Make America Great Again: Resisting Intimidation

By:  Dale Weckbacher

Nehemiah 6:11-12

 But I said, “Should a man like me run away? How can someone like me enter the temple and live? I will not go.” ¹² I realized that God had not sent him, because of the prophecy he spoke against me. Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him.

(CSB)

In the Biblical narrative of Nehemiah 6:10-14, Shemaiah appears interested in rescuing Nehemiah from death (Nehemiah 6:10).  However, Nehemiah understood that entering the Temple would constitute sin on his part since he was not an ordained priest (Nehemiah 6:11).  Nehemiah saw through the deception and chose not to have the meeting (Nehemiah 6:12-13).  In addition, rather than seeking vengeance on his own, Nehemiah places those trying to intimidate him in the hands of God (Nehemiah 6:14). 

Another leader in the Bible did not remain obedient to God, and ended up suffering rejection as king.  The leader I am mentioning is King Saul and the account of his rejection recorded in 1 Samuel 15:1-23.  Previously in another account of scripture we witness Saul’s disobedience, this time driven by impatience (1 Samuel 13:1-15).  Nehemiah, a student of God’s law no doubt knew of these accounts of scripture and had determined in his heart not to follow King Saul’s failures and resisted the intimidation to follow his presumed rescuer into making him disobey his God.   

While President Trump appears eager to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, (1) others including Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe have concerns over Trump’s face-to-ace meeting with Kim.  (2)  If I were an advisor to President Trump, I would advise him to exercise a strategy of trust but verify when it comes to negotiations with this regime based upon their past history.  A chronology of negotiations with this regime, presented by the Arms Control Association since December 12, 1985 begins with the Regime acceding to the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) but without completion of a safeguards agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).  (3)

This led to the removal of all naval and land-based tactical nuclear weapons abroad including 100 U.S. nuclear weapons in South Korea by President George H.W. Bush on September 27, 1991.  Under the Clinton administration, demands inspections by the IAEA of North Korea ended with threats by North Korea to renege on their agreement to the NPT on March 12, 1993.  (3)  Since that time, we have witnessed numerous nuclear tests along with testing of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) capable of delivering a dangerous nuclear weapon to a U.S. City.   The panic created by a mistakenly sent nuclear missile warning in Hawaii illustrates the seriousness of the perceived threat the North Korean regime presents.  (4)

Interestingly however, the concept of trust but verify is a conundrum for the insertion of the word but after trust, erases trust making it a moot point.  (5) Perhaps a better way of defining the strategy of trust but verify would be to approach negotiations with a leader or regime historically reneging on deals with extreme skepticism.  Better yet, President Trump should tell the North Korean leader no meeting until presentation of documented evidence of the destruction of all nuclear weapons along with cessation of all nuclear and ICBM testing.  In addition, due to threats issued against the United States and its allies, the U.S. must maintain nuclear armed naval vessels in the area along with land-based nuclear weapons in South Korea and Japan serving as a deterrent to any thoughts of reneging on any denuclearization deal. 

My prayer is that President Trump will resist any temptation to give in to the intimidation of media, liberal and progressive politicians, and other world leaders to end conflict with North Korea through any deal that does not include total denuclearization of North Korea along with maintaining nuclear armed forces in the area serving as a deterrent.   

1. Fernando, Gavin. Donald Trump has confirmed he is ‘looking forward' to meeting with Kim Jong-un. www.news.com. [Online] News.com.au, March 29, 2018. [Cited: March 30, 2018.] http://www.news.com.au/finance/work/leaders/donald-trump-has-confirmed-he-is-looking-forward-to-meeting-with-kim-jongun/news-story/b838a48f17ea9acc071b341f2722aec0.

2. Kevin Liptak, Jeremy Diamond. Surprise meetings and potential pitfalls. Trump preps for North Korea. www.cnn.com. [Online] CNN Politics, March 29, 2018. [Cited: March 30, 2018.] https://www.cnn.com/2018/03/28/politics/donald-trump-north-korea-preparations/index.html.

3. Devenport, Kelsey. Chronology of U.S.-North Korean Nuclear and Missile Diplomacy. www.armscontrol.org. [Online] Arms Control Association, March 2018. [Cited: March 30, 2018.] https://www.armscontrol.org/factsheets/dprkchron.

4. Wellerstein, Alex. The Hawaii alert was an accident. The dread it inspired wasn’t. www.washingtonpost.com. [Online] The Washington Post, January 16, 2018. [Cited: March 30, 2018.] https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/posteverything/wp/2018/01/16/the-hawaii-alert-was-an-accident-the-dread-it-inspired-wasnt/?utm_term=.79ab2964dc8e.

5. Whipple, Bob. Trust but Verify. www.leadergrow.com. [Online] Leadergrow Incorporated. [Cited: March 30, 2018.] https://www.leadergrow.com/articles/443-trust-but-verify.

Delighting in God’s Word (Part 11): Waiting on God

By:  Dale Weckbacher

Psalm 119:82

My eyes grow weary
looking for what you have promised;
I ask, “When will you comfort me?”

