Embattled Over Bowe

     Although it is way too early to know the full story of Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl's release by the Taliban -- if we will ever know the full story or the truth -- I have some immediate and conflicting thoughts.  I am aware that what I think has no real value in this dialogue, other than mentioning some inconsistencies and concerns over this development.
     Bergdahl was the only American POW held by the Taliban.  He was held prisoner for five years, and I cannot imagine the joy of his family to know that he will soon be back on U.S. soil.  And we can all share the jubilation felt by his hometown of Hailey, Idaho as they are finally able to remove the public display of yellow ribbons.
      Images that crept out through the years were highly emotional, and patriotic Americans prayed and petitioned for his release.  After all, it has long been the position of the US military that "we leave no man behind."
     Yet was the price too high for Bowe to come home?  In exchange for Bergdah's freedom, The Weekly Standard has reported that our nation has released "five of the most dangerous Taliban commanders in U.S. custody."  Furthermore, all five are among the Taliban’s top commanders and are still revered in jihadist circles.  Known as the "Gitmo 5", they became pawns in the White House's strategy to coerce the Taliban to break from their Al Qaeda counterparts.  Although, the administration is offering assurances that they do not pose a threat to American national security, are you willing to take that bet?
     There's a part of me that celebrates this picture of a lone American soldier being worth five evil Taliban.... that our culture would value the life of one innocent man, and that God would honor our intentions and protect us from any further injury by the Gitmo 5.  But is it a picture that's even real?
     Ever since Sgt. Bergdahl disappeared in Afghanistan, there have been rumors that, at the worst, he was a defector; and at the least, he was disillusioned with the Army and "ashamed to be an American."  The military is abuzz in various chat rooms with theories put forth by his comrades-in-arms.   The problem is that I am hard-pressed to trust any report on this situation.  Information can be placed anywhere by anybody, and all of it can be false.
     There have been recent reports that Bowe may struggle with the ability to speak English, after years of speaking Pashtun.  And there are sincere concerns that he could have been programmed to become a Taliban sympathizer, and this is all a plot to return him to wreak havoc on the homeland.  Granted, this sounds seriously conspiratorial --  and is even the plot of a major TV show -- but one has to consider his state of mind when he was captured.  Whether willingly, or not, we cannot dismiss the possibility that Sgt. Bergdahl might feel empathy or sympathy with his captors after these five long years.  The "Stockholm Syndrome" is a proven psychological effect of prolonged imprisonment.
     But now, let's take our eyes off the freed prisoner for a moment and consider the consequences of his release.  Several members of Congress are now questioning if the President broke the law in securing Bergdahl's freedom.  To be exact, he failed to notify Congress 30 days before the deal was made, as the President is required to do.  Further, no less than former U.N. Ambassador John Bolton has questioned the move as raising the value for future American prisoners.  He points out that it is not only our military at risk, but others such as missionaries, aid workers, and tourists. And in a joint statement, House Armed Services Chairman Howard P. “Buck” McKeon, R-Calif., and Senate Armed Services Ranking Member James Inhofe, R-Okla., told ABC News, “Trading five senior Taliban leaders from detention in Guantanamo Bay for Berghdal’s release may have consequences for the rest of our forces and all Americans. Our terrorist adversaries now have a strong incentive to capture Americans. That incentive will put our forces in Afghanistan and around the world at even greater risk.”
     So, while I celebrate the release of Bowe Bergdahl from his Taliban imprisonment, I want to know that there won't be serious repercussions and further lives lost.  I realize that this is an irrational and unrealistic expectation.  And I don't like thinking that this one man's life is disposable for the greater good of the country.  I believe that God views every life as valuable; every life as redeemable ... and no matter what Bowe's truth is, I pray that the fact of his release will bless him greatly and bless his family, his hometown and his country.

2 Timothy 2:25-26    "God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will."

Acts 1:8

But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.

     Next Sunday is the Day of Pentecost.  I plan on spending this next week contemplating on the giving of the Holy Spirit to all who believe in the risen Christ.  It is the promise expressed by Yeshua in the above passage, and was a momentous day in the history of the Church.

     We all know the Scripture in Acts 2, in which the devout among the Jews had gathered in Jerusalem,  and the Bible tells us, "there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.  Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them.  And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance."

     But just one verse prior to this, the Bible says, "When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place."  You see, Pentecost is one of God's Holy Feasts that He divulged to Moses on Mount Sinai.  It was also known as The Feast of Weeks because Yahweh instructed Moses to tell the people to count 50 days after the Feast of Firstfruits, and to bring an offering of two loaves of leavened bread and roasted lamb before the Lord for the remission of their sins.

