The Third

     Last week, while changing planes in Denver, we found out a Kalispell friend of many years died in an avalanche, probably instantaneously. My first thought was directed to God, "but he didn't know you". My second was, what was the purpose of decades of praying for Dave to be saved, if he was going to die unredeemed? I felt betrayed. God had not only not done what I asked, He had wasted my time prompting me to pray for it. After all the small things God has given that meant so much less to me, how could he not answer one that mattered so much? I understand election and human will are involved in salvation, and I know that it is always right to pray for the unsaved. I even understand that God's purpose in having me pray for Dave might not be the same as mine was. But deep inside I thought God had done something wrong.

    The next day when I tried to pray, a feeling of futility hindered me. Why bother? It doesn't change anything. I shared my discouragement briefly with my prodigals prayer group Monday and at greater length with my BSF group Tuesday. They are praying for me, as well as the grieving family. I have also been doing my regular Bible study, this week on Jacob and Esau. I saw how God reached out and gave many opportunities to both sons. Jacob responded, Esau chose not to. I also remembered something I realized months ago in a sermon about the flood. God gave 120 years to the people of Noah's time knowing that not one of them was going to repent. He is not trying to run out the clock on anyone's salvation as if that would be a win for His team. If Dave was ever going to repent and come to Christ, God would have kept him alive so he could do so. 

     Dave was the third of those I have prayed many years for and yet died unsaved. The first was my uncle, a very nice man who wanted nothing to do with God in life and achieved that in death. The second was Dorothy, an older friend who, in later life was practically surrounded by Christians, but somehow could not understand her need for Christ. There was not only no spiritual light within her, but seemingly, no fixture in which to hold it. And now there is Dave, who had many Christian friends and listened politely to spiritual things, but was not receptive to them. Some who have had, or known others who had, near death experiences tell me you can do a lot of businesses with God in a few seconds and perhaps Dave did.

     I am still praying for salvation for the rest of his family, and for all my unsaved friends and family. My mind knows many of them will not come to Christ, but my heart is afraid to find out who will be the fourth?

 

 

 

 

 

I See You, CDC

     I thought it would be five or ten years before the CDC would admit that the masks they have been insisting for 11 months are the barrier between pandemic and protection, life and death, are ineffective. Many of us have known that the paper surgical masks most wear are only up to 20% effective against droplets which, because they fall to the ground quickly, are not a major source of infection, and 0-5% effective against the fine particles that are much more likely to spread disease. And even that minimal protection is mitigated by how well the masks fit. Cloth masks are even less effective than surgical. Frankly any mask that is comfortably breathable is not much protection. The CDC has been strangely silent about what masks should be made out of, and/or how well they fit. And the long beards currently in vogue are un-fit. 

     But now that the media-instigated double-masking genie is out of the bottle, the CDC is telling us we can create a mask that is 95% effective by the same technique that makes a cake better, layering, wearing a cloth mask over a surgical mask, and making sure the nose piece fits properly. But 95% effective masks have been around for many years. They are called N95s and the CDC specifically told us not to purchase those so they would be available for front line workers. (Although most of the front line workers I have seen are wearing cheap surgical masks like the rest of us.) I think the real reason they did not recommend N95s, is that they knew if people had to suck air through such sweaty, suffocating accessories no one would wear them.

     Even though logic has become a lost art in American culture, it is obvious that if they are now telling how make effective masks, the ones they have been hammering onto our heads through every possible media are, by default, ineffective. After "To mask or not to mask" has separated families, divided churches, closed business, imposed fines, turned nosy neighbors into narcs, resulted in threats and fistfights--we find out those weren't even the good masks. It is very unlikely that the general public, already sick--of masking--is going to double up on their efforts. But the Maskalorians, who wear masks when alone in their own homes and vehicles, will probably be thrilled to have another talisman to protect them from plague. 

     Montana's governor just rescinded the state wide mask mandate in favor of individual responsibility, which is rare, but not yet extinct in Montana. However, masking may still be mandated by business owners, "Kool-Aid" counties, and p.c. cities. But now that the call for effectiveness is on the table, it is time to show your cards, ICU CDC.

The Redneck Rules of Business Communication

       There is a required class at my son's college called Comex, it teaches communication skills necessary for getting a job and staying employed afterward. I have no doubt that the ability to communicate has declined in the texting, tweeting, and especially emoji, era. My son, who has successfully found many jobs, tried but failed to test out of the class. Apparently, his credits from the Redneck Rules of Business Communication class did not transfer. Here are a few of the communication skills useful in blue collar workplaces. 

 

    Body language--Body language in the redneck world is not subtle. It is comprised of noises emanating from one's body and/or sign language. The sign language is easy to master because it is usually confined to one finger. Involuntary body language, like joints popping, can be confusing and usually requires verbal clarification by identifying the source so coworkers don't think you have damaged something important, like a tool. Semi-voluntary body language, such as burping or farting should not be paired with the phrase "excuse me", except in the most facetious manner--excuuuse ME, as this may  incite a competition that could impair the work environment for at least half an hour. 

