Month: June 2019

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CLARITY – 6-29-19 When Was Experience a Negative?

CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events -6-29-19

When Was Experience a Negative?

What’s Happening: “There’s racism, nationalism, sexism…and now ageism – prejudice against someone because they’re too old – apparently this was the charge by Eric Swalwell in the Democrat debates this week. He made a not-so-vague reference when he recommended that the torch be passed to younger politicians – it was covertly aimed at Bernie Sanders and Joe Biden, who will be in their seventies when 2020 rolls around – California Representative Swalwell is just 38 (https://www.yahoo.com/news/bernie-sanders-claims-apos-ageism-144244719.html). ‘I think that’s kind of ageism, to tell you the truth, Judge people on the totality of who they are: what their ideas are, what their experience is, what their record is,” said Sanders.” 

Knee-Jerk Response:  “Won’t those guys be in their eighties during their Presidency…I mean, if they get elected?”

Biblical Response:  “Yes .but when has experience ever been a negative?! Our Founding Fathers wisely put a minimum age requirement – 35 – in the Constitution, but no upper limit (and that is when the average life expectancy was much less). I don’t think age should be a consideration at all – being too young or too old. Read what the Scripture has to say about it;

‘…but it is not mere age that makes men wise. Rather, it is the spirit in a man, the breath of the Almighty that makes him intelligent.’ (Job 32:8-9)”

“Christians? Rabbis had to be thirty to serve (Numb. 4:2-3); that’s the only age requirement I see in Scripture. Not to defend Bernie Sanders (his socialist agenda is unbiblical), but experience should never be a disqualifier.” 

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, our leaders need Your Spirit directing them…help us only to promote those who promote You…and have Your Spirit in control; in Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Share as you like, just give credit appropriately. For buying any of Alan E. Sargent’s books or to subscribe or to comment on any of his CLARITY blogs, go to the following link: http://subdeo.com.’ 

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CLARITY – 6-28-19 The Best Surprise is No Surprise

CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events -6-28-19

The Best Surprise is No Surprise

What’s Happening: “Everyone is looking for 23-year-old missing college student Mackenzie Lueck…the Salt Lake City police, her friends, her sorority, Although she has been missing since the 17th, there is no indication of anything all that extraordinary…from the Lyft driver’s route to her then getting in an unknown vehicle. Even the fact that this all occurred at about 3:00am,,,not all that unusual for a college student arriving on a late flight. Still, she’s missing (https://www.yahoo.com/news/authorities-looking-missing-students-dating-181522823.html). There may be some evidence of unusual dating habits of late on an app in her phone…then there’s the fact she communicated very little…very unusual for Mackenzie says one friend: ‘For her to not reach out to me is very unlike her. She is usually in touch with me every day,’ Kennedy Stoner, one of Lueck’s close friends reported. ‘We don’t believe she would miss a midterm because she was stressed. I am positive something is wrong. … I don’t believe she would go off and not contact one person.’” 

Knee-Jerk Response:  “She may have been kidnapped … or worse!”

Biblical Response:  “Yep, a lone girl arriving late is almost an invitation to the demented. While I don’t fault her for her daring habits (even though her friends might retrospectively blame their own lack of due-diligence), her naivete was appalling. I hate to cast a pall over the search and I do wish a peaceful end. Still, this will probably not end well. Evil exits and to think otherwise…or not to think at all…well. let’s just say the best surprise is no surprise.”

“Christians? We have to look after one another for the evil one broods over the earth seeking whom he may devour (1 Pet. 5:8). Advice given a bit late, probably…we can always hope.” 

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father,You know where Mackenzie is at. Comfort all involved, no matter the outcome; in Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Share as you like, just give credit appropriately. For buying any of Alan E. Sargent’s books or to subscribe or to comment on any of his CLARITY blogs, go to the following link: http://subdeo.com.’ He also tweets on Twitter.com every day @alanesargent

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CLARITY – 6-27-19 Things Not Up For Debate

CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events -6-27-19

Things Not Up For Debate

What’s Happening: “Last night (10 more tonight), ten candidates for the Democrat nomination for President in 2020 faced off in a debate that was primarily about how each would handle healthcare and marred by the media’s miscues. President Trump, tweeted derision for the media. He was aboard Air Force One headed to the G-20 summit. Other topics included: hispanic influence (3 spoke some in Spanish), women’s influence (3 more women tonight) – including reproductive rights, immigration, and, of course, Trump (https://www.yahoo.com/news/5-key-moments-in-the-first-democratic-debate-040824195.html).  Opining about single-payer healthcare, Warren said, ‘There are a lot of politicians who say it’s just not possible, we just can’t do it, have a lot of political reasons for this. What they’re really telling you is they just won’t fight for it. Well, health care is a basic human right and I will fight for basic human rights.’” 

