June 15, 2009
Fresno, CA

An open letter to:

President of the United States of America

Hello Mr. Barack Obama,

Please allow me to introduce myself. I am a sixty-five year old married man. I am a graduate of the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, CO. It took me ten years to earn my degree in economics and business with the help of my family and my own full time employment. I am the father of one daughter and two sons. My daughter earned her degree at the United States Air Force Academy and served this country with distinction in Desert Storm and ...<< MORE >>

The Challenge

About a year ago pastor David Rutherford challenged us to read the entire Holy Bible during the next year. I don't remember exactly when I started the assignment and I do know that I have enjoyed and been blessed by my effort. God has met me in so many ways. I came to Lord nearly fifty years ago at a United Methodist Youth convocation in Salt Lake City. I was sixteen and went because I thought that there would be lots of girls there. That was my plan, God had a different plan. I really wish that I could say that I jumped right in and became what God wanted me to be. I continued to be more interested in girls than Jesus. I won't bore you with the details(click here for the whole story). Fast forward to now. God has been faithful to watch over me and protect me from fatal harm. Over the years I have received a lot of really good biblical teaching and have learned much from the Holy Bible. I have never read the Bible from front to back.

The Journey

Once I started this new journey, lots of things have happened. Not too far into the project our life group did a study of Pentateuch with Bruce Wilkinson that was eye opening. For a couple of years Alice have been reading the days through Proverbs (Proverbs 1 on the first day of the month and so on), so in the last year I have read Proverbs twelve times. We added a chapter of Psalms each day so I read Psalms about twice. I felt the call of the Holy Spirit to really meditate on certain books, so I spent 30 days reading Habakkuk every day listening to God had to say. Then I spent forty days with the "Sermon on the Mount" in Matthew. I came away with a very changed outlook on the people I encounter each day. I am much less judgmental and more loving. Next I spent forty days with John, I have written about that experience elsewhere (Have you met John?). I read Galatians five days in a row. I am now in the middle of forty days in 1 John.

The Progress

To date I have read Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua Judges, Ruth, 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, 2 Kings, 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Job, Psalms times two, Proverbs times 12, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon, Ezekiel, Habakkuk times 30, Luke, John, Galatians times 5, and 1 John times 21. Obviously I have failed in the completion of this assignment. More importantly God has met me and really cause me to change my life. As the Holy Spirit makes all of this clear to me I will share my experience. For now I thank God for sending Alice and I into the ministry at NorthSide Christian Church. I thank God for David Rutherford's obedience to God's call on his life to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

It all depends on who you like, or who you care about.

It is with some trepidation that I enter the discussion of David Letterman's remarks about Sara Palin and her fourteen year old daughter. To begin with David's style has always been to insult his guests. His brand of wit is making light of things that some folks take very seriously. He has made a fortune with the use of words to insult people. He has insulted the rich and famous, the powerful and the wanna be powerful. David insults the hero and villain, he insults every one. I think that he has insulted every president who has served under him except Barack Obama (somewhat odd, I think). When it comes to an insult is there any such thing as good taste. So if I laugh when he insults some one that I really do not care about how can I be upset when he insults some one who I do care about? Just a little some thing to think about. Perhaps the old saw "sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me" is not as true as we would want it to be.

Should he be Fired

Some are saying that CBS should fire Mr. Letterman and that would be consistent  what other have done with people who have spoken without enough though. Howard Cosel, E. D. Hill, Don Imus, and many others. I am not sure about the right or wrong in this situation. Mr. Letterman has made his living for many years with wit. Obviously many folks like his style of humor. So where are the boundaries. Who is to decide? So now is this a freedom of speech issue? What happens if Chuck Swindol offends someone by teaching God's word about abortion, same sex unions, or adultery? Do we call for his removal from the airways? Think about it David has a right to be rude to anyone he chooses no matter what I think or how offended I might be. Blessings 30fold, bro d.

Have you met John?

