Hanukkah

Hanukkah is an eight-day Jewish holiday that celebrates the rededication of the temple in Jerusalem following the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire.  The temple had been desecrated by Antiochus IV Epiphanes.

Also known as the Festival of Lights, the holiday is celebrated with special foods and the ceremonial lighting of the menorah; a kind of candle stick containing nine candles.  The timing of the holiday occurs according to the Hebrew calendar, but it often falls around the same time as Christmas.

This year, I think that Hanukkah ended at sundown today.  To all our Jewish friends, I hope you had a wonderful holiday and that God will bless you in a mighty way in 2017.

I would also like to sincerely apologize to Israel for the shameful way that she was treated by the Obama Administration at the United Nations; especially at this time of year.  I believe that the West Bank is part of the ancestral lands that God gave to Israel, and I support the Israeli settlements there.  I think that the entire city Jerusalem is the rightful capital of Israel, and that it belongs to the Jewish people.

          I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you (Abraham) and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you.  The whole land of Canaan, where you are now an alien, I will give as an everlasting possession to you and your descendants after you; and I will be their God.

Genesis 17:7-8

I will make you (Abram) into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.  I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.

Genesis 12:2-3

America: if we want to continue to enjoy God’s blessings, we need to get on the right side of this one.  We must be on the side of Israel.

Merry Christmas

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.  Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.  In him was life, and that life was the light of men.  The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.

(John 1:1-5 NIV)

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.  We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

 

(John 1:14 NIV)

He was in the world, and though the world was made by him, the world did not recognize him.  He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.  Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become the children of God …

(John 1:10-12 NIV)

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.  For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible …

(Colossians 1:15-16 NIV)

He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

(Colossians 1:17 NIV)

For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him …

(Colossians 1:19 NIV)

Jesus was not a demi-god.  He was 100 percent God, and 100 percent man.  The man was born in Bethlehem, but he was the Second Person of the Trinity from the beginning.

It fills me with awe to think that he gave up his glorious throne in heaven to become a man; born in a stable because there was no room for him anywhere else.  He came to redeem you and me, that we might be with him forever.  What a gift!

Merry Christmas.

The Law

Geraldo Rivera to Sean Hannity on the Fox News’ program Hannity tonight, December 5, 2016:

“A moral compass and decency are not what we’re talking about here!

We’re talking about the Law!”

That, fellow Americans, is exactly the problem in this country.

The Trinity

Please listen to the Holy Spirit’s call:

Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world,

from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

(Psalm 90:2 NIV)

Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.

Love your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. (Deuteronomy 6:4-5 NIV)

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

Now the earth was formless and empty,

darkness was over the surface of the deep,

and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.

And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light (emphasis added).

(Genesis 1:1-3 NIV)

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God,

 and the Word was God.  He was with God in the beginning.

Through him all things were made;

without him nothing was made that has been made.

He was in the world, and though the world was made through him,

the world did not recognize him (emphasis added).

(John 1:1-2; and verses 3 and 10 NIV)

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard,

which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at

and our hands have touched – this we proclaim concerning the Word of Life.

The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it,

and we proclaim to you the eternal life,

which was with the Father and has appeared to us.

We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard,

so that you also may have fellowship with us.

And our fellowship is with the Father

and with his Son, Jesus Christ (emphasis added).

(1John 1:1-3 NIV)

He was chosen before the creation of the world,
but was revealed in these last times for your sake.
Through him you believe in God,
who raised him from the dead and glorified him,
and so your faith and hope are in God.
(1Peter 1:20-21 NIV)

But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit,

whom the Father will send in my name,

will teach you all things and will remind you of everything

I have said to you (emphasis added).

(John 14:26 NIV)

Jesus said, ”Heaven and earth will pass away,

but my words will never pass away.”

(Luke 21:33 NIV)

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

(Hebrews 13:8 NIV)

Like Judaism, Christianity is monotheistic.  God is one Lord.  We Christians believe the mystery that, although God is one God, He is also three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

As you can see, God spoke creation into existence through his Son, the Living Word of Life: Jesus Christ.  The Holy Spirit was also present.  From its very start, the Bible proclaims the Holy Trinity, and the New Testament confirms and fulfills the old.

God is infinite, whereas the human mind is finite.  Consequently, it is often difficult for the human mind to comprehend God.  We become mired in logical fallacies:

·         If God is one, then how can He be three?

·         Either He is one, or He is three.  He cannot be both.

If God is truly God, if he is truly almighty and all powerful, doesn’t it stand to reason that He can transcend physical limitations and be one God in three persons?  Or, are we to be like “Caliban upon Setebos,” (Robert Browning) trying to understand what God is like in terms of our own limitations?

