Public Graduations and Public Prayer?

The month of June brings the warmth of the summer and will see the very longest day of the calendar year. Many so look forward to some much-needed time away from their jobs and spending precious time with their families in some special or unique place.

June also brings with it special moments in the lives of many younger people as they end a lengthy educational chapter in their lives. It is the culmination of years of patience, hard work and sometimes a great deal of money spent, especially on the upper end of the educational sphere.

But it seems that every year brings some major controversy when certain top-notch students are chosen to represent their fellow graduates at a planned school ceremony. These are given the title of class valedictorian.

This year there was a fuss at the Riverside School district in Lake City, Arkansas where the administration actually opted to not go through with a sixth grade graduation after a lone parent protested against prayer during the ceremony.  In another setting, the president of the 2013 graduating class of Lincoln County High School in Kentucky boldly continued a longstanding tradition of student-led prayer at the school's graduation ceremony despite efforts from at least six students to shut it down. One schoolmate has stated that he may consider legal action.

But one of the more famous controversies this season came when valedictorian Roy Costner IV in South Carolina ripped up his graduation speech and prayed the Lord's Prayer. Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly said that America's Christians have a new hero who symbolically got right into the faces of the secularists who want to keep Jesus out of public schools.  Kelly said, "It says something about the country that we live in now that it takes courage for you to recite the Lord's Prayer at a seminal moment in your life."

Any look at early American history shows that the nation itself was born in a prayer meeting. And we all know how prayer is no problem at all, and even encouraged, when any major disaster strikes like the recent tornadoes in Oklahoma. At these moments, even those unfamiliar with any form of prayer seem to try and even covet prayer from those who practice it as a lifestyle. And then of course there is the installation of the nation’s leader in January. It is a national political spectacle that includes prayer and then is followed the next day by an official and massive public prayer meeting in the nation’s capitol. But a simple quoting of the Lord’s prayer at a graduation is unacceptable, distasteful and somehow even dangerous? How utterly silly and beyond hypocritical.

So just what does the Bible suggest concerning prayer as part of the Christian faith? It must be remembered always that prayer cannot be separated from the life of a true child of God. In Philippians 4, we read, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God." Then too, 1 Thessalonians 5 states, "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

We also need to note just two clear biblical examples on the subject. In the Old Testament, Daniel was forbidden to pray publicly or privately to God. He boldly ignored the official ruling and was slated for execution for doing so. Most know the end of the story. The God he served and obeyed miraculously delivered him from certain death and thereby made a huge public statement to the people and anti-prayer rulers of that day.

Then in the New Testament we see the story the apostles in Acts 5. They, too, were in hot water for preaching the name of Jesus in public. The passage gives the details. “And the high priest asked them, saying, 'Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this Man's blood on us!' But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: 'We ought to obey God rather than men.'" Man's law was not to supercede God's no matter what the consequences might bring!

Those who oppose prayer may want to consider some of its obvious benefits. An example would be seen in 1 Timothy chapter 2. "Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence." Prayer tends to support and encourage leaders for good while promoting peace – for all! And if there is a verse to close the issue with it would have to be the one found in James 5:16. "The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much."

Perhaps those who protest prayer at America's graduations, or in any other public forums, should reconsider what the fervent prayer of God's righteous people has done for their nation and thus for they themselves! It has helped provide them a lifestyle that is still the envy of the world. It has given them amazing security and nearly unlimited blessings. And it has even provided the rare freedom to protest the results of the Christian-based prayer that has benefited them more than they may ever know.

Maybe they need to go back to school for a time and use the Bible as their text. Maybe they would even discover the purpose, power, promises and prosperity associated with the act of fervent prayer directed to the God upon which their great nation was founded! What a blessed national graduation that would be!

Bill Breckenridge

“Truth, Justice and The IRS Way” ?

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is a bureau of the Department of the Treasury and is responsible for collecting taxes and the enforcement of the Internal Revenue Code. The first income tax was assessed back in 1862 to raise funds for the American Civil War with a rate of 3%. Today the IRS collects over $2.4 trillion each tax year from around 234 million tax returns.

But just recently, the United States Internal Revenue Service was found to have targeted certain conservative or religious groups who had applied for tax-exempt status based on their names or political beliefs. The ‘flagged’ organizations were required to provide extra documentation which was nearly impossible to comply with and beyond what is required. Some were actually asked what books their members were reading and what they had posted on social networking websites. Some organizations were informed that if they did not provide the information sought, they would not be certified for tax-exempt status.

Incredibly, The Coalition for Life of Iowa was asked to explain how all of their activities, including the prayer meetings held outside of Planned Parenthood, were considered educational as defined under 501(c)(3). They were asked to explain in detail the activities at these prayer meetings and to provide the percentage of time the group spends on prayer as compared with other activities of the organization.

Then too, certain conservative and religious-based organizations have been audited at a far greater percentage because of their political positions. To say these practices are beyond the line and responsibility of the IRS is a gross understatement! For many Americans this has further tarnished the reputation of an aggressive agency that already struggled with major trust issues. Some feel as though they are now living in a communist nation with a secret governmental police force doing whatever they are directed to – right or wrong.

In a nation with so many major problems, one would think that any organizations involved in prayer would be valued and not feared. But in modern-day America it has become those having morals and standards as based on biblical truth who are now feared and limited if at all possible. Everyone has their own set of standards and places where they personally draw the line so to speak.  The problem is that any personal line is just that. It is personal and therefore is limited to flawed views of sinful and imperfect men and women.