Knee-Jerk Response:  “Looks to be a fight for who can give the most away!””

Biblical Response:  “Yeah, it remains to be seen how many average Americans will buy into these utopian dreams.Socialism sounds good…but, this side of heaven, what socialists promise just can’t be paid for. Besides, it makes a fundamental error of assumption: that Man is basically good…which he isn’t (Is. 53:6; Rom. 3:23). The only reason capitalism works is that it operates on the correct assumption: that Man is basically bad (see scriptures, above). Capitalism rewards greed, avarice, and envy…and I’m not saying these are good, but that’s what Jesus came to deal with. Selflessness, treating others as better than yourself (Phil. 2:3), being satisfied with what you have been provided…these are unnatural motivations. Which is why a transformation is necessary. This may be up for debate on the stage of this world, but not the next.” 

“Christians? It’s great to operate with this world as if everybody is already transformed. The only problem? They aren’t. You have to treat people the way they are, not the way you want them to be.” 

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, help us to see through Your eyes…happy that some have embraced the truth…happy that others will embrace the truth…but not naive in the interim; in Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Share as you like, just give credit appropriately. For buying any of Alan E. Sargent’s books or to subscribe or to comment on any of his CLARITY blogs, go to the following link: http://subdeo.com.’ He also tweets on Twitter.com every day @alanesargent

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CLARITY – 6-26-19 Badge of Courage

CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events -6-26-19

Badge of Courage

What’s Happening: “The President’s son, Eric Trump (also CEO of the Trump Organization), was spat upon by an employee at a posh bar yesterday. The incident led to the Secret Service immediately taking the employee into custody. It follows a pattern of similar persecution expressions at restaurants since Trump took office…Sarah Huckabee-Sanders, Kirstjen Nielsen, Stephen Miller, etc…Eric cited a lack of polite behavior from a party that touts tolerance (https://www.yahoo.com/news/eric-trump-says-employee-spit-115523095.html).  ‘For a party that preaches tolerance, this once again demonstrates they have very little civility. When somebody is sick enough to resort to spitting on someone, it just emphasizes a sickness and desperation and the fact that we’re winning,’ Eric Trump said.” 

Knee-Jerk Response:  “Maybe it was just a ‘wet comment’ … you know, ‘say it, don’t spray it.’”

Biblical Response:  “Maybe…I wasn’t there…I’ll leave that for the courts to decide. Anyway, anyone ‘upsetting the apple cart’ (or ‘draining the swamp’) should expect a little opposition. It’s part of the price for doing things conventional in an unconventional way. Persecution is like that. The ‘powers that be’ have done things a certain way (in both parties) for a long time. When someone comes along who plays by a different set of rules…well, let’s just say there are a few who don’t want to surrender their power without a fight.

Not to make an analogy that elevates the current administration, but the early Christians endured ten persecutions under the Romans. Finally, all that ended with the Council of Nicea (325 AD)…which was called by a Roman Emperor. Constantine then established a ‘swamp-like’ hierarchy that began a thousand-year reign of ecclesiastical power…oh, by the way they call it the Dark Ages. ” 

“Christians? As I’ve already established, persecution just comes with the territory (John 15:18-19). We should wear the fruit of our actions as a badge of courage.”

