April #1

NAME PROBLEMS – I took a package to UPS to ship and found things had changed. Where I use to fill out a shipping slip by hand you now have to use their computers. With a little help from the UPS clerk I finally got it done and the box being a bit heavy he carried it to the counter for me. He looked at the label and said, “Your shipping this for your wife?” I was a bit shocked, I had not mentioned my wife nor had I put her name on the label. Finally it dawned on me that the name “Leslie” registered female with him. Since ID is required I showed my drivers license and he apologized. I have the same problem with mail as it is often address “Ms Leslie Newell.” I was so named after my maternal grandfather who was “Leslie E. White.” So I ended up “Leslie George Newell” having my middle name give after me paternal grandfather. As a child I had a classmate named “Lester” that I did not like and I always hated it when people would call me “Lester.” I am not a “Lester,” I am a “Leslie.” I loved both my grandfathers and did not mind being named after them even though I had nothing to do with it. From time to time I meet a woman named “Leslie” and they are a bit surprised I have the same name. Please don’t call me Ms. or Lester. Like my grandfather I am usually called “Les” any more, it saves a bit of confusion.

SELECTIVE ART CLASS – The Fox News this week told of a school art class forbidding a drawing with the cross in it. For some reason they didnÂ’t reveal where the school was or else I missed that part. The teacher had even tried to get students to sign a document agreeing to not submit religious art. At the same time another student presented a drawing with demonic or satanic characters that was perfectly acceptable. I have news for that teacher, both the cross, demons and Satan are religious characters clearly portrayed in our Bibles. This simple goes to the devilish turns things have taken in our present day when evil is acceptable but morality and religion (at least not Christianity) is not. I think this teacher needs an advance course in education that might make her aware that satanic cults and atheistic groups gather to promote their vile
Religions.

DENOMINATIONAL EXPENSES – This isn’t new but it was brought to my attention again recently. Denominational ties can be expensive. One small church of maybe 100 in attendance is required to pay annual dues of nearly $15,000.00 to their Conference plus another $2,300.00 plus to their district. Years ago I used to deliver mail from another denomination that sent out bills to their members that created some hard feelings among their members. How thankful I am for our Baptist heritage and the workings of free will offerings and biblical teachings relating to a tithe and giving according to God’s blessing on our lives. The current 2-3% giving of people in this country is shameful, giving as though God had not blessed them. A tithe is just the beginning of biblical giving that God richly blesses without denomination demands. It is also sad when churches belong to their associations or fellowships but fail to support them even with a small gift. God has always been gracious to us in the area of giving and providing our needs on a faith basis. When we honor God and give out of love for his gracious salvation, He cares for His own. I remember the struggle of learning to give but once that trusting relationship was started we found that God far out gave us over the years.

HAND CLAPPING – Previously in these “Musings” I have discussed the matter of hand clapping or applause for those who bring special music in church and my preference of a hearty “Amen” when we are blessed or in accord with those who so serve the Lord. I also know there are churches that clap to the music, something that really doesn’t appeal to me personally. We often hear of black churches that so involve themselves in their church music. Having said all of this, I was struck by this matter when re-reading Psalm 47:1-2, “OH, clap your hands, all you peoples! Shout to God with the voice of triumph! For the LORD Most High is awesome; He is a great King over all the earth.” Here we have clapping and shouting both. Not in recognition of human service or to keep rhythm with the music but rather a recognition and acknowledgement of our “awesome” God and His Son Who will one day reign as King over “all the earth.” The day will come when all believers will joyfully “clap” and “shout” in recognition of our great God and Savior King. I can visualize the moment (and much longer) when believers will stand before our victorious and holy King applauding His presence and position of authority over all the earth. It will be a time when all lawlessness will be ended and corrupt governments will be brought under His rule. I am not sure how similar exercises might be portrayed today in church services. I wish I could visualize how this was practiced in Israel’s zenith. It is just something to think about.

CLOSED SESSION – Last month there was a “Special Closed Session” of the U.S. House of Representatives supposedly to discuss the pending security surveillance provisions. We didn’t hear much follow up about it in the news media. The reality is that much more was discussed about the coming collapse of the U.S. economy by September of this year and the steps needed to be taken because of possible consequences. There was also discussion about a possible merger with Canada and Mexico and the issuance of a new currency, “The Amero.” Members of the Congress were forbidden to reveal what was discussed. However some were so furious and concerned about the future of the nation that they have started leaking information. It is a frightening situation pointing more and more to the coming one world government prophesied in the Scriptures. Since the media has not reported on this you might want to go to the inter-net as I did and glean the information. Simply type in “Special Closed Session of U.S. House of Representatives” and you will find a lot of sights to search sharing the leaked information. How accurate all this is I don’t know but you may want to get your financial house in order and be looking up for the Savior’s return. Rejoice in the fact that God is in control.