As I write this, it is December 21, 2014. In four days it will be Christmas, the time of “peace on earth, good will to all men” ushered in by the supposed birth of Jesus Christ. Christmas is to be a transformative experience for the world but is it?
In contrast to what Christmas is to symbolize, I note the headlines from the Drudge Report this morning: “Gunman Executes 2 NYPD Cops As Revenge” “They take 1 of ours, let’s take two of theirs” “Protest Flashback: “What do we want? Dead cops!” “Ferguson: “Pigs in a blanket”
What we are seeing is the unraveling of civil order in the United States as protests turn into riots featuring the looting and the burning of businesses in supposed honor of the death of two men, one in Ferguson, Missouri and the other in New York City. In both cases, grand juries reviewed the facts of each case and concluded there were no grounds to indict the police officers involved.
Sadly, an atmosphere has been created in certain areas of our nation where there is no confidence in the police force nor in the judicial system to enforce the law. If police officers and the law courts are suspect, what does the future hold? Can courts and police officers carry out their duties without being second guessed?
Additionally, if a police officer is attacked in the line of duty, follows department training and procedure in the matter, and then is condemned, it does not reinforce being a policeman as a career.
I received a glimpse into a potential result of the Ferguson and New York City matters in a short discussion with a veteran police officer. He looked at the outcome of what took place with the accused police officers in the aforementioned cases and said that if he were not personally three years from retirement he would find another job. He also mentioned that he would not recommend his son serve as a police officer.
If those considering a career in law enforcement, see that job as one in which they are disrespected, threatened, and attacked by the citizenry why take on that role? Might such a negative atmosphere make it hard to recruit the best men and women to serve the community on the “thin blue line”?
God addresses the police and other civil authorities in Romans 13:1-5, “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. For he is God's minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God's minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience' sake.”
God appointed authorities to enforce the laws of nations because men apart from law being enforced have a tendency toward lawlessness and anarchy. Our world is far from perfect, but if we undermine the governing authorities then it is a certainty that evil will prevail.
As the Sabbath begins, it is a weekly reminder that the rest will come and there will be a time when every soul be will subject to the governing authorities.
Have a pleasant Sabbath,
Gary Smith
Showing posts with label News. Show all posts
Showing posts with label News. Show all posts
Friday, December 26, 2014
Friday, November 7, 2014
Election Results:
On Tuesday, November 4, 2014, the mid-term elections were held. As the election drew near, it appeared that there was a high percentage chance that the Republicans would retain control of the House of Representative and had a high probability of gaining the majority in the Senate as well.
As the polls closed and the election results began coming in, it was clear that the Republicans would increase their majority in the House and that they would have a majority in the Senate as well. Not only did the Republicans increase their power at the Federal level, but they also took control of a number of governorships and state legislatures.
Discussing the midterm elections Wednesday night, syndicated columnist Charles Krauthammer told “Special Report” host Bret Baier the Republican victories were “the worst wall-to-wall, national, unmistakable, unequivocal shellacking that you will ever see” and a “nuclear explosion.”
He also said, “Was this really a subtle result? Was this sort of complicated and nuanced? This was the worst wall-to-wall, national, unmistakable, unequivocal shellacking that you will ever see in a midterm election, and it happened on just about every level. You’ve got in the House the Republicans now have the largest majority since 1929.”
With the change in the majorities throughout the nation, there was great jubilation among a portion of the electorate. However, the losing side immediately began to focus on the next election and what they were going to do take back the House and Senate.
The political war that rages in our nation will continue and sadly nothing much will change. If you are keeping tabs on politics, note the hope of change that exists today and see if there is real change in the months ahead.
While we can be aware of the political changes, but we, as Christians, cannot put too much stock in them. Our focus must on something much bigger. They should not represent our primary hope.
Psalm 146 is quite direct about whether we should put our confidence in human leaders.
