proud to be an American.
“I don’t pretend to agree with every plank in our party’s platform,” he said, “but fake culture wars only distract us from our economic decline, and nobody in this race is being honest about it except Donald Trump.”
The supposed “fake culture war” involves the decades long battle over abortion, the elimination of the Bible and prayer from our schools, the battle over public school curricula that is growing ever more perverse, and the ongoing abandonment of values that have been fundamental to America’s Judeo-Christian ethic.
In essence, Peter Thiel assesses that the battle over traditional values is a waste of time and all that matters is the economy. Our economic decline, in his opinion, has nothing to do with morality.
The theme “It’s the economy stupid!” was fundamental to the Bill Clinton presidential era. For the people of that time, the morality standards of the leader of the country were irrelevant as long as he got the job done. People saw that the nation prospered during the time of his presidency and concluded that good governance did not hinge on morality.
We are quite a few years down the road from the Clinton era and the Republicans have come to the same conclusion, “It’s the economy stupid!” The problem with this conclusion is that it is completely wrong.
Morality and prosperity go hand in hand.
We only have to look at Leviticus 26 to understand how a nation prospers. We are told in Leviticus 26:3-13, 'If you walk in My statutes and keep My commandments, and perform them, then:
Additionally, Leviticus 26 tells us what happens to a nation that becomes immoral. We are told in Leviticus 26:14-16, “'But if you do not obey Me, and do not observe all these commandments, and if you despise My statutes, or if your soul abhors My judgments, so that you do not perform all My commandments, but break My covenant, I also will do this to you.” Moses then recorded a long list of terrible outcomes that follow the abandonment of morality. None of the outcomes support the notion that it is meaningless to fight a cultural war for right values.
The sad reality is that both the Republican and Democratic conventions display the complete abandonment of the Christian ethic. Our leaders are blind to what truly matters. In their mind all that matters is economics—jobs and prosperity. Without morality long-term prosperity is a pipedream.
Thankfully, God has opened our minds to see that if we want to truly prosper, we must apply the principles found in the Bible. Will we be rich as a result? Probably not. But we can be sure that we will be blessed in this life, in what truly matters, and in the end we will be part of God’s family forever.
Have a happy Sabbath,
Gary Smith
In that article, it was noted by Peter Thiel, co-founder of PayPal that “fake culture wars only distract us from our economic decline.”
“When I was a kid the great debate was about how to defeat the Soviet Union and we won. Now we are told that the great debate is about who gets to use which bathroom,” said Thiel. “This is a distraction from our real problems. Who cares? Of course, every American has a unique identity. I am proud to be gay. I am proud to be a Republican. But most of all, I am proud to be an American.
“I don’t pretend to agree with every plank in our party’s platform,” he said, “but fake culture wars only distract us from our economic decline, and nobody in this race is being honest about it except Donald Trump.”
The supposed “fake culture war” involves the decades long battle over abortion, the elimination of the Bible and prayer from our schools, the battle over public school curricula that is growing ever more perverse, and the ongoing abandonment of values that have been fundamental to America’s Judeo-Christian ethic.
In essence, Peter Thiel assesses that the battle over traditional values is a waste of time and all that matters is the economy. Our economic decline, in his opinion, has nothing to do with morality.
The theme “It’s the economy stupid!” was fundamental to the Bill Clinton presidential era. For the people of that time, the morality standards of the leader of the country were irrelevant as long as he got the job done. People saw that the nation prospered during the time of his presidency and concluded that good governance did not hinge on morality.
We are quite a few years down the road from the Clinton era and the Republicans have come to the same conclusion, “It’s the economy stupid!” The problem with this conclusion is that it is completely wrong.
Morality and prosperity go hand in hand.