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, may truth prevail…regardless of who purveys it…and may the truth have its freeing effect; in Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Share as you like, just give credit appropriately. For buying any of Alan E. Sargent’s books or to subscribe or to comment on any of his CLARITY blogs, go to the following link: http://subdeo.com.’ He also tweets on Twitter.com every day @alanesargent

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CLARITY – 6-25-19 Knowledge is Power

A Biblical Response to Current Events -6-25-19

CLARITY

Knowledge is Power

What’s Happening: “Democrat Presidential nominee 2020 hopeful, Bernie Sanders, introduced yesterday legislation to pay off every tuition debt in America; the College for All Act….45,000,000 million students at the cost of $1.6 Trillion dollars… and to make all college free in the future. He wants to pay for it by a Wall Street speculation tax (https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2019/6/23/18714615/bernie-sanders-free-college-for-all-2020-student-loan-debt). He says we bailed out Wall Street…now’s the time for Wall Street to pay up. Of course, he ignores the 20 or so colleges (some of them ivy league) who already offer a tuition-free education (https://affordableschools.net/20-tuition-free-colleges/). Not everybody, even Democrats, are on board: ‘Getting to college free is not a very progressive way to  approach this because a lot of wealthy kids will benefit from that,’ Sen. Michael Bennet (D-CO) said.” 

Knee-Jerk Response:  “Too bad his proposal isn’t retroactive…oh, well, I could always go back to  college.”

Biblical Response:  “Assuming that his proposal gets passed and signed into law (so unlikely that it is correctly deemed a political stunt), it still assumes all worthy education occurs in college: an erroneous assumption. At least many technical schools, professional schools, and On-The-Job- Training (OJT) programs would beg to differ; evidence the large corporate sponsors of MBAs that won’t hire the graduates of the programs they fund…they prefer experience.

Besides, not all who say they are college educated can demonstrate increased knowledge of anything other than the liberalism that those colleges spew. Kind of reminds me of that scripture that says: ‘…not all who cry Lord, Lord, shall enter the kingdom of heaven…’ (Matt. 7:21). True, knowledge is power…but power to do what?” 

“Christians? Oh, we believe knowledge and power. After all, He Who knows all, is all-powerful. (Jer. 32:17-19). But knowledge that is freely obtained might not be worth much. Of course, our knowledge of Him cost Him everything…and is of great worth.”

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, may we only seek those things that are worth the seeking; in Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Share as you like, just give credit appropriately. For buying any of Alan E. Sargent’s books or to subscribe or to comment on any of his CLARITY blogs, go to the following link: http://subdeo.com.’ He also tweets on Twitter.com every day @alanesargent

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CLARITY – 6-24-19 Justice…Except For Me

CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events -6-24-19

Justice…Except For Me

What’s Happening: “The Defense did its job and asked for mercy in the August 12, 2017 hate crime (to which the defendant pled guilty) of killing one and wounding dozens of others when James Alex Fields, Jr. plowed into a crowd of anti-white supremacists with his car in Charlottesville, Virginia. The Prosecution pointed out the defendant has shown no remorse and keeps a picture of Hitler by his bedside. The Defense pointed out his young age (22), his traumatic childhood, and mental illness in asking for mercy. His plea of guilty may have saved him getting the death penalty, but a life-sentence may be in the offing (https://www.yahoo.com/news/white-supremacist-killed-woman-driving-074757102.html). ‘No amount of punishment imposed on James can repair the damage he caused to dozens of innocent people. But this Court should find that retribution has limits,’ the Defense said. Friday.”

Knee-Jerk Response:  “I guess evil does exist…”

Biblical Response:  “Don’t tell me you’re just figuring that out! Of course, it does. Thankfully, so does good. Strange how everybody wants justice (including Mr. Fields…he just wants to be the final arbiter of it), except when it comes to themselves…then they want mercy. I’ve said it before and it bears repeating: JUSTICE MAKES HELL NECESSARY, MERCY MAKES HEAVEN POSSIBLE.

“I don’t know how long Mr. Fields will live. Hopefully, long enough to become remorseful and to repent. If not, he might find it’s a little too late and a little too hot to show any regret later…I said might, because only God can judge his heart (Jer. 11;20; I Sam. 16:7). Maybe a life sentence is merciful.”

“Christians? Oh, we believe evil exists, and we believe in judgment. We also believe this life is just a blink compared with eternity (Titus 3:7). In view of the facts, where we spend eternity should be of paramount importance.”

