Current Issues

Oct

2016

Franklin Graham on Turning from Sin

I’m thankful for having been able to live in the US for some six years—six good years of enjoying the American free spirit, one of independence, of initiative, of determination to live well in a land where there is a good and rich culture established by hard-working individuals who have done so much to establish a functional infrastructure and an economic system that is robust and able to sustain growth—and where there is a godly heritage that is worth fighting for.

Today, Franklin Graham (son of Billy Graham) leading a prayer rally in Raleigh in his home state of North Carolina, made the point that he had zero confidence in the Democratic Party—and, after a slight pause, he continued, saying that he had zero confidence in the Republican party. His only hope, he underscored (to the sound of cheers from his audience), was that he had every hope in God that, as His people came before Him in confession of and repentance from sin, He may yet heal the land.

There followed a time of open prayer, involving confession of sin and seeking God’s forgiveness. Facebook carries the whole service here: Go to https://www.facebook.com/FranklinGraham/ and search October 13th, 2016 to view the one-hour video.

The prospect of the Trump-Clinton choice seems to have the cat among the pigeons as far as many Christians are concerned. Nevertheless, I was interested to read some key points as summarized by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) in a recent publication, Decision.

I thought it worthwhile to share some of the salient points from this publication. As much as it does not attempt to be party political, it does outline key views from both sides of the political divide, as well as to leave the reader in no doubt as to the implications or applications of both sets of views.

Two Visions for America

Here is an excerpt from this publication; you could read the whole piece HERE:

Where They Stand

SUPREME COURT

Hillary Clinton
Clinton told the Washington Times: “I would not appoint someone who didn’t think Roe v. Wade is settled law.”

On the Texas abortion decision, Clinton praised the justices’ 5-3 decision that severely limits the ability of states to regulate abortion.

On judicial appointments, Clinton said she would strive to appoint judges in the mold of liberal Justice Sonia Sotomayor.

Donald Trump
Trump has praised the late Antonin Scalia as a model justice, saying Scalia’s career was “defined by his reverence for the Constitution …”

On the Texas abortion decision, Trump harshly criticized the justices who overturned the law and questioned their judgment.

On judicial appointments, Trump released a list of potential conservative justices vetted in consultation with the Heritage Foundation and Federalist Society.

RELIGIOUS LIBERTY

Hillary Clinton
Clinton suggests that women’s abortion rights supersede religious liberty, saying: “Deep-seated cultural codes, religious beliefs and structural biases have to be changed.”

On public expression, Clinton opposes the practice of bakers, photographers and other business owners declining services for samesex weddings due to faith-based reasons, saying “it’s outrageous” to be “denied a wedding cake for being gay.”

Donald Trump
Trump said, “Religious freedom [is] the right of people of faith to freely practice their faith. [It is] so important.”

On public expression, Trump vowed to “protect Christians” during a convocation speech at Liberty University.

ABORTION

Hillary Clinton
Clinton said, “I support Roe versus Wade because I think it is an important … statement about the importance of a woman making this most difficult decision …”

On late-term abortion, Clinton said during a Fox News debate she favors allowing restrictions on late-term abortions with “exceptions for the life and health of the mother.”

On funding Planned Parenthood, Clinton told Planned Parenthood leaders that Republicans should join her in calling for greater taxpayer funding for the abortion giant if they really care about women.

Donald Trump
Trump said, “I hate the concept of abortion. And since [being pro-choice] I’ve very much evolved. … And I am very, very proud to say that I am pro-life.”

On late-term abortion, Trump told Bloomberg News in January that he believes abortion should be banned at some point in pregnancy, with exceptions for rape, incest or life of the mother.

On funding Planned Parenthood, Trump has said, “The abortion aspect of Planned Parenthood should absolutely not be funded,” adding that he might consider funding for the non-abortion services of Planned Parenthood.

NATIONAL SECURITY

Hillary Clinton
Clinton said, “We must be prepared … to go after terrorists wherever they plot using all the tools at our disposal.”

On LGBT agenda in the military, last year Clinton promised to push for transgender troops to serve openly—something President Obama approved in June to Clinton’s applause.

On the Iran nuclear deal, Clinton said she supports the deal on a “distrust but verify” condition. She said, “I would not support this agreement for one second if I thought it would put Israel in greater danger.”

