GraceUncovered

Authors home articles Gracelife

GRACE BLOGS COLLECTION

Not Just the Election, It’s the (mis)Direction

by

magician-showing-trick-with-playing-cards-900

I sometimes get the feeling that I'm watching an illusionist entertain his audience with the art of misdirection.

I admit that I've always been a fan of those "magicians" who amazed us with the impossible. We all went away shaking our heads, but knowing that we had been handled. We knew that somehow the illusionist had misdirected our attention enough to suggest he had done magic. What is going on in our land is not a harmless magic show. We are being handled, but not by an artist simply wanting to entertain. The spin of political strategist and fake news of biased media are designed to direct our attention away from what's really happening.

Voting for a Person, Not a Party

For instance, it is easy to make elections simply about the candidate. Some people even pride themselves in their bipartisanship proclaiming, "I don't vote for the party. I vote for the person."

It's healthy to be open minded and uncontrolled by a political party. But such a view can reduce the election to what we like or don't like about the individual candidate and end up having a beauty contest, while the direction of the country veers toward destruction.

For the critically lazy, the candidate can become be the only issue. Political strategists aim at those who won't take the time to examine what's really at stake. In our world of spin, a naive person will be a pawn.

Illusionists don't want close examination. They want to define and impose their definition of reality on us while we enjoy the show.

Skepticism can be healthy -- however, cynicism is deadly. While the skeptic demands evidence to make up his mind, the cynic refuses to consider evidence that might change his mind. When cynics discuss or debate there is only accusation -- no genuine exchange of ideas, no greater appreciation of truth.

Sadly, we have a growing number of lazy cynics posing as spokespersons for philosophical assumptions -- assumptions that need close examination. The illusionists don't want close examination. They want to define and impose their definition of reality on us while we enjoy the show. I encourage a vibrant skepticism. Ask the hard questions and demand evidence for what is reported to you.

Looking 20 Years Down the Road

The upcoming 2020 election is immensely important. The issue is not Donald Trump and his personal legacy vs. the pool of Democrats trying to vindicate their accusations while vying to be the opposing candidate. At stake is the direction of the country morally, politically and spiritually. We must ask a directional question: Where will this path take us 10-20 years down the road?

Help us champion truth, freedom, limited government and human dignity. Support The Stream >>

Right now, the economy is doing well. We all know that could change because of factors outside our control. We can't just sit back and enjoy a robust economy, expecting it to continue unabated. Socialism is being touted as the way of the future. It offers government-provided solutions to every material need. But look at the societies that have adopted socialist tendencies and see where they are 20 years later. Can you see tax rates of 70%-90% in the future? Are you sure that only the wealthy will pay while you live free?

Individual freedom and total self-autonomy is running the show now. The future for that is anarchy. We love freedom, but in the past, we knew that it came at a high price with big responsibility. We built social structures to provide healthy boundaries for our liberty. These institutions are being marginalized now, and will be eliminated in the future. What will life be like without churches that proclaim the truth that is foundational to any and all flourishing? Do we want government-controlled universities where secularism alone can be taught? Do we want to eliminate the religious influence in hospitals, and health care?

Direction Leads to Destination

Political magicians have tried to focus our eyes on women's rights while innocent babies die. If we can legally kill a baby before and immediately after birth, shall we one day soon kill seniors immediately prior to and after economic productivity? We just won't be able to afford those who are a drag on our progressive march.

Direction leads to destination. Where shall we be in 10-20 years on the path promoted by progressive secularism?

Direction leads to destination. Where shall we be in 10-20 years on the path promoted by progressive secularism? We will have eliminated the effects of Judeo-Christian foundations. We will have abandoned an ethic based on spiritual realities and inserted a man-centered worldview that limits our hopes to what we humans can produce. Evil will no longer be identified and resisted. It will be reclassified as an option for those who choose to express themselves in whatever manner they like.

Remember! We are not watching a magic show enjoying how skillfully we are being misdirected. This is our lives and our future. We have great responsibility. It is too important to be distracted by Trump's tweets or Pelosi's pouting. We must keep our eyes on the issues that are setting the direction of our future.

Not Just the Election, It’s the (mis)Direction

by

I sometimes get the feeling that I'm watching an illusionist entertain his audience with the art of misdirection.

