Tag: denuclearization

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CLARITY – 2-26-19 First Things First

CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events – 2-26-19

First Things First

What’s Happening: “What’s on the agenda for the Trump/Kim Summit? Aside from denuclearization, perhaps the end of the Korean War (1950-1953). What exists now is the cessation of hostilities. Ironically, the Summit is to be held in Hanoi, Vietnam, a city acquainted with an absence of war, but not acquainted with peace. Maybe you have to end something that exists already before you can start something new (https://abcnews.go.com/International/us-north-korea-declare-end-korean-war-summit/story?id=61297002&cid=clicksource_4380645_1_heads_hero_live_headlines_hed). ‘What format the end-of-war declaration will be, we don’t know exactly,” said Kim Eui-kyeom, a spokesman for South Korea’s president, Moon Jae-in.””

Knee-Jerk Response:  “No way is Kim going to give up his nuclear weapons!”

Biblical Response:  “Probably not…but the possibility is real enough to pursue. I mean, the people are starving (and Kim has got to know this – the sanctions are working, in spite of the fact that China is still supplying them) and the North Koreans do want more influence in the region. What Trump has to convince them of is that giving up their nukes is the surest and quickest way to greater influence – that hope of gain is a better motivator than fear of loss…kind of counter-intuitive, huh? President Trump certainly has his work cut out. No wonder there might be an end to the Korean War first (an armistice was really never signed). This way progress can be claimed without real denuclearization.

“Christians? Of course we’re for peace…even earthly peace. Still, we are not naive. Real peace only comes from the Prince of Peace (Phil. 4:7).  And that’s peace with God. But all peace comes from that.”

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, be present with Kim and Trump…and may real progress occur; 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 – 7-27-18 Honor and Respect

CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events – 7-27-18

 

Honor and Respect

 

What’s Happening:  “The flight that left North Korea with 55 sets of U.S. servicemen remains  (5,300 are thought to exist) from the Korean War marked several things: a promise made and kept (both Trump’s and Kim’s), the 65th anniversary of the armistice signed which ended the conflict, the renewal of hope that denuclearization of the peninsula will continue,  etc. (https://www.yahoo.com/news/north-korea-returns-remains-55-034657808.html). ‘It is a solemn obligation of the United States Government to ensure that the remains are handled with dignity and properly accounted for so their families receive them in an honorable manner,’ White House Press Secretary, Sarah Huckabee-Sanders said.”

 

Knee-Jerk Response:  “55 of 5,300! Big deal!”

 

Biblical Response:  “It is a big deal to the families belonging to those remains…and although there are still a lot to go, it’s a start. Also, if this is any sign that NoKo is still interested in denuclearization, I’m all for it. We’ve got a long way to go for sure, but the journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step.”

 

“Christians? While we are for all due honor and respect shown those who gave their ‘last full measure of devotion’ (quoting the Gettysburg Address), the remains are only what’s left of the servicemen’s physical bodies. Their souls and spirits are already where they should go (Heb. 9:27). It’s too late for many of them, but we should redouble our efforts to those who survive these men. Is anyone ministering to them?”

 

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, let us give honor where honor is due, and effort where effort is due; 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 – 7-2-18 Proposition vs. Disposition

CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events – 7-2-18

 

Proposition vs. Disposition

 

What’s Happening:  “Nation Security Adviser, John Bolton, Sunday announced a proposition that would have North Korea denuclearized in a year…if they’re serious…and the President believes they are…recent info suggests that the centrifuges keep on spinning in undisclosed locations (https://www.yahoo.com/news/bolton-us-plan-dismantle-nk-nuclear-program-144159303–politics.html?.tsrc=daily_mail&uh_test=2_03). ‘We have developed a program. I’m sure that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will be discussing this with the North Koreans in the near future about really how to dismantle all of their WMD and ballistic missile programs in a year,’ Bolton was quoted as saying.”

 

Knee-Jerk Response:  “They’re probably lying again.”

 

Biblical Response:  “Probably. The proof’s in the pudding, so to speak. There’s nothing productive in being willingly deceived. Still, the possibility of peace is palpable…and harmless…if you’re wary of hype. At least we have very capable and wise negotiators in Trump, Pompeo, and Bolton. They will negotiate with one eye open.”

