How Much More Debt?

          While I write this blog, our nation is waiting to see if our national leadership will do anything to protect our economy and our nation which is on the verge of crumbling.

          Will President Joe, Bernie and his socialistic cohorts continue to fight to be allowed to borrow more money and place us deeper in debt? Or will they sit down for meaningful discussion and find a compromise.

          Or will the president give in to his liberal backers and try to use a never used amendment that would allow him to skip Congress completely and create more debt.  Nobody knows if this is even legal but it might be a tactic available to Joe and the liberal left.  I hope not, but they are a desperate lot.

          I used to think that our elected leaders desired to defend our country against all enemies and dangers.  But now that thought appears outdated and naïve.  Personal and political gain and party loyalty mean more to many elected political "leaders". 
          When folks talked about an end to our country, I didn't think it was possible. But now I don't know.  Turning your back on God is the first step to failure. Serving with selfish intentions might be the next.
          Now I don't know what has happened since I wrote this blog or what will happen in the future, but I can make a few predictions.  

          First, no elected official will lose any salary at any time during this crisis.

          Second, not one of our elected officials will lose any benefits or their pensions like many Americans could.

          Inflation and gas prices will increase, the stock market and value of investments will decrease.

          Hopefully all of this is just part of my imagination and none of this will happen.  Maybe wisdom will prevail and all will be settled. 

          At least that is my hope and my prayer.  

          But is that God's will for a sinful, godless society?

 

Answered Prayer

          One of the most difficult questions that is often asked is why the Lord chooses to heal some believers when He chooses to take others home earlier than expected.  For example, why did He choose not to heal my brother and several close friends when they appeared to have many more years to serve Him?  And why were so many believers taken home during the pandemic?
          On the other hand, thankfully there are many situations, some miraculous, where the Lord choses to heal. We have experienced two such situations this past week – both as answers to prayer.

          Thirty years ago, my wife developed ulcerative colitis.  The treatments have involved very expensive meds, annual colonoscopies – 24 of them, and much inconvenience and pain.
          Late in 2021 during a routine annual colonoscopy they discovered a large tumor in her colon.  She was assigned to another doctor who was skilled in removing tumors through colonoscopies.  It was felt that this procedure was successful but it was recommended that another colonoscopy be done by another doctor with different skills.  This was completed and was thought to be successful, although there was some evidence of possible precancer.

          A team of doctors was formed to consider her case.  One felt she would not survive a surgery.  A colon surgeon wanted to take out the entire colon. Her heart doctor felt her heart was strong enough for surgery.  The fourth doctor wanted to try a procedure where he would insert a special dye that would highlight any cancer.  That was the choice although it was scheduled six months earlier than originally suggested.
          We bathed the procedure in prayer and rejoiced when Dr. Betteridge came out to inform us that there was now no evidence of cancer.  The plan is to repeat this procedure … in a year.  The only problem is that the procedure created pain in her back, hip and leg.

          But the second challenge was to come just five days later when she was scheduled for an mri of her pancreas.  Five years ago they discovered cysts on her pancreas during another surgery.  So annually she must now have an mri to check on their growth.  This is more complicated because a cardiologist must be present to turn off and on her pacemaker.

          Because of her back pain the mri was very uncomfortable, but she was able to complete it.  We haven't yet talked to her specialist from Philadelphia, but early written reports indicate no cancer.  Miracle number two in less than a week.
          Sadly her back, hip and leg pain got worse and the evening following the mri, we went to orthopedic urgent care.  They did x-rays and tests and diagnosed her with inflammation.  They gave her steroids and exercises.  As of today she is beginning to feel better.  PTL!
          So we thank the Lord for His healing hand.  We're thankful for all the prayers.  We're not sure why He chose to heal her, but we guess that He still has more for us to do.   And we remain ready to respond as He leads.
          Thankfully God still hears, cares, and answers. We are experiencing that!

More Laughs

There is never a shortage of church bloopers to entertain us.  Here are some more that have been sent to me.

~ We have a food program in the church for those in need which we call The Pastor's Pantry. Well, in the magazine, I (church secretary) wrote "THE PANTY FUND - so that no one will have to go without!" Oops.

