The Post-Modernist Judges of Israel

By:  Dale Weckbacher

Judges 4:1

When Ehud was dead, the children of Israel again did evil in the sight of the LORD.

NKJV

Ehud was one of the judges of Israel mentioned in the Book of Judges.  He came to power after Israel had sinned against God and were living under the rule of Eglon the king of Moab (Judges 3:12).  As is the pattern throughout the Book of Judges, the Israelites call out to the Lord and the Lord provides a deliverer (Judges 3:15). 

Our modern secular society is governed by the philosophy of post-modernism, especially in the academic disciplines.  (1)  This philosophy basically denies any clear definition of truth and allows each individual to develop his or her own definition that suits his or her own individual needs.  (2)  This is in direct opposition to Christian values, which define truth as what is contained in the Bible, the Word of God.  It is therefore not surprising that we see our modern culture in a state of decline as truth is placed in the eye of the beholder, a flawed sinful individual, instead of based on the high standard of the Word of God. 

Israel in the time of the judges was living under a post-modernist philosophy and only turned to God when they found themselves in trouble.  In similar fashion, the United States and many other countries of the world find themselves in a modern day time of judges as society vacillates from one definition of truth to another while ignoring the one who said He was the way, truth, and life (John 14:6).  To escape this endless loop of cultural decline we as a society must adopt the clear definition of truth as outlined in the Word of God in order to return to the greatness societies such as the United States once enjoyed.  The challenge we face is how to bring about this adoption of biblical truth.  To accomplish this we must,

1)      Make Jesus our own personal savior – Jesus came to earth 2000 years ago not as a conquering king but as a savior.  All of humanity has sinned (Romans 3:23) and due to this sin find themselves under a death sentence (Romans 6:23).  However, the good news is that God, out of His love for humanity, sent His son Jesus to die for us (Romans 5:8) and if we believe in Him, we can escape the death sentence and receive eternal life (John 3:16).  If you have not already done so, I now invite you to pray with me,

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned and know that the penalty for my sin is death.  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, was buried, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

2)      Develop a closer personal relationship with Jesus your savior by daily prayer, daily study of the Bible, and regular fellowship with other likeminded believers through regular church attendance. 

3)      Living lives based on the truth contained in the Bible and not vacillating between ever changing post-modernistic definitions of truth.   This is our greatest witness as Christians for this demonstrates how one can have stability in their lives and as people continue to see societal definitions of truth fail, they will be drawn to the stability in our lives giving us an opportunity to share the Gospel with them. 

4)      By not cowering when an opportunity to share the Gospel presents itself.  Instead Christians must courageously share Christ even though they may face societal ridicule or even death as do some in many parts of the world. 

A lost and dying world is hungry for truth.  Much of the reason for society’s adoption of the philosophy of post-modernism is a search for truth.  We as Christians possess the truth and must courageously live it and share it when the opportunity presents itself.  We are in a spiritual battle for the souls of lost men and women in our world.  The challenge is will we be spectators or soldiers in the battle to bring the Gospel to those seeking truth. 

1. Post Modern Psychology. Postmodernism and the Academic Disciplines. www.postmodernpsychology.com. [Online] [Cited: December 12, 2014.] http://www.postmodernpsychology.com/main_topics/PM_and_academic_disciplines.htm.

2. PhD., Louis Hoffman. Premodernism, Modernism, & Postmodernism:. www.postmodernpsychology.com. [Online] [Cited: September 7, 2013.] http://www.postmodernpsychology.com/Philosophical_Systems/Overview.htm.

Meekness is not Weakness

By:  Dale Weckbacher

Matthew 5:5

Blessed are the meek,

For they shall inherit the earth. 

NKJV

Many confuse the meaning of the word meek as meaning weak.  This confusion in definition causes some who are not Christians to believe Christians are weak and not qualified to be strong leaders.  We seem to see this belief surface each election cycle as candidates openly expressing their belief in Jesus as their savior find themselves marginalized by media and other candidates.  Some take advantage of this perception that meek Christians are weak and openly attack a Christian candidate’s faith believing that Christians will not fight back out of weakness.

Unfortunately, this confusion of meekness with weakness even affects Christians causing them to cower and remain silent about their faith out of fear of repercussions.  This is unfortunate for as we look at the cultural decline of our society, we as Christians have exactly what the world needs, but if we remain silent, the world will never know (2 Corinthians 4:3).  In fact, remaining silent about the Gospel goes against the Great Commission of Christ (Mark 16:15). 