     For thousands of years, religious Jews from all over the world, had traveled to Jerusalem to bring their offerings, as instructed by the Lord.  It was no different on this particular Feast of Weeks.  That's why the multitudes were in Jerusalem.  When the Bible says they "began to speak with other tongues", I do not believe that it means gibberish, as many have assumed.  In Acts 2:6, it says, "everyone heard them speak in his own language."  It is clear to me that this refers to languages foreign to their native tongue; that these men would not have possessed the ability to speak a foreign language.  Yet, each heard their own language spoken by someone from a distant and alien land. 

     The Apostle Peter is quick to stand and explain that this phenomenon is a partial fulfillment of a prophecy in Joel ….  And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God,  That I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh.  Until this day, the Holy Spirit had only been given to specific people, according to God's will and purpose.  God chose this special day, the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost) to pour out His Spirit on all mankind.  BUT, there were conditions to this gift of the Holy Spirit.

     Peter explains what those present that day in Jerusalem were to do:  “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.”  And so the promise is to us, as well.

     I have been incredibly blessed to receive the understanding that the Lord's Feasts were instituted not only as holy convocations, or gatherings, to the ancient Israelites, but they have continued significance to us Christians, as the children of God.

     As I have pointed out to you in the past, the four Spring feasts are a mirror of Christ's reality here on earth.  He was crucified on Passover, buried on the Feast of Unleavened Bread, raised on the Feast of Firstfruits, and sent the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, or the Feast of Weeks (Shavu'ot in Hebrew).

      Yes, this day has extraordinary meaning to the Church.  God made good on His promise to send us a Counselor in the absence of our Lord and Savior.  But He showed us His promise as far back as Mount Sinai.  I see that the two loaves of leavened bread are mirrors of God's plan for redemption for both Jews and Gentiles; both of whom God calls to repentance and belief.  The lamb is an obvious mirror of Christ, the sacrificial lamb.  

     Throughout the Old and New Testaments, which in reality are one continuous covenant with His own, God has given us Holy days upon which we are to reflect and glorify His sovereignty.  For the next few days I will meditate what the Holy Spirit has done in my life, and next Sunday, I will celebrate this Day of Pentecost with friends as we enjoy our leavened bread and roasted lamb.  We will express our gratitude for the gift of the Holy Spirit and for there revelation of the importance of this Feast.  And I will renew my dedication to be a witness to Jesus Christ, as he commanded in today's featured Scripture.  To God be the Glory!  

Moments Of Inspiration

   

     It is often hard to find news that lifts your spirits and gives you a glimpse of hope. But there were a couple of stories and images that did just that this week.  First up, is the photo of pop star Justin Timberlake praying at the Western Wall in Jerusalem. Was it a publicity stunt?  That's a possibility.  But  if it was a promotional stunt, Mr. Timberlake failed to endear himself to those who choose to hate.
     When he posted the photo on his Twitter account, he captioned it:  "The Holy Land… What an experience. I will never forget this day. #Israel."  It should come as no surprise that there were those who didn't approve of his acknowledgment of Israel.  He was chastised for not referring to the land as Palestine.  But for those of us who recognize God's Promised Land and celebrate its re-emergence, the photo of Timberlake at the last remaining wall of the Second Temple was a welcome relief from the usual celebrity photo ops.    

     And perhaps less obvious, but still encouraging, was the story about one of my favorite actors, Denzel Washington.  Speaking to a group of young aspiring actors about their dreams and goals, Washington gave this unprecedented advice:  "“I pray that you all put your shoes way under the bed at night so that you gotta get on your knees in the morning to find them,” he said. “And while you’re down there thank God for grace and mercy and understanding. We all fall short of the glory, we all got plenty.”  During his brief speech, he outlined his recipe for success:  desire, discipline, consistency and remembering to be thankful.  “I’ve been blessed to make hundreds of millions of dollars in my life,” Washington said. “I can’t take it with me and neither can you. So it’s not how much you have, it’s what you do with what you have.”
     In this generation where Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, and Nicki Minaj promote worship of greed, fame, possessions and selfish desire, the actor's words of wisdom speak volumes of his faith and character.  Let's hope that the young people who surrounded him and witnessed his testimony will take his words to heart.
      Then there was the powerful Memorial Day Facebook post by TV personality Mike Rowe.  Best known for his cancelled show, Dirty Jobs, Mike was caught off guard in the midst of a harried schedule of public appearances.  Reluctantly, he allowed himself to be ushered backstage to meet a fan.  What he found was a hero; retired Staff Sargent Travis Mills, formerly of the 82nd Airborne, US Army, to be exact.
     Here is Rowe's Facebook post, in part:  "Travis is one of only five quadruple amputees to survive that level of injury in the recent wars. He has a motto: Never Give Up - Never Quit. He has a Foundation. He’s featured in a new documentary. He also has a wife and a kid, and a deeply personal commitment to help other wounded Vets cope with their injuries. But when I asked why I hadn’t seen him in any of the typical commercials and PSA’s for wounded veterans, his answer was stunning. He said he didn’t consider himself to be wounded.  “I’m not a victim, Mike. And I refuse to be portrayed that way. Case closed.”

