Tag: border

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CLARITY – 3-11-19 Learning When to Say “No”

CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events – 3-11-19

Learning When to Say “No”

What’s Happening: “Although there may be a slight increase ($716B to $750B) in defense spending and $8.6B in building a wall on the southern border, there is also a 5% across-the-board cut ($270B) in the budget Trump is delivering today. It’s just a starting point, but what Congress will do with it remains to be seen. It’s a cinch they won’t be favorable to any southern border expenditure…especially with a declared emergency pending (https://www.yahoo.com/news/latest-trump-seek-another-8-6-billion-wall-203035972–politics.html>). ‘There’s no reason to obsess’ about the budget deficit of $1T as long as it remains below 5 percent of the overall economy, said Larry Kudlow, Trump’s economic adviser to Fox News”

Knee-Jerk Response:  “I guess it’s more red ink!”

Biblical Response:  “Yes, and I have mixed emotions about it. On the one hand, I understand that someone needs to be able to spend our hard-earned tax money responsibly…and that should come from the duly elected representatives of the people: the Congress (and sometimes they have to borrow, etc). On the other hand, AGAIN?! I have to balance my accounts! Sure, there’s overdraft protection, but isn’t that costly? On a global scale, our country may soon have reached the point where no more ‘overdraft protection’ is available. When that happens….we may find that the only red we can deal in is blood!”

“Christians? Thankfully, Jesus’ blood shed on the cross paid for our sins, Still (and perhaps because of this…I mean, we are called to maintain a good witness – Acts 14:14-17), if we want to assert that we are fiscally responsible as a Christian nation (though some would argue that we are not), then we should pay our indebtedness (Rom. 13:8) and labor to not incur any more. ”

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, we need your help to spend only responsibly, learning when we should say ‘no;’ 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 – 2-15-19 Haste Makes Maste

CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events – 2-15-19

Haste Makes Waste

What’s Happening: “The President has said he will sign the Omnibus Bill, which funds the government and provides some border security…like leaders have said, it’s the nature of compromise – nobody is very happy…and nobody is very sad. The thing that is sad, however, is the length of time that was given to peruse the bill…less than an hour…for over 1,100 pages (https://www.dailysignal.com/2019/02/14/whats-good-bad-and-ok-in-the-omnibus-bill/)!”

Knee-Jerk Response:  “But isn’t it important that the government not shut down again?”

Biblical Response:  “True, and that’s the President’s overriding priority, but border security is nearly as important. This bill really inadequately deals with that…of course, there are other measures that can be taken…and, no doubt, he will. Still, one hour to read what is in the bill?!”

“Christians? Of course we believe in funding government. Of course we believe in border security. We also think that haste is not a good thing (Isaiah 28:16)!”  

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, let us not be in too big of a hurry to allow for You to move without danger to us;help us to judge rightly and to recognize when a problem’s solution simply comes from justice being served; 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 – 12-29-18 Shutdown Govt?…Immigration?…Border?

CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events – 12-29-18

Shutdown…of Govt?…of Immigration?…of Border?

What’s Happening: “Yesterday, the President, in the face of a government shutdown, said he may shutdown the entire southern border. There is currently an impasse between Democrats and Republicans over the demanded $5 Billion (really only a downpayment on the overall border security cost of $26 Billion). What this Congress, which is currently on permanent recess, or the one scheduled to convene January 3, 2019, with a newly elected Democrat majority, will do is anybody’s guess…but it’s a cinch they won’t call any money allocated: “for the wall” (https://www.yahoo.com/news/donald-trump-venting-fury-over-151943226.html).  ‘I must, in the strongest of terms, ask Mexico to stop this onslaught – and if unable to do so I will call up the U.S. Military and CLOSE OUR SOUTHERN BORDER!” the President tweeted.”  

Knee-Jerk Response:  “How long can the government be shut down?!”

Biblical Response:  “The popular mantra among the media..and Chicken Little…is the sky is falling. It’s not. 87% of government services will continue unabated. There is nothing to fret…unless, of course, you are John Kerry or his family  (https://www.westernjournal.com/ct/john-kerrys-family-fights-border-security-palatial-french-villa-terrorism/?utm_source=Email&utm_medium=patriotupdate&utm_campaign=dailyam&utm_content=libertyalliance). What is sauce for the goose is apparently not sauce for the gandee.

“Christians? Some Universalists and Unitarians might disagree, but heaven is only for those who come though the gate…and there is a wall (allowing access for the righteous – and excluding others). Sure, I know Christ died for everyone…but all have not received His gift.

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, give us the love to pray for others; we’ll leave the judgement to the Judge; 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 – 11-26-18 Unwelcome Invasion

CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events – 11-26-18

Unwelcome Invasion

 

What’s Happening: “Is any invasion welcome? That’s why it’s called an invasion! I could be referring to the absence of a Martian welcome mat (we are due to land there today – just an unmanned science probe launched in May), but I’m  referring to the protest that greeted the caravan at the U.S. border…from Tijuana, Mexico residents! )https://dcalert.com/2018/11/20/protests-in-mexico-as-locals-agree-with-trump-this-is-an-invasion/) Apparently they don’t want them any more than the U.S. Border Patrol does https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2018/11/25/immigrant-caravan-us-agents-fire-tear-gas-slow-migrants/2110267002/). ‘I will not allow our binational relationship to be fractured by bad actions of the migrant caravan. They are doing things outside of the law,’ said Tijuana Mayor Juan Gastelum.”