We must therefore set the record straight by correctly defining the word meek used in Matthew 5:5.  The original Greek word translated meek is paruj (prah-ooce) which means mild, humble, or meek.  (1)  There is no mention in this definition of weakness just a mild humble temperament.  Another interpretation of the word meek is power under control.  (2)

Jesus goes on in Matthew 5:5 to promise that the meek will inherit the earth.  Using the erroneous definition of weak for meek is understandably confusing for how could a weak person inherit the earth.  However, with the definition of someone humble and mild with power under control in their lives, we can see that Jesus is referring to a leader able to maintain their composure and lead rationally and not according to their emotions. 

As we compare the two current front-runners in the GOP race for President of the United States, we see Donald Trump and Ted Cruz.  Let us now take a moment to apply the correct definition of meekness to these two men in order to determine who is best fit to return the United States back to the position of greatness it once held.

1)      Donald Trump – Has some great ideas that resonate with many, including myself.  We have a problem with immigration in the United States coupled with a real danger of radical Islamic terrorism and millions of able-bodied citizens unable to find work.  Donald Trump’s promise to build a wall to prevent illegal immigrants taking jobs of citizens and potential terrorists from entering the country sounds good.  However, as we look at the temperament of Donald Trump it is definitely not weak, but it also lacks any humility or mildness.  Granted, there is a time for the expression of anger or emotion, after all, Jesus did overturn the tables in the Temple (Mark 11:15), but the President of the United States must also have a temperament of humility and mildness and not always respond with outbursts of emotion.  There is no doubt Donald Trump is able to exhibit these qualities for he is extremely successful in the business world and therefore should begin to show voters this side of his temperament if he is to garner enough votes to defeat his Democrat challenger should he get the GOP nomination. 

2)      Ted Cruz – In contrast we have Ted Cruz who has exhibited the temperament of humility and mildness as he has endured numerous attacks during the campaign.  In addition, Ted Cruz has demonstrated strength by standing up to the GOP leadership in the Senate and the Republican Party establishment.  I therefore believe that Ted Cruz best exemplifies the biblical quality of meekness, or power under control that Jesus was referring to in Matthew 5:5.

Let me make this clear, however, should Donald Trump become the GOP nominee for President of the United States, I will vote for him over either Hillary Clinton or Bernie Sanders.  However, I as a voter I would advise Mr. Trump to begin exhibiting more qualities of biblical meekness in order to win over the evangelical vote which I believe he will need to win election to President of the United States. 

1. Godrules. Paruj. www.godrules.net. [Online] God Rules. [Cited: February 21, 2016.] www.godrules.net/library/strongs2b/gre4239.htm.

2. TOW Bible Commentary. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. www.theologyofwork.org. [Online] Theology of Work. [Cited: February 21, 2016.] https://www.theologyofwork.org/new-testament/matthew/the-kingdom-of-heaven-at-work-in-us-matthew-5-7/the-beatitudes-matthew-51-12/blessed-are-the-meek-for-they-will-inherit-the-earth-matthew-55/.

Joshua: Standing Courageous in the Middle of Cultural Rot

By:  Dale Weckbacher

Joshua 1:7

7 Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go.

NKJV

The context of Joshua 1:7 is the death of Moses, and Joshua finding himself with the task of leading the Nation of Israel into the Promised Land.  Having already visited the land and being only one of two to return with a positive report (Numbers 14:6-10), Joshua knows what the people are about to face but he has a courageous faith in God that knows God is with them and will bring them victory.

In addition to facing what appears to be a formidable physically powerful enemy, the people of Israel are also about to move into a land dominated by the pagan worship of the Canaanite people.  (1)  However, once again we see Joshua standing strong in his faith, believing God will trump the pagan beliefs of the Canaanites.  The remainder of the Book of Joshua records how God enabled the People of Israel to victoriously take possession of the land God promised them and gives us guidance today as we observe the cultural rot in our society. 

