"Idiots" and Politicians...disagreeing with ancient Greece

I read recently that in ancient Greece,  an "idiot" referred to anyone who was NOT a politician".  These days, I'd say that in  modern English, the definition should be the other way around!  So far, it's been rather disappointing, and even disgusting sometimes, to follow the electoral campaigns.

I really like this cartoon. (Baloocartoons.com).  Not that many people appreciate politicians, and neither of the front runners in this primary are all that popular, according to the polls.  It usually has to do with what they say (or don't say)...and the way they say it (or avoid saying it).  The mother of one of them even said that her son wouldn't make a good president, because he always had to have everything his way!
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I had some fun finding these verses that seem appropriate:

"A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions."  (Proverbs 18:2)

"He who trusts in himself is a fool..."  (Proverbs 28:26)

"When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise."  (Proverbs 10:19)

"But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless."  (Titus 3:9)
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Although it's almost impossible that this would happen in the U.S., wouldn't it be awesome if it did?

"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 heal their land."  (II Chronicles 7:14)
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Fortunately for us who believe in the Word of God and have trusted in Jesus, "our citizenship is in Heaven."  (Philippians 3:20

And when we come to the End Days, there will be One who will show the world what a true, perfect, incomparable leader should be like:

"He will delight in the fear of the Lord.  He will not judge by what He sees with his eyes, or decide by what He hears with his ears,  but with righteousness He will judge the needy, with justice He will give decisions for the poor of the earth."  (Isaiah 11:1-4)
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Until then, I guess we have to live with whoever God allows to become the president and government of America, remembering that one day our Leader will sit on the eternal throne...
                                   
                                King of Kings and Lord of Lords!

Getting rid of our enemies...?

A Spanish general, who was on his death-bed, was asked by a priest if he forgave his enemies.  The general answered, "I don't have any enemies.  I've had them all shot."

Well...that's one way to do it!  On the other hand, someone has declared that the best way to get rid of an enemy is to make him your friend.  Much better!  But not always possible, as some enemies have absolutely no desire for our friendship, and there's no way they're going to give up their driving ill-will or even hatred.

So if our sincere attempts to establish a friendly relationship with an "enemy" are rebuffed, remember what Romans 12:18 says:  "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." That way if, in spite of our efforts, the other person refuses to work for a positive outcome, it's not our fault.

 Still, it's not a good idea to think: "Well, I did my part, and he still doesn't want peace...so I can treat him like he treats me!" (Even if we think he deserves it!  If he needs to be "taught a lesson", let God take care of it - He'll do a much better job!)  It may be hard to hold onto our resolve to control our words and actions, but we'll be obeying the Word of our Lord if we do:

"Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when he stumbles, do not let your heart rejoice."  (Proverbs 24:17)  (That can really be hard to live by!)

"If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.  In doing so, you will heap burning coals on his head."  (Matthew 12:20)

"But I tell you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."  (Matthew 5:44)
 
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Isn't it wonderful to think that in Heaven, there will be no need of these instructions? There won't be any enmity or jealousy or pettiness...or anything that causes strife and pain.  Revelation 21:4 says:

"He will wipe away every tear from their eyes.  There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."
                   
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                              Definitely something to look forward to!


                                         
                                                                     

"Broken Joy" - a poem. How to un-break it?

    I have a friend I sometimes call "Smiles".  She and her family have been going through difficult times...times of broken joy.  I'm sharing this poem with her and with every one of you who is also finding that your joy has been broken.


                       Broken Joy

            Our Father plans our happiness,
            as mercy He deploys,
            yet now and then its comfort
            man's imperfect state destroys.

                                       When smiles dissolve in teardrops
                                       and songs become just noise;
                                       when daydreams lose their luster
                                       and confidence its poise,

                                       as a child who trusts his father's skill
                                       to mend his broken toy,
                                       so I may trust my Father's love
                                       to mend my broken joy.
                                                                                          --Becky Rhon

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He promised to do that, you know!  God's compassion and tender love know what each of us needs to be healed, our joy "fixed".  He knows how weary we can become, and Jesus understands - from personal experience!

He was "...a Man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering."  (Isaiah 53:3)

And here are a few of the promises:

"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."  (Psalm 147:3)

"A bruised reed He will not break and a smoldering wick He will not snuff out."  (Isaiah 42:3)

"I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow."   (Jeremiah 31:13)

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    Our hearts are filled with gratitude for your unsurpassed mending skills, Father,
    and the love and wisdom that are behind every step You take to make us whole!

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Scratching my acnestis...

There's actually a word for it!  "Acnestis" is the place where it seems impossible to reach so that you can scratch the itch (usually between the shoulder blades).  So the next time you're thus afflicted, ask someone to "please scratch my acnestis", and see what he/she says!  You might get a few weird looks, too.
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This made me wonder about Job, who was struck "with painful sores from the soles of his feet to the top of his head.  Then Job took a piece of broken pottery and scraped himself with it as he sat among the ashes."  (Job 2:7-8)  He was hurting all over, so we can assume his back was stricken, too. Do you think maybe he handed the shard to his wife, asking her to please scratch his acnestis?  (Or whatever it was called in whatever language Job spoke...)  It must have been frustrating to not be able to quite reach those one or two places that itched!
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Sometimes we have an emotional/spiritual/mental "acnestis" that we can't figure out how to "scratch". It bothers us, but we don't know what to do.  As with the physical version, the best remedy is to ask someone else to help ease the "itch". 

"Two are better than one...if one falls down, his friend can help him up.  But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up."  (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10)  How about a paraphrase?  "...if one can't reach his itch, his friend can scratch it for him.  But pity the man whose acnestis bugs him and has no one to help scratch it!"
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The very best Friend we can ask to do for us what we can't do for ourselves is named in this cool passage:  "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness.  We do not know what we ought to pray, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us...in accordance with God's will."  (Romans 8:26-27)  He knows exactly what and who is needed for our relief.  He can reach the places that are impossible for us to reach! We just have to ask Him to do it, and then allow Him to do it.

Father, help us to remember that...

                  "Since we live by the Spirit,
                    let us keep in step with the Spirit."    (Galatians 5:25)