     Rowe continues, "Fact is, Travis is missing more than a few original parts; he’s missing all traces of self-pity. And that presents a challenge for mortals like me. Because it’s a hell of a thing to feel put out because a crowd of fans are making me late for an important meeting, and then listen to a guy with no arms or legs tell me how lucky he is, and how much he appreciates all my hard work.  That’s called a gut-check, and I could use one from time to time. Especially on Memorial Day, when the biggest decisions I face are what to grill and which type of frosty beverage to enjoy. This year, as I resolve these and other important issues, I’ll think of Travis Mills. A guy who went out on a limb for me, in every way possible."

     Thanks, Mike, for expressing the honor and respect that Travis Mills and all who serve us deserve.  And to Staff Sargent Mills, you are an example of courage and dignity, sir.  And you nobly illustrate Denzel Washington's motto … it's not how much you have, it's what you do with what you have.      

     The last image I want to leave you with is one of sheer joy as Justina Pelletier celebrates her 16th birthday with a surprise visit from her friends … friends that she has not seen in over a year.  It is a testament to the need we have for each other; for simple human contact with others who care about us.  

     The Reverend Patrick Mahoney, a spokesman for the family, said, "Remember, it was a very wonderful and moving day, but it was a bittersweet day, full of emotional highs and lows. Then, you could see at the end of the day when Justina had to leave … she was crying. It reinforced the fact of how wonderful it was for Justina to see her friends after 15 months, but then the notion that 15 months of her life has been taken from her.” 

     Her case is far from resolved.  Court dates loom in the future; dates in which the family hopes to receive a reunification plan.  For now, there is solace in the few brief moments of normalcy that this birthday party represented for Justina, and the image of what loving another looks like.

     I admit that I cling to these images of hope and encouragement.  It doesn't matter where they come from … the world of celebrities or the not-so-famous.  There are far too many depictions of darkness and despair in our world, and I am grateful for these few shining moments of God's glory in His human creations.  It reminds me that no matter how dense and overwhelming the darkness becomes, it cannot overcome His Light in the world.

Ephesians 5:8    "For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light." 

       

Rebellion in the Heartland

     I'm not going to sugarcoat my opinion today.  In the spirit of tolerance, progressive Christians are flirting with trouble and rebellion.  The Daily Caller has been keeping up with a project in Omaha, Nebraska, called the Tri-Faith Initiative.  Just what is this organization?  They describe themselves in this way:  Members of the three Abrahamic faiths — Judaism, Christianity and Islam -- we are committed to promote mutual respect and uphold the right to proclaim one’s own religion and serve God in his/her own way.
     Nothing wrong with that, you might say.  We need more understanding, respect and trust among our religious communities.  And according to their website, this group plans to build a Tri-Faith Center to co-locate with Temple Israel, a new church for the Episcopal Diocese of Nebraska, and a mosque for the American Institute of Islamic Studies and Culture. These four buildings will form a multi-faith neighborhood of collaboration.      