 

“Christians? The situation is pretty well summed up in Proverbs: ‘Man proposes, but God disposes.’ (Prov. 19:21 LB) As the old saying goes: The road to h__ is paved with good intentions”(you know where it goes…do I have to spell it out for you?!). It’s time for Christians to pray…it’s not about proposals…it’s about performance…it’s not about promises made, but promises kept.”

 

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, while our naivete might make us harmless as does, our experience (at least with the DPRK) makes us wise as serpents (Matt. 10:16); help us (as You) to see the end from the beginning: 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 – 6-13-18 What’s Next?

CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events – 6-13-18

 

What’s Next?

 

What’s Happening:  “Everybody knows that June 12, 2018 (yesterday) was a historic day as it was the first-ever meeting between a leader of North Korea and a President of the United  States….what isn’t known is what’s next? Sure, a cessation of war games (joint exercises) with South Korea and the U.S. military – that’s to be expected – but what of human rights, Christian persecution, and the next step in verifiable irreversible denuclearization? (https://www.frc.org/get.cfm?i=WA18F21&f=WU18F08). ‘At the press conference following the summit, President Trump affirmed that he initiated a conversation about these matters with the North Korean leader during their talks: “[W]e did discuss [the issue of human rights] today pretty strongly.” Even though the main purpose of the talks was “denuking,” human rights were discussed “at pretty good length.” On that topic, they will “agree to something,” as it was “one of the primary topics” that “was discussed at length outside of the nuclear situation.” In President Trump’s view, this “has to” change in order to move forward, and he will not remove sanctions “without significant improvement in the human rights situation,”’ an FRC report reads.”

 

Knee-Jerk Response:  “What’s the big deal? This summit is a nothing-burger.”

 

Biblical Response:  “I beg to differ. The meeting of Trump and Kim IS a big deal. Video tapes have now surfaced that Trump has been envisioning this for nearly 20 years (https://www.westernjournal.com/ct/old-video-surfaces-shows-trump-was-prepping-for-nk-nearly-20-years-ago/?utm_source=Email&utm_medium=CTBreaking&utm_campaign=breaking&utm_content=conservative-tribune), and the meeting WAS historic…or maybe you would prefer the horrible deaths of millions? Sure, Trump said complimentary things of the leader of the most repressive regime in modern history, but stating the obvious is NOT how you negotiate with a venomous snake!”

 

“Christians? Now maybe the doors to evangelism will begin to open (not that the Holy Spirit has ever been limited in what He can do). The job for evangelizing the world is clearly every Christian’s (Matt. 28:18-20). Having a denuclearized peninsula is good news for the Christian Church everywhere…and the nullifying of a madman’s threat is good news for the world.”

 

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, now we need You to intervene as never before…ensuring true freedom, not continued repression; 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 – 6-4-18 Good News or Bad

CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events – 6-4-18

 

Good News or Bad

 

What’s Happening:  “It’s anybody’s guess ,really, the replacement of the DPRK’s top military brass…is it good news or bad? Analysts say that this gives Kim Jong-un more control of the  Korean People’s Army (KPA), preparing for the summit with Trump by surrounding himself with more like-minded leaders. If Kim really intends denuclearization, this might be good news. If he intends to keep North Korea on its historic path of deception and promises made, but not kept, it’s bad. The South thinks it’s good, but someone with “no dog in the hunt” needs to be heard (https://www.yahoo.com/news/north-korea-shakes-military-leadership-ahead-trump-summit-033547734.html). ‘If Kim Jong Un is set on making peace with the U.S. and South Korea and dealing away at least part of the nuclear program, he will have to put the KPA’s influence in a box and keep it there,’ said the director of the International Affairs Group, Ken Gause.’”

 

Knee-Jerk Response:  “Surely, it doesn’t matter much….this summit.”

 

Biblical Response:  “Not unless you mind the first truly nuclear war! What’s at stake is more serious than anyone can possibly imagine…it’s certainly nothing to yawn at. While I do understand the obvious advantage of approaching peace from a position of strength (thank you, Mr. Trump), I want someone in our delegation in Singapore that has nothing to prove (thank you, Mike Pompeo).”

