"Woe to those who decree unrighteous decrees" Isaiah 10:1

The Bible says in Isaiah 10:1, "Woe to those who decree unrighteous decrees..." and I've been pondering that verse in my heart and mind recently.  I'm one of those Americans who has become very active in the last 30 years in trying to apply God's Word to all of life, especially to those institutions that have influence over the hearts and minds of Americans, (church, education, arts and the media, law and government).

My journey began when I came to know the Lord personally and intimately, those many years ago. I devoured God's Word and thirsted for the Living Waters that come only from the Fountain of Life, God Himself.  The more I know Him, the more I love Him.  The journey with Him continues daily and the deep satisfaction that it brings makes life worthwhile.  The longing of my heart is that all should come to know Jesus Christ and be filled with the Holy Spirit.  (As God changes us inwardly, we change our world outwardly.  Following every Great Awakening, God's people changed their world.)

That same desire for others to know salvation sparked the evangelism of the Spanish, English and French as they discovered and settled this beautiful land of America.  When they began to establish laws for the settlements - colonies - and then states, they acted on the truth of God's Word that only those nations that honor God, will God honor.  When the Pilgrims came in 1620, they worded the Mayflower Compact this way,"...(we) solemnly and mutually in the presence of God, and of one another, covenant, and combine ourselves into a civil body politic, for our better ordering and preservation and furtherance of the ends aforesaid: (the glory of God, advancement of the Christian faith, and honor of king and country,) and by virtue hereof to enact, constitute, and frame such just and equal laws, ordinances, act, constitution, and offices...for the general good of the colony, unto which we promise all due submission and obedience."

Do you think that the Pilgrims would elect any person to a place of authority and power that would determine policy that was contrary to the will of God?  Do you think they would choose lawmakers and leaders who would promote the killing of babies in the womb,  the teaching of ungodliness in the schools, the same-sex marriages, sexual immorality of all types, laws that subsidize illegitimacy, etc...  Do you think the Pilgrims knew that God would hold them responsible for those wicked policies if they voted for leaders who wrote those unrighteous decrees?  Do we know that?

"Woe to those who decree unrighteous decrees..." and everyone who votes for those who decree unrighteous decrees?

What Made America Great? (continued)

"Life, Liberty, Property!" was one of the rallying cries for colonial Americans as they faced the challenges of increasing tyranny from their government.  Property was defined as an extension of the individual, not simply material possessions, but including them, of course. Acquiring material goods through labor or inheritance, and disposing of  them was part of the sacred right of property.  A person owns himself, his thoughts, ideas, writings and conscience, so that after the U.S. Constitution was signed in 1787, it included in Article I, Section 8, the legal protection for intellectual property through copyright and patents.

Respect for the right of property was taught in homes, churches and schools throughout America.  "Thou shalt not steal," was the moral basis for all laws regarding theft.  Children memorized the Ten Commandments so Thou Shalt Not Covet Thy Neighbors Goods was also ingrained in them.  This high standard continued even into the 20th Century with the extremely low number of thefts during the Great Depression verifying that.

Throughout the school years, the many stories and books that students read were selected with great care and deliberation to teach the highest moral lessons about all of life.  As such, it helped form and fashion the identity of young Americans.  Respect for themselves, others, and everything that belonged to themselves and others became a part of who they were.

One of the lasting results from the good education of America's young people was the wholesomeness of our American communities.  I remember that we did not ever lock our doors and windows, and probably most of us didn't even have locks for our doors and windows!  There was a general atmosphere of safety and peace in America.  Respect for the right of "Life, Liberty, and Property" was one of the reasons for it, and one of the reasons for the greatness of America.          

Time Well Spent

One of the good things that can come from a time of illness is the slowing down that it demands of us. Yesterday was one of those times.

When grandson Jack came down with a fever, I got to spend some "down" time with him, relaxing together with reflective conversation and the shared reading of a good book.  He had just finished reading "Old Yeller", had passed the Accelerated Reading test on it with a 100, but wasn't quite ready to let it go.  It was just too good and satisfying.  ("Come back, Yeller!)  He said it was one of the best books he'd ever read. That and "Robinson Crusoe." Those were his two best books.  Fortunately I had my copy of "Old Yeller" near by because I had read mine last week while he was reading his.  He wanted more of it so I began reading Chapter One again while he tried to close his eyes (very difficult).  We laughed and discussed it. Jack asked me my favorite part of the story.  While I was thinking long and hard, he said that his favorite part was the end of the story so and we read the last chapter again, which was really touching and profound.

Our discussions about books, libraries, my childhood, his childhood and shared memories with our own perspectives on every topic made the hours fly by.  It was time well spent for both of us.  And it never would have happened had it not been for a bit of illness and the slowing down that it demanded of us.  

A Few Thoughts About The Father Of Our Country On His Birthday

George Washington was said by Thomas Jefferson to have had the best judgment of any man of his day. The brilliant Jefferson said that Washington wasn't the most intellectual, but possessed the very best judgment. He also said that it was the most pure and uncompromisingly fair judgment, without any self-interest.

