From My Perspective - - -

As we look at these times, there is a vague similarity to the events surrounding World War II. In his first speech as Prime Minister, on May 13^th, 1940, Winston Churchill met his cabinet and sought to gain their confidence, and that of the people of Great Britain. While he wanted to encourage them during very difficult and hard times, he said: “I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat.” Churchill’s address ended with these stirring words: “We have before us an ordeal of the most grievous kind. We have before us many, many long months of struggle and of suffering. You ask, what is our policy? I can say: It is to wage war, by sea, land and air, with all our might and with all the strength that God can give us; to wage war against a monstrous tyranny, never surpassed in the dark, lamentable catalogue of human crime. That is our policy. You ask, what is our aim? I can answer in one word: It is victory, victory at all costs, victory in spite of all terror, victory, however long and hard the road may be; for without victory, there is no survival. Let that be realized; no survival for the British Empire, no survival for all that the British Empire has stood for, no survival for the urge and impulse of the ages, that mankind will move forward towards its goal. But I take up my task with buoyancy and hope. I feel sure that our cause will not be suffered to fail among men. At this time I feel entitled to claim the aid of all, and I say, "come then, let us go forward together with our united strength."

On the other side of the Atlantic, Franklin Delano Roosevelt gave his First Inaugural Address in 1933. He shared this grim perspective and reality to a desperate but hopeful nation: “This great Nation will endure as it has endured, will revive and will prosper. So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself—nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance….In such a spirit on my part and on yours we face our common difficulties. They concern, thank God, only material things. Values have shrunken to fantastic levels; taxes have risen; our ability to pay has fallen; government of all kinds is faced by serious curtailment of income; the means of exchange are frozen in the currents of trade; the withered leaves of industrial enterprise lie on every side; farmers find no markets for their produce; the savings of many years in thousands of families are gone. More important, a host of unemployed citizens face the grim problem of existence, and an equally great number toil with little return. Only a foolish optimist can deny the dark realities of the moment…Happiness lies not in the mere possession of money; it lies in the joy of achievement, in the thrill of creative effort. The joy and moral stimulation of work no longer must be forgotten in the mad chase of evanescent profits. These dark days will be worth all they cost us if they teach us that our true destiny is not to be ministered unto but to minister to ourselves and to our fellow men…In this dedication of a Nation we humbly ask the blessing of God. May He protect each and every one of us. May He guide me in the days to come.”

Consider these things with me - - - and remember the thinking of King David in Psalm 27, “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom/what shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life--of whom/what shall I be afraid?…Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I WILL BE CONFIDENT…My heart says of you, Seek his face! Your face, Lord, I will seek…Teach me your way, O Lord; lead me in a straight path…I AM STILL CONFIDENT of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” Don’t lose your focus or your confidence. Trust the Lord now – and – always!

From My Perspective - - -

A recent news release mentions: “A group of humanists announced this week plans to plaster over 200 buses in Washington D.C. with ads bearing its godless holiday" message. Ads proclaiming, Why believe in a god? Just be good for goodness' sake, will appear on the outside and inside of DC Metro buses starting next Tuesday and will run throughout December. Newspaper versions of the ads ran in The New York Times and The Washington Post this week. The advertising campaign is part of an effort by the American Humanist Association to reach out to like-minded individuals around the nation's capitol and elsewhere who might be interested in humanism. The atheistic group espouses the belief that one can live a moral life apart from a belief in a god or the afterlife. "Humanists have always understood that you don't need a god to be good…So that's the point we're making with this advertising campaign. Morality doesn't come from religion. It's a set of values embraced by individuals and society based on empathy, fairness, and experience…Fred Edwords, spokesman for the humanist group, said the campaign seeks to connect with non-theists who feel a little alone during the holidays because of its association with traditional religion…”