Today’s cultural rot includes,

1)      The cheapening of life – The atrocious actions of Planned Parenthood doctors demonstrates how some working in the medical profession today have cheapened the value of lives they took an oath to protect.  (2) (3) (4)  They justify their actions by claiming their research may come up with a cure for some disease.  I am not against medical research to discover cures for disease but that research must not come at the expense of taking the life of anyone, including an unborn child.  God values all life, including the life of the baby in the mother’s womb (Psalm 139:13) and does not consider it a mass of tissue but a viable living person for which He has a plan.  We must therefore stand courageous in defending the sanctity of life for if we do not, it will not be long before some government official may cheapen the value of our own lives. 

2)      The erosion of liberty in favor of the illusion that government can create utopia – The idea of utopia was first postulated in Plato’s Republic.  The idea of utopia is desirable for all of us but the belief that fallen sinful men and women can somehow create it is biblically flawed.  As a Christian, my desire is to live eternally with God by professing my belief in Jesus as my savior (John 3:16) and urge everyone reading this who has not already done so, to take a moment and pray with me,

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, was buried, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

Join me in supporting the protection of our God given liberties as expressed in the founding documents of the United States instead of allowing culture to have us seek utopia brought on by government led by flawed individuals.

3)      The abandonment of sound fiscal policies favoring increasing deficits and debt threatening everyone’s financial future and pursuit of happiness – In their efforts to create utopia, government leaders have created numerous failed government programs resulting in massive debt.  The day of reckoning will come some day in our not too distant future when this massive debt will have to be repaid.  When this occurs, government will need to increase taxes, reduce tax credits and deductions, and reduce benefits.  All of these will result in a reduction of personal discretionary income for all citizens of the country threatening everyone’s financial future and pursuit of happiness.

We must like Joshua stand courageously and not allow the cultural rot in society to rob us of our God given rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.  Instead we must,

1)      Pray – Our prayers are powerful (James 5:16) even though we may not see any visible results.  This is because we are in a spiritual battle, but a battle we will win.  Our battle today is no different from the battle Michael fought in bringing an answer to Daniels prayer in Daniel 10:13.  We must therefore do as Joshua did, stand courageously praying knowing that our God will prevail.

2)      Encourage fellow Christians to get out and vote – Christians in the United States have a unique opportunity to select their leadership through elections held every two years with the opportunity to select our President every four years.  Unfortunately, however, thousands of Christians do not exercise this powerful privilege, which is why we continually elect leadership that does not share our Christian values. 

3)      Support the convention of states process in order to build constitutional firewalls to protect our freedom of speech and religious liberty – The first amendment to the U.S. Constitution does protect religion.  However, through the years government that does not share our Christian values have passed legislation or made judicial rulings curtailing the free practice of religion, especially for Christians and Jews.  Unfortunately, leadership in Washington DC is more interested in protecting its political power and not the Constitution they swear to protect.  This is why the authors of the Constitution provided the convention of states clause in Article 5 of the Constitution   (5)  Most of us have firewalls on our computers to protect us from some cyber-attack.  Article 5 is a firewall provided by the authors of the Constitution to protect citizens from an out of control Federal Government.  We therefore must implement the Article 5 Convention of states in order to stop further attacks on the liberties protected by the Constitution.  

Will you join me in becoming a Joshua by standing strong for the Lord in this time of cultural rot?

1. Ray Vander Laan. Fertility Cults of Canaan. www.thattheworldmayknow.com. [Online] That the World May Know. [Cited: February 19, 2016.] https://www.thattheworldmayknow.com/fertility-cults-of-canaan.

2. Ertelt, Steven. 5th shocking Video Catches Planned Parenthood official selling "Fully Intact Aborted Babies. www.lifenews.com. [Online] LifeNews.com, August 4, 2015. [Cited: August 9, 2015.] www.lifenews.com/2015/08/04/5th-shocking-video-catches-planned-parenthood-official-selling-fully-intact-aborted-babies/.

3. McLaughlin, Steve Almaxy and Eliott C. Planned Parenthood exec. fetal body parts subject of controversial video. www.cnn.com. [Online] CNN, July 15, 2015. [Cited: July 19, 2015.] www.cnn.com/2015/07/15/health/planned-parenthood-undercover-video/.

4. Otto, Amy. Don't Let Planned parenthood Use 'medical Research' to Whitewash Its Baby Body Parts Atrocities. thefederalist.com. [Online] The Federalist, July 22, 2015. [Cited: December 26, 2015.] http://thefederalist.com/2015/07/22/dont-let-planned-parenthood-use-medical-research-to-whitewash-its-baby-body-parts-atrocities/.

