For Scott Walker, against Scott Walker, for Walker as a person, but against his policies, hate Walker and his policies, for the recall, where do I sign, against the recall, get over it...it seems we've heard it all. I've talked to teachers and heard about principals that support and applaud his efforts to get the state's fiscal house in order (even though it affects them in a financially negative way), and I've talked to people who are angry and taking action just because it seems to be the popular thing to do. There are even those that believe the Governor has crossed moral and ethical lines and justify a recall effort on those grounds....hmmmmm.
 
With all the recent media swirl and twirl concerning the Walker recall effort, there's at least one question that has been going back and forth in my mind ever since last spring's volcanic erruption at our state capitol.

I don't consider myself a super politically savy individual, I just believe we have a responsiblity to be involved in public policy. I try and understand what's being done (if anything), why it's being done, and how will it affect us both in the now, and in the long term, and vote accordingly. The question I've been pondering since the last recall effort and elections is this: Is a recall effort really the best thing for our state at this point? Now I'm not under the delusion that everyone is going to agree on everything, nor should we. Dialogue on opposing views is important, that's why we have elections and debates. But I am of the persuasion that once people have made their choice known, and an official has been elected, he or she moves from the status of your candidate or my candidate to our Governor, our Senator, our President, etc. whether I cast my vote in their favor or not.

I understand that people are concerned that if they don't fire the Governor soon, irrepairable damage could be done concerning balance of power, and some other important issues. But with those concerns words like tyrant and dictator are being thrown around, and I wonder if it's really fair comment on any of our elected officials to be putting lables on them of that magnitude. People may not like a person's policies or ideologies, but do they really believe that men like Scott Walker are sitting up there in the executive mansion plotting for the weakening and overthrow of Wisconsin? I've heard similar concerns being raised over President Obama's agenda for the nation, and whether you are in favor of or against what they've done I think you run into a lot more problems when you demonize them as people just because you are opposed to their policies and the way they're implementing them.

Did people not understand what they were getting when Mr. Walker was hired? I listened to those campaigning for the job of Governor at the time and felt all the candidates were pretty articulate when it came to stating their vision for the direction our state ought to be going in. I also thought they were upfront when asked how they were going to fix the fiscal crisis we were in and how they were going to attract business to our state. Walker got the job because a larger number of people in this state decided they liked his vision and plan better than his opponents.

So the question remains, is a recall effort really the best thing for our state at this time? Is the recall effort (and possible recall election) merely an expensive tax-payer financed "poor performance review" by those who didn't get their particular candidate in office, and an opportunity to now reorganize and try and get someone else in?

Paul said in 1 Corinthians 10:23 "All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me but not all things edify." He wrote that in the context of asking what was best for everyone involved. He had a right to exercise his freedom, but took a broader view of the situation and came to the conclusion that exercising his freedom in that particular instance was not the expedient thing to do given the circumstances. Do people have a right to organize and attempt a recall...absolutely. Is it the expedient thing to do at this time, I don't believe so. I believe election cycles and term limits are the better answer. Those that are not in favor of Governor Walker's policies could be planning, strategizing, and using all of the energy and finances being expended towards the next race, and a candidate that they want to get behind.

I can only speak for myself, but I'd rather have people identify me more with what I am for and in favor of, than constantly emphasizing what I'm against and who I'm opposed to. Carried into the political arena, I believe we'd have a much more positive atmosphere in our state, civil elections and campaigns based on people, ideas, and solutions, rather than name calling, fear, and anger, and a better image of Wisconsin presented to our nation. Most importantly, I think we'd see positive results that would ultimately benefit everyone, even when our candidate wasn't the one who was hired. 

Should We Bow To The Idols of Greed and Materialism?

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...

This week marks a couple of high and low points for us as a community and nation. Thanksgiving week really takes us out of our routines, and messes us up. Let me explain. For many of us growing up, Thanksgiving meant not only a short school week, but a week that centered around a family meal that took two days to prepare. The anticipation could be overwhelming if your family was hosting other relatives. The kitchen was a non-stop 24/7 hub of activity that included baking, cooking, preparation, cleaning...nothing was normal for several days. The sights and smells of meat, potatoes, stuffing, vegetables, breads, and desserts all coming to a timed crescendo was enough to make any person struggle with the anticipation of actually being able to sit down and eat it all.