“Do not put your trust in princes, nor in a son of man, in whom there is no help. His spirit departs, he returns to his earth; in that very day his plans perish. Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God, Who made heaven and earth, The sea, and all that is in them; who keeps truth forever, who executes justice for the oppressed, who gives food to the hungry. The Lord gives freedom to the prisoners. The Lord opens the eyes of the blind; the Lord raises those who are bowed down; the Lord loves the righteous. The Lord watches over the strangers; He relieves the fatherless and widow; but the way of the wicked He turns upside down. The Lord shall reign forever — Your God, O Zion, to all generations. Praise the Lord! (Psalm 146:3-10)
Human rulers come and go, but our God reigns forever.
Have a good Sabbath everyone.
Gary Smith
As the polls closed and the election results began coming in, it was clear that the Republicans would increase their majority in the House and that they would have a majority in the Senate as well. Not only did the Republicans increase their power at the Federal level, but they also took control of a number of governorships and state legislatures.
Discussing the midterm elections Wednesday night, syndicated columnist Charles Krauthammer told “Special Report” host Bret Baier the Republican victories were “the worst wall-to-wall, national, unmistakable, unequivocal shellacking that you will ever see” and a “nuclear explosion.”
He also said, “Was this really a subtle result? Was this sort of complicated and nuanced? This was the worst wall-to-wall, national, unmistakable, unequivocal shellacking that you will ever see in a midterm election, and it happened on just about every level. You’ve got in the House the Republicans now have the largest majority since 1929.”
With the change in the majorities throughout the nation, there was great jubilation among a portion of the electorate. However, the losing side immediately began to focus on the next election and what they were going to do take back the House and Senate.
The political war that rages in our nation will continue and sadly nothing much will change. If you are keeping tabs on politics, note the hope of change that exists today and see if there is real change in the months ahead.
While we can be aware of the political changes, but we, as Christians, cannot put too much stock in them. Our focus must on something much bigger. They should not represent our primary hope.
Psalm 146 is quite direct about whether we should put our confidence in human leaders.
“Do not put your trust in princes, nor in a son of man, in whom there is no help. His spirit departs, he returns to his earth; in that very day his plans perish. Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God, Who made heaven and earth, The sea, and all that is in them; who keeps truth forever, who executes justice for the oppressed, who gives food to the hungry. The Lord gives freedom to the prisoners. The Lord opens the eyes of the blind; the Lord raises those who are bowed down; the Lord loves the righteous. The Lord watches over the strangers; He relieves the fatherless and widow; but the way of the wicked He turns upside down. The Lord shall reign forever — Your God, O Zion, to all generations. Praise the Lord! (Psalm 146:3-10)
- We are not to put our trust in princes because they are limited in their abilities and insight.
- Instead, we are to put our trust in the God of Jacob who has the power and ability to give us every good thing in life.
Human rulers come and go, but our God reigns forever.
Have a good Sabbath everyone.
Gary Smith
Friday, October 24, 2014
Witch Hunt Begins in Houston - Local Pastors Subpoenaed
While at the Feast, a chilling event occurred that is significant,
not only for me, but for all of God’s people living in the
United States. What made the newsworthy event stand out was
that it occurred in our hometown of Houston. An elder
attending the Feast in Jekyll Island noted that I was from
Houston and sent me an article from Investor’s Business
Daily.
The article was posted online on 10/15/2014. The title: “Witch
Hunt Begins in Houston As Pastors Subpoenaed.”
The article notes that Houston city hall is demanding five local
pastors turn over sermons in which they talked about
Houston’s new nondiscrimination law. The law is supposed to
bar biased treatment based on “sex, race, color, ethnicity,
national origin, age, familial status, marital status, military
status, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic
information, gender identity or pregnancy.”
The bill allows men to use the ladies’ restroom and women to
use the men’s room.
A coalition of roughly 400 local churches gathered more than
50,000 signatures asking that the law be placed on a voter
referendum in November. However, the petition was tossed
out and the opponents filed a lawsuit.