~ A visiting pastor came to our church and before the sermon said, "My wife and I are very happy to be here. Honey, get up so the brothers can see you." 

~ We have received word of sudden passing of Rev. Smith this morning during the worship service. Now let's sing "Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow." 

~ This Sunday morning following services we will have our monthly fellowship. 

~ Sinspiration this Sunday night at church. Ya'll Come! 

~ This blooper showed up on the main page of the Internet web site for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada:

"In a show of near anonymity, the convention approved full communion with the Anglican Church of Canada." 

~ Lift up our Messianic brothers and sisters in Israel who are suffering during our prayer time. 

~ Couples Retreat: All couples interested in a fun time, meet John in the Courtyard Kiosk after church. 

~ Glory of God to all and peas to his people on earth 

~ Join us for a skirt presented by the Drama Team. 

~ We will have a Super Bowel party this Sunday night.  We will also have our regular service 

~ Summer Festival: Menu for Wednesday night:  1/2 baked chicken, baked potato, and corn. 

~ Applications are now being accepted for 2 year-old nursery workers. 

~ Brother Lamar has gone on to be the Lord. 

~ The pastor will light his candle from the altar candles. The ushers will light their candle from the pastor's candle. The ushers will turn and light each worshipper in the first pew. 

~ Song Lyrics: What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and briefs to bear. 

~ Church sign: Jesus Saves!

Safeway sign across the street: Safeway saves you more! 

~ (For the group of ladies called Moms Who Care and pray for the children in school). When their meeting was cancelled one week:

There will be no Moms who care this week. 

It Hurts!

            Recently a friend of ours told us of a friend that she has been helping.  Her senior friend lives alone in a third-story apartment.  Physically she uses a walker and is not able to do much for herself anymore.  Emotionally she is discouraged and is lonely.  She needs help and our friend has been trying to help her, but there is only so much she can do in addition to her own daily needs.
          The helper asked her friend if she ever hears from the church where she is a member.  Have they ever contacted her and either offered to help or at least pray for her? Unfortunately, her answer was "no".  I wasn't surprised.
            Now without giving the name of the church, let me just say that it is one of the very largest fundamental churches in Lancaster County.  Their website lists 80 staff people, although some are mentioned more than once.  Their duties cover almost everything imaginable. An interesting situation.
          So our friend decides to call their church to share this member's need.  She was shocked to find that they really weren't interested and to the best of our knowledge still have not done anything for her.
          Unfortunately, this response is probably too common in churches today.  Most seem more interested in raising their attendance, maintaining budgets, expanding programs, increasing staff size and making their Sunday services entertaining.
          Now should you ask a church leader what the purpose of their church is, you will likely get a meaningful response such as "we want to invest our lives in building up the Family of God into biblical maturity and expanding the Family of God by proclaiming the gospel in our homes, our church, our community, and to the end of the earth."  And who can argue with that goal?
           Instead, in your interview with this leader why not ask these questions: How many hospital visits have been made by your staff? How many home visits of sick and homebound have been made? How many times have folks been given communion in hospitals or at home?  How many times has the telephone been used to contact and pray with those who are homebound or have serious needs? How many times have you provided the homebound with important announcements and information? What provision do you have to help those in need with home repairs and upkeep, special financial needs and daily living needs? How often do your staff members pray with your homebound folks?
          Now times have changed.  People don't always want visits today.  They are busy, unlike 50 years ago when my grandfather made over 1,000 pastoral visits each year.  But people do want to know that their church cares, even if they can't currently attend services. And they don't mind using the telephone which is great for short meaningful visits and prayers. Why not use it for important contacts?

          Incidentally, just this week the Surgeon General came out with a report about the danger in the surge of loneliness in this country.  It is a major danger  as serious as smoking.  What will this country do about it?  What will our churches do about it for the people who have been part of their fellowship?  Will they care?

          Have you ever thought about this?  Do you agree with me that care of the homebound is one of the biggest shortcomings of churches today?  Maybe you don't because you've never experienced a long period of having to miss your church and your church friends.  Maybe you've never felt missed by those who should be part of your family and should be your encouragers. Maybe you've never been lonely?
            Well, believe me, many have, especially during the recent pandemic, and believe me, it hurts!  It hurts to be forgotten by your church family!