From My Perspective - - -

At different times, an important and thought-provoking question is posed: “How many great leaders does one know?” What traits and qualities does one possess and exude that would cause another to both sacrifice and willingly follow? This is far different from the child’s game most have played called: “Follow The Leader.” That exercise would include all kinds of unpredictable and misdirected activity. “Leadership” had little or nothing to do with the course and direction of that activity.

In a recent essay, David Hakala has attempted to describe “The Top Ten Leadership Qualities” that should be present in a Leader. He begins with a definition, “Leadership can be defined as one's ability to get others to willingly follow…A leader with vision has a clear, vivid picture of where to go, as well as a firm grasp on what success looks like and how to achieve it…A leader must be able to communicate his or her vision in terms that cause followers to buy into it. He or she must communicate clearly and passionately, as passion is contagious…”

The Qualities of Leadership include the following:

(1)   DISCIPLINE to work toward his or her vision single-mindedly, as well as to direct his or her actions and those of the team toward the goal. Action is the mark of a leader. A leader does not suffer ‘analysis paralysis’ but is always doing something in pursuit of the vision, inspiring others to do the same.

(2)   INTEGRITY: the integration of outward actions and inner values…Honest dealings, predictable reactions, well-controlled emotions, and an absence of tantrums and harsh outbursts are all signs of integrity.

(3)   DEDICATION: spending whatever time or energy is necessary to accomplish the task at hand. A leader inspires dedication by example, doing whatever it takes to complete the next step toward the vision.

(4)   MAGNANIMITY:  giving credit where it is due. Conversely, a good leader takes personal responsibility for failures.

(5)   HUMILITY: recognize that he is no better or worse than other members of the team. A humble leader is not self-effacing but rather tries to elevate everyone.

(6)   OPENNESS: being able to listen to new ideas, even if they do not conform to the usual way of thinking.

(7)   CREATIVITY: the ability to think differently, to get outside of the box that constrains solutions. Creativity gives leaders the ability to see things that others have not seen and thus lead followers in new directions. The most important question that a leader can ask is: What if …?

(8)   FAIRNESS: dealing with others consistently and justly.

(9)   ASSERTIVENESS: the ability to clearly state what one expects so that there will be no misunderstandings. A leader must be assertive to get the desired results.

(10)  A SENSE OF HUMOR: is vital to relieve tension and boredom, as well as to defuse hostility.

Consider these things with me - - - and let us remember that the Lord has given a succinct idea of basic Leadership Instincts, Commitments and Qualities in Micah 6:8, “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” In the Paraphrase – The Message – we read: “But he's already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women. It's quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love, And don't take yourself too seriously - take God seriously.” Let’s try it! It would be such a refreshing interaction and change!

From My Perspective - - -

It is getting to a point where the idea of “Winner” or “Loser” becomes a moot point. It appears that the people of our nation are the Losers – regardless of who the political “Winner” may be. There is a smooth-talking and articulate candidate versus a stumbling and inarticulate one. If the merits of a Presidency were determined by rhetorical skill, there would be only one obvious choice. However, the substance of what one states, and the content of one’s character are vital. Even in this instance, the smooth-talking, articulate person will “win” handily. We owe it to ourselves, and our children, and our grand-children to make certain there is substance to both what is stated and in terms of ones character. There’s an interesting Internet Video of Obama declaring exactly and precisely what he intends to do with our military and defense systems. View it at:
http://macsmind.com/wordpress/2008/06/08/obama-wants-to-protect-america/...

What we should be observing with Political Candidates is (a) what they truly believe (if one can ever wade through the spin and rhetoric to sift it out), and (b) what they will do to repair what is broken without raising taxes and/or increasing spending. The smooth-talking, articulate one either can’t or won’t do it, and the stumbling, inarticulate one comes across as unbelievable in his proposals. Before YOU cast YOUR VOTE, are you able to state at least five (5) clear and precise things – free of campaign talking points - about each candidate that you know is reliable and that he will absolutely do? Scary - isn’t it? It isn’t so much in terms of which candidate wins, but how badly the citizens will lose depending on who is elected. You do have a vested and crucial interest in this election and our nation.