Of course, the traditional view of why we go through all this goes back to a 1621 celebration in Plymouth, Massachusetts. Though there might be evidence for other dates as earlier as 1607, and other places like Virginia, this is the one most historians point to. Our forefathers wanted to give thanks to God for a good harvest, and celebrated with their Native American benefactors, the Wampanoeg people. Fast forward to the 1860's. In an effort to unite the north and south, Abraham Lincoln fixed the date to the last Thursday in November for all states. Thanksgiving was set, and the nation observed it.

For people in any century, the big question that ultimately has to be asked is this: What will you be thankful for this week? It seems that the Pilgrims were not only celebrating a bountiful harvest, but the fact that though they had lost many in their community to disease and hardship, they had survived, and were now beginning to flourish. For those living during the Civil War, there didn't seem much to be thankful for, but attention was moving heavenward. Just read Lincoln's second inaugural address.

What are we in the 21st century thankful for? I hope our gratitude goes beyond the material blessings that so many of us enjoy to the things money cannot buy: family relationships, good friends, health, and the deep sense of God's love for us that He puts in each of our hearts. Those are the things worth celebrating because whether we have much or little, it doesn't affect any of them. A friend is good when they love us for who we are, not what we have. When life is centered around these values, we can honestly say, "These are the best of times."

Fast forward further to December 26th, 1941. President Fanklin D. Roosevelt signed a bill into congress moving Thanksgiving to the fourth Thursday (not always being the final) in November. The reason: to give the nation an economic boost. Hence, Black Friday became what it is today. Now for many Americans, the Thanksgiving meal has become the springboard to the biggest shopping day of the year, and ultimately, to the biggest emphasis on the things money canbuy, as opposed to a focus on things it can't.

And it doesn't stop there. 2011 marks the first year where retailers, in an effort to boost their bottom line, have decided to push the envelope by enroaching on the Day of Thanks itself. Not satisfied with opening in the wee hours of Friday morning, they've pushed the time up further and further to point where we've got some stores opening their doors at 11:00, 10:00, and even 9:00 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day! For many workers, the inevitable all-nighter was bad enough. Now, they are being forced to either cut their family celebrations short, or forgo them altogether to get enough sleep to work their shift. These are the worst of times.

In my opinion, this is one of those instances, where retail workers and management need to stay home and enjoy the day rather than bow to the idol of greed and materialism. I understand service and care providers like police officers, firefighters, doctors, nurses, and others are required to work on many holidays and for that, all of us are thankful. But if you're a retail worker and you're caught in the vortex of this dilema, I want to encourage you to make a quality decision to put your family before corporate profits, and your values before their demands. If not, where will it stop? If we do, perhaps the message will be sent that the things we're truly thankful for don't fit in a box or an envelope. That the only place large enough to hold the things we care about most is within the confines of the human heart.

One of the things I love about living in southeastern Wisconsin is the seasons. Everyone has their favorites, and one of mine is autumn. Yes, our 14 sacred weeks of summer is great, but it seems to require that we cram 10 pounds of fun into a five pound bag! Fall is different. Late September thru Thanksgiving really focuses on enjoying our previous work like the yard projects that were accomplished, the memories of that vacation we finally went on, or the summer picnics we took that created new memories.  

It says in the Bible in Ecclesiastes 3 that there is a time for everything. Though I was too young to remember, there was a British band called The Byrds in the mid-1960's that wrote a song which raced to the top of the charts based on these verses in Ecclesiastes called "Turn! Turn! Turn!" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LSTc-5Fn_Y  It was an immediate hit in the U.S. and resonated with an entire generation of those seeking something different from what they'd known. One reason I think it was so popular was because the country was in the midst of tremendous change and upheaval. The Viet Nam war was raging, there was unprededented racial tension, and even our religious and political leaders were not immune from the violence. Within the lyrics (and verses), we are reminded that each season has it's time. That yes, there is a time for war, but there's also a time for peace (verse 8). That today's storms carry the seeds for tomorrow's harvest.

We read about that time in Ecclesiastes 3:2. That life on earth is all about cycles. That there truly is a time to plant and a time to harvest. It's obvious as we drive around Menomonee Falls and the greater Milwaukee area, that everywhere we look we're reminded we're in a season of harvest. The colors, the smells, the produce stands, all tell us it's the "payoff" for work that's previously been done. It's a time of gathering. As we all settle in to our work routines and school schedules, the rhythm of life that comes with this time of year actually has a calming effect. We begin to settle back down after the frantic pace of an activity-filled summer, and enjoy fewer but sometimes more rewarding activities. 

