Is This 2022 All Over Again?

Before the midterm national election in 2022, a lot of the conservative political opinion makers were predicting a landslide victory for the Republicans.  The opinion polls showed that likely voters believed that the Republicans would do a better job of dealing with what the voters agreed were the key issues in the election.  The polls showed that most voters felt dissatisfied with the direction the country was heading under the leadership of President Biden and the Democrats.  It was widely believed that the 2022 midterms would give the Republicans control of the US Senate and House of Representatives. 

It didn’t happen.  When the dust settled, the Democrats were in control of the Senate, and the Republicans held a slim majority in the House. 

Following the Trump/Biden debate in June, and the Republican convention in July, President Trump was favored to win the 2024 presidential election.  Leading Democrats persuaded President Biden to withdraw his candidacy, and at this writing, Vice President Harris is being confirmed as the Democratic candidate. 

With an unnerving similarity to the 2024 midterm election, the polls show that likely voters trust the Republicans to do a better job of managing key issues like border security, the economy, and inflation.  The Democrats win on the issue of abortion.*  Yet, the polls show Kamala Harris with a slight lead over President Trump. 

To be fair, at their core opinion polls are surveys, the accuracy of which may be influenced by things like pollster bias and whether the sample populations polled are truly representative of the entire population.  Further, to my knowledge these opinion survey polls are not replicated.  That is, the surveys are not readministered exactly, and the results are, therefore, not compared for reliability.  Consequently, poll results cannot be viewed with certainty as valid and reliable.  That is why the polls usually have a disclaimer – a margin of error of “plus or minus 3 percent.” 

Polls showing Donald Trump to be ahead of Kamala Harris, or vice versa, are usually within the margin of error.  Presently, we can view the race as a dead heat.  Those who support President Trump are almost fanatically loyal, and VP Harris is riding a wave of popularity ginned up by the Democratic political machine.  We can expect to see Ms. Harris get a brief, temporary “bump” in the polls when the Democratic convention is over.  

It is very concerning to most conservatives that Donald Trump is not well ahead.  The prospect of a Marxist/Socialist presidency led by Kamala Harris and Tim Walz bodes ill for the United States, and it is believed that it will continue, and accelerate, the decline of our nation begun by President Joe Biden and whoever has been calling the shots behind the scenes. 

There is a very real possibility that Vice President Harris will win in November.  An objective analysis of ability to solve the nation’s problems favors President Trump.  However, a lot of people will vote for VP Harris based on how they feel, rather than on a sober consideration of the facts.  Others will vote for the Democrats because they offer a “cradle to grave” system of government programs to take care of their needs. 

The Republicans offer a greater opportunity for higher rewards resulting from hard work and sound money management.  The Republican offer is the better one, but it does not appeal to the crowd that thinks they are owed a living and wants that living without working for it. 

Donald Trump is still not a politician.  For many voters, he is just not “likable.”  It shows in his style of campaigning.  His style sometimes alienates people unnecessarily.  So, it is up to us – for the good of the country – to do what we can to help him get elected.  Talk to your friends, relatives, and neighbors.  If you use social media, put it to work.  Explain why Mr. Trump must be elected.  Convince people to vote for Donald Trump, or against Kamala Harris as the case may be.  If you are able to work for the campaign, contact your local Republican party headquarters and volunteer. 

Remember, no president can bring about lasting change by themselves.  They need a majority in both houses of Congress as well.

 

 * The US Supreme Court has ruled that there is no provision in the constitution that gives the federal government the responsibility for regulating abortion, and that by virtue of the 10^th amendment, the responsibility belongs to the states.  Abortion should be an issue in state and local elections, but why is it being made an issue in the national election?  Could it be because it is the only issue the Democrats can win on?  Is it a way for the Democrats to assure themselves of the support of a majority of women voters?  The Republican candidates for federal government offices need to stop allowing themselves to be drawn into this argument.  They are being played – big time.

Peace and Rest

We all have problems occasionally.  Lately, it may seem that we are having problems all the time.  People are having trouble obtaining the basics: adequate food, clothing, medical care, housing, a good education, and transportation. 

