NATIONAL HEALTHCARE--A BETTER WAY TO HEAL THE NATION
(Our efforts toward improving our national healthcare system are often misguided—focusing on financial solutions rather than concentrating on the improvement of our diets and our exercise programs, we have essentially placed the cart before the horse, and then are perplexed and amazed when the horse refuses to budge, or worse yet, responds by pushing the cart into the ditch. If the object in healthcare is to provide adequate coverage for our citizenry while keeping costs at a reasonable level, our focus must be toward the development of newer/older dietary and exercise programs which can holistically be improved, modified and sustained for our lifetimes. Attempting financial solutions for what are essentially health-based problems only encourages unnecessary bickering, inaction and dysfunction within a system already burdened with inconsistencies.)
Healthcare seeks to promote healthier lifestyles for people of all ages because the quality of our lives can be drastically improved and lengthened when we live according to principles which enhance our ability to resist disease and increase our vitality. A proactive approach that builds a proper foundation through a healthy diet and regular exercise program has been shown to provide the best health results and avoid premature aging and disease. It is in the interest of individuals, healthcare providers, insurers, taxpayers and governments to promote our physical welfare, because in doing this we greatly improve our health, reduce costs, and prolong the length and quality of our lives. Throughout the 20th Century, healthcare workers increased our ability to resist disease with scientific breakthroughs which greatly reduced the effects of epidemics and helped to prevent their occurrence, yet our lifestyles during this same period tended to become much more leisurely and undisciplined. We seem to have improved our health in some key areas, only to fall short in other ways. Obesity and diabetes have increased to levels of epidemic proportion and seem especially to afflict wealthier nations. Careers in the military and law enforcement which generally require strict physical fitness standards set good examples for the rest of society, which we would do well to emulate, but have failed to replicate. Exercise programs which are well-begun during school years, unfortunately often fall victim to leisure and entertainment pursuits which have negligible long-term benefits in sustaining our health. The cost of maintaining physical conditioning is relatively inexpensive and the outlay for a healthy diet is often less-costly than for unhealthy diets which are linked to even more costly healthcare later on. What appears to be lacking is the establishment of good discipline in the formative years, followed by strict dietary guidelines and physical exercise standards throughout the educational process and continuing all the way through life. Those habits of diet and exercise which are established in early life often set the stage for our success or failure during the course of our lives. Maintaining good habits is far easier than attempting to regain a healthy lifestyle which has been forgotten or allowed to lapse. What roles can be undertaken by the government, businesses and the family which would encourage us to persevere in our efforts to achieve and maintain healthy lifestyles? Perhaps by increasing the quality, variety and duration of our diet and exercise programs, and by requiring the achievement and verification of high standards of excellence in our homes, schools, businesses, and workplaces, which can be established and maintained throughout life, we can accomplish an increase in overall health and productivity, reduce healthcare expense and improve quality of life as well as lifespan. Rather than focusing on creative financial solutions for this healthcare crisis, we should concentrate our attention on the prevention of disease and its costly treatment by proactively pursuing a unified plan of diet and exercise improvement. It has been shown that even at an advanced age, improvements in diet and exercise can have a profound impact on overall health and longevity. Instead of throwing money at the problem, we should concentrate our efforts on creative ways to encourage all age-groups to improve their quality of diet and exercise, thereby improving our health and reducing our expense. Some would argue that there are perpetually those diseases and conditions which resist our best efforts to find a solution and that inevitably there is a financial burden which must be passed-along to the taxpayers—essentially, the healthy paying for the unhealthy and the younger paying for the older. Admittedly, this is true, but virtually everyone’s health can be greatly improved through the development of healthier lifestyles. Instead of conducting studies based on current and projected costs of healthcare based on inherently flawed information which is outdated before the ink dries, our research efforts should concentrate on the collaborative examination of various methods of improving diet, exercise and wellness programs. The unavoidable costs resulting from diseases which have no cure are diminutive when compared with costs for diseases which have preventable causes. Succumbing to preventable diseases prematurely and for no other reasons than ignorance and poor discipline, in a wealthy and educated society is not only bad stewardship of our national health resource, but a waste of taxpayer dollars as well. Sometimes it takes a crisis to make us realize that another type of solution will provide better long term results. Perhaps this economic depression will force us to take healthcare action in a direction that will ultimately change the way we approach the prevention and treatment of disease. Some will say that people are just too lazy to implement a prevention plan and that it is too late for some to see any benefit from a formalized health program. I have never met a healthcare professional who will say it is too late to begin the improvement of our diet and exercise. Even those in their “declining years” are helped greatly by these improvements. There is still inertia that must be overcome, primarily by those who haven’t yet experienced the benefits of these improvements in their own lives. We must not settle for easy transitional changes that allow hard-core skeptics to ignore the benefits experienced by those who participate. Although we can immediately improve the health of our children, both now while they are still in school and later when they work in businesses which provide incentives for maintaining healthy standards throughout their careers by assisting in the improvement of their diet and exercise habits, we must offer further incentives for the self-employed and retirees who maintain healthy lifestyles. By actively encouraging citizens to participate in wellness programs by providing inducements which motivate a positive response, we can improve the health of the entire nation. In so doing, our healthcare costs will be drastically reduced, allowing further incentives and available