While this is appalling, how long have we tolerated the Lyrics to Santa Claus Is Coming To Town without too much of a whimper. And yet, the Lyrics are ascribing to Santa Claus the non-communicable attributes of The Triune God - - - “He sees you when you’re sleeping…He knows when you’re awake…He knows if you’ve been bad or good…So – be good for goodness’ sake…” We indoctrinate the young children with the Lyric and use it as a ploy to stimulate better behavior and obedience – or – “Santa won’t bring you anything for Christmas!” And – what are we doing? Teaching the children that Santa is “omnipresent – everywhere present at the same time”; Santa is “omniscient – he knows everything you do and where you go”; Santa is “immutable – he never changes from one year to the next”; and – “Santa is making a list and checking it twice” – because he will hold you accountable for whether you have been “naughty or nice” – he is coming again – so “be good for goodness sake.” The Humanists are demonstrating that same lifestyle and belief system with the advertisements and signs proclaiming – “you don’t have to believe in a god - - be good for goodness sake…” The Humanists have learned their theology from Santa very well…

It is amazing to listen to the arguments of their spokesperson. Very intelligent people present and make their argument in a very gentle and soothing way. The Bible (which they care for not at all) addresses this type of positioning by intelligent people. As a matter of fact, one could approach the atheist and humanist by suggesting “you seem far to intelligent to believe the diatribe you espouse because The Bible – The Word from The True God indicates in Psalm 14:1, “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’ They are corrupt, their deeds are vile, there is no one who does good.” These same words are repeated in Psalm 53:1. The atheist’s even have their mocking version of “The Lord’s Prayer” and change the words… “Or brains, which art in our heads, treasured be thy name. Thy reasoning come. Thy best you can do be done, on earth as it is. Give us this day new insight to help us resolve conflicts and ease pain…” etc.

Consider these things with me - - - This is a special time when children can be weaned away from Santa’s Claws, and the secular humanism surrounding this important season. It may be viewed as trite – but – this a time to prepare for the celebration of the Birth of Jesus Christ. The children could celebrate the Birth of Jesus by having a Birthday Cake for Jesus and get the children away from the grasp of Santa’s Claws. It is a time to remember that God “was demonstrating His love for us”, in that, while we were still sinning – Christ was born so He could die for those sins (Romans 5:8)… It is a time to get the children away from Santa’s Claws so you can teach and rehearse the Biblically-based songs about Christmas and the Birth of Christ with them. They should learn and memorize the words to the great carols, such as – Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.” It would be a good Lyric by Charles Wesley to learn, as well as a Classic Musical Score by Felix Mendelssohn. It is time to be assertive about Jesus Christ. It is His Celebration – so – let’s CELEBRATE!!

From My Perspective - - -

In the ebb and flow of life, as one shuffles from place to place, it appears that altruism is either lost in our culture or shoved so far into the background that it is no longer recognizable. If it was implemented in practical ways, much of the dialogue and posturing with which we have become all too familiar would no longer be relevant. We would be doing and being what we should have always been doing and being. Altruism (according to Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary) is: “Regard for others, both natural and moral; devotion to the interests of others; brotherly kindness; -- opposed to egoism or selfishness…” The American Heritage Science Dictionary defines it as: "Instinctive cooperative behavior that is detrimental or without reproductive benefit to the individual but that contributes to the survival of the group to which the individual belongs…”

A Headline in the UK Newspaper, The Guardian emblazons: “37 Million Poor Hidden In The Land Of Plenty…” The story-line continues: “Americans have always believed that hard work will bring rewards, but vast numbers now cannot meet their bills even with two or three jobs. More than 1 in 10 citizens live below the poverty line, and the gap between the haves and have-nots is widening…That is 12.7 per cent of the population - the highest percentage in the developed world…Each year since 2001 their number has grown…” There are similar reports from other places… In France, “The number of poor people in metropolitan France was estimated at 7.9 million, which is equal to about 13.2 percent of the total population… From the India Post News Service comes a report – August 8, 2008 -“Poverty falls in India, but number of poor increases…The Poverty rate in India has dramatically declined although the number of poor has increased in 20 years up to 2005, according to new World Bank economic estimates. As per the revised estimates for India, the percentage of people living below the $1.25 a day decreased from 60 percent in 1981 to 42 percent in 2005. Even at a dollar a day (2005 prices), poverty has declined from 42 percent to 24 percent over the same period….” The statistics are dramatic from India – the numbers (instead of percentages) would be – 600 million down to 429 million; down to 240 million…

What if an old form of assisting the poor followed the philosophy of: “If you give a man a fish, he can eat for one day. If you teach him how to fish, he can feed himself the rest of his life.” I appreciate the ministry service and philosophy of Food For The Hungry. On their webpage (http://www.fh.org) they state what they do and what their goals are: “FOOD SECURITY - Transferring farming technologies to increase agricultural production, promoting forestry, soil conservation and water conservation… ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - Micro-enterprise, irrigation, natural resource management, education, water & sanitation, community health. HEALTH - Preventing malnutrition, illness, and poor sanitation practices; performing health assessments and administering first-aid treatment; training and educating local health-care representatives…” They go beyond mere food distribution. They seek to challenge people to stretch themselves beyond their situation and circumstance so they can produce for themselves.

