The Tennessean (Nashville's morning paper) recently published a letter to the editor that I submitted on one of today's hot topics: the future of Social Security. See what you think of my perspective:
To the Editor:
Reading Rebecca Kelly’s column (Oct. 12, 2007), it sounds as if AARP is desperate to paint a rosy picture of Social Security’s current condition and future prospects. Worse still, AARP’s central idea for sustaining the program is “raising the cap on wages subject to the payroll tax or increasing the payroll tax a half percent.”
Kelly can’t be serious. More taxes on already overtaxed workers and employers? She should know that this federal entitlement has problems that simply cannot be solved by more taxes. If AARP is alarmed at all by Congress’ gross negligence in dipping into the trust fund “surplus” for other projects, Kelly makes no mention of it. Rather than sticking it to current workers to keep its special-interest group happy, AARP’s resources would be better directed against the irresponsible governmental leaders who have siphoned away funds from the “trust.” Heck, AARP might even consider extolling the wisdom of allowing a measure of private investment as a means of boosting the fund.
As for me, a 39-year old with at least 28 years until retirement, I’m not counting on Social Security but am instead fiercely focused on building up a nest egg through personal investments and the 503(b) offered by my not-for-profit employer. Come to think of it, I can’t remember ever hearing anyone in my generation say, “I’m sure glad Social Security will be there when I retire.”Many of us aren’t banking on it. Cynical? Maybe. But when folks like Kelly advocate pouring more of our hard-earned cash into a bottomless bucket that may or may not hold anything in our later years, can you blame us?
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Monday, December 10, 2007
Christmas Joy - 3 - Simeon
“‘For I will restore health to you and heal you of your wounds,’ says the LORD.” (Jeremiah 30:17a)
“God, you can now release your servant; release me in peace as you promised. With my own eyes I’ve seen your salvation; it’s now out in the open for everyone to see: A God-revealing light to the non-Jewish nations, and of glory for your people Israel.” (Simeon, embracing the infant Jesus in the temple, recorded in Luke 2, from The Message)
The story of Simeon is a stirring part of the Christmas account. I’d encourage us all to re-read it in Luke chapter 2 and put ourselves in Simeon’s place. The Word says that he had “waited for the consolation of Israel,” and I suspect he had waited in agony of spirit, in desperate longing for the hope and healing and comfort that would bring deliverance to God’s people. The Holy Spirit had come to Simeon and had promised, “You will not taste death before you’ve seen the Messiah.” The Spirit then led Simeon into the temple, and when Joseph and Mary brought Jesus to present him to the Lord, Simeon knew. This was the One. Hope incarnate. Salvation in the flesh. Simeon took into his arms this bundle of fragile Deliverance, swaddled against the elements, and held him tenderly, and blessed him, and rejoiced. Behold, a “God-revealing light” to the Gentiles, and the glory of all Israel. Hallelujah!
Ah, LORD, I imagine your servant Simeon rejoicing at the fulfillment of your promise to him, breaking into tears of joy as he held his Savior, the infant Jesus. Thank you, O LORD, that this same sweet hope and comfort is available to me today. Through Christ…Amen!
“God, you can now release your servant; release me in peace as you promised. With my own eyes I’ve seen your salvation; it’s now out in the open for everyone to see: A God-revealing light to the non-Jewish nations, and of glory for your people Israel.” (Simeon, embracing the infant Jesus in the temple, recorded in Luke 2, from The Message)
The story of Simeon is a stirring part of the Christmas account. I’d encourage us all to re-read it in Luke chapter 2 and put ourselves in Simeon’s place. The Word says that he had “waited for the consolation of Israel,” and I suspect he had waited in agony of spirit, in desperate longing for the hope and healing and comfort that would bring deliverance to God’s people. The Holy Spirit had come to Simeon and had promised, “You will not taste death before you’ve seen the Messiah.” The Spirit then led Simeon into the temple, and when Joseph and Mary brought Jesus to present him to the Lord, Simeon knew. This was the One. Hope incarnate. Salvation in the flesh. Simeon took into his arms this bundle of fragile Deliverance, swaddled against the elements, and held him tenderly, and blessed him, and rejoiced. Behold, a “God-revealing light” to the Gentiles, and the glory of all Israel. Hallelujah!
Ah, LORD, I imagine your servant Simeon rejoicing at the fulfillment of your promise to him, breaking into tears of joy as he held his Savior, the infant Jesus. Thank you, O LORD, that this same sweet hope and comfort is available to me today. Through Christ…Amen!
