Ebola On Our Minds

     To say that we Texans are keeping a sharp eye on Ebola is to trivialize the seriousness of this killer virus.  With the news that a second nurse in Dallas, who cared for expired patient Thomas Duncan, has now tested positive for the disease, the Lone Star State is on high alert.  Because both nurses followed all the prescribed protocols, were wearing protective hazmat suits -- and still contracted the illness -- it is only natural that we are left wondering just how safe we are.
     In fact, according to an article by Bryan Preston, even though both the nurses and the Dallas hospital claim that official CDC protocol was followed, "the Centers for Disease Control, though, claims that there was some breach of protocol, only, it doesn’t know what that breach may have been or when it may have happened. The CDC appears to be falling back on bureaucrat-speak to explain something that, so far, it cannot."  That's reassuring, isn't it?
    So, you can understand that it is not at all uncommon for me to be involved in casual conversations that turn to speculation over how long it will be until we begin wearing N95 face masks in public.  I have dear friends who will be flying to Washington D.C. this week, and who are understandably concerned; not only about flying in a closed-air-system plane, but of the report that Ebola had been "ruled out" in a recent D.C. patient.  Can that report be trusted, given the mistakes made in Dallas with Mr. Duncan, and the CDC's inability to explain the latest case?
     Then there is the fact that these friends will be meeting with a group of us for a Bible study just a few short days after their return.  If they are somehow exposed, what is the possibility that others in the group could become infected?  After all, I am still not convinced of the CDC's announcement that Ebola is not airborne, nor am I exactly sure of the incubation period of the disease... it all seems so "vague".  And, I'm not entirely convinced that it is not deliberate.  But one thing is becoming clear to us here in Texas  -- just how quickly this could become unmanageable.
     And did you know that there are only four hospitals in the U.S. that are designated to handle Ebola cases?  They are Montana, Nebraska, Georgia and Maryland; obviously not Texas.  Yet, we now have the potential for an outbreak here.  So, what is the plan?  Is there one?
     I have to admit that I do not understand why we are not limiting flights from West Africa.  Furthermore, the screening procedures put into place at 5 major airports don't give me a lot of confidence.  Having a high fever and flight plans originating in West Africa will get you pulled out of line and subjected to further screening --- but neither of these tests would have called attention to Mr.  Duncan.  He was not exhibiting fever, and he lied about which country he had entered from.  And what would keep a potential Ebola victim from deliberately flying into a different airport, now that we have announced where they would be screened?  With over 150 passengers per day from Ebola-stricken countries, it is only a matter of time before someone sneaks through the cracks again.
     At this point, you might be thinking that I have given in to my fears; and it would be easy to do so.  But we Texans are not made that way.  True, it is evident to me that we are not prepared to prevent more cases of Ebola.  There are simply too many possible failure points, and too little known about the transmission and control of the disease.  But we Texans are not known to panic, and do not want to do so irresponsibly.  At the same time, it is foolish to act as though there is no danger.  For me, it is a matter of trusting God to deliver me from this pestilence.  There is nothing that He cannot conquer.  If this disease should touch me or someone I love, it is because it is His will.  In the meantime, I and my fellow Texans, will remain cautious and suspicious of "official" claims, and do what Texans have always done ... stepped up and boldly faced our obstacles.  I have faith that, together with God, we will defeat this plague.  Our health ... and yours ... depends on it!

2 Timothy 1:7   "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."
   
     

Our Loss of Economic Freedoms Echoes The Reasons We Fought the American Revolution

   

     Freedom and Free Enterprise ... they go hand-in-hand.  So when the Cato Institute released its 2014 Annual Report on the Economic Freedom of the World, it was bad news for the U.S. -- we didn't even finish in the Top Ten! And, yes, the Cato Institute is, by its own definition, "a public policy research organization — a think tank – dedicated to the principles of individual liberty, limited government, free markets and peace."  Those who will want to dispute its findings will do so on a partisan political basis, but the facts don't lie ... we are losing our economic freedoms; the very ones that preempted the founding of this nation.
     Breitbart.com, in their article on this Annual Report, informs us that "as recently as 2000, the US ranked 2nd in the world, in terms of boasting a free economy. The US's declining ranking will lower future economic growth."  That is something that should concern every American; and not just for the impact on our wallets! It has as much to do with the "freedom" part of the report, as it does the "economic".  And here's why:  The Cato Institute measures 5 broad factors in scoring each country's economic index ... 1. Size of government; 2. Legal structure and security of property rights; 3. Access to sound money; 4. Freedom to trade internationally and; 5. Regulation of Credit, Labor and Business.
     In case these considerations sound familiar, they are listed in our Declaration of Independence as reasons for our grievances against Great Britain, and became aligned with the eventual causes for our Revolution and the founding of a new nation.  But, today, are these causes even recognized as crucial to the American experience?  Have we lost the sense of who we are in the midst of a bloated government and a sea of entitlements?  Do we not see that the encroachment on our personal liberties, along with excessive regulations and the intrusion of the U.N. in our domestic affairs does not fit who the United States was designed to be?
     In case it has been a while since you had an accurate history lesson about our nation, let me remind you of what the Founders meant in the Declaration of Independence; that we "are all endowed by our Creator ... with Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness."  Those three principles are the bedrock of America's development -- no matter how they have been maligned.
     The meanings of "Life" and "Liberty" haven't changed much in 230+ years.  But it is important that we understand what was meant by "The Pursuit of Happiness".  To early Americans this phrase was known to represent the individual right of every free citizen to own property and pursue a living.  That was "Happiness", and Americans knew it was ours, by the grace of God.  Today, the American Dream still resonates around owning your own home and being able to receive fair wages for an honest day's work.  However, we've pretty much discarded the part about God being responsible for our blessings.  I'm absolutely convinced that has played a part in our failing economic condition.
     By including that phrase in the Declaration to the British Monarch, the Founders hoped that we would keep inviolate, not only our responsibilities to preserve the Constitutional Republic, but preserve our enduring hunger for personal rights and liberties that guaranteed not only a man's right to  personal property, but that resulted in competitive and fair enterprise.  This country was not founded on the beliefs of "community property" or "state-regulated commerce."  And that's what was at the center of our complaints against King George III.
     The list of "Oppressions" and "Grievances" by Thomas Jefferson and his Committeemen sound eerily familiar... the stalling and refusal to pass laws left the colonists "exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within".  The King established "a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harrass our people, and eat out their substance" -- sounds like the IRS to me.  Furthermore, it was pointed out, King George "combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation."  And as it pertained to their Economic Freedoms, it was pointed out that the tyrant king was "cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world [and] imposing Taxes on us without our Consent."  Does this make you think of U.S. trade practices that hurt our economy, and the Supreme Court decision that rendered the Affordable Care Act a tax?
     But perhaps more than any other principle, it was the Rule of Law that the Colonists cherished the most.  And the Cato Institute's Annual Report sheds an unflattering light on just how much we have neglected that standard.  Per the report, "Protection of persons and their rightfully acquired property is a central element of economic freedom and a civil society. Indeed, it is the most important function of government. The key ingredients of a legal system consistent with economic freedom are rule of law, security of property rights, an independent and unbiased judiciary, and impartial and effective enforcement of the law."
     Breitbart.com summarizes it well:  "The increased use of eminent domain to transfer property to powerful political interests, the ramifications of the wars on terrorism and drugs, and the violation of the property rights of bondholders in the auto-bailout case have weakened the tradition of strong adherence to the rule of law in United States... The rule of law has long been the foundation of America's economic prosperity and liberty. The US ranking in this area has plummeted to a terrible 36th place in the world. This, combined with increased regulation is stifling US economic growth."  Quoting the Annual Report, the website observes, "[t]o a large degree, the United States has experienced a significant move away from rule of law and toward a highly regulated, politicized, and heavily policed state."
     So where do we go from here?  Needless to say we do not score well in the five categories for economic freedoms.  The size of our government is clearly prohibitive, and it is obvious we don't have access to sound money.  And as long as we continue to over-regulate Commerce and ignore the rule of law and property rights of individuals, our economic future will continue to slide.  Just as the Founders determined, when there is weakness in the Rule of Law, and an improper appropriation of property rights, economic freedoms will be inhibited.  It's time that Americans reacquaint themselves with trustworthy American principles.  It won't be a quick fix, or an easy one; but one that  is necessary if we are to regain our standing in the world... then, as now, our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor depend on it.