From My Perspective - - -

Austerity means (according to Webster’s Revised Unabridged dictionary): “…Severity of manners or life; extreme rigor or strictness; harsh discipline….severe simplicity…” This is interesting in light of a statement made by the co-chair of Barack Obama's Transition Team, Valerie Jarrett, when she appeared on Meet the Press this weekend…Ms. Jarret told Tom Brokaw that "given the daunting challenges that we face, it's important that president elect Obama is prepared to really take power/control and begin to rule day one." It is the use of the words “power…control…rule” that are of interest. We have never spoken of an American President in those terms previously. The History and Heritage has been that the newly elected President will assume Leadership and Govern. That is a significant difference in philosophy and governing.

A MONARCH is defined as one who is: “A sole or supreme ruler; a sovereign; the highest ruler; an emperor, king, queen, prince, or chief.” That is, one who would control and rule for as long as the citizenry would permit. A DICTATOR is one who is: “a person exercising absolute power, esp. a ruler who has absolute, unrestricted control in a government without hereditary succession…one who authoritatively prescribes conduct, usage, etc” If control, power, rule is the dynamic of the Transition Team, that describes the direction for this nation in the foreseeable future. Just one area for illustration of where this can lead. The concept of “redistribution of wealth” is a new phrase and sound for the way we think in this country. However, one is led to believe it will pertain to the wealthiest 5% in the nation to allow for the other 95% to receive tax cuts or financial subsidies. Lest we be tempted to think this represents a tax increase of less than 5% on the wealthiest Americans, there is another issue looming in the background.

Many Americans have scrimped and saved so they could have a private retirement account – IRA, 401K, or some other private pension plan. In the Congress of the United States, the chairman of the House Committee on Education and Labor Rep. George Miller said that sweeping changes are coming to the 401(k) system. Those changes could include confiscating workers' personal retirement accounts and converting them into accounts managed by the Social Security Administration (GRA – Government Retirement Accounts). There’s another word that fits in with the scheme of “control, power, rule” – namely “confiscating”! This means the Federal Government would seize and begin to control over $4 Trillion Dollars. Would they invest your money? Have they invested what was taken from wages for Social Security? The answer is: NO!

Leadership is ultimately about getting things done - that Drive to Take Action - and get results and improve performance. It’s the ability to influence, motivate and provide the tools and environment to others so that they can best contribute towards the successful attainment of the goals of their community or organization. True Leadership does not need nor want “control, power, rule, confiscation” in order to govern. It is usually the areas of positive influence; motivation to action; and sacrificial example that produce the greatest result and achieves the highest goals.

Consider these things with me - - - A Good Leader is one who has himself learned by Following. Perhaps this is why when Jesus was training disciples to prepare them for leadership, in Matthew 16:24 He gave them two basic choices – if one wanted to be identified with Him: (a) he must deny himself (of personal rights and desires); (b) he must take up his cross (the symbol of dying to self interests and pride) – then he will be able to follow Jesus Christ. Dictatorship is always marked by self-interests and personal accruement. Monarchs are usually marked by self-aggrandizement and wealth accumulation. The President-elect; the Transition Team he has formed; and those he chooses to head the various agencies of Government all need a substantial dose of and commitment to Micah 6:8, “He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Is it impossible for this to occur? Only if you allow negative thinking and surrender to the inevitable – that neutralizes any positive influence you could be. Always remember – NOTHING is Impossible with our God!

From My Perspective - - -

There area many suggestions regarding “Change” – what it really means and what can be accomplished as this “Change” is implemented. One area for special guardedness is the presence of the “herd instinct” – a mentality that will go along with almost anything just because it represents “Change”! It is interesting that an aging Cold War participant - Former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev – offers his concept of “Change”, along with “Why” he thinks it is necessary. It should be remembered that Perestroika, meaning restructuring, was used by Gorbachev in the late 1980s to describe a series of reforms that ultimately led to the demise of the Soviet Union.