Family-centered events like bonfires and movie nights become increasingly important, almost as though we're going through a dress reheasal for the all-important holiday gatherings. As the nights become cooler it just seems natural to tuck-in together whether it's just with our immediate family, or with extended family and friends. 

Like the social consciousness that was prevalent in the 60's, we're also reminded that this is the season when we begin to think more of others. The grounding of the leaves and the barren trees standing in stark contrast to the sky all serve to remind us that winter is just around the corner. People who are homeless, disadvantaged, out of work, or who don't have enough to eat will need to be remembered. This becomes a busy season for the Menomonee Falls Food Pantry, and they're going to need our help keeping their shelves stocked, especially during these trying economic times. The Milwaukee Rescue Mission, the Milwaukee Outreach Center, homeless shelters, and other ministries including those in local churches and synagagues are all looking for those who can volunteer during this time of year.

As we gather during this season of harvest and plenty, would you consider making yourself available to be a blessing to others? Maybe, for the first time ever, would you consider sowing a seed of either your time, your talents, or your treasure into someone else's life? Each of us makes a great difference. It's a big deal to God when we help others. It's also a big deal to those we help. As you do, you can become part of another great truth found in God's Word, one that is as certain as the seasons themselves. "They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever." 2 Corinthians 9:9

In 1914, Ernest Shakleton led an expedition to the south pole from England on the Endurance with 28 men.

They were selected from thousands of applicants that answered this simple ad put in the newspaper:

"MEN WANTED FOR HAZARDOUS JOURNEY. SMALL WAGES, BITTER COLD, LONG MONTHS OF COMPLETE DARKNESS. CONSTANT DANGER, SAFE RETURN DOUBTFUL. HONOUR AND RECOGNITION IN EVENT OF SUCCESS." ERNEST SHAKLETON 4 BURLINGTON ST.

What makes people want to risk their lives to do something like this? The answer lies in the fact that people want the opportunity to be a part of something bigger than themselves! We all want to know that our lives count, that we're making a difference, and the road to change is always difficult and almost always dangerous...even life-threatening. Change is never cheap. Change costs us something, but it always starts with one thing...a decision.

Shakelton was driven to explore uncharted regions. He was compelled to walk where others hadn't. He and his men left the comforts of the familiar, and set out to do the difficult. I want to encourage us to do the same. I want to challenge us to not only explore a new area, but be a settler in it! I want to compell you to take one step in a new direction, and here it is: Tell the truth.

As a leader, I watch and listen to other leaders, and I'm concerned that the message being communicated to those that are listening (especially the up and coming generation) is that it's okay to say one thing, and do another. What's become of honesty? What ever happened to integrity? Where are the men and women that say what they mean, and mean what they say? If it's not so, let's say so!

I don't know about you, but I'm getting rather tired of all the self-preservationist rhetoric being thrown about these days. People deserve better than that. People deserve the truth. I say "self-preservationist" because more often than not, when people say or do things that are untrue or inconsistent with good character, they tell a lie and attempt to cover it up in hopes that it won't impact them in a negative way.

That approach never comes out well! It may temporarily extend your term in office, or your time at the job for a week, a month, or even a year, but eventually it will come out. In fact, the longer the lie remains hidden in the dark, the greater potential it has to destroy and do damage when it comes into the light...and it will come into the light!

Honesty is still the best policy.

For those of us who are called to speak for a living, we're bound to say things that have the potential to be misunderstood, and even interpreted the wrong way. But when we do make a mistake, I would rather hear someone stand up and say, "I was wrong" and apologize, than to have them just say, "I mispoke", or worse yet, "I never said that."

Where are they? Where are those that will correct the record, and stand for what is right rather than what is expedient? Where are those that will keep their promises, even when it hurts and is inconvenient? (Psalm 15:3-5) My respect is much higher for the person that humbles himself, tells the truth upfront and sets things straight, rather than the person who lies, gets deeper into deception, and seemingly dodges yet another bullet (at least for the moment). Please understand, this isn't just for pastors, rabbis, politicians, or captains of industry. It starts at home.

Fathers, be honest and tell your children the truth. Apologize to them when you're wrong, and they will honor you for it. Husbands, tell the truth to your wives. I wise man is aware that she knows the difference and will respect you in it. Wives, be forthright with your husbands, and their love for you will have no bounds. And for us all I would say, speak the truth in love. When it comes to the relationships closest to us, truth spoken in love always builds up and never tears down.