James 1:25   "But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does."

   

End Times Theology Wars & How Satan Will Use Our Religion Against Us

     We are all aware of the persecution of Christians in Iraq, Iran, Syria, Africa, and other parts of the world.  And we are seeing the effects of discrimination and oppression against Christian principles within our society and culture.  But there is one source of hostility against Christians that is the most shameful and despicable of all ... that of other Christians.
     In his most insightful book, Blood on the Altar, Tom Horn and other discerning writers lay out a convincing argument that there will be, in the End Times, a royal battle between the True Church and the False Church.  Just as Jesus was bold in showing the Pharisees that strict religious adherence to the Law did not produce righteousness before YVHV, so was the Apostle Paul fearless as he debated with Hellenized Jews over the declarations of the true and living God.  In fact, all the Apostles ran into opposition when teaching and preaching the newfound Gospel Message.  Therefore, we, too, should be bold and unafraid to present true Apostolic teachings.

      And here is where the crux of the issue lies.  Personally, my life has not always been a productive one for God's Kingdom, nor have I approached His Word with a scholarly and intense desire to know Him in every way He has revealed Himself.  I confess that this grieves me.  But in recent years, I have been moved towards greater understandings and deeper revelations of what His Word has to tell us.  That has resulted in a different path, and a new, and sometimes different comprehension of the Bible -- one that does not always set well with Christians who are satisfied with their current understanding; or Believers who are comfortable with their level of knowledge and  have no desire to seek greater illumination.  Please, this is not an indictment against them; I am simply stating that God is working differently in me.
     But when I want to take the bold step of sharing bigger concepts, and a bigger God, with the American Church, I have been met with much resistance and hostility.  I think we can all agree that there is much strife within the Church's denominations over "the right dividing of God's Truth." The Baptists think they are accurately representing what the Apostles taught and preached.  But so do the Presbyterians ... and the Lutherans ... and the Catholics.  So how did we get to so many different doctrines and creeds and religious ideologies?  They can't differ so much, and all be right!
     So it is, that as I have endeavored to express the wondrous and awe-inspiring depth of the Bible, that I have encountered more opposition than I would have expected.  In my eagerness to share how the Septuagint and the Greek translation of the New Testament, along with studies of the Hebrew Old Testament and the writings of the Early Church Fathers have expanded my understanding of Genesis, Chapter 6, I have been astounded at the vitriolic comments from fellow Christians.  When I have tried to relate my skepticism of tattoos to ancient Biblical warnings, the acrimony from my Brothers and Sisters in Christ was, let's just say, less than loving.  And every time that I have attempted to equate Israel's right to the Land, according to the Bible, some of the harshest critics have been self-proclaimed Believers of the Word.