It seems as though we are at a precipice as a nation. As dangerous as that can be, we seem totally unaware of the proximity of that danger. The Economic Peril may be more than a cyclical factor or an evidence of greed and deliberate mismanagement. It may be a commentary on the fears people have if the wrong person is elected to be President, and what his background and persuasions will do to our nation. One candidate’s years under the teaching of Jeremiah Wright and exposure to Liberation Theology are important. Liberation theology was predominantly found in the Catholic Church after the Second Vatican Council. It is often cited as a form of Christian socialism, and it has enjoyed widespread influence in Latin America and among the Jesuits, although its influence diminished in the 1980s. If the Liberation Theology Teaching is implemented, we can easily become like any other third-world country. Few have any real democracy. Many have Dictatorships that have proven to be suppressive and harsh regarding people.

The other fear is that one candidate has stated we are no longer a Christian Nation, but one that is Christian, Jewish, Buddhist and Muslim… If we have any sense of Biblical History and Prophecy, there is a sufficient basis for thinking in terms of End-Times! In Romans 16:17-18 (NLT) we read: “Watch out for people who cause divisions and upset people's faith by teaching things that are contrary to what you have been taught. Stay away from them. Such people are not serving Christ our Lord; THEY ARE SERVING THEIR OWN PERSONAL INTERESTS. BY SMOOTH TALK AND GLOWING WORDS THEY DECEIVE INNOCENT PEOPLE.” And then Verse 19 in The Message, “…I want you also to be smart, making sure every good thing is the real thing. Don't be gullible in regard to smooth-talking evil.” In the time and moment when we least expect it (a) the antichrist will appear and wreak havoc in the nations, and (b) The Lord Jesus Christ will descend with a shout, the trumpet-call will sound, and we will be caught up to be with the Lord forever.

From My Perspective - - -

A trite expression that has often been used and heard is: “By hook or by crook!” In the midst of suggested and/or possible meaning, this phrase generally suggests: “By any means possible – fair or foul.” This tactic is becoming more obvious in the current political campaigns. It is an “anything goes” approach from Voter Registration matters, to denigration of one’s family and background, to voter registration fraud, etc. Now we are returning to yesteryear as race issues are once again surfacing in this quest to win an election “by hook or by crook.”

Over this past weekend, Georgia Congressman John Lewis said that the negative tone of the McCain-Palin campaign reminds him of the 1960s when Governor George Wallace fostered a hateful atmosphere in Alabama. Lewis stated that John McCain and Sarah Palin are "sowing the seeds of hatred and division, and there is no need for this hostility in our political discourse." Then the back peddling begins ... later on Saturday night, Lewis tried to say that he did not intend to compare McCain-Palin to George Wallace. But – the “damage” was done and retractions serve to underscore the inaccurate assertion that was part of his original thesis. The theory is that “any time that you can make Barack Obama appear to be the victim of his race, that makes Republicans, John McCain, Sarah Palin racists.”

Patrick J. Buchanan recently wrote a column that fuels the racial tension and flames yet again. He stated: “Barack says we need to have a conversation about race in America. Fair enough. But this time, it has to be a two-way conversation. White America needs to be heard from, not just lectured to… “This time, the Silent Majority needs to have its convictions, grievances and demands heard. And among them are these: First, America has been the best country on earth for black folks. It was here that 600,000 black people, brought from Africa in slave ships, grew into a community of 40 million, were introduced to Christian salvation, and reached the greatest levels of freedom and prosperity blacks have ever known. Second, no people anywhere has done more to lift up blacks than white Americans. Untold trillions have been spent since the '60s on welfare, food stamps, rent supplements, Section 8 housing, Pell grants, student loans, legal services, Medicaid, Earned Income Tax Credits and poverty programs designed to bring the African-American community into the mainstream.

“However, governments, businesses and colleges have engaged in discrimination against whites - with affirmative action, contract set-asides and quotas - to advance black applicants over white applicants. Churches, foundations, civic groups, schools and individuals all over America have donated their time and money to support soup kitchens, adult education, day care, retirement and nursing homes for blacks. We hear the grievances. Where Is The Gratitude?” is the critical question for our times. Even though there is always room for additional improvement, why is that ‘Gratitude’ is never part of the equation?”

From My Perspective - - -

From My Perspective - - -

Charlie Reese, a former columnist of the  Orlando  Sentinel Newspaper, has written: “Politicians are the only people in the world who create problems and then campaign against them. Have you ever wondered why, if both the Democrats and the Republicans are against deficits, we have deficits?