I didn’t meet him till he was an old man though I had known of him since I came on board. I have heard him speak several times telling about the movement and his time with our leader. There is was always a fierceness and intensity about John that I don’t see in the other leaders. I know that in the big picture the story is not about John. He is just a player, a believer, a follower, but there is more. I’m sure that you like me sometimes wonder why this guy or why that guy ...<< MORE >>

As I reflect on my forty days with Jesus Christ in Matthew 5, 6, and 7 I am trying to decide what the Holy Spirit has taught me. What does Jesus Christ have to say to me in the twenty-first century after his death? How is his message relevant to my life today? I wonder if I would recognize him any better today than the folks did in his lifetime. I am looking for His second coming; the question is what am I looking for that is different from the Jews of His own time? Would I receive the message of God’s desirable attributes: to be poor in spirit (humble), mournful, meek, seeking righteousness, being merciful, being pure in heart, being a peacemaker, and being willing to accept persecution for His sake? I would not be very successful in the eyes of the world if these words were a description of me.

 

When I think of being humble and meek my dad’s response when faced a particularly sticking problem comes to my mind. “Never use force, get a bigger hammer.” I didn’t understand the wisdom till much latter. When you have great strength you can be gentle and not need to force things. I am sure that dad was not thinking of spiritual truth and yet there it is.

 

Would world see me as either salt or light? I think not. The critical point of course is does God see me as salt or light.

 

In this day of relativism, secularism, and narcissism accepting that Jesus Christ came to fulfill the law of God and the prophecies of the Prophets is not even politically correct. People would think me insane if really tried to live by the Ten Commandments and establish a right relationship with God. Even in many gospel teaching churches they preach that it is impossible to follow God’s law. Jesus was very clear when He said “For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the Law, you will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven.” Matthew 5:20 this statement does not leave much room for deciding right and wrong by popular vote. Was he just kidding?

 

Just in case I might be struggling with the original laws Jesus raises the bar. Jesus says that unprovoked and unresolved anger is the same as murder, Matthew 5:17. And it get’s worse when he tells me that just looking at woman with lust in my heart is the same as committing adultery, Matthew 5:27.

 

Oh and by the way Jesus says don’t resist the evil man. If some guy slaps me on the cheek I should turn the other cheek. Jesus says “Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you” Matthew 5:42. He wants me to love my enemies. What he really says is that as far as it my doing I should not have enemies.

 

It is good to give to the poor only I should do it in secret so that only God knows what I have done. He wants me to pray in private, again so that only God knows.

He teaches me a very simple prayer; “Our father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom com, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one,” Matthew 6:9-13.

 

Can you see why Jesus Christ is not popular today? Can you see why His message is not well received? The world teaches that it is every man for himself that I should be out to get everything that I can. If it feels good it must be okay. The world even teaches that there is nothing evil. Sex with anybody and everybody is just fine. Drugs are no problem. Even in the church there are people denying that Jesus Christ is the risen Son of God.

 

The truth is that in these three chapters on the Sermon on the Mount Jesus Christ outlined exactly what God expects from me, how he wants me to live, and how I will be rewarded.

 

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” Matthew 6:33.

 

Jesus goes on to tell me not to judge my brother, to pay attention to my own shortcomings and seek the wisdom of God. He tells me the gate is small and way narrow that leads to heaven.

 

Clear back in high school sociology I was taught that acceptable behavior is determined by what any given society decides is acceptable. There is no absolute truth about how people should live together. In some cultures it is acceptable to kill and eat people who are not part of the culture. It can be acceptable to have more than one wife. We are told today that marriage can be defined any way the majority wants. So marriage could be two men, two women, one man, a woman, and a dog, or any other combination of beings. I was taught that morality cannot be legislated, that it is strictly a personal thing. I was not a very good student as I refused to believe the teaching.

 

The bottom line is that it is up to you. You can decide what is right or wrong or even if there is a wrong. When you believe this you are making yourself sovereign, making yourself God. When it comes right down to it do you believe that there is absolute truth or is everything subject an individual point of view, opinion?

