Opus 2024-231: Bird Brains

As I was out walking a bird landed on the road maybe 50 yards ahead of me. It puttered around  as I approached to maybe 10 yards, and then as I turned to cross the road to make an about face it took off.

I’ve noticed it some birds or animals allow you to get much closer than others do.  Is that a mark of intelligence of the breed or possibly the intelligence of that particular bird.  Have you noticed that some cats run when they see you and others wait to be kicked or petted?  Which is more intelligent, the quick flyer or the one who waits?  It isn’t because they can read my mind because I am the same person both times.

We do well to be cautious.  Proverbs expresses this several ways.  Here is one of them.

(Pro 3:7 KJV)  Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.

Be alert.  If there is any doubt, keep your distance.  Recently I mentioned a man walking around the motel parking lot at 6:00 A.M.  He was up to no good but he saw that I was watching him.  If he had moved in my direction I would have gone back inside but a large part of avoiding problems is to be alert and keep your eyes open.

May the shelter of Providence surround you.

homo unius libri

Opus 2021-218: Hope or Less

I have two sources of hope.  One is a guarantee, an assurance.  The other is a possibility held out to us.  I tend to need to be reminded of both.

One could be summarized in Proverbs 3:5-6

(Pro 3:5-6 KJV)  Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

It is stated many ways and in many places in the Bible.  In the days of the Founders the word used was “Providence.”  My wife likes to say, “It’s a God thing.”  Either way, I have confidence in the future.  That confidence is not necessarily in the future of the United States of America.  The US is not mentioned in the Bible.  Americans are not the chosen people.  We have been blessed because we have had a significant number of people who believed the teachings of Jesus and an even larger number that accepted the basic standards of God.  

Israel and Judah both went through destruction and deportation.  Through that there remained a faithful remnant.  Take this statement to Elijah when he was in despair at the condition of the Israel, the northern kingdom,

(1Ki 19:18 KJV)  Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.

Those who remain faithful will be part of that “seven thousand”.  It requires a vision of eternity instead of a fixation with today’s comforts.

The other hope is found in MAGA.  I was reminded of this as I cruised through my morning routine of internet sites.  I came across some items about Trump and I was reminded that the one thing that unites people behind him is his belief that America is redeemable.  He is not talking in terms of Biblical salvation.  He is saying that if we will get off our duffs and get to work, the old principles that have lifted people out of tyranny and oppression for centuries will still work.  He believes that the people of America can pull it off.  Although I get discouraged at times, I still feel there are large numbers of people in this country who believe in the values and principles that are found in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.  

Because of my first hope I can face the future with confidence.  Because of the second, I can look for places where I can be the difference.  Keep in mind that the straw that broke the camel’s back has an antithesis in the bean that fell off the load.

Stay off the radar and I will see you on the other side, although I am not sure that both are possible.  So stay off the radar until it is worth getting picked off.

homo unius libri

Opus 2021-085: Candle Power: #1, Start with Number One

Those pesky Chinese seem to have thought of everything.  When I did a search to find out who said, "It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness", I came up with a Chinese proverb.  At least it hasn’t gone viral.

Maybe it should.  What can we do as individuals to overcome the darkness we are facing?

The first thing I am going to suggest is hard to define simply.  It will express itself different ways in different people.  Begin by looking inward and getting your own self in order.  I make my case from a Christian perspective.  The Bible will be my resource book.  The Bible has many themes and many things people disagree with but there are certain themes that go through the entire book.

For today I want to point out that God rewards the righteous.  If you are a Calvinist don’t get too hung up on the issue of grace and works.  You would need to be Biblically illiterate to miss the many times that God promises to look out for His own.  It makes a difference how we live.  

I read through the book of Proverbs every month.  Let me look at the first few chapters and pick out some of the comments.

(Pro 1:33 KJV) But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.

(Pro 2:8 KJV) He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints.

This one I like from the NASB.  Somehow refreshed bones speaks to me.

(Pro 3:8 NAS77) It will be healing to your body, And refreshment to your bones.

(Pro 4:4 KJV) He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live.

You get the idea.  This is not a detailed doctrinal statement.  It is a basic truth.  God looks out after His own.  Of course the Bible also promises persecution and such but even in that God promises to give a blessing.

So before you try to change the country, work on changing yourself.  If God’s people will not be God’s people then the pagans among us will share His wrath with us.  If you want to set the world on fire for liberty, keep your matches and tender dry, your spiritual claim to God’s benefits.

homo unius libri

Opus 2019-169: The Great White Hope, part 2 of 3

Everywhere you look is doom and gloom.  The hate mongers are calling other people haters.  The elites are trying to keep everyone else from prospering so they can maintain control.  Educators are trying to dumb down the population so they will follow orders and be compliant instead of raising a generation of risk takers and innovators.  Government is moving toward the left which is hidden in the promise to make us more secure.  Race is becoming the mark of identity.

So what is a white, middle class male supposed to do?  The same thing as everyone else with different adjectives.  Substitute the color of your choice and the socio-economic level of your bank account.  Chose your gender and please base it on how you do number one.  We are all desperate and there is an answer.  If you know me at all you know I find it in the Bible.

First the promise.

