June 2019 – Alan Sargent

Posted on June 19, 2019June 19, 2019 by 40477641 — Leave a comment

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

Posted on June 18, 2019June 18, 2019 by 40477641 — Leave a comment

CLARITY – 6-18-19 That Which Cannot Be Shaken

CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events -6-18-19

That Which Cannot Be Shaken

What’s Happening: “The southwestern province of China, Sichuan, was hit again. I say again because of the quakes of 2008 – 90,000 killed; and 1976 – 250,000 killed. This time the quake was only 6.0 on the Richter scale and 6 miles deep (the shallower the earthquake, the more the damage. 11 were killed and 122 injured, though aftershocks are still being reported (https://news.yahoo.com/strong-earthquake-hits-southwestern-china-161752310.html). The Associated Press reported: ‘The magnitude 6.0 earthquake collapsed a hotel in Changning county and damaged some roads, Xinhua said. Heavy rains were falling Tuesday morning.’”

Knee-Jerk Response: “So, another earthquake kills 11. Big deal! I mean, I don’t want to be callous, but does that really matter to me?”

Biblical Response: “Apparently not. Unfortunately, your sentiment is common. When poet John Donne penned the lines: ‘No man is an island…I am a part of Mankind…’ (Meditation XVII – 1572); he was obviously not speaking for you…then you didn’t lose a loved one, your house was not a pile of rubble. For many of us, we are myopic…if a problem doesn’t directly affect us…well, we just aren’t too concerned. Not jaded, exactly, but we have enough problems of our own, right? Maybe that’s why we have problems of our own.

The Lord is often trying to get our attention…if not through the calamity of others…then our own. He shakes our lives often to rid us of the junk…so ‘that which cannot be shaken’ may remain (Heb. 12:27).”

“Christians? Oh, we believe in God getting people’s attention. And we believe in commiserating with those whose attention He has gotten (Rom. 12:15).”

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray: “Heavenly Father, awaken in us the empathy and compassion You have demonstrated to us and help us to comfort the afflicted…and listen to Your voice, regardless if it’s others’ afflictions or our own; in Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Posted on June 17, 2019June 17, 2019 by 40477641 — Leave a comment

CLARITY – 6-17-19 Appealing to a Higher Authority

CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events -6-17-19

Appealing to a Higher Authority

What’s Happening: “The husband of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, a project manager with the Thomson Reuters Foundation, began a hunger strike Saturday in front of the Iranian Embassy in London, in solidarity for his wife’s unjust imprisonment since April, 2016, in Tehran. Zaghari-Ratcliffe was arrested after a family visit and at the airport, charged, convicted, and sentenced to five years for allegedly plotting to overthrow Iran’s clerical establishment (https://news.yahoo.com/jailed-british-iranian-aid-worker-170658469.html). She has begun her own hunger strike, her second one…the first was for ignored heath issues. ‘Today I received a phone call from Nazanin in prison. She had informed the judiciary that she has begun a new hunger strike – she will drink water – to protest at her continuing unfair imprisonment,’ the husband said.”

Knee-Jerk Response: “What good will a hunger strike do?”

Biblical Response: “Not much, especially if unaccompanied by prayer. Actually, I don’t know if the media is using the secular term ‘hunger strike’ to hide the real ‘fasting’ or not. If either of them is appealing to God for her release…and fasting, too – fasting proves fervency (James 5:16) – they may get what they’re praying for. The clerics of Iran can be overruled by God. When faced with obstacles to overcome, one should go to the One Who has the power to change things. Besides, haven’t we been told how to overcome (Rev. 12:11)?”

“Christians? The ayatollahs of Iran may not acknowledge it now, but there is a Higher Authority. He rules (and overrules) in the affairs of men (The Declaration of Independence – based on Jer. 32:17).”

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray: “Heavenly Father, may others add fervency to their prayers for Zaghari-Ratcliffe; after all, some things only come out by fasting and prayer (Matt. 17:20)…and may she be released soon; in Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Posted on June 15, 2019June 15, 2019 by 40477641 — Leave a comment

CLARITY – 6-15-19 How Much is Enough?

CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events -6-15-19

How Much is Enough?