Although he had little formal education, George Washington read the Bible for an hour each morning upon awakening, and an hour each night before bedtime. The Bible says that in God's light we shall see light, and knowledge of the holy is understanding.  I believe that General Washington's good judgment was a result of his in depth knowledge of His Word. His daily prayer journals reveal that he trusted in Jesus Christ alone for the salvation of his soul, and the wisdom needed for the many challenges he faced.  

George Washington, the Father of Our Country.  "First in War, First in Peace, and First in the Hearts of His Countrymen."

What Made America Great? Reason # 2

What Made America Great?

# 2  Respect for Others

America became a place where respect was earned, not inherited.  Respect for others was not dictated, it developed. 

Carving settlements out of the wilderness was hard work so initiative, cooperation, persistence, ingenuity, creativity, talent, honesty and dependability were needed and valued among the settlers.  Inherited status in society came to mean nothing in the face of danger and difficulties.  So here in this land of hope and opportunity, the circumstances of one’s birth did not determine the course for one’s life.

Although the aristocracy was still inspiring awe at times, a new way of seeing others was spreading just as surely as the settlements.   Through the skills they developed and the services they provided, Americans made themselves valuable in their communities and they earned respect.

The Greatness of America!

The Greatness of America

What was it that made America the wonder of the world?  Can we look back and trace those steps to greatness?  Is there a trail that we can follow?  Did the movers and shakers of long ago leave some clues for us to find?  What are some of the ideas that led to the belief all over the world, that America was the place where dreams could come true?

The Ideas That Made America Great

Respect and Reverence for God

From the very beginning in 1492 when Columbus sailed the ocean blue, God was acknowledged and honored by the leaders who discovered, explored, and settled this great continent. Christopher Columbus wrote, “It was the Lord who put into my mind (I could feel His hand upon me) that it would be possible to sail from here to the Indies. ..there is no question that the inspiration was from the Holy Spirit…”

 The actions of Columbus show that God was respected and reverenced.   When land was first sighted, hymns of praise to God reverberated throughout the three ships!  Upon landing, Columbus and his crew planted a large wooden cross and fell to their knees, giving thanks to God.  Columbus didn’t name the land for himself or for the king and queen of Spain who financed the voyage, but for the Lord Jesus Christ.  He called it San Salvador, which means Holy Savior.

The Spanish, French and English all explored and settled the great wilderness of North America in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ and for the spread of the gospel.   Missions, churches, schools and hospitals were established to that end.  In 1620 the Pilgrims wrote the Mayflower Compact stating that the Plymouth colony was planted, “For the Glory of God and the advancement of the Christian faith.”

John Adams a century and a half later wrote, “I always consider the settlement of America with reverence and wonder, as the opening of a grand scene and design in Providence…”

Indeed, it was “the opening of a grand scene and design” by God.  "Blessed is that nation whose God is the Lord!" (Psalm 33:12) America became the wonder of the world, a place of freedom where hopes and dreams could come true!     

The true and living God of the Bible reveals Himself as the God of all Hope.  Everyone who came here was filled with the hope of some gain – a new discovery, an adventure, a new beginning, a better life with hope for freedom, opportunity and land.  America became a beacon of hope throughout the world because the knowledge of God and His Word was the first idea and the chief cornerstone upon which it was built. 

Purpose Of A Public Education

In this battle for the minds and souls of our children, it's helpful for us to examine what a good public education should be.  With over 85 % of America's children educated in public schools, the philosophy of education determines what our country becomes.  Do we really like what we see in our country today?  The morally debased and depraved world that we see in the t.v., movies, music, and social media is the product of what has been taught in our secular schools for several generations now. It's the "new normal."  Although mature adults avoid most of it, it's the daily diet and total world for most young people now.  The Common Core/College and Career Readiness curriculum cements the secular education with the goal of low level job training in a global system. Our children deserve better.  Much better.

What is the real purpose of a public education?  William Samuel Johnson, president of Columbia University, said to the first graduating class after the War for Independence:

You have...received a public education, the purpose whereof hath been to qualify you the better to serve your Creator and your country...Your first great duties...are those you owe to Heaven, to your Creator and Redeemer.  Let these be ever present to your minds and exemplified in your lives and conduct.

Imprint deep upon your minds the principles of piety toward God, and a reverence and fear of His holy name.  The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom, and its consummation is everlasting felicity...Remember, too, that you are the redeemed of the Lord, that you are bought with a price, even the inestimable price of the precious blood of the Son of God.  Adore Jehovah, therefore, as your God and you Judge.  Love, fear, and serve Him as your Creator, Redeemer, and Sanctifier. Acquaint yourselves with Him in His Word and holy ordinances.  

Make Him your friend and protector and your felicity is secured both here and hereafter.  And with respect to particular duties to Him, it is your happiness that you are well assured that he best serves his Maker, who does most good to his country and to mankind. 

The knowledge of God and His Word was the foundation of education that unleashed the genius of mankind to the world - that with less than 5% of the world's population, the United States created over 95% of the world's wealth with freedom and opportunity for all!  Now THAT was good public education!