Donald Trump
Trump said, ”You have to fight fire with fire. We have to be so strong. We have to fight so viciously. And violently because we’re dealing with violent people …”

On LGBT agenda in the military, Trump hasn’t directly addressed this issue. For background, he criticized the high court’s gay marriage decision, but he has been inconsistent on issues related to transgender people.

On the Iran nuclear deal, Trump has said Obama should have backed out because it is a “bad deal” and that American negotiators were outwitted. He called it “total incompetence.”

Image credit top of page, https://billygraham.org/story/a-monumental-finish-to-the-decision-america-tour/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=FB+DAT+Link&utm_content=BGEA+FB+Page&SOURCE=BY150FBDT

Oct

2016

Thinking About Sully

Rare Occurrence

Going to the movies is a very rare occurrence in the Holmes family. We do enjoy watching some DVDs, and some are definite favorites, but we’ve only sat in front of the big screen twice since moving to the USA. Once was when we were given tickets, and we went to see (and very much enjoyed) Paddington Bear—so well animated, and with such a good sense of setting in the UK.

The other time was just a week or two ago. Ever since 2009 when US Airlines 1549 went down in the Hudson just brief minutes after encountering a bird-strike that crippled both of its engines, my son Matthew and I were fascinated by the idea of a plane coming down in the Hudson in full view of the skyscrapers of Manhattan. We watched several YouTube reconstructions making use of simulations. So, when Matthew announced earlier this year that Clint Eastwood was directing a movie along the lines of a documentary on the well-fated flight, we decided it had to go on the “must see” list.

The film was even more gripping than I had expected it to be. It captures well the ambience of La Guardia airport, Manhattan, and the atmosphere of the Airbus A320 (I’ve flown on quite a few of them in recent years).

The flashbacks or imaginary scenarios that play out in the mind of Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger (played by Tom Hanks) are realistic in the drama and tension that they convey.

At the time of the incident on which the film was based took place, we were living in the UK. News coverage was extensive, and praise for the pilot and crew was widespread. The film explores the events from a different perspective—how Sully was challenged that he made the wrong decision to ditch the plane in the Hudson river—and that makes for good movie watching.

Character development is about as good as a movie will allow it to be. Not a lot can be achieved in just 90 minutes (and in that respect, I somewhat prefer the power of the written word). Nevertheless, the film is both engaging and actually quite gripping. It’s a DVD we agreed we would like to purchase when it comes on sale and can be purchased for a discount!

Things to Think About

What’s the takeaway, you may ask? We thought of the following points:

Great for suspense; life does keep us guessing at times

Excellent for atmosphere—the visuals are consistently good, and any viewer who has been to New York city in the winter will likely vouch for its sense of authenticity

Super special effects; the bird strike and water landing scenes make for very good viewing

Something very real but harder to express: capturing of the spirit of New Yorkers—ordinary people about their day-to-day business who divert course without a moment’s notice to come to the aid of the stricken plane and its occupants; Thank God for common grace!

A Real Story

And there is one final thought: this story is, at heart, a real story. We typically read and measure life through our own experience. We do better to measure life through the lens of the Word of God, the Bible. At the time of the event in 2008, the media often referred to it as the miracle on the Hudson. A miracle (in biblical terms) is generally considered to be an exceptional and direct act of God. I’d not go as far as to call the water landing a miracle (as it was entirely within the parameters of ordinary physical possibilities), but I have no difficulty in considering it an exceptional providence of God, a remarkable display of His singular care for the people of the city (and on the aircraft) in working out the details as He did. Of course he could have kept the birds out of the way in the first place. But it pleased Him to so work events that the soundness of the aircraft and its residual and still operative mechanical and electronic systems, the skill of the crew, and the actions of others, notably air traffic controllers and ground crews, were able to ensure the safety of all concerned.

“For in him we live, and move, and have our being,” the Scriptures state (Acts 17:28). He gives to us life and breath and all things, determining not only the beginning and end of our lives, but everything that takes place along the way. The message of Paul to the men of Mars Hill (see Acts 17:15-34) makes for good reading, especially in our postmodern times.

Image Credit: Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/US_Airways_Flight_1549#/media/File:Plane_crash_into_Hudson_River_(crop).jpg. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.)

Apr

2016

If Just 100 People Lived on Our Planet. . .

In the 1970s. . .

I remember at school learning that the world’s population was around 3,6 billion–that was in the 1970s. Things have changed quite a lot since then, but it is likely that some of the poverty and other demographic ratios shown in the video are relatively unchanged.

And Now!