5. Legal Information Institute. U.S. Constitution. www.law.cornell.edu/constitution. [Online] Cornell University Law School. [Cited: June 19, 2012.] http://www.law.cornell.edu/constitution.

Big God or Big Government: Who do you Trust

By:  Dale Weckbacher

Joshua 24:15

And if it seems evil to you to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."

NKJV

When first commissioned by God to lead the nation of Israel into the Promised Land, Joshua was told to be strong and courageous (Joshua1:7).  With the definitive statement of Joshua 24:15, he is telling us that the source of his courage is not his own abilities but his decision to serve the Lord.  Often, however, our modern society today conditions people to depend on big government and not God.  The issue at stake here is not just one of faith or religion but one of trust. 

The U.S. Declaration of Independence states the following.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.—That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed,—That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to affect their Safety and Happiness.  (1)

Many quickly gravitate to the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness looking to government to provide these rights.  In fact, many even believe this statement comes from the Constitution.  However, as with any statement contained in a document whose authors are no longer alive, we must take the words in their context in order to understand the intent of the authors.  The context of these words in the Declaration is,

1)      All men are created equal and that the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness come from the creator.  Granted, the authors do not specifically say God is the creator, they are saying, however, that men like themselves are not the ones empowered grant citizens their rights.

2)      Governments are instituted among men and derive their power from the consent of the governed and not the ambitions of power hungry politicians.  In other words, the citizens elect representatives to govern them, not to grant them the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness but to serve the citizens by protecting these rights. 

3)      When government threatens to destroy the rights of citizens, it is the right of the people to alter or abolish this destructive government as a means of protecting the God given right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. 

Since the Revolutionary War, the citizens of the United States have not had to resort to the extreme of abolishment of government and have been able to stop threats to the rights of citizen by government through alteration.  Citizens have accomplished this alteration process through the elections and the addition of amendments to the Constitution.  It is my deepest hope that the threats to the rights of citizens by the current government can be addressed through alteration back to the original intent of the founders of the nation and abolishment will never become necessary. 

To help insure abolishment does not become necessary, we as citizens must.

1)      Vote – Even though at times it seems our vote is meaningless because elected representatives take office and become corrupted by power, forgetting why voters elected them, we must still vote and then demand those we elect fulfill their campaign promises.  Those who fail to fulfil their campaign promises must be replaced as voters vote again for their replacements in the next election. 

2)      Support the Article 5 convention of States – Many erroneously believe that the convention of States mentioned in article 5 of the U.S. Constitution (2) is a call for a constitutional convention to abolish the U.S. Constitution.  However, article 5 is not an act of abolishment of the current constitution but another means of alteration when it becomes evident the current government has become too big and bloated to alter itself.   

The preamble to the U.S. Constitution says the following,

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

Once again, we must take this in the context of what these same individuals wrote in the Declaration of Independence, the belief that government is answerable to the citizens and not to become some all-powerful entity granting citizens their rights.  This is why they stated their goal was to form a more perfect union and not a perfect one, which could only be done by God himself.  This is why the government formed out of the constitutional convention in Philadelphia was one with limited divided power and a system of checks and balances to stop those attempting to form a tyrannical state.  (3)

However, through the years of U.S. history, the lines of division in the branches of government and the system of checks and balances in Washington DC have been eroded.  This is an example of why we should not place our trust in government to solve our problems and must instead place our trust in God our creator as Joshua did in Joshua 24:15. 

This election we as voters once again have the opportunity to alter the direction of our government.  Let us support candidates who favor altering the direction of the country back to what its founders envisioned, a limited government with the role of protecting the basic rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness and away from an all-powerful tyrannical government that threatens these basic rights of citizens.  Let us also support the article 5 convention of states as a means of building firewalls to stop any future ventures towards tyranny. 

1. ushistory.org. The Declaration of Independence. www.ushistory.org. [Online] Ushistory.org. [Cited: July 19, 2015.] www.ushistory.org/declaration/document/index.htm.

2. Legal Information Institute. U.S. Constitution. www.law.cornell.edu/constitution. [Online] Cornell University Law School. [Cited: June 19 2012.]      www.ushistory.org/declaration/document/index.htm.