 

“Christians? Oh we believe in Good News (this gives us hope)…and know the repercussions of bad news (Read Rom. 7 sometime). What we need June 12 is good news… ‘Good news from far away is like cold water to the thirsty.’ (Prov. 25:25) Yep. That just about sums it up.”

 

”Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, help those involved in making peace have NO hidden agendas; 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 – 5-25-18 Continuance

CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events – 5-25-18

 

Continuance

 

What’s Happening:  “Trump cancelled the historic summit in Singapore scheduled for June 12 with DPRK leader Kim Jong-un because of a threat from Kim of nuclear war. Still, he said the meeting could be held later if tensions subsided (http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2018/05/24/trump-says-north-korea-summit-still-possible-after-pullout-but-warns-us-military-ready-if-necessary.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+foxnews%2Fpolitics+%28Internal+-+Politics+-+Text%29). ‘Nobody should be anxious. We have to get it right,’ Trump is reported to have said.”

 

Knee-Jerk Response:  “Why don’t we just nuke ‘em? We’ll win any conflict, right?”

 

Biblical Response:  “It’s not that simple. In the first place, thousands of innocent Koreans would die…in the North…and in the South. Secondly, so might a lot of innocent American soldiers’ families (there are 28,500 soldiers stationed in South Korea). Thirdly, how about the Japanese? Then there’s the possibility of China taking North Korea’s part. Need I go on? I’m as ready as the next guy for denuclearization of the Korean peninsula. Let’s just get it right. Give the ‘maximum pressure’ campaign a chance. A few months of sanctions will convince them of our solidarity…IF everyone (including China) will get on board.”

 

“Christians? I think patience is a fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23). Surely, we can demonstrate a little of that can’t we?”

 

”Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, our leadership needs Your wisdom…not their own bravado…help us; 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 – 5-23-18 Inspectations

CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events – 5-23-18

 

Inspectations

 

What’s Happening:  “A limited group of media outlets have received invitations (to which they responded yesterday by arriving in N,K.) to witness the closure of the  Punggyeri nuclear test site (https://www.reuters.com/article/us-northkorea-missiles-china-journalists/foreign-media-head-to-north-korea-to-witness-nuclear-site-shutdown-idUSKCN1IN08F). Recent language of reluctance from DPRK has given almost everyone pause. ‘Nonetheless, the government pays due attention to the fact that the North’s pledge to dismantle the Punggyeri nuclear test site, an initial measure for denuclearization, is proceeding as planned, and expects that such action to lead to the successful hosting of the North Korea-U.S. summit,’ said South Korea’s Unification Ministry.”

 

Knee-Jerk Response:  “Kim Jong-un may do what he says.”

 

Biblical Response:  “And he may not. If the last 25 years is any indicator, promises made will be followed by deception and further nuclear advancement. People don’t do what you expect, they do what you inspect (which is the reason for the old Ronald Reagan quote, ‘Trust, but verify’). The West is smart to be cautious. It’s great that Kim Jong-un says he wants peace. Now he needs to follow up rhetoric with action.”

 

“Christians? In Christianity we say proof of repentance is changed behavior. Well, you know what the road to hell is paved with (Luke 3:8).”

 

”Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, help us to believe the best…but with one eye open; 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 – 4-28-18 Agree to Agree

CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events – 4-28-18

 

Agree to Agree

 

What’s Happening:  “It was quite a photo-op to have the two rivals, Kim Jong-Un of North Korea and Moon Jae-In of South Korea, hug. Much ‘Pomp and Circumstance,’ not much substance…at least not yet. Seoul and Pyongyang have the denuclearization’ of the peninsula and the re-unification of the two peoples as goals; however, the devil may be in the details… (https://www.nknews.org/2018/04/two-koreas-agree-to-end-armistice-agreement-sign-peace-treaty/).  ‘South and North Korea will actively cooperate to establish a permanent and solid peace regime on the Korean Peninsula,’ the ‘agree to agree’ statement read.”

 

Knee-Jerk Response:  “I guess I had better keep my fingers crossed!”

 

Biblical Response:  “Hopefully, continued peace will not rely on your ongoing digital resolve… however euphemistically you might have intended that remark. Seriously, there have been other (previously unsuccessful) attempts at peace. Of course, Trump and his harsh rhetoric was not being brandished then. ”

 

“Christians? Things get done when honesty prevails (James 5:12). Will Trump really back up his words with action…or is his ‘fire and fury’ threat empty. Maybe he has ‘Rocket Man’ convinced.”