With that in mind, Gorbachev offers his ideas to the United States as a “Change” Mandate: “President-elect Barack Obama needs to fundamentally change the misguided course followed by President George W. Bush over the past eight years… the world is waiting for Obama to act, and the White House needs to restore trust in cooperation with the United States among the Russians…This is a man of our times, he is capable of restarting dialogue, all the more since the circumstances will allow him to get out of a dead-end situation…” He went on to say, “… that after transforming his country in the late 1980s, he had told the Americans that it was their turn to act, but that Washington, celebrating its Cold War victory, was not interested in a new model of a society, where politics, economics and morals went hand in hand." A fellow Russian compatriot, Former Russian oligarch Mikhail Khodorkovsky, founder of now defunct Yukos oil giant, who is in prison on fraud and tax evasion charges, also used the word "Perestroika" in discussing the future course of the Obama administration...He said that, "being a liberal himself, he thinks that the world will take a left turn, and that a global Perestroika would be a logical response to the global crisis. The paradigm of global development is about to change. The era inaugurated by Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher 30 years ago is over."

What does all of this mean on the world’s stage? What does this mean for the United States during and after the transition of power? The morning news suggests the transitional plans as President-elect Obama assumes the responsibilities of office, and among the first acts/actions he is planning to take. “President-elect Obama plans to use his executive powers to make an immediate impact when he takes office, perhaps reversing Bush administration policies on stem cell research and domestic drilling for oil and natural gas…Obama is reviewing President Bush's executive orders on those issues and others as he works to undo policies enacted during eight years of Republican rule.” John Podesta, Obama's transition chief said, “…the President can use such orders to move quickly on his own…There's a lot that the president can do using his executive authority without waiting for congressional action, and I think we'll see the president do that…I think that he feels like he has a real mandate for change. We need to get off the course that the Bush administration has set..."

From My Perspective - - -

The Lottery has become one of those promotions that attract people to “take a chance”! Just spend a couple of dollars and one may be the next Jackpot (or Powerball) Winner. There’s a sad story connected to the man who won the largest lottery in 2002. The ABC News Report states: “On Christmas morning in 2002, Jack Whittaker woke up to perhaps the biggest gift imaginable. Whittaker had won the Powerball lottery jackpot -- a whopping $315 million.” When asked how he was doing and what had happened since his winning such a large amount, the report indicates: “Whittaker now says that he regrets winning the lottery. Since I won the lottery, I think there is no control for greed. I think if you have something, there's always someone else that wants it. I wish I'd torn that ticket up. Whittaker had the very best of intentions: He truly wanted to share his good fortune and help people. I wanted to build churches, he said. I wanted to get people food that didn't have food. I wanted to provide clothing for children that needed clothing. Within months, Whittaker was making good on his promise. He handed over $15 million for the construction of two churches alone.

The initial blitz of publicity meant that everyone knew about Whittaker's record-breaking win, and he was besieged by requests for help. In order to deal with these requests, he formed the Jack Whittaker Foundation...There were so many letters that they wouldn't even deliver the mail. It was nothing for us to sit for 10 hours just opening envelopes…” The bottom line to this story is stated: “Whittaker believes that money isn't what makes people happy -- family is -- Family is what is dear…I don't know where it'll end. But you know, I just don't like Jack Whittaker. I don't like the hard heart I've got. I don't like what I've become."

Read about eight other lottery winners who realized sudden wealth was not the answer for their personal happiness - http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/SavingandDebt/SaveMoney/8lotteryWinnersWhoLostTheirMillions.aspx

At a National level, it seems as though the Lottery Mentality is operating at fever pitch. Banks need assistance; Financial Investment Institutions need a bailout; A large Insurance/Investment Company needs a $105 Billion loan; The Automotive Industry is seeking a $50 Billion Loan; Mortgage Holders are facing almost certain foreclosure unless the government steps in; the growing number of unemployed want assistance and benefits; people want health insurance provided; many are anticipating additional monies through a stimulus package amounting to near $150 Billion… The nation itself is racing toward Bankruptcy – but – no one seems ready to say, “We must stop handouts and spending!” Where will this money come from? Who will pay all the dollars in outlays? Can we afford to spend beyond our means? The answer to all of this is to increase Taxes for the top 5% in our country, and to assess the Oil Companies a Surtax (Windfall Profit Tax) on their earnings. But curtail spending? Never! Exercise thrift? Why! Work hard and save before spending? No way! Just - Give Me More!