“Have you ever wondered why, if all the politicians are against inflation and high taxes, we have inflation and high taxes? You and I don't propose a federal budget. The president does. You and I don't have the Constitutional authority to vote on appropriations. The House of Representatives does. You and I don't write the tax code, Congress does. You and I don't set fiscal policy, Congress does. You and I don't control monetary policy, the Federal Reserve Bank does.

“One hundred senators, 435 congressmen, one president, and nine Supreme Court justices  545 human beings out of the 300 million  are directly, legally, morally, and individually responsible for the domestic problems that plague this country.

“I excluded the members of the Federal Reserve Board because that problem was created by the Congress. In 1913, Congress delegated its Constitutional duty to provide a sound currency to a federally chartered, but private, central bank.

“I excluded all the special interests and lobbyists for a sound reason. They have no legal authority. They have no ability to coerce a senator, a congressman, or a president to do one thing. I don't care if they offer a politician $1 million dollars in cash. The politician has the power to accept or reject it. No matter what the lobbyist promises, it is the legislator's responsibility to determine how he votes. Those 545 human beings spend much of their energy convincing you that what they did is not their fault.  

“They cooperate in this common con regardless of party. What separates a politician from a normal human being is an excessive amount of gall. No normal human being would have the gall of a Speaker, who stood up and criticized the President for creating deficits. The president can only propose a budget. He cannot force the Congress to accept it.

“The Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land, gives sole responsibility to the House of Representatives for originating and approving appropriations and taxes. Who is the speaker of the House? She is the leader of the majority party. She and fellow House members, not the president, can approve any budget they want. If the president vetoes it, they can pass it over his veto if they agree to. It seems inconceivable to me that a nation of 300 million cannot replace 545 people who stand convicted -- by present facts – of incompetence and irresponsibility. I can't think of a single domestic problem that is not traceable directly to those 545 people. When you fully grasp the plain truth that 545 people exercise the power of the federal government, then it must follow that what exists is what they want to exist.

“If the tax code is unfair, it's because they want it unfair. If the budget is in the red, it's because they want it in the red. If the Marines are in  IRAQ, it's because they want them in  IRAQ. If they do not receive social security but are on an elite retirement plan not available to the people, it's because they want it that way. There are no insoluble government problems.

“Do not let these 545 people shift the blame to bureaucrats, whom they hire and whose jobs they can abolish; to lobbyists, whose gifts and advice they can reject; to regulators, to whom they give the power to regulate and from whom they can take this power. Above all, do not let them con you into the belief that there exists disembodied mystical forces like ‘the economy,' 'inflation,' or 'politics' that prevent them from doing what they take an oath to do. Those 545 people, and they alone, are responsible. They, and they alone, have the power. They, and they alone, should be held accountable by the people who are their bosses  provided the voters have the gumption to manage their own employees. We should vote all of them out of office and clean up their mess!”

Consider these things with me - - - Remember another duty we have, namely, to PRAY for those who have the rule and authority over us, so that we can lead a quiet and peaceable life (I Timothy 2:1 through 4).

From My Perspective - - -

Because of the pervasiveness of Corruption, the FBI has it ranked Number 4 on their list of investigative priorities. Their priorities are: “1. Protect the United States from terrorist attack. 2. Protect the United States against foreign intelligence operations and espionage. 3. Protect the United States against cyber-based attacks and high-technology crimes. 4. Combat public corruption at all levels. 5. Protect civil rights. 6. Combat transnational and national criminal organizations and enterprises. 7. Combat major white-collar crime. 8. Combat significant violent crime. 9. Support federal, state, county, municipal, and international partners. 10. Upgrade technology to successfully perform the FBI's mission.”

Leading up to the 2006 Congressional Election, the mantra employed to remove the Republicans in favor of Democrats was – “There Is A Culture of Corruption in Washington.” That was successful in terms of the election – but then what? The Culture of Corruption is worse than ever. The words are apt that state: “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” Those who are charged with oversight have failed miserably in their task. We find that the Chairman of the Banking Committee has even been involved in a homosexual relationship with one whose failure in the Housing Market is beginning to be known. In some inexcusable way, those who have been involved in CORRUPTING the system are now charged with investigating the CORRUPTION, as well as having oversight of the distribution of more than $700 Billion Dollar funding to bailout (rescue) the very organizations where they have consistently looked the other way while continuing to receive Campaign Contributions from these same organizations.