funding for still more improvements. I have been greatly encouraged by the success of advertising campaigns which discourage smoking. Who would have envisioned that smoking could be so drastically reduced across all segments of society through the implementation of this program? Funding for these health-based programs can be funded by those who reap the benefits of good health, as well as by those who are penalized by non-compliance. There will always be those who argue that their freedoms include the right to choose an unhealthy lifestyle. Often they seek to blame others for their poor choices and still more often demand that the rest of us pay to fix the diseases which result from these same choices. These same people are not as willing to pay the individual costs of their so-called freedom-to-choose an unhealthy lifestyle. These individuals will be more likely to comply with healthy lifestyle choices when they realize that unhealthy lifestyle choices carry financial penalties which they must bear. Perhaps those protesting loudest anticipate that the growing majority are no longer willing to absorb the increased costs associated with the treatment of unhealthy lifestyle diseases. When various healthcare warnings are frequently ignored and deliberately disregarded, there must be consequences which affect the individual financially and deter further non-compliance. Employer-based programs which reward employees for maintaining and improving overall fitness markers and that penalize non-compliant workers by deducting larger portions for healthcare benefits can influence large segments of the population to take supervision of their health. Those who are self-employed and retired can qualify for programs which similarly reward diligence with low rates. Those who are non-compliant and couldn’t be bothered with maintaining and improving their health will face steeper rates and coverage limitations. Those who are truly victims of misfortune and diseases beyond their control will be eligible for the appropriate benefits which government services provide. There is no substitute for health which is sustained by proper diet, exercise and rest. Those who make a habit of practices that improve and maintain healthy lifestyles over the generations will reap physical and financial rewards for themselves and their families which raise the bar on acceptable healthcare standards. We should be satisfied with no less than our best proactive efforts to increase the health-portion of our standard of living quotient. Improving our standard of national health will result in greater financial ability to fund research and prevent disease for our nation and the world.
Mark Overt Skilbred
Monday, July 20, 2009
THOUGHTS FROM ROMANS 14
THOUGHTS FROM ROMANS 14
“Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters. One man’s faith allows him to eat everything, but another man, whose faith is weak, eats only
vegetables. The man who eats everything must not look down on him who does not, and the man who does not eat everything must not condemn the man who does, for God has accepted him. Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand. One man considers one day more sacred than another; another man considers everyday alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. He who regards one day as special, does so to the Lord. He who eats meat, eats to the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God. For none of us lives to himself alone and none of us dies to himself alone. If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living. You, then, why do you judge your brother? Or why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before god’s judgment seat. It is written: ‘As surely as I live,’says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will confess to God.’ “
So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God. Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way. As one who is in the Lord Jesus, I am fully convinced that no food is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for him it is unclean. If your brother is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy your brother for whom Christ died. Do not allow what you consider good to be spoken of as evil. For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men. Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and mutual edification. Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a man to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble. It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother to fall. So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the man who does not condemn himself by what he approves. But the man who has doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin.” Romans 14 NIV
It is refreshing to hear someone be more concerned about what might offend another person than about themselves. We so often hear the old song, “Do whatever feels good to you,” and we seldom hear of those who care more about others than about themselves. There are those in the 21st Century who might say it is an unhealthy self-image which seeks to put others ahead of themselves, and that this will surely lead to physical and mental poverty of one form or another. Yet God’s Story from first to last is one of Self-Sacrifice for the sake of others. The One Who made us all and paid for our redemption with His own bodily death has set an example for us to bear each other’s burdens. In so doing, we show by the self-sacrificing love that we display that we are disciples of Christ. Although Jesus is the Righteous Judge Who will one day judge the world in perfection, Paul here cautions us against judging our brothers, because they are someone else’s servant--that is, Christ’s. Why shouldn’t we judge? Because our brothers are a work in progress, today is not judgment day and we are not wise enough to be impartial and perfect judges. He says they will stand because Christ is able to make His servant’s stand. This is important to remember because we also are told to help each other to stand, as for example, when we assist our children in learning to walk, speak, read, write and drive. But we never actually MAKE them do these things. We only assist them in learning to do these things for themselves. Christ is able to make them stand and many other things as well, because He is our Creator. Just as any parent knows, it is by our good example and our assistance that our children are able to develop into responsible adults. In this same way, we are to help each other to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. With the Holy Spirit’s help, we are able to obtain righteousness, peace and joy and if we choose to serve God and our fellowman in this way, we are pleasing to God and will be approved by men. Paul then exhorts us to do whatever is necessary to promote peace and instruction which helps us all to know God better. And certainly, we do not want to place anything in front of our brothers which would cause them to stumble—this is the very least we can do as brothers. As we all learn together, we fulfill the command of Christ to go into all the world and make disciples.