Shakleton was commited to reaching his destination, but because of adverse circumstances, their exploration mission eventually became a rescue mission. Like Apollo 13, it was deemed a "successful failure" because though they never reached the south pole or the lunar surface, not one life was lost. We may never reach a goal of 100% honesty 100% of the time, but we'll certainly be better off as individuals and as a community if we take our first steps in that direction. Will you be a pioneer and eventually a settler concerning truth? Will you determine to be honest? Will you have integrity and always endeavor to speak the truth in love? If you do, you'll be an explorer of the highest calibre, and in the process, may even rescue those around you as well!

The idea for this article came from a good friend of mine, Dr. Ron Johnson Jr. who pastors a great church in Crown Point, Indiana. The premise is that small bands of individuals, gathered together around a common cause, can literally transform history!

When one begins to muse awhile on the subject, numerous examples begin to come to one's mind. In fact, some of the most significant events in humankind came about because a handful of people felt there needed to be change. History is replete with examples of men and women who felt the status quo was unacceptable, and decided to do something about it. One such example is found in Scripture where a relatively small group of people came together to make David, son of Jesse, king over Israel.

"All these men of war, who could keep ranks, came to Hebron with a loyal heart, to make David king over all Israel; and all the rest of Israel were of one mind to make David king." 1 Chronicles 12:38 (NKJV)

Change of any kind can be a challenge, let alone the changing of an entire monarchy and dynasty. (I can still remember when changing the diaper on my firstborn was somewhat of a challenge!).

In the kingdom of God, when He wants to further His dream for mankind in the earth, he raises up a man or a woman with His vision and then gathers people around that individual who are called to the same task. God never gathers perfect people (mainly because they don't exist), and He never gathers those with everything together simply because they'd be useless to Him. Consider the crew who gathered around King David:

"And everyone who was in distress, everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was discontented gathered to him. So he became captain over them. And there were about four hundred men with him." (1 Samuel 2:22)

I like to call these guys David's "Triple D Company" It is a credit to David that he was able to make something out of people who were mainly known as those in distress, in debt, and discontented. Sounds a bit like the guys the fictional character Benjamin Martin in Mel Gibson's movie "The Patriot" had to work with.

One more "D" - they were "despised" in the eyes of those trying to maintain the status quo. People and movements like these are generally laughable in the eyes of the established (or entrenched) ruling class. I think it is worth noting that those who are most motivated to be a part of change are those who are most desperate! The comfortable and contented rarely accomplish anything great.

People like these also possess one more important quality - availability. Man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart. The Almighty rarely looks for ability...it's often a hindrance to Him...He looks for availability. It's usually found in those that seem least qualified to suceed.

After all, David was a shepherd tending a flock of sheep on the slopes outside a tiny village in southern Judea. Peter owned a small fishing business. Matthew worked for the IRS. When the apostle Paul wanted God to remove that which he felt was a hindrance to his life and ministry, the Lord told him. "My strength is made perfect in weakness."

Whatever your situation in life, no matter which "D" describes you, please never feel as though God cannot use you. Your life is important to Him, and He has created you on purpose and for purpose. Find out what that purpose is, then join with others in making a greater difference together than you ever could separately. History is waiting.

It's been an intense month thus far in southeastern Wisconsin. Not only has the weather been heated, but the mood of the area has been decidedly less temperate as well.

Outbreaks of violence such as we saw recently as State Fair seem to be the outward manifestation of what's going on internally - anger and frustration. The obvious leadership vacuum in Washington D.C., coupled with the apparent inability of our Congressional leaders to come up with bi-partisan solutions, the subsequent roller coaster ride of the stock market, and the recent state Senate recall elections have all contributed to people's growing sense of helplessness and frustration, and yes, anger.

While living in a 24/7 news cycle society has some definite advantages, there are also some disadvantages as well. With story after story, issue after issue, problem after problem continually coming at us light speed, we can tend to overload our capacity to cope. We have to consider at least a few ways to keep that from happening.

Back in the day when cities were protected from the enemy by walls, the most vulnerable part of the defenses were the gates. There were all sorts of elaborate and even ingenious ways to protect those gates because more often than not, they were made of wood and susceptible to fire. When castles were all the rage, moats were dug, drawbridges were lifted, and iron bars were dropped in front of the gate to keep the citizens safe, and the enemy out. Every measure was taken to insure that the gates were not compromised.

