The Star Spangled Banner

United States of America

The Star Spangled Banner

Oh, say! can you see by the dawn's early light
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming;
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?
And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there:
Oh, say! does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

On the shore, dimly seen through the mists of the deep,
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,
In fully glory reflected now shines in the stream:
'Tis the star-spangled banner! Oh, long may it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion
A home and a country should leave us no more?
Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps' pollution!
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight or the gloom of the grave:
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

Oh, thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war's desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heav'n-rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation!
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust":
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

source: https://www.lyricsondemand.com/n/nationalanthemlyrics/usanationalanthemlyrics.html

Predators amongst us

     The night before last 3 of my 4 ducks disappeared leaving Buffy the sole survivor.  I thought, since there was no noise disturbance that someone came into my backyard and stole them.  I felt violated and angry but also sad at the loss.  After all they had names!  Then last night I went to check on Buffy to find her missing.  I could hear her in the neighbors back yard and went there to retrieve her.  That's when I didn't hear her anymore and began looking through the bushes.  Much to my surprise I scared out a bobcat who promptly ran away just like so many predators when they are interrupted.  Buffy was left dead in the bushes.  Not the ending I had hoped to have.  Much of the rest of the night was spent planning a hunting trip where I would rid the area of the Bobcat.  Coming to my senses I realized there were to many bobcats in the Tucson area to catch them all.  Secondly, there were coyotes and other predators that I wouldn't be able to eradicate either.  Alarm filled me as I realized that there were still potential victims that frequented the backyard.  My Boston Terriers were frequently in the back yard after dark.  Another thing about predators is they work during darkness.  There is also a 7 week old German Shepard who has resided with me.  All my animals were at risk of being taken from me.  So, I closed up the dog door, kept the dogs inside and wondered how I had come to be in a prison with my dogs.
     Predators are both visible in forms of humans, animals, and birds of prey.  Let's not forget the other predators who are extremely dangerous: humans.  Having been an avid hunter once upon a time, I know how to be one when hunting deer, rabbits, and other edible animals.  Car salespeople are predators as we are lured into their lot and then hunted until caught.  Predators seek to consume for themselves.  There is little conscience or moral wherewithal to curb the selfish need on their part.  Whether it be the kings who did battle to conquer countries or the local priest/pastor who preys upon the weakest and most innocent, predator behavior has only grown.  We are surrounded by visible and invisible predators seeking to kill and destroy.  The issue come up of trust we exercise blindly in so many situations and people with whom we rub shoulders with every day.  There is the world and of course it's Satan's world.  The invisible predators are Satan and his demons.  Sometimes his demons are inside of people around us.  The god of this world, Satan, has already lost the eternal war with God.  Jesus won on the Cross for everyone.  That doesn't stop the spiritual attack that Satan launches on you and I.  Believers and non-believers alike are within range of the attack of Satan.
     Since I can't control the predators around my neighborhood, I have only one choice; trust God.  That sounds like giving up to so many in the world.  Whether predators in your world are human or spiritual, we can always rest assured that God (because the Bible says so) is utilizing his angels and his own hand to take care of us.  Sure, bad things happen to good people!  I'd be lying if I said otherwise.  However, we are not able to eradicate the evil of this world around us.  Living in a bubble isn't reality.  Living with Jesus living through us is the only defense we have.  This comes by knowing the Word, praying (Paul says he was in a constant state of prayer) constantly, and beseeching God for his intervention in our lives.  It may mean Christian taking a stand against Satan and casting him and his demons away from us.  Are you aware of the power of God in you if you know Jesus?  If you don't you'd better wake up, give up your life and let Jesus live through you.  Don't buy into the messages of the world.  The world seeks to promote Satan's agenda.  Don't give into "well intentioned" friends and enemies.  They seek to keep you and I off track and victims of predators.  Remember, it's always your choice.

Days of the week explained

     Monday is dread of another work week day.  We are apprehensive of what will take place, when and how.  Anxiety levels begin rising Sunday evening and begin to dissipate as we clock out at 5 on Monday evening.  We spend Monday thinking about the good times we had over the weekend and the things that never got done.  Monday is also that day to ramp up our inner fire and deal with traffic!  Ah, that traffic would be as it was at 9:30 PM Sunday evening.  Monday.  What a day.  The Mamma's and Papa's even sang about it!  