View the video below (I came across it on Facebook) for an interesting schematic sense of how those ratios would look if there were just 100 people living on earth.

Sep

2015

Fitness Is Fun!

Holistic and Holy

I think physical fitness is a great idea! Being holy and taking a holistic view on life are not mutually exclusive concepts.

Ever since Sue began a keep-fit program several years ago, it has inspired me to do the best I can with my own health. A workplace injury sustained in my former employment prevents me from doing anything too strenuous for the time being, but I do the best I can. Sue does better, exercising usually each week.

A few years ago, I first made the acquaintance of John Lehman. John is family and counseling pastor at a local church, Hampton Park Baptist Church, and he has written three books, two of which I have helped him publish, and the third is on the point of going to press.

The third book, titled Fit for the Master–Glorifying God in a Healthy Body, captured my imagination the moment John first told me about it. “This could be the book that people most pay attention to,” I told him. “I really believe you are on to something with this particular writing project.”

John has defined the purpose of the book in these words: “This book is intended to encourage everyone to be fit for the Master’s use. God created us, and therefore we should be as functional as possible, so bringing Him glory while being able to lead more efficient and effective lives.”

The editing and production process has been both interesting and enjoyable, not to mention stimulating! We’ve worked hard to sharpen it, and it covers a lot of really important points. Consider, for example, the chapter divisions below:

Glorious Creator; Wonderful Creation
(Thinking about your place in God’s universe)

Health, and a Healthy Self-Image
(Enjoying being the “you” that God intends you to be)

You Don’t Have to Over-Strain!
(Understanding the place of exercise)

Exercise Guidelines
(Developing a practical strategy that suits you)

Food for Thought
(Getting your nutrition the way it should be)

Digest This!
(Considering what happens to your food after you have swallowed it)

Rest, Relaxation and Sleep
(Improving your efficiencies through wise sleep strategies)

Blessed Are the Balanced
(Maintaining body-soul equilibrium)

Go On . . . Just Do it!
(Putting the principles into practice)

Extensively illustrated with numerous well-drawn diagrams (see some samples at the head of this page), the book packs a lot of information very concisely into 144 pages, and is being produced as a handy-sized hardback. You can read much more about it by clicking or tapping so get to John’s site HERE, and also view a one-minute video below. And you can also read some typeset pages on this site HERE.

Jul

2015

Friend Focus: Glenda Hotton

Why Focus on a Friend?

My service of editing and helping people develop an online presence introduces me to some delightful people. In serving them, it is my privilege to have made new friends over the years, so I thought it would be good from time to time to point the camera, as it were, on some of them, and the excellent ministries that they themselves conduct.

Glenda Hotton

In this post, I would like to introduce Glenda. I first became aware of her when my good friend, Dr. Paul Tautges, began recruiting authors for a series of booklets he and I were spearheading, Day One’s Living in a Fallen World resources, now available as the Lifeline Mini-Books from Shepherd Press.

Glenda’s little book, then titled Help! I Can’t Submit to My Husband, posed some challenges when it came to finding an appropriate cover image. We wanted something that communicated “Hey! You must read this” but the matter of perceived relevance played an arpeggio in the orchestra of our thinking. We even considered a 1940s monochromatic image with a humorous visual hint of “Surely this kind of idea is old fashioned and you can’t be serious to bring this into Christian teaching today!”

Well, we persevered, and eventually found an image that worked–and it wasn’t the monochrome one! And if you would like to see what the Shepherd Press version is going to look like, take a look here for a preview!

Times change, and with the end of my former employers’ presence in the USA, a new strategy was developed; hence the Shepherd Press initiative. In this, I came to have more direct dealings with Glenda, especially when she commissioned me to take charge of some developments in her online strategy. The outcome? Find out here by visiting her site!

Practical Godliness

Glenda is a delightful lady who cherishes and makes the most of every opportunity to inculcate a spirit of practical godliness on the part of the women whom she mentors. A member of Grace Community Church, Sun Valley (John MacArthur is the pastor-teacher there), she teaches regularly at the Master’s College.

Being a Help Meet

The term help meet sounds a little old fashioned to some people, but it articulates a wonderful truth from creation, how it was that the first woman, Eve, was to be a helper suitable to and corresponding to her husband, Adam. Glenda loves to tease out the practical implications of this in her writing and speaking ministry, and her blog is replete with thoughts, biblical principles, and lines of application to her readers. If you are a woman seeking guidance on how to grow on grace and godliness in the area of womanliness and in the service of marriage and motherhood, Glenda has so much to offer.