Monday, December 3, 2007
Christmas Joy - 2 of 5
“While they were [in Bethlehem], the time came for her to give birth. She gave birth to a son, her firstborn. She wrapped him in a blanket and laid him in a manger, because there was no room in the hostel.” (Luke 2:6-7, The Message)
His Birth in Me: “ ‘My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you…’ " (Galatians 4:19) Just as our Lord came into human history from outside it, He must also come into me from outside. Have I allowed my personal human life to become a ‘Bethlehem’ for the Son of God? I cannot enter the realm of the kingdom of God unless I am born again by a birth totally unlike physical birth. ‘You must be born again’ (John 3:7). This is not a command, but a fact based on the authority of God. The evidence of the new birth is that I yield myself so completely to God that ‘Christ is formed’ in me. And once ‘Christ is formed’ in me, His nature immediately begins to work through me.” (Oswald Chambers)
Redemptive and righteous God, just as you entered the world through birth, so you call all of humankind to new birth in You. May the timeless truth of John 3:7 speak into the hearts and minds of all who have not yet opened the gift of new life that the Christ child’s birth represents. Amen.
His Birth in Me: “ ‘My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you…’ " (Galatians 4:19) Just as our Lord came into human history from outside it, He must also come into me from outside. Have I allowed my personal human life to become a ‘Bethlehem’ for the Son of God? I cannot enter the realm of the kingdom of God unless I am born again by a birth totally unlike physical birth. ‘You must be born again’ (John 3:7). This is not a command, but a fact based on the authority of God. The evidence of the new birth is that I yield myself so completely to God that ‘Christ is formed’ in me. And once ‘Christ is formed’ in me, His nature immediately begins to work through me.” (Oswald Chambers)
Redemptive and righteous God, just as you entered the world through birth, so you call all of humankind to new birth in You. May the timeless truth of John 3:7 speak into the hearts and minds of all who have not yet opened the gift of new life that the Christ child’s birth represents. Amen.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Christmas Joy - 1 of 5
“All this took place to fulfill what the LORD had said through the prophet: ‘The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel’—which means, ‘God with us.’ When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the LORD had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.” (Matthew 1:22-24)
His Birth in History: ‘…that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God’ (Luke 1:35). “Jesus Christ was born into this world, not from it. He did not emerge out of history; He came into history from the outside. Jesus Christ is not the best human being the human race can boast of—He is a Being for whom the human race can take no credit at all. He is not man becoming God, but God Incarnate—God coming into human flesh from outside it. His life is the highest and the holiest entering through the most humble of doors. Our Lord’s birth was an advent: the appearance of God in human form.” (Oswald Chambers)
Glorious and gracious God, words could never express the magnitude of your humble arrival. You who so miraculously entered history, taking on human frailty to rescue humankind from hopelessness, may you receive the full measure of honor and praise and thanks that is due your Holy name this blessed Christmastime. Amen.
His Birth in History: ‘…that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God’ (Luke 1:35). “Jesus Christ was born into this world, not from it. He did not emerge out of history; He came into history from the outside. Jesus Christ is not the best human being the human race can boast of—He is a Being for whom the human race can take no credit at all. He is not man becoming God, but God Incarnate—God coming into human flesh from outside it. His life is the highest and the holiest entering through the most humble of doors. Our Lord’s birth was an advent: the appearance of God in human form.” (Oswald Chambers)
Glorious and gracious God, words could never express the magnitude of your humble arrival. You who so miraculously entered history, taking on human frailty to rescue humankind from hopelessness, may you receive the full measure of honor and praise and thanks that is due your Holy name this blessed Christmastime. Amen.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Let the Little Children Come
A reminder of the value of our young people
“People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’ ” (Mark 10:13-15)
“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12)
“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:29-31)
If you’re young...or if you work with young people…or if you’re simply young at heart…today’s verses provide a timely reminder of how valuable children and youth are in the eyes of God. Jesus scolded those who tried to turn the children away from Him. Youth and teens are not to be looked down upon, but cherished and appreciated. Not only that, but they have the crucial responsibility of setting an example for others in how they live. And although the youth among us (like everyone else) are prone to grow weak and weary, the LORD is faithful to strengthen them as they draw near to Him. In fact, God delights in taking everyone who trusts in Him to lofty heights, soaring on wings of eagles. So if you interact with a child, a teen or a young adult today, take the opportunity to remind them of their great worth in the eyes of the One who created them, who loves them, and who longs for them to find their life’s purpose in Him.
We thank you, O LORD, for our children and young people. We pray that for the youth whom you have placed within our spheres of influence, you will use us to speak words of encouragement, and love, and truth, and grace, to them—and that you will use them to speak into our lives as well. Amen.
