The Pledge of Allegiance was originally composed by Captain Thatcher Balch, a Union Army officer during the civil war. He later taught patriotism in New York City.  The words were changed in 1892 by Francis Bellamy, a Christian Socialist Minister and author who was also from New York.  His travels took him to Massachusetts, and it was there he penned most of the version we have today.  He believed in absolute separation  of church and state and did not include the words “under God” in his original text. Bellamy wrote the pledge as an “inoculation” that would protect immigrants and native-born American’s from radicalization and subversion. It was adopted by congress in 1942 and the official name was adopted in 1945.

After World War Two, the cold war was in full force. Nikita Khrushchev was the secretary of the communist party of the Soviet Union beginning in 1953. During this time, Dwight Eisenhower  was President and in 1954, he encouraged congress to add the words “under god’ to the pledge.  It was during this time that Khrushchev said that his government would destroy ours without ever firing a shot. Russia is still working on accomplishing that prediction to this day.  The wording to the pledge was officially changed on Flag Day in1954.

The Pledge: “I pledge allegiance to the flag of The United States Of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.”

I often wonder how many people really reflect on what those words mean. We say we are a nation indivisible, but as I look around, I see a nation totally divided, one which seems determined to destroy itself from within. Intolerance, hate, anger and rage are being played out daily. Abraham Lincoln said, in his house divided speech in 1859, “A house divided against itself cannot stand”

In Matthew 12:25, Jesus said, “Every kingdom divided against itself, and every city or house divided against itself, will not stand.”

Justice is defined as being fair or just, determined by morality and the law.

In today’s America, justice needs to fight hard to be heard over the roar of people’s agendas based on color, religion, birth place and so many issues which divide us. Morality and a sense of right and wrong have taken a back seat to politics and greed.

Proverbs 28:5 “Evil doers do not understand what is right, but those who seek the Lord understand it fully.”

Isaiah 61:8 “For I the Lord love justice, I hate robbery and wrong doing,”

Isaiah 1:17 “Learn to do right, seek justice, defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless and plead the case of the widow.”

Liberty is defined as a state of being free within society from oppression and restrictions imposed by authority on one’s way of life, behavior or political views.

Today, liberty is in jeopardy from people and politicians who want to impose their will and beliefs on everyone. They think that  all who disagree are stupid and that they should leave what they consider “their” country. It is a sad and scary place our democracy has entered.

Psalm 118:5 “I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts.”

Luke 4:18-19 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He has appointed me to preach the gospel to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release of the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are oppressed.”

Our country and our world are in deep trouble. I encourage you to really study history to understand how we have gotten to this place in time. Pick up your Bible and read the words of Jesus in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. The time has come to shut out the noise of the world, search your hearts, walk away from the evil stirring around us which has been perpetrated by the work of the devil and start living your life the way Jesus taught, a life filled with love of others, compassion and a true connection to God. Your eternity depends on it.

Have you asked yourself recently, what in the world is going on? There are over 80 wildfires burning across 6 western states. Greece, Canada and Sweden are also burning in places. Extreme heat has caused death and misery in Japan, The United States, Pakistan, India and other countries.

The news carries stories of floods, mudslides, hurricanes, earthquakes, drought and volcano’s erupting. Anger and tempers are flaring, people are yelling and becoming physically aggressive against others who look different, speak different or worship different. Parents are abusing and killing their children more often, children are striking out at parents, animals are tortured and abused, and mass shootings are becoming the norm in this country. More and more people are seeking help for depression and despair. The light of joy and happiness have gone out of so many lives.

1Peter5:8 :Be alert, your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”

The bible warns of these times and tells us, they will continue to get worse. 2Timothy3:1-4 “Know this also, in the last days, perilous times will come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.”

In Matthew 24:6-8 Jesus said, “You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains.”

None of us are promised tomorrow. The only peace and certainty that we can find in this troubled world is by our faith and belief in God and the promises of His word.  I encourage you, if you have not received Christ as your savior, if you do not know God or have not read the word of God, now would be a good time to really think about where you want to spend eternity.

Joshua 24:15 “But for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”

Living out in the country, I pass a sheep farm every time I leave my home. There is nothing any cuter than young lambs playing in the field. Two sheep dogs watch over the flock day and night. Sheep are basically timid animals, herding together is their only form of protection from predators. Interestingly, each sheep follows the one in front of it. If the leader runs off the edge of a cliff, the whole flock follows him.

