The Moral Code

Living Above Reproach

2010-05-21T07:55:00.000-07:00

Remember the comedic line,"The devil made me do it!"? It seems that most people today are quick to claim victim hood. Few seem willing to take responsibility for their own actions. People accuse others of leading them into illegal or immoral acts. Few seem willing to behave in a manner that is above reproach. What does it really mean to live beyond reproach?
Washington D.C.'s former mayor Barry, when caught using drugs in a hotel room, exclaimed, "the (expletive) set me up!". If he had refused to allow drug use to be a part of his life, no one could have ‘set him up’. A Congressman whose name showed up in a prostitute’s phone book claimed he was ’set up’ by his political opponents. Had they committed themselves to living above reproach, it would have been impossible for them to be ‘set up’.
By contrast, Evangelist Billy Graham, decided early in his life that he refused to allow even a hint of impropriety in his life. He refused to be in a room alone with a woman other than his wife, daughter, sister or other immediate family member. He would carefully consider who he would allow himself to be seen with, where he would go, and what he would participate in, so as not to be found in a compromising position, or cause others to wonder about his honor and/or honesty. As a result of his decision, along with deep personal integrity, Mr. Graham was never in the midst of any such controversy.
Living beyond reproach means to order one’s life so as not say or do things or be in places intentions could be misconstrued. A person who strives to live above reproach constantly considers the manner in which his or her actions appear to others. Perception often carries nearly as much weight as fact. You should constantly ask yourself, “How will it look to those who respect or look up to me?” Living above reproach does not mean one has to be perfect, which is impossible. It means to purpose and strive to make sure that the image you project is one of uprightness and honor.
Nowhere is this concept more important than in the parent/child relationship. Children are so impressionable, and often revere their parents so much that they mimic their behavior, good or bad. Parents have a responsibility to conduct themselves in an honorable manner at all times, because failing to do so not only effects the life of the parent, but the lives of those who look up to him or her. The Bible warns us to take care not to lead others into sin, (1Cor:8; 13), "Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause him to fall."
My nephew, Ronnie, is a guard at a large penitentiary. He expresses the sadness of seeing families consisting of two, and sometimes, three generations of felons serving time at the same facility. He is involved in an effort to counsel prisoners to help them to see the error of their ways to avoid recidivism. He has been amazed that, in most of these situations, the father, son and grandson have been convicted of the same type of crime. Role modeling obviously works well (even negative role modeling).
Ronnie’s group focuses on helping inmates to admit responsibility and change their mindset. Most inmates claim total innocence, or blame others for their incarceration. If they can help the inmate to realize that it was the inmate’s decision not to be above reproach that led to the current situation, it is often the beginning of healing. Only then can he realize that the problem began with being with the wrong people or becoming involved in criminal activity, and jail was the direct result.
Even those who strive to live beyond reproach sometimes find themselves in unfortunate circumstances, but, overall, if people try to order their lives as God urges them to, they largely avoid dire circumstances such as imprisonment, poverty, crime, etc. It boils down to making the right life decisions. Proverbs 10:9 tells us, “The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out.”

"Real Answers™" furnished courtesy of The Amy Foundation Internet Syndicate. To contact the author or The Amy Foundation, write or E-mail to: P. O. Box 16091, Lansing, MI 48901-6091; amyfoundtn@aol.com
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Beware the Dangers of Social Networking

2010-05-13T06:18:00.000-07:00

In just a few years, an explosion of social networking sites, such as FaceBook, Twitter, U-tube, etc., have arrived on the Internet These sites allow us to find lost friends and family members, get and stay in touch with others.

Social networks are often used to spread prayer requests to others, raise funds, and widely disseminate information quickly. But some use these sites (especially Facebook) like an electronic diary, spilling out every thought, conflict, joy, fear, etc., for the world to see.

Some people use these sites for emotional release, often spelling out details of an offense or disappointment in stark detail. Many of the Facebook entries seem more like a cry for help than simple networking. One niece entered a saga so sad, that I became alarmed, and advised her family to consider going on a suicide watch. My niece weaved such a tale of woe and despair, that I really believed she was about to end it all.

Imagine my shock when the teen told her mother that the alarming things she wrote were actually the lyrics of a popular song about a girl who was emotionally crushed by a break-up with her boyfriend. I was relieved, but many of the other entries I have read truly are cries of despair, loneliness or pain. I have started a crusade to try to help young people avoid what could be dire consequences of placing one’s deepest emotions and concerns out on the Web.

One young person I know would daily tell of her sadness and loneliness, often sounding close to ending it all. The next day, her Facebook would be full of upbeat, positive entries. A day or two later, the entries would again be full of anguish and depression. I advised the young lady to be very careful about her social networking entries, because she does not know what the future holds and how her entries today could negatively affect her later in life.

I gave her this scenario, “Suppose that, twenty years from now, you find yourself applying for a job with the Secret Service, or some other sensitive position. Do you know that what you enter on Facebook today could be available to a potential employer at a later date? Suppose that employer read your words from when you were sixteen and decided that you were too emotionally unstable for a job that requires a strong emotional constitution?

Everything one enters on the Internet, including email, is available to anyone who decides they want to read it badly enough. Fortune 500 companies, mayors and many others have found themselves in hot water because of items they sent over email, or placed in their networking pages.

Fads have a way of gaining a foothold in society so fast that people simply don’t realize the danger that may accompany something that seems like harmless fun. It may seem entertaining to simply display one’s life and hopes, dreams and thoughts on the Internet, but it can result in great embarrassment, at the least, or great harm to one’s reputation at worst. It would be much better to stay away from fads, and from those who promote them. It can be fun interacting with others on social networking sites, but beware of making negative entries because everyone else seems to be doing so. Dwell on wholesome things, and communicate only with friends who do likewise.

The Bible tells us in Psalm 1: “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.
"Real Answers™" furnished courtesy of The Amy Foundation Internet Syndicate. To contact the author or The Amy Foundation, write or E-mail to: P. O. Box 16091, Lansing, MI 48901-6091; amyfoundtn@aol.com

Is Haiti under a curse?

2010-03-04T10:58:00.001-08:00

James J. Jackson
Evangelist Pat Robertson opined that the Island nation of Haiti has been cursed because its people have ‘sworn a pact with the devil.” Robertson stated that Haiti promised Satan that they would serve him if he freed them from the French. Robertson says that Haiti has suffered much poverty and destruction ever since.
His remarks sparked a firestorm of protest. Robertson draws a distinction between the two nations on the island of Hispaniola: Haiti, which he points out has suffered many disasters and deep poverty; and The Dominican Republic, which enjoys prosperity and a flourishing tourist industry.
Haiti‘s problems since its independence, have largely been the fault of many dictators, who used its natural resources and tourism revenues to fill their own coffers, leaving the people poor and totally dependent on government. The people are not free, and try to escape in droves in rickety hand-made vessels, many of which sink at sea. Hispaniola, on the other hand, is somewhat democratic, and the people are free. The contrast is clear.
I have spent time in Haiti, and I experienced the heavy voodoo culture, and witnessed people who were supposedly under a voodoo spell. Many of the churches mix voodoo elements in with their Christian liturgy, which was somewhat bizarre to watch. I also witnessed many, many Christians from around the world, helping to build orphanages, houses and schools, and leading people to know Christ as their Savior.
As a high-profile minister, Mr. Robertson should be careful in making declarations for which he has no concrete proof. If the people who were under bondage did ‘make a pact with the devil’, what evidence does Robertson have that such a pact took effect? The mere fact that Haiti has experienced major climatic episodes does not, in itself, prove that they are cursed. Is California cursed, since it experiences more earthquakes than other states (some would probably say, ‘Yes!’)? The answer is ‘No’.
The Bible tells of many civilizations that were destroyed because of their defiance of God. God said that He would visit the iniquity of those who hate Him upon their children, even unto the third and fourth generation. Many of those nations paid the ultimate price for their disobedience.
But, when Christ came, He lived a perfect life, so as to be the perfect sacrifice that God required as payment for sin. He paid the price with His life. He was crucified, died and was buried, but rose again. He offers eternal life to all who trust in Him and receive His free gift of life everlasting.
Christ wants to have a personal relationship with each one of us. If a person rejects Christ’s offer, and follows voodoo priests, or another god, they are rejecting God’s gift, and, therefore, place themselves under Satan’s curse. But, the nation of Haiti is not under a curse. Yes, many follow other gods, and many reject God’s offer, but many others trust in the Lord. Also, what makes Haitians different than people right here in America who reject Christ. Do they place our entire country under a curse? Absolutely not!
The Triune God is not a God of revenge, anger, or destruction. Earthquakes, hurricanes, tsunamis and other disasters are not a result of sin in our world. Don’t blame God for such as these. And don’t ascribe to Satan such power over people. God is a God of redemption. He loves us, forgives us and, through His Son, redeems us. We only have to trust in Him.
Perhaps Pat Robertson should, at least, phrase his statements in a way that better reflects the love of God.

