Slow Vehicle on the Information Super Highway!

Welcome to Wednesday, July 9th. There are an estimated 100 million blogs out on the great information super highway that we call the internet. If only half of them are personal types of blogs like mine, that means there are 50 million folks clanging on their keyboards on some kind of schedule to provide information, news, and other tidbits for friends, family, and others who read their blogs. Yesterday I posted my 300th episode and it is mind boggling or mind blogging to consider just how much information is available these days. These numbers sound astronomical but when you consider that we are fast approaching 7 billion folks who populate the planet and it is estimated that only about 20% actively use the internet, the information highway could become much more crowded as we move forward. However, 20% is nothing to sneeze at when you consider that it reflects nearly a billion and one half people reading stuff like my blog.

North America has the largest penetration of access with 75% of our people with an ability to use the internet. But, because of our lower population, North America only accounts for about 17% of the worldwide internet usage. Yes, the Virgina Slims commercial which encouraged women to smoke had it right, in many ways, "We have come a long way, baby." However, whenever you consider how much internet traffic is generated by less than desirable types of materials and activities, we see there is both the potential for good and for evil. I am very thankful to have been able to use this forum for sharing my life with those who read my blog. I actually forward it each day to a total of 16 recipients. I know there are others in our local Church and some who have found it by accident who also read it from time to time. My purpose has been to encourage and give hope as we all make our way through this journey called life. Some might think me to be too preachy but I cannot deny who I am and my view of what I write about has been shaped by my relationship with Jesus Christ.

I do hope that no one who reads my blogs will ever think that I write what I do as someone who believes they have arrived, or that I live a happy go lucky life where there's always a parking spot that opens up next to the front door just as I drive by. No, I gladly confess that I am at best a fellow struggler who deals with many heartaches, pains, and challenges each and every day. I have found that this life can be tough and it mostly is tough. However, that doesn't mean we are without purpose or hope. The email I sent with my blog yesterday had this sentiment in its title: The Gospel: One beggar telling another beggar where to find the Bread of Life. In essence, that's what my 300 blogs have been about because that's what we as believers are called to do, share the Source of our strength with a lost and dying world. I actually know a handful of folks who have read all 300 of my blogs and I thank God for our connection as a result of this communication chain. I love good stories and I love to laugh. I hope some of what I have written has met both of these standards. My prayer is that God will use all that I do including this daily dialogue to encourage us all as we seek to please Him with the lives He has given to us. And, never forget what the title implies, it is after all what it is, "The View From Here." Have a great rest of the week and may God bless. Amen. ....More later.

God's Good News Always Trumps Any and All Bad News!

Welcome to Tuesday, July 8th. Those of you who read my blog much at all have most likely noticed that I dabble some in the study of history. My wife has often commented that perhaps I was maybe born at the wrong time since I focus so much on previous periods and events. I readily admit that dwelling on yesterdays can, if we are not careful in our balance, keep us from embracing the very present day which is only twenty four hours away from being a yesterday. At the same time, we are called upon by our great God to consider the facts of history and to evaluate how people acted and how they fared in terms of their relationship with Him. Just seventy six years ago today the Dow Jones Industrial Average hit its lowest point during the Great Depression, closing at 41.22. This was a horrific time of economic distress and the suicide rate increased from 14 deaths to 17 deaths per 100,000 in the population.

The American Great Depression by all accounts was a dismal ten years of struggle just to survive. Some are predicting a similar situation for our country as the economic engine continues to spit and sputter. There are already predictions that the current suicide rate will begin to increase as these economic hard times become even more so. I received an ominous email yesterday from a dear brother in Christ who is connected into the world's monetary trading markets. He had received some inside information from a source that shared the contents of some mailings going out from major European banks. Their news for their shareholders was chilling. Much of their warnings of more gloom and doom to come was directly connected to their concerns over the US economy. Of course the good news is that my Christian friend was able to put all this bad news into a good news context. I'll give you my summation of what his hopeful message was: God is still God and we are His very own, and no news, no matter how bad it might be is going to change that!

I didn't go through the Great Depression but I know people who did. I saw how my grandparents lived and how careful they were in making sure they didn't waste anything. I see that same care taken by my mom who was young at the time but she does remember how tough those times were. I noticed recently in the British press how the Prime Minister was calling upon his fellow citizens to stop wasting food, and how much could be saved if everyone would do a better job of conserving the resources consumed. My grandparents understood that. My mom understands that. They had the great reality of history itself to impress that upon their minds. Yet, you and I today would have to agree that using good judgment with regard to every area of our life in how we utilize the necessities we consume is not only good common sense, but doing so would be very much aligned with biblical principles. My friend who sent me the email made some excellent points regarding prophetic predictions from God's Word regarding how things will go just before the very end is ushered in. It is always appropriate to view all of history including current events in light of God's Word. In seeking God's Word we find God Himself in the Person of our Lord Jesus Christ and He is where we can find the hope we need to carry on, and the peace that surpasses our understanding. Don't lose heart or hope, don't look down, look up for our redemption draws near! Amen. .....More later.