     Tuesday comes and the harsh edge that was there on Monday morning has dissipated somewhat.  We've begun to find our stride for the coming days and know that Taco Tuesday beckons us at lunch, dinner and break!  Tuesday finds us more likely to engage others and letting our own defenses down.  Tuesday also shows movement towards the weekend; a hope that will grow as the week progresses.  Things are more settled down at home as well.  The kids aren't quite as harried as they were on Monday and the local news isn't quite as dramatic!

     Wednesday is fondly known as "hump day" as it's the middle of the week and catapults us towards the cherished weekend!  Visions of play and sleeping in dance in our heads.  At work things have begun to smooth out with balance and focus.  We may even go to church Wednesday night if we are feeling like prying ourselves away from prime time shows.  Wednesday is clear and sunny compared to the rain and gloom of Monday.  We spend Wednesday much like we would when we go out to eat.  We don't do fancy nor fast food.  Something in between defines Wednesday.

     Thursday is reason to celebrate as the work week is almost gone!  There is a God and we are thankful to the point we have forgotten about Monday and Tuesday.  On Thursday we become more brazen and creative dreaming of innovations that will garner us that promotion.  We may even buy the lottery ticket knowing this time we will win.  Not!  Thursday evenings are the kind of day we may go out car shopping "just to look."  Banking on the future we focus on bringing ourselves above the level we have been living.  Thursday is also one day closer to the weekend!

     Friday!  Finally the week is done!  Well, almost.  What could go wrong on a Friday?  Most firings take place on Friday and usually at the end of the day.  Friday is either exultation or utter despair.  We find ourselves celebratory over the weekend and make plans with family and friends who are also making plans with others.  By the end of the day on Friday we either have something put together for the weekend or we don't.  One has us hoping and out shopping for the BBQ or other event.  The other has us checking to see which games are on this weekend.  Friday is an ending but also a beginning of whatever we make it.

     Saturday we awake and realized our internal clock has woken us at the same time we would have woke Monday through Friday!  What a crazy thing to happen on our first day off!  Saturday finds the honey do list on the kitchen counter instead of extra bucks to go fishing or golfing.  The kids have soccer games or some other event from school where clearly administration isn't concerned about our having the day off.  We change the oil in the car, mow the lawn or entertain the family burning the chicken to near charcoal status.  The potato salad makes a balance and after a while no one cares.  Saturday is a late night day setting the stage for Sunday!

     Sunday, another day where we weren't able to sleep in.  We rise have pancakes for breakfast and lots of coffee!  Sunday is different in that Christians ramp up to go to church while non-Christians are busy seizing the moment before they have to return to work on Monday.  The sports channels have made sure there is ample viewing opportunities which pull even the Christian from giving even one day to the Lord and each other.  Sunday either is great or leaves us feeling like we have once again failed to utilize the time given in a fruitful manner.  

     There are seven days in the week.  All of them have 24 hours.  All of them have seconds, minutes, hours and opportunities.  These seven days of the week are one after the other.  Were we able to give any time to God on any of these days?  Maybe the above scenario's would have been different if we had first given our lives to Jesus and then given our days, hours, minutes and seconds to him.  We don't know when we will be called home and what will be left undone.  Scheduling our lives months out is just what the world wants us to do.  Having no schedule but listening to the Holy Spirit's direction is what God wants us to do.  Remember, it's always your choice.

Why argue?