"Real Answers™" furnished courtesy of The Amy Foundation Internet Syndicate. To contact the author or The Amy Foundation, write or E-mail to: P. O. Box 16091, Lansing, MI 48901-6091; amyfoundtn@aol.com
Read similiar stories in Mr. Jackson's Award Winning book, 'In All Things...' http://www.usabooknews.com/religion/christianinspiration.html

Navigating Through Life's Storms

2010-01-18T10:56:00.000-08:00

Turbulence during flight can be very unsettling, even for a seasoned flyer. A storm bounces the huge aircraft around like a toy in the paws of a giant cat. The passengers’ utter lack of control or ability to do anything to ease the problem is most evident.
During such times, we often pray that the storm will end quickly. Sometimes, it does end quickly, but turbulence reoccurs throughout the flight. Life is often like that. When we find ourselves in stormy circumstances, we often pray to the Lord to resolve the threatening circumstance.
We sit in horror as life’s storms rage around us. We may be hit by a vicious personal attack. We may be slammed by a serious illness, or the death of a loved one. We may find ourselves deep in debt, with no end in sight. We watch in horror as the economy, or a marriage slides into the abyss, and, along with them, hopes and dreams. Our faith is shaken
We pray for God’s deliverance, but, as an old saying goes, “Sometimes God calms the storm. Sometimes, He lets the storm rage, and calms His child.” Even today, evil seems to prevail everywhere, and evildoers seem to flourish and prosper. We are emotionally flung from side to side, and sometimes just feel like giving up.
Blasphemy has risen to the level of a sport. God’s laws are deliberately and blatantly violated. Many have declared Him to be dead or useless. Movies and TV shows mock God, and His moral absolutes and guidelines for life have been cast out of schools and the public square. Even some churches have abandoned God’s clear and written tenants for a more ‘politically correct’ (but morally wrong), ‘tolerant’ and exciting style of worship.
Christians who attempt to take a stand for what is right according to God’s word are castigated, ridiculed and minimized with labels such as ‘bigot’ or ‘religious fanatic’. Even in the face of such storms, believers in the True God need not despair. We must ‘put on the whole armor of God’ and bravely faces every storm that comes into our lives.

This is done through reading the word, prayer and waiting on the Lord, as He tells us to do. But, waiting on the Lord does not mean to hide under our beds and tremble in the face of such attacks. We are to go boldly and proclaim His love and His commandments to others. When God is attacked in the news, sit down and write a letter to the editor, using Scripture to back up your position. Go to school board meetings and take a stand for morals and for God’s perspective as a part of the school experience.
God wants His stand and speak out against evil and the flouting of His laws. He also knows that the vicious storms in life can be daunting. Still, He wants us to stand in the gap between right and wrong. But, He also lets us know that the battle is His, and that He has already written the final chapter. He reassures of this in Psalms, “Be still, and know that I am God”. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth.”
So, when you face life’s storms, as you certainly will, trust in the Lord. He may not calm the storm, but He will give you the grace and peace to endure it. When you are hit by the hardest times or by despair and hopelessness, God wants you to pray and picture yourself being rocked in His arms, as, by His grace, the storm subsides.

"Real Answers™" furnished courtesy of The Amy Foundation Internet Syndicate. To contact the author or The Amy Foundation, write or E-mail to: P. O. Box 16091, Lansing, MI 48901-6091; amyfoundtn@aol.com

A Paid Up Eternal Life Policy

2009-09-09T11:56:00.000-07:00

A paid up eternal life insurance policy
Legendary sports announcer Ernie Harwell recently announced that he has been diagnosed with incurable bile duct cancer, but has decided against surgery or other medical treatment. He is ‘looking forward to this next adventure’.
Harwell stated that, because he trusts in Jesus Christ, he has no doubt that he is going to Heaven when dies. A friend mentioned that Harwell must be delusional, because no one can know for certain that they will get to Heaven. It’s all in God’s hands.
I explained to my friend that, like Harwell, I, too, hold a paid-up ’eternal life insurance policy’. This opened up a lively debate. My friend stated that, because of our sin, we deserve to go to Hell, so we must do all the good we can in order to balance the scale. Then, when we stand before God, He will weigh the evidence of sin against the good life we have lived, and then decide whether we go to Heaven or Hell. No one can know for sure until that day.
My friend is a Christian. He believes in Jesus and knows that He died to pay for his sins, but seems to stop trusting in Christ at that point. I explained that, according to the Bible, he may be missing a vital part of the Good News of the Gospel. I read from Romans, which says that “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ…”
If eternal life is a gift, how can we earn it? We certainly do not deserve it, and only one sin can condemn us to Hell. God is just, therefore He must punish sin. But, in His love for us, He wants us to spend eternity with Him in Paradise. In His ultimate wisdom, He solved the problem of punishing our sin and sparing us from Hell by sending His own son to earth as a human, to live a perfect life and be the perfect sacrifice as payment for all sin.
We humans cannot be good enough to work our way to Heaven We do good because of our love for Him, but Christ has done it all, on the cross. When Jesus said, “It is finished”, it meant that He did not leave our salvation undone, nor did He leave salvation steps for us to work out. Death and sin were conquered on the cross, and eternity is a free gift from God, Himself.
My friend thought that sounded too easy. I explained that our human nature tells us that we are somehow responsible for our salvation, but that we won’t know for sure until we stand before God. The Bible says that, when God looks upon those who are covered with the blood of Christ, He won’t see our sin, but only the forgiveness we have received through Jesus Christ.
I asked my friend to read from 1st John, which says, “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.” I pointed out that it did not say that you might hope, or guess; but that you may know… We read a few other Scripture passages that point to this free gift. I explained that it is like having a paid up, irrevocable ‘eternal life’ insurance policy, offered freely by a risen Savior. We then prayed together, and he asked Christ to come into his life and thanked Him for the free gift of eternal life. I praise God for providing me the training to be prepared to share His Good News when the opportunity arises.

Self Control: A Delicious Fruit of the Spirit

2009-07-23T11:25:00.000-07:00

“Somebody STOP me! “ It was a line in a Jim Carrie movie that we’ve heard in comedy routines, and in every day life. A more pertinent question is, “Why don’t you stop yourself?”

Society today seems all to willing to accept the premise that any perpetrator of bad behavior is simply a victim, and it’s all someone else’s fault. Excuses are offered to those who seem unable or unwilling to control themselves. Drug addicts are given clean needles, because they are victims The addiction made them do it!

I was recently a part of a program at a county youth detention center. It was heart-rending to see children who looked to be as young as eight or nine-years old, being detained as a result of sometimes heinous crimes. Others were there because no one, including themselves, could control them.

Singer Ray Charles once told the court that his drug addiction was not his fault- someone gave the stuff to him and showed him how to use it. Former D.C. Mayor Marion Barry, caught on tape using illegal drugs, exclaimed that the (woman) with him had ‘set him up‘. And on and on.

We also hear a lot about ‘anger management’ classes. Judges regularly sentence out -of -control miscreants to such classes. Strangely, I can’t seem to find any reports of success resulting from these classes. Could it be due to the fact that the person’s anger is not to blame, but that the root cause is their lack of self control? I can’t find any evidence of ‘self control’ classes.

My parents worked hard to instill self control within us. They often told us the we need to strive to be in control of ourselves at all times. “You will be under someone’s control throughout your life, so you should make sure that person is you“. A child throwing a tantrum in a store needs to be taught that being out of control has consequences. When a parent takes control of the child and physically forces him to comply, it has less effect than when the child is taught to keep himself under control.

Many of the youth who are placed in anger management classes need consistent discipline, with sure punishment for failure to be under control. I was taught that people who live lives out of control eventually end up in a place where their lives are totally controlled by someone else-prison; where someone else controls when you lie down, when you arise; when you eat and sleep, exercise and when you see your loved ones.

The newspaper regularly announces meetings of a multitude of ‘support groups’. I am certain this service helps many people to come to grips with whatever their problem is, but, my research reflects that they often help people avoid confronting and taking control of areas of their lives that lack personal discipline.

The Bible warns us that, in the last days (in which many people believe we are living), self control will be, well, out of control!