 

The question then is: “how is that working for you?” “How is this working in the world today?” I believe that I will try to walk more like Jesus Christ. It will be a process and I will surly stumble. The good thing is that Jesus Christ has already picked me up. I am seeking the small gate that leads to eternal life with God.

This article about dad and mom appeared in the the October 1955 issue of Farm Journal. Dad's name was Leo William Harsh. I made two small changes to the article by changing the then acceptable term for the enemy to just plain enemy. I believe that this is a very inspirational story.

Some of the people mentioned in the story without names are Harold Trautwein (the banker who did loan dad money), Von Penlend (the coal trucker who bought the first hoist and many others) and Duane Rutherford (the young salesman).

Dad seved on the USS Medusa, I believe that ...<< MORE >>

As I read 1 John 3 verse one I have three thoughts about the magnificence of God. First, there are no words to adequately describe the love that God has for us. Second, there are now words to adequately describe any of God’s creation. And third, words are the way we communicate with each other and God. It is obvious by my words here that I believe in the God of the Holy Bible, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, in the one true God, the creator of everything that has been created. Having said that I am struck ...<< MORE >>

Proverbs 16:7

 

⁷     When a man’s ways are pleasing to the Lord,

he makes even his enemies live at peace with him.

 

As I read this verse this morning it occurred to me that what a wonderful thing it would be for even my enemies to live at peace with me. So my prayer is for my ways to be pleasing to God. I will continue to seek His kingdom with all my heart. Christ told us how to please God; it is spelled out in the Gospels by Matthew.

Matthew 5 :21-30

²¹ “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not murder,  and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ ²² But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother  will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.

²³ “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, ²⁴ leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.

²⁵ “Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still with him on the way, or he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. ²⁶ I tell you the truth, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny. 

 

²⁷ “You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’  ²⁸ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. ²⁹ If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. ³⁰ And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.

 

This is really only a beginning of having my ways be pleasing to God; actually the beginning is my repentance, the acceptance of Christ as the Son of God and my savior.

2 Chronicles 7:14: 'If my people who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

It is critical that Christians pray for the coming elections. There is amazing power in united prayer.  Pray with others whenever possible. Try to keep in mind that Christ died for everyone involved in this election.  

The power of prayer overcomes any obstacle or ungodly influence and, indeed, does great things!  Please share this with all of the believing brothers and sisters that you know.

Psalm 32:6-7 - Pray that Christians will be motivated to pray faithfully for this election and that the Lord will deliver Godly and faithful leaders.

Psalm 16:7-8 - Pray that the Lord will give wise counsel and guidance to His choice for president in this campaign.

Proverbs 16:13 - Pray that the people of our nation will seek God’s truth and not be led astray.

Psalm 18:32-36 - Pray that the Lord will arm the candidate of His choice with strength; that He will guide him in this campaign and that He will sustain him and give him victory.

Hebrews 11:32-34 pray that God's candidate will, through faith, persevere and maintain courage throughout this election.

Psalm 125 - Pray that those who trust in the Lord will not be shaken.

Psalm 86:14-17 - Pray that the Lord will defeat those who have no regard for Him in this election.

2 Cor. 12:9 - Pray that the Lord will empower and enable His candidate in any area of weakness.

II Kings 13:16 - Pray that the Lord will put His hands on the candidate of His choice for president (and his team) and guide them in this election.

Proverbs 1:5-6 - Pray that God's candidate will listen with discernment, add to his knowledge, and receive wise counsel in this campaign.

John 16:33 - Pray that the man of God's choice would be given wisdom and ability from the Lord to overcome any obstacle or difficulty during this campaign.

Acts 17:30 – Repent and pray for the repentance of the people of our nation.

 Luke 12:54-57 - Pray that God's candidate and the people of our nation will be discerning and do what is right.

 Phil. 4:13 - Pray that the Lord's choice for President will have special strength and unusual ability from God.

Habakkuk 1:5 and 3:2 - Pray that the Lord will do something that will utterly amaze us and give His servant victory.

All the days of the election be encouraged to set aside a time of fasting during this time to commit this election to God in whom we put our trust.  Acts 14:23