Ain't It Good To Be Back In Your Routine Again?

Welcome back from your holiday break! Wake up and smell the coffee, it's Monday! I woke up at 3:25 a.m. and hit the floor, excited about the day, returning to work, and anxious to get on with this being the day that God has given, and in trying to be glad in it. I had a wonderful three days off and pretty much did exactly what I wanted to do. On Friday, the 4th, I did watch several hours of the series on the History Channel devoted to the Revolutionary War. I have seen it several times but was drawn to watching as much of it as I could. One thing I was so impressed with as I left off watching this depiction of our founding was just how absolutely improbable, it not impossible, to imagine that a rag tag Army of rebels could hold off the world's largest and best military force until finally the French supported our cause, and even after that, to go on and defeat this world's greatest military force and win independence, well it's just an overwhelming indication that God's hand was on this nation and in His providence we came into existence. Surely, even the casual observer who watches a series like I saw or reads the history of those days would conclude that Divine intervention must be a part of our American story! Amen.

I also did quite a bit of walking during my time off. It was done in the large shopping mall where my wife works. I need to do about 30 minutes of brisk walking every day but with my work schedule and the knee surgery and my condition, and all the other excuses I could throw into the mix, I've really not been able to do this as often as I should. But I did each of the last three days and the soreness I feel proves that the feeble attempts I have made in the past have added little in the way of conditioning to my muscles. Walking in the mall is a blast because of being able to observe people. People are the funniest creatures on the face of the earth. Now that I am closing in on my fighting weight of 150 pounds, it's real easy to see how many overweight folks there are all around, especially as I walk briskly in the mall, just like the news reports talk about all the time. However, I have to be reminded that just one year ago I was right in there with them, 195 pounds strong, with a fist full of french fries in one hand, and a triple scoop of Blue Bell ice cream in the other. No one likes a "reformed" habit kicker who goes around pontificating about how bad everyone else is. I can tell you, it is a temptation to become critical but as the old cliche goes, "There but for the grace of God, go I." Amen.

My past three days were really great. I spent time being thankful for and reflecting on our great country. I did some bodily exercise that according to the Apostle Paul is profitable but I also did some of what he said was eternally profitable. That was the study of God's word in preparing a lesson for Sunday. I also spent some time with our middle son and his family. I attended services on what our brother John, the Apostle, called, the Lord's day. (see The Revelation of Jesus Christ, Chapter 1). I visited with my mom on the telephone each day. I talked with my other sons. I watched my guy lose the NASCAR race in the final few laps on Saturday evening. I was able, as provided for by God's goodness and grace, to do pretty much exactly what I wanted to do. Now I ask you one more time, is this a great country or what? And, do we know and serve a great God or what? Amen. Enjoy a wonderful week! .........More later.

Happy 232nd Birthday to the Land I Love!

Have a blessed 4th of July and may God bless America! Amen. ...More later.

So much to be thankful for, and so much to fight for!

Go ahead and rejoice because this is the only Thursday we have at this very moment! Since I have been on the subject of our nation's birthday, I wanted to share an excerpt from the diary of Edmund Gale from Salem, Massachusetts, who was a soldier during the Revolutionary War. Here is an entry from December of 1780, that caught my eye: Monday 4. Marched from thence & the baggage having arrived at the Point, pitched tent. on a hill 2 miles N. W. from West Point. Tuesday [5] This day built chimnies to our tents. Gen'l. Glover's & Lieut. Learneds Brigade in barracks at the Point. Paterson's in hutts which the Yorkers yesterday left, being ordered to Albany for several days. Part of the levies have been discharged.Through the whole campaign, I have enjoyed an uninterrupted state of health, notwithstanding the many inconveniences we have necessarily been subjected to--for which I desire to bless and praise God's holy name whose mercy is great above the Heavens & beg him to give me new resolution to devout my spared life to his service & I do pray God to grant me wisdom and strength to conduct in such a manner as shall be well pleasing in his sight & that he would keep & preserve me in every time of danger & difficulties, that I may glorify him in body & spirit, while in this life & if it shall be His holy will, see these United States free & independent & my friends & relations in peace & safety to rejoice with them, & above all, be brought to the full enjoyment of God in his Heavenly Kingdom, for Christ's sake.....N. B. The seven nights which we lay in the wood without covering, only part of one was wet--a very pleasant march. You can find more of his diary entries on this website: http://home.earthlink.net/~steveells/history/gale.html

What a testimony and what a beautiful capture of the heart and mind of this man who was 28 at the time these entries were written. Some of the entries I read included his remembrance of a sermon he heard and it referenced the passage used by the preacher. Yes, we who identify with Christianity believe this nation was founded in large part upon the concept of biblical principles. This is surely seen in these diary excerpts where this man wants to be known as one who honored God in his service. This doesn't mean that provisions were not made to accommodate different beliefs or even those with no beliefs, but as we think about these 232 years, it is well to remember the majority view which reflected God and His providence and will. We cannot run from the facts of history. Our country's foundation is what it is and any reading of historical documentation from the official writings of our government down to the entries of a Revolutionary War soldier tell the story of an America that believed in the Christian God.