Second Timothy says, “But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days.People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money..., disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited... Have nothing to do with them. Galatians lists self control as one of the Fruits of the Spirit.

That dire warning seems to clearly describe what is happening today. I try to heed it by avoiding people and situations that are out of control. And, I purpose practice self-control at all times.

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America; Love her or...Just love her

2009-07-18T13:05:00.000-07:00

By: James J. Jackson

America recently celebrated her 133rd birthday, but it didn't seem to be very ‘happy’. Besides deep economic woes, our nation is under attack like never before, not so much from abroad as from inside our own citizenry, and even among many of our leaders. Although it may be politically incorrect to stand and be counted for the sake of our nation, I am proud to be one who is willing to do so.
Many accuse America of being imperialistic. Imperialism means conquering and absorbing other nations into your empire, as England, France and others did for centuries. America freed European nations, reconstructed them at our cost, and returned the lands to their citizens. We even rebuilt vanquished nations, like Japan and Germany, and gave them back to the citizenry. These nations became our staunchest allies because we demonstrated love for our enemies, as we are directed in the Bible.
Polls reflect that less than 73% of Americans ever leave U.S. soil, so most will never see the endless rows of white crosses and stars marking the graves of tens of thousands of American soldiers who gave their lives in France, England, the Philippines and many other places. The only land we ever received and held in any war was for burial plots. I have been to some of these cemeteries, and, believe me, imperialists aren’t buried there. Heroes are.
America is labeled by many as an aggressive bully which started wars for convenience. No mention of the treaty Iraq signed in defeat, only to repeatedly violate the cease-fire, or the multiple U.N. orders they ignored, or thwarting the inspectors they agreed to allow into Iraq. Any one of these violations was enough for the U.S. to resume hostilities. Many still say we went to war for oil. Iraq’s military ran away from battle, setting fire to their own oil fields on the way. We could have simply taken the oil spoils of war. Instead, we repaired the oil fields and gave them back to the Iraqis without taking one drop.
Many Americans say the 911 attacks stemmed from U.S. mistreatment of Muslims for years. Was it mistreatment to go to war to liberate Muslims in places like Kosovo, provide assistance Afghanistan’s fight against the Soviets (even though the Afghans turned on us later)? African nations still beg the U.S. to free them from oppression by other Muslims.
America has always been a force for good in the world, and history bears it out, yet those who have never been anywhere else believe the lie that America is hated around the world. When I travel to other countries, I can usually identify the U.S. Embassy by the long lines of people hoping for a chance to come here. When I have gone to foreign consulates here in the U.S., I have seen countless people in tears because they must return to their home country. Corrupt leaders rarely represent their citizens in their hatred of America. Witness what is taking place in Iran, where the leaders call the U.S. ‘The Great Satan’, but their citizens are rising up against them and their oppression.
No, America is not evil, and those who make this claim are hard-put to give evidence of the claim (without resorting to lies and easily proven fabrications).
President Obama recently stated that America is no longer a Christian nation. But the 82.6% of those polled who identify themselves as Christians apparently still believe God’s promise, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.” Happy Birthday, America, and God Bless You.

"Real Answers™" furnished courtesy of The Amy Foundation Internet Syndicate. To contact the author or The Amy Foundation, write or E-mail to: P. O. Box 16091, Lansing, MI 48901-6091; amyfoundtn@aol.com
　

What Kind of Father Are You?

2009-07-13T09:06:00.000-07:00

By: James J. Jackson
The survey asked, “What kind of father are you? The choices were: 1. Authoritative; 2. Controlling; 3. Nurturing; 4. Easy going; and 5. A push-over. I pondered the question as it pertains to me, and came up with a choice that was not included in the survey: All of the above.
Fatherhood done right is such an awesome responsibility-not to be taken lightly. A father holds the key to the emotional development of another person in his hands. In order to fulfill the task of rearing well-rounded, contributing members of society, a father must juggle many attributes, keeping them all in the proper balance, and knowing when to use one or the other.
A father must be authoritarian when a decision has to be made. Children do not have the experience or intellect to make most major decisions. An effective father will work with the mother and make a decision and present it to their children in a unanimous fashion. The democratic approach doesn’t work in family situations, because you cannot allow equal input to young people who do not have the intellect or experience to make such decisions.
A father must be controlling at times. When a child decides to participate in an activity that may be dangerous or injurious (physically or emotionally), parents have to take control and make a definitive ruling to the child. Sometimes, the most loving word is, “No”. Although a father may feel more popular when he gives in, it is not possible to be an effective father and always be popular. A good father knows when to apply tough love, and when to give in.
A father should be nurturing in all things. He must make time for his children, even when he doesn’t feel like it. I remember taking my four daughters, one at a time for special time with Dad. They were allowed to decide where we would go, even if the activity was not my favorite pass time. They tell their children about the wonderful times they experienced fishing, going to the zoo or museum, Daddy-Daughter dances, taking lunches to the park for picnics. It is wonderful to know how much they enjoyed those times together.
A father must be ready and able to take a stand when he witnesses self-defeating behaviors forming the child’s life, or when he sees his child making the wrong choices in friends. When my girls were young, I tried to use every situation as a life lesson, showing them the application to life, often using Bible stories to bring the lesson home.
When God stated, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”…I tried to take Him seriously, as my parents did with me. I knew, as they did, that a child needs a firm foundation built on faith, trust and love. I wanted to assure that, when my children made mistakes, as we all do, and when they feel a sense of despair, they would know where to look for answers -- Up!
A person who has not been given a foundation in trust and belief in God is often lost when he or she is faced with adversity, whereas a child who has been taught to trust in a loving God knows they can always turn to Him for answers and comfort.
I believe this is the greatest responsibility a father is given. I am blessed to know my daughters know and love both their earthly father and their heavenly Father!

"Real Answers™"

The Elusive Search for Peace

2009-07-13T09:03:00.001-07:00

Almost daily, we see peace protestors in the news. But, what is peace, and when will we know that it has arrived?
The dictionary defines peace as, “1: a state of tranquility or quiet: as a: freedom from civil disturbance; a state of security or order within a community provided for by law or custom.
Sadly, many people today define peace as the absence of conflict. This dangerous mind set led us to believe we were experiencing peace while the 911 attackers were feverishly planning their evil deeds. Many people considered the ‘Cold War’ to be a time of peace. As I grew up with a ‘bomb shelter’ in our basement, equipped with water, durable food products, a flashlight, radio, etc, I can tell you that it was not a peaceful time. When we crouched under our desks in school during air raid exercises, I don’t remember experiencing a spirit of peace.
So, the simple absence of obvious conflict is no evidence of the existence of peace.
The second definition in the dictionary says, “2: freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions; harmony in personal relations.
This type of peace is probably the most elusive-inner peace. Many religions provide exercises and rituals designed to bring about inner peace, but their adherents rarely demonstrate any tangible evidence of true peace in their lives. More often, they appear just as ill-at-ease and conflicted as anyone else. One high-profile pro basketball coach is very public about his devotion to such a religion, but his often profanity-laced tirades against a referee or over the lack of productivity of his players demonstrate that he has not yet mastered the ‘peace’ element of his chosen religion.
The third definition says, “A state or period of mutual concord between governments; a pact or agreement to end hostilities between those who have been at war or in a state of enmity."
As is demonstrated all around the world, a treaty, cease-fire or any other agreement cannot guarantee peace, and often are violated before the ink dries on the paper. Many people believe that a nation such as the United States, blessed with the means and power to help free others from tyranny, should stand by and watch atrocities take place. I don’t believe God would have us operate in that manner. Contrary to Cain’s declaration, we are our brother’s keeper.
The most profound example of erroneously trusting in this type of peace agreement was illustrated when British Prime Minister, Neville Chamberlain returned from a conference and announced a peace agreement with Adolph Hitler, Chamberlain had signed the Anglo-German Naval Agreement, declaring it to be evidence of ’peace in our time." Germany immediately invaded Czechoslovakia and other European nations, igniting the war Chamberlain thought his appeasement of evil had averted.
In church, we greet each other with, “God’s peace to you”. This little phrase spells out the only route to peace, God’s grace. The Bible tells us, ‘There will be wars and rumors of war…” in the end times. It also speaks of enmity between parents and children and in all other relationships.
It is naive to believe by ignoring conflict, and through our own efforts, peace will abound. Philippians 4:7 offers, ‘And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
God’s perfect peace, through His Son, Jesus Christ, is the only peace that frees us from the bondage of our sins and enmity toward each other. May each of us bask in that peace, rather than looking for it in places where it does not exist.
"Real Answers™" furnished courtesy of The Amy Foundation Internet Syndicate. To contact the author or The Amy Foundation, write or E-mail to: P. O. Box 16091, Lansing, MI 48901-6091; amyfoundtn@aol.com

