Compass Point

Gratitude is something I am learning with each passing day. Within the last two months our sons and their wives have blessed us with two fine grandchildren, a boy and a girl. Both are in good health. They are a marvel and joy to hold and behold. I look at them and search for words to express my feelings this moment in our life. We are truly blessed.

Many never have the chance to hold a child that represents their future. Time and chance cut them off from such a sight. Choices are made that sever the chord of generations that bind us with the past and future. But in recent weeks we have held our future in our hands and lifted thanks to God for the joy of the moment.

Life for both Ella and Liam holds unlimited opportunities. I hope Deb and I can be there to share as many as possible. But for now I am grateful for the moment and look forward to each time we have to hold and rock, cuddle and touch a newborn life filled with potential and possibility.  God is good and gracious, and for that  I am very grateful.










Europe, the Killer Continent

The quote off Frontpagemagazine.com by NY Post columnist Ralph Peters puts it pretty bluntly, "Europe is a killer continent...when the chips are down it will kill again".  Peters has said this before. He feels they will eventually revert to their historical pattern, over-reaction, when its Muslim population goes too far.

A Teacher With Faith and Reason

This is a story of religion and prophecy with a twist. Most people do not know the connection between the world's most famous physicist and prophecy. The lesson is one we should all note. True science has nothing to fear from true religion. Together they give us a fuller picture of the beauty of God's plan for His creation.

Update on Vatican's Statement on Churches

Last week the Vatican released a clarifying statement regarding its status as the only valid church. Some reacted to the statement while others only yawned. I find this comment by a leading American evangelical figure to be most interesting. It comes from Al Mohler, president of Louisville Theological Seminary:
 

But evangelical stalwart Albert Mohler, president of Southern Baptist Seminary, declared he was not "offended" by the statement: The Vatican was simply reaffirming historic Catholic teaching and emphasizing the seriousness of it all. "I appreciate the document's clarity [and] the spiritual concern it reflects," he said. "If [Pope Benedict] is right, we are endangering our souls and the souls of our church members. Of course, I am convinced that he is not right - not right on the papacy, not right on the sacraments, not right on the priesthood, not right on the gospel, not right on the church." He added: "Evangelicals should be concerned that Catholics are in spiritual danger for their submission to these very claims. We both understand what is at stake."

Evangelicals are as hard nosed in their belief of salvation as Pope Benedict. They represent the theological equivilent of MAD, Mutually Assured Destruction.  You can imagine them lined up across from one another prepared to slay the other as a rank heretic.

Moral Paralysis

Tom Sowell has a penetrating analysis comparing America's will to confront Iran on nuclear arms with that of France in the mid-1030's. France could have stopped Hitler with superior military power but was paralyzed with pacifism, until it was too late. He says:


The Iranian leaders are not going to stop unless they get stopped. And, like Hitler, they don't think we have the guts to stop them.

This speaks to the principle of "pride of power" spoken of in Leviticus 26:19.  Because of sin and failure to honor God by obedience to His commandments Israel (read the modern descendants) lacked the ability to hold its exalted position among the nations.  Today, we face a toll of mounting sin that has robbed us of the ability to see right from wrong and therefore lack the will to defend our principles on the world stage against the mounting tyranny from nations who wish to destroy the blessings of God, bestowed on the English-speaking peoples.