"Okay Pastor Mike, that's all very interesting, but what does that have to do with all the recent news that's been hitting us?

Well, it's important to remember that each of our senses are gates. We have the eye gate, the ear gate, etc., and every form of media whether it be television, radio, internet, print, advertising, or any combination of these is designed to gain access into those gates. We've all seen, heard, and even read things that if we'd have been forewarned, we would never have let in. So what can we do?

Since we all live in the information age (and personally I'm glad I do), I think the best strategy is simply to exercise some limited access. If you're feeling at times overwhelmed, take a break. Lift the drawbridge up, and close the gate. It's okay to not have the TV on all day just for "background noise." Not too long ago, most of the population got their "news fix" in a daily 30 minute dose. (I know, it seems like a lifetime ago!) That's pretty light by today's standards, so decide what amount you feel is enough to keep you informed, then adjust as you feel necessary. Some stories may be worth having updates sent to your phone, but most are not.

Turn the radio off in the car once in a while, and spend some time musing about taking your spouse out on a date, or how to make your next family night a little more special, or how to organize your time better to get those projects done around the house. Shut your laptop down and decide to not surf the web for an evening. Use that time to read a book, or take a friend out for a cup of coffee and have some face time. Maybe you want to consider what you personally can do to make someone's life better, perhaps volunteering at a shelter, or serving meals to the homeless, and how that would impact your time.

Once you "disconnect" for a bit, you'll initially find yourself going through some real withdrawals! What's happening on FaceBook?...Who's trying to email me?...What's happening in the stockmarket?...Did I get that last text?...Did the Senate vote on that bill yet?...What's happening in the Middle East?...Is the price of gas going to be affected by that? You get the picture. Guard the gates. Apply some border control. Don't just let anything and everything in. None of the things I'm suggesting is by any means easy, but a little media fast now and then may be just the thing to improve one's coping skills, and actually improve your health!

 

Last night, my son showed me a clip from a comedian stating that President Obama and the Congress have now come up with a "Plan B" and a "Plan C." Plan B stands for "Bakesale," and Plan C stands for "Carwash!"

All kidding aside, it seems that our elected officials have chosen an interesting time to be unswervingly loyal to their constituents...so loyal that no one can seem to agree on anything even in the face of the Aug. 2 meltdown. That's just two days away folks!

I hope that by the time this is published, we've reached some kind of agreement, but as we move into the weekend, it's looking rather bleak. I'm saddened to see all the blaming, finger pointing, and refusal to debate - much less vote - on these important issues.

In some ways, it's almost like a rerun of Madison only on a national scale. Both parties at this point seem so entrenched in ideology that they cannot see the forest for the trees. I will say this though, to the House's credit they were charged with coming up with a plan and they did pass some very practical, long term legislation with the "Cut, Cap, and Balance" bill. Like it or not, it does address the spending problem we have in Washington. In my opinion, the most important component of that bill is the Balanced Budget Ammendment which would force our federal government to do what 49 states have already legislated they each must do...balance their budgets. To most of the households in Menomonee Falls, that's Finance 101, right?

Regardless, the Senate seems very troubled about some of these elements. If I were in their shoes sent to Washington to do their job, I'd be all for at least that part of the tabled bill showing up elsewhere in some other form of legislation that could be debated, agreed on, passed, and signed by the President. Time will tell, and by the way, there's even less of it since beginning to read this article!

Finances are not my strong suit, and I am in no way claiming to have any special talents or education in this area. In our church, we have trustees known as a Finance Purpose Team, made up of successful businessmen and women that do a great job at handling money and making wise financial decisions.

But as a leader, I can definitely say that ultimately, the crisis our nation is currently facing is a stewardship issue, and the Bible does have much to say on that topic. There's a small verse, hidden away in Proverbs that I believe speaks to this whole mess. Proverbs was written by King Solomon, one of the most sophisticated international financiers of all time. His kingdom was the wealthiest nation on the earth during his watch, and he shares his financial savy with us in amazingly simple anecdotes and sayings.

Proverbs 21:20 says: "There is desirable treasure, and oil in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man squanders it." Basically, this is saying that everything we need is already in the house, all we have to do is be wise about how we spend it. In real time America, even in a 9 percent unemployment rate market, there's still enough revenue being generated to pay our bills, take care of the aging workforce that have previously contributed towards their own care, help some who cannot take care of themselves, and pay back our creditors. It's all a matter of stewardship and discipline.