      I have been called a heretic, a fool, grossly manipulative, a false teacher, and even a tart (Not sure why that's appropriate) ... And all by fellow Christians.  And for what purpose?  Was it to gently rebuke me because they disagreed?  Was it done out of a humble and sincere heart to correct my stumbling thoughts?  Or was it to punish, embarrass and disparage me?  Could they support their own arguments, or was it simply that my new discoveries upset conventional theology?
     SIDE NOTE: We need to understand the difference between "Religion" and "Theology".  It is almost impossible to agree upon a definition of Religion, but for the sake of this essay, my understanding is that Religion is a system of faith, based upon doctrines and a set of beliefs held by the Church.  The word "Theology" comes from two Greek words -- "Theos" meaning God, and "Logia" meaning "a subject of study".  Therefore, as a person who is digging deep into God's Word to learn what He has to say about Himself, I am a "studier of God".  That is to say, I am reading, investigating and reflecting upon His Word in a personal effort to gain more knowledge of Him.
     Yet, when I attempt to share and encourage dialogue with my fellow Christians, I encounter harsh condemnation for daring to suggest something different from accepted doctrine.  Isn't that what Jesus, and later, the Apostles, experienced when they endeavored to introduce a greater understanding of God?  Shouldn't it be important to us to be diligent in how we interpret His Word?  As Christians, isn't it incumbent upon us to protect and fortify the Bible from the culture?  Have we forgotten that James 4:4 warns us that "friendship with the world means enmity with God?", or do we not rightfully discern the Parable of the Wheat and the Tares?
    Have we stopped to ask ourselves, "Am I understanding God's Word as He intended me to, or am I relying on others (my Pastor, my Denomination, Christian "personalities") to interpret it for me?"  As Christians, shouldn't we want to know as much about God as we can, so that we can glorify Him through our love and obedience?  So, why is there so much animosity and bitterness when I want to illuminate His Word?
     The "haters" can hypothesize that I am interpreting Scripture wrongly or falsely; yet what I find is that they don't show me where Scripture disputes my findings; it is more likely that my opinion is in opposition to their traditional doctrine.  In this day and age, our culture is trying to denigrate our Faith for its "intolerance" and "bigotry" -- and much of that criticism is coming from within the Church, itself!  Try, as my husband and I did, to defend Scripture, as it is written, to proponents of a sect of Christianity who call themselves the Emerging Church.  We were told we were part of "the old paradigm", and Christianity was changing!  How can the so-called Church be so misguided?  Scripture clearly says, Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever!
     But I must be completely honest; there have been many comments on my afore-mentioned theological theories that were kind and supportive; they encouraged me to continue in my dauntless pursuit of knowledge about this Awesome God we serve.  And that gives me hope that the Body of Christ is willing to hear the Truth as God teaches it through the Bible.  It heartens me that there are those who understand my unwillingness to compromise His Truth with the spirit of this world or our culture.
      We must stand on the Authority of the Bible -- and every word of the Bible; all of it -- not on man's or the Church's accommodating doctrine.  I realize that there is much of God's Wisdom and Counsel that we will never know or understand.  However, I believe He is revealing to this generation what we need to know for these times; but we must earnestly seek Him and reverently study His Word.  And His Word foretells false teachers and false prophets; Satan has done a great job establishing his counterfeit church.  And Christ also forecasts a prosperous and comfortable Church that has everything it needs, yet is apathetic, superficial, and lukewarm.  THAT Church does not want to hear any new revelations that upset their conventional and traditional theology.  THAT Church will become increasingly like the culture it attempts to placate and imitate, and more hostile to brethren who promote God's Truth.  What is now vitriolic hostility may soon become "justified" retribution.  And that, my fellow Christians, is not what Christ intended for His Church!

Mark 7:6-9     Jesus replied, 'You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you, for he wrote, 'These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship is a farce, for they teach man-made ideas as commands from God.' For you ignore God's law and substitute your own tradition.' Then He said, 'You skillfully sidestep God's law in order to hold on to your own tradition.'
     

Daniel 7:14

And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.

     This Sunday finds us in the midst of The Feast of Tabernacles.  In the Old Testament, God ordained this 7-day Feast to celebrate the ingathering of the Fall harvest.  As we have been discussing during these holy fall Festivals, they are dress rehearsals for Christ's Second Coming.  Just as the ancient Israelites celebrated the wheat harvest, Believers will be celebrating the Ingathering or Spiritual Harvest of those who belong to Christ.  This will happen when Christ sets up His reign in the Millennial Kingdom, which is, as one website described it, " that joyous, utopian time of peace and fulfillment that has always been the hope and focus of true Christians."

     Since the Feast of Tabernacles was historically the time of the wheat harvest, and we know the spiritual fulfillment of it in the Future, this brings so much more understanding to Jesus's Parable of the Wheat and Tares.  Can you discern what He means when He says, "Let both [wheat and tares] grow together until the harvest, and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, “First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn."

     The Old Testament significance of this Feast has great meaning.  This feast lasted for eight days, and Numbers 29 gives a lengthy description of the animal sacrifices and the grain and drink offerings that are to be made.  It required a pilgrimage to Jerusalem where there was to be a daily sacrificial offering.  This was Israel’s Thanksgiving feast, so to speak, in which they acknowledged the Fall harvest and God’s provision for them.

     This Feast was also held in remembrance of Israel’s deliverance from Egypt and their subsequent wandering in the wilderness for forty years.  It is recognition of when God appeared in pillars of smoke and fire, and dwelt (tabernacled) with them.  During this time Israel lived in tents and worshiped at the Tabernacle, which was also a big tent. Throughout their history, to remember this time, the Jews built small tabernacles or booths with walls of plaited branches and thatched roofs as God instructed in Leviticus 23:42: You shall dwell in booths (shelters) for seven days.  All native Israelites shall dwell in booths.  Today, faithful Jews (and a growing number of obedient Christians) still construct temporary shelters to honor God dwelling with us.

     Today, the Feast of Tabernacles is a Festival/Feast of joy as we anticipate Yeshua’s return to “Tabernacle” among His people and rule and reign for a thousand years.  According to Scripture, during this time one of Yeshua’s first orders of business is to throw the “anti-christ” and his “false prophet” into the lake of fire, and bind up Satan at the bottom of the abyss for the thousand years.  For the first time in thousands of years, the world will be free of satanic influence, and seek to follow God's ways and statutes.  

     The "Living Water of Salvation", the "Sustaining Bread of Life", and the "Light of the World" will be present with His people.  The Seven Days of the Feast represent that joyous time.  There is an 8th day that concludes the Feast of Tabernacles, known as the "Great Day" or "Day of Rest".  This day may represent what happens at the conclusion of the 1,000 year Millennium.  Satan will be released from the abyss and destroyed in battled.  This will usher in the time of the new beginning – when this present Heaven and Earth will pass away, and the New Jerusalem descends from Heaven.  

     So how can we, as modern-day Christians, honor God in this solemn Feast?  We can build temporary shelters, gather with friends and family and celebrate His "tabernacling" with us.  Tell the accounts of the ancient Israelites who wandered the desert for 40 years and how the LORD YHVH’s Glory shone in the Temple and how He looked after them and provided water out of the rock, gave them manna (bread) from heaven, and caused their shoes and clothes not to wear out. He dwelt with them as a pillar of fire by night and a cloud of smoke by day.  Remember and share how He has provided and resided with you during your personal covenant with Him.