I admit that I've always been a fan of those "magicians" who amazed us with the impossible. We all went away shaking our heads, but knowing that we had been handled. We knew that somehow the illusionist had misdirected our attention enough to suggest he had done magic. What is going on in our land is not a harmless magic show. We are being handled, but not by an artist simply wanting to entertain. The spin of political strategist and fake news of biased media are designed to direct our attention away from what's really happening.

Voting for a Person, Not a Party

For instance, it is easy to make elections simply about the candidate. Some people even pride themselves in their bipartisanship proclaiming, "I don't vote for the party. I vote for the person."

It's healthy to be open minded and uncontrolled by a political party. But such a view can reduce the election to what we like or don't like about the individual candidate and end up having a beauty contest, while the direction of the country veers toward destruction.

For the critically lazy, the candidate can become be the only issue. Political strategists aim at those who won't take the time to examine what's really at stake. In our world of spin, a naive person will be a pawn.

Illusionists don't want close examination. They want to define and impose their definition of reality on us while we enjoy the show.

Skepticism can be healthy -- however, cynicism is deadly. While the skeptic demands evidence to make up his mind, the cynic refuses to consider evidence that might change his mind. When cynics discuss or debate there is only accusation -- no genuine exchange of ideas, no greater appreciation of truth.

Sadly, we have a growing number of lazy cynics posing as spokespersons for philosophical assumptions -- assumptions that need close examination. The illusionists don't want close examination. They want to define and impose their definition of reality on us while we enjoy the show. I encourage a vibrant skepticism. Ask the hard questions and demand evidence for what is reported to you.

Looking 20 Years Down the Road

The upcoming 2020 election is immensely important. The issue is not Donald Trump and his personal legacy vs. the pool of Democrats trying to vindicate their accusations while vying to be the opposing candidate. At stake is the direction of the country morally, politically and spiritually. We must ask a directional question: Where will this path take us 10-20 years down the road?

Help us champion truth, freedom, limited government and human dignity. Support The Stream >>

Right now, the economy is doing well. We all know that could change because of factors outside our control. We can't just sit back and enjoy a robust economy, expecting it to continue unabated. Socialism is being touted as the way of the future. It offers government-provided solutions to every material need. But look at the societies that have adopted socialist tendencies and see where they are 20 years later. Can you see tax rates of 70%-90% in the future? Are you sure that only the wealthy will pay while you live free?

Individual freedom and total self-autonomy is running the show now. The future for that is anarchy. We love freedom, but in the past, we knew that it came at a high price with big responsibility. We built social structures to provide healthy boundaries for our liberty. These institutions are being marginalized now, and will be eliminated in the future. What will life be like without churches that proclaim the truth that is foundational to any and all flourishing? Do we want government-controlled universities where secularism alone can be taught? Do we want to eliminate the religious influence in hospitals, and health care?

Direction Leads to Destination

Political magicians have tried to focus our eyes on women's rights while innocent babies die. If we can legally kill a baby before and immediately after birth, shall we one day soon kill seniors immediately prior to and after economic productivity? We just won't be able to afford those who are a drag on our progressive march.

Direction leads to destination. Where shall we be in 10-20 years on the path promoted by progressive secularism?

Direction leads to destination. Where shall we be in 10-20 years on the path promoted by progressive secularism? We will have eliminated the effects of Judeo-Christian foundations. We will have abandoned an ethic based on spiritual realities and inserted a man-centered worldview that limits our hopes to what we humans can produce. Evil will no longer be identified and resisted. It will be reclassified as an option for those who choose to express themselves in whatever manner they like.

Remember! We are not watching a magic show enjoying how skillfully we are being misdirected. This is our lives and our future. We have great responsibility. It is too important to be distracted by Trump's tweets or Pelosi's pouting. We must keep our eyes on the issues that are setting the direction of our future.

The post Not Just the Election, It’s the (mis)Direction appeared first on The Stream.

God’s Advice to the Nations

by

Pro Abortion Antifa Destruction Protesters Ayatollah Khamenei Iran Berkeley FIre - 900

The second Psalm is often quoted by the writers of the New Testament. It contains, in a very short form, the best advice ever given to the nations of the world. It captures the turmoil of the nations trying to find a way to make life work. There is hostility, tyranny, scheming, and endless debate. It sure sounds a lot like our times. Take time to read it:

Why do the nations rage and the people plot in vain?

and the kings of the earth set themselves,

and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against his anointed, saying,

"Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us." -Psalms 2:1-3

Nations Can Honor God Without Violating the Liberty of Conscience.