What’s Happening: “Democrat candidate-hopeful for 2020, Beto O’Rourke, campaigning in South Carolina, went from being in support of studying‘ reparations to: ‘The answer is yes.’ Meeting with the members of the Gullah Geechee Nation, descendants of a mix between a Native American tribe and early slaves, Beto was asked and answered a reporter’s pointed question about compensation for slave descendants. Climate Change was also on his agenda (https://news.yahoo.com/beto-orourke-backs-slavery-reparations-224001905.html). ‘The answer is yes. The path there, though, has to come through telling, learning and sharing this American story with everyone. Then I think you’ll find what reparations look like in order to make that repair,’ Beto said.”

Knee-Jerk Response: “I feel bad about others’ plights. Isn’t that enough?”

Biblical Response: “No, not if racial prejudice still rules America. My judgment? Although we have passed a Civil Rights Act in 1964, given African-Americans the right to vote, mandated integration in our schools, created a national holiday for Dr. Martin Luther King, instituted policies of racial-preference in college admittance and hiring, taken down Confederate flags, removed statues and even changed names of schools, there are still isolated instances of racism. To say there isn’t is to grossly under state reality. Will financial reparations cure the racism ill once and for all? Probably not. Social change is multi-generational. To go from slaves only being counted as ⅗ of a person, being beaten or sold, and lynchings…well, that takes time.

“Christians? The only real proof of repentance is changed behavior (James 2:14-17). And change must come for the right reason…not from guilt, but from conviction and love.

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray: “Heavenly Father, purify our hearts…and give us the patience to let the measures we’ve taken as a society to have their desired effect; in Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Posted on June 14, 2019June 14, 2019 by 40477641 — Leave a comment

CLARITY – 6-14-19 Who’s Really Behind the Attack

CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events -6-14-19

Who’s Really Behind the Attack

What’s Happening: “Now the Pentagon has released a video which it says proves that Iran was involved in the attack on the oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz while they were en route to Japan. The video purports to have caught an Iranian Revolutionary Guard vessel removing an unexploded mine from the Japanese-owned Kokuka Courageous. The Iranians have used before the limpet mine, which attaches magnetically to the hull and is intended to cripple but not sink (https://www.yahoo.com/news/us-says-iran-removed-unexploded-020504854.html). ‘The U.S. and the international community stand ready to defend our interests, including the freedom of navigation,’ said Central Command spokesman Capt, Bill Urban. The United States has no interest in engaging in a new conflict in the Middle East. However, we will defend our interests.’”

Knee-Jerk Response: “The video proves unmistakably who was behind the attack. I say tomahawk missiles are in order.”

Biblical Response: “Iran was probably involved…I say ‘probably’, because it is now technically possible to simulate digitally through CG (Computer Graphics) anything you like. Still, simulated or not, Iran has a history of attacking vessels. One thing’s for sure, ‘the thief has come but for to steal, kill and destroy…’ (John 10:10). The enemy (the devil) is behind it all. He would like nothing more than to inflame two governments into a conflict that will destroy innocents on both sides. We must think carefully before we respond.”

“Christians? There is no ambivalence in the devil’s intent. And Iran is the ideal proxy. Now is the time to pray…for our leaders, for those that will be the ‘innocent’ victims, and for God’s will and justice.”

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray: “Heavenly Father, bring order out of chaos and help us to realize whom our real enemy is; in Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Posted on June 13, 2019June 13, 2019 by 40477641 — Leave a comment

CLARITY – 6-13-19 Or Not to Vaccinate

CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events -6-13-19

Or Not to Vaccinate

What’s Happening: “Tuesday, two somewhat dissimilar activists joined forces to fight California’s recently proposed bill (SB 276) to limit exemptions to vaccinate without a sign-off from a public safety officer. Activist Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and actress Jessica Biel posed for various folks while advocating ‘my body, my choice,’ a slogan more often used for pro-abortion (https://www.yahoo.com/news/jessica-biel-comes-anti-vaxx-223019511.html). ‘The biggest problem with the bill, which is something I think Jessica is concerned with,’ said Kennedy, ‘ that a doctor who has made a determination—if he has found children in this state whose doctors have determined that they’re too fragile to receive vaccinations—this bill would overrule the doctors and force them to be vaccinated anyways.’”

Knee-Jerk Response: “No way am I intentionally exposing my kids to measles at school…or anywhere for that matter!”