(CSB)

Patience is a virtue, a virtue sadly missing in much of our instant gratification society.  At the touch of our finger or the click of a mouse, modern technology makes information or anything we want available.  Unfortunately, along with this convenience comes impatience when the technology buffers or goes down. 

God is not in the instant gratification business and even though we can speak with Him at any time from anywhere in prayer, his response comes in his time and not ours.  Fortunately for us, God is never late but our impatience causes us to experience doubts and fears during this waiting period.  In Psalm 119:81-88 we see the psalmist expressing his feelings of doubt and unbelief while waiting for God to answer his prayer.  This passage teaches us that we can have,

1)      Have hope while waiting (Psalm 119:81) – The psalmist expresses his longing for salvation from God.  While, unlike the psalmist, we can look back at Jesus’ completed purchase of our Salvation on the cross, something we will celebrate this coming Good Friday and Easter Sunday, the psalmist was looking forward in faith to the coming Messiah.  While waiting for Salvation, the psalmist places his hope in God’s Word.  While we can look back at the completed work of Salvation, we still must wait for God to answer our prayers, and like the psalmist eagerly await the second coming of Christ.  During this waiting period, it is important for us to place our hope in the promises in God’s Word, knowing that God always keeps His Word.

2)      Become weary while waiting (Psalm 119:82) – While I personally do not have the patience to do this, I know people who will wait hours, sometimes even days, in line for some Black Friday deal or the latest gadget.  I am sure those that do so experience fatigue.  The psalmist must feel a similar fatigue while waiting for God to bring comfort by fulfilling what He promised in His Word.  The greatest biblical example of patience while waiting is Job who never denied God during his suffering and loss.  The temporary suffering while waiting for an answer from God is tiresome but our steadfastness of faith will pay off, as it did for Job. 

3)      Have faith through the misery of waiting (Psalm 119:83) – While most of us, including myself, are unfamiliar with wine stored in wineskins, the figure of speech in this passage can be confusing.  According to many commentaries on this passage, a wineskin hung over a fire would dry up and shrivel.  (1)  The psalmist is metaphorically describing his feelings of misery as his life situation seems to be drying and shriveling while hanging over the struggles of the fires of opposition and persecution.  However, even in the middle of this level of misery, the psalmist vows not to forget God’s Word. 

4)      Have honest dialogue with God about our suffering (Psalm 119:84) – The psalmist now asks God how long he must wait for God to execute judgment on his persecutors.  While we could view this statement by the psalmist as a lack of faith in God, since God already knows our hearts and thoughts, this is a genuine cry out to God.  We therefore can and must be honest with God about our feelings of doubt and unbelief and not view them as a lack of faith meaning we do not believe in God, after all, why would we cry out to someone we do not believe in (Mark 9:24). 

5)      Ask for help against arrogant ungodly persecutors (Psalm 119:85-86) – While scripture does not provide specifics about what the psalmist’s persecutors were doing, they were ungodly individuals living lives in violation of the commands of God.  The psalmist continues by reaffirming his belief in the truthfulness of God’s Word and speaks out against the lies spoken by his persecutors. 

6)      Have faith even when facing death (Psalm 119:87) – Once again scripture fails to provide details about the persecution suffered by the psalmist, this passage provides a hint, however, that his persecutors attempted to kill him.  However, even this did not cause the psalmist to abandon his faith. 

7)      Know that life comes from God (Psalm 119:88) – Life comes from the faithful love of God.  In response to this truth, we should dedicate our lives to living in obedience to Word of God. 

Isaiah 40:31 reminds us that those choosing to wait on the Lord will experience renewal of strength, the ability to soar on wings like eagles over the struggles they are experiencing, access to the power of God to overcome the weariness of waiting, and the strength to carry on and not give up.  Many reading this may be experiencing great struggle at this moment in their lives.  If that is you I encourage you to read Psalm 119:81-88 often and stand on the promise of Isaiah 40:31. 

May God bless everyone reading this and provide the strength they need to carry on. 

1. Bible Hub. Psalm 119:83. biblehub.com. [Online] Bible Hub. [Cited: March 25, 2018.] http://biblehub.com/commentaries/psalms/119-83.htm.

Making America Great Again: Beware of Meeting with the Enemy

By:  Dale Weckbacher

Nehemiah 6:8

Then I replied to him, “There is nothing to these rumors you are spreading; you are inventing them in your own mind.”

(CSB)

Nehemiah 6:8 reminds us that malicious rumors and fake news are nothing new.  While it is tempting to believe that meeting with the enemy, especially after experiencing success, believing they are prepared to negotiate surrender, a leader must use caution.  As was the case with Nehemiah, each request for a meeting was not to negotiate terms of surrender but a plot to execute Nehemiah. 

