Month: September 2019

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CLARITY – 9-30-19 The End of Road Rage

CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events – 9-30-19

The End of Road Rage

What’s Happening: “I guess a look can be provocative…in any case, that is all (at least as far as we know) that Alex Mixon, 26,  stopped at a red light in Phoenix at 2:40am did when he was allegedly shot by adjacent motorist, Nicholas Elliot, 30. Fleeing the scene and later captured, Elliot admitted that the handgun and drugs authorities found with him were his. There was perhaps nothing other than the look that provoked the road rage that ended in the murder of Mixon (//www.yahoo.com/news/motorist-killed-looking-another-driver-012251551.html). Three eye witnesses said, Mixon ‘merely looked over at (Elliott) which in turn enraged (him) to fire his handgun at (Mixon),’“

Knee-Jerk Response:  “I guess my Dad was right. He said, ‘Nothing good happens after midnight.’”

Biblical Response:  “Perhaps. There’s probably a higher percentage of people on the street that are up to no good then. But this guy Elliot was set off by something other than a look…for sure. Maybe it was drug abuse….or a history of physical or emotional abuse in his home growing up and Mixon was just at the wrong place at the wrong time. Or maybe Elliot’s parents never taught him restraint…or maybe somebody had said something ugly and demeaning to Elliot, and he was bent on taking his pent-up anger out on the first person that he encountered…who knows…only Elliot (and God) really knows.”

“Christians? We all get angry…but we are to ‘sin not’ (Eph. 4:26). Of course, sin really begins in the mind (Matt. 5:28). So, what are talking about? Mind control? Yeah…sort of. Read this scripture:

“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: …” (Phil. 2:5 KJV)

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, help us all to submit our thought processes to You; ours sure can’t be trusted; 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:subdeo.com.’ 

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CLARITY – 9-28-19 He’s Safe Now

CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events – 9-28-19

He’s Safe Now

What’s Happening: “There may be no more tragic tale than the unnecessary death of a child…but that’s just what happened to Noah Cuatro, 4, of Los Angeles County. That his parents Jose Cuatro and Ursula Juarez, were arrested it was announced Thursday, who had received 13 complaints of child abuse, is very little consolation. The child’s maternal great-grandmother, Eva Hernandez, was his occasional refuge when he was removed from the home…but the courts always returned him. He would beg not to be returned, but she had to obey the court’s order (https://www.yahoo.com/news/parents-arrested-death-boy-had-174910039.html). ‘’Grandma,’ Hernandez remembered Noah telling her, ‘You can’t let me go. You can’t let me go.’“

Knee-Jerk Response:  “This is wrong…how does a tragedy like this happen in the 21st century?!”

Biblical Response:  “Evil still exists. Sure, parents are charged, legally and biblically (Prov. 20:7), with the care and protection of their children, but that presumes a modicum of maturity… Noah’s parents apparently didn’t possess much maturity…or restraint either, Is it sad? Yes. Why did the Lord allow this? I could get into a big theological discussion on Man’s fallen nature or Free Will or whatever, but none of that will bring Noah back. Suffice it to say, he’s safe now. The following Scripture may provide some comfort:

 In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.

(Prov. 14:26 KJV)

“Christians? We are not immune to anger or frustration…we are just given (if we submit to Him) the Spirit of self-control and patience (Gal. 5:22). Although we may be tempted to take things over which we have no control, out on the things over which we do have control, we submit those things to God in prayer. (Phil. 4:6). We cannot be ‘anxious for nothing’ unless we know that Someone else is in control of everything (Rev. 16:14).”

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, help those who need forgiveness in Noah’s family to ask it and receive it from You; and may Your justice and mercy have its way; 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:subdeo.com.’ 

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CLARITY – 9-27-19 Sign of the Times

CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events – 9-27-19

Sign of the Times

What’s Happening: “The OK sign, that thumb-and-forefinger-encirclement hand gesture everyone is familiar with, has just been added to the ADL’s (Anti Defamation League) list of banned hate-speech. Although context may be the final arbiter, its continued use by white supremacists and nationalists have earned the symbol its banned status. This may not be a governmental ban, but courts will now look dimly upon its use as ADL representatives testify before them (https://www.yahoo.com/news/ok-sign-now-considered-hate-170754398.html). ‘At least some white supremacists seem to have abandoned the ironic or satiric intent behind the original trolling campaign and used the symbol as a sincere expression of white supremacy,’ an ADL representative said.”