Psalm 100:3 “Know that the Lord himself is God, it is He who has made us and not we ourselves. We are his people and the sheep of his pasture.”

I believe we are to follow the teaching and instructions set out for us in the Lord’s word. I am amazed at how many Christians fall away from those teachings and listen instead to men and women who claim to be teachers of the word. Many people listen to television Evangelical’s without ever comparing their message to the words of the bible and are being led astray.

I saw a story the other day on a Christian site I follow, and it really showed me how many people just believe whatever they are told without verifying anything for themselves.  A young Christian producer posted the following bible verse and asked for thoughts on it. Luke 4:6 “To you I will give all authority, for it has been delivered to me and I will give it to whom I will.” I was blown away by the fact that not one person on this Christian site pointed out that these words were spoken by the devil when he tempted Jesus in the wilderness. They all thought these were words spoken by Jesus.  How easily they were deceived. Too many people who say they are Christian are following false teachers and false doctrine.

1 Thessalonians 5:21 tells us to, “Test all things, hold fast to what is good.”

We are sheep, in need of a savior and protector. The world is a dangerous place filled with wolves in sheep’s clothing. Put on the armor of God and be on your guard so that you are not deceived.

Acts 20:28-29 “Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the holy spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. I know that after I leave, salvage wolves will come in among you and not spare the flock.

Jeremiah 23:1 “Woe to the shepherds who are destroying and scattering the sheep of my pasture, declares the Lord.”

Little lies, big lies, huge lies, seems like it is becoming more and more prevalent. As parents, we try to teach our children to always tell the truth. We try to explain how one lie leads to another and another. It gets harder and harder to keep it all straight.  I can’t imagine the nightmare parents face today trying to guide their children in the right direction when they see the opposite being played out on the news by people who should know better.

We have a leader who is constantly telling lies that are being exposed daily. To make matters worse, so many in his Evangelical Christian base ignore it because they believe he will help them get ahead financially. I have talked before about what the Bible teaches about the love of money.

Proverbs 6:16-19 “There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes {pride}, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a head that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breaths out lies and one who sows discord among brothers.”

Psalm 101:7 “No one who practices deciet will dwell in my house, no one who speaks falsely will stand in my presence,”

Proverbs 20:17 “Bread gained by deciet is sweet to a man, but afterward, his mouth will be full of gravel.”

Proverbs 17:7 “Eloquent lips are unsuited to a godless fool, how much worse lying lips to a ruler.”

As a nation which professes to be Christian, it’s time to do some serious soul searching. My children are all grown now and I hope they remember the lessons I taught them in their youth about honesty and integrity. I do have grandchildren and greatgrandchildren, and I wonder what kind of world we are leaving them and what kind of example is being set for them. Believe me when I tell you, they are watching everything you do and say.

I pray as the psalmist did, “Deliver me from lying lips and a decietful tongue.” Psalm 120:7

I was a hospice volunteer for several years and had the privilege of spending time with patients who were near the end of their lives. We had conversations about many things but, the one comment so many of them made was their regret about chasing money instead of being more involved with their loved ones.

Sadly, society today equates success with money and material possessions. People are judged by their car, their home and their wealth as opposed to the things of life which are really important.  Some of my fondest memories as a child were spent in my grandparent’s home. They had no indoor bathroom, no hot water, no central air or heating system and no car. What they provided was love, guidance, undivided attention, peaceful surroundings and a true  appreciation of  the simpler things of life. It was there that I  learned to recognize the beauty and bounty of nature, the joy of companionship with animals, kindness, a love of God and quality time spent with people who loved me.

The more advanced we become, the faster we run to chase the things of the world and time becomes something we struggle to manage. The more we have, the more we think we need. Busy lives, work stress and money issues drive a wedge in family unity. If you drive through a cemetery, you will never see a headstone which reads, “Wish I had worked more and made more money.”

Luke 12:15 “Then he said, Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed, a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.”

Matthew 6:19-21 “Do not store up for yourself treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.But, store up for yourselves treasure in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy and where thieves do not break in and steal. For, where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Proverbs 23:4-5 “Don’t wear yourself out trying to get rich. Be wise enough to know when to quit. In the blink of an eye, wealth disappears, for it will sprout wings and fly away like an eagle.”

We all want to enjoy the nice things this world provides and take care of our families but, the simple pleasures of life are important. If chasing more money and possessions is stealing your joy, robbing you of family time and putting a barrier between you and God, maybe it is time to reevaluate where you are headed. Life is short, don’t forget to enjoy the gift God has given you.