From My Perspective - - -

The basic hew and cry of Senator Obama has been constant – we Need “Change”! Wherever he went, and whenever he spoke, he was always on message. The people were stirred to respond to his rhetoric. We he stated: “We Can Change!” – the crowds would chant “Yes, We Can!” The New York Times Online had an article by US Editor Gerard Baker that stated: “In electing Barack Obama president by a solid margin, accompanied by a congress with the biggest Democratic majority since the 1970s, Americans have signaled a dramatic change in the direction of the world’s sole superpower. The country regarded…by many Europeans as hopelessly racist and irredeemably right wing has voted to be ruled by a black man, at the head of a party committed to economic redistribution and a foreign policy rooted in peaceful diplomatic engagement. Two years ago Mr. Obama correctly identified that the overwhelming sentiment in this presidential election would be a desire for change.” Obviously, a candidacy of “Change” will be allowed the latitude to effect some changes – and – some change is sorely needed (if it is done correctly).

A large percentage of the citizenry indicate they are “Christian”, and Evangelical, and Conservative. This will be a difficult time for a group that has more or less “had its way” in terms of political influence, and who have always wanted “Change” their way. In the midst of “political change”, there are certain things that will Never Change! A relative has sent the following Prayer shared with him by a friend - - - “Praise you Lord. You have given me the chance to remember:

• You are the same yesterday, today and forever.
• You are King of kings, Lord of lords, The Mighty One - there is no changing with You!
• You have given Jesus a name that is above every name so that one day every knee shall bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ Is Lord, to the glory of the Father
• None of your promises have changed.
• You are still with me always.
• Your steadfast love endures forever.
• I will spend eternity with You in a perfect place.
• I should cloth myself with humility under your mighty hand.
• I may cast all my anxieties on You because You care for me.
• I can still know Christ and the power of his resurrection and may share in his sufferings and become like Him in his death.”

From My Perspective - - -

We have arrived at the morning after and what does that mean? Most of the Ballots have been counted! Approximately 115 million people are recorded to have voted! Millions of dollars have been spent to promote one candidate over another – one issue over another! Almost half the country will be disappointed by the result. Many accusations of “how they won” will be echoed across our land. But – what does all of this mean? Is Almighty God any less Sovereign today than He was yesterday (Colossians 1:16-18)? Is He any less powerful? Is He any less in control? Is faith no longer viable?

There are particular truths that are worthy of our remembering. (1) Proverbs 21:1-3, “The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases. All a man's ways seem right to him, but the Lord weighs the heart. To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.” (2) Hosea 8:4-7, “They set up kings without my consent; they choose princes without my approval. With their silver and gold they make idols for themselves to their own destruction…My anger burns against them. How long will they be incapable of purity? They sow the wind and reap the whirlwind. The stalk has no head; it will produce no flour. Were it to yield grain, foreigners would swallow it up.” The affairs of man and state are important to God. When a nation proceeds without Almighty God as the sole focal point, He will allow them their choices. It is reminiscent of the words in Psalm 106:13-15, “ But they soon forgot what he (The Lord) had done and did not wait for his counsel.  In the desert they gave in to their craving; in the wasteland they put God to the test. So he gave them what they asked for, but sent a wasting disease upon them.” Basically, there are always consequences for one’s actions.

It would be interesting to know what Almighty God thinks the candidates and election, and if His physical presence was a reality in our nation – what would He say?  What would He ask? More importantly, would we be interested in what He was saying or asking? Would we have time for Him? Or, would we be absorbed in ourselves and ignore Him, His Voice and His Word? Henry & Richard Blackaby have written in: “Hearing God’s Voice” the following: “When God speaks, neutrality is not an option. A response is unavoidable, and the condition of people’s hearts is revealed in that response.” Could it be that the “Change” proclaimed and enunciated so often and so clearly is a change from being blest to being cursed; from being free to being enslaved; from being victorious to being defeated; from being among the wealthiest of nations to being the poorest; from being an influence in the world to being totally ignored by it?