Knee-Jerk Response:  “Great! A few hotheads ruin it for the rest of us!”

Biblical Response:  “So, what else is new? Today it’s the OK sign…tomorrow it’s the One-Way sign (single forefinger extended from an upheld hand – solidarity with Christians and symbolizing the truth that Jesus is the only way to heaven). Since He is referred to as The Rock of Offense (Rom. 9:23; 1 Pet. 2:8), it’s just a matter of time. Lawsuits have already been filed to remove the cross as a symbol on public lands and monuments to the 10 Commandments have already been ordered to be removed.  You’d think that a little skin thickening might be the cure…but you’d be wrong.”

“Christians? It should not come as much surprise to us as leaders have been trying to silence the message of salvation since the crucifixion (and we all know how well that worked out for them – Rom. 1:8; Acts 26:20).What are we to do when attacked?

  1. “‘.. but sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.‘(1 Pet. 3:15-16  KJV)

  1. Remember you aren’t the first to be persecuted (Peter and John were…and for doing good – Acts 3:1-4:22).
  2. That actually persecution is inevitable and you’re in good company (John 15:18).
  3. Rejoice (James 1:2-4).”

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, help us grin and bear it…knowing that we win in the end (Rom. 6:6; Phil. 1:6); 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:subdeo.com.’ 

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CLARITY – 9-26-19 Who Owns You?

CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events – 9-26-19

Who Owns You?

What’s Happening: “Although she has stated she is FOR the middle class and AGAINST the overly rich and wealthy, Elizabeth Warren, one of the more liberal Democrat Presidential contenders, may find her now-estimated (by Forbes) net wealth of $12 Million a little embarrassing. Granted, some of that wealth is tied up in her $3 Million Victorian in Cambridge, Massachusetts and her $800.000 condo in Washington, D.C., but the bulk of the rest is in semi-liquid mutual funds and bonds. Does this mean she is against herself, or a hypocrite? The Democrat electorate will decide  (https://www.yahoo.com/news/senator-elizabeth-warrens-net-worth-151126747.html). ‘Rich guys have been waging class warfare against hard-working people for decades,’ Warren said in a speech.  ‘I say it’s time to fight back!’”

Knee-Jerk Response:  “It’s not her fault she was financially successful…”

Biblical Response:  “Nor is it anyone’s fault who is upper class. The real question is: Do you have your money or does your money have you? Of course, even the ‘hard-working’ middle and lower class needs to answer this question (often the poor have the most difficulty in loosening their death-grip on finances…just because you struggle financially doesn’t mean you aren’t stingy with what little you have…then again, some of the most generous folks I’ve met are also the least who can afford so).”

“The rich young ruler that came to Jesus (Mk. 10:17-21) went away sorrowing because his wealth had him. Is it wrong to be wealthy? No! In fact, that is a worthy goal. But the real question is the one I’ve already stated. It’s hard to give what you don’t have, but it should not pain you to obediently make available your excess. Of course, then, we might need to have a discussion on what I mean by ‘excess,’ but that’s a different discussion.”

“Christians? What is to be our measure of generosity? The experience of the Widow’s Mites comes to mind (Mk. 12:41-44). A person is not measured by what they’re giving, but by their sacrifice. Not equal giving, but equal sacrifice.”

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, help us to hold on loosely to things, realizing it’s all Yours anyway; 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:subdeo.com.’ 