Mark Overt Skilbred
“Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters. One man’s faith allows him to eat everything, but another man, whose faith is weak, eats only
vegetables. The man who eats everything must not look down on him who does not, and the man who does not eat everything must not condemn the man who does, for God has accepted him. Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand. One man considers one day more sacred than another; another man considers everyday alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. He who regards one day as special, does so to the Lord. He who eats meat, eats to the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God. For none of us lives to himself alone and none of us dies to himself alone. If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living. You, then, why do you judge your brother? Or why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before god’s judgment seat. It is written: ‘As surely as I live,’says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will confess to God.’ “
So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God. Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way. As one who is in the Lord Jesus, I am fully convinced that no food is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for him it is unclean. If your brother is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy your brother for whom Christ died. Do not allow what you consider good to be spoken of as evil. For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men. Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and mutual edification. Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a man to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble. It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother to fall. So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the man who does not condemn himself by what he approves. But the man who has doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin.” Romans 14 NIV
It is refreshing to hear someone be more concerned about what might offend another person than about themselves. We so often hear the old song, “Do whatever feels good to you,” and we seldom hear of those who care more about others than about themselves. There are those in the 21st Century who might say it is an unhealthy self-image which seeks to put others ahead of themselves, and that this will surely lead to physical and mental poverty of one form or another. Yet God’s Story from first to last is one of Self-Sacrifice for the sake of others. The One Who made us all and paid for our redemption with His own bodily death has set an example for us to bear each other’s burdens. In so doing, we show by the self-sacrificing love that we display that we are disciples of Christ. Although Jesus is the Righteous Judge Who will one day judge the world in perfection, Paul here cautions us against judging our brothers, because they are someone else’s servant--that is, Christ’s. Why shouldn’t we judge? Because our brothers are a work in progress, today is not judgment day and we are not wise enough to be impartial and perfect judges. He says they will stand because Christ is able to make His servant’s stand. This is important to remember because we also are told to help each other to stand, as for example, when we assist our children in learning to walk, speak, read, write and drive. But we never actually MAKE them do these things. We only assist them in learning to do these things for themselves. Christ is able to make them stand and many other things as well, because He is our Creator. Just as any parent knows, it is by our good example and our assistance that our children are able to develop into responsible adults. In this same way, we are to help each other to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. With the Holy Spirit’s help, we are able to obtain righteousness, peace and joy and if we choose to serve God and our fellowman in this way, we are pleasing to God and will be approved by men. Paul then exhorts us to do whatever is necessary to promote peace and instruction which helps us all to know God better. And certainly, we do not want to place anything in front of our brothers which would cause them to stumble—this is the very least we can do as brothers. As we all learn together, we fulfill the command of Christ to go into all the world and make disciples.