3. National Center for Constitutional Studies. Checks And Balances: The Constitutional Structure For Limited and Balanced Government. www.nccs.net. [Online] National Center for Constitutional Studies. [Cited: December 12, 2014.] http://www.nccs.net/checks-balances-limited-and-balanced-government.php.

Moses: A Christ Like Deliverer

By:  Dale Weckbacher

Acts 3:22-23

For Moses truly said to the fathers, 'The LORD your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your brethren. Him you shall hear in all things, whatever He says to you.

NKJV

When I think of Moses, I think of Charlton Heston standing on the rock with his staff held high in the air and the Red Sea parted.  If Hollywood did the movie today with modern special effects, I am sure it would blow us away.  However, the message of a man of God acting in obedience to God, having God perform a mighty miracle of deliverance for His people is clear even without high tech Hollywood special effects. 

Moses is a Christ like deliverer whose life mirrors, although imperfectly, the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.  In common, Moses and Jesus share,

1)     Deliverance at birth – Pharaoh’s edict that all Hebrew boys born be cast into the river (Exodus 1:22) means that Moses should never have been born.  Ironically after hiding Moses for three months, his mother did in essence cast him into the river but only after providing an ark of protection for him (Exodus2:1-3).  Jesus too, after His birth was threatened as Herod orders all children two years old or more, born in Bethlehem, murdered in an effort to murder Jesus (Matthew 2:16-18).  However, just as Moses was delivered, Jesus too was delivered because God ordered Joseph to take Mary and Joseph to Egypt (Matthew 2:13-15). 

2)      A ministry demonstrating the miraculous power of God – The plagues of Egypt (Exodus 7-12:30) Manna from Heaven (Exodus16:1-36), and water from a rock (Exodus 17:1-7) are all demonstrations of God’s power working through Moses.  Jesus ministry was also full of demonstrations of God’s power at work and are in essence their calling cards confirming they are called of God (Matthew11:1-6). 

3)      Rejection by those they were called to deliver – Jesus suffered the ultimate rejection through death by crucifixion, something prophecy foretold of in Isaiah 53 and Psalm 22.  Moses also suffered rejection as his authority was also questioned (Exodus 2:11-14, Numbers 16:41-17:1-13). 

Whereas Moses provides a beautiful picture of Messiah, Moses provides an imperfect picture and had his flaws.  Moses had an anger problem which we first saw when he killed an Egyptian (Exodus 2:11-12).  Once Moses discovered that this murder was known (Exodus 2:14), he fled to Midian. 

Once again, Moses anger gets him into trouble, causing him to disobey God.  We find the event recorded in Numbers 20.  The Israelites are in the Wilderness of Zin and there is no water.  Previously when they needed water, God commanded Moses to strike a rock and water would come out (Exodus 17:6).  However this time God tells Moses to speak to the rock but Moses strikes the rock as before, perhaps out of anger or perhaps thinking, this is how God did it before so it should be the same now.  However, in the context of the text in Numbers 20, it is more likely, in my opinion, that Moses struck the rock out of frustration.  This time Moses disobedience and frustration prohibited him from entering the Promised Land (Numbers 20:12). 

Moses provides a picture of Messiah but it is an imperfect picture.  However, Jesus is The Messiah who came first to deliver people from their sins, and is coming again to establish His earthly Kingdom.  This will be a kingdom free from sin and suffering just as it was for Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden before the fall of man.  However, not everyone reading this can be a part of this Kingdom for in order to qualify, we must make a decision.

Romans 3:23 tells us that we all have sinned and fallen short of glory of God or God’s standard for us.  However, one man, Jesus of Nazareth came to earth and lived a sinless life (2 Corinthians 5:21).  This Jesus then did the unthinkable, he took all of our sins upon himself and took our death penalty for sin giving us the gift of eternal life (Romans 6:23).  However, like any gift, we must open the gift to enjoy it. 

If you would like to receive this gift of eternal life with Jesus in His earthly Kingdom, please take a moment and pray with me,

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned and know that the penalty for my sin is death.  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John1:9).  I believe you died, were buried, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

You have now opened the greatest gift anyone can receive.  This, however, does not mean you will be perfect from now on, just forgiven.  However, we must be grateful recipients of this great gift and strive to sin less in our lives.  This is why from this point forward you should begin studying the Bible, praying regularly to God for guidance, and find a church teaching the Bible where you can associate with other people who have accepted the gift of eternal life provided by Jesus. 

