Tag: Trump

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CLARITY – 11-5-19 A Quid Without a Quo

CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events – 11-5-19

A Quid Without a Quo

It’s Happening: “Is Trump offering a new defense? ’The quid did not happen, but if it did, so what?’ This seems to be the tack some Republican lawmakers are now (as of Sunday) trying to say. The old saying: quid pro quo, means that if you do something, I’ll do something…I’ll give in on the promised Ukrainian military aid, if you’ll investigate the Bidens…which Trump says you can only read into the transcript of the call…it was never said. But that is moot…so say some )https://www.yahoo.com/news/trump-no-quid-pro-quo-perhaps-not-impeachable-143731986.html). On Friday night, the Washington Post (and later Axios) reported ‘a growing number of Senate Republicans are ready to acknowledge that President Trump used U.S. military aid as leverage to force Ukraine to investigate former vice president Joe Biden and his family.’”

Knee-Jerk Response:  “Whom should I believe? Trump or the media?”

Biblical Response:  “That”s a question many are asking…I guess we may not know what the public thinks until the election. Trump claims the transcript is accurate and he clearly made no conditional demand. The Dems say that others, who were privy to the call disagree. Perhaps the truth cannot be known by anyone but God. One thing’s for sure, Jesus death (and God’s love) is unconditional. In fact, Romans 5:8 says that ‘But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.’ (KJV) I didn’t have to clean up my act to be worthy. His righteousness was my sufficiency! (Rom. 3:25-26)

“Christians? We believe God offered a quid without a quo…it was unconditional. It is our job to get this Good News out to others. That’s what evangelism is all about.”

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, help us to not strain at a gnat politically and realize that getting the message of free salvation out to others is our task…a blessed task, at that; 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 – 7-31-19 Bluster

CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events -7-31-19

Bluster

What’s Happening: “In a display of anger/warning, North Korea launched two additional missiles about 150 miles, splashing into the Sea of Japan yesterday (they launched another a week ago). Although these are only the 2nd and 3rd missiles launched since Trump’s much-ballyhooed impromptu meeting with Chairman Kim at the DMZ, many think they are to send a message of displeasure at the U.S.’s  resumed military exercises with South Korea – till recently, annual. (https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-49173514). ‘North Korea will continue to vent its anger by testing missiles… in the coming days before [the] drills begin in early August, It’s a message to Washington and Seoul: stop joint exercises or we will continue to show off our own offensive military capabilities,” said Harry Kazianis of the Washington think tank, Center for the National Interest.”

Knee-Jerk Response:  “So you’re saying I shouldn’t retire to Hawaii just yet, right?”

Biblical Response:  “No, I’m not really saying anything. If ‘Chicken Little’ would quit getting his ‘knickers in a twist’ every time somebody threatened…well, maybe there would be a few less anti-anxiety pills sold! (Phil. 4:6)  Seriously, these moves are just like many of Kim’s others…just so much bluster. Maybe he thinks it gives him leverage against the sanctions or a bargaining chip at some future summit, but he has yet to understand Trump (no condemnation, as few do). Maybe Kim just wants Japan or Europe or whoever to pressure Trump into relaxing sanctions – they don’t understand Trump either. He just backs up rhetoric with actions.”

“Christians? Oh, we believe in integrity. Sure, we’d like the President to be more accurate, but you can’t fault him for lack of action…or for taking someone else’s bluster too seriously. As Christians, we are to guard ourselves against hypocrisy (Matt. 23:13-31) …and baseless fear (1 Jn. 4:18).”

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, help us to be as wise as serpents, but gentle as doves (Matt. 10:16); 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 – 7-23-19 Promises Stymied

CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events -7-23-19

Promises Stymied

What’s Happening: “Recently, it was revealed by the Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) that the Trump administration has not built a single mile of new wall – they have only repaired 51 miles of existing fence. The CBP said, however, they will continue to build 205 miles of wall from funds seized by Trump earlier this year from the Treasury Forfeiture Fund after the partial government shutdown. Some say obstructive Democrats are to blame (https://www.yahoo.com/news/trump-not-built-single-mile-084326790.html). A senior official in the Trump administration said, ‘The wall projects are moving along as quickly as practicably possible given the unprecedented obstruction from Democrat lawmakers to protect and prolong open borders.’”

Knee-Jerk Response:  “Sounds like promises were too easy to make…too hard to keep.”