Consider these things with me - - - and remember the cries of the Prophet to God’s people (Jeremiah 6:9-15): “This is what the Lord Almighty says…To whom can I speak and give warning? Who will listen to me? Their ears are closed so they cannot hear. The word of the Lord is offensive to them; they find no pleasure in it…Their houses will be turned over to others, together with their fields and their wives, when I stretch out my hand against those who live in the land," declares the Lord. From the least to the greatest, all are greedy for gain; prophets and priests alike, all practice deceit. They dress the wound of my people as though it were not serious. 'Peace, peace,' they say, when there is no peace. Are they ashamed of their loathsome conduct? No, they have no shame at all; they do not even know how to blush. So they will fall among the fallen; they will be brought down when I punish them," says the Lord.” And, Jeremiah 6:19-21, “Hear, O earth: I am bringing disaster on this people, the fruit of their schemes, because they have not listened to my words and have rejected my law…Therefore this is what the Lord says: I will put obstacles before this people. Fathers and sons alike will stumble over them; neighbors and friends will perish.” And lastly, Jeremiah 13:15-17, “Hear and pay attention, do not be arrogant, for the Lord has spoken. Give glory to the Lord your God before he brings the darkness, before your feet stumble on the darkening hills. You hope for light, but he will turn it to thick darkness and change it to deep gloom. But if you do not listen, I will weep in secret because of your pride; my eyes will weep bitterly, overflowing with tears, because the Lord's flock will be taken captive.”  Let us give heed and hear His voice today!

From My Perspective - - -

The time of Celebration finally comes to an end – the last balloon has floated down; the last bit of confetti is brushed from ones clothing; the Band packs its instruments to leave – the festivities are over! But then – The Morning After comes – along with the weariness of celebration; the hangovers and headaches; a reality that you’re in a strange room with unknown people; gazing and wonderment are also realities - - Then what? As in most “Morning After” experiences – time will tell us the “then what” in terms of what took place amid the celebration and euphoria.

When one is elected who responds to a challenge regarding “redistribution of wealth” with a scoffing and a scathing comment that the opponent believes “selfishness is a virtue” – that is a morning after reality. When Wal-Mart is unionized and “low prices” are just a part of a fading memory – that is a morning after reality. When the coal industry that accounts for 40% of our energy is taxed into oblivion and the “we will shut them down” and “put them out of business” – that is a morning after reality! When all taxes increase to cover the cost of checks for $1,000.00 being sent to the more than 40% who pay no taxes – that is a morning after reality. When Military Spending is reduced by 25% and troops are no longer supplied with armaments and supplies as they risk their lives for liberty and freedom – that is a morning after reality. When the swelling rhetoric and the manifold promises become just emptiness and more “government-speak” – that is a morning after reality.

The Minor Prophets addressed all kinds of situations. They had heard the swelling rhetoric and many promises (along with threats) from the leaders of their day. They had seen the emptiness of the promises and the harshness of political power. They addressed the people who were striving to survive the oppression, occupation of hostile forces, the loss of everything they prized and cherished. Micah was one of God’s spokesmen who prophesied throughout the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, roughly 777–717 BC. His message was clear in Micah 2:1-4, “Woe to those who plan iniquity, to those who plot evil on their beds! At morning's light they carry it out because it is in their power to do it. They covet fields and seize them, and houses, and take them. They defraud a man of his home, a fellowman of his inheritance. Therefore, the Lord says: I am planning disaster against this people, from which you cannot save yourselves. You will no longer walk proudly, for it will be a time of calamity. In that day men will ridicule you; they will taunt you with this mournful song: We are utterly ruined; my people's possession is divided up. He takes it from me! He assigns our fields to traitors." Our “Morning After” will soon reveal the extent to which there will be reality in place of revelry, and consequence in place of celebration. What can one do on “The Morning After” as the reality of it all unfolds?