 

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, help our leaders (especially Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and President Trump) discern a real desire for peace from just another obfuscation to buy more time; 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 – 3-9-18 Throwing Around the “D” Word

CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events – 3-9-18

 

Throwing Around the “D” Word

 

What’s Happening:  “‘Denuclearization’…such a big word for such a ‘little rocket man’…yet that, apparently, is what DPRK leader Kim Jong-un is saying in his offer to meet with South Korean leader Moon and President Trump (who has offered a May meeting). There is much to be gained by all: for the South, peace, and the possibility of re-unification…a long-held dream on the peninsula; for the U.S., a huge political win for Trump, validation for his ‘peace through strength’ posture…and his challenging rhetoric; for the North, an easing of sanctions…and more time for centrifuges to spin? (https://boingboing.net/2018/03/08/noko-denuke.html). ‘He pledged that North Korea will refrain from any further nuclear or missile tests,’ said South Korean spokesman  Chung Eui-yong. ‘President Trump would meet Kim Jong-un by May to achieve denuclearization.’”

 

Knee-Jerk Response:  “Whew! We dodged a big bullet!”

 

Biblical Response:  “Not so fast. There’s always hope for diplomacy to be productive, but this has happened before (I’m thinking of Clinton’s efforts, etc….however, you can only kick the can so far down the road). As ‘Ronnie Ray-gun’ was fond of saying: ‘Trust, but verify.’ Maybe Kim is being an honest broker…still, I’d use this opportunity to remove all U.S. citizens and non-essential personnel (I’m thinking the families of servicemen not the soldiers themselves) from South Korea; either the peace talks will work and they’ll be no longer needed or war is inevitable and why expose more than necessary to harm?”

 

“Christians?  Oh we believe in peace…and we believe you should give peace a chance…but we’re not naive. The heart of man is wicked and not to be trusted (Rom. 3:23). Kim Jong-un may want the best for his people…or his petty ego might get the best of him (or he may not be right in what he thinks is best for his people). In any case, let us proceed with one eye open….and the button within reach.”

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, while we want peace, we don’t want it at any price. Give our leaders wisdom and discretion; 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 – 2-24-18 The Carrot and the Stick

CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events – 2-24-18

 

The Carrot and the Stick

 

What’s Happening:  “Simultaneous to Ivanka Trump’s visit to the Olympics was President Trump’s announcement (almost as an afterthought at CPAC’s convention) of new U.S. sanctions against North Korea.  Allegedly just there to encourage U.S. Olympic efforts and attend the closing ceremonies, Ivanka, an aide to the President, has been rumored to be there as a softer image than that given by V.P. Mike Pence in the dignitary box at the Opening Ceremony (https://www.yahoo.com/news/ivanka-trump-arrives-south-korea-olympics-080052752.html). ‘North Korea’s participation in the Winter Olympic Games has served as an opportunity for us to engage in active discussions between the two Koreas and this has led to lowering of tensions on the peninsula and an improvement in inter-Korean relations,’ South Korean President Moon was quoted as saying.”

 

Knee-Jerk Response:  “She’s just there to keep the fashion cameras rolling!”

 

Biblical Response:  “Perhaps…she’s certainly got the clothes, looks and celebrity status to pull that off… and she’s a winter sports enthusiast…but the timing of the President’s new sanctions and her attendance is too coincidental for that. And make no mistake, this may well be the DPRK’s last chance for peaceful negotiations. Although past leaders have delayed while centrifuges continued to spin, Trump is likely to realize the can has cul-de-sacced out…that there is NO OUTLET.  Denuclearization is going to happen…one way or the other..”

 

“Christians? Nobody likes to kill (except maybe the psychopath or serial killer). Nobody wants to see some mentally ill person like Cruz of Kim Jong-un die, but sometimes it is better than to see them slaughter innocents. Justice is only one side of a loving God (Matt. 23:23). Is it ever merciful to be just? Ask the parents of those killed in Parkland or those living in Seoul.”

 

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, while we want peace in our time, we don’t want to be so selfish as to sacrifice peace for our kids. Help us, Lord; 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