As a result of opposition to the bill, Houston city attorneys
began issuing subpoenas to pastors, who are part of the
lawsuit, to turn over their sermons and all communications
with their congregations regarding the law and the petition.
This is a clear violation of the First Amendment and a clear
attempt to limit free speech and the free exercise of religion.
The chilling point is that we have come to a time in society in
which people who hold fast to biblical beliefs are coming
under attack by the government. The attack in this case is
against pastors, their sermons and communications, but if the
trend continues the attack will move to any who hold to the
views of the pastors.
Should we be surprised by this turn of events? Recall what
Christ told His followers, “These things I have spoken to you,
that you should not be made to stumble. They will put you out
of the synagogues; yes, the time is coming that whoever kills
you will think that he offers God service. And these things
they will do to you because they have not known the Father
nor Me. But these things I have told you, that when the time
comes, you may remember that I told you of them.
(John 16:1-4).
Are we in danger of imminent death? Not at this time. But
we can be called to account for our biblical beliefs.
This event is just a reminder of how crucial it is to be focused
upon the truths that were laid before us during the fall festival
season. Christ is coming. Satan will be removed. Christ will
rule for a 1,000 years and more. If we endure to the end, we
can be a part of a Kingdom where righteousness reigns.
Most importantly, we are told, “For He Himself has said, "I
will never leave you nor forsake you." So we may boldly say:
"The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to
me?" (Hebrews 13:5-6).
We must continue our journey to the Kingdom of God with
the confidence that God will be with us to the end.
Have a most pleasant and profitable Sabbath.
Gary Smith
not only for me, but for all of God’s people living in the
United States. What made the newsworthy event stand out was
that it occurred in our hometown of Houston. An elder
attending the Feast in Jekyll Island noted that I was from
Houston and sent me an article from Investor’s Business
Daily.
The article was posted online on 10/15/2014. The title: “Witch
Hunt Begins in Houston As Pastors Subpoenaed.”
The article notes that Houston city hall is demanding five local
pastors turn over sermons in which they talked about
Houston’s new nondiscrimination law. The law is supposed to
bar biased treatment based on “sex, race, color, ethnicity,
national origin, age, familial status, marital status, military
status, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic
information, gender identity or pregnancy.”
The bill allows men to use the ladies’ restroom and women to
use the men’s room.
A coalition of roughly 400 local churches gathered more than
50,000 signatures asking that the law be placed on a voter
referendum in November. However, the petition was tossed
out and the opponents filed a lawsuit.
As a result of opposition to the bill, Houston city attorneys
began issuing subpoenas to pastors, who are part of the
lawsuit, to turn over their sermons and all communications
with their congregations regarding the law and the petition.
This is a clear violation of the First Amendment and a clear
attempt to limit free speech and the free exercise of religion.
The chilling point is that we have come to a time in society in
which people who hold fast to biblical beliefs are coming
under attack by the government. The attack in this case is
against pastors, their sermons and communications, but if the
trend continues the attack will move to any who hold to the
views of the pastors.
Should we be surprised by this turn of events? Recall what
Christ told His followers, “These things I have spoken to you,
that you should not be made to stumble. They will put you out
of the synagogues; yes, the time is coming that whoever kills
you will think that he offers God service. And these things
they will do to you because they have not known the Father
nor Me. But these things I have told you, that when the time
comes, you may remember that I told you of them.
(John 16:1-4).
Are we in danger of imminent death? Not at this time. But
we can be called to account for our biblical beliefs.
This event is just a reminder of how crucial it is to be focused
upon the truths that were laid before us during the fall festival
season. Christ is coming. Satan will be removed. Christ will
rule for a 1,000 years and more. If we endure to the end, we
can be a part of a Kingdom where righteousness reigns.
Most importantly, we are told, “For He Himself has said, "I
will never leave you nor forsake you." So we may boldly say:
"The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to
me?" (Hebrews 13:5-6).