Mark Overt Skilbred
THOUGHTS FROM ROMANS 15 AND 16
THOUGHTS FROM ROMANS 15 AND 16
“We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For even Christ did not please Himself but, as it is written: ‘The insults of those who insult You have fallen on Me.’ (Ref: Psalm 69:9 NIV) For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. May The God Who gives endurance and encouragement give you a Spirit of Unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. For I tell you that Christ has become a Servant of the Jews on behalf of God’s Truth, to confirm the Promises made to the patriarchs so that the Gentiles may glorify God for His Mercy, as it is written: ‘Therefore I will praise You among the Gentiles; I will sing hymns to Your Name.’ Again, it says, ‘Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people.’ And again, ‘Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and sing praises to Him, all you peoples.’ And again, Isaiah says, ‘The Root of Jesse will spring up, One Who will arise to rule over the nations; the Gentiles will hope in Him.’ May the God of Hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the Power of the Holy Spirit. I myself am convinced, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, complete in knowledge and competent to instruct one another. I have written you quite boldly on some points, as if to remind you of them again, because of the Grace God gave me to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles with the priestly duty of proclaiming the Gospel of God, so that the Gentiles might become an offering acceptable to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. Therefore I glory in Christ Jesus in my service to God. I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in leading the Gentiles to obey God by what I have said and done by the Power of signs and miracles, through the Power of the Spirit. So from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the Gospel of Christ. It has always been my ambition to preach the Gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation. Rather, as it is written: ‘Those who were not told about Him will see, and those who have not heard will understand.’ “Romans 15: 1-21 NIV
“Now to Him Who is able to establish you by my Gospel and Proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the Revelation of Mystery hidden for long ages past, but now revealed and made known through the Prophetic Writings by the Command of the Eternal God, so that all nations might believe and obey Him—to the Only Wise God be Glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen.” Romans 16: 25-27 NIV
In the final two chapters of Romans, Paul exultantly proclaims that the Gentiles have been included among the redeemed, and that he himself has been chosen to take part in the Revelation and has been empowered by the Holy Spirit to reveal the Mystery of Jesus Christ to them by God’s Command, so that now ALL nations “might believe and obey Him.” He says this with a sense of awe, that even after all these years of preaching, as a Jew he still almost cannot fathom the truth that God has now opened wide the gates of heaven for Gentiles to “become an offering acceptable to God,” through the Holy Spirit’s Power. Indeed, Paul says that Christ Himself has become “a Servant of the Jews” by empowering Paul with His Holy Spirit “to preach the Gospel where Christ was not known.” Although God chose the Jews to be His witnesses to the Gentile nations around them, it has been true throughout the Bible that it is always God Who accomplishes what His servants are both unwilling and unable to do by themselves. Jonah was first swallowed by a whale and Paul was struck blind before they would begin to obey their Lord’s Will for their lives. Which of us has ever by our own nature willingly done the Will of God in our lives? Paul strikes at the heart of the matter when he says that we are to bear with our neighbor’s failings, not for our OWN good and not to please OUR selves, but “for our NEIGHBOR’S good, to build HIM up.” When we seek to please ourselves, and ignore or fail to encourage our neighbors, Christ takes it as a personal insult against Him and His Church. “For I was hungry and you gave Me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.” Matthew 25: 42-43 NIV. Paul references David’s suffering the insults which are intended for God, but which also fall on him and on Christ and all believers who share in the fellowship of His sufferings. Christ identifies with His servants whose sufferings are compared with Christ’s Own condemnation by those whose insults continue to harm His Church, reminiscent of the priest and Levite who couldn’t be bothered to come to the aid of a fellow Jew who had fallen among thieves. Christ asked “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers? The expert in the law replied, ‘The one who had mercy on him.’ Jesus told him, ‘Go and do likewise.’ Luke 10: 25-37 NIV. And why should we bear with the failings of the weak and show mercy to our fellow believers? Because Christ has shown US mercy! We are told to accept each other and bring encouragement and hope to one another, just as Christ accepted us as Gentile believers, “grafted us in” and included us along with Abraham’s children of the promise, in order to bring praise to God and to glorify Him for the Mercy He Has shown to us. So for what reason would we continue to be impatient, unloving, judgmental, unforgiving, envious of and boastful towards each other? How have we DESERVED God’s Mercy? Since Christ is a servant to us, shows us great mercy and welcomes us into His banquet hall, dare we ignore, discourage or exclude each other? We are to be servants to each other, just as our Lord is a servant to us, and by doing so we show that we are servants of Christ. Remember that Christ said that the world would recognize us as His servants if we have love for one another. Evidently this is not the usual way of the world, or this love Christ speaks of would not be noticed by the world around us. How are we able to be the kind of believers that God requires? Paul says that we are encouraged by the Scriptures and that God gives endurance, encouragement and a Spirit of Unity as we follow Christ Jesus. May we then “overflow with hope by the Power of the Holy Spirit!”