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, grant those that have been assigned the task of judging, Your wisdom: justice tempered with mercy; in Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Share as you like, just give credit appropriately. For buying any of Alan E. Sargent’s books or to subscribe or to comment on any of his CLARITY blogs, go to the following link: http://subdeo.com.’ He also tweets on Twitter.com every day @alanesargent

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CLARITY – 6-22-19 The Strait Gate

CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events -6-22-19

The Strait Gate

What’s Happening: “The strategic nature of the Strait of Hormuz has been underscored lately with a variety of world events: magnetic limpet mines on oil tankers (https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2019/jun/17/limpet-mines-eyed-iran-attacks-tankers-us-official/); the shooting down of an unmanned drone (https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/20/us/politics/drone-shot-down-iran-us.html); the retaliation that was cancelled when the President learned how many casualties it would cause (https://www.foxnews.com/politics/us-called-off-retaliatory-strike-against-iran-in-last-minute-wsj); …this is nothing new, however, as the strait has proven strategic often (https://www.thoughtco.com/strait-of-hormuz-1435398). Iran, who controls shipping in the Gulf of Oman and specifically has made the Strait of Hormuz a choke point, has denied all nefarious  involvement, of course. The future will show if Iran will hold the world hostage…like it did the Americans in 1979.”

Knee-Jerk Response:  “Let the Iranians close off the Strait. Aren’t we energy independent anyway?”

Biblical Response:  “We are, but it’s a little more complicated than that. First, there’s the fact that 21% of the world’s oil supply in 2018 (and 25% of the LNG – liquid natural gas) passed through the Strait of Hormuz. Then there’s Europe’s dependency on OPEC (not to mention that 76% of the petroleum products are headed for Asia – China, Japan, the Koreas, etc.). Why do you think Iran enjoys that kind of leverage? BECAUSE THEY ARE A TERRORIST NATION!”

“I could list world oil prices, Saudi Arabia’s desire to be a regional hegemon, Trump’s pulling out of the JCPOA (the nuclear deal), Israel’s existential interest, etc., but I think you get the picture.”

“Christians? Two things should be mentioned: 1) The average Christian may have difficulty praying intelligently about these things…he or she doesn’t keep up with the news enough. (It’s hard to blame them…it can get pretty depressing…until you remember Who’s in ultimate control.) 2) There is a Strait Gate (Matt. 7:13), and there are requirements for entry (Matt. 7:21), but the One Who is the Gate is merciful.”

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, grant our leaders wisdom concerning this very strategic area of the world; in Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Share as you like, just give credit appropriately. For buying any of Alan E. Sargent’s books or to subscribe or to comment on any of his CLARITY blogs, go to the following link: http://subdeo.com.’ He also tweets on Twitter.com every day @alanesargent

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CLARITY – 6-21-19 Suicide Redefined

CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events -6-21-19

Suicide Redefined

What’s Happening: “The tragic story of the depressed Michigan Mom (Ineza McClinton) who drove herself and her twin 9-year-old daughters into a Michigan river last week was a little mysterious, too, even though relatives reported her to be ‘sad and lonely.’ Sure, she was depressed, but why would she let out others before she drove into the river? The action was not discussed further by investigators…neither did they discuss why the twins were included (https://www.yahoo.com/news/police-id-mom-2-girls-164827131.html). ‘She was talking about how she was tired, sad and lonely. Never in a million years would I thought she had a plot or a plan. She had something to tell me, but when I asked her what it was, she couldn’t really get it out,’ Tishyron McClinton, another daughter, said.”

Knee-Jerk Response:  “The Mom had the right to take her own life, but not the right to kill the twins. That’s murder!”

Biblical Response:  “I won’t argue that it was murder killing her twins, but I wouldn’t be too fast to let her off for her own suicide. I mean, that was wrong, too. Even when there is emotional or physical pain involved, it’s always wrong to take your own life. First off, there is the wrong premise that it’s your life. Ever since Calvary (that’s where Christ was crucified), we’ve all been ‘bought with a price’ (1 Cor. 6:20). We are not our own. As life is not sourced in us, we cannot voluntarily lay it down (but some say, isn’t that what happened at the crucifixion? – couldn’t Christ have called legions of angels to His assistance – Matt. 26:53? – yes, but He DID have life in Himself and could lay it down – John 5:26). Are you saying that all suicides are roasting in hell? Nope. That’s way above my paygrade. Besides, I’m sure there may be a lot of repentance between the bridge and the water.”

“Christians? Though it may not be our place to judge those issues, it is our place to comfort the lost (2 Cor. 1:3-6) and weep with those who weep (Rom. 12:15).”

