Time for action on the part of a “neighbor”.
A good friend of mine posted the following in his blog:
Something awful is happening to a family from our church! Lifelong Perkiomen residents Jim and Sue Umstead (14 Wartman, Collegeville) are being forced to sell their family’s farmhouse on 9.8 acres. Another 1.1 acre property near it sold for $130,000! Their property is worth at least $700,000! They are being unethically FORCED to take a tiny fraction of that! Are we going to stand by and allow our Township Supervisors STEAL our neighbor’s home and land and put our children in harm’s way? Mr. Umstead is fighting brain cancer! After the last township meeting he was so distraught he had a seizure! We must stand up and fight for them! All they want is to keep our schools safe from strangers wandering from the trail onto school property! All they ever wanted was to keep their property for open space for their horses, their grandchildren and all their township friends to enjoy!
To learn how you can help visit this website -
Eminent domain has long been a club for "government", read: those few parties with vested interests and access to "...the powers that be..."
Sometimes, "we", the people can exercise the "powers" which supposedly reside with us.
I might this be just such an occasion?!
Power to the people
Pearcey Report
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Friday, September 12, 2008
I Rise to call him Blessed!
Years ago, in the good providence of God, my wife began attending a local Baptist church. I, in my stubborn pride, would not attend, electing instead to drive her and the children to and from the church each Sunday.
For my part, though having made a profession of faith years before, I had long since strayed and was heavily involved in my career is the USMC.
But, God had other plans.
The pastor of the church my wife attended was only semi-literate from my perspective. He had come to The Faith in the hills of NC and his wife had taught him to read. He subsequently attended a NC Bible institute and began preaching at this Baptist Mission church.
He, his wife, my wife, and my wife’s Sunday School teacher began to meet and pray for me and my restoration to The Faith, unknown to me.
In historical context, this was the months prior to the assassination of JFK, while I was attending a course at USC in So. Cal..
When I returned home to NC, this pastor would screw up the courage to drop by and visit us, inviting me to church. His earnestness and sincerity began to grip me, and I relented. Sometime thereafter, under his ministry, I repented of my rebellion and experienced restoration in the faith.
We became fast friends and I grew under his tutelage in terms of my passion for Christ and the things of The Faith. He deeply instilled in me an appreciation for God and His word, and an unconditional willingness to serve Him, whatever.
Well, among other inputs, his example was one prompting me to resign my commission in USMC in ’66 and enter into Missions. Through those years, he and the Sunday School teacher faithfully encouraged and prayed for us.
At one point, I felt led to give him my Bible, back in ’81, seeing his was nearly worn out!
In 2005, the church where we had met and from which he had subsequently departed had a reunion and we both attended. At this reunion, my first pastor returned that same Bible, which is next to me on my desk!
Now, today, just moments ago, I learned he had passed to the other side!
My, how I will miss him, but thank God for his impact on my life!
In my 70+ years in The Faith, I have been blessed of God to have been significantly been marked, indelibly, by a “Few good men” and Pastor David Cox was one of them!
For my part, though having made a profession of faith years before, I had long since strayed and was heavily involved in my career is the USMC.
But, God had other plans.
The pastor of the church my wife attended was only semi-literate from my perspective. He had come to The Faith in the hills of NC and his wife had taught him to read. He subsequently attended a NC Bible institute and began preaching at this Baptist Mission church.
He, his wife, my wife, and my wife’s Sunday School teacher began to meet and pray for me and my restoration to The Faith, unknown to me.
In historical context, this was the months prior to the assassination of JFK, while I was attending a course at USC in So. Cal..
When I returned home to NC, this pastor would screw up the courage to drop by and visit us, inviting me to church. His earnestness and sincerity began to grip me, and I relented. Sometime thereafter, under his ministry, I repented of my rebellion and experienced restoration in the faith.
We became fast friends and I grew under his tutelage in terms of my passion for Christ and the things of The Faith. He deeply instilled in me an appreciation for God and His word, and an unconditional willingness to serve Him, whatever.