Mark Overt Skilbred
“We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For even Christ did not please Himself but, as it is written: ‘The insults of those who insult You have fallen on Me.’ (Ref: Psalm 69:9 NIV) For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. May The God Who gives endurance and encouragement give you a Spirit of Unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. For I tell you that Christ has become a Servant of the Jews on behalf of God’s Truth, to confirm the Promises made to the patriarchs so that the Gentiles may glorify God for His Mercy, as it is written: ‘Therefore I will praise You among the Gentiles; I will sing hymns to Your Name.’ Again, it says, ‘Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people.’ And again, ‘Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and sing praises to Him, all you peoples.’ And again, Isaiah says, ‘The Root of Jesse will spring up, One Who will arise to rule over the nations; the Gentiles will hope in Him.’ May the God of Hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the Power of the Holy Spirit. I myself am convinced, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, complete in knowledge and competent to instruct one another. I have written you quite boldly on some points, as if to remind you of them again, because of the Grace God gave me to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles with the priestly duty of proclaiming the Gospel of God, so that the Gentiles might become an offering acceptable to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. Therefore I glory in Christ Jesus in my service to God. I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in leading the Gentiles to obey God by what I have said and done by the Power of signs and miracles, through the Power of the Spirit. So from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the Gospel of Christ. It has always been my ambition to preach the Gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation. Rather, as it is written: ‘Those who were not told about Him will see, and those who have not heard will understand.’ “Romans 15: 1-21 NIV
“Now to Him Who is able to establish you by my Gospel and Proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the Revelation of Mystery hidden for long ages past, but now revealed and made known through the Prophetic Writings by the Command of the Eternal God, so that all nations might believe and obey Him—to the Only Wise God be Glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen.” Romans 16: 25-27 NIV
In the final two chapters of Romans, Paul exultantly proclaims that the Gentiles have been included among the redeemed, and that he himself has been chosen to take part in the Revelation and has been empowered by the Holy Spirit to reveal the Mystery of Jesus Christ to them by God’s Command, so that now ALL nations “might believe and obey Him.” He says this with a sense of awe, that even after all these years of preaching, as a Jew he still almost cannot fathom the truth that God has now opened wide the gates of heaven for Gentiles to “become an offering acceptable to God,” through the Holy Spirit’s Power. Indeed, Paul says that Christ Himself has become “a Servant of the Jews” by empowering Paul with His Holy Spirit “to preach the Gospel where Christ was not known.” Although God chose the Jews to be His witnesses to the Gentile nations around them, it has been true throughout the Bible that it is always God Who accomplishes what His servants are both unwilling and unable to do by themselves. Jonah was first swallowed by a whale and Paul was struck blind before they would begin to obey their Lord’s Will for their lives. Which of us has ever by our own nature willingly done the Will of God in our lives? Paul strikes at the heart of the matter when he says that we are to bear with our neighbor’s failings, not for our OWN good and not to please OUR selves, but “for our NEIGHBOR’S good, to build HIM up.” When we seek to please ourselves, and ignore or fail to encourage our neighbors, Christ takes it as a personal insult against Him and His Church. “For I was hungry and you gave Me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.” Matthew 25: 42-43 NIV. Paul references David’s suffering the insults which are intended for God, but which also fall on him and on Christ and all believers who share in the fellowship of His sufferings. Christ identifies with His servants whose sufferings are compared with Christ’s Own condemnation by those whose insults continue to harm His Church, reminiscent of the priest and Levite who couldn’t be bothered to come to the aid of a fellow Jew who had fallen among thieves. Christ asked “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers? The expert in the law replied, ‘The one who had mercy on him.’ Jesus told him, ‘Go and do likewise.’ Luke 10: 25-37 NIV. And why should we bear with the failings of the weak and show mercy to our fellow believers? Because Christ has shown US mercy! We are told to accept each other and bring encouragement and hope to one another, just as Christ accepted us as Gentile believers, “grafted us in” and included us along with Abraham’s children of the promise, in order to bring praise to God and to glorify Him for the Mercy He Has shown to us. So for what reason would we continue to be impatient, unloving, judgmental, unforgiving, envious of and boastful towards each other? How have we DESERVED God’s Mercy? Since Christ is a servant to us, shows us great mercy and welcomes us into His banquet hall, dare we ignore, discourage or exclude each other? We are to be servants to each other, just as our Lord is a servant to us, and by doing so we show that we are servants of Christ. Remember that Christ said that the world would recognize us as His servants if we have love for one another. Evidently this is not the usual way of the world, or this love Christ speaks of would not be noticed by the world around us. How are we able to be the kind of believers that God requires? Paul says that we are encouraged by the Scriptures and that God gives endurance, encouragement and a Spirit of Unity as we follow Christ Jesus. May we then “overflow with hope by the Power of the Holy Spirit!”