The Scriptures have much to say about corruption. To illustrate – Galatians 6:8 states: “For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption…” and in II Peter 2:18-19, “For, speaking loud boasts (such as, “we’ll rid Washington of the Culture of Corruption”)… They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved.” That’s it in a nutshell – those enslaved to corruption will investigate corruption! Are you optimistic that anything meaningful and/or beneficial will result? Only the naïve would expect any remedy by the corrupt regarding corruption.

From My Perspective - - - 

Several years ago, a crusty US Senator Everett Dirksen from Illinois was known to have said: “A million here and a million there – soon we’ll be talking about real money.” One wonders what he might say if he was alive today.  A Billion here and a Billion there – soon it will be a Trillion or more.  In the midst of the government “bailout” (albeit they would like to use the word “rescue”), one of the benefactors of the Government’s Distribution of monies was the AIG Company (American International Group, Inc.). They became the recipients of $85 Billion Dollars). It is intriguing to see what they have done with some of that money in the midst of the financial and economic tsunami. The Press is reporting the following: “After government rescue, insurance firm AIG partied at swank resort”  The article states: “Days after federal officials agreed to an $85 billion bailout of American International Group, the insurance firm spent more than $440,000 for a corporate retreat at a swanky California resort. An invoice from the week-long getaway, a copy of which you'll find below, was obtained by the congressional panel that has been holding hearings this week about Wall Street collapses and executive excess. The late-September AIG gathering at the St. Regis Resort in Monarch Beach cost $443,343, according to the invoice. The six-figure sum covered hotel rooms, banquets, golf fees, and spa services at the resort south of Los Angeles.” What does out Government then do? They have extended this company an additional 38 Billion Dollars for the so-called “rescue”!

In today’s Wall Street Journal Opinion Page, the following “solution” is suggested for some of our nation’s woes (Commentary about the Presidential Debate on Tuesday): “The rarest coin in the realm now is confidence. Let us posit that John McCain and Barack Obama in their debate or at any given hour are doing next to nothing to raise confidence. They have company in their failure -- 533 other Members of Congress and one president. President Bush's approval rating hangs at 25%, nearly an unprecedented low. Congress's approval is at historic lows. A Rasmussen poll last weekend said nearly 60% of the public would chuck the entire Congress. The standard remedy for this in political systems everywhere is throw the bums out. In 2006's off-year congressional election, the American people threw out one set of Republican bums, and if current polls mean anything, replaced them with the Democrats' finest bums. Maybe it's time for Plan B. Mark down 2008 as the year that many large public and private institutions hit the wall. Suddenly, in different ways, they were manifestly failing. Why? Tuesday's presidential debate offered a glimpse. Amid the din of crashing banks in the U.S. and Europe and stumbling government efforts to plug the dikes, Barack Obama and John McCain airily promised to wave into life one grandiose solution after another for health insurance, Social Security, energy supplies and incomes. Do serious voters believe any of this?”

My Grandmother lived in our home until her death. She had many pithy statements she would share from time to time. One of them was: “Waste not – Want not!” What would happen within our government if that pithy statement was applied? What if earmarks and grants and foreign aide, etc. were greatly curtailed, reduced, or eliminated? Another parody that makes sense is: “If your outgo exceeds your income, your upkeep will be your downfall.” The Scriptures give practical teaching regarding finances. Among them is a passage from I Timothy 6:7-10 (The Message), “Since we entered the world penniless and will leave it penniless, if we have bread on the table and shoes on our feet, that's enough. But if it's only money these leaders are after, they'll self-destruct in no time. Lust for money brings trouble and nothing but trouble. Going down that path, some lose their footing in the faith completely and live to regret it bitterly ever after…”

Consider these things with me - - - Good and practical stewardship should be observed by us all. Our nation needs to return to sound principles and careful expenditures. We have become a nation and people of debt. We are at the point that debt-management is beyond our reach and financial disaster lurks at the threshold of our nation. Be diligent to follow sound financial management standards, and live within your means. Learn to save rather than to spend. God will supply for all our needs when we honor him as good stewards!