When King Solomon says, "...but a foolish man squanders it" he's underscoring the fact that you just can't spend all the money you get. In other words, it's not wise to live above one's means. For far too long, we've spent money we didn't have and now 41 cents of every dollar spent is borrowed! One of our biggest creditors is what I like to call the "Four C's" - the Chinese Credit Card Company.

Oversimplified yes, but you get the point. If we default on our loans, our credit worthiness gets downgraded. and If we get downgraded guess what, the rates go up! Or even worse, no one wants to lend to us anymore. Sound familiar?It should. We've seen this movie before in the collapse of the housing market and subsequent tightening up of the lending industry these last several years. So what can we do? Here's three simple things: Work hard, get out of debt, and be generous.

Work Hard - Let's give a fair day's work for a fair day's wage. Jesus even encourages us to "go the extra mile" on some things and that certainly includes our vocational life. There are limits to overtime, and boundaries are important, but lets not let a good German work ethic trump what should be responsible Christian diligence. Proverbs 21:5 says: "Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity,but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty."


Get Out Of Debt - Since debt is all we're hearing on the news let's talk about it. Understand that money makes a wonderful servant, but a terrible master! There is some debt we can incur that has tangible and sometimes not-so-tangible payback-like the purchasing and enjoyment of a home. Some debt can be unavoidable like unexpected and overwhelming medical bills, but all debt should be looked upon as first and foremost temporary. When is the payoff? How much will it really cost in the long run? Should I take this responsibility on or should I wait? All good questions when approaching the debt question. It's too big a topic to cover in a paragraph, but let three words be an inspiration and goal for us all..."Paid In Full."

Be Generous - It does a soul good to be generous. As Jesus said, it really is "...More blessed to give than to receive." And those that we're generous towards will always be worth more than that which is given on their behalf. I love this last bit of wisdom from King Solomon in Proverbs 11:25:
"The generous will prosper;those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed."

Work hard, get out of debt, and be generous. It's good advice for us as individuals, and even better advice for us as a nation.

One of the more popular shows on HGTV is called "Property Virgins." You've probably seen it...singles or couples decide it's time to buy a house for the first time and we as viewers get to walk through the rigors of watching them purchase a home for the first time.

Of course, the process includes the all-important home inspection and sometimes the findings are gut wrenching and end up being a deal killer...especially if there are problems with the foundation. In general, when the foundation is bad, it oftentimes follows a home right up to the roof. If the foundation is good however, then usually most other problems can be overcome.

The forefathers of our nation we're pretty smart guys and had a lot of fore thought. The foundation they built on has been nothing short of amazing! Last week we looked at the first three foundation stones: The Dignity of Human Life, The Traditional Monogamous Family, and A National Work Ethic. This week, we'll look at only one. Number four is almost as controversial as number one was:

#4 The Right to a God-Centered Education.
Proverbs 1:7 says “…the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.” This is referring to knowledge in general, not just religious or ecclesiastical knowledge. To pursue an education without an acknowledgment of God to me is a little like studying architecture without believing in architects!

Great designs are the product of great designers. We might as well believe that the incredibly thoughtful founding documents our nation has been built on just magically appeared one day without the aid of either authors or collaboration!

One of our most distinguished presidents, Abraham Lincoln, once said this: "I can see how it might be possible for a man to look down upon the earth and be an atheist, but I cannot conceive how a man could look up into the heavens and say there is no God."

I know there are many in our nation who feel that taking prayer and the 10 Commandments out of classrooms was a triumph in the advancement of education and the separation of church and state, but I would have to disagree.

Tomorrow's leaders are being trained in today's public schools without the acknowledgement of God or His Word. This is not a positive benefit. I don't believe the Framers ever envisioned a citizen's education as either just sacred, or just secular anymore than they would consider it natural that a fish be removed from the water it swims in.

Another great president, George Washington, had this to say about it: "Reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail to the exclusion of religious principle....It is impossible to righly govern the world without God and the Bible." Interesting coming from the man who is considered the "Father of our Nation."

While education begins in the home (Ephesians 6:14), it certainly doesn't end there. Did you know some of America’s oldest and most prominent universities were founded either by pastors or churches?

The list is impressive: Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Dartmouth, and Columbia just to name a few. Here's something most people aren't aware of. Harvard was founded by Puritans in 1636, and contained in it's "Rules and Precepts" this statement: “Let every student be plainly instructed, and earnestly pressed to consider well, the main end of his life and studies is, to know God and Jesus Christ which is eternal life.”