     It is a time to remind ourselves that He is our protector and provider even when it may sometimes

feel like our time in the wilderness. May we endure these times without grumbling and complaining but instead be full of thanksgiving and praise knowing that our God is greater and can get us through any and every situation we may face. And just like the ancient Israelites, one day this wilderness experience will be over.
     As we Christians join our Jewish brethren and begin to celebrate God’s appointed Times, we will have a deeper appreciation of AND anticipation of the return of God’s Only Begotten Son.  A remnant of physical Israel will recognize their Messiah and inherit the blessings God intended for them, and Christian believers will inherit their rewards for faithfully running the race.  Until then, we are all looking forward to Christ's fulfillment of the Fall Feasts.  Not much longer ….
   

    

A Personal Look At Ebola

     This week, Thomas Eric Duncan, of Liberia, died in Dallas of Ebola.  While there are many contradictory reports concerning the level of this nation's preparedness for dealing with this deadly disease, it is important to face this monster, as we have done in so many things in recent history.  We must not panic, and we must take as much responsibility as we can for ourselves; get the facts, increase our knowledge of the disease and how to protect ourselves and family, and put a plan in place.
     But I think it is also important to take a good, close look at this disease and know what to expect.  There is no better person to help us do that, than Dr. Kent Brantly, who survived Ebola, after returning to the U.S. from West Africa, where he was treating patients, himself.  The fact that Dr. Brantly is a strong Christian helps me to confront my fears, as I hope it will you.  Here is his story, in his own words, as printed in a recent Time article:
   
     Ebola is ravaging West Africa like a wildfire out of control.  The morning I woke up with Ebola, I felt a little warm. My temperature was 100.0–higher than normal, but not too concerning. I decided to stay home from work that morning just to play it safe. I had spent the last seven weeks fighting the world’s worst Ebola outbreak in Liberia, where I was working as a physician with Samaritan’s Purse. I thought I just had a cold, but I was not naive enough to think I was immune to the possibility of Ebola.
     By noon, my temperature had increased to 101.4. I took a rapid malaria test; it was negative–not a good sign. I called our team leader, who sent physician colleagues to my home in full protective gear. After two more negative malaria tests, I knew I would be in isolation for at least three more days. Often the blood test for Ebola will remain negative for the first three days of illness, so we had to wait a few days for an accurate result. In the meantime, I grew sicker. My fever hit 104.9. I felt nauseated and began having diarrhea. Eventually the team started an IV in my arm and gave me fluids. We all hoped it could be dengue fever.

      On the fourth day the team leader came to my bedroom window with news. “Kent, buddy, we have your test results. I am really sorry to tell you that it’s positive for Ebola.” I didn’t know what to think. I just asked, “So what’s our plan?”
     In the middle of October 2013, I had moved to Monrovia with my wife Amber and two children. We planned to serve as medical missionaries with Samaritan’s Purse for two years. The first time I heard about the Ebola outbreak was at the end of March, at a picnic for expatriates living in the area. Someone asked if I had heard about the Ebola outbreak in Guinea. I had not, but within a couple of months I was one of only two doctors in Monrovia treating Ebola patients.
     On June 11 our hospital, called ELWA (Eternal Love Winning Africa), received a call from the Ministry of Health. They were bringing two Ebola patients to our isolation unit. In the two hours it took for us to prepare everything, one of the patients died in the ambulance. Over the next month and a half the number of patients grew exponentially. We were overwhelmed.
     On July 20, we opened a larger isolation unit and consolidated our smaller facility with the patients from another nearby hospital. That’s the same day I dropped off Amber and the kids at the airport to return to Texas for a family wedding. I was supposed to meet them a week later. But just three days after their departure, I got sick.
     Even with the bad news, I felt calm. I never shed a tear when I called my wife and said, “Amber, my test is positive. I have Ebola.” Though the rest of my family wept, I felt strangely at peace. God blessed me with that peace that surpasses understanding. Since we had started treating patients with Ebola in Monrovia, we had only had one survivor. I had watched too many people die from this disease. Amber and I were both at the disadvantage of knowing how this illness ends.
     At some point, I was told about an experimental drug. It had worked on monkeys, but had never been tested in humans. I agreed to receive it, but then decided that Nancy Writebol should get it first, since she was sicker. I was not trying to be a hero; I was making a rational decision as a doctor.
     Over the next couple of days, though, my condition worsened. My body began shaking, my heart was racing. Nothing would bring down my temperature, and I had fluid in my lungs. I felt hot, nauseated, weak–everything was a blur. I had friends and colleagues praying outside my house–and all over the world. The doctor decided to give me the drug, and within an hour my body stabilized a bit. It was enough improvement for me to be safely evacuated to Emory University Hospital in Atlanta.
     During my own care, I often thought about the patients I had treated. Ebola is a humiliating disease that strips you of your dignity. You are removed from family and put into isolation where you cannot even see the faces of those caring for you due to the protective suits–you can only see their eyes. You have uncontrollable diarrhea and it is embarrassing. You have to rely on others to clean you up. That is why we tried our best to treat patients like our own family. Through our protective gear we spoke to each patient, calling them by name and touching them. We wanted them to know they were valuable, that they were loved, and that we were there to serve them.
     At Emory the doctors were able to see that my potassium level was low and replenish it–something that could not be done in Liberia and could have killed me. I finally cried for the first time when I saw my family members through a window and spoke to them over the intercom. I had not been sure I would ever see them again. When I finally recovered, the nurses excitedly helped me leave the isolation room, and I held my wife in my arms for the first time in a month.
     Even when I was facing death, I remained full of faith. I did not want to be faithful to God all the way up to serving in Liberia for ten months, only to give up at the end because I was sick. Though we cannot return to Liberia right now, it is clear we have been given a new platform for helping the people of Liberia.
     Ebola has changed everything in West Africa. We cannot sit back and say, “Oh, those poor people.” We must think outside the box and find ways to help. People are fearful of isolation units because “that is where you go to die.” They stay home instead and infect their families. Perhaps we need to find a way to provide safe home care that protects the caregivers. The national governments of West Africa are overwhelmed. They are not capable of handling this outbreak with simply a little help from some NGOs. This is a global problem and it requires the action of national governments around the world. We must take action to stop it–-now.