Biblical Response:  “Perhaps, but it could also be as the official said above. That, and a Democrat majority in the House. Unless you control the Congress and the Executive Branch, it’s hard to get anything done…except for bi-partisan infrastructure projects – oh, that’s right; a House preoccupied-with-impeachment won’t even address that. ‘The Squad’ and the other newly-elected freshmen (or should I say the more PC ‘freshpersons’), despite Speaker Pelosi’s warnings, seem to have collusion and obstruction blinders on. Now, who’s guilty of obstruction?”

“Christians? We are not unacquainted with promises made…(Deut. 28)….it’s just that we are used to promises being kept. God is faithful to His promises (Ps. 71:22), but power is necessary. Faithfulness and power go hand in hand…a power perhaps Trump assumed, but was taken away in the election of 2018.”

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, let us be slow to promise, but faithful to look to Your power; 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 – 3-23-19 Facts are Facts

CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events – 3-23-19

Facts are Facts

What’s Happening: “It’s finally over. Late yesterday USAG Barr notified Congress that Special Counsel Robert Mueller had submitted his final report and he was reviewing it. Although Trump’s vociferous opposition, the Democrats, called for the report’s immediate and public release, Trump has called the investigation repeatedly a ‘witch hunt.’ Even if the report does not give them what they seek, no doubt the spin-meisters will be at work trying to get the facts to line up with their narrative. Their success may well determine the outcome of the 2020 election…at least that is what they hope. The spin-meisters? They are on both sides (https://www.yahoo.com/news/the-political-battle-over-robert-muellers-report-is-just-beginning-232806437.html.  ‘As Donald Trump said, ‘Let it come out.’ ‘I call on the Trump administration to make special counsel Mueller’s full report public as soon as possible. No one, including the President, is above the law,’ said  Bernie Sanders.”

Knee-Jerk Response:  “I think he’s guilty!”

Biblical Response:  “As the old saying goes: ‘Opinions are like noses – everybody’s got one…’ Trump might be guilty…so might be the DNC, Christopher Steele, Hillary Clinton, etc. We won’t know definitively for some time. Although the temptation is to jump to conclusions according to your political bent, that temptation must be resisted (1 Pet. 5:8-9). The truth can set us free (John 8:32), but only if we are patient enough for the facts to lead where they will.”

“Christians? The question we must ask ourselves: Are we really prepared to enter the political fray with no preconceived conclusions? If not., then our opinions are worthless unless supported by facts…then, I guess they wouldn’t be opinions at all.”  

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, we need your help to demonstrate the necessary patience….we are just too invested in the conclusion; 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 – 3-16-19 Bucking the Wind

CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events – 3-16-19

Bucking the Wind

What’s Happening: “In the unshocking first veto of Trump’s presidency yesterday, he upheld his National Emergency declaration and made many happy – and many sad. The final vote he overthrew? In the House, 245 (including 13 Republicans) to 182 voted to undo the declaration – a majority, but not enough to override a veto. In the Republican-controlled Senate (53 – R), Trump was repudiated by a vote of 59 to 41 (12 Republicans joined with all the Democrats); still not enough to override a veto. Still, Pelosi has scheduled an override vote on March 26 (https://www.yahoo.com/news/trump-issues-first-veto-continuing-border-emergency-195420804.html). Quoting the article: ‘Today I am vetoing this resolution,” said Trump. “Congress has the freedom to pass this resolution and I have the duty to veto it and I’m very proud to veto it.”

Knee-Jerk Response:  “Doesn’t that veto set a bad precedent for some future Democrat President?”

Biblical Response:  “As if the last 56 times past Presidents have declared National Emergencies weren’t enough! Actually, Trump’s statement that he had the ‘duty to veto it’ was accurate. If he truly felt there was a crisis on the border – and those behind him at the signing ceremony seemed to think so – he really had no choice. If illegal border crossings (and apprehensions) go down after the wall is built, he’ll be proved right. If not, he was just fulfilling a campaign promise on the taxpayer’s dime – a political stunt. Time will tell.”

“Christians? Bucking the wind is what we’ve grown accustomed to…and we shouldn’t be surprised when the standards we demand of ourselves are unpopular (1 John 2:15). Should President Trump be surprised if his veto is unpopular? Since when should leaders’ convictions be governed by popularity?  