Therefore, while many within the political realm tell us it's time to give up on the principles Christians have fought for throughout our history because today's America is no longer interested in those battles. How can we? If they are Christian principles and they were the foundation of our nation, how can we back away from that which we know honors God? We must stand up for the same truths that so many have died for. We must stand against any and all perversions that are abominations in the sight of our God. Tolerance can never be an acceptable excuse for compromising the bedrock principles that have secured the blessing of Almighty God on our nation. May we all take these things seriously and may we be thankful over these next few days for our liberty, our freedom, and for those who currently stand in harm's way to preserve our "ONE NATION UNDER GOD". Amen. .....More later.

Getting Ready to Get Ready!

Wonderful Wednesday is already here! For many, including myself, this is going to be a short work week. I heard yesterday that travel is going to be considerably down compared to last year's 4th of July holiday due to the increase in fuel prices and all the related escalated costs. However, the percentage seemed fairly small, somewhere around 3%. We Americans. We will find a way! And, that's another aspect to the great spirit and ingenuity of our great nation. We will find a way! For those of us who stay at home, we will observe this 232nd birthday of the founding of our country in one way or another. Typically, there are some great serialized programs from PBS or the History Channel that depict our roots back into the Revolutionary War period. I will watch as much of that kind of stuff as I can. Some will do a home barbecue or go to their nearby park for a day of enjoying family as they celebrate freedom. Others may choose to do nothing at all and the thought about this being a special day of commemoration may not even cross their minds. But, that's part of freedom also and we are so blessed to live in a country where these choices exist.

My wife will be working through most of the holiday and that takes away from our usual family gathering. I already know that one of the boys and his family will be up on the lake for a weekend get away and then their entire family leaves Monday for a cruise. Now I ask you: "Is this a great country or what?" I feel confident the others will at the least have a cookout for their families and I do hope and pray they will at some point and time, pause to give thanks to God for this nation that so many have given their lives to preserve. I know that's the theme of our prayer at this time of year whenever we do all get to be together.

My wife read my blog yesterday and she commented that she could tell I was already in the 4th of July spirit. I plead guilty on all counts. I tell you with the current presidential battle turning ugly so soon, and with the ineffective legislative bodies basically bailing out during this fiscal crisis, it becomes all too easy to be critical, grow into being cynical, and out of frustration, throw in the towel. For those of us who are believers we are left with the inspired text of our God that directs us to pray for our leaders, support our government, and to be honorable as citizens of our country. Why? According to the Word it is so that we honor the name of our Lord. Wow! That's right. It's not just a rally around the red, white, and blue, or in support of the slogan, "In God We Trust." It has to do with an active testimony of faithfulness to God, to family, and to our governmental authorities that were ordained by God. I remind us all one more time that when the Apostle Paul was inspired to pen these words about government as found in Romans 13, he was talking about one of the most corrupt governments that ever existed on the face of the earth. Therefore, we have every reason in the world to celebrate our nation's birthday by recommitting ourselves to allegiance first to God and then to the cause of freedom as symbolized by our flag! These are some things to think about as we prepare for our holiday! Amen. ......More later.

When Times are Tough, Become More Thankful!

It’s Tuesday and such a beautiful day in the neighborhood! We are a blessed people to be a part of this great democratic experiment called America. Things could be better and the future at the moment may not appear to be very rosy. However, I will gladly chime in with any and all who pronounce what a privilege it is to live in this country compared to any other on the face of the earth. We could tick off all the bad things and I saw something recently that did just that, in seconds. It listed how many of a variety of really bad things happen every so many seconds of our twenty-four hour day. Unfortunately, there wasn’t a corresponding list of how many good things take place every so many seconds to help put it all in perspective. I don’t say this to excuse the bad but my how we need to be thankful for this land of the free and home of the brave.

With God’s help we will weather this current storm and do what America has always done and that is to get up and go again. However, without God’s help, we will not recover and regain our footing. I pray that He will be merciful while I also know that we as a nation do not deserve all that He has showered upon us. We see the great needs that surround our fellow citizens and cry out to God as our help. We understand the severe impact of the cost of living being totally out of control especially to those who can least deal with it. I’ve talked with some of those folks but they would be the first to tell you in spite of all these challenges, they are so very proud to be a part of this great land.

Patriotism is a hot topic on the political front especially this week with the 4th of July looming. I saw the jubilation Sunday afternoon as Spain celebrated their first European soccer championship in 44 years. The photos and television reports showed how the people of Spain were overwhelmed with national pride and excitement. These folks that kick that round ball forth and back sure make our Super Bowl seem to be less significant, however, we wake up everyday in a country where we should overflow with our thankfulness and excitement for all that God has allowed us to enjoy. Yeah, America is not what she used to be and we can be thankful for that. She has changed in many ways for the better but sadly we have also changed far too much in ways that have caused us not to be President Reagan’s shining city on a hill. But as long as we have people who love God and who are willing to seek His face, there is hope for America. Let’s all be thanking God this week for our rich heritage and in being proud to be called an American! Amen. …..More later.