 

Knee-Jerk Response:  “They are not invading! They just want a new home!”

 

Biblical Response:  “Believe me, I don’t blame them wanting to improve their situation (notice that they are fleeing to capitalism, even though socialist Venezuela is half the distance). However, how long do you think America would remain economically attractive were we to welcome all immigrants? Sure, we want immigrants…we need them…but a merit-based system is good for the immigrants (it gives them a reason to improve themselves) and it’s good for us (it makes us want to compete for the best jobs). Talk about welcoming them…if they come legally!”

 

“Christians? We’ve been regarded as an invading horde…first by the Jewish leaders (Acts 4:1-3)…then by the Romans in the regions under their control (2 Cor. 25-27)…and we should expect persecution (John 15:18-19). Of course, we bring the message of hope…and not everyone is excited about that.”

 

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, help us to speak with boldness, not have unreasonable expectations about everyone’s reception, deal compassionately with others, yet demand justice and know that Your hand is often involved in hardship;  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 – 10-23-18 Timing is Everything

CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events – 10-23-18

Timing is Everything

 

What’s Happening: “The migrant caravans traveling through Mexico (primarily from the Central American countries of El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras – though Mexicans have swelled ranks and Trump claims there may  be some Middle Easterners and MS-13 gang members, too) have 1,300 miles to go and only 14 days to the midterm elections – too late for Democrats (https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-6307043/SECOND-migrant-caravan-1-000-heading-following-first.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ito=1490&ns_campaign=1490). ‘Every time you see a Caravan, or people illegally coming, or attempting to come, into our Country illegally, think of and blame the Democrats for not giving us the votes to change our pathetic Immigration Laws! Remember the Midterms! So unfair to those who come in legally,’ Trump said.”

 

Knee-Jerk Response:  “I thought Soros and other Democrats were funding the caravans.”

 

Biblical Response:  “Perhaps. Since no one could possibly arrive before the midterms, that seems unlikely…they are probably just trying to travel before it gets too cold. But a ‘Catch and Release’ policy is probably pretty attractive to them. I’ve heard figures above 99% that don’t make assigned court dates. They just melt into the 11,000,000 already here.”

 

“Christians? We should be grateful that missionary efforts have been made easier – told to ‘go’ (Matt, 28:18-20), it’s great to have your audience come to you. Still, we can’t encourage aliens to enter our country illegally. I mean, I feel bad that they have violence, drugs, and unemployment in their own countries; some genuinely are seeking asylum. Still, don’t Americans have a prior obligation to their own families? If we need to amend our immigration systems let’s get about that. After all, God controls much of that doesn’t He?”

“And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;” (Acts 17:26 KJV)

 

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, let our elected representatives know Your plan and enact laws that work alongside You; 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 – 6-20-18 “Families”

CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events – 6-20-18

 

“Families”

 

What’s Happening:  “There are true asylum seekers and pretenders…as least so says one law enforcement source who interviewed children whose parents have been detained for illegally crossing the border (https://www.westernjournal.com/ct/report-illegal-immigrant-children-strangely-know-very-little-about-parents/?utm_source=Email&utm_medium=newsletter-CT&utm_campaign=dailypm&utm_content=conservative-tribune). ‘The law enforcement source cast doubt on the asylum claims many illegal immigrants appear to parrot, pointing out that the vast majority of those detained are  actively trying to evade authorities.Only upon their detention do they offer that same exact credible fear of returning home, most of whom say the phrase in the exact same scripted way,’ says the Daily Caller’s report.”

 

Knee-Jerk Response:  “Surely, the adults wouldn’t use innocent children as a ruse!”

 

Biblical Response:  “Surely, they would…and do! Let’s not be naive. Good behavior is reserved for those who use a LEGAL Port of Entry. The so-called ‘no-tolerance’ policy of the Trump Administration should be the practice of all law enforcement regarding all laws…I sure don’t pay them to look the other way! Should we as Americans be compassionate toward innocent children? Absolutely! But let’s also not be hypocritical…those aborted are separated from their parents, too.

 

“Christians? What an opportunity! It would likely receive little media coverage, but every church in a border state ought to volunteer their facilities and care for the children of detainees….and that’s not to absolve Christian families from making their homes available long-term (Matt. 7:12).”

 

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, help us to demonstrate our love in action…but also our discernment; in Jesus’ Name, amen.”

 

Share as you like; just give credit appropriately. For buying any of Alan E. Sargent’s books or to subscribe to 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 – 6-18-18 Talk About Separation!

CLARITY

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

 

Talk About Separation!