We live in troubled times.  It is easy to become anxious about the future and discouraged with the present.  We long for rest from our burdens and for peace. 

Jesus said: 

“In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 ESV) 

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27 ESV) 

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30 ESV) 

To be clear, Jesus did not say He was bringing peace to the world we are living in now. (Matthew 10:34, Matthew 24:6-8, Luke 12:51-56)  However, He offers us a way to find inner peace and rest from our struggles. 

Know this also, at the end the present heaven and earth - with all our troubles – will pass away (2Peter 3:10), and God will create a new heaven and earth.  Jesus revealed to the Apostle John what it will be like: 

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.  And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.  And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.  He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:1-4 ESV) [1]

In God’s glorious new universe, all who believe in Jesus – the Prince of Peace – will enjoy perfect peace and rest forever.  Until then, please take comfort from the words of this old hymn: 

Near to the Heart of God 

By Cleland B. McAfee

There is a place of quiet rest,
Near to the heart of God;
A place where sin cannot molest,
Near to the heart of God. 

o    Refrain:
O Jesus, blest Redeemer,
Sent from the heart of God;
Hold us, who wait before Thee,
Near to the heart of God. 

There is a place of comfort sweet,
Near to the heart of God;
A place where we our Savior meet,
Near to the heart of God. 

o    Refrain:
O Jesus, blest Redeemer,
Sent from the heart of God;
Hold us, who wait before Thee,
Near to the heart of God. 

There is a place of full release,
Near to the heart of God;
A place where all is joy and peace,
Near to the heart of God. 

o    Refrain:
O Jesus, blest Redeemer,
Sent from the heart of God;
Hold us, who wait before Thee,
Near to the heart of God. [2]

 

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[1] https://biblehub.com/ 

[2] https://library.timelesstruths.org/music/Near_to_the_Heart_of_God/

 

Temptation

Each and every human being struggles with temptation – the desire to do wrong, break the law, disobey God, and to advance our own interests at the expense of others.  The Bible says: 

When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.  Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. (James 1:13-15 NIV) 

Jesus Christ is fully God. (Colossians 2:9) Since God cannot be tempted, then how could Jesus be tempted? He could be tempted because He was also fully human. 

Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.  For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham’s descendants.  For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. (Hebrews 2:14-17 NIV) 

Jesus understands our struggle with temptation because He endured it Himself – for our sake.  The Bible gives a clear account of how Christ was tempted, and how He resisted temptation.  He countered the Devil’s snares, and even his twisting of scripture, with a clear and correct use of the Word of God. 

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.  After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” 

Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ” (Deuteronomy 8:3) 

Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple.  “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: 

“ ‘He will command his angels concerning you,
and they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’ ” (Psalm 91:11-12)

Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’ ” (Deuteronomy 6:16) 

Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor.  “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” 

Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’ ” (Deuteronomy 6:13) 

Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him. (Matthew 4:1-11 NIV) 

The Bible tells us we can rely on Jesus when we are tempted.  He will help us if we ask Him. 

Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. (Hebrews 2:18 NIV) 

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. (Hebrews 4:15 NIV) [1]

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[1] https://biblehub.com/

 

Evangelism

While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen.  And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”    (Matthew 4:18-19 ESV) *

Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them.  And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted.  And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”   (Matthew 28:16-20 ESV) **

 * https://biblehub.com/esv/matthew/4.htm

** https://biblehub.com/esv/matthew/28.htm

Discipleship

And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. (Luke 9:23 ESV) [1] (See also Matthew 16:24 and Mark 8:34)

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[1] https://biblehub.com/esv/luke/9.htm

 

Unbelievable

Speaking before the US House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, 24 July 2024, FBI Director Christopher Wray speculated that the wound to President Donald Trump’s ear, suffered in the 13 July attempt on his life, may not have been caused by a bullet, but rather by shrapnel. According to a report on The Hill website, “Wray said that ‘with respect to former President Trump, there’s some question about whether or not it’s a bullet or shrapnel that, you know, that hit his ear.” [1] 

This irresponsible speculation created unnecessary confusion about an event that should have been treated with the greatest gravity and seriousness.  It has been refuted by doctors, senators, congressmen, the news media, and finally (with some equivocation) by the FBI itself. [2] 

The FBI is one of the world’s leading law enforcement organizations.  Director Wray’s testimony begs the question, should not the leader of the FBI know better than to say something like that, and if he should have - then why did he do it? 