Princeton University in one of its founding documents had this to say about education:
“Cursed is all learning that is contrary to the Cross of Christ.”

Yale - established in 1701, had as a stated goal that:
“every student shall consider the main end of his study to wit to know God in Jesus Christ and answerably to lead a godly, sober life.”

While I'm sure this information and these statements bother those that consider themselves "free thinkers", the fact still remains, those that framed the Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights, and the Constitution saw a God-centered education as a right in any society that would distinguish itself amongst the nations.

As one who is called to lead people and educate, I'm concerned that as a nation our prominence is slipping. That the walls of our national house are moving farther out of plumb, the beams are shifting, and the roof is beginning to sag. Perhaps instead of just propping up the easy and the obvious, we need look a bit further to this particular foundation stone?

With the election cycle being extended because of recalls, the rhetoric heating up over some stolen campaign yard signs, and a real scrutiny of attitudes and motives in our local and national politics lately, I thought it might be good to remind ourselves of what the founding fathers laid as a foundation for America. I'd like to do so, lest we depart so far from it we cease to resemble the blueprint any longer...at least on a local level anyway.

America was birthed by our founding fathers because they believed a nation’s government founded on the laws, social order, and values of the Bible would be better than the oppressive monarchy they were laboring under. Their understanding of these came from both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible, and are known as the Judeo-Christian Ethic. There are seven of them, and it's important you know them.

Whether each founding father was a Christian or not is neither the issue, nor the point I want to make today. It's a matter of record that their writings, statements, and voting all point to the fact that they embraced these principles as the basis for a civilized nation. Today we'll deal with the first three:

Principle #1: The Dignity of Human Life
Exodus 20:13 says: “You must not murder”
Matthew 22:39 says: “Love your neighbor as yourself”

Valuing human life isn’t just a principle of the Bible, it’s the chief principle for any civilized society.

If people and nations won’t protect the rights of both their born and their unborn, then any other values and morals are meaningless. In the Declaration of Independence, our founding fathers wrote that everyone has “unalienable rights”, among them: Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.

Life is first for a reason! When any nation loses sight of this, its moral compass is lost. Not only is their compass lost, but the sails of their national ship are shredded, the mast broken, and the rudder missing! This is my opinion, and it's a strong one... because we’ve chosen animal rights over human rights… because we’ve chosen convenience over responsibility… because we’ve valued our “choices” over children…life has become cheap and as a nation we're reaping the fruit of those poor choices.

It's not uncommon to see on the internet, or on the local news broadcast kids gunning down other kids over a jacket, or a pair of shoes. Children having children and abandoning them in dumpsters, or drive-by shootings out of revenge that end up with unintended victims. Life has become cheap. I contend that the Church and society had better stand for and support the dignity of human life if for no other reason than this: God Does.

Jesus said: “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life” Jesus isn’t Democrat, Republican, nor is He Independent…He’s Life. It would be wise for us as a community and as a nation to remember that.

Principle #2: The Traditional Monogamous Family
Our society has been built upon the Biblical view of traditional marriage and family. Genesis 2:23-24 says: “This one is bone from my bone, and flesh from my flesh! She will be called ‘woman,’ because she was taken from ‘man.’” This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.

The plan of God is marriage between one man and one woman, and out of that union, are to come children.

“But Pastor Mike, what about Abraham, Jacob, David, Solomon…they all had more than one wife?”

That's true! But a closer look at each of their homes also reveals a lot of strife and difficulty. Nobody tops King Solomon though, he went viral with it: 700 wives...300 concubines... (not to mention a 1,000 mother-in-laws!) That's not marital bliss...that's insanity! It's clear that God's intent from the beginning for those that would get married, was one man plus one woman for life.

Our nation needs strong, lasting, covenant relationships. Solid marriages between one man and one woman. Our children deserve loving parents, committed to teaching their kids to become balanced, productive, and responsible citizens. And to all the single parents out there, I commend you. You're doing twice the work with half the help! You're amazing! I think we'd all agree that great families make great nations.

Principle #3: A National Work Ethic
As a nation, it's becoming more and more evident that we don’t thrive on government handouts, nor do we flourish by simply depending on the generosity of others. The American spirit derives power from this simple statement: ”An honest day’s work for an honest day’s pay”

This past Friday, they released the current unemployment statistics: 9.2 percent - pretty dismal. Not the 25 percent experienced during the Great Depression, but still a daunting challenge. During the 1930’s, 40’s, and 50’s the nations watched as America worked our way out of the Depression, through WW II, and rose up to become both an economic, as well as military superpower. Are we up to the challenge? Can we do it again? Can it be done again? I believe so! I believe we’re going to make it through, but like you, I believe it won't be without some tough decisions!