Attorneys for both President Trump and Special Counsel Robert Mueller began face-to-face discussions about topics investigators would discuss with the President in an interview with Mr. Mueller.  (1)  While Trump’s legal team continues to advise against a one-on-one meeting with Robert Mueller, President Trump continues to remain eager to meet with Mr. Mueller.  (2)  Most recently President Trumps top Attorney, John Dowd, resigned just days after calling for an end to the Mueller investigation.  (3)  Speculation is that the Dowd Resignation is due to disagreement over whether the President should meet with the special counsel. 

Prior to making any decision to meet with special counselor Mueller, President Trump needs to consider how the Special Counsel coerced Michael Flynn into a confession.  (4)  Michael Flynn’s alleged lying to the FBI is more a case of incomplete memory of details than an outright lie.  Most of us can relate to the inability to fail in remembering every detail about a conversation with someone. 

Just as we know the agenda of those calling for a meeting with Nehemiah, we know the agenda of Robert Mueller based upon their coercion of Michael Flynn into a guilty plea for a process crime.  Robert Mueller is not interested in getting facts from President Trump for if there are any facts of Russian collusion, his investigation thus far should have revealed them.  Instead, Mr. Mueller’s interest in meeting face-to-face with President Trump is an attempt to find him guilty of a process crime due to an incomplete memory and using that to bring about articles of impeachment against the President. 

In addition to stressing the importance of not meeting with Special Counsel Mueller, this agenda once again stresses the importance of Republicans keeping control of both houses of Congress in the upcoming elections.  This means Republican voters must show up to vote despite disagreements over their representatives and senators and President Trump to block the blue wave from taking over Congress and the Senate.  (5)  By keeping GOP control in Congress, we can make it difficult, if not impossible for Democrats to achieve passage of articles of impeachment. 

While this might mean voting for some RINO’s or moderate progressive Republicans, these people are interested in keeping their jobs and political power and understand voting with Democrats on articles of impeachment is political suicide.  I therefore urge my fellow conservatives to support conservative Tea Party candidates in primaries this election.  However, if these candidates are unable to achieve victory in these primaries, I urge my fellow conservatives to still vote in the general election for the GOP candidate as a means of blocking the blue wave. 

The best way for concerned conservatives to support President Trump is to urge him not to meet with Robert Mueller.  Conservatives must also remain involved in both the upcoming primaries and general elections for Democrats are engaged sensing an opportunity to take out President Trump.  Let us remain engaged in the political battle and just like Nehemiah, remain engaged. 

1. Pamela Brown, Gloria Borger, and Katelyn Polantz. Mueller team gives Trump lawyers more details of what they want to talk to President about. www.cnn.com. [Online] CNN Politics, March 20, 2018. [Cited: March 24, 2018.] https://www.cnn.com/2018/03/19/politics/robert-mueller-president-trump-russia-investigate-interview/index.html.

2. Murray, Sara. Trump wants to talk to Mueller despite lawyers' concerns. www.cnn.com. [Online] CNN Politics, February 7, 2018. [Cited: March 24, 2018.] https://www.cnn.com/2018/02/06/politics/trump-mueller-interview/index.html.

3. Beckwith, Ryan Teague. President Trump's Top Lawyer on the Robert Mueller Investigation Just Resigned. Time.com. [Online] Time, March 22, 2018. [Cited: March 24, 2018.] http://time.com/5210993/john-dowd-donald-trump-resigned/.

4. McCarthy, Tom. Michael Flynn pleads guilty to lying to FBI as Trump-Russia inquiry takes critical step. www.theguardian.com. [Online] The Guardian, December 1, 2017. [Cited: March 24, 2018.] https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/dec/01/trumps-ex-national-security-adviser-michael-flynn-charged-with-lying-to-fbi.

5. Tomasky, Michael. The Blue Wave Is Real, and It Looks Really Big—Provided Democrats Don’t Block It. www.thedailybeast.com. [Online] Daily Beast, February 28, 2018. [Cited: March 24, 2018.] https://www.thedailybeast.com/the-blue-wave-is-real-and-it-looks-really-bigprovided-democrats-dont-block-it

Delighting in God’s Word (Part 10): An Obedient Relationship with The Creator God

By:  Dale Weckbacher

Psalm 119:73

Your hands made me and formed me;
give me understanding
so that I can learn your commands.

(CSB)

The founding of the United States is unique in human history.  While many nations throughout history come out of rebellion, the Declaration of Independence (1) and U.S. Constitution (2) represent the desire of the founders of the United States to form a unique and different form of government.  In the Declaration the authors begin with expression of the need to separate themselves from government that separates them from the Laws of Nature and Natures God.  (1)  In the second paragraph of the document, the author goes on to state the unalienable rights coming from humanities creator God, the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.  (1)

After the Revolutionary War the founders of the nation convened to write the Constitution (2) after it was determined that the Articles of Confederation governing the nation was insufficient.  (3)  The purpose of the Constitution is the formation of a central government with safeguards designed to prevent formation of another tyrannical monarchy like the one in England.  (4)  Unfortunately, liberal progressivism now represents a threat to this limited form of government designed to protect the God given rights of individuals.  (5)

Like the founders of the United States, the psalmist of Psalm 119 understood the importance of a foundational belief in a creator God.  The psalmist understood that,

1)      God created us with understanding so we can learn His commands (Psalm 119:73) – Unlike the rest of God’s creation, humanity was created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27) and as such has the ability to reason.  However, sin and its separation of humanity from God means our minds are in need of transformation for discernment of the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God (Romans 12:2). 