Michael Jackson remins us all of our moral delima

2009-07-13T08:59:00.000-07:00

As with so many people around the world, I felt the loss of Michael Jackson deeply. For many years my family and I have enjoyed his music and his videos. His was beloved by many, and he helped many people. He is listed in the Guinness Book of Records and the most charitable entertainer in history. Michael's untimely death raised the question on the Internet and other media as to whether he was a Christian.
This gifted entertainer achieved more worldly success than most of us could even imagine, but he spent much of his time and resources changing himself, physically, emotionally, and in nearly every way possible. His miserable and unfulfilled life certainly illustrates the fact that money cannot buy happiness.
This sad plight befalls many successful celebrities who seem to ‘have it made it’, but continue to chase true happiness and satisfaction that cannot be gained from fame and fortune. It seems that their money becomes a demon that steals happiness and imprisons them in their own private dungeon, rendering their lives, which seem so full, empty and sad.
I have seen no evidence to prove or disprove whether Michael Jackson knew and believed (trusted) Jesus Christ as his Savior. I’ve read that he declared himself to be a Jehovah's Witness, which does not teach that Jesus Christ is the son of God, but, that He was a great prophet. In announcing Michael’s death, his brothers, Jermaine ended his statement with, “Michael, may Allah be with you forever...”, raising further doubt as to Michael’s Christianity. Such uncertainty seems quite common among celebrities.
John Lennon once remarked (to a London newspaper in 1966) that "…Christianity will go. It will vanish and shrink ... We're more popular than Jesus now". George Harrison wrote the song, “My Sweet Lord”, which, at first seems to be praising the true Lord, Jesus Christ, but actually praises ‘Lord Krishna’, a Hindu god.
Comedian Bill Mahr constantly castigates all things Christians, and even made a movie ridiculing religion, faith and worship. He believes that we exist by accident, live our lives as we please, die, and return to nothing. God’s word says that knowledge of Him exists in every heart, and evidence is all around us, so there is no excuse for rejecting Him. I pray that Mahr will receive the faith to believe in this life. It will be too late in the next.
It seems that many people who have achieved worldly success and fame, do not see a need to trust in a higher power, or they believe they can pick and choose which higher power they will believe in at a given time. Still others try to give credence to all gods, to cover their bases. The Bible, however, teaches that there is only one name by which we may be saved.
In Matt 29, Christ responds to a rich man who claims to have kept all of the Commandments, and wanted to know how to be saved, “...Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." Christ knows us better than we know ourselves, and, when money, fame, or worldly goods become our God, we cannot humble ourselves and worship the one true God, and serve only Him. It is our not wealth that makes it impossible to enter Heaven, but our attitude toward our wealth.
I pray that Michael Jackson is in Heaven, but, only the Lord knows whether Michael trusted in Him. I would never trade the salvation Jesus Christ paid for with His life for earthly riches.

A Father's Day Legacy

2009-06-19T19:39:00.000-07:00

The media is preoccupied with each presidents’ legacy. But, is a legacy something a person creates for onesself, or does it arise from who that person was and what he stood for in terms of such attributes as decency, integrity and honesty? A true legacy leads others to pattern their lives after you---the real you---not who you packaged yourself to be after the fact.

Each Father's Day, I reflect upon the fact that I was blessed with the legacy of not one, but two fathers, neither of whom tried to build a legacy, but both of whom had a very significant impact on my life and the lives of many others. Although my birth father, Samuel Jackson, died when I was three years old, he left me the only true legacy he was able to leave---his reputation.

Sam Jackson, his four brothers, and one sister were born to Mississippi sharecroppers. They were reared to be respectful, hard-working, God-fearing, and patriotic. Slavery had ended fifty years before Samuel was born, but the last remnants of that era died hard. The family had to learn to be diplomatic and tactful in the cruel Jim Crow South, where a simple misunderstanding could result in a lynching.

This family was respected and well liked by virtually everyone they encountered. By adulthood,
Sam was known as 'Good Man', because he was quick to do good for others, even strangers. He was a big man with a bright, wide smile, and a love for his fellow human being. His brother, David, was called 'Solid', both because of his six-foot five chiseled frame and his dependable, helpful, consistent nature. When Sam died from a brain tumor in 1952, many of his friends thought 'Good Man' was his real name, because it so accurately described his personality and love for others.

On his deathbed, Sam asked David to help our mother care for his wife and ten children. When my mother died just one year later, David and his wife, Bessie, who only had one child of their own, nine year old Doris, took all ten of us into their home. David, or 'Uncle Solly', as we called him, demonstrated strong moral character and taught us to work hard, be honest, and respect others.

He always reminded us of who we are and from whom we came. He kept our parents alive by telling us of their personal integrity and their love for us. Everyone who had known my father gave the same description of him. We had no doubt that he was, indeed, a good man who loved others unconditionally.

My uncle's approach to life reflected my father's character. He taught us lessons like "respect is not something one demands, but something one earns." We learned to look others in the eye and offer a firm handshake, because David believed that the eyes and handshake say a lot about a person.

He taught us that God loved us, and even though He had taken our parents from us, He still had a plan for each of our lives. He taught us that skin color mattered little in the final analysis, and that no one can take away from you the good things that you choose to make a part of your life. When many Blacks replaced their surnames with 'X', he taught me that my name is not a 'slave name'. It was the proud name of many of my forebears; therefore, it is more important that I never discredit or shame my name than to dwell on how I got that name.

He taught me that, whether signing a check or a document, making a promise, or taking an oath, my name is the representation of who I am. If I use my name to lie, cheat and or steal, then my name becomes, 'liar', 'cheater' or 'thief'.

I came to realize that if I live my life in a way that is pleasing to the Lord, I will be known as 'Good Man' here on earth, and "Good and Faithful Servant" by God one day. As he lay dying from a stroke David reminded me, a scared, confused nineteen year old college sophomore, that I still have a father who will "never leave me or forsake me." I used the legacy of my fathers to become a successful businessman, loving husband and father and community leader.

Because of my two fathers, the legacy I desire to leave to my children, grandchildren, family and friends is, "here was a good man". Next to that, everything else I may accomplish has little significance.

Memorial Day--Count our blessings & Thank a Soldier

2009-05-07T09:36:00.000-07:00

James J Jackson
copyright, 2009--amyfound.org
As we approach Memorial Day, memories of past celebrations of this holiday come to mind. As a child, Memorial Day signaled the first holiday of the summer (although it technically takes place while it is still Spring).
Memorial Day observance goes back to the Civil War, and was intended to honor and pay homage to soldiers who died in serving the nation. Originally, it was called ‘Decoration Day’, and people visited cemeteries to clean and place flowers at the gravesites of fallen soldiers.
Eventually, the day was expanded to honor all deceased persons. I remember traveling to cemeteries around the Chicago, IL area to visit the graves of my parents and other family members, as well as the graves of men who had served with my uncle/adoptive father during WWII. The day always began in a very solemn mode. The visitations took place early. After visiting gravesites, we often took a trip downtown to watch the Memorial Day parade. Soldiers, sailors, marines and Air Force personnel and machinery would march along the parade route along with veteran’s groups and dignitaries.
We often held a family picnic at one of the many parks. I remember the hot dogs, chips and soda, and taking turns cranking the wooden ice cream maker until our arms were sore. We played games of baseball and basketball, and ran around until our throats were sore and our legs ached. As we gathered around the table to feast on our picnic fare, my Uncle David, the patriarch of the family, would say a prayer for those who had died in service of our country and for those who were currently serving.
This holiday took on a more serious aura than it does today. Memorial Day parades and other activities seemed to be much more well-attended then than they are now. Many view it a simply another day off work. People seem to have forgotten that freedom is not free, and that many have died fighting to preserve our freedom.
Much of the media have labeled our military personnel as barbarians and baby killers, while ignoring the clear fact that, without a strong military, we stand to lose all of our freedoms. Instead of declaring that our military has provided freedom to much of the world, and beat back fascism, Nazism, totalitarianism and numerous despots, they depict our military as something to be hated and despised.
Amazingly, many young people still answer the call to serve. When the draft was eliminated, many people believed we would never be able to raise a standing army, believing that there was insufficient honor or love of country for people to voluntarily serve. Some legislators have called for the reinstatement of the draft, in spite of the fact that most services generally meet or exceed their recruitment targets.
I honor those young people who step up to serve in our armed forces. It is heart-rending when any soldier loses his or her life in war, but it is encouraging to see Christ’s love through the lives of our soldiers. Jesus said, in John 15, “Greater love has no other than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”
I try to make it a habit thank God for those who have paid the ultimate price, and to honor any serviceman and women by just saying, “Thanks for what you do for us.” It’s the least we can do, considering what they face on a daily basis for people they don’t even know. God bless them all!