Remember your first job? Remember how empowered you felt with that first paycheck? For those of you who are part of that 9.2% let me encourage you. As you remain diligent, that feeling is just ahead for you. For some, you'll relive that first paycheck moment, for others, it'll be your first time, and you'll never forget it.

For those of you who are currently employed, please count your blessings and never take it for granted. Work is a blessing, not a curse. It comes to us from before the Fall. And for all of us, it's good to remember this truth: God is our Source. Not ourselves, not the government, not our jobs, our abilities, or our talents... God is our source.

Deut. 8:18 says: “And you shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day. (NKJV)

This is true for us as individuals, as well as a nation. The Scriptures teach us that wealth and prosperity come in many forms - not just money. A thriving, life-giving nation, strong marriages and families, and gainful employment all define prosperity just to name a few. Three stones, three foundational truths. Next week, we'll inspect our foundation a bit further.

For many Americans, the Fourth of July weekend is one of the highlights of the summer. Here in Menomonee Falls, there are a ton of great activities for people of all ages and the great thing is you can be as layed back or active as you want! I've always enjoyed the parade and fireworks show we have, and have even come to appreciate that it's on July 3 instead of the July 4, though at first it was hard to get used to. (If you're new to the Falls, give it time, I think you'll learn to appreciate the wisdsom in it as well).

For most of us, July 4, 1776 is light years away in our thinking. They also had parades and fireworks shows as well, but not the kind we enjoy. The parades were military in nature, mostly British troops marching through cities, small towns, and hamlets flexing their military might in an open show of superiority. The fireworks shows were not for entertainment purposes, but were the battles and skirmishes being fought from the porches, yards, and fields of regular folk just like us.

It had to be an incredibly intense time as our nation was being birthed, an extreme period of uncertainty concerning the future as people were required to pledge their loyalty either to what had been, or to what could be. Births are always messy, and the birth of our nation was no exception. Families, regions, and even states were divided over the issues, but ultimately a river of freedom was unleashed, and once flowing, was impossible to stop. The most powerful nation and army on the earth at that time found it impossible to put out the torch of freedom once it was kindled, and at least for this nation, being a light of freedom to other nations has struck a responsive chord with the residents as a whole...at least for the most part.

Recently, on an NBC telecast of the U.S. Open Golf Tournament from our nation's capital, the producers of the event ran a short intro showing children reciting the pledge of allegiance. It was a moving piece with soaring music, beatiful sunsets, scenes of soldiers raising the flag, and panoramic views of the monuments. There was one glaring ommision though...the words "Under God" and "Indivisible."

People everywhere began calling their NBC affliate stations, flooding the station's phonelines, voicing their outrage and concern that the Pledge of Allegiance had been edited. It was such an outcry, that before the broadcast was finished, Dan Hicks issued an on-air apology to the American people concerning the obvious ommssion. A statement was released the next day again apologizing, but giving no apparent reason for why these important words were left out. I think the answer is apparent, once again, political correctness run amok.

I'm not impressed when people cite the fact that in the original 1890's version the words weren't there. Though that's true, Congress thought the words "Under God" were important enough to add in the 1950's, and have been there to date. By the way, since when does a television station feel they have the right to reverse decisions of Congress?

Whoever signed off to air that package is by now probably part of the swelling ranks of the unemployed, not because of articles like these, but because the decision was so decidedly inept and out-of-step with Main Street America. I know this article may be upsetting some folks at the FFRF (Freedom From Religion Foundation) in Madison, but there are definitely lines the American people won't allow to be crossed and this was apparently one of them. Also, for the record, I'm not on a rant, just a little annoyed, that's all.

The Psalm 33:12 in the Bible does say, "Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people He has chosen as His own inheritance."
Though the primary meaning of this passage is and still does refer to the Jewish people, I do believe any nation who will honor the Lord will experience His favor.

America, though not perfect by any stretch of the imagination, has been incredibly blessed. Do these kinds of incidences lead to bigger decisions? Will we be looking at a decision to remove "In God We Trust" off our currency and as our national motto in the future? I'd love to hear your thoughts on this.

In the meantime, have a safe and happy Independence Day celebration everyone!