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CLARITY – 9-25-19 Discipline Rescinded

CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events – 9-25-19

Discipline Rescinded

What’s Happening: “Although Archbishop Charles Thompson revoked the Catholic status of Cathedral High School in Indianapolis, Indiana, over their refusal to fire a gay math teacher, Layton Payne  Elliot, the Vatican suspended the order. At another Catholic school in the archdiocese, Roncalli High School gay guidance counselor, Lynn Starkey, was put on administrative leave last August for marrying Ms.Shelly Fitzgerald. Ms. Starkey has sued  (https://www.yahoo.com/news/vatican-pauses-decree-revoking-schools-143831057.html).  ‘The Archdiocese of Indianapolis awaits a final determination by the Congregation for Catholic Education,’ the archdiocese said.”

Knee-Jerk Response:  “Does that make the Pope pro-gay?”

Biblical Response:  “Maybe…so? Thankfully, God doesn’t vacillate with the culture and the Word of God, although living and powerful (Heb. 4:12), does not change with the current popular trends (like some who want to interpret  a ‘living’ Constitution). Although Pope Francis speaks for the Roman Catholic church, he does not speak for the Kingdom of God. The Bible? Oh, it’s unequivocal about the whole issue (Lev. 18:22; 20:13 ;and 1 Cor. 6:9, to name a few – also see the CLARITY of 11/13/18 – subdeo.com).“ 

“Christians? While we may be anti-gay, we are not anti-gay-people. We may hate the act for what it does to people (to say nothing about the effrontery to God’s created order), but we don’t hate the actors. The Living Bible puts the right emphasis on it in Proverbs 29:27:

The good hate the badness of the wicked. The wicked hate the goodness of the good.”

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, help us to have Your loving attitude toward all sinners: hating the sin, while loving the sinner; 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:subdeo.com.’ 

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CLARITY – 9-24-19 Waxes and Wanes

CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events – 9-24-19

Waxes and Wanes

What’s Happening: “France, Germany, and England, arguably the core of the E.U., have agreed that Iran is the culprit in the drone attack on Saudi oil fields. Citing violations of the 2015 nuclear agreement ((JCPOA), which with Iran they are joint signatories of, and which the U.S, has unilaterally exited, they all signed a statement condemning Iran. It remains to be seen whether this ‘sabre-rattling’ overture will have any effect on the bellicose nature of the Arab regime (https://www.yahoo.com/news/1-britain-france-germany-blame-204522180.html). ‘The time has come for Iran to accept a long term negotiation framework for its nuclear program, as well as regional security issues, which include its missile programs,’ the joint statement read.”

Knee-Jerk Response:  “Maybe they, too, will exit the 2015 Agreement.”

Biblical Response:  “Probably not,…they are too heavily invested into diplomacy…besides, winter’s coming on, and how will their citizenry heat their homes without Iranian oil? They’re not about to put sanctions on Iran that might jeopardize Iranian deliveries…and they certainly don’t want to go to war…at least this is what the Iranians are counting on.”

“This is the latest episode in a millennia-long drama that began in Babylonia and later Persia (ancient Iran) long ago. It includes such personages as Alexander the Great, Roman Emperors, Mohammed; and subsequent conquests including The Crusades, Genghis Kahn’s exploits, etc. Why does history keep repeating itself? Man refuses to learn its lessons…and that may be due to the fallen nature of man (1 Cor, 10:11-12).”

‘Christians? Nobody claimed learning history’s lessons would be easy or natural…indeed, it may be supernatural (John 16:12-13). The first lesson, which obviously Shakespeare learned: this all needs to be taken in stride…it’s ‘Much Ado About Nothing;””

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, help us to wisely take a course of action that takes into consideration the cyclical nature of Fallen Man; 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:subdeo.com.’ 

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CLARITY – 9-23-19 The Illusion of Privacy

CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events – 9-23-19

The Illusion of Privacy

What’s Happening: “It’s not ‘1984’ (from the book of that title by George Orwell), but ‘Big Brother’ may be watching…or at least listening – and a ‘whistleblower’ in the intelligence community is complaining about a call he/she alleges President Trump made to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Allegedly, the complaint concerns pressure that may have been applied in the phone call to investigate Biden’s son, Hunter, who is on the board of a large energy company in Ukraine. If true, this might supply Trump’s opponents with another impeachment issue, now that the Mueller investigation of a possible collusion with Russia in the 2016 election has proven false. I say ‘allegedly’ because the Director of National Intelligence (DNI), Joseph McGuire. has refused to share the complaint with a demanding Congress (https://www.yahoo.com/news/rundown-trump-biden-whistleblowers-complaint-162233535.html). Trump complains this is just another ‘witch hunt.’