Common Courtesy not common, but crucial

2009-04-27T14:35:00.000-07:00

“COMMON COURTESY” NOT COMMON BUT CRUCIAL
By: James J. Jackson

A woman gave my young grandson a small toy, which he took without comment. I told him to thank the lady, but this usually compliant child refused to say the words. The woman insisted that I should not force the child to say “thank you.”

I told him to either thank the lady or return the gift. He reluctantly thanked her; then I explained to him that being thankful and courteous is as much for his own well being as it is for the person being thanked. Recently I witnessed a mother struggling to get her child to apologize for hitting another child. The amount of resistance the child displayed was alarming.

It seems that what used to be considered common courtesy is not so common anymore. Courtesy has been replaced by selfishness and an uncaring attitude toward others. Television programs and movies glorify the in-your-face approach to others and the “all about me” attitude. Young people either have lost or never grasped the art of kindness and respect.

Children who are not taught to treat others as they would want to be treated grow up to contribute to the crowded “Anger Management” classes and, in extreme cases, the prison population. Society seems to preach that being courteous, thankful or apologetic shows some kind of weakness, when, in fact, it shows strength and self-control.

When our four daughters were young, they often had sibling spats. If two sisters displayed anger toward one another my wife would often make them apologize to each other, then hug each other until both smiled. It is heartwarming to watch them pass on to their children the lessons of being courteous and loving toward their siblings and others.

During the 1970’s, one small phrase in the movie, “Love Story” (“Love…means never having to say you’re sorry”), put many viewers on the course toward today’s attitude of failing to take responsibility for one’s actions. It seemed such a profound line. In truth, love means caring enough about someone whom you may have offended or hurt to say you’re sorry and take steps to make it right. It means caring enough to be thankful to others.

Many of today’s distressing social and moral problems stem from a loss of the type of personal and societal ethics that for many years kept in check the level of animosity we showed each other. The Bible tells us to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. Jesus declared that, after loving God with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength, loving each other is the greatest Commandment.

When we exhibit love toward each other, it illustrates God’s love for us. Knowing and seeing all, He knew that His prime creation had fallen into deadly sin, and could not save itself. Rather than watch us struggle and give in and be lost for all eternity, He became one of us, in the Person of Jesus Christ, and took the punishment for our sin and died for us. He then rose from the dead to show us that, through Him, we will rise again also. Any person, no matter how much sin baggage he or she is carrying, who repents, or apologizes to God, asks Christ to come into their life and be their Savior, and thanks Him for the free gift of eternal life, already has eternal life, according to God’s Word.

When we are loving and courteous with each other, we reflect our relationship with Christ, and we show His love to others. All He asks is that we share that love with others, through our actions and words.

2009-04-14T14:15:00.000-07:00

Real Answers™jj140Copyright: ©2009 James J. Jackson600 words
THE ELUSIVE SEARCH FOR PEACE
By: James J. Jackson

Almost daily, we see peace protestors in the news. But, what is peace, and when will we know that it has arrived?
The dictionary defines peace as, “1: a state of tranquility or quiet: as a: freedom from civil disturbance; a state of security or order within a community provided for by law or custom.
Sadly, many people today define peace as the absence of conflict. This dangerous mind set led us to believe we were experiencing peace while the 911 attackers were feverishly planning their evil deeds. Many people considered the ‘Cold War’ to be a time of peace. As I grew up with a ‘bomb shelter’ in our basement, equipped with water, durable food products, a flashlight, radio, etc, I can tell you that it was not a peaceful time. When we crouched under our desks in school during air raid exercises, I don’t remember experiencing a spirit of peace.
So, the simple absence of obvious conflict is no evidence of the existence of peace.
The second definition in the dictionary says, “2: freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions; harmony in personal relations.
This type of peace is probably the most elusive-inner peace. Many religions provide exercises and rituals designed to bring about inner peace, but their adherents rarely demonstrate any tangible evidence of true peace in their lives. More often, they appear just as ill-at-ease and conflicted as anyone else. One high-profile pro basketball coach is very public about his devotion to such a religion, but his often profanity-laced tirades against a referee or over the lack of productivity of his players demonstrate that he has not yet mastered the ‘peace’ element of his chosen religion.
The third definition says, “A state or period of mutual concord between governments; a pact or agreement to end hostilities between those who have been at war or in a state of enmity."
As is demonstrated all around the world, a treaty, cease-fire or any other agreement cannot guarantee peace, and often are violated before the ink dries on the paper. Many people believe that a nation such as the United States, blessed with the means and power to help free others from tyranny, should stand by and watch atrocities take place. I don’t believe God would have us operate in that manner. Contrary to Cain’s declaration, we are our brother’s keeper.
The most profound example of erroneously trusting in this type of peace agreement was illustrated when British Prime Minister, Neville Chamberlain returned from a conference and announced a peace agreement with Adolph Hitler, Chamberlain had signed the Anglo-German Naval Agreement, declaring it to be evidence of ’peace in our time." Germany immediately invaded Czechoslovakia and other European nations, igniting the war Chamberlain thought his appeasement of evil had averted.
In church, we greet each other with, “God’s peace to you”. This little phrase spells out the only route to peace, God’s grace. The Bible tells us, ‘There will be wars and rumors of war…” in the end times. It also speaks of enmity between parents and children and in all other relationships.
It is naive to believe by ignoring conflict, and through our own efforts, peace will abound. Philippians 4:7 offers, ‘And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
God’s perfect peace, through His Son, Jesus Christ, is the only peace that frees us from the bondage of our sins and enmity toward each other. May each of us bask in that peace, rather than looking for it in places where it does not exist.
"Real Answers™" furnished courtesy of The Amy Foundation Internet Syndicate. To contact the author or The Amy Foundation, write or E-mail to: P. O. Box 16091, Lansing, MI 48901-6091; amyfoundtn@aol.com

Is Someone Trying to Get your Attention?

2009-03-12T12:35:00.000-07:00

585 words
IS SOMEONE TRYING TO GET YOUR ATTENTION?
By: James J. Jackson
Have you ever experienced or heard of an ‘ear worm’? According to web search pages, everyone experiences ear worms from time to time. Earworms are songs or tunes that keep running around in one’s head. It may be a song you like, but, more often than not, it will be a tune that you despise, yet find yourself singing or humming over and over again. The harder one tries to stop humming or singing it, the more the tune plays in the mind.
Ear worms are another mystery of the human mind. But, could ear worms sometimes pop up to send you a very important and useful message or remind you that your countenance leaves much to be desired? One frequent ear worm that appears to me (usually when I need to hear it, as opposed to when I might purposely summon it up). is a little song that was intended as a way to instill a life lesson in our daughters.
Years ago, our daughters’ school performed a play called “Music Machine”, which used cute songs to teach the ’fruits of the Spirit’ outlined in the Bible. As we listened to the accompanying tape over and over again, one song became a tool we applied whenever our kids demonstrated impatience with each other or a situation:
Have patience, have patience, don’t be in such a hurry When you get impatient, you only start to worry. Remember, remember, that God is patient, too, And think of all the times when others have to wait for you!
At times, simply singing or humming this little ditty would raise the ire of a child who was enjoying wallowing in impatience. We often had fun with breaking out in the song when least expected. One problem with using such tactics to instill life lessons is that you might just instill the lesson within yourself, as well.
Now, years later, when I find myself being impatient or intolerant with a situation or person, that little song will often appear in my head out of nowhere, and continue in a loop until I deal with the problem in the correct manner. This often entails apologizing and asking forgiveness for my attitude. It proves to be very convicting, and refuses to leave until the issue is dealt with.
Perhaps this is an illustration of the blessings of memorizing Scripture. Once memorized, God’s Word resides in a place just outside one’s consciousness, from which it may quietly, but incessantly, play itself over and over in one’s head until you take the corrective action you know you should take. Sometimes, our human nature just wants to enjoy being in the moment with our impatience, loathing, anger, etc., for a while, but the Lord would have us address the sin issue and move on. Perhaps that is why an ear worm may appear and replay itself in a loop, crowding out the thoughts we would rather dwell on at the time.
I have learned to stop, listen and try to discern whether a particular ear worm is trying to turn my focus to a blind spot in my character, or whether it has arrived just to taunt me and remind me that a void in my idle mind is waiting to be filled with prayer, praise or meditation on God’s word.
Whatever may be the cause of this mystery of the mind, I have learned to be thankful when this particular ear worm shows up to get my attention.
Proverbs tells us, “A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly.” Thank God for ear worms!