Gracious

Inculcating a spirit of grace in others comes so easily and naturally to Glenda, as she models it herself. Having seen so much of her material in working with her in building her website, I can guarantee that you will not be disappointed in reading her writings and considering her points of application. You will find her an excellent mentor!

Glenda’s Resources

Glenda offers various downloads, some for free, others for a small payment. You might like to check out her free audio message here. And there is also a downloadable PDF study guide to go with it here.

Whether you are the mother of a young daughter (and would like to help her to grow into a gracious young woman who understands social etiquette), whether you are a young bride, or whether you are a seasoned mom and grandmother, you will find helpful ideas and principles on Glenda’s site to guide, challenge and inspire you! And, if you respond to any of her posts, I know she will be delighted to engage with you.

Jul

2015

Understanding Anger: Shepherd Press Blog

On Anger

Shepherd Press provides a wonderful range of resources to help ordinary people deal with matters of the heart. Consider the words of the SP blog posting of July 18th, 2015.

Anger is a difficult sin. Like an ice-breaker pushing huge chunks of ice in all directions, anger leaves a trail of broken pieces in its wake. Broken chunks of ice are good thing. Broken pieces of life – not so much.

Anger is often a response to injustice. With God this is good. His motives and reasons for anger are always pure and right. Your child’s anger is also often a response to injustice. But his motives and reasons are seldom pure and right.

A young child thinks he has been wronged because someone else has his toy. A middle-schooler is angry because others are not kind to her. A teenager struggles with anger because of guilt as a result of being entangled in the web of pornography. Children of any age can experience anger when they believe their parents do not understand them.

Paul, in Ephesians 4: 26-27, has important things to teach about anger.

First, anger is a part of life. Because your children live in a fallen world, there will always be things to be angry about. Sinful anger results when God is separated from personal anger. There must be a deep confidence that God sees all that is wrong. He has promised he will make all things right in his time (Romans 12:17-21 & 8:28)

Second, human anger must be quickly resolved. Paul says do not let the sun go down while you are still angry. Ignoring anger leads to more anger. If your child, middle-schooler or teenager is angry, don’t settle for a quick solution. Do whatever it takes to get to the underlying problem.

Whatever it takes!

Modern life steals time from families. There are appointments, schedules, school, church and the many other things that demand to be done. Time is essential to address anger.

Unresolved anger provides a foothold for the enemy. Anger is like cancer, it doesn’t stop growing unless it is removed. If you only clean up the broken pieces of life caused by anger, the root problem remains.

Please hear me! Anger covered over and not resolved will grow into an ugly, tragic mess. Failing to take time now can result in losing years to the aftermath of anger later on.

What can you do?

Listen well. Listen for attitudes as well as words. Listen for hurt, disappointment, indifference and despair. Listen for a troubled heart.

Speak with words that address your children’s heart and not only their actions. Use pleasant words, avoid harsh, sharp responses. Know your children well enough to say words that will truly build them up.

Remember that you have to be a refuge before you can be a resource. Pray eagerly for God’s help! These things take time. There is no substitute!

Live in humility before God and your children. Don’t be dominated by anger in your heart. Take the time needed to address anger.

This post is from Shepherd Press, July 18th, 2015 and may be accessed here.
Featured image from www.publicdomainpictures.net. "Like an ice-breaker pushing huge chunks of ice in all directions, anger leaves a trail of broken pieces in its wake."

Jun

2015

Tedd Tripp Talks about the Lifeline Mini-Books

Help!

Each title in the Shepherd Press imprint, Lifeline Mini-Books, begins with the word “Help!” And helpful is exactly what this series is intended to be.

In an earlier post, December 2014, I mentioned the release of some more titles. Subsequent to that, four more new ones have been published. Their details are linked below:

Help! I’m Being Deployed

Help! My Anger Is Out of Control

Help! Someone I Love Has Alzheimer’s

Help! I’m in a Conflict

As I have previously expressed, the Lifeline Mini-Books are packed with biblical content, written with feeling and concern for readers in the issues covered (all the authors are in the trenches of ministry themselves–here is no ivory tower, distant academic theorizing!), written with personal application projects to help readers engage practically with the issues concerned, and, especially important, written with a call to turn from sin and trust the Savior. All this in just 10,000 words (that’s 64 pages of small-format reading) makes for an excellent resource to use and give away.