2)      Believers rejoice upon seeing each other (Psalm 119:74) – This rejoicing at coming together stems from a common hope in God and the promises of His Word.  This common interest is why it is important for the people of God to regularly meet together.  While technology today gives us the opportunity to attend church services online, this should not be the norm and used only when distance or physical disability makes physically coming together difficult, or even impossible.  When we have a need our first reaction should be to take it to God, but we also need face-to-face encouragement from like minded fellow believers.  For those unable to physically come to church, fellow believers should make an effort to go to them for they most likely would like to physically come to church but are unable and need encouragement.

3)      God’s judgments are just (Psalm 119:75) – God’s judgments are just but not necessarily easy.  However, the psalmist reminds us that any afflictions we may suffer because of God’s judgments are fair.  The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans also reminds us that all things work together for the good of God’s people (Romans 8:28).  We can also find comfort that God has a plan for us and that that plan is for our good and not our destruction (Jeremiah 29:11). 

4)      God’s faithful love and compassion comforts us (Psalm 119:76-77) – God loves us so much that he sent his Son to suffer a violent execution on a cross for our sins even though he knew no sin (2 Corinthians 5:21).  While most of us that believe in Jesus as our savior know of God’s love for us, it is something entirely different to experience his loving compassion in our lives.  Therefore, spiritual disciplines and a regular time of devotion are critical in the life of a believer.  I collect coffee cups and mugs, okay we all have some vice, and the other day while shopping at Walmart, I saw a coffee mug that said Jesus and coffee.  I bought the coffee mug because it reminds me to spend some time with Jesus in prayer and the Bible while enjoying my morning cup of coffee.  It is during these times that I find myself growing closer to God and begin to realize the extent of his great love. 

5)      The lies of the arrogant not believing in God are put to shame by the precepts of the Bible (Psalm 119:78) – The secular philosophies of the world have one thing in common, they place humanity above God, in essence making themselves God.  They view Christians as competition for we believe God and His Word is supreme.  Since they are void of any truth that is superior to God’s Word, they can only resort to lies.  We therefore must ignore their lies and continue meditating on God’s Word. 

6)      Those that fear God must turn to other believers (Psalm 119:79-80) – While the psalmist’s call for believers to turn to him seems arrogant, it comes with the psalmist humbly asking God for a blameless heart so he is not put to shame.  Besides slandering believers with lies, the arrogant in the world will also capitalize on any discovered sin in a believer’s life, especially if that believer holds a position of leadership.  While we all have sinned (Romans 3:23) and are not sinless, our aim should be to grow in our relationship with Christ and sin less. 

Humanity is God’s greatest creation because God created humanity in the image of God.  However, when Adam and Eve sinned, sin corrupted the minds of humanity leading to corrupt thinking.  When Jesus died on the cross, forgiving people of their sins, God provided a way for restoration and transformation of the mind back to the way God intended it.  However, this transformation is not instantaneous but a process of studying and learning the precepts of God, and a process that begins with acceptance of God’s gift of salvation.  If you are reading this and have not already accepted this gift from God, I urge you to do so now by praying 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.

I urge you to now continue this mind transforming process by regular study of the Bible, prayer, and association with other believers for encouragement.  May God bless everyone reading this.

1. ushistory.org. The Declaration of Independence. www.ushistory.org. [Online] [Cited: October 30, 2016.] http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/document/.

2. constitutionus.com. The Constitution of the United States. constitutionus.com. [Online] [Cited: January 21, 2017.] http://constitutionus.com/.

3. Brackmyre, Ted. America’s First Failure at Government: The Articles of Confederation. ushistoryscene.com. [Online] U.S. History Scene. [Cited: March 19, 2018.] http://ushistoryscene.com/article/articles-of-confederation/.

4. O'Neil, Duncan. What are some examples of limited government in the Constitution? www.quora.com. [Online] Quora. [Cited: March 19, 2018.] https://www.quora.com/What-are-some-examples-of-limited-government-in-the-Constitution.

5. Mcginnis, John O. Progressivism Is a Long-Term Threat to the Rule of Law. www.libertylawsite.org. [Online] Law and Liberty, July 18, 2016. [Cited: March 19, 2018.] http://www.libertylawsite.org/2016/07/18/progressivism-is-a-long-term-threat-to-the-rule-of-law/.

Making America Great Again: The Real Russian Collusion

By:  Dale Weckbacher

Nehemiah 5:18

 Each^[a] day, one ox, six choice sheep, and some fowl were prepared for me. An abundance of all kinds of wine was provided every ten days. But I didn’t demand the food allotted to the governor, because the burden on the people was so heavy.