From My Perspective - - -

Political Campaigns are too long for most people… Three of the candidates in this election cycle are United States Senators who are receiving a current salary of $169,300.00 (with a standard increase of 2.5% during January of each year). According to the Government Research Service of the Library of Congress, the following is stated: “Congress is required by Article I, Section 6, of the Constitution to determine its own pay. Prior to 1969, Congress did so by enacting stand-alone legislation. From1789 through 1968, Congress raised its pay 22 times using this procedure. Congressional salaries initially were $1,500. By 1968, they had risen to $30,000.” Is it any wonder that the humorist of an earlier day, Will Rogers, observed: “This is the best Congress money can buy”! Another similar attribution to this humorist is: “Be thankful we’re not getting all the government we’re paying for.”

We ought to be grateful there have been only 3 Presidential Debates scheduled and one Vice-Presidential Debate (there remain two more as of this writing). It’s what one does when observing a debate that is important – not the least of which is to listen with alertness, objectiveness, and some modicum of intelligence. We have an obligation to listen and learn – not to the “talking points” or the after-debate “spin”! The Pastor’s Weekly Briefing makes the following comments and suggestions on: How To Watch A Debate… “The next two presidential debates are scheduled for October 7 In Nashville, Tennessee, and October 15 from Hempstead, New York. Millions of us will be watching — perhaps as many as 50 million in the United States alone. Do the debates make any difference? Do they change minds? How about yours? Alfred c. Snider, a professor for 25 years at the University of Vermont on the subject of Presidential Campaign Rhetoric, clarified the issue this way: "The race is about what masses of other people think. The Debate should be used to try and determine what you think." Mr. Johnson outlined the following observations that he had gleaned from experts,,,

• Listen actively. Switch from a passive mode to a learning mode. Pay attention.
• Focus on substance not style. It is not so much how they look and how they sound as it is the clarity of their plans and positions.
• Ignore subtle and disruptive behavior. You have seen candidates twist questions to the point that no answer is ever really given. You need to listen for a response that represents your questions.
• Keep an open mind. Sometimes one finds himself/herself wanting the debaters to say what we want them to say and discounting the other person, even if he or she makes sense. Do you? Does your  political bias get in the way.
• Turn off the TV when the debate is over - "the spin zone and post-debate analysis are designed to influence you. Make up your own mind."
• Take some notes. Give your own grade. Be objective. Weigh the significance of the issues. The polls are for the masses — the debate is for you as a God-Assigned Influencer.

In the Acts 26 debate, Paul was right — Agrippa was confused. Paul stated: "What i am saying is true and reasonable" (Acts 26:25). King Agrippa replied: "Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?" (Acts 26:28). The image of the King and the posture he assumed he should maintain prevented him from thinking “outside the box”! There must be a willingness and readiness to be persuaded by the truth and reality.

Consider these things with me – and – remember to implement I Peter 2:13-17, “Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake, whether to the king as supreme, or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men…Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.” Let us never forget that: “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs  14:34).

From My Perspective - - -

From My Perspective - - -

There is growing evidence that our nation is becoming more litigious-oriented in recent times. The number of “Judge…Shows” on television is just a small indicator that serves as a commentary on the times in which we live and the things for which one has the sense and desire to “sue” (litigate against) someone else. Sometimes there is legitimacy in such actions, but many times it is frivolous and a form of retaliation against another individual or organization. The following are two diverse thoughts to illustrate our times - - -

First: It is interesting that in the midst of the political and economic issues in our nation, a headline on the webpage of Fox News indicates a lawsuit that is religious in nature against the President of the United States. The Headline reads (Madison, Wisconsin: Friday, October 3^rd): “Atheists Sue President Over National Prayer Day”… The article states the following: “The nation's largest group of atheists and agnostics is suing President Bush, the governor of Wisconsin and other officials over the federal law designating a National Day of Prayer. The Freedom From Religion Foundation based in Madison sued Friday in U.S. District Court, arguing that the President's mandated proclamations calling on Americans to pray violates a constitutional ban on government officials endorsing religion.” This group allows that: “The day of prayer, held each year on the first Thursday of May, creates a hostile environment for nonbelievers, who are made to feel as if they are political outsiders…” The Presidential Proclamation issued in 2007 is mild and innocuous. It “…asked God's blessings on our country and called for Americans to observe the day with appropriate programs, ceremonies and activities.” It would be interesting to see this group of Atheists and Agnostics focus – in a non-litigious way - on other issues.