You can’t escape it, the anger, name calling, violence, aggression and hate that invades our daily life on the news, in our schools, on social media and at work. We’ve all experienced it at one time or another because of our religious beliefs, our country of birth, the color of our skin, our political beliefs, our education, our social status and even our driving ability. It’s a sad commentary on the human condition. We shouldn’t be surprised by this, it’s a broken fallen world. 1 Peter 5:5 says, “Be alert and of sober mind, your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.” From all I see, hear and read, he is succeeding with many.

How do we handle all this contention, anger and negativity? How do we find respite  and not let it rob us of our sleep  and peace of mind?  How do we hold on to our sanity when all around us our world  is crumbling, our families are suffering, and our hearts are broken time and time again?

John 16:13 “These things I have spoken to you, that in me, you may have peace. In this world you will have tribulation, be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

John 14:27 “Peace, I leave with you, my peace I give to you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, do not be afraid.”

Matthew 4:4-14 “And Jesus answered them, see that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name saying, I am the Christ and they will lead you astray. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for these must take place but, the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains.

Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my names sake. And many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false  prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will increase, the love of many will grow cold. But, the one who endures to the end will be saved.”

I will leave you with these final verses, Ephesians 4:31 “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander along with every form of malice.” Proverbs 15:1 “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh voice stirs up anger.”

I will continue to speak out for those who are oppressed. I will continue to speak out for justice. I will continue to speak out and stand up for the teaching of Jesus. I will not back down or apologize for that. I will continue to ask for His guidance in prayer and study His word. I hope I speak with a gentle voice.

Follow me on a journey. Meet Maria. She was born in Honduras to loving parents and grew up in a small village. Her family didn’t have much money but, they loved God and one another. Her Catholic upbringing led her to put her faith and trust in God’s direction for her life.

As a young woman, she met Hector. He swept her off her feet  and she knew that God had chosen him to be her life mate. They married and settled down into a quiet life. Money was tight but, Hector worked hard to support Maria and the baby that was on the way.

Their country was becoming more and more dangerous. The drug trade flowing into Mexico and the United States was growing at an alarming rate. Gangs were taking over, the police were being paid to look the other way, the government didn’t seem to care and fear was palatable in the air. Stories of friends and neighbors who were raped, beaten and killed became daily news traveling throughout the village. Their options were dwindling but, their faith was strong.

The day came when Hector didn’t come home from work. His lifeless body was found. He had been beaten to death and robbed. Maria’s world collapsed. She had her baby, a daughter she named Mary as was Hectors wish. She worked and survived for 5 years finding joy in Mary’s smile. She had been gang raped and robbed many times but, she knew she could endure anything as long as Mary was safe.

Meanwhile, the drug cartel was branching out. They had found a new, lucrative business, selling young women and children into the sex slave market. There was much money to be made fulfilling the desires of the wealthy up north for young children and women. The child snatching and kidnapping began.

Maria knew she had to get away. She had to try and keep Mary safe. and so, she began a 2,000-mile journey across desert and water to try and find help and safety. She put all of her resources together and hired  a coyote to be her guide. The journey was long , hard and full of danger but, she was out of options. When she reached the U.S. . she was caught and arrested As they ripped her daughter from her arms, the last she heard from her child were cries and screams of distress. No one would tell her where they were taking Mary or what would happen to her.

For Mary, the fear was unimaginable and unbearable. No one held or comforted her. She was placed with other traumatized children who cried for their mom’s and dad’s. The workers caring for these children knew they would lose their jobs if they tried to show any compassion to these young ones. They were living a nightmare.

This story is fiction, put together from many tales coming from immigrants seeking asylum. This debate is polarizing many people. No one denies a countries necessity to secure its borders and limit the number of people it allows into the country. That is not the problem, lack of compassion and understanding is the problem. Using children as pawns in a political war, that is a problem. Treating others as less than human, that is a problem. Instructing the caregivers of these children to not pick them up or comfort them, that is a problem. Refusing to let  people inside these facilities to see for themselves and share what they find with the public, that is a problem. Calling everyone fleeing oppression and violence vermin,  that is a problem.