(CSB)

While Nehemiah ate well during his tenure as governor of Jerusalem during the wall rebuilding project, it was not on the backs of the hard-working people of the city (Nehemiah 5:18).  Sadly, Nehemiah type politicians are rare for career politicians often enter office broke and leave wealthy.  The perfect example of this are the Clintons, but to quote Jeremiah Wright, the Clinton chickens are coming home to roost in the chicken pen of Uranium One.

Uranium is a key material in the manufacture of dangerous nuclear weapons and as such, something any nation interested in its national security must guard against acquisition by foreign nations, especially nations that were once enemies of that nation.  However, during the Obama Administration and Hilary Clinton’s tenure as Secretary of State, Rosatom, which had backing by the Russian state acquired Uranium One, a Canadian company with uranium assets in the United States.  (1)  Through this deal Russia acquired 20 percent of the U.S. uranium production capacity.  While the deal does not allow exporting of this uranium, meaning it supposedly cannot find its way into the hands of insidious nations like North Korea or Iran, the deal remains controversial in a political sense and represents the real Russian collusion and scandal. 

While President Obama as Commander-In-Chief and Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State could have blocked the deal in the interest of national security, they instead chose to ignore the deal, along with its threat to national security, and in fact may have benefitted financially from it.  For example, is it coincidence or an effort to buy political ignoring of this potential danger to national security that during negotiations for the deal, some investors donated millions to the Clinton Foundation and former President Bill Clinton received $500,000 for a speech in Russia, along with a meeting with Vladimir Putin.  (1)  In addition to money flowing to the Clinton Foundation and exorbitant speaking fees, the Hill has also uncovered Russian bribery and kickbacks prior to the Obama Administration’s approval of the Uranium One deal.  (2)  For these reasons, the nation must investigate this potential Russian collusion as well as the alleged Russian collusion of the Trump campaign during the 2016 election. 

While there are congressional investigations into Uranium One and potential Russian collusion with Douglas Campbell, an FBI informant, testifying before three congressional committees, (3) we need a more formal investigation by another special counsel, something polls have shown to be popular with Americans.  (4)  While many including myself are not fans of special counsels, we cannot expect the swamp of Obama holdovers in the FBI and other government agencies to investigate and incriminate themselves and an impartial special counsel is the only means by which we may get to the truth in this potential danger to national security.  While many, including myself, find it unfortunate Attorney General Jeff Sessions chose to recuse himself from the Trump Russian collusion investigation, it is refreshing to see that Mr. Sessions is considering investigation of the Uranium One deal, including calling for a special counsel.  (5)  Our only hope is that the Attorney General follows through with the investigation including the appointment of an impartial special counsel. 

While career politician financial enrichment through taxpayer money is an unethical misuse of the tax money of money hard-working citizens in a nation, the selling of national security while receiving bribes, kickbacks, and exorbitant speaking fees represents an even more dangerous situation.  Perhaps we are now beginning to understand the reason for Hillary Clinton’s decision to use a private server while Secretary of State as a means of hiding the dangerous sale of national security.  (6)  We can only pray that the truth comes out and if that requires the appointment of another special counsel, pray that the Attorney General finds an impartial one that will conduct a through investigation for the national security of the United States as at stake. 

1. Schallhom, Kaitlyn. Obama-era Russian Uranium One deal: What to know. www.foxnews.com. [Online] Fox News, February 8, 2018. [Cited: March 17, 2018.] http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2018/02/08/obama-era-russian-uranium-one-deal-what-to-know.html.

2. John Solomon, Alison Spann. FBI uncovered Russian bribery plot before Obama administration approved controversial nuclear deal with Moscow. thehill.com. [Online] The Hill, October 17, 2017. [Cited: March 17, 2018.] http://thehill.com/policy/national-security/355749-fbi-uncovered-russian-bribery-plot-before-obama-administration.

3. Solomon, John. Uranium One informant makes Clinton allegations to Congress. the hill.com. [Online] The Hill, February 7, 2018. [Cited: March 17, 2018.] http://thehill.com/homenews/administration/372861-uranium-one-informant-makes-clinton-allegations-in-testimony.

4. Investors Business Daily. Americans Want Special Counsel To Investigate Clinton Uranium Deal: IBD/TIPP Poll. www.investors.com. [Online] Investors Business Daily, December 5, 2017. [Cited: March 17, 2018.] https://www.investors.com/politics/editorials/americans-want-special-counsel-to-investigate-clinton-uranium-deal-ibdtipp-poll/.

5. Berger, Judson. DOJ scrutiny opens door to new Uranium One investigation. www.foxnews.com. [Online] Fox News, December 22, 2017. [Cited: March 17, 2018.] http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/12/22/doj-scrutiny-opens-door-to-new-uranium-one-investigation.html.

6. Parks, Miles. House Republicans Launch New Investigations Into Clinton Email Probe, Uranium Deal. www.npr.org. [Online] NPR, October 24, 2017. [Cited: March 17, 2018.] https://www.npr.org/2017/10/24/559854924/house-republicans-launch-new-investigations-into-clinton-email-probe-uranium-dea.