Second: An area of unconcern and neglect pertains to the number of prisoners in our jails and penitentiaries, along with the ancillary needs of the families of those incarcerated. A recent report indicates, “The United States has less than 5 percent of the world's population. But it has almost 25 percent of the world's prisoners…Criminologists and legal scholars in other industrialized nations say they are mystified and appalled by the number and length of American prison sentences. The United States has…2.3 million criminals behind bars, more than any other nation…China, which is four times more populous than the United States, is a distant second, with 1.6 million people in prison. (That number excludes hundreds of thousands of people held in administrative detention, most of them in China's extrajudicial system of re-education through labor)…The United States comes in first, too, on a more meaningful list from the prison studies center… It has 751 people in prison or jail for every 100,000 in population. (If you count only adults, one in 100 Americans is locked up.) The only other major industrialized nation that even comes close is Russia, with 627 prisoners for every 100,000 people. The others have much lower rates. England's rate is 151; Germany's is 88; and Japan's is 63. The median among all nations is about 125, roughly a sixth of the American rate.”

Summation: Many Atheists and Agnostics are among the more intelligent and brilliant people in our nation. It is surprising that they would subject themselves to being placed under a Biblical observation and the indicting words, namely: (Psalm 14:1) “The fool says in his heart, There is no God…” And then, there is the other consideration of those incarcerated for various crimes. The Biblical recommendation/mandate is, Hebrews 13:3 where we read: “Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated...” The context would suggest these are the persecuted, etc. but a principle for care and outreach toward all is also there.

Consider these things with me - - - Be a person who prays always!  Be a person of compassion for those who have erred along the way. Perhaps your Prayer, Care and Compassion would be the turning point for some wandering or searching soul. God will honor such concern – rewarding you with blessing, and His own Great Name with Glory.

From My Perspective - - -

One of the wiser Financial Consultants in the country is Dave Ramsey. Following are his remarks and ideas about the current State of the Economy in the United States. Consider some of his observations regarding the economy and the bailout debate by the U.S. Congress  - - -

“Over the past month, we’ve witnessed the largest bankruptcy in history, the stock market dropping like a rock, and the talking heads on TV freaking out that the world is coming to an end. I’m here to tell you the truth—we’re going to make it. We’re going to be fine. Take a chill pill. This month I’ve compiled some of the most-asked questions I’ve gotten recently from you:

“Are we okay, Dave?

“Definitely. Remember Enron and WorldCom in the recent years? We survived that. But much worse than all this was the financial crisis of the ‘80s – S&L collapse and 1,000 bank failures in 2 years. We’re nowhere near this type of thing; that was probably 50 to 100 times worse than all of this.

“What does all of this come back to?

“Greedy banks financing homes to broke people. It all seemed to work okay in their minds when the economy was booming, but when the economy slowed a little bit broke people quit paying on their sub-prime mortgages…No wonder they went out of business. Stupid decisions.

“Is there anything we can do to fix this bailout mess?

“YES! Here's a quick summary: Companies that had billions in sub-prime loans were feeling the effects of their stupid decision to make those loans in the first place, and practically gave them away for pennies on the dollar. But since no one wants these loans, and they've had to mark them down to market value, it has frozen the market. If we temporarily change the rule that forces companies to do that, that will free the market up. This is an absolutely huge deal, and it involves everyone getting in touch with their congress person before we spend hundreds of billions of dollars that we don't need to!

“Will the collapse of businesses and banks affect me?

“No, not unless you work there. Thousands of stock brokers on Wall Street have lost their jobs in the past few weeks, but that happens in other industries across the country in good and bad times. This time it just happened in NYC where all the national news media is so they made a big deal of it.

“If I have 401(k) money in a Merrill Lynch or AIG trading account, should I move the money elsewhere?

“No. Your money isn’t with them; your 401(k) money is in the stocks. These big companies are just managers (unless you directly own stock in their company). Look at it this way—if I owned 6 rental properties and hired a management company that eventually failed, I would still own the properties; I just wouldn’t have a manager.