     Further, their stated purpose is "impelled by visions of human harmony; a wish to share our grand and mutual heritage; that is, the belief in, and worship of, One Almighty God."  There's only one problem ... one of these isn't like the others.  And no matter how many protest, Allah is not Jehovah.
     Of course, one can expect liberal theology proponents to counter with their standard lexicon of "inclusiveness, social justice, and acceptance."  In fact, this kind of project is perfect for the Emerging Church faction of Christianity, which disavows the veracity of the Bible and tends to promote political and social tenets over Scriptural doctrine.  This project also fits right in with what the President Emeritus of the Union of Reform Judaism is quoted as saying:  "Reform Jews are committed to social justice. Even as Reform Jews embrace ritual, prayer, and ceremony more than ever, we continue to see social justice as the jewel in the Reform Jewish crown. Like the prophets, we never forget that God is concerned about the everyday and that the blights of society take precedence over the mysteries of heaven. [my emphasis].”
     Why can't they see that they have taken their eyes off Yahweh and His commands, in pursuit of their own efforts?  This is foolish, especially in light of the fact that the particular form of Islam to be practiced at this new Tri-Faith campus has yet to be revealed, as well as the name of the Imam, or even the sect of Islam from which the Imam will be drawn.
     But there is hope that the veil will be removed from their eyes yet.  Through the diligent investigative work by The Daily Caller, it has been revealed that the Tri-Faith website includes links to groups previously named as “unindicted co-conspirators” by our government.  Specifically, these named groups are the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), and the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA).  Additionally, Dr. Mark Christian, the Executive Director of the Omaha-based Global Faith Institute, provided information that pointed to links between the Mosque organizers and the Muslim Brotherhood.
     Dr. Christian knows whereof he speaks.  He is an Egyptian-born convert to Christianity from Islam. His family’s ties to the leadership of the Muslim Brotherhood go back to its founding, and his conversion to Christianity has earned him a fatwa of death, should he return to his home country.  Of course, social media intimidation was immediately directed towards him upon his announcements.
     All these revelations have resulted in a debate about the un-vetted project among the citizens of Omaha.  After a radio program featuring representatives from all concerned parties, I am happy to report that the Episcopalians have withdrawn from the project, seeking a buyer for their share.  Whether it was out of true adherence to God's ways, or simply because the criticism became too uncomfortable, I cannot say.  But it is a sign of our rebellious times that there is sure to be another liberal denomination who will step in to assure this interfaith project in the name of "unity and love."
     For the moment, Satan has been hindered.  But do not doubt that he will continue in his efforts to infect Christianity with his Godless temptations.  As long as Christian leaders embrace such notions as "Chrislam", the Devil will seek to merge apostate Christianity with his own brand of "religion".  And this project in Omaha, Nebraska is merely the beginning of the "falling away" that our Holy Scripture foretells.  We must gird ourselves with the Truth and take up our Shield of Faith … the Enemy is positioning himself for battle!

Acts 20:29-30   "I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them."




   

Honesty and Courage Are Always Color Blind

   

     Even if you are not a sports enthusiast, you have probably heard the uproar over comments made by Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban and ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith.  For those who are unaware of what started this controversy, it is all centered around a statement Mr. Cuban made to Inc. Magazine.
     There is a never-ending fascination with a secretly taped conversation in which Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling made some rude and boorish statements on race.  In that vein, Cuban (who is white) addressed the situation in an honest and open fashion, saying, "I know I’m bigoted in a lot of different ways. If I see a black kid in a hoodie and it’s late at night, I’m walking to the other side of the street. And if on that side of the street, there’s a guy that has tattoos all over his face — white guy, bald head, tattoos everywhere — I’m walking back to the other side of the street. And the list goes on of stereotypes that we all live up to and are fearful of …. No one has pure thoughts; but it’s about recognizing when you have thoughts that aren’t right."
    What a refreshing change!  Most people in the spotlight choose to run from such politically correct and socially charged commentary.  But Cuban got it right!  He was honest, candid and forthright in his observance of his own prejudice.  And while we're at it, let me say that I think the word prejudice has gotten a bad rap.  According to the dictionary, the word prejudice means "preconceived opinion that is not based on reason or actual experience."  I would venture to say that most of us, no matter what our race or ethnicity, have a pretty good idea of how we would react in certain situations.  While some will exhibit inherited and unwarranted bigotry and discrimination, there is plenty of evidence in the world for us all to form our own ideas of how we might feel and react to any particular person.  It may be preconceived, but it is often based on fact.
     Of course, there was almost instant backlash over his including a description of "a black kid in a hoodie".  His critics accused him of dishonoring the memory of Trayvon Martin and increasing racist attitudes.  But the condemnation begs the question… is Trayvon the only adolescent who has ever worn a hoodie?  Is it reasonable to entertain the thought that the hoodie has become a symbol of aggression, no matter who wears it?
     And that is exactly why Stephen A. Smith defended Mark Cuban's argument.  As a black man, that took tremendous courage!  And he displayed his own sincere brand of directness.  “He [Cuban] talked about the prejudices that exist in all spectrums by all of us,” said Smith. “Are we going to sit here and literally act like we have no prejudices?”  In fact, he challenged his own race for their part in encouraging the stereotype.  And for that he has suffered the usual abusive language and insults that comes when a black man refuses to play the victim.
     But it takes a bold man to face his own image in the mirror.  And that is exactly what both men did!  At the root of their confessions is the plain truth that none of us is perfect.  Would it be nice if we could all view each other through rose-colored glasses and ignore our broken, disrespectful, and corrupt natures?  Of course!  But the truth is that man is flawed and will view anyone who is different in a negative light.  To claim that bigotry and racism flows only one direction is ludicrous!  Add to that the fact that not everything is a racial issue, and you can see the reality of just how much the racist card is over-used.
     The fact that these two men were willing to incur the wrath and name-calling from their own race, and to cross racial lines to bring some much needed sanity and reality to our national dialogue, speaks volumes of their character.  Until we are willing to engage in plain-spoken and genuine discourse, and cut through the PC crap, nothing will change.  The truth is that we all need to work on how we treat our fellow man; regardless of race, gender, age or social status.  Mark Cuban and Stephen A. Smith have taken positive steps in turning the tide and they deserve praise, not recrimination.