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, give us the courage of our convictions … and help us to be reluctant (but not intractable) to commit; 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 – 3-4-19 Snapshots

CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events – 3-4-19

Snapshots

What’s Happening: “A recent poll has the electorate in 2020 preferring someone NOT referring to themselves as a ‘socialist’ and not over 75 (Biden is 76, Sanders is 77, Trump is 72). There were many other factors tested, but this poll, like many others, is just a snapshot – today’s feelings and subject to change (https://www.yahoo.com/news/u-voters-don-t-want-150731203.html). ‘We’re getting early signals from Democratic primary voters that they are looking for bigger change and someone who agrees with them on policy,’ said Republican pollster Bill McInturff.”

Knee-Jerk Response:  “Bad news for Biden and Sanders…good news for Trump, huh?”

Biblical Response:  “Maybe…it really only means that the formers will have to justify why their wisdom is to be preferred.  Polls are indeed snapshots, brief pictures taken to gauge the electorate’s reaction to recent news (accurate or inaccurate) and only showing what subjects want revealed – have pictures ever been taken when the photographer asked people to say ‘crud’ instead of ‘cheese’? Decisions based on polls should be as fluid as the emotions of those being polled. (Is. 28:8).”

“Christians? Pollsters are at a distinct disadvantage. Unlike God, Who sees the end from the beginning (Is. 46:10), their perception is limited to temporal horizons (God, however, is omnipresent – spatially and temporally; everywhere and EVERYWHEN).”

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, help us to be patient and withhold judgment… or at least take into consideration  the changeable heart and untrustworthy nature of 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: http://subdeo.com.’ He also tweets on Twitter.com every day @alanesargent

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CLARITY – 2-5-19 Making a Statement

CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events – 2-5-19

Making a Statement

What’s Happening: “Those in attendance make a statement just by being there – certainly true of the Democrat and Republican Representatives and Senators, true of the Supreme Court Justices, true of Speaker Nancy Pelosi who extended the invitation to the President, true of Donald J. Trump who accepted the invitation, (nothing here to be taken for granted) – AND true of invited guests (the article in the link just discusses six), but there will be others…all making their own statements by just being there (https://www.dailysignal.com/2019/02/04/6-of-the-notable-guests-invited-to-the-state-of-the-union-address/?mkt_tok=eyJpIjoiWTJabU5qUXpNell6WkRJeCIsInQiOiIwKzNMbTVmcFppUlhCczV3T0dGZG5NYjhLbGhvRFo2d05OcFFXMkhhWUdMWXRzNkpKVEc4bXVER3FLS0FnSU5lWWwrZDZVM3BcL1ZrMFNcL0VycjNcL0JCMUtvQTlRQUNZZEpmOEt3OVZKamkrZzFXVTNiTEpoOVFuZk1SUTVMTXYwSCJ9) “

Knee-Jerk Response:  “It’s just a license to brag!

Biblical Response:  “Maybe. There’s certainly much to brag about. And it’s a cinch Trump won’t spend much time on those things he had hoped would be much farther along…health-care, North Korea nuclear disarmament negotiations, troop withdrawals from Syria and Afghanistan, border security, etc. Still, it’s no doubt he’s well on the way to ‘Making America Great Again.’ Doesn’t fit in too well to the 2020 Democrat election narrative ….I guess they’ll do a lot of sitting.”

“Christians? Any event is all about whom is in attendance. The most important celebration of all (the marriage supper of the Lamb) will be by invitation only…one list you simply must make (Rev. 3:5)!”  

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, hopefully, our attendance at the marriage supper of the Lamb, will be for statements we’ve already made, not just for the statement our presence there will make; 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 – 1-21-19 Unity Amidst Disunity

CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events – 1-21-19

Unity Amidst Disunity

What’s Happening: “Two states, North Carolina and Michigan, have extended invitations to President Trump to deliver his State of the Union Address, the Wall Street Journal reported today. Normally delivered in January at the U.S. House of Representatives at the invitation of the Speaker, Nancy Pelosi has urged Trump rather to do render it in writing, citing security concerns due to the government shutdown (https://www.westernjournal.com/trump-gets-another-offer-deliver-state-union-away-dc/?utm_source=Email&utm_medium=newsletter-WJ&utm_campaign=dailyam&utm_content=western-journal). Tim Moore, the Republican Speaker of the North Carolina legislature, said: ‘I also believe taking your message outside our nation’s gilded capital to a state government venue reflects the priorities of your administration…’”

Knee-Jerk Response:  “Can’t we all just agree to disagree?”