"Real Answers™" furnished courtesy of The Amy Foundation Internet Syndicate. To contact the author or The Amy Foundation, write or E-mail to: P. O. Box 16091, Lansing, MI 48901-6091; amyfoundtn@aol.com
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Let's Really Celebrate Valentine's Day

2009-02-12T21:05:00.000-08:00

By James J Jackson
Valentine’s Day brings thoughts of love and kindness. People exchange greeting cards expressing their love for each other. Children exchange candy ‘kisses’ or heart-shaped candies with love note imprinted on them.
But, like many holidays, Valentine’s Day has become so commercial, that the true meaning is often lost. A recent email told of young children who were asked, “What is the meaning of ‘Love?’.
One five-year-old child answered, “When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. You just know that your name is safe in their mouth.“ Another stated, “Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen.'. An eight year old warned, “You really shouldn't say 'I love you' unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget“.Children seem to have a way of viewing complex issues in a very simplistic manner. Their explanations often include an element of truth and clarity that adults often lack. Many grown-ups have a hard time expressing what love means to them. Perhaps adults try so hard to sound profound and bright, that they lose the simplicity of love.
Many of us know the story of St. Valentine, who sent messages of love from prison to his friends and family, always closing with, “Remember your Valentine.” Valentine’s Day is a day to remember loved one’s. Valentine’s Day really should be celebrated every day, but, sadly, it is not.
God wants us to love everyone, including our enemies and strangers. Such love was demonstrated on a daily basis by my parents, who made it a point to show Christian love to others whenever possible. I witnessed my Uncle Dave giving money to homeless people to buy food. When told that the recipient would probably buy alcohol, my uncle would state, “That’s his choice, my job is to fill a need.”
My uncle was never a ‘gawker’ when he came upon an accident or emergency scene. He was always the first one out of his car to give aid and comfort. One time he was swindled out of a large sum of money by a person who lied about his need for money. I asked if he was sorry he had helped. He told me, “When I felt prompted to give, I gave up ownership of the money. If the man lied, he will one day have to answer for that, but, when I stand before God, I will know that I helped the poor, as He commanded me to do“
My Aunt Bessie would drive elderly neighbors to the grocery store, and often would pay for their groceries. Whenever she saw a need, she would extend a helping hand. My wife and I still practice her habit of keeping spare mittens and hats in the car to hand to children at bus stops.
I was taught to love others, even when they seemed un-lovable. I learned unconditional love by example, and extending a helping hand or just showing love and concern for others is automatic in my life. The greatest human example of unconditional love in my life was when my aunt and uncle gave up their idyllic life with their only child to bring into their home ten orphans, after my parents died. The only thing they ever asked in return was that we strive for excellence and be the best we could be.
The premiere example of such love is that Christ died on the cross to pay for the sins of the world, whether we love him or not. In His Word, He tells us, “A new command I give you: Love one another…”. If we all followed this command, every day would be Valentine’s Day.

Making Effective New Years Resolutions

2009-01-14T08:55:00.000-08:00

Each new year brings with it new challenges, troubles and concerns, as well as new opportunities, new relationships, etc. One perennial activity is making New Year’s resolutions, promising to get rid of some behavior, habit, issue and so on, in an attempt to make life better.
People resolve to give up smoking, drinking, credit cards and a myriad of other issues, in order to become a healthier or happier person. People sometimes make resolutions that are designed to make changes in another person. Such resolutions are obviously doomed from the outset, since most of us have a terrible time changing ourselves, much less having dominion over the thoughts and actions of others
There are many approaches to New Year resolutions. One site suggests that people either not make resolutions, or only make resolutions that are easily kept, so as to avoid harming our self-esteem if we fail.
Another site suggests that you deliberately make resolutions that you cannot possibly keep, opining that the value is in the struggle-not in whether or not you succeed. That may sound profound and ’deep’, but I have not seen evidence that struggle, itself, builds more character and self-esteem than conquering bad or unproductive areas of one’s life. Another websites suggests a daily steps to as reminder of your New Year’s resolution, like a 12-step program.
Basically, a resolution is a promise to rid one’s self of some habit or characteristic that keeps one from being a better person, and a new year seems like the logical time to make such life changes. Resolutions should be made with a goal of doing the right thing by replacing bad habits with right-living. If the bad behavior is not replaced with good behavior, it is a recipe for failure.
For instance, if I resolve not to be greedy anymore, I am more likely to succeed it I replace the greed with empathy and assistance to the less fortunate. This takes the focus off of me and places it on helping others, which is the opposite of greed.
Our human nature makes it nearly impossible to follow through on resolutions because we all face daily temptation. The Bible tells us we cannot save ourselves from sin or temptation. If we succeed in overcoming a bad habit, another will replace it, or is already there, waiting to come to the fore.
So, how can we succeed in overcoming a bad habit or sin issue in our lives? Alone, we cannot. God, in His infinite wisdom, knew our plight, and that, on our own, we cannot remove one bad habit or sin, or do enough good to pay for one sin. He sent His Son to pay the price for our sin.
We can remove the grip of sin in our lives only when we realize it has already been dealt with and paid for. All we have to do is to accept the free gift from Him who paid for our sins with His body and blood. The Bible also says we have to ‘put to death the old sinful man’ on a daily basis. We can do this if we daily confess our sins and acknowledge that we cannot overcome them alone, but we must lean on Him, and trust the He can deliver us from the bondage of sin and bad habits. Philippians 4 says, “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength. Resolve to trust in Christ alone, and He will help you to succeed in getting rid of bad habits and becoming a better person. See more of James J Jackson's columns at www.amyfound.ogr

Conventional Wisdom Fails Every Time

2009-01-14T08:49:00.000-08:00

On a recent TV show, a sociologist said that, since there is no ‘effective’ manual for child rearing, we must rely on “conventional wisdom” in child-rearing. When I was young, parents taught kids life-sustaining lessons and gave them a moral compass by which to live. They instilled core values and gave boundaries to help kids make sound life decisions. Honesty, integrity and the pursuit of excellence were expected. Keeping one’s word, and doing right, even when no one is looking was a consistent lesson.
Youth were taught that rights come with responsibility, and that taking an oath was a very serious matter. Today, a good reputation isn’t considered as valuable as it once was. Today, people who lie under oath and demonstrate self-defeating behavior are often viewed as icons. Kids were taught that actions have consequences. Today, conventional wisdom is to provide programs and excuses to help youth avoid consequences, which often prohibits the person from learning valuable lessons they could learn from facing the consequences of their actions.
Conventional wisdom says that everyone has the right to do as he or she pleases. When consequences arise, conventional wisdom labels the person a ‘victim’. Programs like needle exchange and free condoms are offered to avoid consequences and allow the person to continue in dangerous, self-defeating behaviors. Conventional wisdom believes so-called ’Social Promotion’ of failing students protects self-esteem, but experience shows that it only produces people with a dead-end attitude and no basic job skills.
My parents warned us that illegal, dangerous behavior would severely limit our ability to take care of ourselves, and that we would have no one to blame but ourselves. They promised they would not bail us out of consequences of our bad choice, and that bad life choices only lead to poverty, jail, poor health, and even death, so we should choose wisely. We grew up drug free and crime free.
They used old sayings to help teach us, like ‘If at first, you don’t succeed, try, try again’, Today, conventional wisdom tells us, ‘If your bad choices block your success, stop trying, and you won’t be held responsibility. Instead of a little ‘tough love’, here’s a program‘.
Today‘s flawed “new morality” creates new concepts like ‘situational ethics (which says that each person determines right and wrong for themselves), What’s wrong for you may not be wrong for me; there are no absolutes, and other such nonsense. Anyone who promotes values and standards is considered ‘intolerant’. Schools mistakenly believe they can instill self-esteem in kids without self-control, self-respect, honesty or honor.
Every person inherently knows that it is wrong to participate in self-defeating behaviors, or to fail to seek excellence in school and in life. To do so results failure, defeat and the loss of a sense of self-worth, instead of the intended increase in self-esteem. By contrast, a child who tries hard to master subjects, plays by the rules and treats others properly does not need special treatment to bring about good self-esteem. It is a by-product of hard work and achievement.
Conventional wisdom operates from our failed human perspective, which tells us that there is no effective manual available for raising good children, enjoying happy marriages and enjoying a fulfilled, happy life, but there is. It’s called The Bible, which tells us to “Raise up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from It“. It also includes precise guidelines for every area of life, and it is full of love. It works. Research it for yourself.