Mark Overt Skilbred
Friday, July 17, 2009
THOUGHTS FROM ROMANS 13
THOUGHTS FROM ROMANS 13
“Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God’s servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. The commandments, ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not covet,’ and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature." Romans 13- NIV
In speaking to his fellow Roman citizens, both Jew and Gentile believers, Paul has already assumed that they are fellow believers in and followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, yet he urges them to submit to the earthly authorities. Why is this so important? The answer is found in the second sentence, “The authorities that exist have been established by God.” And if they are established by God, who are we to question or disobey them? God is well able to establish leaders who are useful to Him and to remove those who have outlived their usefulness. What about leaders who from our Christian perspective fall short of what leadership demands? We are to obey them, speak well of them, (insofar as this is possible), and put the most charitable construction on all they do, pray for them and grow in patience and love for them and our fellowman. In so doing, we fulfill the demands of the law, grow in grace and favor with those in authority, and in so doing, advance the Kingdom of God in their midst. This seems to be contrary to the way that the Church has behaved towards the government in recent years, with the result being certain prejudices against people of faith. There are those within government who are unwilling to cooperate with Church leadership when there is Christian consensus which requires governmental approval for passage of key legislative bills. Christians can accomplish much greater ends when they work together with the government and create a lasting impression that we are loyal and obedient citizens, than when we fight tooth-and-nail for our “Christian rights.” As our pro-life hopes begin to fade in the face of opposition from government leadership, we need to remember that God is still in charge and is still watching over His people. We must faithfully persist in our defense of the unborn, while assisting the government in upholding the rule of law. Furthermore, as children of the Light, we are called to uphold God’s standards of decency and morality, even when our nation and the world around us goes their own way. All the rules of the law have been summarized in the commandment to “Love our neighbors as ourselves.” This assumes that we are no longer slaves to sin, and have submitted ourselves not only to the authority of Christ, but to our nation and fellowman as well.
Mark Overt Skilbred
“Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God’s servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. The commandments, ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not covet,’ and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature." Romans 13- NIV
In speaking to his fellow Roman citizens, both Jew and Gentile believers, Paul has already assumed that they are fellow believers in and followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, yet he urges them to submit to the earthly authorities. Why is this so important? The answer is found in the second sentence, “The authorities that exist have been established by God.” And if they are established by God, who are we to question or disobey them? God is well able to establish leaders who are useful to Him and to remove those who have outlived their usefulness. What about leaders who from our Christian perspective fall short of what leadership demands? We are to obey them, speak well of them, (insofar as this is possible), and put the most charitable construction on all they do, pray for them and grow in patience and love for them and our fellowman. In so doing, we fulfill the demands of the law, grow in grace and favor with those in authority, and in so doing, advance the Kingdom of God in their midst. This seems to be contrary to the way that the Church has behaved towards the government in recent years, with the result being certain prejudices against people of faith. There are those within government who are unwilling to cooperate with Church leadership when there is Christian consensus which requires governmental approval for passage of key legislative bills. Christians can accomplish much greater ends when they work together with the government and create a lasting impression that we are loyal and obedient citizens, than when we fight tooth-and-nail for our “Christian rights.” As our pro-life hopes begin to fade in the face of opposition from government leadership, we need to remember that God is still in charge and is still watching over His people. We must faithfully persist in our defense of the unborn, while assisting the government in upholding the rule of law. Furthermore, as children of the Light, we are called to uphold God’s standards of decency and morality, even when our nation and the world around us goes their own way. All the rules of the law have been summarized in the commandment to “Love our neighbors as ourselves.” This assumes that we are no longer slaves to sin, and have submitted ourselves not only to the authority of Christ, but to our nation and fellowman as well.
