Respect

Respect: has our culture lost it? Oh, we're big into respecting ourselves, but what happened to the time when youngsters called their elders with a respectful Mrs. or Mr.? No, it's not gone all together but it is getting rare, especially in middle school aged kids. The Bible tells us repeatedly to respect our elders. In fact, 40 kids in the Old Testament were attacked by a she bear because they taunted the prophet Elisha. Now, it's not necessarily how one addresses an elder that marks whether or not it is respectful. For instance, at work I am one of the youngest employees, but for the sake of equality and convenience, I call most by their 1st names. But I try to do so with the highest amount of respect. For indeed it is the heart and motive thereof that is important.

Perhaps this is why there is a high rate of teen rebellion and high school dropouts, young people have generally lost respect for any authority that questions their own. Parents who spoil their child are unintentionally teaching them that they will always get what they want, hence, in an attempt to love them, they really are setting them on the path to destruction. It is so neat to see young parents bringing up their child in the fear of the Lord. For in reality those who discipline their child are loving them enough to tell them that they must respect authority, specifically God's authority, to live a life worth living: A life that is pleasing to Him.

In his Defense...

President Bush: very few people like him. And I can't say I blame them. His 'no child left behind act', his spending, his seemingly wishy-washy view on many things, and most unforgivable his statement 'Allah and our God are the same'...the list goes on about the things people could criticize him for and things that I don't like about him. But those who know me well, know my tendency is to vote for the under dog and Mr. Bush is about the 'under-est' dog I can think of. But in all honesty, there are a few things to say in his defense. I can't deny that I've disagreed with many things the president has done. To be honest, although his first term was not bad, I was disappointed in the first two years of his second. However in recent months the president has showed some improvement, at least in my humble opinion. He has taken a stand on more than one issue: refusing to budge. He recently tactfully defended the war on terror in a way he has never done before. And despite what some may say, he has made an effort against the pro-choice movement, and he is not completely silent about his faith. In summery, every president has made mistakes, and although Mr. Bush won't be in the top five for best president, he won't be in the bottom 20 either. President Bush has had to deal with terrorism like no other president before him. As a matter of fact, half the problems that he has had in that area were dumped in his lap from a Mr. William Clinton. It is easy to criticize a man when we just see one side of him. We don't know the half of what President Bush has to decide and think about. But one thing is certain, whether you agree with what I've just said or not, we must pray for President Bush and honor him, as I'm sure most of those who read this blog are. He needs God's wisdom more than anytime before.

Greek Update

Well, we are now entering the last four weeks of Greek 1. Learning Biblical Greek has been fun for the most part, but I must say I will be glad when I'm done learning and start translating. There are so many things to remember! The four different endings to the three different declensions, and singular and plural endings for a word makes it possible to say the same word 24 different ways! But all in all it is gratifying to look back and see how much we've learned. It is so exciting to be sitting in church and have the Pastor mention a Greek word you recognize. If I make it to the final exam, it will be first and foremost because of God's help, I think my brain would have overloaded a while ago without His help. I've also had a lot of help from the other ladies in Greek class, and from the three people at the place I work who know it. It's also been fun to be in a classroom setting. Being home schooled, I haven't experienced it that much. So that's been fun.

A Question of citizenship

In a recent, ongoing discussion with a co-worker, this question came up: how much should Christians get involved in the government, when our citizenship is really in Heaven?
My co-worker, whom I will call "Joel", is of the opinion that Christians should be very careful in how much they get involved in the things of this world. Basically, why try and prolong the inevitable? The world isn't going to be here much longer anyway, so why try and "fix" it? He did state, however, that Christians do have a responsibility. What that responsibility is as the body of Christ in this fallen world, and how we are to fulfill it is the question.

I am trying to figure out the biblical prospective of Christians and government. Of course as you all know, it would be hard to relinquish my love for law and government. (By the way, "Joel" is not suggesting this, but is also looking for answers) And I'm far from coming that conclusion, but I'm looking for any thoughts on this issue. My basic opinion is that God placed me and other Christian Americans in a freedom loving country and it is our responsibility to try and keep it free for the glory of God and the furthering of His kingdom. Unfortunately, I can't come up with any Biblical backing for my view. The following Bible passages were brought up in our discussion:

"our citizenship is in Heaven" (Phil. 3:18-21)
"friendship with the world is enmity with God" (James 4:4)
"We are just passing through" (1 Peter 1:17-18)
"Give unto Caesar what is Caesar's" (Matt. 12:14-17)
Paul used his citizenship, even though he was a citizen of Heaven (Acts 16:37-40)
Throughout the New Testament, it is emphasized that we are not to quit our jobs ect. in waiting for Christ to come back. On the contrary, we are to be in the world, but not of it.

And to give a over arching command: "DO ALL TO THE GLORY OF GOD" I Cor. 10:31

I'm rather at loss of what to think, and how to put all these passages together, so I'm looking for any comments, thoughts, or conclusions on the matter.

Congratulations!

I would like to say congratulations to the successful conservative candidates of 2006! Especially to Roger Koopman, Steve White, Scott Sales, John Sinrud, and Jack Wells. Although I am slightly frightened at the prospect of both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives being controlled by Democrats, I rejoice in the local victories and trust in God's perfect plan for the United States. Who knows, a congress controlled by Democrats might bring the U.S. to her knees!

Our God is an Awesome God!

Courtesy
of Oklahoma Lightning,
Photo by Charles Allison

Job 37:1-6
At this also my heart trembles, and leaps from its place. Hear attentively the thunder of His voice, and the rumbling that comes from His mouth. he sends it forth under the whole heaven. His lightning to the ends of the earth. After it a voice roars; he thunders with His majestic voice, And He does not restrain them when His voice is heard. God thunders marvelously with His voice; He does great things which we cannot comprehend. He says to the snow, 'fall on the earth'; Likewise to the gentle rain and the heavy rain of His strength.