Delighting in God’s Word (Part 9): God, our Good Father

By:  Dale Weckbacher

Psalm 119:65

Lord, you have treated your servant well,
just as you promised.

(CSB)

Our view of our earthly fathers affects our image of our Heavenly Father.  This tarnishing of our image of God negatively affects our faith if we allow it too.  There is also the issue of absent fathers creating no fatherly example to follow, something I experienced when working as a tax preparer. 

The tax code of the United States taxes incomes.  However, to encourage certain behaviors, individuals can deduct interest and taxes on a home as a means of promoting home ownership.  Tax law also allows for the deduction of charitable contributions as these contributions aide those in need taking pressure off government welfare programs.  Tax law also allows deduction of medical expenses exceeding 10 percent of income, giving relief to those who have experienced a catastrophic illness.   In addition, tax law allows tax payers to claim dependents they support which exposes a tax preparer to the plight of single mothers Raising children in the absence of a father.

Many of these mothers work multiple jobs while balancing family obligations, fulfilling the roles of both parents.  Many of these mothers, like Dr. Ben Carson’s mother succeeded in fulfillment of both roles, raising amazingly successful children.  (1)  For this reason, we should pray for the single mothers and pray fathers will stop being absent in the lives of children and assume their fatherly responsibilities.  I also pray that fathers grow more intimate in their relationship with God, so they provide a better example of Godliness to their children.

The psalmist of Psalm 119:65-72 expresses a desire to learn and have an intimate relationship with God his Heavenly Father.  In this section of Psalm 119 the psalmist acknowledges,

1)      God’s good treatment of him according to the promises contained in the Bible (Psalm 119:65) – God has a plan for each of our lives and according to Jeremiah 29:11, the plan is for our well-being.  Any good father making promises to his children treats his children well by keeping those promises.  Unfortunately, however, our earthly fathers have flaws and sometimes do not keep their promises to us.  We must realize, as the psalmist did, that this does not mean God will fail to keep His promises to us.

2)      A desire to learn discernment and good judgment (Psalm 119:66) – This hunger comes from reliance on God’s Word for the more we expose ourselves to the Word of God and realize how much He loves us, the more we want to have His discernment and good judgment. 

3)      Removal of the affliction of sin has resulted in him keeping God’s Word (Psalm 119:67) – The affliction of sin separates us from God, causing us to disobey God’s Word.  Fortunately, Jesus death on the cross completely forgives us of our sins (Psalm 103:12), empowering us to obey God’s Word.

4)      The goodness of God creates a hunger to learn God’s Word (Psalm 119:68) – The psalmist does not obey to earn God’s love, he obeys because God already loves him.

5)      Obedience despite peer pressure to conform (Psalm 119:69-70) – The arrogant hard-hearted people in the world will try to derail our obedience through pressure to conform to their way of thinking.  Instead of giving in to this pressure we are to allow God’s Word to transform our minds and thinking (Romans 12:2), bringing them into conformity with God’s thinking and point of view.  God’s people are to have a Godly worldview even when it is unpopular. 

6)      Afflictions turn the psalmist to God and not against Him (Psalm 119:71) – The common reaction to affliction in the world is for one to become depressed and discouraged but those believing in Jesus as their Savior view afflictions as temporary roadblocks producing eternal glory (2 Corinthians 4:17).  The Apostle Paul wrote this verse while imprisoned and therefore this statement was a personal statement of faith and an example for us to follow. 

7)      Acknowledges the infinite value of God’s Word (Psalm 119:72) – The psalmist would refuse thousands of gold and silver pieces if it meant losing the instructions he receives from God’s Word. 

The psalmist understood the value of Words spoken by his Heavenly Father, something we all must learn for what we treasure in our hearts is what we value most (Matthew 6:21).  My prayer for those reading this is that they would have a strong relationship with God the Father through the shed blood of Jesus Christ.  If you are reading this and already have such a saving relationship with God the Father, I encourage you to strengthen that relationship through regular study of the Word of God.  However, if you nave never asked Jesus to save you from your sins, I invite you to pray with me now,

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.

Your sins no matter how bad they were are now forgiven and you have a saving relationship with God the Father.  I now encourage you to get acquainted with your perfect Heavenly Father through the Bible, the Word of God.  I also encourage you to find a church teaching the Bible, so you can learn more about your perfect loving Heavenly Father and be with others believing as you now do.  May God bless everyone reading this. 

1. Faith Christian Center. Dr. Ben Carson Talks About His Mom (Mother’s Day). https://vimeo.com. [Online] Vimeo. [Cited: March 12, 2018.] https://vimeo.com/65762300.

Making America Great Again: The Social Injustice of Outsourcing

By:  Dale Weckbacher

Nehemiah 5:9

Then I said, “What you are doing isn’t right. Shouldn’t you walk in the fear of our God and not invite the reproach of our foreign enemies?

