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Point of Reference
by Fred Price
In a desire to be sensitive and considerate of others' feelings and the sacrifice of people who go above and beyond the call of duty, we at times make allowances that we shouldn't. For those who perform particularly hard or dangerous jobs we often overlook bad behavior as if it were a perk of that job; after all, their work is demanding, with the possibility of injury or death - let them shoot off a little steam. And when lives are indeed lost in the course of doing their duty, we instantly accord them a place in heaven.
I don't begrudge anyone performing a hazardous job more… ( Click for more )
What if someone is saying or doing something stupid - really wrong - even sinful, and I disagree with it? Do I have a right, an obligation to say so? "...the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead,… ( Click for more )
It has been said that a picture is worth a thousand words. The danger in this allusion to simple imagery is that we expect it to tell the whole story. That's often impossible. We are image-driven in this generation; too pre-occupied or lazy to investigate a person, cause or incident for ourselves - relying on 15 second audio or video bytes to tell us all we care to know. But these can be misunderstood, misapplied or manipulated to mean something not intended.
We have recently had an image shown on our televisions and in newspapers and magazines that has been heralded as breathtaking… ( Click for more )
"God will make a way Where there seems to be no way. He works in ways we cannot see; He will make a way for me. He will be my guide, hold me closely to His side. With love and strength for each new day, He will make a way. He will make a way." - Don Moen
Do you believe that?
The story of David the shepherd boy who slew a giant, rallied an army, and soothed a king has inspired many; and goes a long way in proving the reality of Mr. Moen's chorus. It also is an excellent example of how fleeting the good life can be. For the young man David, who befriended a king's… ( Click for more )
Susan Ager of Knight Ridder Newspapers recently noted: "The next nine months will be as critical for Elizabeth Smart's survival as the last nine." How's that? She's just been rescued from a terrible ordeal, fortunate to be alive. All she has to do now is rest, recuperate and re-acclimate to her former life-right? There may be more to it than that. As a result of experiencing a lifestyle drastically different than what she was accustomed to, "She will (now) have to decide who she is." Why? Isn't she the same child she was before her abduction? Hardly. Despite a nation's concern,… ( Click for more )
What do thoughts of spring bring to mind? Bunnies, eggs, new clothes, baskets, green grass, flowers, an egg hunt, toys, candy - a too-early Sunrise Service, Jesus crucified yet risen? For if it weren't for Jesus there would be no reason to celebrate except as the pagans used to. As Easter, like Christmas, has some if it's roots of celebration in paganism. Even the name, Eastre, is Anglo-Saxon; a Teutonic goddess of fertility whose festival was held during the spring time of the year. The rabbit was a symbol of fertility due to it's prodigious appetite for and ability to reproduce.… ( Click for more )
Is there ever cause for war - a just war? Some believe there is not, that all disagreements and contests of will not only should but can be resolved with compromise and reason. In dealing with man's intractability, God challenges us to, "Come now, let us reason together, ...", promising forgiveness and reconciliation. Sin and rebellion will not be overlooked but forgiven, with us restored to favor. But it is not a one-sided act of appeasement, which often only enables further disobedience, discord and strife; a false restitution, a forced peace, lacking in justice. There are conditions… ( Click for more )
A new Archbishop of Canterbury, a position of prestige, tradition and responsibility dating from 597 A.D., was recently appointed; making him chief bishop of the Anglican Church of England. Yet this same man, in an apparent attempt at tolerant inclusion, was subsequently named an honorary White Druid as well. Disappointing? Certainly. Surprising? No. In this age of political correctness and universal acceptance, this mixing of profane and holy appears acceptable, even commendable. While any number of so-called Godly men minister in such a way as to de-bunk the gospel of Christ,… ( Click for more )
"Don't be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." - Philippians 4:6
There are times when those in authority over us make decisions we don't understand; either because they have information we don't, they have no regard for what we do know and feel or because they truly understand both sides of the issue and still choose to do it their way. At times, usually when our demands are being met or our needs addressed, we fully agree and support those who represent our country; our ideas, our… ( Click for more )
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