To make the things of God understandable to the people, Jesus often taught in parables.  He would say something like:

·         The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all that he had and bought the field. (Matthew 13:44 NIV)

·         No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit.  Each tree is recognized by its own fruit.  People do not pick figs from thorn bushes, or grapes from briers.  The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart.  For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.

(Luke 6:43-45 NIV)

There are things nature that are bear a similarity to the Trinity.  The Divinity students out there may point out that these similitudes are not exact representations, and that is true.  They do, however, give the finite human mind a way to pick up on the concept of the Trinity.

Chemically, water is two parts hydrogen and one part oxygen.  So are ice and water vapor.  All three are H₂O.  They are different, and yet they are all of the same composition.

We take an egg out of its carton, and we call it one egg.  When we break it apart, we see that the one egg has a yoke, a white and a shell.  They are all part of the same egg, but they perform different functions.

Atoms are composed of protons, neutrons, and electrons. Protons have a positive electric charge, neutrons have no electric charge, and electrons have a negative electric charge.  Each serves a different purpose:

The number of protons in the nucleus defines to what chemical element
the atom belongs … The number of neutrons defines the isotope of the element.

The number of electrons influences the magnetic properties of an atom.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atom

Remove any of the protons, neutrons or electrons, and you change the chemistry of the atom.  Working together, they determine the nature of the one atom.

Rational and logical arguments may support, or undermine, belief.  However, it requires a leap of faith to understand that we will not entirely “get it” until we meet Jesus face to face, and then to believe anyway:

For we know in part and we prophesy in part,

but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears.

(1Corinthians 13:8-10 NIV)

Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror;

then we shall see face to face.

Now I know in part; then I shall know fully,

even as I am fully known.

(1 Corinthians 13:12)

Finally, believe now and be saved:

For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son,

that whoever believes in him shall not perish

but have eternal life (alternate wording).

(John 3:16 NIV)

Veterans' Day 2016

In Flanders Fields

John McCrae, 1872 - 1918

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place, and in the sky,

The larks, still bravely singing, fly,

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the dead; short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe!

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high!

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

https://www.poets.org/poetsorg/poem/flanders-fields

Honorably Discharged Veterans, the Wounded, and the Fallen:

Our heartfelt thanks for your service.

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

The Good

Hillary Clinton was not elected to be President of the United States. Barack Obama’s presidency will come to an end soon.  There will be a Republican majority in the senate and the house of representatives for at least two years.  I have been thanking God in prayer; over and over.

The oppressive, Orwellian tyranny of the secular humanists has been temporarily put in abeyance.  For now, the Liberals, Progressives, Democratic Socialists, and their ilk must content themselves with constraining the freedom of speech, thought, religion, opportunity, expression and assembly of college students.  Grownups have shown that they can think for themselves.

It appears that Donald Trump will have the opportunity to appoint to the supreme court “originalist” justices who will follow the letter of the law, rather than legislate from the bench.  Praise God!  Please pray that his appointees will be confirmed, and that they will remain constant in their devotion to the country and to the constitution.

God answers the prayers of His people.  Once again, He has given all American’s another chance to conduct ourselves in accordance with His will, as given to us in the Holy Bible.  Our country certainly did dodge a bullet this time, and this may be our last chance to get it right.  We have a wonderful opportunity to walk together in unity toward the common goal of a better life for everyone; in human freedom and the liberty provided by God’s grace.

The Bad

Donald Trump will be our next president.  We all should pray for him every day, that he will grow into the office, as so many other presidents who have gone before him have done.  He has demonstrated the ability to surround himself with talented people.  Please pray with me that he will listen to their advice.  Pray for the congress, that they will be able to steer Mr. Trump in the right direction … away from rushing to judgement before all the evidence is in and from acting in rash and impulsive ways.

When Barack Obama first became president, he misused the power of a Democratic majority in congress to pass the Affordable Health Care Act without incorporating input from the Republicans.  The Democrats brushed aside the wishes of the Republican minority, and in doing so sowed the seeds of what looks to be an eventual repudiation of all that they hoped to accomplish.  Please pray that the Republicans will not make the same mistake now.

Mr. Trump’s past behavior has not always demonstrated good character.  He has said things that were ill-considered.  People have been offended, and rightfully so.  He has given his detractors ammunition with which to attack him.  He has worsened the divisions that have polarized our people.  Please understand that I agree with most of his policies and goals, but to be an effective president Mr. Trump needs to become a leader of all the people.  Barack Obama’s presidency showed that, in a democracy, leaders cannot lead without the support of a united people.  Please pray that the Holy Spirit will move on Donald Trump in a mighty way changing him into a man that all Americans will admire and willingly follow.

