Tag: Trump

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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

 

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CLARITY – 11-1-18 No Good Deed Goes Unpunished

CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events – 11-1-18

No Good Deed Goes Unpunished

 

What’s Happening: “Franklin Pierce Adams may have said it first (in his satirical poem by the same above title), but the visit on Tuesday by the President at the memorial to the 11 gunned down in the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, was not welcomed by all. His motorcade went through a group of protesters who chanted ‘turn you back’ to POTUS. Although the President and First Lady were welcomed by the rabbi of the synagogue and met and commiserated with some of the victims, some thought the visit distracted from the funerals (https://www.yahoo.com/news/pittsburgh-comes-together-mourn-victims-protesters-turn-backs-trump-012912167.html). ‘There are many, many constituents who’ve reached out to me by phone and email concerned that the president’s visit today will add to the trauma of the community and many community members’, said City councilor Erika Strassburger. ‘I won’t say that necessarily speaks for every single person in my district, that’s just what I’ve heard.’”

 

Knee-Jerk Response:  “He probably came just for show.”

 

Biblical Response:  “Perhaps…of course, his daughter and son-in-law are Jewish, he has proclaimed Jerusalem as that nation’s capital, and Trump condemned Iran for its anti-semitic rhetoric…but what do I know? There are those who blame the President for everything…even for doing things that are just part of the job…like attending memorials.”

 

“Christians? We’re all for commiserating (Rom. 12:15), for sharing others’ grief. And we are not unfamiliar with the concept  that ‘No Good Deed Goes Unpunished’ (John 15:18). Still, we are called to extinguish evil with love (Luke 6:27-35).”

 

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, it may be natural to return bad words spoken against us, but, thankfully, the Lord has given us a new heart, and He will help us react supernaturally instead; 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 – 8-16-18 True Transparency

CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events – 8-16-18

 

True Transparency

 

What’s Happening:  “It came as a surprise to the former head of the CIA when Sarah Sanders-Huckabee announced at the beginning of her White House Press Briefing yesterday that President Trump had revoked his security clearance. Quoting the Yahoo News article by Hunter Walker, included in the list of those whose clearances the President had revoked were: ‘former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper; ex-FBI Director James Comey; Michael Hayden, who led both the NSA and CIA; erstwhile deputy Attorney General Sally Yates; President Obama’s national security adviser Susan Rice; ex-deputy FBI Director Andrew McCabe; recently fired FBI agent Peter Strzok; Lisa Page, an FBI attorney; and Bruce Ohr, a member of the Justice Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces.’ (https://www.yahoo.com/news/trump-revokes-security-clearance-former-cia-director-criticized-white-house-213823096.html). ‘It should gravely worry all Americans, including intelligence professionals, about the cost of speaking out. My principles are worth far more than clearances. I will not relent,’ Brennan was quoted as saying.”

 

Knee-Jerk Response:  “Isn’t it professional courtesy to continue the clearances of those who had them even though they are no longer in their respective positions?”

 

Biblical Response:  “‘Yes, but maybe that shouldn’t be. If the intelligence these folks are privy to is really sensitive maybe they should all have their security clearances revoked when they leave, as a matter of course. They can always re-apply in the future for specific things they ‘need to know.’ Or perhaps this just makes too much sense.”

 

Christians? True transparency really only belongs to God (the walls of the ‘closet’ we thought we retreated to for the really ‘private’ things are transparent). And, I dare say, only He can handle that level of knowledge (1 John 3:20). Knowledge is indeed power and a security clearance could be a dangerous thing in the wrong hands…after all, what is a security clearance but a way to determine who gets to see what.”

 

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, give our leaders the requisite wisdom to accompany the knowledge with which they are entrusted; 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 – 8-3-18 Reputation Is Not Everything

CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events – 8-3-18

 

Reputation Is Not Everything

 

What’s Happening:  “Steve Bannon, Trump’s trumpeter, gave a two-hour interview to The Hill recently and cast reprobation on everyone: from the ‘con artists’ Koch Brothers (David and Charles), ‘lame duck’ Speaker Paul Ryan, and ‘diminished’ Chief of Staff Gen John Kelly to former Judge Roy Moore (whom Bannon doggedly supported), Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, and Paul Manafort…and that’s just the Republicans. Democrats fared no better (http://thehill.com/homenews/administration/400188-exclusive-bannon-blasts-con-artist-kochs-lame-duck-ryan-diminished). ‘You’re not going to be able to hide Trump. The opposition is going to force this anyway…You have to go all-in. If you try to go in half-baked, it’s not going to work,’ Bannon said.”

 

Knee-Jerk Response:  “Who made Steve Bannon the exclusive arbiter of reputation?”

 

Biblical Response:  “Nobody. Still, his position as former editor of Breitbart News (and his pro-Trump stance) has made him newsworthy. The real problem with reputation is that it is chased by so many. In fact, this lust can often be the reason for much compromise and hypocrisy. The solution is not to care? Not really. Just not to care too much. Reputation is fickle anyway.”

 

“Christians? In His sacrifice for us, Jesus was made of ‘no reputation’ (Phil. 2:7). Imagine…the King of the Universe…the Creator of all (John 1:3)…took on the form of human flesh! It’s hard to fight for the truth when how you are perceived by others matters so much.”

 

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, help us to find the balance between the pursuit of truth and the pursuit of an accurate reputation…hopefully, they’re the same; 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