Knee-Jerk Response:  “Trump may or may not have done something wrong, but I guess we’ll never know for sure.”

Biblical Response:  “Probably not, but that doesn’t mean Somebody won’t know. Aside from the ‘whistleblower,’ who may have partisan motivations, nobody is supposed to know the content of ‘private’ Presidential phone calls. Sure, there are a few from the intelligence community who listen in (presumably, that is where the ‘whistleblower’ is from}, but the presumption of privacy on phone calls is an essential ingredient to foreign policy. Of course, this is a political hotbed – with Biden being the Democrat front-runner for 2020 and Russia having invaded Ukraine under Biden’s (and Obama’s) watch.”

“This post is titled “The Illusion of Privacy,’ not because there are so many leaks in Washington (though that is a valid point), but because God, being omnipresent (Ps. 139; prov. 15:3), is an eye-witness to all things…including Presidential phone calls”

‘Christians? We believe that even what is done in secret will one day be revealed (Luke 12;3); that there really is no such thing as privacy (Jer. 23:24; 32:19). Maybe that’s why we are told to avoid even the appearance of evil (1 Thess. 5:22).”

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, may the truth be revealed and lies soon exposed;  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:subdeo.com.’ 

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CLARITY – 9-21-19 At Least Camel is Nutritious

CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events – 9-21-19

At Least a Camel is Nutritious

What’s Happening: “One high schooler, Maryn Holler had had enough. She posted on social media a picture of a meager lunch she paid $3.00 for, together with her protest at being served something ‘that costs 50 cents to make.’ Her posting soon got over 1,000 repostings and 900 comments…many of them uncomplimentary to the school: ‘That is a pathetic excuse for a lunch,’ a person wrote. ‘I hope parents are ringing that schools phones off the hook.’ ‘Maryn you’re right, this is absolutely ridiculous and I wish you best of luck in hopes of making a positive change in you district!,’someone else wrote. (https://www.yahoo.com/news/high-school-sparks-controversy-over-182452414.html). Maryn’s comment?  ‘Alright so i paid for this to eat at lunch today,’ Facebook records. ‘I thank God everyday that my family has the money where i get to go home and eat actual food. there are kids at this school who this is ALL THEY GET TO EAT, and we were given a hotdog bun with cheese. it’s honestly sad to know that we go to school and pay around 3 dollars for something that cost .50 cents to make.’” 

Knee-Jerk Response:  “What about the kids that are allergic to dairy products?”

Biblical Response:  “You assuming that they got real cheese…which apparently is quite an assumption. And to pay (actually, the taxpayers are paying) $3 for something that costs a fraction of that… None of which I think is the actual point that should be made. Kids today may have their bodies fed (albeit, maybe poorly), but what of their minds and spirits? A scripture comes to mind: Matt 23:24 – ‘Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.’ (KJV)

‘Blind guides’ seems appropo here, when talking of administrators and teachers (of course, it’s hard to blame the teachers, when they only teach what they must). Ever since 1962 (Engle v. Vitale Supreme Court decision), the Bible and prayer have had no part of public education (in direct conflict with the Northwest Ordinance of 1787). Education of the mind and spirit are incomplete, and that’s ⅔ of the whole person. Now it seems that the other ⅓ might also be in danger. Maybe controversy over that will satisfy their dereliction of mandate.”

“Christians? Oh, we believe in the education of the whole man – body, soul, and spirit (1 Cor. 9:27; 2 Tim. 3:16). And we believe that religion is a vital part of the equation for educating. Read what the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 has to say about it:”

“Quoting the first sentence of Article III: ‘Religion, morality, and knowledge being necessary to good government and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall forever be encouraged.’ Oops!…I guess we forgot about that..,somewhere between the carrots and the cheese.”

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, have mercy on this generation and any who attempt to fill the future with deficient individuals; 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:subdeo.com.’ 