     Dr. Brantly's honesty and faith in the face of death should inspire us all.  This disease robs us of our dignity, but we must not let it strip us of our humanity.  We must be compassionate towards those who are stricken, follow all safety precautions, and above all else, pray for God's deliverance from this pestilence.  

2 Chronicles 20:9   "Should evil come upon us, the sword, or judgment, or pestilence, or famine, we will stand before this house and before You (for Your name is in this house) and cry to You in our distress, and You will hear and deliver us."


   

"The Affleck Syndrome"

     It has certainly been interesting to watch uber-Liberal atheist Bill Maher and his atheist author buddy Sam Harris attempt to talk religion with Hollywood hothead Ben Affleck.  The subject was the Left's reaction to criticism of the violence committed by jihadists in the name of the Islamic religion.
     First of all, I found it amusing that Maher declared that Liberals have a claim on "the freedom of speech; the freedom to practice any religion you want without fear of violence; the freedom to leave a religion; equality for women, minorities, and homosexuals" ---- these are principles he called "Liberal Principles".  (Why is it that Liberals are the only ones who believe in these principles?  Don't all people want freedom and equality?)
     Sam Harris went on to say, "Liberals have failed on the topic of theocracy."  By this, I believe he is referring to a particular doctrine of a particular religion; in this case, Islam.  He goes on: "Liberals will criticize White theocracy and Christianity... they will become agitated about the abortion clinic bombing in 1984; but when you want to talk about treatment of homosexuals, women, and free-thinkers in the Muslim world, then you are called racist."  That automatically introduced the loathsome word (gasp!) ... Islamophobia!  

     That's when Affleck could contain himself no longer.  He almost came flying out of his seat as he tried to equate that kind of logic with disparaging comments about Jews and Blacks.  His argument was that Maher and Harris were conflating Islam with Muslims; they were painting a broad brush of doctrinal belief across all Muslim cultures and peoples.  Who is right?  Or are they both correct?  The problem is you have men -- two who have publicly stated they have no love of religion or faith; and one who shows no evidence that he knows what faith is -- trying to defend a religion that our culture cannot understand or equate.  So that makes them authorities, right? (Wink, Wink).
     From my decidedly (and unapologetically) Christian viewpoint, it looks to me that Mr. Affleck wants to argue this from a position of relativism.  In other words, I think he believes that no one can argue what Islam stands for, because Muslims are free to interpret Islam as they wish.  So those who interpret it violently are just "a few bad apples", so to speak.  And when you try to use "relativism" as an argument, you become less interested in defining the true nature of something, and no one is ever really to blame, are they?
     As Raymond Ibrahim, an award-winning journalist and Middle East and Islam specialist, points out in an article on PJ Media, "The fundamental mistake in the position of [Islam apologists such as Ben Affleck] is that it places Muslims on a higher pedestal of authority than Islam itself (even though Muslims are by definition “one’s who submit” to Islam, which is “submission” to Allah’s laws).  Islam is based on the law, or Sharia — “the way” prescribed by Allah and his prophet.  And Sharia most certainly does call for any number of things — subjugation of women and religious minorities, war on “infidels” and the enslavement of their women and children, bans on free speech and apostasy — that even Affleck would normally condemn."
     We, in the Western culture are simply unable to understand that this is not only a religious problem, but a cultural one.  Yes, not all Muslims are jihadists.  But, we must ask ourselves this:  "Are all Muslims Islamists?"  There are many that do not embrace violent jihad; they wish to work within the system, but if they are a true Islamist, then they still believe in the strict doctrine of Sharia Law, and that is where the danger lies.
     It is the foundation of Sharia Law that the jihadists want to impose on the world.  I will agree that it is wrong to say that "all Muslims" want to execute you if you leave the faith, or stone homosexuals; but to me, the fact that one would say it is a problem!  And how do apologists square the fact that a growing number of Muslims are flocking to ISIS, who loudly proclaim their goal of Sharia Law for the world?  This is the same Sharia Law that advocates stoning homosexuals and adulterers, or executing you if you leave the faith, remember? I would expect Liberals,who espouse a person's freedom of choice, to recognize that characteristic of the Islamic faith.  To which, the standard reply from apologists like Affleck, is that we are racists. In our culture, whenever you want to shut down any argument or logic, you simply invoke the "race card", and you are discredited.  But here's the problem, Ben --- a Muslim is not a race of people, but a follower of the religion of Islam.
     As Rich Lowry, of the National Review Online, wrote, all Bill Maher was trying to say "is that self-consciously tolerant liberals often look the other way when confronted with the intolerance of the Muslim world." But Ben Affleck just can't go there.  It feels too judgmental, and as any modern American Liberal must do, he cannot give any hint of American or Western "exceptionalism".
     So how does he explain away that Christians in Syria and Iraq are given three choices by Muslim Islamic believers -- convert to Islam, become enslaved to the system, or death?  Or does he simply ignore the difference in the way Christians and Islamists pray about their enemies?  There is a huge difference between loving your enemy and praying for those who persecute you, and praying for your god to cut out the tongues of your enemy, freeze their blood and inflict pain and misery on them.
     The sad truth of the controversial debate between these men is that they argued over the unfair criticism of Muslims and Islam, and found nothing good to say about our Christian Faith.  They are blind to the inherent sinful nature of all men, and that we are all in need of a Savior.  They just look down upon us misguided followers of Jesus, and refuse to look up for their redemption.  They're so smart, and compassionate, and they have no need of deliverance; they have all the answers.  Their arguments are just a symptom of the West's egocentricity and social relativism -- we are self-important, and there are no moral absolutes; our values and ways of interpreting the world can vary from society to society and even within different sections of societies.  So, how dare we question another person's actions, especially if they look different and act different than we do?
     The bottom line is this:  These men, who have no faith of their own, are incapable of understanding an extreme faith; and are only capable of projecting their own moral relativism on another culture's actions.  In the end, their opinions don't really matter; they are just an actor and talking heads.  But sadly, we have politicians who are responsible for our national safety who have no more faith, and their moral view is just as cloudy.  God have mercy on us!