The lie of secularism is that to ensure personal freedom of choice, God and all standards of order that have been recognized by religion must be eliminated. The truth is that order has been evident well before religion recognized it. It is not necessary for everyone to personally ascribe to religious doctrines for social structures to operate by the laws of order. It has been plain since the beginning:

For what can be know about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. -Romans 1:19-20

The idea that everything contained in religion must be jettisoned for there to be objectivity, is silly. It makes God laugh.

He who sits in the heavens laughs;

The Lord holds them in derision. -Psalms 2:4

Godless Leaders Scheme, Based on Speculations From Impaired Thoughts

All sane people recognize that there is some problem with humanity. Different religions have different diagnoses, but all agree that there needs to be a solution for whatever ails mankind. The God of the Bible, the Lord of Israel, the Father of Jesus, the Judge of the whole earth, says that humans are fallen.

Given the choice to trust God explicitly or lean in to the serpent's lie, the first pair fell from their exalted state and became alienated from God. Filled with fear and shame, they hid from God, and the race has been trying to find a way back to the peace and prosperity of Eden ever since.

In the unredeemed state, humans are self-obsessed and often illogical. Having rejected the "logos" (word) of God, which enables us to think logically, they constantly contradict themselves and think illogically to false conclusions. They propose that we can free ourselves by casting off the boundaries of divine design, blind to the fact that it is slavery to sin's deception which drives such thinking. The freedom they fantasize about is nothing short of anarchy and chaos.

Help us champion truth, freedom, limited government and human dignity. Support The Stream >>

With no restraints, human depravity destroys the dreams of everyone. Ideologues plot ways to categorize people to control them. Identity politics is just the latest iteration of that failed scheme. When the various categories are vying for first place in the victimization race, hostility produces a revolutionary temper.

Persistent Presumption Brings Destruction

When all transcendent restraints are mocked, chaos is the only possible result. Historically, the solution has been tyranny. Some would-be savior steps in to bring order, and subjugates people to his or her whims.

At first there is relief, but it soon turns to disillusionment. Remember that many thought the communism first proposed by Russia would be the way of the future. Then we saw its deception bring death to millions. It is a terrible judgment when the Lord of creation gives fallen man what he demands.

Then he will speak to them in is wrath and terrify them in his fury, saying, "As for me, I have set my King on Zion, my holy hill." -Psalms 2:5-6

God Has Acted to Establish a Nation of True Liberty

The human problem was solved by God becoming a human and doing whatever was necessary to reconcile humans to himself. His Son is established as king over all. He paid the price to restore humanity to its original intent. He, the Son of man, is now ruling from the right hand of the Father.

Those who "kiss the Son" are bowing in reverence to him, submitting to his order and finding the liberty the human heart has desired since that fatal fall in Eden. It is foolish to neglect or reject the king whom God set in place to rule the nations. It is freeing to know that we can again be partners with him in ruling the earth.

Now therefore, O kings, be wise;

Be warned, O rulers of the earth.

Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling.

Kiss the Son, lest he be angry and you perish in the way,

for his wrath is quickly kindled.

Blessed are all who take refuge in him. -Psalms 2:10-12

Good advice!

A Plea for Good Shepherds

by

Helping Hand for crowd Shepherd Leader - 900

The leaders of God's people in the Old Testament are called shepherds. They are commissioned to protect the sheep and lead them to nourishment. The sheep, in turn, produce the wool that contributes to the flourishing of the family and society. In the New Testament, Jesus calls himself the "good shepherd" (John 10:11). He demonstrated what true leadership looks like. Since his ascension to the right hand of the Father, he works through his delegated and empowered leaders to equip his people (sheep) (Ephesians 4:11-16). When these shepherds neglect their calling or confuse their assignment, the sheep are confused and malnourished. They are vulnerable to the wolves.

The Dangers of Wolves

Both shepherds and wolves love sheep. The wolves love them to consume. They use the sheep for their own purpose. They care more about what the sheep provide for them than they do for the sheep. Sadly, there are many wolves in shepherd's disguise. Too many leaders have been more interested in the acquisition of names and addresses, tithing units, seats in the pew, and donors than the wholeness of the sheep. Insecure people trying to shepherd have a hard time, because they tend to find their identity in the applause of the sheep rather than in the pleasure of their master.