     Having been an arguing person for most of my life, it's difficult to not argue when I am opposed to something or in favor of something.  I've put my foot (feet) in my mouth more times than I like to recount ending up proving myself wrong and frustrating those I'm with.  Arguing has it's place in everyone's life.  Ask any parent of a teenager and you can find plenty of fodder to argue over.  There are times when it's simply not beneficial to even think about arguing.  For instance when you are pulled over by a police officer.  They're not there to argue with you.  That's what the courts are for.  Follow the history of the Bible and it was true then as it is now.  A toddler's "NO!" is another time we can use common sense and often do when we say, "Because I said so!"  "You're not the boss of me" rings true for most of my kids and brings up the need for restraint.  With the age of entitlement and protection of everyone's rights over ours, we need to be careful not only what we say but what we try to get other people to believe.  You might offend someone and then another argument begins.  Reason is a form of argument and should be used liberally in all areas of our life along with common sense.
     So, what are the guidelines for arguing?  For the Christian, our witness of Christ in our lives is the first guide.  If it hurts our witness of Jesus in our lives, it's generally not worth making a stand over.  Jesus was adamant with those who challenged him and his ministry.  We will find those who wish to do just that, disrupt our witness with pointless arguments.  Speaking of which, that's where the birth of many denominations and churches come from.  If it doesn't glorify God, it's generally not a fight you want to choose.  The second guide is whether what you have to say is even going to be listened to!  So many people come into arguments already right, decided and determined to have you wrong.  It's, quite frankly, their problem.  Never argue with a fool and become one yourself.  Better to be thought a fool rather than to open your mouth and prove you are one!  Jesus was adamant about some matters to the point where he wove together a whip and then chased the money changers out of the entrance to the temple.  He was driven by a holy anger from a righteous God.  Righteous anger over anything must come from the Holy Spirit.  That can only come when you and I are first listening to God, second, following God, and submitted to Him.  Only then can we be on solid ground speaking affirmatively into anyone's life or circumstances.
     My dog, Jasmine, is a mix of Boston Terrier and Jack Russell Terrier.  I've often commented that walking her is like walking a fly on a leash!  To much to inspect, rabbit trails to sniff out, and of course distractions at every turn.  Sometimes I have to just stop and stand still until she comes "back to center" before we can resume our walk.  She'd much rather be off leash and do as she pleases.  I'm like that!  But, it's not beneficial for her or I to live that kind of life.  We need to have guidance (for her it's me and for me, it's God) to ensure we are safe, sane and happy.  As I've grown older I've followed advice I've often given to clients:  don't engage arguments.  It's difficult and takes discipline and restraint.  I have a saying I have used for my own sanity: "I'm sorry you feel that way, I feel differently."  It says, I heard you, I believe differently and I'm not going to argue.  If we don't argue who will they have to argue with?  If they want to know what you believe they will ask.  If they aren't listening and hearing the possibility is there that they just want to start another argument.  The Bible warns us to stay away from such people.  The question to me is do I want people to see me as someone to stay away from?  The question is one that causes me to reflect and ask the Holy Spirit if I'm that person.  If I am, I need to change for the Gospel.  Remember, it's always your choice!

Left alone with a pizzsa!

     Bad mistake!  Do you have a favorite food that just dares  you to go into hiding so you don't have to share with anyone?  If we are honest to each other that food might be your quart of favorite ice cream, sandwich, potato chip.  We are not all hoarders of our favorite thing.  But given the choice of sharing or going on our own; we choose ourselves a lot of the time.  "Did you eat that last cookie?  I was saving it for your daughter!"  Okay, she's going to be disappointed.  "I was saving that as a surprise for you." he said.  She said, "Well, thank you."  "Can I borrow your pen, pad, or other office item?"  Yes, but give it right back.  Not going to happen unless you run into a Christian with a moral.  "He/she isn't using this anyway. Let's just take it and tell them later."  Once out of mind the confession almost never comes.  Then there are some more obvious desires.  "Can I borrow your car/truck for a day or two?"  "No.!"  "But wouldn't that be the Christian thing to do?"  "I wouldn't know, Jesus didn't have a car."
     We like to hold onto favorite things.  You and I.  We do it more often than we like.  For instance, we steal the covers in bed.  Single people, it's a warning sign to stay single.  Keep all your blankets!  "What do you mean you brushed the dogs teeth with my tooth brush?"  Where does it stop?  When do we draw the line?  You know the problem isn't just towards material things.  Will we hear out neighbor before the throne asking why you and I kept the Gospel from them?  Will we winch or even cringe when our life is reviewed by the Father as we stand there without excuse.  Why did we not share the Gospel with those around us?  Just as we should share our pizza, we should be just as free in sharing Jesus with others.  You all know that I'm not perfect.  I know you aren't either.  Let's set perceptions aside and choose to do the right thing.  We keep private more than we should and don't share that which has been freely been given to us.  Yet, we call ourselves good Christians when we pat ourselves on the back for not stealing that pen at work.
     James tells us that we ask and do not receive because we ask with wrong motives.  He goes on to say we ask and don't receive because we desire to consume the answer by ourselves.  There are some pretty wise men who learned under Jesus who can teach us a thing or two.  First, we need to read the Bible ourselves so we know what it says.  That doesn't mean listening to the Bible on the road to a business conference.  It means getting alone and consuming the Word by ourselves SO we can share it with others.  One of my favorite thing to say to those who like to falsely quote the Bible is:  "That's not what the Bible says."  That often brings a lively conversation or a disappearing act.  One we've read the Bible we need to believe the Word.  Believing means just that; believing.  Once we believe the Bible we are called to sit/stand/lay down, (do nothing) but be before the Lord and let the Holy Spirit talk with us.  Finally. we are able to ask for His will to be done.  Just don't keep it to yourself.  We can share without bragging and pray without piety.  Remember, it's always your choice.