Keeping New Years Resolutions

2008-12-31T09:21:00.000-08:00

Each new year brings with it new challenges, troubles and concerns, as well as new opportunities, new relationships, etc. One perennial activity is making New Years resolutions, promising to get rid of some behavior, habit, issue and so on, in an attempt to make life better.
People resolve to give up smoking, drinking, credit cards and a myriad of other issues, in order to become a healthier or happier person. People sometimes make resolutions that are designed to make changes in another person. Such resolutions are obviously doomed from the outset, since most of us have a terrible time changing ourselves, much less having dominion over the thoughts and actions of others
There are many approaches to New Year resolutions. One site suggests that people either not make resolutions, or only make resolutions that are easily kept, so as to avoid harming our self-esteem if we fail.
Another site suggests that you deliberately make resolutions that you cannot possibly keep, opining that the value is in the struggle-not in whether or not you succeed. That may sound profound and ’deep’, but I have not seen evidence that struggle, itself, builds more character and self-esteem than conquering bad or unproductive areas of one’s life. Another websites suggests a daily steps to as reminder of your New Years resolution, like a 12-step program. .
Basically, a resolution is a promise to rid one’s self of some habit or characteristic that keeps one from being a better person, and a new year seems like the logical time to make such life changes. Resolutions should be made with a goal of doing the right thing by replacing bad habits with right-living. If the bad behavior is not replaced with good behavior, it is a recipe for failure.
For instance, if I resolve not to be greedy anymore, I am more likely to succeed it I replace the greed with empathy and assistance to the less fortunate. This takes the focus off of me and places it on helping others, which is the opposite of greed.
Our human nature makes it nearly impossible to follow through on resolutions because we all face daily temptation. The Bible tells us we cannot save ourselves from sin or temptation. If we succeed in overcoming a bad habit, another will replace it, or is already there, waiting to come to the fore.
So, how can we succeed in overcoming a bad habit or sin issue in our lives? Alone, we cannot. God, in His infinite wisdom, knew our plight, and that, on our own, we cannot remove one bad habit or sin, or do enough good to pay for one sin. He sent His Son to pay the price for our sin.
We can remove the grip of sin in our lives only when we realize it has already been dealt with and paid for. All we have to do is to accept the free gift from Him who paid for our sins with His body and blood. The Bible also says we have to ‘put to death the old sinful man’ on a daily basis. We can do this if we daily confess our sins and acknowledge that we cannot overcome them alone, but we must lean on Him, and trust the He can deliver us from the bondage of sin and bad habits. Philippians 4 says, “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength. Resolve to trust in Christ alone, and He will help you to succeed in getting rid of bad habits and becoming a better person.

Atheists seeking to deny Jesus Fail again

2008-12-17T06:26:00.001-08:00

After numerous failed attempts to take Christ out of Christmas, atheists have launched a new attack on the celebration of Christ‘s birth-a placard in state capitols with a declaration of non-faith and non-belief in God. This is intended to refute the message of Christmas. In Washington state, such a placard was placed in the state capitol with the blessings(?) of the Governor. Many people protested loudly.
This attempt dampen the celebration of Christmas is led by The Freedom From Religion Foundation (Madison, Wisconsin). The placards declare this to be a season of Winter Solstice, and that, "…There are no gods, no devils, no angels, no heaven or hell. There is only our natural world. Religion is but myth and superstition that hardens hearts and enslaves minds."
The foundation's co-president, Dan Barker, believes atheism deserves a place alongside the overtly religious Nativity scene. "Our members want equal time," Barker said. "Not to muscle, not to coerce, but just to have a place at the table.". However, his next statement seems to directly contradict the first, According to Barker, “…Christians basically stole this season from us human beings by using the hate speech of the nativity scene, which damns all of us to hell if we don't bow down before that little baby who became the dictator. What a horrible insult to what it means to be a human being!”
For some time, Washington state did not allow any religious symbolism on its capitol grounds, except a Christmas tree, or, as it is called, a “Children’s Holiday tree”. A Jewish group complained, and was allowed to place a Menorah in the Capitol, which prompted a Christian, Ron Wesselius to request that a nativity be allowed. He was denied, but sued, on the basis that a national holiday celebrates Christ’s birth. He won, and a Nativity scene was installed in 2007 and again in 2008.
Dan Barker was then allowed to place the placard alongside the Nativity scene in the state capitol. Wesselius was asked whether the placement of the atheist display next to the Nativity scene bothered him. He replied, "I think the Nativity scene will speak for itself.".
The atheist sign is two-sided, with their message of denial of God on the front, and "Keep State/Church Separate" on the back. But, since the U.S. Constitution does not mention such a separation or freedom from religion, but clearly protects freedom of religion in its First Amendment, this premise also fails miserably .
Conversely, Wesselius’ point that the nativity speaks for itself is most profound and true. Indeed, the quiet scene depicting the birth of a child who came to save us from our sins speaks volumes in it’s quiet, unassuming way. Yet, it angers those who hate God to the point that they believe that placing a contradictory statement next to the manger can somehow decrease the effectiveness of the Christmas story and destroy its truth. Such attempts to destroy what God has ordained are futile. None of us, (atheists included) had any hand in our creation, and our existence in human form equates to the blink of an eye, yet they defiantly shake their fists at the creator of the Universe, believing that their silly declaration can somehow silence and or diminish the power of God.
Of course, the Bible says it best, in Psalms 53, “…The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good.” God can use even their failed efforts for good. Tourists standing before the two displays will clearly see which one reflects ‘hate speech‘ and which on reflects truth and unconditional, underserved love!

2008-11-24T11:26:00.000-08:00

Real Answers™jj134Copyright: ©2008 James J. Jackson615 words
SEEKING SAFE INVESTMENTS DURING ECONOMIC TURMOIL
By: James J. Jackson
The current economic climate has people literally worried sick. Extremely erratic world markets make investors jumpy. Some are considering withdrawing their funds and burying their money in the back yard in glass jars. In fact, the evening news recently reported a noticeable increase in the sales of glass jars.
Trillions of dollars of wealth have been lost in only a few months. The usual finger-pointing has begun, blaming one political party or the other, Big Oil, Big _____ (fill in the blank), etc. This current economic downturn, however, appears to be world-wide, and not the fault of any political party or industry giant.
The fact that no one is able to offer a viable solution is frightening to the private sector. There is much hand-wringing, as helpless investors tearfully watch their nest egg evaporate before their eyes. There is a rising fear of another Great Depression.
While in college, I worked at the Chicago branch of the Federal Reserve Bank. Some of the ’old timers’ remembered the Depression. They said they had watched from the windows of the Fed building as people who had lost everything in the stock markets jumped to their deaths from the Chicago Board of Trade building. It was frightening to look at that building and imagine people committing suicide because of financial ruin.
It was disturbing to think that people loved their money to that extreme. I recall deciding right then and there that, as for me, I would never let any circumstance make me even consider such an act. A chapter in my book, ‘In All Things..’ (Tate Publishing, 2008), entitled, “Suicide: A Permanent Solution to a Temporary Problem”; I discuss the after-effects of suicide on the family left behind. I fear that, sadly, the current economy may lead to an increase of such acts of desperation.
An evangelist once stated that many people have a ‘God-shaped’ hole in their heart that they try to fill with anything but God. The truth is, only God can fill the void -- not money -- not success -- not material things. God is the only piece of the puzzle that will fit correctly, and without Him, the puzzle can never be complete. Yet, people are extremely creative in seeking other ‘pieces’ of life and trying to cram them into the space that only the Lord can fill.
There is nothing wrong with storing up wealth for the future, or setting aside a ‘nest egg’ for old age. In fact, it is admirable to be frugal and to save some of the fruits of our labor. It is good to invest, as Jesus demonstrated in at least one of His parables. It is when the mind-set becomes fixated on material wealth, and greed causes one to worship that wealth, and refuses to use some of it to help others, that it becomes an idol. One of the most misquoted verses in the Bible is, “…money is the root of all evil”. It actually warns that “…The love of money is the root of all evil.”
Instead of focusing upon gathering and keeping wealth, Jesus tells us in Matthew “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal…But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; …for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
If we think of our wealth as belonging to God, and entrust it to Him, we need not worry about losing it. Surrendering all to our loving Father will bring true peace, even in the face of such uncertainty.

What Is Committment?

