Current Events

156 posts

Need a Bailout?

These days everyone is talking about bailouts. Whether on the economic or social front, things seem to be falling apart. Whether you are catching the headlines on Drudge, or the details on Fox News, or USA Today, the message is all the same. There is no way out without a bailout. As you watch, read or listen to the experts in these amazing times, the most important factor is always missing from the analysis and reporting. Talk show monologues, no-spin comments, and the latest from the financial markets—all have a message of catastrophe. But no one talks about the One who controls it all. While man panics, God works his plan. There is a message to be heeded in these […]

Guard Your Heart Weekend

See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. Colossians 2:8 Last year I did a number of posts about the Superbowl.  The links to those posts are listed below. While I don’t want to revisit all that was said in those posts here, I do want to draw your attention to combination of sport, spectacle and motivational manipulation that is the Superbowl. Even in a down economy NBC is getting 3 million dollars for 30 second commercial during the game. These commercials  tell us much about what advertising industry leaders think will motivate viewers to action.  The Superbowl […]

Landing on the Hudson: Whose Miracle?

All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing.         He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth.         No one can hold back his hand or say to him: "What have you done?" Daniel 4:35 Like most of you, I was amazed at the skill and split-second judgment of Pilot Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger of US Air Flight 1549, as he put the plane down in the Hudson River with no loss of life. I watched one video clip in astonishment that showed passengers climbing out onto the wings of the plane within 25 seconds after the plane settled down after the splash. One of the ferries arrived on the scene […]

God is Good!

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High   will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress,   my God, in whom I trust." Psalm 91:12 Yesterday we saw God at work, and we can declare that God is good. As yesterday’s post noted, God is always at work doing good for his people, but sometimes we need a uncommon event, such as a presidential election, to remind us of this truth. Parents, you have a powerful message to give to your children this week. God has shown his power and care for the church in wonderful, though perhaps unexpected, ways. Here are just a […]

A Little History

All the peoples of the earth        are regarded as nothing.        He does as he pleases        with the powers of heaven        and the peoples of the earth.        No one can hold back his hand        or say to him: "What have you done?" Daniel 4:35 Nebuchadnezzar spoke these words after he had experienced God’s humbling power in his life. He thought he was in control, but as this verse shows, it is God who does as he pleases. As we enter the last weekend before the presidential election, uncertainty and worry hang like thick, low clouds over the political landscape of America.   Parents, it is important that your children see in our attitude and demeanor a […]

Children, Possessions, Worry & the Markets

Someone in the crowd said to him, "Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me."  Jesus replied, "Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?"   Then he said to them, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." "Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.  Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be […]

God, Gas Prices and the Stock Market

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. I Timothy 6:17 Then he said to them, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." Luke 12:15 Some of you may remember the post from last May about “God and gas prices.” Now, six months later, the price for a barrel of oil has dropped to below $70 for the first time in fourteen months. The price for gasoline is once again below $3 […]

God Does not take Coffee Breaks

I know that the LORD is great,     that our Lord is greater than all gods.  The LORD does whatever pleases him,     in the heavens and on the earth,     in the seas and all their depths. Psalm 135:5&6 The last two weeks have seen wild swings in the financial markets; unsettled, even panicked, responses from government leaders; and anxiety regarding personal finances. As far as the public media is concerned, uncertainty rules. What’s next? The media answer is that no one knows. The Bible’s answer is that God knows. Nothing that has happened these last few weeks with the global financial markets has been a surprise to God. The God of the Bible does not take coffee breaks. […]

Olympic Thoughts

Then he consecrated Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice. 6 When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and thought, "Surely the LORD’s anointed stands here before the LORD." 7 But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." The Olympics are winding down this weekend. There have been many successes and many disappointments. Michael Phelps grabbed the attention of the world by winning 8 gold medals and setting 7 world records. Usain Bolt was equally impressive, setting three world records by winning the […]