“Should I sell my US stocks to buy gold and foreign stocks?

“Absolutely not! Why would you think foreign stocks are any better than US stocks?”

Consider these things with me - - - and remember that our trust and confidence is never to be in temporal things – “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.” Matthew 6:19 through 34 is still viable and to be embraced and applied by each of us. So do not be unduly anxious but continue to “Seek FIRST the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things (what you need to eat, drink, wear) will be added to you!”  That’s God’s commitment to us and the true bottom line is He can be trusted because He has never failed – and never will. A closing remark by Dave Ramsey states: “Remain calm, America. We’re in a slow time, but just pay your bills and you’re going to be fine.” We should add: Keep looking to the Author and Finisher of your faith - - - He alone will see you through each and every crisis.

From My Perspective - - -

Howie Mandel has taken a “no-brainer” concept for a Game Show and popularized it to a leading prime-time program. There is currently a daily format as well. The simple idea is to guess which case out of 26 contains one million dollars. The concept is not dissimilar to an earlier program with Monty Hall called Lets Make A Deal. Both programs are based on the gambling instincts of people and/or the greed principle. With one program, guess the case with the Million Dollars; with the other, choose Door Number1, Number 2, or Number 3 for the big prize of day!

As we hear the news headlines of the past several days, the United States Economy is in jeopardy. It is difficult to determine the depths of it because of the prolonged period of Deficit Spending that has gone on for years. Now, the key word is “Bail-Out” companies that have been mismanaged and/or misrepresented the true worth of the particular company. Some name companies that have failed in recent years include Global Crossing, Enron, Adelphia, and Worldcom. Currently, everything from Investment Centers to Banks to Major Corporations with Bankruptcy and/or Closure! Overnight, Bank Regulators closed one of the largest banks in the nation – Washington Mutual – and the assets were taken over by JP Morgan. The Congress of the United States believes the solution is to obligate the nation for 700 billion dollars to bail out Mortgage Holders and other businesses. While the nation is focused on the much bigger picture of the economy, the House of Representatives approved a 25 Billion Dollar for the Automotive Industry (with promise of additional relief next week). There was the $85 Billion for AIG. Pick the case for the Million Dollar Jackpot. Is the Big Deal behind Door Number 1, Number 2, or Number 3?

Receiving little notice are some religious broadcasters who are appealing for funds in a very clever but erroneous way. The erroneous appeal is to SOW SEED (Money). Some ask for the Seed Money of $100.00, although it is usually $1,000.00. In a very convincing but erroneous way, they suggest that you cannot receive your harvest unless you plant your seed (money). The idea is to send your money to those soliciting the seed. The appeal is that if you do so THE BOAZ ANOINTING will be reciprocated in your behalf. An Evangelist named Mike Murdock has popularized this erroneous approach. He explains it as: Anointed Numbers (and a Boaz Anointing)- “The reason I’m praying for 70 is that number is a anointing number under Moses, And God said whoever the 70 people are that respect your mantle, that respect your anointing, Moses every time I bless you I’ll bless them. What I’m asking God to do is every time He blesses Mike Murdock he blesses you, every time he gives me a financial idea he gives you one. Every time he silences the Devil for me, He’ll silence an enemy for you. Every time God heals my son, He heals yours. That’s a Boaz anointing (according to Murdock), the anointing you respect is the anointing that grows in your life.”

However, the story of Boaz and Ruth is a very tender one pertaining to Love and Redemption. Boaz was a very wealthy man who lived in Bethlehem. When Naomi returned to Bethlehem with Ruth, her widowed daughter-in-law, she sent her into the fields of Boaz to glean. Boaz learned that Ruth's deceased husband was a distant relative of his. He acted kindly towards Ruth and instructed his farm workers to leave extra sheaves of barley for her to gather. Ruth had another relative of her late husband who was closer than Boaz. By law, the other relative was obligated to marry her, as stated in Deuteronomy 25:5 through 10. Boaz confronted the other relative with this law, and after the relative refused to marry Ruth, Boaz agreed to marry her, and to buy the estate of her deceased husband. After they were married, Ruth had a son named Obed, who became the father of Jesse, who became the father of David.