Drugs, gangs, lack of education, disparity between rich and poor and corruption causes many people to make hard and painful decisions. The US cannot solve the problems of the world, we have many of those problems here. We have done nothing to solve the problem of drugs  flowing into this country which has caused untold pain and heartache. We have not shut down child trafficking and see very little about it on the news or from our political leaders mouths. We do not deal with our homeless issue and prefer to blame the victim rather than look at the causes. We yell and scream about gun violence, but do nothing to change it. There is a growing disconnect between rich and poor here at home. We need to look to our neighbors to the south and realize, we are headed down the same path.

As Christians, we must decide how we view and treat those less fortunate than us. We must search or hearts and souls and follow the guidelines God gave us. Do we reach out with compassion and love or do we harden our hearts. Meanwhile, there are innocent children caught in the firestorm.

John 13:34-35  “A new commandment I give you, that you are to love one another just as I have loved you, so   you must love one another. By this, all people will know  you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

1 John 3:17-18 “But if anyone has the worlds goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Little children, let you not love in word or talk, but in deed and truth.”

Proverbs 21:13 “Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered.”

Only you can search your heart and make the decision how you treat those less fortunate than you. I believe that when we look at things through the eye of compassion and  the teachings of Christ, the way forward becomes clearer. Our voice is a window to our heart and soul, remember that before you weigh in.

 

 

My daughter was at the card isle in the store the other day and struck up a conversation with a lady searching for a Father’s day card.  After looking through many cards, she walked away in disgust. Her parting comment, “I wish they made cards for those of us who don’t have great relationships with our dads.

As a young child, I thought my dad was bigger than life, a super hero. As I grew and got older, I realized  he was human. I don’t think he was happy with how his life turned out. He kept all of his feelings and emotions bottled up inside of him which is probably why he died at the young age of 50.  He was never the kind of dad who told me he loved me or that he was proud of me. He wasn’t perfect, but I loved him and miss him.

Our earthly father’s often disappoint us. Many times, they don’t give us the emotional support we expect from a dad. Isn’t it wonderful to know that we have a heavenly father who is always available, always supportive and who loves us more than we could ever begin to understand.

1 John 3:1, “See what great love the father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God.” As our father, God is loving, kind, compassionate, forgiving and always available, anytime and anywhere. When I am really troubled or feeling weak and alone, I remember this verse, “He will cover you with his feathers and under his wings you will find refuge.”  Psalm 91:4

The image of a loving father wrapping his arms around me and providing peace and protection carries me through any of the storms of life.  How truly blessed we are to have such a loving father.

Today is my birthday.  Remember how exciting that was as a child?  They just seemed to take forever to arrive. And what about those milestones as young adults, sweet 16, finally I am 18 and wow, 21, an adult at last.

Funny how time changes things. Remember Lordy, Lordy, look who is 40? And, when we reach 50, we think how time has flown and we have lived a half a century.

Now that I am officially a senior and birthdays seem to arrive much too quickly. The years seem to fly by faster and faster. It’s a time to reflect on the past and an opportunity to decide how to finish this race called life. Proverbs 16:31 says, “Gray hair is a crown of glory, it is gained in a righteous life”. I really like that thought, a crown of glory. In the process of arriving at this age, we have had many experiences and gained wisdom. I think we come to understand that life is short and the vibrancy and beauty of youth is temporary.

When we reach our twilight years, we contemplate what mark we leave behind on the world. We evaluate how our lives have impacted others and, we question if we have lived a live God will be pleased with. I don’t know about you, but when I next meet God, I want to hear the words from Matthew, “Well done good and faithful servant”. And, the words from Luke, “Today you will be with me in paradise.”

I sincerely hope I have set an example and provided a road map for those who come behind me to follow.

May in Indiana is all about the Indianapolis 500 motor race.  People travel here from all over to witness the spectacle. There is a great deal of planning and work which goes into making this a successful weekend.

We are all running this race called life. There are times when we all struggle with the things life throws at us. Family trouble, financial setbacks, health concerns, overwork, stress and a variety of issues can rob us of our peace. My daughter calls it being on the struggle bus. Do you sometimes just want to stop the bus and get off? I know I do at times.

Hebrews 12:1 tells us, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that easily entangles, and let us run the race with perseverance, the race marked out for us.”

And one of my favorite verses from Isaiah 40:31, “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

Maybe you are struggling today, feeling overwhelmed and defeated. Maybe, you are questioning whether your life matters. Whatever you are feeling or dealing with, remember you are not in this race alone. You have a powerful and mighty protector in God. He wants you to rest under the shelter of His wings. He loves you, just as you are. Run to Him.