Biblical Response: “A lot of parents feel that way…however, some feel they are exposing their kids to the ravages of autism by getting them vaccinated.The medical field? It depends on to whom you talk. However, most doctors favor vaccinations. What does the Bible say? Nothing about vaccinations, which were unheard of until the 19th Century. However, Scripture seems to put the parent squarely in the responsibility category when it comes to children (Eph. 6:1; Prov. 17:6). That means that both are right…the parent who wants to protect her children from vaccination AND the parent who wants to shield her kids from the unvaccinated. So what is the conclusion of the matter? Probably more research…with no foregone conclusions. Until then, parents should do whatever seems right to them…respecting the rights and fears of other parents…which may mean more home-schooling.”

“Christians? There is little doubt that the decision belongs to the parent (see above scripture references). Parents should keep in mind the awesome culpability that comes with parenting. A decision to bring kids into the world should be more than the relief of an urge.”

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray: “Heavenly Father, give us the care and wisdom we need to parent, realizing no decision is made in a vacuum…that decisions have consequences; in Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Posted on June 12, 2019June 12, 2019 by 40477641 — Leave a comment

CLARITY – 6-12-19 When and Why

CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events -6-12-19

When and Why

What’s Happening: “The fourth death in the last two months of an American tourist visiting the Dominican Republic has taken the macabre events from the realm of coincidence to questionable…especially when all deaths appear similar. Each person seems to have died from pulmonary edema after complaining of vomiting blood or blood in their stool (or both)…and that after many had been drinking something. This has led to some claims of poisoning. Robert Wallace of Turlock, California was the fourth victim and his niece is suspicious (https://www.yahoo.com/news/fourth-american-reported-dead-dominican-180304988.html). ‘He started feeling very sick,’ the niece reported. ‘He had blood in his urine and stool right afterward.’ Autopsies are slow in coming and Wallace’s won’t be completed till later this month.”

Knee-Jerk Response: “Does anyone really know what is the cause? One thing’s for sure: I’m not visiting the Dominican Republic anytime soon!”

Biblical Response: “Me either…and yes, Somebody does know for sure. My capitalization of the pronoun reveals what I think. The ‘when’ and ‘why’ of all deaths are known by God and, though all efforts to ascertain and remedy what’s going on in the D. R. should be made, whatever happened or is done will come as no surprise to Him. All of our days are numbered (Ps. 39:4). Not knowing when or by what means we’ll die makes many of us put off in our minds this reality…as if we shall live forever (actually, we will…the question is where?). However, everyone knows of someone who has died unexpectedly. When this happens, we are forced to deal with the uncomfortable truth. How or why these four died may not be clear to some, but the ‘some’ does not include God.”

“Christians? Oh, we believe each person has an appointment with death (Heb. 9:27). And we also believe God knows everything (Ps. 94:10; 1 John 3:20; Ps. 138:6; Isaiah 28:9, and 40:28). Even the ‘when’ and ‘why.’ We may be suspicious and discomfited about what happened in the Dominican Republic…and should endeavor to find out, but we should be comforted by the fact that He already knows.”

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray: “Heavenly Father, we pray for those who lost loved ones, and for those who are endeavoring to discover the truth, but help us to not get too rattled by the revelation of what You already know; in Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Posted on June 11, 2019June 11, 2019 by 40477641 — Leave a comment

CLARITY – 6-11-19 Unreliable

CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events -6-11-19

Unreliable

What’s Happening: “Extradition to China from New Zealand is in question…A) It’s never been done before (China has no formal extradition rights for New Zealand); B) There is some evidence that though China rigorously challenges any accusation of torture it nevertheless occurs; C) The attempt to extradite someone from Honk Kong has resulted in a million-man protest there… Kyung Yup Kim is accused of killing a woman in Shanghai a decade ago. And the courts in New Zealand put a temporary halt to his extradition to China earlier today (https://www.yahoo.com/news/zealand-court-stops-man-being-082024042.html). ‘Nevertheless, torture remains widespread and confessions obtained through torture are regularly admitted in evidence,’ said the court’s report.”

Knee-Jerk Response: “Maybe Kim really did kill that woman!”

Biblical Response: “Maybe…but we’ll really never know…and neither will the Chinese…not if they rely on a confession obtained through torture. People being tortured will tell you anything just to get the pain to stop. It might be the truth, but it might not. Extradition has traditionally been used as a way for the long arm of justice to get even longer…if there’s no place to run, maybe criminals will just give up and face the music. The Apostle Paul, of course, used it to get justice. His appeal to Caesar led to his extradition to Rome (Acts 25:21), and a fair trial…at least fairer than the Jewish leaders would have given him.”