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, be with the McClinton family and help them through this difficult time; in Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Share as you like, just give credit appropriately. For buying any of Alan E. Sargent’s books or to subscribe or to comment on any of his CLARITY blogs, go to the following link: http://subdeo.com.’ He also tweets on Twitter.com every day @alanesargent

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CLARITY – 6-20-19 Head Turning

CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events -6-20-19

Head Turning

What’s Happening: “Former Vice President and 2020 Presidential hopeful, Joe Biden, would not criticise rich donors at a fund-raiser Wednesday. His competitors for the Democrat nomination have threatened the well-heeled with new taxes and have heaped blame on the ‘wealthy 1%’for much of what they say is the middle class’s plight. Joe Biden, however, wants to cultivate relationships with them saying they are just as patriotic as others (https://www.yahoo.com/news/biden-tells-elite-donors-doesnt-005357188.html). ‘Remember, I got in trouble with some of the people on my team, on the Democratic side, because I said, you know, what I’ve found is rich people are just as patriotic as poor people. Not a joke. I mean, we may not want to demonize anybody who’s made money,…’ said Biden.”

Knee-Jerk Response:  “It’s convenient to change your tune when it suits you. I guess that’s politics.”

Biblical Response:  “Sad, isn’t it? And we are supposed to pick among these folks our next leaders?! As long as we reward those who are the most adept at telling people what they want to hear…with a straight face…we will continue to get what we deserve: an opportunistic politician (we used to call them ‘liars’, but that’s not politically correct). To have your head turned this way, then that…would give some people whiplash. But not politicians, they only develop their neck muscles.

You can’t be friends with everybody (1 John 2:15-16). If you are friends with one, you make enemies of the other…except for politicians, of course…enemies seldom vote for you. I said seldom, because occasionally (read ‘often’) we have to pick the lesser of two evils.

“Christians? Discernment is just not possible unless you’re tuned into God’s Spirit. (Rom. 8:6-9). Maybe that’s why there’s still wars… As I’ve said before, there will never be peace on earth until the Prince of Peace rules in the heart of every man.”

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, help us to choose wisely what turns our head…and help us to elect true servants; in Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Share as you like, just give credit appropriately. For buying any of Alan E. Sargent’s books or to subscribe or to comment on any of his CLARITY blogs, go to the following link: http://subdeo.com.’ He also tweets on Twitter.com every day @alanesargent

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CLARITY – 6-19-19 How The Mighty Are Fallen

CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events -6-19-19

How The Mighty Have Fallen

What’s Happening: “Dr. Mohammed Morsi, leader of the Muslim Brotherhood and Egypt’s first democratically elected president, died unexpectedly at age 67 Monday, while making an an impassioned appeal to the convictions that ended his presidency after only one year. Convicted of jailbreaks during an uprising in May of 2015, and sentenced to death, his election ended the autocratic rule of Hosni Mubarak, and increased the political influence of ISIS (https://www.yahoo.com/news/morsi-egypt-election-triumph-death-inmate-165433903.html).  AFP reported on Monday: ‘Morsi himself was put on trial several times on charges ranging from killing protesters to jailbreaks to spying for Iran, Qatar, and militant groups Hamas and Hezbollah.’”

Knee-Jerk Response:  “I can’t tell whether he was a good guy or a bad guy.”

Biblical Response:  “A lot of things in the Middle East are kind of grey…at least to me. Was he guilty of what he was accused? Probably…and a whole lot more. Still, that’s beyond my paygrade. Would his appeal have been successful? Maybe…we’ll never know. Pride may have been his underlying problem. You can’t go from being raised on a farm to graduating as an engineer to reaching the pinnacle of power in the most populous Muslim nation, and not be affected (2 Sam. 1:25). I think political pride (and his desperation to not be executed) was the motivation behind his appeal. Nonetheless, justice will prevail (and perhaps has). – Rom. 12:19”

“Christians? We know the inebriating effect of pride. It has been the downfall of many (Prov. 16:18). Giving glory to God, where it belongs, is really the only long-term cure..”

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, we’re all guilty of pride from time to time. Help us to keep short accounts with You and to humble ourselves before You have to; in Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Share as you like, just give credit appropriately. For buying any of Alan E. Sargent’s books or to subscribe or to comment on any of his CLARITY blogs, go to the following link: http://subdeo.com.’ He also tweets on Twitter.com every day @alanesargent