We only have to look at Leviticus 26 to understand how a nation prospers. We are told in Leviticus 26:3-13, 'If you walk in My statutes and keep My commandments, and perform them, then:
- We will have rain at the right time
- Bountiful harvests and plenty to eat
- Peace in the land and none will make you afraid
- You will overcome your enemies
- Abundant livestock
- And many children
Additionally, Leviticus 26 tells us what happens to a nation that becomes immoral. We are told in Leviticus 26:14-16, “'But if you do not obey Me, and do not observe all these commandments, and if you despise My statutes, or if your soul abhors My judgments, so that you do not perform all My commandments, but break My covenant, I also will do this to you.” Moses then recorded a long list of terrible outcomes that follow the abandonment of morality. None of the outcomes support the notion that it is meaningless to fight a cultural war for right values.
The sad reality is that both the Republican and Democratic conventions display the complete abandonment of the Christian ethic. Our leaders are blind to what truly matters. In their mind all that matters is economics—jobs and prosperity. Without morality long-term prosperity is a pipedream.
Thankfully, God has opened our minds to see that if we want to truly prosper, we must apply the principles found in the Bible. Will we be rich as a result? Probably not. But we can be sure that we will be blessed in this life, in what truly matters, and in the end we will be part of God’s family forever.
Have a happy Sabbath,
Gary Smith
Friday, May 13, 2016
When the Righteous Are in Authority, the People Rejoice; But...
On May 3, Donald Trump was victorious in the Indiana primary. The Ted Cruz and John Kasich campaigns each called it quits.
What does this political outcome tell us?
Dr. Michael Brown, on May 4, 2016, published an opinion piece entitled, "Donald Trump the National Enquirer President". His full article appears at the following link: http://barbwire.com/2016/05/04/donald-trump-national-enquirer-president
He begins the article, “It is altogether fitting that Donald Trump became the all-but-certain presidential nominee of the Republican Party on the same day that he cited the ridiculous allegations of the National Enquirer that Ted Cruz’s father, Rafael, had involvement in the assassination of JFK.
“This is not so much an indictment on Trump as it is an indictment on the American people. God could well be giving us exactly what we deserve.”
Dr. Brown then speaks of where we are at as a people, “I have no desire to be right; I do have an intense desire to see America blessed; and I would far rather say, “I was so wrong about Donald Trump,” than say, “I told you so!”
“That being said, it appears today in America that God has given us over to delusion, a phenomenon mentioned several times in the Bible when God takes away a people’s moral and spiritual sensibilities as a judgment on their sin.
“In other words, because people reject Him and His standards, He says, “Go ahead then. Have at it,” further pushing us into our folly.”
Proverbs 29:2 tells us, “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when a wicked man rules, the people groan.” If we look at the conduct of the presidential candidates, it appears there is to be more groaning in our future than rejoicing.
The Apostle Paul spoke of a society’s condition when God is rejected in Romans 1:28 “And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting. . . .” Have we been given over to a debased mindset?
Dr. Brown describes our condition, “That seems to be the only way to explain how we are suddenly at the point in America where people are saying there’s nothing wrong with grown men using women’s locker rooms and bathrooms and where states like California have ruled that boys who identify as girls can play on the girls’ sports teams and share their shower stalls and changing areas.
“This is cultural insanity, yet many are too blind to see.
“How else do we explain college students telling a young Caucasian man that if he identifies as a woman, he is; if he identifies as Chinese, he is; if he identifies as a 7-year-old, he is – but if he identifies as 6’ 5” he is not – how else do we explain this unless we have been given over to a spirit of delusion?
“I see the Trump candidacy in the same way.
“Tens of millions of Americans are not put off by his blatant, well-documented lying.
“Tens of millions of Americans are not put off by his consistent practice of vile character assassination for the purpose of political gain.
“Tens of millions of Americans are not put off by his vulgarity and profanity.
“Tens of millions of Americans are not put off by his ignorance of critical issues and his complete flip-flopping of major positions.”
The last four points made are they not warning signs about a presidential candidate? And yet no one heeds! Interestingly, we could do a similar analysis of other presidential candidates.
One final quote, “And he has masterfully appealed to American fears and anger – fears of terrorism, fears of economic collapse, anger with the political system, anger with American weakness – to the point that his supporters are looking to him as a quasi-savior figure. Only he can get the job done!
“But in almost any other time in American history, Trump’s negatives would have so outweighed his positives that he would have quickly disqualified himself as a candidate.
“Not today.”