“Christians? Do we believe in extradition? Absolutely! That is what the translation of the saints at the end of the age is all about (1Thess. 4:13-18). Don we believe in torture? In what way can we construe torture to mean that it is a demonstration of loving our enemies (Matt. 5:44)?”

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray: “Heavenly Father, while we want to be set free by truth (John 8:32), we don’t want to assume what we get from torture is truth; help us to discern; in Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Posted on June 10, 2019June 10, 2019 by 40477641 — Leave a comment

CLARITY – 6-10-19 The Most Important Thing

CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events -6-10-19

The Most Important Thing

What’s Happening: “In a display of global solidarity, gay pride parades were celebrated over the weekend in Detroit, D.C., Warsaw, etc. Although the Warsaw parade was attended by Mayor Rafal Trzakowski and was mostly peaceful, the others were marred by Neo-Nazis and other protesters, some stampeding when they thought there was gunfire heard (https://www.yahoo.com/news/lgbt-pride-marches-us-interrupted-090526604.html). ‘Literally f****** Nazis are at Motor City Pride right now, please be safe out there y’all,

Even if they deserve it, do not engage. Our safety at our Pride is the most important thing,’ tweeted one attendant. Not much covered by the main-stream media (MSM) was a straight pride parade in Boston, naming Alt-Right (and gay) provacateur Milo Yiannopolous as Marshall (https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2019/06/straight-pride-parade-milo-yiannopoulos-marshal.html). Brad Pitt’s name and image were used to advertise the event. He said he was not ‘super happy’ about it, either.”

Knee-Jerk Response: “Wow! Straight Pride parade. It’s about time!”

Biblical Response: “Led by a gay guy? I don’t know. He wants to celebrate tolerance when God is not so tolerant of his choice of a lifestyle (1 Cor. 6:9; 1 Tim. 1:10). Sure, society wants to be inclusive, to not judge, but the most quoted scripture: ‘judge not’ (Matt. 7:1) is taken completely out of context (read verse 2). We are not called to tolerance. In fact, we will be judging angels (1 Cor. 6:3). Don’t get me wrong, I am for tolerance….redefined…I call it patience. The scripture even says He is being (seemingly) slow about His promised return because He’s giving more time for sinners to repent (2 Pet. 3:9). As for safety being ‘the most important thing’…not from God’s perspective.”

“Christians? We believe the Lordship of Christ is the most important thing (Rom. 10:9-10). And although Jesus died for all, not all receive Him (John 1:12). It’s kind of like your Grandma giving you a Christmas present, which ,during clean-up, you accidentally kicked under the couch. If you ask Grandma if she gave you a gift, she will say she did. You, however, never opened (or received the intended benefit of) her ‘free gift’ (Rom. 6:23).”

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray: “Heavenly Father, help us to keep the most important thing the most important thing…and help us to be patient…hating the sin, while loving the sinner (Prov. 29:27 LB); in Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Posted on June 8, 2019June 8, 2019 by 40477641 — Leave a comment

CLARITY – 6-8-19 Unanimous Ruling

CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events -6-8-19

Unanimous Ruling

What’s Happening: “In an interview yesterday of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, she predicted many future close rulings favoring the conservatives on the court. She did, however, laud Kavanaugh’s female law clerk appointments, saying he is responsible for female law clerks exceeding, for the first time, male law clerks appointed by Supremes (https://www.yahoo.com/news/justice-ginsburg-warns-more-5-202523877.html). ‘Thanks to his selections, the court has this term for the first time ever, more women than men serving as law clerks,’Ginsburg said.”

Knee-Jerk Response: “Now I can see why the Dems fought against Kavanaugh so hard.”

Biblical Response: “So can I. Still, to bring up so many ‘he-said/she-said’ baseless allegations was beyond the pale. No one should be surprised at future rulings…even the overturn of no-precedent ruling Roe V. Wade. We are going to live in a very different country 15 years from now…THANK GOD! Heck, the Bible and prayer might be brought back into public schools! (Joshua 1:8…and the Northwest Ordinance of 1787, which put them there in the first place).

“Christians? Oh we believe in the instructive value of God’s Word (2 Tim. 3:16):

‘ All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:…’(KJV)”

The judgments may be close on the Supreme Court, but THE judgement will be unanimous!”

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray: “Heavenly Father, while some may celebrate and look forward to a temporality that favors conservatism, all will celebrate Your fairness for eternity…well, maybe not all; in Jesus’ Name, amen.”