 

What’s Happening:  “Democrats and Republicans agree on one thing: separation of immigrant families of those attempting border crossings is messy and disheartening, especially for minors, the innocent victims in all this. While many are illegal immigrants using minors as an excuse at the border – actually lying that the children are part of their families – many are seeking asylum from drug cartel threats and oppressive government regimes. The different proposed ways of handling them comes from different proposals that are being considered on capitol hill (https://www.washingtonpost.com/powerpost/gop-democrats-are-outraged-but-at-odds-over-ending-family-separation-at-border/2018/06/17/6667f3a4-7247-11e8-b4b7-308400242c2e_story.html?noredirect=on&utm_term=.29542dc5545a). ‘Republican and Democratic lawmakers alike on Sunday called for Congress to pass a law ending the Trump administration’s practice of separating and detaining families trying to cross the border into the United States, but the two sides remain sharply divided on what that bill should look like,’ the Washington Post records.’”

 

Knee-Jerk Response:  “Imagine being separated from your family!”

 

Biblical Response:  “I can’t imagine making the trip in the first place – maybe being separated will make parents think twice about moving in the first place. I’m not saying that every asylum seeker is using kids to game the system, though that has worked in the past…that’s what ‘catch and release’ was all about…I’m just saying there is a legal process for everything. Instead of spending our time on how to handle children at the border, maybe we should spend our time overhauling the entire immigration system, making things more timely, more accountable (read: mandatory employer checks), and more humane.”

 

“Christians? Separating children from their parents may seem cruel and unusual, but that is exactly what is going to happen at the judgment (Luke 16:26). However the greatest pain of separation will be experienced by those who are eternally separated from God. (Heb. 9:27; Matt. 7:23). Imagine that separation!”

 

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, help us to do what is right at the border…and what is right eternally; in Jesus’ Name, amen.”

 

Share as you like; just give credit appropriately. For buying any of Alan E. Sargent’s books or to subscribe to 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 – 5-16-18 Who’s to Blame?

CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events – 5-16-18

 

Who’s to Blame?

 

What’s Happening:  “If you ask the White House, Hamas is to blame. If you ask Hamas, Israel and America are to blame. Whoever is to blame, by most counts, over 50 protesters were killed and over 2,000 were injured as the U.S. Embassy opening celebration was being held in Jerusalem Monday (https://www.yahoo.com/news/white-house-blames-hamas-over-192136258.html). ‘Said Deputy Press Secretary Raj Shah: ‘We’re aware of the reports of continued violence in Gaza today. Responsibility with these tragic deaths rests solely with Hamas.’”

 

Knee-Jerk Response:  “What a black mark on this day!”

 

Biblical Response:  “I’m sure that’s just what Hamas was aiming for…and the death toll would have been much higher if the Israeli Army had aimed at anything higher than legs (really …only 50 out of 2,000?!) Too bad for the protesters that they were so easily manipulated into defying Israel’s border…many of the protesters were armed…of course, most media outlets didn’t mention that.”

 

“Christians? Anyone’s death is tragic…but the tragedy is multiplied when it is for a hopeless cause (and if anything, the 1967 war should have taught people that…of course, the average protester is not a student of history…let alone of the Bible – Lev 14:34). The Palestinians elected Mahmoud Abbas to be the President of a non-existent country in 2005 and he continues to motivate young people to die for a lie…of course you have to believe the truth to not be deceived by a lie.”

 

”Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, help the young people of the Golan Heights and the Gaza Strip see the truth; in Jesus’ Name, amen.”   © Alan E.Sargent

 

Share as you like; just give credit appropriately. For buying any of Alan E. Sargent’s books or to subscribe to 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 – 2-28-18 “…Walls Work”

CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events – 2-28-18

 

“…Walls Work”

 

What’s Happening:  “The Trump Administration won a small victory in court yesterday to build the border wall (though the money has yet to be approved by Congress). U.S. District Judge Gonzalo Curiel ruled against the State of California and various advocacy groups in its ruling in the San Diego court. Mexico continues to deny that it will pay for the wall (https://www.yahoo.com/news/despite-legal-victory-trump-needs-money-border-wall-071213597.html). Department of Justice spokesman, Devin O’Malley applauded the decision saying, ‘this important work [is] vital to our nation’s interests.’ Homeland Security spokesman Tyler Houlton quipped, ‘Simply put, walls work.’”

 

 

Knee-Jerk Response:  “Don’t drugs and human trafficking come through tunnels under and  by way of people over walls?”

 

Biblical Response:  “Yes, currently…where there are short walls or distances to negotiate (though there are some tunnels that get blown up upon discovery)…but not in the border security system the administration is proposing. The difficult-to-scale 30’ walls, increased number of border agents and added technological improvements suggested (drones, ground penetrating radar, etc.) should deter most illegal entry of drugs or people. Now all the administration has to do is come up with the money. This shouldn’t be too hard…privately, publicly…or through the tariffs, customs or border crossing fees we could charge Mexico. ”

 

“Christians? We believe borders are sacred, even determined by God (Acts 17:26). Protecting them only makes sense. Having a country without borders is like living life without rules…that doesn’t work very well, either.”

 

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, help us know what is right and do what is right. While we want to be generous and good stewards, we must first protect what you have given us to steward over;  in  Jesus’ Name, amen.”   © Alan E.Sargent

 

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