We must continue our journey to the Kingdom of God with
the confidence that God will be with us to the end.
Have a most pleasant and profitable Sabbath.
Gary Smith
Friday, September 19, 2014
Your Foundation Is Secure
This week I came across an article posted on the Drudge Report. It was a September 15, 2014 op-ed piece by Roger Cohen entitled, “The Great Unraveling,” published in the New York Times. I was intrigued by the idea of unraveling.
Unraveling conveys the idea of coming apart. The object that always amazed me, as it unraveled with use, was a baseball. The ball as it was first thrown into the game was covered in cream colored leather with red stitching. After being hit enough the thread holding the cover on would begin to unravel and with further use the cover would eventually come off completely.
Our society, like a well-used baseball, seems to be unraveling. What indicates unraveling is taking place?
These are just a few of the events unfolding at this time. They represent unraveling.
As I read this article, I also happened to be reading through the Psalms. One verse seemed especially applicable to God’s people in a time of unraveling.
The verse Psalm 11:3 “If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?” In other words, as the world unravels and the foundations, the things in which we might have had confidence, crumble, what are the righteous to do?
The answer is found in the next two verse: Psalm 11:4-5, “The Lord is in His holy temple, the Lord's throne is in heaven; His eyes behold, His eyelids test the sons of men. The Lord tests the righteous, but the wicked and the one who loves violence His soul hates.” The foundations of the world apart from God may crumble. They have many times. All we have to do is look at Assyria, Babylon, Persia, Greece or Rome. Their foundations crumbled and they fell.
But God is still in His holy temple on His throne. God’s foundation will never crumble. We can put our confidence in that foundation at all times.
Jesus Christ addressed the issue of foundations in the Sermon on the Mount. He tells us on what foundation we build determines whether we will weather the great unraveling that is now going on.
Matthew 7:24-27, “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.
"But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall."
“If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?” The righteous can build their foundation on the sure foundation of God.
Have a most pleasant Sabbath evening secured in the knowledge that in Christ your foundation is secure.
Gary Smith
Unraveling conveys the idea of coming apart. The object that always amazed me, as it unraveled with use, was a baseball. The ball as it was first thrown into the game was covered in cream colored leather with red stitching. After being hit enough the thread holding the cover on would begin to unravel and with further use the cover would eventually come off completely.
Our society, like a well-used baseball, seems to be unraveling. What indicates unraveling is taking place?
- It is a time of beheadings. Beheadings filmed and spread worldwide on the internet. The message: We of Islam are coming for all you in your comfortable homes in the West.
- A time of aggression. The world’s largest country takes over part of a neighboring country and then incites a war in order to take over the remainder of that country.
- It is a time of break-ups. The most successful union of nations in history narrowly averted a dissolution. Other break-ups loom in Italy, Spain, France, Belgium, and Germany to name a few.
- It was a time of weakness. The most powerful nation on earth dithered concerning what to do about an existential threat to the Western world.
- It was a time of hatred. Anti-Semitic slogans and attacks becoming more commonplace on the continent where six million Jews were murdered in a most organized way. Apparently “Never again!” seems to have no relevance.
- It was a time of fever. People in West Africa bled from the eyes and nations began to marshal their forces to try to contain the contagion.
These are just a few of the events unfolding at this time. They represent unraveling.
As I read this article, I also happened to be reading through the Psalms. One verse seemed especially applicable to God’s people in a time of unraveling.
The verse Psalm 11:3 “If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?” In other words, as the world unravels and the foundations, the things in which we might have had confidence, crumble, what are the righteous to do?
The answer is found in the next two verse: Psalm 11:4-5, “The Lord is in His holy temple, the Lord's throne is in heaven; His eyes behold, His eyelids test the sons of men. The Lord tests the righteous, but the wicked and the one who loves violence His soul hates.” The foundations of the world apart from God may crumble. They have many times. All we have to do is look at Assyria, Babylon, Persia, Greece or Rome. Their foundations crumbled and they fell.