Philippians 4:8    "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."

Tough and Resilient

   

PLW and Judy assess a tree torn out by its roots 

     This post will be short and sweet, but one that I hope will show you the stuff of which we Americans are made.  We woke up yesterday to straight line winds, hail and powerful rain; flooding is imminent.  But we Texans, like our brethren across this land, are not ones to bend to the challenges of Mother Nature.  And we pitch in and help our neighbors where it is needed.
     PLW and I spent the morning helping our friends Judy and Geary begin the arduous task of clearing oak trees off their 100-acre property.  What was once a manicured and tidy yard, with a brick home nestled among towering oaks, has become a picture of chaos.  Some trees have been unearthed; every leaf stripped from others; and a swirling path of green is evident among the piled earth, twigs and mud; a path where a foot of water moved swiftly across the landscape.  

     But this is a story with a good ending.  Only trees and earth were damaged.  The house stood the onslaught of wind and rain, while Judy and Geary took shelter in an interior bathroom.  Both are in their early 70s, and they will do what people of hardy stock do … they count their blessings, roll up their sleeves, and get to work.  They never asked for our help, and it was difficult for them to accept it.  They feel that it is their responsibility to take care of their own property, and believe me, they are quite capable.  In fact, we left after several hours of sawing and hauling limbs, and I'm quite sure Judy is still hard at work, as long as there is light to see by.  She has a spirit that was born and bred into her growing up in Oklahoma, and she knows how to work hard.  I told her that I wish the younger generation could see what it means to accept challenges with a can-do attitude.
     We are currently without internet access (I am writing this post at my mother-in-laws's computer in a nearby town).  We were without electricity off and on all morning.  But as Judy said, "This is nothin'.  We can survive this."  And she is right.  It may be an overused adage, but it is true that what doesn't kill you, makes you stronger.  The clean-up will take months, but just picture me and PLW in our boots, work gloves, and with smiles on our faces.  It's a privilege to help your neighbors, it feels good to work hard, and we are definitely thanking God for the rain!

Proverbs 24:10   "If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small."

Best Commencement Speech Ever!

   

     As a proud University of Texas graduate, I was thrilled that the 2014 commencement speech by Admiral William McCraven (Class of 1977) was covered by various media.  Admiral McCraven is Commander of U.S. Special Operations Command, and has commanded at every level within the special operations community, including assignments as deputy commander for operations at JSOC, Commodore of Naval Special Warfare Group 1, Commander of SEAL Team 3, task group commander in the CENTCOM area of responsibility, task unit commander during the Persian Gulf War, squadron commander at Naval Special Warfare Development Group, and SEAL platoon commander at Underwater Demolition Team 21/SEAL Team 4.  But it was the common sense advice that he gave the college graduates in Austin, TX that should rank high on his list of achievements.