Consider these things with me - and remember that the Eternal God is Always Sovereign; He is Always in Control; He Always Accomplishes His Perfect Will. When a nation has chosen to Abort its babies; remove Prayer and Bible Reading from the Public Education system; legalize same gender unions and marriages; allow for Evolution to be taught and disallow Creation from being mentioned; to redefine our Foundations that we are a “Christian” nation so that now it embraces – Jews, Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, etc. – can the Eternal God be pleased? Will He condone what He condemns? Will He bless what He rejects and will judge? In the midst of the transition through which this nation has already begun to pass, we must remember that God is in control of judgment for the consequences of ones actions and choices. In Romans 9:15 through 18 (Exodus 33), the Lord speaks to Moses: "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.  It does not, therefore, depend on man's desire or effort, but on God's mercy. For the Scripture says to Pharaoh (Exodus 9:16): I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth. Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden.” Do not lose your hope and confidence – we are still in the hand of our God Who is Always in Control and will do all His Holy Will.

From My Perspective - - -

The Troika comes from the Russian Language and History and means: “a threesome; a collection of three of any kind (except the Holy Trinity)…" In particular, the word and concept had particular relevance during the years of Joseph Stalin who had a Commission of Three to carry out the rapid prosecution and persecution of dissidents or anybody accused of political crimes in the Soviet Union. This gave rise to the Triumvirate Concept of rule by three powerful leaders. The History of Triumvirate Rule is Ancient. For instance, what modern scholars call the First Triumvirate was an informal political alliance of two rival generals, Julius Caesar and Pompey the Great representing the popular viz. senatorial party, with the extremely wealthy businessman Marcus Licinius Crassus. This fell apart after the death of Crassus, and the two other triumvirs fought a civil war, during which Pompey was killed and Caesar established his sole rule as perpetual dictator. The Second Triumvirate was a formal governing body, consisting of Octavian and Mark Antony, the rivals for real power, and third wheel Marcus Aemilius Lepidus. Lepidus was sidelined early on in the triumvirate, and Antony was eliminated in a civil war, leaving Octavian as the sole leader.

In Russia, the beginnings of modern Troika Rule was seen in 1917. The Bolsheviks, a network of communists headed by Vladimir Ilyich Lenin and inspired by the writings of Karl Marx and Fredrick Engels, are opposed to the Provisional Government's plan to establish a bourgeois democracy in Russia. They seize government in a coup d'état staged on 6 November, the so-called 'Bolshevik Revolution'. Later a notable step was taken in July 1937 – NKVD Order # 00447 – regarding repression of former criminals, and other anti-Soviet elements. Troikas were established and investigations were done by operative groups in a speedy and simplified way with the results delivered to Troikas for trials. The Troika usually consisted of The People’s Commissar, The Chief Prosecutor of the Republic, and The Communist Party Secretary….

A greater concern is the future of the United States of America. If the prognosticators are correct, and the predictions come to pass, this nation will have a powerful ruling body (Democratic) all from one persuasion and with the same agenda. The Triumvirate-Troika would be (1) The President, (2) The House Speaker, and (3) The Senate Majority Leader. If the projected “landslide” occurs and the House and Senate gain filibuster-proof majorities, The Agenda of Change will proceed at break-neck speed. During the years of 2004-2006, we had this same type of one-party rule (Republican) and the hew and cry then by the now House Speaker was it had allowed for a “Culture of Corruption”… Sadly, it did. The promise of restricted government and rolling back the Bureaucracy was a dismal failure. Instead, the Republican Control an absolute Republican majority did nothing. No egregious legislation was repealed. The welfare state was not rolled back an inch. No federal programs or departments were eliminated. No budgets were cut. In fact, legislation got worse (the USA PATRIOT Act), the welfare state was strengthened (a new prescription drug plan), and a new federal department was created (Homeland Security). Change of Party will not eliminate the “Culture of Corruption”!

Consider these things with me - - - and remember the needed spiritual dimension that the Russians so tragically removed as an Atheistic choice. The Holy Trinity – Father, Son, Holy Spirit – are vital in terms of the whole individual – spirit, soul, body. In I Thessalonians 5:23, the prayer offered was: “Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until that day when our Lord Jesus Christ comes again.” This is vital regardless of who becomes the governing authority. The words of Jeremiah 17:8-9 must also be noted: “The human heart is most deceitful and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is? But I know! I, the LORD, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve." We need to seek the most significant triumvirate – The Triune God – and as a nation immediately implement II Chronicles 7:14, “Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and heal their land.”

From My Perspective - - -

While the culture is enthralled and involved with Halloween Costumes and Parties, October 31^st has a significant and important meaning for people all over the world. It was on this date in 1517 AD that Martin Luther m