Well, among other inputs, his example was one prompting me to resign my commission in USMC in ’66 and enter into Missions. Through those years, he and the Sunday School teacher faithfully encouraged and prayed for us.
At one point, I felt led to give him my Bible, back in ’81, seeing his was nearly worn out!
In 2005, the church where we had met and from which he had subsequently departed had a reunion and we both attended. At this reunion, my first pastor returned that same Bible, which is next to me on my desk!
Now, today, just moments ago, I learned he had passed to the other side!
My, how I will miss him, but thank God for his impact on my life!
In my 70+ years in The Faith, I have been blessed of God to have been significantly been marked, indelibly, by a “Few good men” and Pastor David Cox was one of them!
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Anarchy? Give me a break!
Recently, it has been my privilege to lead a group of individuals at church in a Bible survey, focusing, at the moment, on the Old Testament.
We discuss the Fundamental Fact and Permanent Principles, seeking to follow the Apostle Paul’s admonition in 2 Tim. 2:15, recognizing the simple truth the Bible was not written TO us, but FOR us.
We completed our survey of the books denominated The Samuels, focusing on the transition from the era of the Judges to that of The Monarchy.
In that segment, God reveals to Samuel, the message of what a King (read: government) will require, i.e. impose on the people. Implicit in this divine disclosure is the basis of “human government”, that being the imposition of “force”.
In the revelation, the people are told that their “king” will TAKE.
Up to this juncture, those doing the TAKING have been the oppressors, against which the likes of my personal all-time hero, Shamgar, have resisted.
Subject to oppression, which resulted from the covenant nation’s rebellion and refusal to adhere to their covenanted commitments, the peoples cry out to God for deliverance which, He, in grace responds and delivers them via “judges” of various stripes.
It occurred to me, chapters 17-21 are really an appendix providing an overview of the era.
I noted 17:6 and 21:25 in my readings and, as a good evangelical, thought “see, this is the fruit of anarchy”, every man/woman doing his/her “own” thing. This is why we “need” government.
But, then, an errant thought intruded itself, which initially troubled me: is “anarchy” the problem, or might it be the standard against which “anarchy” is to be held?
17:6 & 21:25 indicates the standard at that juncture as “…that which was right in his own eyes…”
Wow! At that moment, it hit me! If every man …did that which was right in God’s eyes…anarchy would not be a “problem”, but an expression of responsible conduct in the kingdom of God!
A concomitant thought intruded itself: might not external “government” be the very instrument which keeps men and women in perpetual, personal governmental immaturity?
Was it the objective of my parents to raise me to be "dependent" upon an external force, or did they hope to raise a son "independent" and willingly "interdependent' in a societal context?
Ouch!
We discuss the Fundamental Fact and Permanent Principles, seeking to follow the Apostle Paul’s admonition in 2 Tim. 2:15, recognizing the simple truth the Bible was not written TO us, but FOR us.
We completed our survey of the books denominated The Samuels, focusing on the transition from the era of the Judges to that of The Monarchy.
In that segment, God reveals to Samuel, the message of what a King (read: government) will require, i.e. impose on the people. Implicit in this divine disclosure is the basis of “human government”, that being the imposition of “force”.
In the revelation, the people are told that their “king” will TAKE.
Up to this juncture, those doing the TAKING have been the oppressors, against which the likes of my personal all-time hero, Shamgar, have resisted.
Subject to oppression, which resulted from the covenant nation’s rebellion and refusal to adhere to their covenanted commitments, the peoples cry out to God for deliverance which, He, in grace responds and delivers them via “judges” of various stripes.
It occurred to me, chapters 17-21 are really an appendix providing an overview of the era.
I noted 17:6 and 21:25 in my readings and, as a good evangelical, thought “see, this is the fruit of anarchy”, every man/woman doing his/her “own” thing. This is why we “need” government.
But, then, an errant thought intruded itself, which initially troubled me: is “anarchy” the problem, or might it be the standard against which “anarchy” is to be held?
17:6 & 21:25 indicates the standard at that juncture as “…that which was right in his own eyes…”
Wow! At that moment, it hit me! If every man …did that which was right in God’s eyes…anarchy would not be a “problem”, but an expression of responsible conduct in the kingdom of God!