When the angels appeared to shepherds at the time of Jesus' birth, they were appearing to the lowest rung of free society. Not even the best shepherd was invited into polite society. Just imagine a lowly shepherd trying to make a name for himself among those outside the shepherd community, or even more ridiculous trying to elevate his status by listening to the sheep praise him. Good shepherds get their pleasure in well-protected and well-equipped sheep who stay healthy enough to produce good wool. It is the owner's pleasure that matters.

"The world is too dangerous to live in -- not because of the people who do evil, but because of the people who sit and let it happen." -- Albert Einstein

Passive shepherds allow the wolves to devour the sheep. We must not be fooled into believing all the wolves died in Bible days. There are many voices trying to deceive and allure the vulnerable sheep. We suffer in a culture torn by "spin." The news we hear can't be trusted. Bias has become the norm. Walter Cronkite is dead, and so is trust in the Media, in the Congress, in the Presidency, and too often in the church. The sheep don't know where to find refreshing water and green grass. They are afraid to lie down beside still waters. The shepherds are busy with their own agendas while the wolves lick their chops. (The Stream seeks to be a place where sheep can come and get the news from trusted sources.)

Good Shepherds, Step Up and Lead

Step up, shepherds! Please!

Help us interpret the issues of our day from a Christian worldview. Abortion, immigration, freedom of conscience, and free speech are not just political issues to be left to the politicians. They are moral issues stemming from spiritual reality. Misunderstanding these issues is deadly. We need a trustworthy perspective that is above political parties. Don't just tell us to vote. Tell us why it is moral to vote. Don't tell us how to vote. Tell us how to think from a gospel-perspective. We can't spend all day researching all the issues. We have jobs and families. Lead us to good sources where we can learn to engage issues beyond talking points. We are grateful for the years of study you have invested in theology, philosophy, and political science. Please use it now to equip us to think, to believe, and to act as children of light facing a dark world.

Help us champion truth, freedom, limited government and human dignity. Support The Stream >>

Jim Denison in a recent blog quoted Albert Einstein. "The world is too dangerous to live in -- not because of the people who do evil, but because of the people who sit and let it happen."

Please, shepherds. Don't neglect your calling. Equip us. Mobilize us. Inspire us with truth and love. Our present lives and the future of our families are at stake.

It’s Always God’s Will To Shower You With Goodness

by

Do you believe God always has good intentions toward you? Some say they believe this, but then if they get a diagnoses of cancer they wrongly believe it must be God’s will – that He has a purpose in it all. Some say they believe this, but then when they get sick as a result […]

The post It’s Always God’s Will To Shower You With Goodness appeared first on Sandra McCollom.

Compulsive Introspection Is Neither Humble Nor Holy

by

Someone shared a sad story with me recently about a person we both know who is compulsively introspective. Another unfortunate part of the story is that this person has a large amount of influence over others and is teaching many others to live this same way. Since I value the power of prayer, myself and […]

The post Compulsive Introspection Is Neither Humble Nor Holy appeared first on Sandra McCollom.

How Does the Devil Fight?

by

ITALY - JULY 09: Venice, Accademia (Picture Gallery) Original sin, 1550-1553, by Jacopo Robusti known as Tintoretto (1519-1594), oil on canvas, 150x220 cm. (Photo by DeAgostini/Getty Images)

The very thought of spiritual warfare frightens some people. They seem to think of the devil as they do Santa Claus or the Easter rabbit. Reality is so much more comfortable if it's confined to what we can see, observe, and understand. But the New Testament makes no apology for defining a reality with spiritual forces at work. The Apostle Paul, writing to the people he loved in Corinth, stated his concern for their plight while facing doubts about spiritual authority.

But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. (2 Corinthians 11:3)

If we can ascertain how the serpent deceived Eve, we can gain insight in how to win in our battles with his attacks.

Basically, the serpent reinterpreted the circumstances in the Garden. There were many trees with fruit on them, matching all of Adam's and Eve's needs and tastes. There was another tree that was forbidden to them. You see, the good and sovereign God had created them out of the overflow of His love so that they could enjoy Him fully. They were partners with him on earth will full access to Him. Everything was an expression of his love. The trees offered satisfaction for every possible desire in the couple.

The tree in the midst of the garden offered them a special opportunity: If they would trust God without fully understanding why, they would taste the most delicious delicacy possible for humans: a trusting life together with the One is good, trustworthy, and had their best interests at heart. It would be like dessert after a great meal.

Now, look at how the serpent reinterpreted the circumstances. He implied that God was good, but not totally. "Sure, he has given you all the trees but has forbidden you to eat from some of them. He is holding back on you. His character is in question. He doesn't want you to be like him. He wants to keep you suppressed from your potential."