The next time you see the movie The Ten Commandments and see the scene with Charlton Heston parting the Red Sea, remember that one greater than Moses now lives in your heart and has provided the Word of God, the Bible, and other gift recipients to help you live a life that pleases God.  

When Resistance is not Futile

By:  Dale Weckbacher

James 4:7

Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

NKJV

For those of you who are Star Trek fans, the Borg philosophy that resistance is futile is familiar.  For those of you who are not fans, let me explain. 

The Borg is an alien race who all rally around a collective of thought and purpose.  They resemble Democrat and Republican drones that rally around their party establishment’s agenda.  One of the things all of the Borg say is “Resistance is futile.” 

This campaign is becoming a campaign of insurgent candidates who dare to resist the agenda of borgish party establishments.  Candidates like Trump, Cruz, Carson, and even to some extent Bernie Sanders are leading establishment candidates in polls, striking terror in the hearts of Democrat and Republican establishments.  Their fear is the current resistance is not going to be futile and may cause them to lose their power.

Jesus came to earth to bring us salvation through his death on the cross, followed by his glorious resurrection.  In the course of his ministry, Jesus resisted the religious establishment of his time but the most important resistance in the ministry of Jesus was his resistance of the devil at the very start of his ministry.

Matthew 4:1-11 records this initial encounter with Satan and provides us lessons on what to resist and how resistance becomes effective and not futile. 

1)      Resisting the lust of the flesh (Matthew 4:1-4) – After fasting forty days, Jesus was extremely hungry.  Granted Jesus is the Son of God and God Himself (John 1:1); however, his fleshly yearning for food at this point meant that the temptation to create food from the rocks was very real.  However, had Jesus commanded the rocks to become bread, he would have lost all connection with the people he came to save who did not have the ability to perform such a miracle.  Instead, Jesus demonstrates fortitude by resisting his fleshly yearning for food and quotes from Deuteronomy 8:3 reminding Satan that it is more important to partake of the Word of God and live in obedience to it than to satisfy the yearnings of the flesh.  In our daily lives, we encounter many temptations of the flesh that would satisfy our fleshly hunger; however, this satisfaction is only temporary.  Long-term satisfaction only comes through resisting lusts of the flesh and obedience to the Word of God.

2)      Resisting the pride of life (Matthew 4:5-7) – After resisting the temptation of the flesh, Satan takes Jesus up to the pinnacle of the Temple and asks Jesus to throw himself off so everyone could see the angels come down and rescue Him.  As the Son of God and God Himself, Jesus could have performed this miracle in the eyes of everyone and no doubt, the people would have proclaimed him King.  However, Jesus mission in his first coming was to bring salvation from sin to everyone and had he prematurely established His earthly Kingdom, we would be relegated to permanent death in our sins.  In this election year we will hear numerous egotistical advertisements from candidates touting to be the answer to all the world’s problems.  We have just experienced seven years of narcissistic leadership from the Obama Administration promising hope and change to solve all of the world’s problems, only to see it fail.  This is the main reason I am supporting Cruz this election for I see in him a heart that understands the only answer to all of our problems is a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and that he is only a tool to lead those that would elect him to office.

3)      Resisting the lust of the eyes (Matthew 4:8-11) – The final temptation targets the lust of the eyes.  Jesus knows that he will ascend to the throne and establish His kingdom here on earth.  However, before that he must suffer death by crucifixion and resurrection demonstrating His mastery over death in order to rid our hearts of sin.  With this final temptation, Satan is targeting Jesus fleshly desire to circumvent His death by showing him what he will be ruling over and prematurely giving it to Him.  Satan had the power to do this for when Adam and Eve sinned; they did hand over the keys of this planet to Satan.  Thankfully, However, Jesus resisted this lust of the eyes for had he made a pact with Satan to achieve his Kingdom instead of following His Father’s plan; we would be relegated to eternal death in our sins.  In our daily lives, our eyes are constantly bombarded with temptations and in this election year, they will be bombarded with advertisements from candidates seeking our vote.  We must, as Jesus did, resist these temptations and live lives that please God and vote for candidates supporting Godly values. 