Isaiah 5:20   "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!"
   

   
   

He Is So Good!

     I will tell you, with Ebola and ISIS foremost on people's minds these days, it is not often that you get to have an unexpected conversation about the miserable state of the world and wind up feeling positive and energized.  But that is exactly what happened to my husband and I yesterday.
     It seems that Peace-Loving Warrior just doesn't recover from physical injuries like he used to when he was younger.  Granted, it's not easy to be doing repair work on a steep tin roof when the overcast sky suddenly decides to turn sunny; especially when you're barefoot (which affords better traction on the slippery surface).  That roof can go from zero to 100 degrees in a matter of seconds... hence, his jump from one elevation to another, and his unfortunate landing on one of the seams of the tin roof.  The result has been ongoing pain in the ball of his foot.  And that led us to a visit to a local Podiatrist, and a most interesting morning.

     After some idle chitchat, the conversation turned to the realization that we all shared certain concerns for the country, our communities, and our families.  But how many conversations have you had with a virtual stranger that began with "The fact that this country exists is due to a series of miracles; God had a purpose for this nation"?  The good doctor then went on to expound upon his theory ... he truly believes that this nation came into being to propel the spread of the Bible around the globe.
     With a series of questions, he began to explain his premise.  "Who is primarily responsible for the explosion of technology in this age?"  Although computer scientists from Belgium and England are credited with inventing the World Wide Web, it was Americans (like Robert E. Kahn) who invented the Transmission Control Protocol and the Internet Protocol, the fundamental communication protocols at the heart of the Internet, and who were the real internet pioneers.  Microsoft, Apple, Google and Facebook soon followed, and the United States has virtually exported the internet to the world.
     His next question was, "So, isn't it now possible for someone like Billy Graham to preach a sermon that can be translated, via the internet, into any language in the world, and be heard by millions at the same time?"  We had to agree.  It could certainly be hypothesized that America had served a purpose in spreading the Gospel.  But the intelligent Foot Doctor was quick to point out that this did not mean that America was exempt from God's judgment.  He then pointed out that sinful nations such as Egypt and the Babylonian Empire had been used by God to serve His purposes, and we should not look upon our "favored status" over the last 200 years as a sign that God will be pleased with us in these Last Days.
     Our conversation then progressed to a more personal, introspective nature.  So, what is to be our response to what we see coming upon this nation and the world?  We all agreed it is to be prepared as best as we can, not counting on being "raptured" out of the unpleasantness that we are sure to experience.  If God did not spare His Chosen People, the Jews, during their seasons of disobedience, then what makes us arrogant American Christians think that we will escape His judgment?  It could be quick and immediate ... events like Ebola, or ISIS attacks in the Homeland, could certainly become agents of His "terrible, swift sword", couldn't they?
    So, all the beans and rice, and prepper supplies we've accumulated; all the new skills and new knowledge we've acquired... what has it been for?  Has it really been to save us, or will they become tools with which we can reach one more person for His Kingdom?  Personally, I have an opinion about every written note in my Bible; every notebook filled with lesson plans for the Books of Revelation, Daniel and Romans that I've shared in the past 3-4 years; copies of my book, and my notes on the Lord's Feasts --- I think that no matter what happens to me, they will be left behind, hopefully to be found by someone who needs to hear the message about what Jesus has done for them.  In fact, PLW has been painstakingly copying his newfound and extensive knowledge into a journaling Bible that will be sure to bless anyone who finds it.
    At the end of our visit -- which would have gone on for much longer, if the nurse hadn't stuck her head in to remind the doctor that he had other patients to see -- we felt as if this meeting was ordained.  We left the outpatient clinic feeling renewed and confident that we are serving a purpose; both for our God and our fellow man.  In these days, months and years of anticipated pessimism, we must not lose sight of a Plan that is greater than any single one of us.  Let chaos reign all around us; we know why we are here and whose path we are to follow.  Thank you, God, for your blessings and encouragement today!

Psalm 118:23    This is the LORD'S doing; It is marvelous in our eyes.
   
 
   
 

Is It The Military's Duty To Fight Ebola?

     I can tell you that I am struggling to understand the decision to send our military personnel to West Africa to become involved in fighting Ebola.  In an exclusive report on WND.com, some of our most decorated and retired Military Generals are grappling with this decision, too.  Retired U.S. Army Lt. Gen. William “Jerry” Boykin and retired U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Paul E. Vallely both question the decision by Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel to put 4,000 boots on the ground.
     Although U.S. officials want us to believe that our troops' exposure to the deadly virus will be "limited", this seems to be a very rushed and anything but comprehensively planned mission.  We are told that "the soldiers would be responsible for command, control, logistics, civil affairs and medical assistance."  Should that really be their role?  Doesn't that sound like duties that should be carried out by the Center for Disease Control?
     In fact, the CDC Foundation website describes the role of the CDC in case of a contagious outbreak as follows:  If a pandemic should occur, CDC would conduct an investigation and provide technical assistance to cities, states or international partners dealing with the outbreak. This assistance would include consultation, lab testing and analysis, patient management and care, tracking of contacts and infection control (including isolation and quarantine). CDC’s primary goals would be to determine the cause of the illness, the source of the infection/virus/toxin, learn how it is transmitted and how readily it is spread, how to break the cycle of transmission and prevent further cases and how patients can best be treated. Not only would scientists be working to identify the cause and cure of the outbreak, but CDC acting with other federal and international agencies would send medical teams and first responders to help those in affected areas. Scientists in the labs of CDC would work to develop a vaccine to combat the virus and then distribute and administer it to public.
     So why aren't they doing their job and going to West Africa, instead of sending our troops to do jobs they aren't qualified for?  As General Boykin points out, "At a time when our military has been at war for 13 years, suicide is at an all-time high, [post-traumatic stress disorder] is out of control and families are being destroyed as a result of 13 years of war, the last thing the president should be doing is sending people into West Africa to fight Ebola ... That's not what the military does."