But God is still in His holy temple on His throne. God’s foundation will never crumble. We can put our confidence in that foundation at all times.
Jesus Christ addressed the issue of foundations in the Sermon on the Mount. He tells us on what foundation we build determines whether we will weather the great unraveling that is now going on.
Matthew 7:24-27, “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.
"But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall."
“If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?” The righteous can build their foundation on the sure foundation of God.
Have a most pleasant Sabbath evening secured in the knowledge that in Christ your foundation is secure.
Gary Smith
Friday, September 12, 2014
But They Shall Dwell Safely
In Memphis, Tennessee a violent attack that was caught on camera — and now, police in Memphis say they have arrested and charged four juveniles.
The attack happened in the parking lot of a Kroger grocery store on Saturday, September 6th.
Fox6’s sister station, Wreg in Memphis reports a 15-year-old has been charged with aggravated riot and acting in concert: to wit aggravated assault.
Wreg reports the teen was out on gun-related charges at the time of the attack. Wreg says the teen wasn’t enrolled in school, and his mother was previously charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
Wreg reports a 16-year-old is also charged with aggravated riot, and acting in concert: to wit aggravated assault. A 15-year-old and a 17-year-old are charged with aggravated riot.
“It was nonsense violence. I can say that for sure. It seemed very unprovoked. They weren’t about anything, that it was fun for them. They were out having a good time. They were all smiling they were laughing,” the man said.
Laughing, as they knocked out a 17-year-old Kroger employee — kicking him in the head and throwing large pumpkins on him as he laid on the ground.
The man new to town says several Kroger employees were recording video of the incident — but one man seen at the end of the video knocked out, actually stepped in to defend him and the 17-year-old Kroger employee knocked unconscious.
Most likely a number of us living here in Houston shop at a Kroger store, or at one of the many other grocery stores in our communities. Such an incident, as what happened at this particular Kroger store, should cause us to think carefully about where we shop and areas that we frequent. It should also be a reminder that we need to be aware of our surroundings.
Sadly, assaults, break-ins, car-jacking’s, and thefts are all too common realities in this 21st century. Being aware of these threats certainly leads us to pray for God’s protection not only for ourselves, but also for our families and for God’s people as we all go about our daily lives.
The good news is that there is coming a time when our safety will no longer be uncertain. The prophets give us a couple of reassuring promises concerning safety in the world to come.
Micah 4:4 But everyone shall sit under his vine and under his fig tree, and no one shall make them afraid; For the mouth of the Lord of hosts has spoken.
How wonderful it will be to sit under our grape arbor or fig tree in the cool of the evening and not be afraid of anyone or anything. We will have confidence in God’s watching over us.
The prophet Ezekiel was also given insight into the safety of God’s Kingdom, “And they shall no longer be a prey for the nations, nor shall beasts of the land devour them; but they shall dwell safely, and no one shall make them afraid.” (Ezekiel 34:28).
Many times, those who assault, steal, and vandalize are like predators looking for the weak and vulnerable to prey upon. Under Christ’s rule, we will dwell safely in our homes and communities and no one will make us afraid.
The Sabbath Day reminds us of the coming Kingdom of God, where peace and safety will abound.
Enjoy a most positive Sabbath Day.
Gary Smith
The attack happened in the parking lot of a Kroger grocery store on Saturday, September 6th.
Fox6’s sister station, Wreg in Memphis reports a 15-year-old has been charged with aggravated riot and acting in concert: to wit aggravated assault.
Wreg reports the teen was out on gun-related charges at the time of the attack. Wreg says the teen wasn’t enrolled in school, and his mother was previously charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
Wreg reports a 16-year-old is also charged with aggravated riot, and acting in concert: to wit aggravated assault. A 15-year-old and a 17-year-old are charged with aggravated riot.
“It was nonsense violence. I can say that for sure. It seemed very unprovoked. They weren’t about anything, that it was fun for them. They were out having a good time. They were all smiling they were laughing,” the man said.