Thankfully, Jesus resisted these temptations and went on the fulfill Genesis 3:15, bruising the serpent, Satan’s head on the cross.  James 4:7 reminds us as believers to continue resisting the devil as Christ did, reminding us that when we do, the Devil will flee from us.  This is why we as believers in Jesus Christ must continue resisting the slide of our cultures and nations to anti-Godly philosophies, encouraging them to return to Godly principles, which have a proven track record.  

Joseph: Steadfastness in Adversity

By:  Dale Weckbacher

Genesis 45:7

And God sent me before you to preserve a posterity for you in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance.

NKJV

As we look at the life of Joseph as recorded in the Bible, we see a picture of a man remaining steadfast when facing adversity (Genesis37, Genesis 39-50).  Most of us, including myself, would probably have panicked or felt God had forgotten us if we would have been called to endure everything Joseph went through.  However, as Genesis 45:7 tells us, God had a purpose in everything that happened to Joseph, the deliverance, and protection of His people. 

Despite what we hear from many government officials, many in our nation continue to suffer adversity. 

1)      A continually declining labor participation rate means fewer workers and more people out of work and unable to find work having to survive on some sort of government subsistence.  (1)

2)      National Security concerns as government is more interested in using acts of terrorism to advance an antigun agenda instead of addressing the real problem, radical Islamic terrorism.  (2)

Joseph’s steadfastness in his trust in God provides a great example of how we must remain steadfast during this time of adversity for us as a nation and for many of us as individuals.  Those of you reading this that are currently experiencing adversity are probably saying, “That’s easy for you to say.”  Scripture, however, does provide hope, encouragement, and wisdom for those suffering for,

1)      God has a plan for those of us that believe in Him and His plans for us are good (Jeremiah 29:11).  When in the battle, we may not see God’s plans as good, but we must learn to hang on as Joseph did, trusting God to turn our lemons into lemonade. 

2)      God promises to provide for our needs (Philippians 4:19).  God loves his people and promises not to have them begging for bread (Psalm 37:25).  God is not bound by labor participation rates or economies but since we live in worldly economies, it is easy for us to take our eyes off God and his promises of provision for us and begin looking at the situation.  However, in scripture we never see Joseph losing heart and God rewards him for his steadfastness, using Joseph to bring deliverance to His people. 

3)      God promises that all things that happen in life will work for good to those that love God (Romans 8:28).  The current adversity we may be suffering has a purpose.  In the life of Joseph, this purpose was to place him in a position where God could use him to save his family from starvation.  However, as with Joseph, when in the middle of adversity we do not see how this can work for our good.  That is where we must exercise faith in God and trust his Word.  In addition, remember, it only takes a small amount of faith to move a mountain of adversity (Matthew 17:20). 

Jesus warned us that in this world we would have trouble but also reminds us that He has overcome the world (John 16:33).  God is also not surprised by the adversity and will be with us, insuring the promises in His Word are fulfilled.  Therefore, when in adversity, do not lose heart but think of Joseph, one who remained steadfast in adversity and left a legacy of someone used by God to bring deliverance to Israel. 

1. Gandel, Stephen. America's Biggest Job Market Problem is Uniquely American. fortune.com. [Online] Fortune, July 2, 2015. [Cited: January 24, 2016.] fortune.com/2015/07/02/us-labor-force-participation-drops/.

2. Fischer, Bryan. The Problem is not Guns, It's Islam. afa.net. [Online] AFA, December 3, 2015. [Cited: January 24, 2016.] https://afa.net/the-stand/news/2015/12/the-problem-is-not-guns-its-islam/.

More Than a Game, The Future of the Country is at Stake.

By:  Dale Weckbacher

1 Corinthians 9:24

Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.

NKJV

This Sunday is Super Bowl Sunday.  The day has almost become a holiday for millions of eyeballs will be glued to the screens watching the Panthers and Broncos battle to determine who will take home the prize of Super Bowl champions.  The prize being a trophy and ring along with the knowledge that your team was the best team in the NFL.

The Apostle Paul encourages the believers in Corinth to run their race in such a way to obtain the prize (1 Corinthians 9:24) which in this case is more than a trophy and ring but eternal life (John 3:16).  The author of Hebrews encourages us as believers to look back at the cloud of witnesses that have preceded us (Hebrews11) and be encouraged to run our race with endurance.  The difference between this race and the Super Bowl is that this race is for the prize of eternal life with Christ and not just a trophy and ring.