     He equipped the graduates with 10 life lessons that, if followed, could "change the world."  Although you may already have read them, they deserve to be reiterated.  The lessons are based on his experiences while training to become a Navy SEAL but they pertain to success in any walk of life.  Here is his sage advice along with my humble comments.
1.  Start off by making your bed.   McRaven said. “If you make your bed every morning, you will have accomplished the first task of the day. It will give you a small sense of pride, and it will encourage you to do another task, and another, and another, and by the end of the day that one task completed will have turned into many tasks completed.”
     I have never understood how anyone could begin their day with a rumpled bed, and climb into the disheveled pile of sheets at the end of the day.  That is one task that was mandatory in our household when I was growing up, and that made-up bed represented order and discipline, and set the tone for my whole day.  Good advice, Admiral!
2.  Find someone to help you paddle.  No one achieves success alone.  It will take hard work, long hours, and cooperation among the team.  I have always found it important to find someone who has achieved the goal you would like to accomplish and ask them for advice or assistance.  Success comes easier and is more sweet when you are pulling on the rope with someone who sees eye to eye with you.  That includes fellow workers, spouses, and teammates.
3.  Measure a person by the size of their heart, not the size of their flippers.  McRaven told the grads about the “munchkin crew” in his SEAL training group. “The big men in the other boat crews would always make fun of the tiny little flippers the munchkins put on their tiny little feet prior to every swim,” McRaven recalled. But he added that those munchkins “out paddled, outran, and outswam all the other boat crews.”
     It is always wise to judge your associates by what's on the inside, instead of what is presented on the outside.  It takes some work to get know a person and evaluate their true worth.  By the time you've made that effort, you'll know whether they are "all show" or made of the right stuff.  Don't be too quick to judge.  As McCraven pointed out, "SEAL training was a great equalizer. Nothing mattered but your will to succeed. Not your color, not your ethnic background, not your education and not your social status."  The same will hold true throughout your life.
4.  Get over being a sugar cookie, and keep moving forward.  There were many a student who failed the uniform inspection, and were ordered to roll around in the wet surf in that same uniform.  That was known as being "a sugar cookie."  They just couldn’t accept the fact that all their effort was in vain. That no matter how hard they tried to get the uniform right—it was unappreciated.  Those students didn’t understand the purpose of the drill. You were never going to succeed. You were never going to have a perfect uniform.  It's just the way life is sometimes.  You fail, you keep getting up, keep trying, and realize that no matter how well you perform, you still might end up as a sugar cookie.
5.  Don't be afraid of the circuses.  Every Navy Seal has to meet standards of multiple physical events; times that must be met.  If you failed to meet those standards your name was posted on a list and at the end of the day those on the list were invited to—a “circus.”  No one wanted to go the circus.  The circus was two hours of additional calisthenics—designed to wear you down, to break your spirit, to force you to quit.  Although the circus meant you didn't measure up that day, a curious effect came from those who continually went to the circus … they became stronger mentally and physically.
    We all fail; it happens sooner or later to everyone.  And life is full of those circuses.  It will be painful. It will be discouraging. At times it will test you to your very core.  But you must not be afraid of the circuses… they only make you stronger, if you let them.
6.  Sometimes you have to slide down the obstacles head-first.  This is a very simple life lesson.  If you are smart, you will find unconventional and original ways to overcome the obstacle course; ways that will befuddle your competition, but will ultimately bring you success.  Don't be afraid to be different or innovative.
7.  Don't back down from the sharks.  The Seal trainees spend a lot of time in the waters off San Clemente, California.  They are taught that if a shark begins to circle your position—stand your ground. Do not swim away. Do not act afraid.  And if the shark, hungry for a midnight snack, darts towards you—then summons up all your strength and punch him in the snout and he will turn and swim away.  There are a lot of sharks in the world. If you hope to complete the swim you will have to deal with them.
8.  You must be your very best in the darkest moments.  During the ship attack mission, every Navy SEAL knows that they must swim under the keel of the ship; the darkest part of the ship—where you cannot see your hand in front of your face, where the noise from the ship’s machinery is deafening and where it is easy to get disoriented and fail.  But it is also the time when they must be calm, composed—when all their tactical skills, their physical power and all their inner strength must be brought to bare.  The same is true in the mission of life.
9.  Start singing when you are up to your neck in mud.  It is on Wednesday of Hell Week that you paddle down to the mud flats and spend the next 15 hours trying to survive the freezing cold mud, the howling wind and the incessant pressure to quit from the instructors.  The chattering teeth and shivering moans of the trainees were so loud it was hard to hear anything– and then, one voice began to echo through the night—one voice raised in song.  One voice became two, then three, and before long a whole chorus of voices made that mud seem a little warmer; it was the power of hope.  And one person gave them all that little spark of hope that carried them through.
10.  Don't ever, ever ring the bell.  That's what a SEAL trainee does when he's ready to give up and exit the program.  It's simple … never, ever give up!
     Now, I have given you just the highlights of Admiral McCraven's commencement address.  I would urge you to read it in is entirety.  It is straightforward, direct and wise advice for anyone.  But it is perhaps the most brilliant counsel these 2014 graduates will ever receive.  They are going to need it!

Philippians 4:12-13    "I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me."