The Ugly

The 2016 elections have exposed the depth of the corruption and rot in Washington D.C.  Donald Trump has pledged to “drain the swamp.”  Please pray with me that the members of congress will have the will and the courage to set aside self-interest and instead to act in the best interest of the American people.  For too long mammon has ruled the hearts of our leaders.  May God cause them to pass laws that will put a stop to it once and for all.

But godliness with contentment is great gain.  For we brought nothing into the world,

and we can take nothing out of it.  But if we have food and clothing,

we will be content with that.  People who want to get rich fall into temptation

and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men

 into ruin and destruction.  For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.

Some people, eager for money have wandered from the faith

and pierced themselves with many griefs. (1Timothy 6:6-10 NIV)

Since President Elect Trump’s victory, there have been demonstrations in major cities around the country.  Hilary Clinton said that we “owe him a chance” to lead.  As usual, I disagree.  We do not owe Mr. Trump anything, but we owe it to the country.  As stated in my last post, God has directed us to submit to the authorities instituted among men, so long as we do not have to disobey God in doing so.  The demonstrators remind me of spoiled, two-year-old children.  They didn’t get what they wanted, so they are throwing a temper tantrum.  A lot of us didn’t like it when President Obama was elected, and reelected, but we didn’t riot in the streets.  We respected the American democratic process; which is a blessing from God.  Friends, please don’t tread God’s blessings underfoot.

God Rules

Mercifully, the 2016 presidential election will be over in a couple of days.  Although there is a good chance the loosing candidate will contest the results if the election is close, at least the endless speculation about which states will go for which candidate will be over.

I was in a major department store a few days ago, while my wife shopped for clothes.  They have a place to sit and rest near the fitting rooms, and there is a TV you can watch.  It is probably provided to keep husbands occupied, so they will not interfere with the ladies’ shopping.  Another retired gentleman sat down, and we discovered that the TV only had two channels.  “Dr. Phil” was on one, and “The Talk” was on the other.  It was worse than water boarding, so we shut the thing off.  I mentioned that those shows were almost as bad as the political stuff.  We agreed that this election year is “a mess.”  Then we moved on to talking about deer hunting.

The idea that “life goes on” stuck with me.  I was reminded that God is sovereign and all powerful.  He has a plan for the ages, and He causes and allows things to happen so that His plan will come to pass.  Men have free will, but God directs the flow of events to fulfill His plan.

I began a Bible study about it, and I found some of the verses that provide us with comfort and assurance:

The Lord has established his throne in heaven,

and his kingdom rules over all.

(Psalm 103:9-19 NIV)

He rules forever by his power,

his eyes watch the nations ---

let not the rebellious rise up against him.

Selah 

(Psalm 66:7 NIV)

…so that the living may know that the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to the lowliest of men.

(Daniel 4:17 NIV)

You (Nebuchadnezzar) will be driven away from people and will live with the wild animals … until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes.

(Daniel 4:25 NIV)

When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice;

When the wicked rule, the people groan.

(Proverbs 29:23 NIV)

Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.

(1Peter 2:17 NIV)

Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among men …

(1 Peter 2:13 NIV)

To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.

‘He committed no sin,

and no deceit was found in his mouth.’

When they hurled insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats.  Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.

(1Peter 2:21-23 NIV)

However 

Having brought the apostles, they made them appear before the Sanhedrin to be questioned by the high priest.  ‘We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,’ he said.  ‘Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.’

Peter and the other apostles replied: ‘We must obey God rather than men!’

(Acts 5:27-29 NIV)

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers and authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

(Ephesians 6:24 NIV)

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

(Romans 8:38-39 NIV)

I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone --- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live quiet and peaceful lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

(1Timothy 2:3-4 NIV)

He will not always accuse,

nor will he harbor his anger forever;

he does not treat us as our sins deserve

or repay us according to our iniquities.

For as high as the heavens are above the earth,

so great is His love for those who fear him;

as far as the east is from the west,

so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

As a father has compassion on his children,

so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;

for he knows how we are formed,

he remembers that we are dust.

As for a man, his days are like grass,

he flourishes like a flower of the field;

the wind blows over it and it is gone,

and its place remembers it no more.

But from everlasting to everlasting

the Lord’s love is with those who fear him,

and his righteousness with their children’s children ---

with those who keep his covenant

and remember to obey his precepts.

(Psalm 103:9-18 NIV)

…if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and forgive their sin and will heal their land.

(2Cronicles 7:14 NIV)

If calamity comes upon us … we will stand in your presence … and will cry out to you in our distress, and you will hear us and save us.

(2Chronicles 20:9 NIV)

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

(1John 1:9 NIV)

… for it is God who works in you to will and act according to his good purpose.

(Philippians 2:13 NIV)

Then the end will come, when he (Christ) hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power.

(1Corinthians 15:24 NIV)

Praise God!  Amen