From My Perspective - - -

From My Perspective - - -

There is a wide range of potential and possibility in terms of human behavior. In practical understanding, we have all experienced events that have made us very happy as well as those that have brought great sadness. For instance, Marriage is usually a time of great joy and happiness whereas Divorce is a time of considerable sadness, hurt and bitter exchanges. Max Lucado writes in his book – The Applause of Heaven, “…Unfaithfulness is wrong. Revenge is bad. But the worst part of all is that, without forgiveness, bitterness is all that is left. The state of your heart dictates whether you harbor a grudge or give grace, seek self-pity or seek Christ, drink human misery or taste God’s mercy…”

Bitterness and Anger start out when one has the desire to inflict some kind of affliction upon another. This falls into the category of revenge. In fact, the word “revenge” means: “To inflict punishment in return for (injury or insult); to seek or take vengeance for…” The word “bitterness” has varied meanings and among them are: “Proceeding from or exhibiting strong animosity; Resulting from or expressive of severe grief; anguish, or disappointment; Marked by resentment or cynicism…” And the word “anger” includes this meaning: “A strong passion or emotion of displeasure or antagonism, excited by a real or supposed injury or insult to one's self or others, or by the intent to do such injury…” The Synonyms for “Anger” include: Resentment; wrath; rage; fury; passion; ire gall; indignation; displeasure; vexation; grudge…”

These reactions to events in life can and will affect ones body, soul and spirit. While it may be aimed towards another, it impacts the individual giving expression to these emotions. There is a simmering within and it slowly comes to a boil – then – either by design or unexpectedly, there is a boiling over, an eruption, and like pus with an infected sore – it oozes and pours out. The Associated Press reported yesterday (September 19, 2008) about an incident of Road Rage in Baton Rouge, LA. The Headline indicates: “Mother, Son Arrested for Severe Road-Rage Beating of 70-Year-Old and contains the report: “A case of alleged road rage has landed a teenager and his mother behind bars. Police say 18-year-old Eric…was arrested after he severely beat up a 70-year-old man. They also say he had some help. The teen's 53-year-old mother, Rhonda…, was also arrested…Witnesses say the victim was hit so hard that his teeth were knocked out and he had to get about 40 stitches in his upper lip. Both the teenager and his mother have been booked on charges of second-degree battery.”

In an interesting article about the Causes Of Road Rage, the following is stated: “Another attitude that drivers tend to have is temper. More than 80% of drivers are angry all or most of the time while driving. When people get angry, they lose their sense of judgment and values and let their instincts take control. This is especially bad while driving under tense situations. The tempered driver becomes upset over the littlest driving mistake made by another driver. They then react against that driver in an aggressive way, leading to a more harsh situation. If all drivers would be aware of their attitudes, then there might be less cases of road rage…” If this thesis is correct, namely, “80% of drivers are angry all or most of the time while driving”, it means four out of five drivers on the roads are ticking time bombs that can explode at the slightest perceived or actual incident/provocation.

Consider these things with me, as well as - - - the Word of God includes the following instructions for ones behavior and good, namely, Ephesians 4:29-32 (NLT), “Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. And do not bring sorrow to God's Holy Spirit by the way you live…Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of malicious behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” This can be our reality if we make room for the Triune God in our lives. Let’s try it! I’m certain we will like it and be better for it!

From My Perspective - - -

The financial news of the past few days has not been positive for many. Large Companies being absorbed by others; Brokerage houses Bankrupt; Insurance Company receiving an 85 Billion Dollar Government infusion of cash; Housing Markets in disarray and being essentially taken over by the Government; etc. Someone either wisely or caustically asked: Who’s Going To Bail Out The Government?

There is also a crisis in our Government. Polls indicate only 14% of the population have any confidence in the Congress, and 31% have confidence in the President. The news headlines state what most do best, namely, Blame Someone Else. But in this time of finger-pointing and blaming of others, the lives of average people are being impacted from the essentials of life to the credit markets. The Pastor’s Weekly Briefing summarizes: “The newspapers across America all have headlines detailing accounts of a staggering economy. Reports verify Seven Hundred Billion Dollars of investor money has been wiped out in just one week. You add to all of that the impact of the recent Hurricane Ike that hit the gulf coast and the train wreck in California. Unless you have endured one of these natural events, or had opportunity to visit the site of one of these devastated areas, it is nearly impossible to know what the folks who have been affected are going through.”