The Elections and America's Future.

"Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he chose for his inheritance." Psalm 33:12 NIV

The above verse was written when Israel was near its zenith, a nation truely blessed by God. Sadly, however, the nation slowly moved away from God, splitting into two kingdoms (1 Kings 12). Their Kings did not follow God leading the populace into great wickedness.

Eventually, the ten tribes that formed the Northern Kingdom was taken away into captivity (2 Kings 17:5-6). Later the Southern Kingdom consisting of the tribes of Benjamin and Judah fell as well (2 Kings 25). The latter's judgement delayed by brief periods of revival. The great prophets of Israel warned both Kingdoms of the impending judgement. They would not listen.

America was founded on Christian principles. The founding fathers were not ashamed to get on their knees to ask God for guidance. Today, our leaders could not be bothered. With reckless abandon, the  American people have followed suit. With millions of babies aborted, the celebration of homosexuality, and the open assault of Christianity, only a few can see the the storm clouds gathering. Christians who haven't given up, are lamenting the path that this once great nation is taking, praying for a revival.  Interesting times are ahead my friends. Interesting times indeed.

Bees, an Essential Part of God's Creation.

There has been reports about honey bee die-offs in the news lately. I included a link below.  Fearing the spread of the Zlka virus, in an effort to control the mosquito population, extreme measures have been taken including plane flying over head leaving a cloud of Naled, a common insecticide in its wake. This insecticide is deadly to both bees and mosquitoes.

Bees are very important to our food supply. Though some plants self-pollinate or wind-pollinate, bees do a vast majority of the pollinating.  If bees became extinct, fruit and vegetable prices would rise significantly.  I included another link about the bees and our food supply.

Way back in the Garden of Eden, God commanded Adam and to be fruitful and multiply and have dominion over the earth (Genesis 1:28-29). However, when they sinned, the harmony established between God and man, man and woman, and man over the earth was destroyed (Genesis 3:14-19).  Since then man's struggle with nature has at time been disastrous with invasive species introduced into an ecosystem or an extinction of another.

I'm not an extreme environmentalist, but I am concerned. As stewards of this planet, mankind has not been very responsible.

Thinking to start a bee hive of your own... Beekeeping for Dummies*  Backyard Beekeeper*

Also, tips on curbing the mosquitoe population. (Skip the pesticide part if you can.)
And .bats love mosquitoes, so get a Bat House.*




Bee Die-Off After Insecticide Spraying
Why We Need Bees (pdf)

*Amazon affiliate links. 

When People Stumble.

Last month Ryan Lochte came under scrutiny when a security video surfaced showing Lochte and three other Olympic atheletes were seen trashing a bathroom at a gas station after claiming they were robbed at gun point by Brazilian police in Brazil.  Before this, Lochte as well as many other Olympic athletes were considered the best and brightest worthy to be emulated.  It just goes to show, it takes only a moment of misjudgment to alter the course of one's career. Lochte lost the respect of many and a significant amount of money via by endorsements.

It seems this generation has a knack for airing their dirty laundry.  Sometimes, I see people on social media post something they would later regret.  With every cell phone equip with a camera, embarrassing photos flood the internet. Once it's out there for the world to see, shame soon follows.

Mark, a young disciple of Jesus had a moment of weakness as well.  During the Apostle Paul's first missionary journey, Mark deserted Paul and his cousin, Barnabas (Acts 13:13). There has been speculation as to why Mark left. One reason is that Mark was too young and immature to handle the riggers of the journey. A second and widely considered most likely, is that Mark, being a Jew could not come to terms with Gentiles being included in God's plan of salvation.

When Paul and Barnabas were ready to set out on their second missionary journey, a heated argument arose between the two about Mark joining them again. The result of which was Paul taking Silas and Barnabas took Mark to Cyprus (Acts 15:36-41).

One might think that Mark's future as a someone who would have a significant role in the early church was not looking good. However, it may have been not too long after this that Peter met up with Mark and the writing of Mark's Gospel began, roughly 51-53 AD.  What is interesting to note is that Mark's Gospel would have been primarily read by Gentiles.

Paul later would state that Mark was a great value to him in the ministry (2nd Timothy 4:11).