Too often we focus on our unpleasant circumstances and blame them on the devil. It is his distorted interpretation that should draw our attention. Don't get me wrong. He deceives people and thereby brings pain to others. So many of the horrendous things we do to each other come from deception, which incites weak and fearful people to act wickedly to protect themselves.

But the serpent is not sovereign. God has promised to work all things together for our good. (Romans 8:28) The devil is always suggesting an alternate interpretation of what is happening. If we listen, we will become bitter, fearful, angry, vengeful and cynical. Think of all the people you know who are now skeptical of church, government, family and even former friends. Many of them have been hurt according to a distorted interpretation of the events. Now they're isolated from the very means of their joy.

Let's review the truth as God has affirmed it.

God is good and sovereign. He is actively involved in the lives we are living. He is always seeking to do us good even when bad things happen.

The devil is real. He is constantly reinterpreting the circumstances in our lives to cast doubt on God's goodness and his rule. We have the responsibility to resist him and choose to believe the truth -- even when we don't fully understand.

God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and he will draw near to you. (James 4:6b-7)

How Does the Devil Fight?

by

ITALY - JULY 09: Venice, Accademia (Picture Gallery) Original sin, 1550-1553, by Jacopo Robusti known as Tintoretto (1519-1594), oil on canvas, 150x220 cm. (Photo by DeAgostini/Getty Images)

The very thought of spiritual warfare frightens some people. They seem to think of the devil as they do Santa Claus or the Easter rabbit. Reality is so much more comfortable if it's confined to what we can see, observe, and understand. But the New Testament makes no apology for defining a reality with spiritual forces at work. The Apostle Paul, writing to the people he loved in Corinth, stated his concern for their plight while facing doubts about spiritual authority.

But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. (2 Corinthians 11:3)

If we can ascertain how the serpent deceived Eve, we can gain insight in how to win in our battles with his attacks.

Basically, the serpent reinterpreted the circumstances in the Garden. There were many trees with fruit on them, matching all of Adam's and Eve's needs and tastes. There was another tree that was forbidden to them. You see, the good and sovereign God had created them out of the overflow of His love so that they could enjoy Him fully. They were partners with him on earth will full access to Him. Everything was an expression of his love. The trees offered satisfaction for every possible desire in the couple.

The tree in the midst of the garden offered them a special opportunity: If they would trust God without fully understanding why, they would taste the most delicious delicacy possible for humans: a trusting life together with the One is good, trustworthy, and had their best interests at heart. It would be like dessert after a great meal.

Now, look at how the serpent reinterpreted the circumstances. He implied that God was good, but not totally. "Sure, he has given you all the trees but has forbidden you to eat from some of them. He is holding back on you. His character is in question. He doesn't want you to be like him. He wants to keep you suppressed from your potential."

Too often we focus on our unpleasant circumstances and blame them on the devil. It is his distorted interpretation that should draw our attention. Don't get me wrong. He deceives people and thereby brings pain to others. So many of the horrendous things we do to each other come from deception, which incites weak and fearful people to act wickedly to protect themselves.

But the serpent is not sovereign. God has promised to work all things together for our good. (Romans 8:28) The devil is always suggesting an alternate interpretation of what is happening. If we listen, we will become bitter, fearful, angry, vengeful and cynical. Think of all the people you know who are now skeptical of church, government, family and even former friends. Many of them have been hurt according to a distorted interpretation of the events. Now they're isolated from the very means of their joy.

Let's review the truth as God has affirmed it.

God is good and sovereign. He is actively involved in the lives we are living. He is always seeking to do us good even when bad things happen.

The devil is real. He is constantly reinterpreting the circumstances in our lives to cast doubt on God's goodness and his rule. We have the responsibility to resist him and choose to believe the truth -- even when we don't fully understand.

God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and he will draw near to you. (James 4:6b-7)

You May Freely Eat! (podcast)

by

I am posting a message I did at The Gathering Place in Dyersburg, TN.  I believe this is one of the most important messages I have ever released.  Many people see God as being stingy, miserly and withholding. They see Him as angry and judgmental.  But He is not like that.  He is generous and rich in mercy.  The original temptation in the Garden of Eden was to get Eve to believe that God was withholding from her and Adam.  It’s the same way today.  We don’t believe that God is enough, so we go searching for more.

Click here to listen.

Categories

Recent Posts