Biblical Response:  “That’s way too mature for either Nancy or Donald…seriously, it’s a little more complicated than that… What both sides really want is victory in the 2020 elections. The Dems still can’t believe that Trump is President, and see the shutdown as further proof that he shouldn’t be; the GOP wants to have a chance at further rule and are sure the Dems are just after opening a path to more votes (giving illegal immigrants the vote/citizenship). The last time the nation was so divided was the Civil War.”

“Christians? Oh, we’re for unity alright…but not at the expense of integrity. Truly, ‘every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation’ (Matt. 12:25). At the same time, integrity cannot be sacrificed (Titus 2:7). Irreconcilable differences…an essential ingredient to any famously successful marriage.”

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, we need Your help to navigate these troubled waters; 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 – 12-8-18 Road’s End

CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events – 12-8-18

Road’s End

 

What’s Happening: “Congress just kicked the government shutdown can a little further down the road this week – actually, till December 21 – choking over the southern border wall and being distracted by the funeral of former President George H. W. Bush. Will Pelosi cave? Will Schumer cave? Probably not…but then there’s Trump’s signature too (https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2018/12/06/government-shutdown-congress-oks-temporary-spending-bill-keep-lights/2228449002/). Quoting from the USA Today article: ‘The extension buys lawmakers more time to reach a consensus on spending but also raises the possibility that a budget showdown – and, potentially, a partial government shutdown – could happen just days before Christmas.’”

Knee-Jerk Response:  “Nobody wants a shutdown,”

 

Biblical Response:  “That’s what Pelosi and Schumer are counting on. We’ll see. These threats are always fun to watch. Well, maybe not for those who depend on at-risk government services…on which many may have become too dependent.”

 

“Christians? It’s a good thing our TRUE source is God. Oh sure, He may use the U.S. government (via Social Security, Medicare or Disability), or doctors (who only treat – God alone is in the healing business), or the Stock Market (or a wise financial counselor, a trust, or inflating values), but ultimately God is the Orchestrator. The end of the road? Only God knows (Isaiah 55:8-9; Prov. 3:5-6).”

 

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, help us to find the balance between self-responsibility and dependence on 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 – 11-22-18 Caught Between

CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events – 11-22-18

Caught Between

 

What’s Happening: “I thought about telling you how Providential it was for the Pilgrims to land in the territory of the only English-speaking native American in North America (Squanto), but decided to opine on Trump’s Saudi Arabian dilemma. I mean, on the one hand Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MbS) has made a $110 Billion dollar arms purchase (and there’s the jobs to consider) and the fact that the Saudis are a big deterrent to Iranian hegemony…on the other hand, the C. I. A. thinks MbS may have ordered journalist Khashoggi death and dismemberment (to say nothing about the poor humanitarian statement it makes for us not to condemn MbS’s actions wholesale). I’m glad I don’t have the President’s job (https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/18/us/politics/trump-khashoggi-saudis.html).  ‘Everything points to the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, MbS, ordering @washingtonpost journalist Jamal #Khashoggi’s killing.’ tweeted Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Corker.”

 

Knee-Jerk Response:  “If Khashoggi’s murder was ordered by MbS, it ought to be condemned in no uncertain terms!”

 

Biblical Response:  “In a perfect world, it would be (of course, in a perfect world, it would have never happened); it’s complicated. The worker, who loses his job when those arms deals get cancelled, didn’t do anything wrong…of course, the civilian collateral damage in the Yemeni clash (which is Saudi’s proxy war against Iranian-backed Houthi rebels) is also unfortunate…I said it was complicated. Trying to make black-and-white decisions in a gray world is not my idea of a good time. Maybe that is why Trump has vacated to Mar-A-Lago for the Thanksgiving holidays.”

 

“Christians? We believe in calling a spade ‘a spade.’ but timing is everything. There are many mitigating factors (including other political hazards):

 

  • The presumption of innocence
  • Israel’s struggle against Iran
  • Our desire that Russia or China not get arms orders

Still, we cannot let murder go. Hopefully, it’ll put a President on his knees.

 

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, help our President to know the right thing to do…at the right 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