Once someone falters, many pile on in joyful scorn.  One can not take back the past and he or she may not fully recover from their situation, but everyone is entitled to redemption and forgiveness.  Especially when they endeavour to recover.  The world may not be forgiving, but Christians always should.

What takes a life time takes only a few seconds to destroy.

Last month Ryan Lochte came under scrutiny when a security video surfaced showing Lochte and three other Olympic atheletes were seen trashing a bathroom at a gas station after claiming they were robbed at gun point by Brazilian police in Brazil.  Before this, Lochte as well as many other Olympic athletes were considered the best and brightest worthy to be emulated.  It just goes to show, it takes only a moment of misjudgment to alter the course of one's career. Lochte lost the respect of many and a significant amount of money via by endorsements.

It seems this generation has a knack for airing their dirty laundry.  Sometimes, I see people on social media post something they would later regret.  With every cell phone equip with a camera, embarrassing photos flood the internet. Once it's out there for the world to see, shame soon follows.

Mark, a young disciple of Jesus had a moment of weakness as well.  During the Apostle Paul's missionary journey, Mark deserted Paul and his cousin, Barnabas (Acts 13:13). There has been speculation as to why Mark left. One reason is that Mark was too young and immature to handle the riggers of the journey. A second and widely considered most likely, is that Mark, being a Jew could not come to terms with Gentiles being included in God's plan of salvation.

When Paul and Barnabas were ready to set out on their second missionary journey, a heated argument arose between the two about Mark joining them again. The result of which was Paul taking Silas and Barnabas took Mark to Cyprus (Acts 15:36-41).

One might think that Mark's future as a someone who would have a significant role in the early church was not looking good. However, it may have been not too long after this that Peter met up with Mark and the writing of Mark's Gospel began, roughly 51-53 AD.  What is interesting to note is that Mark's Gospel would have been primarily read by Gentiles.

Paul later would state that Mark was a great value to him in the ministry (2nd Timothy 4:11).

Once someone falters, many pile on in joyful scorn.  One can not take back the past and he or she may not fully recover from their situation, but everyone is entitled to redemption and forgiveness.  Especially when they endeavour to recover.  The world may not be forgiving, but Christian always should.

Clinton or Trump: Another Biblical Perspective

Since I left my last post on a rather bleak note, I want to offer some hope.  There is no need to lose heart.

So what does a Christian do when the candidate they hoped would become President does not?  The first thing they must do is pray for the man or woman who wins the Oval Office.  This also applies to congressmen, senators, governors, mayors, and etc. Too often Christians would rather ridicule their elected leaders.  I am guilty of it myself.

Paul writes in 1st Timothy 2:1-4:

"I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth."

The above verses break down into three parts: 1) the prayers,  2) the object of the prayers, and 3) the goal of the prayers.



Though the context of these verses is in the church setting and public prayer, personal prayers for our leaders is also applicable.  For a more detailed background of 1st Timothy, consult the section on useful resources below. It's normal to pray for family, friends, acquaintances, and members of your church including pastors and deacons. However, Christians often forget or neglect their political leaders. Perhaps if one doesn't like the person in office, they think, "why bother?"  Praying for our political leaders aids in the furtherance of the Gospel that all men (and women), be saved.  To ridicule politicians on social media only serves to taint the poster's testimony.  I am quite sure that the Apostle Paul did not choose to deride Nero as he awaited his execution. He probably prayed for him.

It must be pointed that God wants all to be saved, but this does not mean universal salvation. This clause coincides with verse 1, that prayers be made for all men, not a small group of individuals know by the petitioner.  Many will remain lost making the decision to reject the Gospel.

Christians should also pray that God will place men and women with strong character in the administrations of our political leaders.  Joseph, Nehemiah, Esther, and Daniel served unbelieving rulers.  Joseph saved his family, Nehemiah saved a city, and Esther saved a nation.  As you study each of the given examples, God placed them to primarily benefit his own and by some degree the lost for the furtherance of His plan. This should motivate believers.





Useful Resources:

Below, are a list of Commentaries I trust. Many are available in ebook format. If you want to buy them, click on the links. But only buy them if you want to engage in a more exhaustive study.
* Denotes books I used to write this post.