    Nicknames--Though not recommended in a white collar workplace, nicknames, particularly derogatory nicknames, are a sign of acceptance, if not affection, among rednecks. It is a breach of manners to refuse to answer to, or call others by, their nicknames.

    Politically Incorrect--No touchy, feely. In a redneck workplace sharing feelings voluntarily is considered emotional assault. However, topics deemed unacceptable in politically correct companies--politics, religion, anatomical peculiarities, blowing stuff up, etc. are fair game in a redneck workplace. Break times are preferred for these discussions, to maximize participation or, in modern jargon, be more inclusive. Hate speech is what occurs when rednecks are compelled to be politically correct--they hate speech.

    Swearing--Though inappropriate for general discussions, such as the weather or ordering supplies, cursing can be essential as a lubricant for removing and installing parts, incentivizing coworkers, reporting an injury, or to magically jump start an uncooperative piece of machinery.

    Being Offended--In our current chronically cranky culture, it is vital to know the correct steps to take when feelings have been hurt.                          

    If you are the one offended:  Meet privately with your supervisor, explain the incident, then find a different job. Redneck culture does not recognize hurt feelers and was well established long before you got hired.

   If you unintentionally offend someone:  As quickly as possible, tell them the insult was intentional and everything will go back to normal.

   If you think you might have hurt someone's feelings:  You have been inhaling too many chemical fumes. Get some fresh air until your mind returns to the thoughtless wonder it normally is.

   Written Communication--Even in the most harmonious work environments, there are times you will need to communicate by something other than body language, swearing or verbal means. 

   Emails:  For these you may have to rely on information you ignored in high school English classes. If nothing else, start your message with a capital letter and end it with a period. Spelling is not that important because many computer writing programs auto-correct. They will also make suggestions for proper grammar, but it is best to ignore those, since correct grammar could make the recipient believe the message is not from you.

   Texting: This is the easiest writing method because texts are brief and require neither capitalization nor punctuation. Those features would make your message more understandable, but if you wanted clear communication, you probably would have picked up the phone. It is important, however, to make sure you phone's auto-correct function has not gerbiled year massage. This is especially important if you are dictating your text, since many phones are not programmed with the redneck speech recognition feature. 

  Emojis:  If you like to use emojis, you are not likely to be reading this. Emojis (aka cute little pictures) are not acceptable for business purposes except for the occasional 👍 or something redneck like a tool, or a pile of. . . p.c. communication. 

   A passing grade in the R.R.B.C. class will practically guarantee you a job in a workplace that supplies uniforms or houses machinery--maybe even horses. Places where you don't need to b.s. h.r. with p.c. for an interview. Where testosterone is not considered an illegal substance and cupcakes are snacks, not coworkers. And remember, despite all the changes modern communication has made in our culture, redneck or not, our best resume comes with a steady look and a firm handshake.

  

 

 

What Were They Thinking?

    We have been studying in BSF about Jacob and Esau. Their story reads like a reality show about dysfunctional families. They could call it Big Little Lies or The Lying Game or Secrets and Lies or Body of Lies. Shoot, those have all been taken. When it comes down to it though, the goat skin costume, props and lies were only the outward manifestations of their inner beliefs. I have been thinking a lot about what they were thinking.

•  Did Jacob really think a future birthright only their father could impart could be swapped from Esau for a bowl of stew? That Isaac would accept that? That food endowed inheritance rights?
• Did Isaac really think that blessings only God could impart could come through his "Will trade birthright blessing for food, Part 2" arrangement? That he could thwart God's prophecy that the older would serve the younger? That Rebekah would not find out?
  
• Did Rebekah really think God would bless Jacob through sin and deception? That she was helping Jacob? That God could not fulfill His own prophecy without her help? That Isaac would not find out about it? That Esau would not avenge himself?
  
• Did Jacob really think he could lie and deceive his way into God's favor? That his brother, the hunter, would not target him afterward? That he could go on living at home?

     It would be even more fun to look back at how twisted their thought processes were if we did not do the same things today. The recent election is a great illustration. What do our responses reveal about what we really think? 

• Do we really think conspirators tricked God to manipulate President Biden into office? That voter fraud thwarted God? 
• That we do not have to respect or submit to rulers if we didn't vote for them?  
  
• And for those who think our current leaders represent God's judgment on our country's sins, that Christians should be exempt from it? Blame the liberals? Complain that God has abandoned us?

      And closer to home, my home, is when my Rebekah heart crosses the line from motivation to manipulation. From trusting God's gracious promises to getting my goat.

