" Always make a total effort, even when the odds are against you." Arnold Palmer

Good morning and welcome back. It's a privilege to be here again to get this back to work Monday off and running. With this mini heatwave we have going, I can tell you that the water meter and the A/C system are not off but both are running like there's no tomorrow. It is June 24, 2013 and as I so often say, it is what it is, so let's get on with it. What are the odds? We hear that often. I read where a dad and his 13 year old son here in our area both hit a hole in one on a local golf course. On Father's Day. What are the odds? The dad said someone told him it was 17 million to one. I saw a video clip of a fellow who is a devoted animal lover. He had captured a mouse and decided to set it free. He took it outside to the snow covered ground and coaxed the mouse to leave the trashcan holding it. Finally the mouse scoots out and takes off running. The man was very proud of what he did. After about thirty seconds they see the mouse running across the cul-de-sac and a huge hawk swoops down and grabs the little fellow with its claws. What are the odds? We have a friend who had this expression when things like that happen, "Oh well."

We hear a lot about high tech stuff today because our world is driven by it. God allowed us to develop these devices that essentially helps to define life here on the planet. We are not in the dark as it relates to the great evils that some perpetrate using technology. (Child pornography, identity theft, etc., etc.) At the same time we take note of scientific discovery that often leads to amazing results that greatly enhance the quality of life, and in many cases it is used to sustain life itself. The photo is of a little three year old who is the recipient of the first of its kind child brain stem implant that allowed him to hear. The picture shows him hearing his father's voice for the first time in his young life. Things like that make us thankful for those who have committed their talents and abilities to pursuing breakthroughs of this type. I know that many think it is pure science and nothing else. Sorry. I believe God provides and He is the giver of all good gifts. (See the letter written by James, Chapter 1, Verse 17.) Amen and Amen.

The challenge has always been to embrace the potential for good that comes with technological innovation while being steadfast and uncompromising in the fundamentals of our faith. I see folks nearly every day using technology to proffer their hate filled fuming and fussing. Some of this stuff goes way beyond the right of expression and our right to disagree with the direction, policy, and politics of one party or the other. Now don't laugh because it's not funny but many of these same folks sign off with a Bible verse and a logo about God's love. I would say doing those kinds of things is about as wrong as anything I can think of. Saddest of all, they actually believe that God supports what they are doing. Don't get me wrong. I am one who believes in being able to stand up for what you believe and to stand against that which you believe is detrimental to the spiritual well being of our nation. Within that construct we do not have a right as believers to hate those we disagree with. We are even commanded to love our enemies. And, as it relates to those in authority, the Apostle Paul made it crystal clear in his first letter written to his young helper instructing Timothy to tell the local fellowship of believers to make prayer for those holding government positions a first priority. A first priority. (1st Timothy Chapter 2, Verses 1-7) That letter, by the way, is in reality the very Word of the Living God spoken through His designated writer. Something for us all to think about, including me, myself, and I, on this brand new Monday. Amen.   ....More later.