IT'S HARD TO SEPARATE THE WHEAT FROM THE CHAFF -- For Just A Minute Radio -- Friday 101105

            Wonderful to have the election behind us with all its uncertainties.

 

            Now we have an inkling of what’s before the Nation if we are to regain our footing and go on with progressing toward a more balanced government that has the hands of reasonable people on the reins.

 

            As the old proverb says: “Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty.” There’s just no substitute for it. The minute we take our eyes off the prize somebody comes in with a ‘secret and sharp’ plan and diminishes the success of previous effort.  Our Republic bears the scars of such inattention.

           

            To the above admonition I would simply add the Scriptures are full of instances – especially in the Old Testament – of ordained civil magistrates with a holy calling, who let  themselves become distracted by riches or adversity or something else, to the detriment of carrying out the Lord’s will.  Who are some examples?

 

            The first one to pop into my mind is Gideon.  He was a very weak farmer… thrashing grain in a wine-press pit in order to hide his activity from those who would come and steal away the object of his productive labor. God guided him through difficult and faith- demanding steps to defeat the foes that surrounded him – by encouraging the successful exercise of his faith.

 

            But at the end, Gideon succumbed to an attraction for gold – which became a stumbling block to a successful end to his civil ministry.

 

            Similarly, King David stayed in Jerusalem at the time Kings normally went out to battle. That was the very time when he cast his eyes on the wife of one of his favorite General officers – and not only committed adultery, but murder, and even worse, disloyalty to those who had bestowed loyalty to him that resulted in their own death. It’s too horrible to contemplate for very long.  Yet even from this we get a glimpse of the dimension of God’s grace and willingness to reconstruct a man’s life.

 

            Well, I could go on… but the path is clear. Inattention to the will and purpose of God in our lives often leads to sin, defeat and dishonor – paying a terrible price – and still The Lord Is merciful and forgiving.  So there’s honor and justice that comes even out of such a black hole. “Be not deceived, God is not mocked, for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” Galatians 6:7

 

            Have a blessed weekend in the word and worship.

 

            Cordially, IN HIM

 

            Jack

Delayed audio link:

 

http://www.wmuu.com/blog/category/audio/just-a-minute/

 

 

“JUST A MINUTE”

IT’S HARD TO SEPARATE THE WHEAT FROM THE CHAFF

Just a Minute: -- Since the President has shunned politics himself – we too declare a holiday.

Yesterday they celebrated Will Rogers Day, in Oklahoma. Will was a native comedic son and aviation enthusiast. He made people laugh with famous sayings like – “I’m no comedian, I just watch Congress and report the facts.” -- Today Oklahoma City Airport bears his name.

Also today is Sadie Hawkins Day. This was invented by Al Capp, creator of the comic strip, Li'l Abner. November 5th, unmarried ladies could literally pursue their men and when caught, marriage was unavoidable. The idea took off in 1938 when the first official "girls-ask-boys" Sadie Hawkins festival was noted.

So, those of you over fifty – as I am – should feel better. You, now have a legitimate reason to flaunt your superior knowledge. When others ask you about “Shmoos” or “Mammy Yokum” or “Marryin’ Sam” – you’ll have a host of characters by which you may display your familiarity with a part of Americana on a par with Will Rogers.

Doesn’t that brighten your day?

¨      I’m Jack Buttram.

. (END)                                        Jebco Editorial Service

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