A concomitant thought intruded itself: might not external “government” be the very instrument which keeps men and women in perpetual, personal governmental immaturity?
Was it the objective of my parents to raise me to be "dependent" upon an external force, or did they hope to raise a son "independent" and willingly "interdependent' in a societal context?
Ouch!
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Sham-who?
Years ago, during a message he was preaching, Lorne Sanny, president of The Navigators, first brought to my attention, Shamgar, son of Anath.
Lorne pointed out a few basics things about Shamgar and his conduct during a difficult time in Israel’s pre-monarchial history. Lorne said Shamgar did:
What he could with
What he had and
Where he was
As I reflected on Shamgar’s model, it dawned on me anyone in the household of The Faith could emulate it. No special training is required, save for a vital relationship with Christ and his word.
Problem often being, we want to do something for which we are ill-equipped and somewhere else!
Lorne pointed out a few basics things about Shamgar and his conduct during a difficult time in Israel’s pre-monarchial history. Lorne said Shamgar did:
What he could with
What he had and
Where he was
As I reflected on Shamgar’s model, it dawned on me anyone in the household of The Faith could emulate it. No special training is required, save for a vital relationship with Christ and his word.
Problem often being, we want to do something for which we are ill-equipped and somewhere else!
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Labor Day?
We celebrate it by taking a day off from work?
What gives?
Oh, yeah-I forgot, government loves and understands us better than our employer, who typically has face to face contact with us on a daily basis.
So government lays the heavy hand of enforcement (read the power of the gun) on your employer, mandating the employer provide a day off with pay; something for nothing!
On the surface, given our personal corruption, we are favorably disposed to the idea..
But, upon reflection, we ought to recognize, “…there ain’t no such thing as a free lunch…”.
Somebody has to pay.
First off, your employer.
Who passes it on to the consumer.
And YOU are a consumer, so you pay!
On top of that, because Govt. intervened on your behalf the”bureaurats” who have to be paid for their involvement; hence, and increase in your taxes!
ALWAYS remember the simple axiom,: There Ain’t No Such Thing As A Free Lunch.
Somebody has to pay, and since it typically isn’t the politician; guess who foots the bill?
You do!
Hence, “…there ain’t no such thing as a free lunch…”
What gives?
Oh, yeah-I forgot, government loves and understands us better than our employer, who typically has face to face contact with us on a daily basis.
So government lays the heavy hand of enforcement (read the power of the gun) on your employer, mandating the employer provide a day off with pay; something for nothing!
On the surface, given our personal corruption, we are favorably disposed to the idea..
But, upon reflection, we ought to recognize, “…there ain’t no such thing as a free lunch…”.
Somebody has to pay.
First off, your employer.
Who passes it on to the consumer.
And YOU are a consumer, so you pay!
On top of that, because Govt. intervened on your behalf the”bureaurats” who have to be paid for their involvement; hence, and increase in your taxes!
ALWAYS remember the simple axiom,: There Ain’t No Such Thing As A Free Lunch.
Somebody has to pay, and since it typically isn’t the politician; guess who foots the bill?
You do!
Hence, “…there ain’t no such thing as a free lunch…”
Writing Straight Lines with Crooked Sticks
Finishing my survey of the books of 1 & 2 Kings, I was struck afresh with the sovereignty of God in terms of bringing to pass His ultimate purpose through the lives of “crooked men and women”.
In The Revelation, God has privileged us with an insight into His control of human history.
In terms of the divine record, the focus is on Israel and the plan of redemption.
But, by implication, all of human history is encompassed for however long God intends.
So, today; this century and this year, is under His sovereign sway, being superintended toward His intended “end”.
Whether O’Bama or McCain ends up in office; God is still in absolute control; writing straight with crooked sticks!
The Kingdom of God continues to advance, as the incoming tide.
At any particular moment, the “wave” may appear to be either advancing or receding; still, the tide is “coming in”!