2016 is a presidential election year for the United States.  It is a lengthy process requiring endurance.  It also, similar to the NFL, consists of debates and polls, the preseason, primaries, the regular season and playoffs, the General Election, and the Super Bowl.  However, similar to the race we run for Christ, the electoral race, especially this one, will have a lasting effect on our nation and world.

Last Tuesday I wrote about my support of Ted Cruz.  My support of Senator Cruz is based on our shared Christian values.  As long as Senator Cruz is in the running during the primaries, he will continue to be my candidate.  However, I will still be a participant in the political process this year, including voting in the General Election should he not be the GOP nominee. 

Last election, many stayed home because they did not like either candidate in the General Election.  (1)  I view this strategy as childish and may have contributed to the second term of Obama and all of the damage he has been able to do to our nation.  Would these individuals not watch the Super Bowl should their team fail to make it to the game?

I genuinely hope and will do whatever I can, to insure the nomination of Ted Cruz for President of the United States.  However, with the potential of the Democrats nominating either Hillary Clinton or Bernie Sanders, I will support any potential GOP nominee because Hillary or Bernie represents more of the destructive policies of the Obama Administration.  I will therefore support a Trump candidacy for it will be easier to work with President Trump then President Hillary Clinton or President Sanders. 

However, I do have some issues with Trump that we will have to deal with should he become President of the United States such as,

1)      Ethanol subsidies – much of the corn grown in the United States is not grown for food but for use in the making of ethanol.  (2)  This is because corn farmers receive government subsidies for corn grown to produce ethanol and thus have an incentive for growing corn for this purpose.  (3)  The problem is that these reductions in the supply of corn for food increases prices for corn itself and other food, such as beef, because corn meal is used to feed beef.  (4)  Ironically, our tax money is used to fund this increase in our food prices. 

2)      Willingness to make deals with others – Washington is not broken due to the lack of deals but a plethora of bad deals as the GOP controlled House and Senate compromise with democrats and crony capitalists.  (5)  Trump has been a deal maker in his business affairs but voters are fed up with the deal making in Washington and are interested in Washington sticking to the Constitutional restraints place upon it and stay out of the affairs of citizens, allowing them to live their lives in liberty pursuing happiness.

3)      Private property rights – Donald Trump has a history of favoring the use of eminent domain to acquire private property.  Eminent domain has become an abused tool of government to cease property from private individuals and give it to those that government deems will use it to increase taxes going into government coffers.  (6) The right to own property is one of the things in the United States that sets us apart from other nations and therefore something we must protect. 

The electoral season has begun and the goal is to win the Super Bowl of the General Election.  I urge everyone to participate in the game so the future of the United States as we know it is preserved. 

1. Griffin. What went wrong in 2012? The case of the 4 million missing voters. www.redstate.com. [Online] Red State, November 14, 2012. [Cited: July 12, 2015.] http://www.redstate.com/diary/griffinelection/2012/11/14/what-went-wrong-in-2012-the-case-of-the-4-million-missing-voters/.

2. Lawrence, Mackinnon. Despite Evidence Food Vs. Fuel Fight Continues. www.forbes.com. [Online] Forbes, July 11, 2013. [Cited: January 24, 2016.] www.forbes.com/sites/pikeresearch/2013/07/11/despite-evidence-food-vs-fuel-fight-continues/#4786bfd21319.

3. Tenenbaum, David J. Food vs. Fuel: Diversion of Crops Could Cause More Hunger. www.ncbi.nlm.gov. [Online] National Institute of Environmental Health Science. [Cited: January 24, 2016.] www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2430252/.

4. USDA. Corn. www.ers.usda.gov. [Online] USDA. [Cited: January 24, 2016.] www.ers.usda.gov/topics/crops/corn/background.aspx.

5. Abram, Ted. Big Government Caters to Crony Capitalism. www.freedomworks.org. [Online] FreedomWorks, November 25, 2015. [Cited: January 24, 2016.] www.freedomworks.org/content/big-government-caters-crony-capitalism-0.

6. Verbruggen, Robert. Donald Trump and Eminent Domain. www.nationalreview.com. [Online] National Review, April 19, 2011. [Cited: January 24, 2016.] http://www.nationalreview.com/article/265171/donald-trump-and-eminent-domain-robert-verbruggen