First Timothy- Everyman's Bible Commentary by D Edmond Hiebert *

First and Second Timothy and Titus by William Hendriksen 

1, 2 Timothy, Titus: An Exegetical and Theological Exposition of Holy Scripture (The New American Commentary) by Thomas Lea and Hayne P. Griffin*

Be Faithful (1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon): It's Always Too Soon to Quit! (The BE Series Commentary) by Warren W. Wiersbe

EXPOSITOR'S BIBLE COMMENTARY: Ephesians, Philippians, Collosians, 1, 2, Thessalonians, 1, 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon; VOL. 11; by Frank E. (General Editor) Gaebelein

1 and 2 Timothy, Titus (The NIV Application Commentary Book 14) by Walter L. Liefeld

Trump or Clinton: A Biblical Perspective

Barring a major event, Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump will move into the White House in January 2017.  Much has been said about either Candidate's qualifications or more to the point the lack thereof to be President of this great nation. Yes, despite America's many woes, it's still a great nation. However, the caveat is soon I fear, America will be a great nation no more.  Perhaps God's judgement is soon to come.

In Judges chapter nine, an interesting account plays out.  Abimelech, the son of Jerubbaal A.K.A. Gideon (Judges 6:32; 9:1) and a concubine from the city of Shechem- a city with a rather dubious history, murdered with the help of  certain "vain and light" men of this city, all of his brothers save one (9:1-5).  After the deed was done, Abimelech was crowned king of Shechem (9:6).  Perhaps given to Abimelech's lowly position in the family dynamic as the son of a concubine, felt he was entitled. As one reads in the previous chapter, Gideon had many wives that bore him seventy sons (8:30). But, in the next verse, Abimelech's name is listed separately stating his mother was a concubine. It's an interesting distinction. His reign however, went down hill from there and culminated with the burning of Shechem and the death of Abimelech killed by his armourbearer after being grievously wounded by a mill stone dropped on him from a tower (9:22-49).

So you may be wondering, what does this tale of woe have to do with Clinton and Trump? Well, remember the only survivor of Gideon's seventy sons? His name was Jotham.  After Abimelech's wicked act, Jotham stood on mount Gerizim and shouted to the men of Shechem this parable:

"The trees went forth on a time to anoint a king over them; and they said unto the olive tree, Reign thou over us.  But the olive tree said unto them, Should I leave my fatness, wherewith by me they honour God and man, and go to be promoted over the trees?  And the trees said to the fig tree, Come thou, and reign over us. But the fig tree said unto them, Should I forsake my sweetness, and my good fruit, and go to be promoted over the trees? Then said the trees unto the vine, Come thou, and reign over us. And the vine said unto them, Should I leave my wine, which cheereth God and man, and go to be promoted over the trees?  Then said all the trees unto the bramble, Come thou, and reign over us. And the bramble said unto the trees, If in truth ye anoint me king over you, then come and put your trust in my shadow: and if not, let fire come out of the bramble, and devour the cedars of Lebanon." (9:7-15)

The bramble bush, a thorny bush bares no fruit and provides on shade. Its only purpose is to be gathered and used as kindling to start a fire.  As you might have guessed, Jotham was equating the bramble bush as Abimelech and by my implication, Clinton and Trump. Despite other candidates that clearly were better qualified, America has chosen to scrape the bottom of the proverbial barrel. It is irony that main use of the bramble bush and the burning of Shechem is apparent in Judges chapter nine. God brought judgement upon Abimelech and Shechem.

Interesting times are ahead my friends. Interesting times indeed.

Greetings and Welcome to My 11,245th Attempt to Start a Blog.

This blog, I hope, will be an avenue to express random thoughts and some Bible Truths that I have gleaned in my studies.  I am sure there are hundreds of millions of blogs out there on the web, but if you happen to come across mine and start reading, then I say welcome and thank you.

As the title of this blog suggests, this is yet another attempt to maintain a blog by yours truely.  One of my failings is discipline.  If you see a post a few weeks old, email me and tell my to put it in gear.

Thanks,

Harry Stover