At all times, and in all circumstances, the illustration of the Incoming Tide serves me well! Regardless of temporal circumstances, I remind myself, “…the tide is coming in…”
This is the source of my HOPE.
The earth shall be filled with the knowledge of God as the waters cover the sea!
My hope is built on nothing-less, than Jesus blood and righteousness!
Hallelujah!
In The Revelation, God has privileged us with an insight into His control of human history.
In terms of the divine record, the focus is on Israel and the plan of redemption.
But, by implication, all of human history is encompassed for however long God intends.
So, today; this century and this year, is under His sovereign sway, being superintended toward His intended “end”.
Whether O’Bama or McCain ends up in office; God is still in absolute control; writing straight with crooked sticks!
The Kingdom of God continues to advance, as the incoming tide.
At any particular moment, the “wave” may appear to be either advancing or receding; still, the tide is “coming in”!
At all times, and in all circumstances, the illustration of the Incoming Tide serves me well! Regardless of temporal circumstances, I remind myself, “…the tide is coming in…”
This is the source of my HOPE.
The earth shall be filled with the knowledge of God as the waters cover the sea!
My hope is built on nothing-less, than Jesus blood and righteousness!
Hallelujah!
Monday, September 1, 2008
Been Reflecting
Over 40+ years ago, we left an eleven career in the USMC to serve Christ in the context of The Navigators, little knowing what such a step entailed!
For my part, I was captivated by the vision of Dawson Trotman, as lived out in the lives of the men I had encountered following my restoration to fellowship with Christ!
Each of these men, Percy Crecelius, Ron York, Skip Gray, and Paul Drake reminded me of the individual who had led me to Christ and who, more than any other man, marked me in terms of Intentional Discipleship, Jim Larsen.
To this day, I am, for better or worse, the “spitting image” of Jim Larsen in terms of my commitment to Christ, His word, my wife, my family, and those who seek to follow Christ. For certain, I will rise up and call his name blessed on any and every occasion!
But, reflecting on the comments of those having part in our recent 50th anniversary celebration, I am overwhelmed thinking of the contribution to our lives and walk with Christ, on the part of all those with whom we were privileged to co-labor. What a blessing!
Each of the aforementioned men “stamped” me, indelibly, and their “stamp” has both kept me and motivated me through these ensuing years!
The memory of these men has served me, as those whom I believe, would embody A motto of either the The French Army or The Foreign Legion on my behalf:
“If I falter, push me on!
If I stumble, pick me up!
If I retreat, shoot me!”
Had we not left the USMC, I doubt I would have encountered this type of fellowship and commitment.
Having left the Corps, in ’66, in the spirit of Abraham, our lives have been enriched beyond measure!
Psalm 84:11 rejoices the heart!
Fifty more to go!
For my part, I was captivated by the vision of Dawson Trotman, as lived out in the lives of the men I had encountered following my restoration to fellowship with Christ!
Each of these men, Percy Crecelius, Ron York, Skip Gray, and Paul Drake reminded me of the individual who had led me to Christ and who, more than any other man, marked me in terms of Intentional Discipleship, Jim Larsen.
To this day, I am, for better or worse, the “spitting image” of Jim Larsen in terms of my commitment to Christ, His word, my wife, my family, and those who seek to follow Christ. For certain, I will rise up and call his name blessed on any and every occasion!
But, reflecting on the comments of those having part in our recent 50th anniversary celebration, I am overwhelmed thinking of the contribution to our lives and walk with Christ, on the part of all those with whom we were privileged to co-labor. What a blessing!
Each of the aforementioned men “stamped” me, indelibly, and their “stamp” has both kept me and motivated me through these ensuing years!
The memory of these men has served me, as those whom I believe, would embody A motto of either the The French Army or The Foreign Legion on my behalf:
“If I falter, push me on!
If I stumble, pick me up!
If I retreat, shoot me!”
Had we not left the USMC, I doubt I would have encountered this type of fellowship and commitment.
Having left the Corps, in ’66, in the spirit of Abraham, our lives have been enriched beyond measure!
Psalm 84:11 rejoices the heart!
Fifty more to go!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)