The ordinary citizen could conclude that Mr. Wray’s testimony might be politically motivated.  Was it an attempt to diminish the seriousness of the threat to Donald Trump’s life or the nature and extent of his injuries? * 

Certainly, for many it will further diminish the public’s confidence in the FBI and other federal agencies, which are widely believed to be “weaponized” by the Democrats in Washington D.C. against their political opponents.  In my own case, I am extremely weary of being lied to by my government. 

 

* Fact: An assassin's bullet narrowly missed Donald Trump's brain. Furthermore, there were no obstructions in the bullet's path that would cause fragmentation. Finally, injuries to the ear like the one President Trump sustained may result in unsightly and permanent disfigurement unless they are promptly corrected by surgery.

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[1] https://thehill.com/homenews/4795251-trump-fbi-shrapnel-bullet/

 

[2] https://apnews.com/article/trump-bullet-shrapnel-ronny-jackson-christopher-wray-cb780b9d1a078f0be4191682e75101cf

 

Leadership

Alexander the Great lived about 350 years before the birth of Christ.  After the murder of his father, he became the ruler of Macedonia.  He immediately executed the man believed to be his father’s murderer and most of his other political enemies.  He then subjugated Macedonia’s other neighboring Greek states. 

Persia was the most powerful empire in the world at that time.  Alexander conquered Persia, and then advanced his growing empire along the Mediterranean coast, eventually conquering Egypt.  Finally, he marched all the way to India, subduing all who were in his path. 

Alexander died when he was 33 years old, however, his short lifetime was a demonstration of the difference leadership can make.  He took the small Greek kingdom of Macedonia, and he made it into a great empire, which spawned four smaller empires after his death. He established the Hellenistic culture as the dominant culture of the Western world.  He founded cities and colonies, redefined military strategy and tactics, and made Greek the common language used for communication between people groups. [1] 

Abraham Lincoln was a self-educated country lawyer.  He was able, however, to articulate to the people the goal of preserving the Union, when the Confederate states seceded.  Although he was criticized on all sides, and faced tremendous military difficulties, he persevered, and he led the Union to an eventual victory.  More than any other person, his leadership preserved the United States of America. 

When defeat seemed imminent during the darkest days of World War II, Sir Winston Churchill held on.  We still look back to his speeches when we need inspiration.  He was able to enlist the aid of the United States before we entered the war, in spite of the isolationist opposition in the U.S. Congress.  He welded the resolve of the British people together to continue to fight on though things seemed hopeless.  His courage and leadership ultimately resulted in victory. 

On 5 November 2024, the American people will choose who will be our President for the next four years.  It seems that the circumstances we find ourselves in require that we elect a leader who can “rise to the occasion.”  Yesterday, President Biden withdrew his bid to be the candidate of the Democratic Party.  It is difficult to see in any of his potential replacements a person who will be able to meet the challenges that face us. 

Donald Trump and his running mate, J. D. Vance, offer the prospect of strong leadership, and their proposals to solve the nation’s woes seem more likely to succeed than the socialist pipe dreams offered by the Democrats.  Deep in our hearts, however, we distrust the wisdom of a cult of personality.  Nobody has all the answers, even if they think they do.  A “strong man on horseback” in power lends itself to the abuse of power. We have seen the damage to the country that the abuse of power by a political elite can cause, during President Biden’s administration.

Fellow citizens, please get out and vote in November.  When you do, remember that no President of the United States can create permanent change on their own.  Their executive orders are temporary, and they evaporate when the President leaves office … unless they have a like-minded Congress to codify their policies into law.  Remember also that it is incumbent upon us to vote for the national interest rather than just our own self-interest.  America is in serious trouble at home and abroad.  Please vote for freedom rather than for government handouts. 

Please pray for the United States of America.

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[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_the_Great