 

What I Really Want for Donald Trump

     I wanted Donald Trump to be reelected for a second term. I wanted the good things he accomplished in his first term regarding abortion, Israel, our military, our national enemies etc. to continue. There are questions about the validity of the election results. Voting by mail makes fraud easier, but there is no question that God could expose or overrule fraud. Probably a bigger factor in voting by mail was that the enthusiastic young Democrats who are usually too lazy to get out and vote, were able to stay in and vote this year. So while I did not get what I wanted this election, what I want even more is God's will and He is not hindered by the machinations of men.

    What I really want for Donald Trump is that he come to know Christ. Otherwise, all the good things he accomplished that were in God's will, will be of no eternal benefit to him. One of the interviews in the movie "American Gospel" was Donald Trump explaining on a religious program that he was a good person, and so, alright with God. Over his four years in office I saw Facebook testimonies of faith of Mike Pence and many of the President's other top officials, but there were none of Trump himself because, like Russia collusion, there is no evidence it happened. No fruit. Specifically, patience, kindness, gentleness, and especially, self-control. If impeachment would humble Mr. Trump to the point of seeing his need for Christ, impeach away. I'm sure any of the many Christian people Trump surrounded himself with would be happy to lead him to the Lord. Pelosi and puppets will answer to God for every one of their decisions both personal and political, so I don't need to pray for vengeance over that. What I do need to pray for is salvation for Donald Trump, for his family, maybe even for his enemies.

    

    

Payback

     My husband is a firstborn, therefore he is on a constant quest for justice, by which he means fairness/everyone gets treated the same. For example, if the driver ahead of us is going too slow, he deserves to be honked at, or tailgated, or both. My previous two cars have had broken horns, I think God smites them in order to preserve our Christian testimony. It may be fair for bad drivers to endure the same treatment from others, but such measures would make the roads fairly unsafe for all of us. The Bible says a man will reap what we sows. In other words, or in this case, word--Payback. I told my husband if God gives people in heaven the jobs they most coveted on earth, he will be a judge and a driving instructor. It is not that he likes having rules, but if he has to follow them, everyone else should too. 

    Reed has gone to Bible Study Fellowship for many years now. BSF used to be very "ruly", although they called them guidelines. The leader was supposed to make sure the group stayed on schedule so that all the questions were covered and they could be on time for the lecture afterward. To facilitate that, as well as help stay on topic and keep individuals from monopolizing the discussion, the questions were to be answered before class time. Reed chafed at all the ridiculous rules. So I figured the year he had a timid leader who did not enforce any of the guidelines should have been his happiest ever. Instead, he complained because unprepared people were constantly sidetracking the discussion, one member was sharing at length on every question--at least, the ones they actually got to, and they were always late getting to lecture. (In my unconsecrated, wifely thought life, this was his Payback.)

     Through the four years of childish petulance and legal persecution against Donald Trump's presidency, Reed has repeatedly remarked that the Republicans should behave the same way. And here we are. Trump supporters' rallies have been infiltrated (just like the Black Lives Matter rallies were) by the lawless troublemakers the Bible describes as worthless men. But the P.C. police would consider that sexist, so I clarify that there are plenty of worthless women too. However, these violent and destructive "demonstrations" are not Payback. They are an embarrassment to the people of integrity who supported Trump and a brutal distortion of the testimony of Trump's Christians allies. Both parties behaving badly is not fairness, it is foolishness, and it is dangerous. Let's leave justice to the only one who truly understands it. God will handle the Payback.

    

Thy Will Be Done

     I am no scholar on the Lord's prayer. The greatest tools I bring to Bible study are plain interpretation, corroboration with other passages and logic. So this morning, when the political headlines are grim, especially in the Seattle Times which is complimentary (but certainly not to Trump) at this hotel, I have been thinking about that prayer. The second line after addressing our Father is, "Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." I have never been one of those Christians who believes that God cannot work his sovereign will on earth unless the right officials are elected or God's will would only be a footnote between Genesis and Revelation. But that does not mean I do not get discouraged by the morals and politics of our time.

   So today I am contemplating the passage, "Thy will be done on earth . . . I can think of a few different ways to look at this. 

    Future:  If this request is for a future time, like the millennium, then what would that mean for the next ones for daily food, forgiveness and deliverance from temptation? Future food isn't filling.

   Symbolic:  It is true Jesus used lots of parables and symbolism to teach his disciples, but again, the rest of the prayer is for daily needs. The disciples did not need symbolic food, forgiveness or strength against temptation.

   Literal:   My default and favorite. I pray for God's will to be done on earth, just like it is in heaven, and that I will be a part of doing His will. 

   Some of the leaders of our nation will change in a few days, but our true leader, who also rules the planet and the universe, will not change. Cannot change. It is not my job to approve God's will, understand it, or even see it. My part is to pray for, and as best I can, seek to be a part of--thy will be done.