Laughing, as they knocked out a 17-year-old Kroger employee — kicking him in the head and throwing large pumpkins on him as he laid on the ground.
The man new to town says several Kroger employees were recording video of the incident — but one man seen at the end of the video knocked out, actually stepped in to defend him and the 17-year-old Kroger employee knocked unconscious.
Most likely a number of us living here in Houston shop at a Kroger store, or at one of the many other grocery stores in our communities. Such an incident, as what happened at this particular Kroger store, should cause us to think carefully about where we shop and areas that we frequent. It should also be a reminder that we need to be aware of our surroundings.
Sadly, assaults, break-ins, car-jacking’s, and thefts are all too common realities in this 21st century. Being aware of these threats certainly leads us to pray for God’s protection not only for ourselves, but also for our families and for God’s people as we all go about our daily lives.
The good news is that there is coming a time when our safety will no longer be uncertain. The prophets give us a couple of reassuring promises concerning safety in the world to come.
Micah 4:4 But everyone shall sit under his vine and under his fig tree, and no one shall make them afraid; For the mouth of the Lord of hosts has spoken.
How wonderful it will be to sit under our grape arbor or fig tree in the cool of the evening and not be afraid of anyone or anything. We will have confidence in God’s watching over us.
The prophet Ezekiel was also given insight into the safety of God’s Kingdom, “And they shall no longer be a prey for the nations, nor shall beasts of the land devour them; but they shall dwell safely, and no one shall make them afraid.” (Ezekiel 34:28).
Many times, those who assault, steal, and vandalize are like predators looking for the weak and vulnerable to prey upon. Under Christ’s rule, we will dwell safely in our homes and communities and no one will make us afraid.
The Sabbath Day reminds us of the coming Kingdom of God, where peace and safety will abound.
Enjoy a most positive Sabbath Day.
Gary Smith
Friday, September 5, 2014
Living The Dream
Not long after our arrival in Houston, I made a call to one of the members. As the call began, I asked the person how they were doing. The answer was, “living the dream.” I could not help but laugh and I still laugh when I hear those three words. Interestingly, when people ask me, “how’s it going?” and I reply, “living the dream” the result is usually a smile or laugh.
We might ask, “Why would people laugh when they hear the words, ‘living the dream?’” I think it is because most people are not living the dream and they doubt you are really serious. The words are seen to be in jest. In most cases, the words are probably spoken in jest.
But we might ask ourselves, “Are we living the dream?”
Are we living the dream in spite of the chaos, confusion, viciousness, and evil going on in the world? Most people are not living the dream. All too many are living a nightmare.
Consider:
When we hear the words, “living the dream”, we may smile, but we might ask ourselves are we?
Have most pleasant Sabbath evening.
Gary Smith
We might ask, “Why would people laugh when they hear the words, ‘living the dream?’” I think it is because most people are not living the dream and they doubt you are really serious. The words are seen to be in jest. In most cases, the words are probably spoken in jest.
But we might ask ourselves, “Are we living the dream?”
Are we living the dream in spite of the chaos, confusion, viciousness, and evil going on in the world? Most people are not living the dream. All too many are living a nightmare.
Consider:
- Are Israelis facing rocket bombardment and every nation around them being dedicated to their destruction, living the dream?
- Are Yazidis and other Iraqis facing beheading and persecution by Isis (Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant), living the dream?
- Are those living in parts of Africa where Ebola is taking its toll, living the dream?
- We live the dream because we know the true God and His Son and have an ongoing relationship with them and one another (John 17:20-23).
- We live the dream because Jesus Christ is at work in us bringing us to perfection (Colossians 1:27).
- We live the dream because we know the goal and purpose for living. It is a prize well worth striving for (Philippians 3:12-14).
When we hear the words, “living the dream”, we may smile, but we might ask ourselves are we?
Have most pleasant Sabbath evening.
Gary Smith
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)