Consider this series of excellent resources in your ministry, your church, for your friends and family, and for your own use!

Two Minutes with Tedd Tripp

You may view a two-minute promotional of video of Tedd Tripp from the Lifeline Mini-Book website here, or click on the screen image below.

May

2015

Sleeping Samson: A Sermon by Colin Mercer on Judges 16:19

Surrounded by Enemies in a Philistine Bedroom

Here is a man who has known the presence and power of God in remarkable ways, now surrounded by his enemies in the shadows of the inner room as he lies asleep on the lap of Delilah. In analogous spiritual terms, this scene is being reenacted by people today–people once living zealously, fervently in holiness, useful in Christian service. How things have changed.

Consider this sermon, powerfully preached and applied, by Pastor Colin Mercer, minister of Faith Free Presbyterian Church, Greenville, SC, in which he traces three primary lines of thought:

(1) The pathway that led to it: how this situation came about

(2) The tragedy that accompanies it

(3) The recovery that is possible

Apr

2015

Shepherding and Instructing Hearts

Do Your Children Ever Say Things Like…?**

“I’m really glad Dad spoke to me about that; I really needed his help.”

“Mom, thanks for caring enough to keep me out of trouble.”

The purpose of biblical authority is encourage and build up (2 Corinthians 13:10). But sometimes our children are last ones to recognize this. Here are three principles to help make the exercise your authority a blessing to your children.

First: Listen well so that you can speak well.

Commit yourself to be a skilled, aggressive listener. Your goal is to be able to repeat the words you hear back to your children in such a way that they can affirm that you really do understand them. You don’t always have to agree, but you must always understand. This attentiveness shows respect for your children and honor for your Lord. It also indicates that you view your authority as an opportunity to be a servant. Answering quickly, without fully understanding the intentions of your children shows a lack of love and respect. Proverbs 18:13 and Ephesians 4:29 teach that you must listen well in order to speak things that will benefit your children.

“Wow, mom, I had no idea you really understood me.”

Second: When you do speak, use language that is pleasant and gracious.

Harsh, frustrated tones and sarcastic answers do not build relationships.

Your goal is to make God’s wisdom attractive. Sharp language indicates that you are pushing your own agenda rather than God’s. Pleasant language, even when firm, is needed for growth. Irritation often reveals self-righteousness. A soft, understanding answer spoken with pleasant words will help avert upsets and promote instruction that will actually bless your children (Proverbs 15:1 & 16:21)

Third: Beware of anger. Anger and authority should seldom be seen together.

Anger is not the tool of a builder. Anger shouts that you, the parent, have been offended. Rather, the focus must be on God. The problems and struggles your children are having have more to do with God than with you. Your goal is to use your authority to point your children to Christ. Your anger does not make God important, it places the emphasis on you. Don’t excuse your anger because you think your children deserve it. Anger will drive those close to you far from you (See James 1:19&20).

“It really means a lot that you were not angry even though I messed up.”

These three principles will help make your authority a blessing that your children will love and depend upon.

**This post is reproduced from the Shepherd Press Blog. Shepherd Press produces a fine range of biblically based resources, including two books that should be in every home, Shepherding a Child’s Heart, and Instructing a Child’s Heart.

Feb

2015

Secret for the Time Being!

Launch Pending

I am not going into details at present, but anticipate being able to update you with an interesting development in the next few weeks. For the time being, consider this as being classified information that I’ll let out of the box below when I am ready.

As the saying goes, watch this (Blog)Spot!

Two Visions for America

Where They Stand

SUPREME COURT

RELIGIOUS LIBERTY

ABORTION

NATIONAL SECURITY

Rare Occurrence

Things to Think About

A Real Story

In the 1970s. . .

And Now!

Holistic and Holy

Why Focus on a Friend?

Glenda Hotton

Practical Godliness

Being a Help Meet

Gracious

Glenda’s Resources

On Anger

Shepherd Press provides a wonderful range of resources to help ordinary people deal with matters of the heart. Consider the words of the SP blog posting of July 18th, 2015.

What can you do?

Help!

Two Minutes with Tedd Tripp

Surrounded by Enemies in a Philistine Bedroom

Do Your Children Ever Say Things Like…?**

First: Listen well so that you can speak well.

Second: When you do speak, use language that is pleasant and gracious.

Third: Beware of anger. Anger and authority should seldom be seen together.

Launch Pending

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