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It’d Be Funny If It Wasn’t So Sad

CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events – 9-20-19

It’d Be Funny If It Wasn’t So Sad

What’s Happening: “If you can believe it, NBC News has opened an online confessional…for those who want to confess their Climate-Change sins! Although this was not taken seriously by many, it was by people who posted the following: – I sleep with the air conditioning on year-round and justify to myself by recycling; – I fly to much…partially for work, but on the flipside, I don’t own a car; – I travel often to conferences flying. I think about the emissions + try to justify it with, ‘the plane is going there, anyway’ (https://www.theblaze.com/news/nbc-news-online-climate-confessional). ‘Even those who care deeply about the planet’s future can slip up now and then,’ says the website.” 

Knee-Jerk Response:  “Should I be kneeling while I post?”

Biblical Response:  “Are you asking this seriously?! The guilt that’s removed by such ‘confessions’ is as phony as mand-made Climate Change…or the on-line confessional. Do I think that Climate Change is real? Of course…it’s been happening since creation…though I was raised fearing the coming Ice Age. Anytime the Sun waxes and wanes fusionly (is that a word?), there is a resultant change on the ‘Third Rock from the Sun.’ Man-made Climate Change? Not so much. Our puny attempts, however well-intentioned, at ameliorating the effects of pollution are as ineffectual as the man-made calamity they are supposed to be fixing.

What we really need is more people taking the stewardship of our home seriously (Gen. 2:15), not fake confessions to a fake god. Do we use too many plastics without disposing of them properly; take too many trips in means of transport that are emission-unfriendly; omit recycling because it is just too inconvenient? Probably. We feel bad about it already…read the justifying statements above. But the economics have to work, too. The solution is profitable innovation.”

“Christians? We should be taking the lead in stewardship. But a website for confessing?! We have too many real sins that need absolution to be pouring out our soul over our pollution shortcomings. Besides, the ‘all iniquity’(1 John1:9) probably covers sins of pollution, too.”

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, help us not to ‘strain at a gnat and swallow a camel’ (Matt. 23:24)…to feel good about confessing faux sins when there are much bigger issues that need our attention; 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:subdeo.com.’ 

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CLARITY – 9-9-19 No ‘Rush to Judgment’

CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events – 9-19-19

No ‘Rush to Judgement’  

What’s Happening: “The ‘Old Gray Lady’ (NYT) may have been caught with her proverbial ‘pants down’ (no sexual pun intended) when she published a later-corrected false report on Justice Brett Kavanaugh as an opinion article Sunday. A book about Kavanaugh’s hearing, The Education of Brett Kavanaugh, co-authored by Kate Kelly, was cited partially. There were immediate calls for impeachment by a half dozen Democrat Presidential contenders including specifically Kamala Harris, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, and Pete Buttigieg (https://www.yahoo.com/news/nyt-kavanaugh-book-skullduggery-132959100.html). ‘Obviously, it was an oversight. We corrected it as soon as we could, added the information in. There’s an editor’s note explaining that we regret this. It’s unfortunate, and just speaking for Robin and myself, there’s no attempt to conceal information from our readers,’ said Kelly.” 

Knee-Jerk Response:  “This guy just doesn’t seem able to catch a break..”

Biblical Response:  “Nope…and in a political climate where mere accusation is sufficient for reality…well, who is surprised? I’m sure we’ve all done things thirty years ago we regret…and getting drunk is one of Kavanaugh’s. The ‘rush to judgement’ of the New York Times reflects her left-leaning bias and neglect of good journalism standards. Justice Kavanaugh must endure another onslaught on his character, but thankfully, there is a Judge Who is never in a hurry (2 Pet. 3:9). It’s not that He wants to gather more facts, as He knows the end from the beginning (Is 46:10). He’s just giving us more time to repent.”

“Christians? Are we afraid for the truth to come out? No (1 John 4:10)…perhaps a bit embarrassed (Luke 12:3), but not afraid.”

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, help us to give people the benefit of the doubt and be quick to forgive… for there, but for the grace of God, go I; 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:subdeo.com.’