(Pro 3:23-5 KJV) Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble.  When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.  Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh.

Now that is a nice promise and in an era of fast food and instant grits we want it to be the one pill panacea.  Life doesn’t work that way.  Why can I assume I will walk in safety?  Why can I sleep well?  What does “safety” mean?  Notice that the end of the pass says “when” the SHTF, not “if”.  This is not a promise that the future is nothing but sunshine and bunnies.  It is a promise of shelter in the time of storm.  I guess you might call it a call to being a prepper, spiritual style.

As always, serious students of the Bible will look at the context and remember other parts that they have read.  Notice the next verse.

(Pro 3:26 KJV) For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.

Our hope is found in the Lord.  Not in government.  Not in NGO’s.  Not in counseling or safe spaces.  In the one true God.

What does all that have to do with the “Great White Hope”?  Obviously it was a title to get your attention but there is a basis for it.  To give you a clue let me throw in one more key verse. 

(Rev 20:11 KJV) And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.

This is a picture of the final judgement.  Our great hope is not in white privilege.  Our hope is in who sits on the great white throne.  I guess you could call it “White Throne Hope”.  Skin color is inconsequential.  The condition of our heart and the object of our trust is what will make the difference.

To be concluded...

homo unius libri.

Opus 2015-454: December Stress

I am going through a time of great stress.  The details are not important.  It is keeping me knotted up inside.

How do I deal with stress?  Too often I become fixated and spiral downhill.  That should be impossible at this time of year.  It is time to focus on the incredible truths at the foundation of Christmas.  We are celebrating the incarnation, God became man.  The Perfect Lamb of God moved into the world to provide the sacrifice for our sins. 

So I need to take that seriously.  Verses come to mind.  I am sure you know them.  One of everyone’s favorites is,

(Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV)  Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

That does not work unless you apply it.  Trust is faith.  Trusting is living by faith. 

Am I willing to apply this?  How can I claim to be saved by faith if I do not have the faith to walk daily and trust?

I was looking for the verse in Psalms that contains the words “Be still and know that I am God.”  In my search I came across another verse that had the key phrase

(Mark 4:39 KJV)  And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

My seas are choppy.  I am trusting God to not only calm the waves, but calm the heart.

homo unius libri

Opus 2013-246: Is it 2016 Already? Part 2 of 2

Why would I pull out of many elections?  Don’t I believe in democracy?  How about the saying that “all that is necessary for evil to triumph is that enough good men do nothing.”  Am I just being a sore looser?

I guess it all comes down to being a man of principle, not pragmatics.  I believe that God has established the principles of life.  I see the constitution as being supportive of those principles, thus I believe in the original intent of both the Bible and the Constitution.  I should always be asking myself what is right, not what is practical.  The “right” is determined by the written word not the wishing heart.  Here is where the believing part comes in.  Because I believe that God is ultimately in control, I believe that if I follow His rules, seek His path and do things His way, He will make it work.

For those who need a Bible verse, I have one.  If you are not a believer, skip this section.

(Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV)  Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Sound familiar?  Do we really believe it?

Not only do I believe it, I must start putting it in action.  I accept the reality that I can’t wait for someone to have all of my religious beliefs to get my vote.  It ain’t gonna happen.  I know it.  My personal views are too fine tuned for that, or narrow if you prefer.  But there is a larger list that I can expect to find and if I don’t, go third party or skip the head of the ticket.

Don’t I believe in democracy?  No I don’t believe in democracy.  Democracy does not work.  It never has and never will.  The Founding Fathers set up a republic, not a democracy because they had studied history.  History and experience has shown that you can’t have everyone vote on everything.  As early as the days of Moses, Israel set up a multi-level system with leaders who acted as judges over those below them and brought there needs to those above them.  Greece, the seed bed of democracy could never rule itself. 

The Founding Fathers also understood that you needed a faith in what they would call “divine providence.”  Whether they were agnostics, deists, high-churchmen or congregational Christians they could agree on that.  They agreed that moral behavior, rooted in a divine authority was necessary for freedom and prosperity.  It was assumed and accepted.

So I may not vote for president next time.  It will not be because I have given up on the republic.  It will not be because I am desperate and desolate.  It will not be surrender.  It will be a mark of trust in a higher authority.  It will be a mark of refusing to sell my soul.  It will be a statement of faith and expectation. 

homo unius libri

Opus 2013-131: Basic Beliefs: Living by Faith

Do I have confidence in my salvation?  Yes.  I have placed my trust in the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.  I believe that His death paid the price for sin for those who will believe. 

Do I have confidence in my eternity?  Yes.  I believe that Jesus rose from the grave and conquered death.  Thus the grave has no fear.  Death has no sting.  The separation is a graduation, not a termination.

Do I have confidence in my day?  No.  That thought came to me as I was having a worry moment.  I was looking at my ability to walk successfully through the day.  I was considering the day ahead filled with students who did not want to learn and administrators who did not want to lead.  I was feeling futile. 

Then I realized that my eternity is a continuation of my day.   If I can believe for eternity I should be able to believe for the next 24 hours. 

(Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV)  Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

It isn’t very consistent to believe in forever and not today. 

Now to apply it as I drive.

homo unius libri