Absolutely superb job, dutchess!! (((((((((((((dutchess)))))))))))))) Overwhelming kudos to you, my friend. Let the Dems enjoy their dead-cat-bounce. We're coming back stronger than ever in '08. If you do the math, 10 or 11 districts -- DeLay's and Mark Foley's being prime examples -- are automatically back in the GOP column in two years. Which means we only need to pick up a handful of other Dem seats to win back Congress. Very doable. Especially if the top of the '08 Democrat ticket is weak, as it will be. The Donks are unlikely to enjoy two back-to-back elections without losing a single House incumbent (or Senate incumbent, for that matter.) That's just not going to happen. Don't forget that the BIG PRIZE is '08, not '06.

Thanks again, dutchess and thanks, y'all, for dropping by! (((((((((((((((((((((((((((((group hug))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

November 10, 2006

One Problem; Two Views

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READ: Romans 13:1-7

Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. —Romans 13:1

Jamaicans were recently concerned that their country’s murder rate was nearing an all-time high. Debate was lively as good citizens sought solutions.

Typical of two common approaches came in letters to the editor of one Jamaican newspaper. One writer said, “Unless our scholars, . . . policymakers and political representatives seriously seek answers, the future of our nation is dire.” Another observed, “It is time we address the heart of the problem—that the people of Jamaica go . . . not to the Minister of National Security but to God Himself.”

One problem, two views: The totally secular proposal, which leans on the wisdom of man alone; and the divine approach, which depends on God and those who love Him.

We need both: God-ordained government to care for the people (Rom. 13:1-7), and people who have a proper view of God and His guidelines for life (Prov. 14:33).

No matter where we live, we must pray for those in charge, asking God to provide direction. Then we must also work and pray that individuals—one by one—see their need for Jesus and their dependence on the Lord.

By combining the two views, we can make a difference. —Dave Branon

It’s always easy to complain
And say that government’s unfair,
But God’s Word says we should give thanks
And lift our leaders up in prayer. —Hess

Through prayer, the public business of the nation can become the private business of the Christian.

Bible in One Year: Jeremiah 48-49; Hebrews 7