(CSB)

While the wall building project progressed despite the opposition, all was not well within the land of Israel during the time of Nehemiah.  Jewish law forbids the charging of interest to fellow Jews (Exodus 22:25, Leviticus 25:35-38).  Those who were unable to pay back their debt became slaves.  While one becoming a servant to a fellow Jew was permissible under Jewish law, they were to be set free at the year of jubilee and not subjected to eternal slavery (Leviticus 25:39-42). 

Upon hearing of this situation, Nehemiah became angry and not sorrowful as he did upon hearing of the state of the wall in Jerusalem (Nehemiah 1:4).  His anger and not sorrow was due to willful disobedience of God’s law.  However, instead of shouting at the wrongdoers himself, Nehemiah assembles a large group of those victimized by this illegal interest and slavery and with their loud voice, they effected a change. 

The history of outsourcing American jobs has caused many American jobs to move to other countries providing either cheaper labor or a more advantageous tax structure.  (1) (2)  The social injustice of outsourcing makes American workers either settle for lower wages to compete on the global market or depend on some governmental subsistence to survive.  After many years of enduring this social injustice, in 2016 a majority of American voters, many in industrial states like Pennsylvania and Michigan greatly affected by outsourcing reacted by giving an electoral college victory to Donald Trump who promised to return jobs to Americans affected by outsourcing.  (3) (4)

Like Nehemiah, Donald Trump, a man already massively successful, became angered and entered the toxic political fray.  While Donald Trump could have stayed in New York in his penthouse living a comfortable life, out of love for country and those struggling to survive despite the ravages of outsourcing he chose to run for President.  After this announcement, Donald Trump hit the road with his message, a message resonating with millions who carried him to victory and election as President in the 2016 U.S. election. 

Through a reduction of burdensome regulations and a reduction in corporate income taxes, Trump’s promise of bring jobs to Americans is happening.  (5)  President Trump is making progress combating the social injustice of outsourcing and economic stagnation affecting Americans for many years.  However, a looming threat to the economic growth the nation is experiencing is on the horizon.

A tariff is a tax and like any tax levied on a company, adds to the cost of goods and services, increasing prices to the end user consumer.  Historically tariffs like the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930, passed in an effort to ease the pain of the Great Depression on American industry and agriculture prolong economic downturns instead of helping.  (6)  Another consideration when contemplating tariffs is the reprisals by other countries and a trade war possibly leading to a global depression like the 1930’s.  (7)

If we have learned anything from the economic growth of the first year of the trump administration, it is that economic growth and job creation are possible through a combination of tax cuts and regulatory reductions.  Tariffs like any other form of taxation do nothing to create jobs other than some government jobs administering the new taxes.  While it is in the best interest of the U.S. economy to end the social injustice of outsourcing, I believe the best strategy for doing this is continuing with the current strategy of removing burdensome regulations and taxes and not starting a dangerous trade war. 

1. Stefano, Theodore F. di. Why Money Chases Cheap Labor - The Outsourcing Phenomenon. www.ecommercetimes.com. [Online] Ecommerce Times, February 3, 2006. [Cited: March 4, 2018.] https://www.ecommercetimes.com/story/48622.html.

2. Sabga, Patricia. Corporations go overseas to avoid U.S. taxes. www.pbs.org. [Online] PBS, April 29, 2017. [Cited: March 4, 2018.] https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/corporations-go-overseas-avoid-u-s-taxes.

3. Schleifer, Theodore. Trump stomps all over the Democrats' Blue Wall. www.cnn.com. [Online] CNN Politics, November 9, 2016. [Cited: March 4, 2018.] https://www.cnn.com/2016/11/09/politics/donald-trump-hillary-clinton-blue-wall/index.html.

4. Reuters. Trump's Victory Is Scaring Global Firms That Rely on Free Trade. fortune.com. [Online] Fortune, November 9, 2016. [Cited: March 4, 2018.] http://fortune.com/2016/11/09/trump-victory-global-firms-free-trade/.

5. Schwartz, Nelson D. Jobs, Factories and Stocks Provide Economic Lift for Trump. www.nytimes.com. [Online] The New York Times, August 4, 2017. [Cited: March 4, 2018.] https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/04/business/economy/jobs-report-unemployment.html.

6. Hankla, Charles. Economic history shows why Trump's 'America First' tariff policy is so dangerous. www.chicagotribune.com. [Online] Chicago Tribune, March 1, 2018. [Cited: March 9, 2018.] http://www.chicagotribune.com/sns-economic-history-shows-why-trumps-america-first-tariff-policy-is-so-dangerous-92715-20180301-story.html.

7. Sancya, Paul. Nobody Wins a Trade War. www.usnews.com. [Online] U.S. News and World Report, March 14, 2016. [Cited: March 9, 2018.] https://www.usnews.com/opinion/economic-intelligence/articles/2016-03-14/the-economic-danger-of-trumps-and-sanders-trade-proctectionism.

Delighting in God’s Word (Part 8): Obedience Because of Grace

By:  Dale Weckbacher

Psalm 119:57

The Lord is my portion;^[a]
I have promised to keep your words.