“People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’ ” (Mark 10:13-15)
“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12)
“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:29-31)
If you’re young...or if you work with young people…or if you’re simply young at heart…today’s verses provide a timely reminder of how valuable children and youth are in the eyes of God. Jesus scolded those who tried to turn the children away from Him. Youth and teens are not to be looked down upon, but cherished and appreciated. Not only that, but they have the crucial responsibility of setting an example for others in how they live. And although the youth among us (like everyone else) are prone to grow weak and weary, the LORD is faithful to strengthen them as they draw near to Him. In fact, God delights in taking everyone who trusts in Him to lofty heights, soaring on wings of eagles. So if you interact with a child, a teen or a young adult today, take the opportunity to remind them of their great worth in the eyes of the One who created them, who loves them, and who longs for them to find their life’s purpose in Him.
We thank you, O LORD, for our children and young people. We pray that for the youth whom you have placed within our spheres of influence, you will use us to speak words of encouragement, and love, and truth, and grace, to them—and that you will use them to speak into our lives as well. Amen.
Thankful!
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! Here are just a few of the numerous verses in Scripture that help us to focus on the One from whom all blessings flow…
“Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name.” (1 Chronicles 29:13)
“I thank you for answering my prayer and saving me! The stone rejected by the builders has now become the cornerstone. This is the LORD’s doing, and it is marvelous to see. This is the day the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it!" (Psalm 118:21-24)
“You are my God, and I will praise you! You are my God, and I will exalt you! Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.” (Psalm 118:28-29)
“On that day you will say: ‘Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted.’ ” (Isaiah 12:4)
“Then Jesus took the seven loaves and the fish, and when he had given thanks, he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and they in turn to the people.” (Matthew 15:36)
“But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our LORD Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57)
“…pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thess. 5:17-18)
“And the twenty-four elders, who were seated on their thrones before God, fell on their faces and worshiped God, saying: ‘We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who was, because you have taken your great power and have begun to reign.’ ” (Revelation 11:16-17)
“Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name.” (1 Chronicles 29:13)
“I thank you for answering my prayer and saving me! The stone rejected by the builders has now become the cornerstone. This is the LORD’s doing, and it is marvelous to see. This is the day the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it!" (Psalm 118:21-24)
“You are my God, and I will praise you! You are my God, and I will exalt you! Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.” (Psalm 118:28-29)
“On that day you will say: ‘Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted.’ ” (Isaiah 12:4)
“Then Jesus took the seven loaves and the fish, and when he had given thanks, he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and they in turn to the people.” (Matthew 15:36)
“But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our LORD Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57)
“…pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thess. 5:17-18)
“And the twenty-four elders, who were seated on their thrones before God, fell on their faces and worshiped God, saying: ‘We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who was, because you have taken your great power and have begun to reign.’ ” (Revelation 11:16-17)
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
The Call To Agape
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Ephesians 4:32 - 5: 2)
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-8a)
The Bible uses several Greek words to define love (phileo, eros), but its definition of Divine love is the more obscure word agape, the unique, unconditional love that the Father has lavished upon His creation as described in Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, and in 1 Corinthians. Those who are forgiven in Christ Jesus have become “dearly loved children” who are called to let His love flow through them into the lives of others. Because this radical love doesn’t come from us but from God, we don’t need to strain or strive to love. Our call is to draw near to the Lover of our souls and allow His love to fill us and spill out as we go about our day. This love even makes it possible to love those who are hardest to love—those who, for one reason or another, hold enmity toward us.
O God, your love astounds us. We thank you, not only for lavishing it upon us and forgiving us because of your deep love, but also for giving us the strength to love those you have placed in our lives. Fill us anew, we pray, with your love, and let love and grace and forgiveness flow out of us to others. Amen.
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-8a)
The Bible uses several Greek words to define love (phileo, eros), but its definition of Divine love is the more obscure word agape, the unique, unconditional love that the Father has lavished upon His creation as described in Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, and in 1 Corinthians. Those who are forgiven in Christ Jesus have become “dearly loved children” who are called to let His love flow through them into the lives of others. Because this radical love doesn’t come from us but from God, we don’t need to strain or strive to love. Our call is to draw near to the Lover of our souls and allow His love to fill us and spill out as we go about our day. This love even makes it possible to love those who are hardest to love—those who, for one reason or another, hold enmity toward us.
O God, your love astounds us. We thank you, not only for lavishing it upon us and forgiving us because of your deep love, but also for giving us the strength to love those you have placed in our lives. Fill us anew, we pray, with your love, and let love and grace and forgiveness flow out of us to others. Amen.
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