Tribute To Our Armed Services

     

     Today is Memorial Day, the day that we Americans remember the men and women who died while serving in our country's military. Originally instituted to honor the Civil War dead, it has become a national holiday to remember all Americans who have died in war.  It is a sobering fact to realize that from the time of the War Between the States to our most recent wars, there have been 1,249,588 Americans who have died while serving us.  Let that number seep into your soul and reflect on what it has cost to preserve this nation and our freedoms.
     But are we truly honoring them?  Do we respect them?  What about admiring them or appreciating them?  It is not enough to hang a flag outside your door on this one day a year that is set aside for them.  Are we all conscious that they have stepped into the gap for us, and are willing to make the hard sacrifices so that we can continue to live our self-absorbed lives?  When you look at how the VietNam vets were treated on their return home, or the mistreatment of today's military by the VA Administration, we should hang our head in shame.
     I often ask myself, why would anyone choose to step up and lay their life on the line when it is so under-apprecuated?  Thanks to a smartphone app called "Whisper", some soldiers have been taking to social media and giving us an insight as to why they are willing to put others before themselves.  Some of their reasons for joining the armed forces are the following: a true desire to serve their country; the need to preserve our freedom; to do something with their life and to make a difference;  a wish to protect their family; a determination to conquer their fears; and a longing to save lives.  Many of them lost a parent or loved one on September 11th, and they have a deep need to defend this nation against evil.
     As I reflect back on our country's history, the reasons for our participation in all the wars were varied.  Yet I would suspect that the reasons young men and women have enlisted has remained the same.  Read back through the comments made on social media … except for the reference to 9/11, all those reasons could apply to a solider in the Civil War, or the Indian Wars, the Mexican Revolution, the Spanish-American War, either World War, the Korean War, VietNam, the Persian Gulf War, Afghanistan or Iraq.
     I stand in awe of any member of the military, from any era, who has answered his heart's desire to serve his country and fellow man.  Anyone who puts on the uniform possesses a noble quality that distinguishes them from the rest of us.  And today we remember all who have perished.  And with each of those nearly one-and-a-quarter million deaths, there have been parents, spouses, children, and siblings who have grieved their loss. A tremendous price has been paid …. and yet they continue to take our place on that front line; they carry on the long tradition of American sacrifice for causes greater than themselves.
     It is a sad commentary on these times in which we live, that I am having an increasingly difficult time honoring the causes, let alone the men and institutions who create the wars in which we celebrate our fallen.  It is my prayer that these exceptional Americans will not have died in vain, and that the country they believed in, and fought for, will survive and fulfill her calling.  May God have mercy on their souls and reward them for their sacrifice.

John 5:28    "Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice ."

Revelation 21:8

"But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, 

as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, 

and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns 

with fire and sulfur, which is the second death."

     Have you ever given serious thought to the entirety of this passage?  Sure, it's easy to envision the meaning of what the Apostle Paul heard from the Lord on His throne in Heaven ... we can discern what it means to be without faith, to be found detestable in His sight; that murderers, the sexually immoral, those who are involved with the occult, those who worship false idols and all liars will not spend eternity with Him.  But have you solemnly and earnestly considered what He means by "the cowardly"?  It is easy to dismiss this term in the list of recognizable sins.

     This verse comes in the next to last chapter in our Bible, and we know that Jesus is testifying about His imminent return.  If you are like me, and so many other discerning Christians, then you feel in your spirit that His time is near.  Therefore, it is important to know what He is talking about when He references "the cowardly" and how it pertains to us in these last days.

     There are many causes of Cowardice.  We can fear for our lives, have fear of others, fear sickness and death, fear insufficiency, and have fear of tyrannical rulers.  At the root of all these fears and lack of courage is the sin of Unbelief.  One of the earliest examples of Cowardice and how God views it is found in the 13th and 14th Chapters of Numbers.  

     The Lord commanded Moses to send 12 spies into the Land of Canaan, which He intended to give the Israelites.  When the spies returned they reported that the land flowed with milk and honey, but the people of the land were also strong and gigantic.  When the people protested out of fear, the spy Caleb told them “Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it.”  

     Why did Caleb have so much confidence that they could "overcome"?  Because He believed in God's promise that He would give them the land.  And what did he recommend that they do?  "Go up at once and take possession."  He recommended that they take action, based on God's promise -- he did not suggest that they stay comfortable in their present situation and rely on God to take care of the matter.  He did not propose that they be passive.  Yet it was the fear of the other spies that led them to counter Caleb's argument with a bad report and recommend that the congregation of Israelites remain where they were.

     But Joshua and Caleb stood in defiance of their cowardice.  They warned them, "Only do not rebel against the Lord, nor fear the people of the land, for they are our bread; their protection has departed from them, and the Lord is with us. Do not fear them."