   
     In the WND article, Boykin goes on to point out that there will be no inoculation for Ebola prior to troop deployment. Defense Department spokesman Rear Admiral John Kirby said that the only preparation service members will receive before heading to West Africa will be briefings on the disease.  How would you feel if your son, daughter, husband or wife was assigned this deployment?  Will that information help you sleep at night?
     And as I look at these young people boarding a transport plane in the accompanying photo, I can't help but think, "What are we sending them into?  How will we protect them, and how will we contain this disease should, God forbid, one of them contract it?  Are they just a face without a name to the DC politicians?"
     Then there is this to consider ... the CDC wanted us to believe that our nation's hospitals were briefed and prepared to deal with any potential Ebola patient that showed up on their doorstep.  Yet, it is clear to us all that the so-called medical experts botched it in Dallas.  Are we really expected to believe that  we can send 4,000 soldiers into the heart of the beast and no one will become infected?  And can they guarantee that all these heroes will be better monitored than one man was in Dallas -- so that they do not endanger their loved ones at home, or deploy to other units and spread the disease?
     And like General Boykin, I want to know, "Where is the U.N. or other African nations?"  Why are our troops once again on the front lines?  You don't have to be a conspiracy nut to figure out that this doesn't make sense, and defies logic or common sense.  The administration spokesmen can insist all they want that our troops won't be exposed to the virus; but the fact that they are in West Africa places them in harm's way.
     Then there is information provided in another WND article, written by Joseph Farah.  He reports that "The Defense Department is planning to spend at least $1 billion on the effort. That represents a commitment of $333,333 for every soldier deployed. Just imagine how many more local citizens could be hired for this assignment?"
     Farah's article also mentions the ambiguity of Defense Department spokesman John Kirby, when he said, “But there’s no – there’s no intent right now for them to have direct contact with patients.”  Do you trust the safety of our troops after that ill-defined statement?  And here's what I don't get ... Kirby very clearly states that this "is not a military operation ... The mission is to do some training, to build these units and do some logistics, some transports, the movement of materiel."  So, if it's not a military operation, why are we sending soldiers?
     You know, it seems to me that we actually have some real missions that better suit our soldiers right now ... like stopping the growing threat of Islamic radicals in Syria and Iraq... or how about protecting our own country from a myriad of threats at our southern border?  That's what our troops are trained to do!  They are warriors, trained to fight and win wars ... this is one mission they should not be called to answer.

Psalm 91:9-10   "Because you’ve made the Lord my refuge, the Most High, your place of residence—no evil will happen to you; no disease will come close to your tent."


   

Where Have Our Manners Gone?

     I don't know if you saw the recent reporting of the 80-year-old man who was enjoying a drink at his local Florida Applebees, and approached a fellow 26-year-old patron, asking him to discontinue his loud use of obscenities.  According to the police report, Harry Sander, the octogenarian, politely asked Mikie Sawyer to quit using the "F" word and repeatedly talking about T & A.

      First of all, I can remember a time when people would have been embarrassed to be heard talking that way in front of strangers.  But did Sawyer respect his elder's request and tone it down?  No!  Like the spoiled, narcissistic society we've become, he announced that he didn't have to stop cursing if he didn't want to.  So according to witnesses, Mr. Sander leaned in once again, and informed Mikie that in his native Germany, one didn't speak in polite company like that.
     Well, Sawyer was not only unconcerned about being polite in the company of others, but he made sure to disparage the elderly man's thick accent and his heritage, saying, “I don’t care where you are from, whether it be Russia or Dutch, take your ass to the other side of the bar.”  [Apparently, Mikie not only showed a distinct lack of character, but doesn't know his world geography, either.  Someone needs to tell him "Dutch" is not a country].
     But it is not simply his lack of respect and crudeness that is deplorable, it is what he does next that I find so reprehensible.  The police report records that Sawyer then punched Mr. Sander in the face and pushed him to the ground.  The elderly gentleman doesn't remember much after that moment.  Witnesses corroborated the incident and the mistreatment of Harry Sander, and Mikie was arrested for battery on a person over the age of 65 and disorderly conduct.
     According to Florida law, "A person who is convicted of an aggravated assault or aggravated battery upon a person 65 years of age or older shall be sentenced to a minimum term of imprisonment of 3 years and fined not more than $10,000 and shall also be ordered by the sentencing judge to make restitution to the victim of such offense and to perform up to 500 hours of community service work. Restitution and community service work shall be in addition to any fine or sentence which may be imposed and shall not be in lieu thereof."  We can only hope that justice is served in this case.
    If it was up to me, I would like to invite Mr. Mikie Sawyer to Texas to meet my friend, Maurice Chambers.  I believe that Maurice just turned 78 years old; although as the holder of several state long distance running records, and a still-active Texas rancher and hunter, he would be mistaken for a much younger man.  In fact, I have seen him out-run and out-work men half his age.  He is one tough and rugged Texan!

     But he is also a devout and pious Christian man.  I have seen him tell many a foul-mouthed cowboy and hunter who was visiting his ranch that he would not tolerate profanity; especially in front of ladies.  He even told a legendary rock star (with his own hunting show) that he was not welcome to bow hunt on his property if he continued using the "F" word.  In Maurice's world, there's no compromise when it comes to old-fashioned manners.
     And where has that standard gone in this country?  Where is the respect for others, and the esteem for our elderly?  Have we become such a self-centered, narcissistic nation, that we have no concern for our fellow citizens?  Are our egos so big, that none dare oppose us?  I suspect that we have raised a generation or two of spoiled kids; children who are now adults, and who think the world rotates around them.  They owe consideration to no one but themselves.  And, now we see a decline not only in manners, but in our ability to see others as unique and worthy of courtesy and honor.  As in the case of Mikie, they become ugly and despicable human beings.
     So, the next time Mikie Sawyer decides to disrespect an elderly gentleman, whose only crime is a request for good manners, I hope he meets someone like my friend, Maurice.  If Mikie continues to exhibit his rude nature, I guarantee he will be the one picking himself up off the floor.  It will be in his best interest to have a change of attitude, and to give another thought to becoming well-mannered and better-behaved.  Yep, I'd like to see Maurice teach Mikie a thing or two ... and the first lesson would start with respect.

1 Peter 5:5      Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.”
   
     

The Supreme Court Is In Session: How Will God Judge Us?