(CSB)

On February 21, 2018 the world lost a great soldier for Christ, Billy Graham.  During his life Billy Graham preached to more than 100 million people in person and millions more via television, satellite, and film.  Nearly 3 million people responded to his invitation to accept Jesus into their hearts.  (1)  I remember attending a Billy Graham crusade as a child in Arizona and was amazed that thousands would turn out to hear someone preach from the Bible.  As I have matured and grown in my relationship to Christ I now understand the importance of sharing the Gospel, something that was the passion of Dr. Graham’s heart. 

While the world will miss Dr. Graham, we, who have made Jesus our savior have the opportunity to carry on his legacy by sharing the Gospel with others.  While we may not share the Gospel with millions as Dr. Graham did, we have a sphere of influence that God has placed us in and have a duty or calling to share the Gospel with those in that we influence through our words and the way we live.  While we may feel unworthy to share the Gospel with others due to times of disobedience to God’s Word in our lives even after accepting Jesus as our savior, we who have accepted Jesus as our savior are as worthy to share our faith as we could ever be. 

The word portion in Psalm 119:57 is the Hebrew word khay’lek.  (2)  A better meaning in our modern language would be inheritance.  When someone receives Jesus as their personal savior, they are adopted into the family of God (Romans 8:14-16) and have an inheritance in the Kingdom of God.  As we begin to realize the magnitude of the inheritance we have in Christ, obedience and sharing the Gospel should be the goal of our lives. 

The order of grace then obedience and not I obey therefore I am saved is illustrated in Psalm 119:57-64 as the psalmist acknowledges,

1)      God is his inheritance therefore he promises to obey the precepts of God (Psalm 119:57) – The psalmist has the order correct here for we do not obey and then achieve salvation and a right standing with God for we are saved by God’s grace not our works (Ephesians 2:8).  While this might make it appear one can go on sinning even after accepting God’s gracious gift of salvation for the psalmist goes on to promise to keep God’s words because God is his inheritance.  While James 2:26 tells us faith without works is dead, James is talking to believers and not unbelievers so he is speaking to those that profess Jesus as their savior.  For those people a faith making this profession not accompanied with works of obedience to the Word of God is a dead faith. 

2)      A repentant heart seeking God’s favor and grace (Psalm 119:58-59) – Biblical repentance is turning away from a life of sin.  Genuine disciples of Christ fervently seek God’s favor through making Jesus their savior and striving to live in obedience to the decrees contained in the Bible.  However, one turning from their previous sinful life must accompany this fervent seeking to live in obedience. 

3)      A sense of urgency at obeying God’s Word (Psalm 119:60) – As the psalmist we must give obedience to God’s Word urgency in our lives.  Matthew 6:21 tells us that our heart is in what we treasure most in our lives.  If our greatest treasure is obedience to God and His Word, we are living lives of urgency to obedience of God.  If, however, we have something in our lives that has greater urgency then God, we may have something for which we must repent. 

4)      Resisting the temptations of the wickedness surrounding him (Psalm 119:61) – In the modern media and social media age, the pressure of peer pressure can act like ropes holding us captive with pressure to conform to the sinful and harmful lifestyles and philosophies of the world.  We therefore must as the psalmist study to learn and not forget the precepts of God’s Word to continue living in obedience to the Word of God.

5)      A thankful heart at all times (Psalm 119:62) – There was nothing requiring God showing fallen humanity grace except His love for them.  This is why like the psalmist we must live with thankful hearts, thankful for the grace God has extended to us instead of giving us death (Romans 6:23) as we deserved. 

6)      Eagerness to connect with other believers (Psalm 119:63) – One of the best ways of combatting peer pressure is to have different peers.  Those choosing to make Jesus their savior must find different peers that believe as they do.  As the psalmist sought friends that also fear God, believers in Christ must seek out a church community of believers and make them their peers.

7)      A world full of the love and the grace of God leading to an eagerness to learn God’s Word (Psalm 119:64) – As we look out over creation we see the majesty of God our creator.  Even those choosing not to believe in Jesus as their savior experience this beauty, demonstrating the faithful love of God.  For those choosing to believe in Jesus as their savior, this beauty should create a greater desire to know more about our wonderful creator who sent His Only Son to die for us. 

For those reading this who have not made the decision to ask Jesus to save them from their sins, I invite you to pray with me now,

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.

May we as God’s people make obedience and the study of God’s Word the passion of our lives.  When we do we will become empowered to share our faith and the life changing message of the Gospel with those within our sphere of influence for when we do, we have a tremendous opportunity to carry on the legacy of Billy Graham.  Will you join me in making this the mission of your life?

1. Shelley, Marshall. Evangelist Billy Graham Has Died. www.christianitytoday.com. [Online] Christianity Today. [Cited: March 3, 2018.] https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2018/billy-graham/died-billy-graham-obituary.html.

2. Godrules.com. khay'lek. www.godrules.com. [Online] Godrules.com. [Cited: March 3, 2018.] http://www.godrules.net/library/strongs2a/heb2506.htm.