Mark Overt Skilbred
Sunday, June 14, 2009
CONGRATULATIONS, PHIL! CONGRATULATIONS, LAKERS!
CONGRATULATIONS, PHIL! CONGRATULATIONS, LAKERS!
Congratulations, Phil, on your 10th --the most NBA championships in coaching history! Congratulations, Lakers, on your 15th NBA championship trophy! Now let’s go home and celebrate! What a great run you had! You showed us all that you are the greatest team in the world! I hope you can all come back again next year and do it all over again! Thanks!
Mark Overt Skilbred
Congratulations, Phil, on your 10th --the most NBA championships in coaching history! Congratulations, Lakers, on your 15th NBA championship trophy! Now let’s go home and celebrate! What a great run you had! You showed us all that you are the greatest team in the world! I hope you can all come back again next year and do it all over again! Thanks!
Mark Overt Skilbred
Thursday, June 4, 2009
THANK YOU, MR. PRESIDENT!
THANK YOU, MR. PRESIDENT!
President Barack Hussein Obama gave a brave speech in Cairo yesterday that was breathtaking in scope, hopeful in tone and passionate in leadership, that calls for a renewed commitment to Middle-Eastern peace, increased dialog and sustained efforts between Western and Muslim nations to build new relationships based on tolerance, common faith and shared dreams of peaceful coexistence and development. Skeptics will argue that “talk is cheap, but action is more difficult,” but this was a heroic start to the process of forging a new diplomatic framework in a region which has for so long stagnated under the weight of harmful and unproductive rhetoric and political and military strife. The interim prospect of a two-state solution for Palestinians who have suffered from the lack of a welcoming homeland and a regional development plan can perhaps pave the way for an integrated and holistic society where contentious boundaries give way to increased regional development of border-neutral pursuits such as education, infrastructure and regional prosperity. This is a wonderful beginning of a new era of diplomatic relations between the United States, her Western partners and all of those Middle-Eastern nations who share our dreams of reconciliation and a brighter tomorrow.
Mark Overt Skilbred
President Barack Hussein Obama gave a brave speech in Cairo yesterday that was breathtaking in scope, hopeful in tone and passionate in leadership, that calls for a renewed commitment to Middle-Eastern peace, increased dialog and sustained efforts between Western and Muslim nations to build new relationships based on tolerance, common faith and shared dreams of peaceful coexistence and development. Skeptics will argue that “talk is cheap, but action is more difficult,” but this was a heroic start to the process of forging a new diplomatic framework in a region which has for so long stagnated under the weight of harmful and unproductive rhetoric and political and military strife. The interim prospect of a two-state solution for Palestinians who have suffered from the lack of a welcoming homeland and a regional development plan can perhaps pave the way for an integrated and holistic society where contentious boundaries give way to increased regional development of border-neutral pursuits such as education, infrastructure and regional prosperity. This is a wonderful beginning of a new era of diplomatic relations between the United States, her Western partners and all of those Middle-Eastern nations who share our dreams of reconciliation and a brighter tomorrow.
Mark Overt Skilbred
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
THE GREATEST COMMANDMENT
THE GREATEST COMMANDMENT
“One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked Him, ‘Of all the commandments, which is the most important? “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” Well said, Teacher,” the man replied. “You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but Him. To love Him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.” When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, He said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” Mark 12:28-34 (NIV)
Here we have the whole duty of man summed up for us in a few verses by the Creator of the universe. Can it be that mankind’s problems are the result of our failure to follow these two basic commands? The apostle John emphasizes their importance when he says “If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And He has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother.” 1 John 4:20-21 (NIV) How, then is it possible to have hatred toward our fellow human beings and treat them in such UNGODLY ways, and then claim that we love God? Any religion that teaches hatred cannot be from God!
Mark Overt Skilbred
“One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked Him, ‘Of all the commandments, which is the most important? “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” Well said, Teacher,” the man replied. “You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but Him. To love Him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.” When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, He said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” Mark 12:28-34 (NIV)
Here we have the whole duty of man summed up for us in a few verses by the Creator of the universe. Can it be that mankind’s problems are the result of our failure to follow these two basic commands? The apostle John emphasizes their importance when he says “If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And He has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother.” 1 John 4:20-21 (NIV) How, then is it possible to have hatred toward our fellow human beings and treat them in such UNGODLY ways, and then claim that we love God? Any religion that teaches hatred cannot be from God!
Mark Overt Skilbred
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