Noting this current situation in regard to American leadership, should we be surprised by what is on the horizon?
The Apostle John was able to see an evil political figure that will arise at the end of the age, “So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, "Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?" And he was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies, and he was given authority to continue for forty-two months. Then he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, His tabernacle, and those who dwell in heaven. It was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. And authority was given him over every tribe, tongue, and nation.” (Revelation 13:4-7).
As our world unravels, we have the anchor of the Sabbath, which reminds us that the King of kings, and Lord of lords is coming to reign in righteousness (Revelation 19:11).
May God hasten the day.
Gary Smith
What does this political outcome tell us?
Dr. Michael Brown, on May 4, 2016, published an opinion piece entitled, "Donald Trump the National Enquirer President". His full article appears at the following link: http://barbwire.com/2016/05/04/donald-trump-national-enquirer-president
He begins the article, “It is altogether fitting that Donald Trump became the all-but-certain presidential nominee of the Republican Party on the same day that he cited the ridiculous allegations of the National Enquirer that Ted Cruz’s father, Rafael, had involvement in the assassination of JFK.
“This is not so much an indictment on Trump as it is an indictment on the American people. God could well be giving us exactly what we deserve.”
Dr. Brown then speaks of where we are at as a people, “I have no desire to be right; I do have an intense desire to see America blessed; and I would far rather say, “I was so wrong about Donald Trump,” than say, “I told you so!”
“That being said, it appears today in America that God has given us over to delusion, a phenomenon mentioned several times in the Bible when God takes away a people’s moral and spiritual sensibilities as a judgment on their sin.
“In other words, because people reject Him and His standards, He says, “Go ahead then. Have at it,” further pushing us into our folly.”
Proverbs 29:2 tells us, “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when a wicked man rules, the people groan.” If we look at the conduct of the presidential candidates, it appears there is to be more groaning in our future than rejoicing.
The Apostle Paul spoke of a society’s condition when God is rejected in Romans 1:28 “And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting. . . .” Have we been given over to a debased mindset?
Dr. Brown describes our condition, “That seems to be the only way to explain how we are suddenly at the point in America where people are saying there’s nothing wrong with grown men using women’s locker rooms and bathrooms and where states like California have ruled that boys who identify as girls can play on the girls’ sports teams and share their shower stalls and changing areas.
“This is cultural insanity, yet many are too blind to see.
“How else do we explain college students telling a young Caucasian man that if he identifies as a woman, he is; if he identifies as Chinese, he is; if he identifies as a 7-year-old, he is – but if he identifies as 6’ 5” he is not – how else do we explain this unless we have been given over to a spirit of delusion?
“I see the Trump candidacy in the same way.
“Tens of millions of Americans are not put off by his blatant, well-documented lying.
“Tens of millions of Americans are not put off by his consistent practice of vile character assassination for the purpose of political gain.
“Tens of millions of Americans are not put off by his vulgarity and profanity.
“Tens of millions of Americans are not put off by his ignorance of critical issues and his complete flip-flopping of major positions.”
The last four points made are they not warning signs about a presidential candidate? And yet no one heeds! Interestingly, we could do a similar analysis of other presidential candidates.
One final quote, “And he has masterfully appealed to American fears and anger – fears of terrorism, fears of economic collapse, anger with the political system, anger with American weakness – to the point that his supporters are looking to him as a quasi-savior figure. Only he can get the job done!
“But in almost any other time in American history, Trump’s negatives would have so outweighed his positives that he would have quickly disqualified himself as a candidate.
“Not today.”
Noting this current situation in regard to American leadership, should we be surprised by what is on the horizon?
The Apostle John was able to see an evil political figure that will arise at the end of the age, “So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, "Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?" And he was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies, and he was given authority to continue for forty-two months. Then he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, His tabernacle, and those who dwell in heaven. It was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. And authority was given him over every tribe, tongue, and nation.” (Revelation 13:4-7).
As our world unravels, we have the anchor of the Sabbath, which reminds us that the King of kings, and Lord of lords is coming to reign in righteousness (Revelation 19:11).
May God hasten the day.
Gary Smith
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