     I want to connect the significance of the Numbers account with the end of Revelation because we need to take a serious assessment of where we stand as Believers.  Are we, like the ancient Israelites, simply too comfortable in our title of "Christian"?  Do we think that we can remain passive in these last days and that God will protect the United States of America from the dark spiritual forces that are about to descend upon us?  Are we willing to follow His commands and spread His gospel, even if the culture despises us?  Or are we more inclined to remain docile and unresponsive -- knowing that God wins in the end anyway?

     It is my observance that the Church has done a poor job of preparing God's people for the battle that is coming.  Our modern Church teaches very little about the prophecies of the Bible.  If it did, we would heed the Bible's warnings and know that we cannot and must not remain passive!  There are too many Christians, sitting in too many compliant churches, who are accepting or allowing what happens in our culture, without active response or resistance.  

     Jesus did not establish His Church to be inactive, uninvolved, submissive or unresisting!  Through the Holy Spirit we have been given His authority and power to wage a battle against the evil forces that are assaulting our land.  Yet like the ancient Israelites, we are not believing or taking advantage of what has been offered to us.  

     And what was God's response to the failing of the Israelites?  He said, "How long will they not believe Me, with all the signs which I have performed among them?  I will strike them with the pestilence and disinherit them...".     In the book of Numbers, the punishment was pestilence and disinheritance.  In the Book of Revelation that disinheritance results in a second, permanent death in the lake of fire.  In both instances, a choice to remain passive and not go forth in the power and authority of God is costly.  At this point in God's timeline, there is little occasion left for us to make that mistake.  Go forth and act like the child of God that you are!  Do not be counted among "the Cowardly"!

     

The Odd Little Fact About the 2014 Primaries

   

     A few days ago I wrote a post about the National Popular Vote bill that could potentially see the President of the United States elected in a different manner.  It's always fun when I get an internet troll who tries to bait me into a confrontational exchange.  I usually acknowledge their first comment, which is often courteous; but when the followup comment becomes nasty and is an obvious effort to get me to say something controversial, I just delete the comment and let them go harass someone else.  That's the nice thing about being in charge of my own blog.  I am tolerant of differences of opinion, but only as long as we are respectful of each other.
     In this case, the troll tried to get me to admit that my opinion was wrong, or at the very least to say that my idea of unfair elections was absurd.  I wasn't compelled to do either.   Because I don't know if you are aware of this curious little fact, but out of 139 primaries across the country this midterm election cycle, there was not one incumbent unseated --- in spite of Congress having a dismal 11% approval rating!  That's 139 incumbents elected in 139 contests.  Tell me that you don't find that just a tad suspect.
     It seems that everywhere the public showed a favorable inclination to vote for a Tea Party candidate, (or at least for someone outside of the establishment Party), the incumbent ended up winning by a sizable margin.  And that's after pre-election polling showed either very tight races, or the incumbent running behind.  Are you willing to chock that up to 139 "lucky" wins?
     Now, in case you are thinking that I am delusional and paranoid -- as my troll commenter accused me in his unpublished rant -- let me back up my suspicions with a few examples.  Breitbart.com reported that claims were made by at least 12 candidates that there were voting machine irregularities during the Democratic primaries in some counties in Texas.  A letter was received by the County Commissioners  “…that numerous inconsistencies and discrepancies have appeared in our analysis of each candidate’s races. We therefore ask that a forensic expert inspect each voting machine to ensure that they have not malfunctioned or been subjected to fraud or tampering.”
      Elections in Nashville, Tennessee were marred by at least six voters who were allowed to cast ballots twice.  In addition, The Tennessean reported that the Davidson County Election Commission agreed to refer a suit filed by former employee Rollow Mickle, who alleges he was fired for identifying widespread flaws in how the county runs elections.  There were also reports of lost voting histories, double voting and voters being turned away at the polls.
     Watchdogwire reports that in Pennsylvania, voters were suspicious of election results after the Philadelphia City Commissioner identified hundreds of voting irregularities in the 2012 national election.  Controversies over voter photo identification and absentee ballot provisions are leaving voters unconfident that results are fair and honest.
     Through just a casual screening of internet articles, there was concern over voter fraud in Georgia, Mississippi, Texas, New York and Nevada.  And these were only the reported ones.  I would suggest that anyone who thinks that voter fraud is not a major concern in our election process is either naive, or simply uninformed.  It just amazes me that I have not heard any major news outlet make a statement on the incredible odds that all incumbent candidates would actually win their primary contests.  But when you realize that such a small percentage of the population actually bothers to vote anymore, I guess I should not be so surprised and disappointed.  After all, it is becoming a sad fact that we are getting what we deserve -- whether we acquire it legally or illegally.

Proverbs 20:17    "Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man, but afterward his mouth will be full of gravel."