     You may not realize it, but today is the day that the Supreme Court begins its next term.  As Americans, we hardly take note when the highest court of the land is in session.  I would daresay that most of us know very little of the history of the Court or its purpose within our governmental system.
     Among other cases, this session of the Court may decide, once and for all, the legality of same-sex marriage, and therefore will deliver important consequences for our nation.  And, as always, I am completely taken by surprise when seemingly random thoughts occur to me, such as, I wonder if there is a Biblical parallel between how God used the Israelite Judges in the Bible, and our own Supreme Court?  Rather than dismiss these thoughts, especially if they are recurring, I usually conclude that they are not by chance, at all, and decide to follow where I am being led; so here we go ....
     Let's start with the role of the Supreme Court.  It was interesting to research different opinions of the Court.  One website,  Scholastic.com, (which advocates Common Core), describes the Supreme Court in these terms:  "The Supreme Court is like a referee on a football field. The Congress, the President, the state police, and other government officials are the players. Some can pass laws, and others can enforce laws. But all exercise power within certain boundaries set by the Constitution. As the "referee" in the our system of government, it's the Supreme Court's job to say when government officials have [exceeded their authority and] stepped out-of-bounds."
     Another site, Answers.com, says, "The Supreme Court, the only court created by the Constitution, has the final say on all legal matters that come to it ... The primary role of the US Supreme Court is interpreting the Constitution."  Both definitions make it clear that, in matters of law, the Supreme Court bases its judgments on "the highest law of all -- the Constitution."
     That's where I think we, as a nation, have gotten off-track.  Shouldn't God's laws be the highest in the land?  Did you know that we have a history, since the founding of this nation, of conflict over a "Godless Constitution"?  Beginning in 1787, with the drafting of the Constitution, there was much debate over the role of God within the Constitution's framework, and the lack of mention of Him in the final draft.  Then in 1863, a group called the National Reform Association attempted to propose an amendment "to rectify the religious defect" in the document.  According to an article by the European Journal of American Studies, "Ministers attacked the Constitution from the pulpit, usually because it lacked reference to God."   Even in our lifetimes, we have seen this controversy around God's role in the administration of our nation, with the rise of the Moral Majority in the 1980s.

     Inevitably, this argument comes back to the "separation of church and state" controversy.  We could debate endlessly on whether that was the original intent of our Founding Fathers or not; and other than their own writings on the subject, I am disinclined to accept any modern interpretation of their intentions.  That being said, we can accept this simple fact, as it has been presented by TheocracyWatch.org:  The word "God" does not appear within the text of the Constitution of the United States. After spending three-and-a-half months debating and negotiating about what should go into the document that would govern the land, the framers drafted a constitution that is [virtually] secular.  The U.S. Constitution is often confused with the Declaration of Independence, and it's important to understand the difference.  The Constitution is a legal document; the Declaration is not.
     So, if we accept that our nation was founded with the idea that a legal document was to be "the highest law of all", does this explain how we've steadily wandered from acknowledgment of God as our Supreme Law-giver and Judge ... and that we ignore the highest law of all as established by God,  and He will judge whether we have obeyed His decrees?
     As a Christian, it is my belief that all nations, leaders and judges have been given their authority by God; and these people[s] can be used by Him to bless us or to discipline us.  Just as in the Old Testament, after the capable leadership of Joshua, the nation of Israel no longer trusted in or obeyed God, and proceeded to "do what was right in its own eyes".   The Book of Judges chronicles the apostasy of Israel and the merciful deliverance of the nation through the Judges He provided.
     Don't get confused by that word "deliverance".  It does not mean that God spared Israel from the consequences of its actions, as their repeated oppression by foreign nations testifies.  But God did show His compassion and His faithfulness through His covenant with Israel, by providing them Judges, who were political leaders that rescued them from their own unfaithfulness, and eventually delivered them from foreign threats or repression.
     So, how does this relate to us, today?  In Judges, Chapter 2, the Bible says the people were "greatly distressed," and even though God "raised up judges who delivered them out of the hand of those who plundered them, they would not listen, but played the harlot with other gods, and bowed down to them."  This clearly shows that God remained faithful and took pity upon a wayward people who "grieved Him continually."  I contend that we qualify for grieving God, and are mirroring the apostasy of ancient Israel, resulting in a downward spiral of disobedience and idolatry that has taken us further away from God, our true Judge.  The question remains: Will He take pity on us in this age?

Deborah, the Prophetess and Judge of Israel

    The Biblical history of the Israelite judges reveals that some accomplished more for God and the people than others.  For all intents and purposes, every generation got the leadership and judges it deserved.  What does that say about us, and what does it portend?  How will the Judges of our Supreme Court rule this session?  Will they be God's instrument of blessing, or will they represent His discipline upon our nation?
     Since our Supreme Court has increasingly compromised Constitutional rulings for political ones; and we know that Biblical principles will not play a role in their decisions; we now have a deeply divided Court.  This will render the same-sex marriage issue not only the most important matter before the Court in determining our way of life, but it will be the defining legacy of this Court.  Since God is not present in the Constitution, and seems to be an absent influence in most of our political leaders, I think it is safe to say we can expect the Justices to do what they think is right "in their own eyes."   Or they could decide to delay a decision on this case, causing further dissension, and a continued disregard for God's opinion on the matter.
     No matter what the Court decides in this controversial case -- or the others before it -- we, as a nation, must come to realize that disobedience invites discipline, and always brings judgment.  Whether we are judged to be a righteous nation, or an apostate one, will be revealed by those God has set to rule over us.  At the moment, our breakdown in responsiveness to our LORD, and our lack of conviction to His principles, has led us to a breakdown in our societal and moral fabric.
     But we must never forget that God is always there for those who cry out to Him.  The Book of Judges reveals the cycles of decline and revival among the ancient nation of Israel.  We need to pray and cry out to God to prepare a Deliverer for this nation.  If that turns out to be the return of Christ, then that's wonderful!  If our Lord is delayed, then let's pray for a righteous leader[s] that will bring renewal to this oppressed land.  It's time to break this cycle and change the direction of this country.  With God's help, we can!

Judges 2:18    "And when the Lord raised them up judges, in their days He was moved to mercy, and heard the groanings of the afflicted, and delivered them from the slaughter of the oppressors."