Nurturing Spirituality

October 8 Devotional: Oswald Chambers

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Come to Me . . . -Matthew 11:28

Isn't it humiliating to be told that we must come to Jesus! Think of the things about which we will not come to Jesus Christ. If you want to know how real you are, test yourself by these words- "Come to Me . . . ."

In every dimension in which you are not real, you will argue or evade the issue altogether rather than come; you will go through sorrow rather than come; and you will do anything rather than come the last lap of the race of seemingly unspeakable foolishness and say, "Just as I am, I come." As long as you have even the least bit of spiritual disrespect, it will always reveal itself in the fact that you are expecting God to tell you to do something very big, and yet all He is telling you to do is to "Come . . . ."

"Come to Me . . . ." When you hear those words, you will know that something must happen in you before you can come. The Holy Spirit will show you what you have to do, and it will involve anything that will uproot whatever is preventing you from getting through to Jesus. And you will never get any further until you are willing to do that very thing. The Holy Spirit will search out that one immovable stronghold within you, but He cannot budge it unless you are willing to let Him do so.

How often have you come to God with your requests and gone away thinking, "I've really received what I wanted this time!" And yet you go away with nothing, while all the time God has stood with His hands outstretched not only to take you but also for you to take Him. Just think of the invincible, unconquerable, and untiring patience of Jesus, who lovingly says, "Come to Me. . . ."

Trying to make sense of it all...

     I find myself attempting this feat most every day of my life.  There are so many situations, thoughts, and delusions that wish to sidetrack me from looking on Jesus.  Perhaps you find yourself in this situation as well?  I've been engaging this dilemma since I was a child.  Trying to figure out why the sky is blue, why hummingbirds migrate to South America for the winter, what is the key in understanding love and other quandaries.  Sometimes it's the little things and sometimes it's the big things we find ourselves twisted up and confused over.  Being a guy I even wonder where the true "empty" reading is on my fuel gauge!  Nature is amazing and takes me out of my comfort zone at how amazingly complex God created it.  Human nature is another area of life where I find myself wondering if I will every understand men, women and children.  Maybe part of this whole picture is I'm not to try to understand everything.  Maybe I'm supposed to focus on God and his goodness towards mankind and leave the rest alone.  Wait!  That wouldn't leave me anything to worry about and peace.  Trying to make sense of it all is really futile!  As Solomon penned, "everything is meaningless."  He had tried everything and was reduced to state we have all we need in Christ.  So why is letting go so difficult?
     We want to know everything!  That's the simple answer.  The quest of knowledge in all areas important to ourselves consumes valuable time where we could spend it on knowing Jesus.  I've often been asked where I learned this or that.  People want to know.  Etiology is the study of first things or the beginning of things.  The quest to understand the beginning has been lost by those who have decided that they alone know the "definition" of everything.  So the world takes their word for it and don't try to make sense of the beginning that brought about their search.  Understanding social media doesn't have the answers, but only opinions reflected by humans.  Looking to God as our source of knowledge doesn't make sense to those easily satisfied.  You can read it yourself but God says, "In proving themselves to be wise, man has proved himself to be foolish."  Focusing on what's important doesn't include looking at foolish arguments or rationalizations on why someone believes the way they do.  Satan has attempted to pull the wool over peoples eyes every since he said, "Surely, you will not die."  Yep, we died.  We've been dead ever since unless we are born again through the saving grace of Jesus Christ.  He alone has the answers to all the questions or quests we may have.
     In my history I found myself having graduated from seminary before a group of Christian leaders who were questioning me for ordination.  I was already serving God in a church in northern Minnesota.  Their questions were meant to help them determine if I was going to be a positive addition to their denomination.  A question came up where I was asked what my basic theology was.  I sat for a moment and my mind wandered through the past theologians that they might find acceptable.  There are a lot!  When time came to answer I opened my mouth and relied on God to speak through me.  This is what I said:  "Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so."  I went silent and everyone, except me, was uncomfortable.  It was a "Dah!" moment for them and I felt a release that I had made sense out of it all with Jesus giving me the knowledge.  Sometimes it's the simplest answer that is the most complex.  I'm not sure the theologians were satisfied but they were unable to argue with my answer.  Trying to make sense of it all is not difficult if our first source of wisdom is God.  We are all on a quest for knowledge of one kind or another.  Remember, it's always your choice.