2008-11-11T10:41:00.000-08:00

What Is Commitment?
By James J. Jackson
The concept of commitment has been victimized by today’s extreme focus upon self. Loyalty and dedication are considered undesirable or even laughable traits. Commitment in marriage, family, child rearing, business or politics is considered antiquated and inessential by current cultural dictates.
Pre-nuptial agreements were mostly unheard of years ago. Today, most advisors encourage such agreements to protect each partner’s rights to money, children and possessions. Had I suggested a prenuptial when I proposed to my wife, she probably would have suggested we enter into a ‘no nuptial’ agreement, and go our separate ways. Marriage was ordained as an institution that should be approached reverently, spiritually and permanently. When initiated within the proper spirit, a man and woman can enter into the ‘free fall’ of committed love. Trust is essential in marriage; the kind of trust shown in a reliance-building game in which one partner falls backward and trusts the other person to catch him or her. Today’s TV talk shows would rather the person allow their mate to collapse to the floor for the humor of it. It’s all about trust. A pre-nuptial agreement doesn’t reflect true trust and commitment. In fact, it illustrates just the opposite-mistrust and selfishness.
Many people enter into marriage with little or no commitment, focusing only upon themselves. Marriage is a covenant, instituted by God, wh1ich should be enjoined only after prayerful meditation. Mark 10:7-8 says, For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, ‘and the two shall become one flesh’, so then they are no longer two, but one flesh. Society tells us that each partner should remain an individual. One young couple who insisted upon a church wedding expressed that their commitment was based upon a ‘12-24 check’, whereby they would check after one year, and again after two years to determine whether they really loved one another. If not, the marriage would end. The marriage lasted less than two years. With such lack of loyalty, failure was a foregone conclusion.
The appalling divorce rate could be greatly decreased if people would, first of all choose a mate who shares their values, who shares the same belief system, and is willing to rear children in the fear and admonition of the Lord. Some of the new practices often included in weddings today make a mockery of the love that should emanate from marriage, such as the bride and groom smashing wedding cake into each other’s face. Commitment means making a ‘bottom line’ pledge to each other that every situation, disagreement, major decision, problem, will be handled in the framework that their love for one another is the bottom line, and that no circumstance could change that. When commitment is foremost in marriage, child rearing or any sort of partnership, the probability of success is greatly enhanced. But, commitment is the one ingredient lacking in so many relationships.

For example, too many parents neglect the covenant between themselves and their children. God gives specific and frequent direction to discipline children in love, and to train, guide and protect them from harm. Especially, we are commanded to bring them to a knowledge of the Lord. Today, people abuse, neglect and harm children, in spite of Christ’s dire warning, “It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.” (Luke 17:2; Matt. 18:6; Mark 9:42). Apparently, many do not realize the consequences of disobeying the Lord. Many parents allow children to make dangerous decisions and call the shots in situations where the child cannot possible have the information or cognizance to make correct choices.
God also expects us to be committed when we take on job, enter a partnership, sign an agreement, take an oath (for we are swearing before God) or promise to do something. He wants us to show the greatest measure of commitment by fulfilling His Great Commission by making disciples for Christ, and teaching them obedience to all that He has taught us. We must be committed enough to approach every relationship and every task from His perspective. His call to commitment is fulfilled when others see Christ in us.

Creationism

2008-10-16T13:11:00.000-07:00

The origin of the earth has always been a mystery to scientists. They say Creationism is improbable, but seem willing to accept evolution or almost any other alternative as fact, with no tangible proof to back it up.
Many people feel uncomfortable with the thought of a Creator, somewhere out in the heavens, judging them and holding them to His standards. Our rebellious human nature feels more at ease with the belief that humans as no different than animals or bacteria. And that are here by accident, live as we please, die and return to nothing. They believe we will one day solve that ‘death’ thing, also
Evolution is taught as fact, even though it fails on so many fronts. Still, science continues to research other possible answers to our origin. The scientific community will glom on to almost any theory rather than accept the presence of an all-knowing Creator.
Polls show that a majority (although a shrinking majority) of us still believe in divine creation. 58% of the respondents to a recent web poll believe that some unnamed ‘intelligent entity’ created us. 17% of those polled believed the earth was created when a comet (s) struck the earth; 15% believe life crawled out of an ancient lake, and the remaining 10% believe aliens from outer space brought life to earth.
The “Big Bang” theory, which has been widely held b many scientists, was not mentioned in the poll. One Christian writer once wrote that this may be the closest theory to reality, opining that, “God spoke, and ‘Bang!’, all creation came into existence.
The obvious, almost elementary response to anti-Creation theories is, “Who created the ‘ancient’ lake, or the aliens, and who set the comet into motion? Each theory raises more questions than answers as to who designed the whole process. Science can explain things like the changing of the seasons; the earth, moon and sun and their paths; how birds know to migrate, etc. If all these things were the result of a ‘mistake’, then why doesn’t the sun rise from a different direction each morning, and why do the seasons rotate in order, and why does the moon go through the same phases each time; why not eight phases one month, then 12 phases, etc?
And why does only mankind have the ability to reason, to solve problems and to build relationships and communicate verbally? Animals operate from instinct, which is a code placed in their genetics. Every member of one kind of animal family will operate exactly the same as another. They cannot use reason to operate outside of their genetic limits. Although they can be taught tricks, and the semblance of mathematical reasoning, it is only possible through repetition and a simple ‘carrot/stick’ reward/punishment process.
It seems that God, in creating the Universe, deliberately left many questions unanswered. Perhaps he knew that he had endowed us with inquisitive minds, and therefore left many questions for us to discern. For centuries, many people worshipped the moon, believing that ‘the man in the moon’ watched over us. Over the years, mankind figured out that the moon had a distinct effect upon ocean tides and other atmospheric conditions.
People believed that the moon was made of green cheese. When we landed on the moon, we found absolutely nothing to explain the moon’s effect on the earth. Perhaps the most explanation for the moon, the stars, the sun, and the whole universe including life on earth can only be realized through faith.
I would rather depend upon fact than theory. Our origin is clearly stated in the Bible, “In the Beginning, God created the heavens and the earth…”

Guard Your Heart!

2008-10-02T07:00:00.001-07:00

GUARD YOUR HEART
By: James J. Jackson
Jordan, my little four-year-old grandson sat in our family room one Sunday afternoon, playing with a toy and singing a song, “...Don’t let the devil steal your joy.…” The song went on to express how you should ask Jesus for His joy, and you will be happy in the joy of the Lord. After listening for a while, I asked him what the song meant.
He responded that in Sunday school, he learned that the devil wants to make him sad, but that Jesus wants him to be happy. It was amazing to me that a simple little child’s song could carry such a profound message for Christians today. I thought about the fact that many Christians today seem to have no little or no joy in their lives. People often talk about casting their worries and cares upon the Lord, but then continue to carry the weight of those worries on their own shoulders.
When we dwell on our worries and sorrows, rather than giving them to the One who can remove them, we ask to be weighed down by them, and that weight shows on our faces and can affect every area of our lives. It is extremely difficult to be a good witness to others, or to speak of the joy of the Lord, when we reflect that we have no joy in our heart. Whomever we are trying to witness to will think, “Why do I want the kind of joy (or lack thereof) that shows in this Christian’s life?” Few people would want to share in a type of joy that leaves the person sad, and even angry. But, if they witness you living a truly joyous life, in spite of challenges and problems, they will be more likely to want what you have.
Satan can steal your joy if you dwell on all that is wrong and all of the challenges you face. The Lord wants you to bring your worries to Him in prayer. When we do this in earnest, He removes the weight of those worries and gives us both peace and endurance to stand up under the effects of whatever problems we are dealing with. When we dwell on our worries, we become ineffective as tools for furthering God’s kingdom. A poor witness can be counter-productive, and a turn-off to those you are trying to tell about our loving Savior.
When we allow our joy to be stolen by the devil, we become like the seed in Jesus’ parable in Luke 8, “The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life's worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature…” Don’t let the devil hinder your Christian maturity. Guard your heart against the danger of allowing the devil to steal your joy. Take your worries and cares to the Lord in prayer, trusting that He can heal all, fix all and put eternal joy in your heart.
That joy comes from knowing that a loving God knew our dilemma of inherited sin and our inability to be good enough to save ourselves. His eternal joy comes in the fact that He sent his only son to live a perfect life and become the perfect sacrifice for all sin. Joy comes in knowing that our sins are paid for and Heaven is offered as a free gift-not because of what we have done, but because of what Jesus has done. Joy comes from knowing that we don’t have to carry the weight of our sin or our worries, because our debt has been paid. Now, that’s something to sing about!

Guard Your Heart

2008-10-02T06:56:00.000-07:00