There needs to be consistent and correct lines drawn in a society’s sand at the highest level. That standard is God’s alone and the one clearly laid out in His word. Unfortunately, a secularized society no longer desires or accepts that.  But much of the nation has come to the place where Israel of old did back in Judges 17:6. “In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes” That led to cultural chaos then and still does today.

The unwarranted and illegal intrusion of the IRS into to personal beliefs and practices may also remind some Bible students of a time when all hearts and lives will be fully explored. But in that case it will be for the right reasons, with the right authority and by the One who has the only right to do so. Hebrews 4:13 records that reality. “And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.”

For some, the thought of giving God a detailed account of their lives is scary news – far more than being audited by the IRS. But for others, their spiritual audit will be good news with the reason being recorded by the writer John. “And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.” (1 John 2:1-2)

Hopefully, the IRS will experience a good and serious house cleaning. But of far great importance for everyone, taxpayer or not, is a thorough ‘heart cleaning’ through Jesus Christ who is both our spiritual auditor and our eternal Advocate!

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:-9)

Bill Breckenridge

Are We Really Ready?

“Do not boast about tomorrow, For you do not know what a day may bring forth.” (Proverbs 27:1)


These are solid words of wisdom for anyone at anytime. But the sudden disaster in Oklahoma certainly brought this great truth to the surface in the most dramatic manner. The final toll, human and otherwise, is yet to be assessed and won’t be for some time. But one thing is certain. There were those who lost their lives and who never dreamed they would be in eternity when they awakened on that fateful morning.

In the light of that stark reality those who are in Jesus Christ, and therefore spiritually ready to face such an event, should reassess their true efforts to share their saving faith with those who are not. The same loving God who offered His own Son for the salvation of all, is also the judge of all who never turn to Him for redemption and forgiveness.. The writer of Hebrews summed it up quite candidly in chapter ten and verse 31. “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.”

The destiny of those who lost their lives in the storm is now eternally set. But those who survived have been given a sacred second chance. They still have the priceless opportunity to act on God’s free offer of forgiveness and the security found only in Jesus Christ. But more often than not, that requires Christians to be involved in the process. Romans 10:17 states the expected and effective method. “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

Pray for those who are part of God’s family of faith in Oklahoma. Pray for their own spirits to be lifted and comforted by God’s indwelling Holy Spirit. And pray that, in the midst of unimaginable chaos, they can muster the spiritual strength and motivation to boldly share His supernatural peace and miraculous saving power!

“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.” (1 Peter 3:15)

Bill Breckenridge

A Presidential Legacy and Biblical Principles

Last week’s dedication of the George W. Bush Presidential Library in Dallas, Texas was a stirring and perhaps once-in-a-lifetime event. Bush and the current U.S. president, three former presidents along with their wives were all together on one stage.

Politics was set aside as each man spoke about the 43^rd President of the United States. A theme for the occasion seemed to be Bush’s character and convictions.

President Barack Obama summed it up when he stated, “…what President Clinton said is absolutely true. To know the man is to like the man, because he’s comfortable in his own skin. He knows who he is. He doesn’t put on any pretenses. He takes his job seriously but he doesn’t take himself too seriously. He is a good man.”

When George W. Bush spoke, he continued the theme. “But in the end, leaders are defined by the convictions they hold. … As President, I tried to act on these principles everyday. It wasn’t always easy and it certainly wasn’t always popular.”

In an interview with Bush, his former press secretary Dana Perino also touched on character and principles. “You said something [on your last day in office] I thought maybe I could repeat. Coming into the office on the first day wanting to make sure that when you left you could look yourself in the mirror and say I stuck to my principles.” Bush followed up, “I think that’s important in life. And it’s definitely important for the president to have a set of principles that one is willing to defend. …the principles are still an important part of my life.”

Bush told Perino, “That’s important when you are running an organization so that the people who work with you know what you believe in and know those beliefs won’t change.” Perino replied, “It made it easier to be your press secretary.”

Most everyone knows who George W. Bush is and what he stands for. While not all agree with how he governed in the Oval Office, even those who differ with him politically readily acknowledge that he is consistent and his policies reflected his convictions and principles.

The comments and insights about America’s 43^rd president highlight some biblical principles.

What we believe is evident in what we say. Christ said, “For out of the abundance of the heart [a man’s] mouth speaks.” (Luke 6:45b) When there is faith in Jesus Christ and hearts and minds are controlled by the Holy Spirit, what we say reflects what’s inside.

Christ also said, “Let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No, ‘No.’” (Matthew 5:37) If one is known as person of integrity, his word is good enough, and an oath is unnecessary.

When one’s faith in Christ is alive and well, it will also naturally evidence itself in actions, not just words. James wrote, “What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? … I will show you my faith by my works. … For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” (James  2:14, 18b, 26)

All of this doesn’t necessarily come easily; it requires our careful attention. Wise King Solomon wrote, “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.” (Proverbs 4:23) The Hebrew word translated as “keep” means to preserve or guard with faithfulness. “Heart” is the inner man, the mind, will, conscience, or moral character.

Bush claims to know Christ as his personal Savior, and he knows the importance of reading the Bible. Several have reported that he has read it cover to cover and reads a portion daily. That may account for his unwavering commitment to being a man of integrity.

The guide from which our principles and convictions should arise is the Word of God. “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16, 17) God’s Word is a sure foundation for consistent belief and actions.

Bush knew his presidential policies weren’t always popular with his political opponents, but he told Perino that at the end of his presidency he could say, “I didn’t sell my soul.” After leaving the White House, he told a crowd back in Midland, Texas, “Through it all, I stayed true to those convictions. I’m coming home with my head held high….”

Words and actions that stem from biblical principles won’t always be popular either, but that shouldn’t deter believers. When we hold to what we believe and people know what we believe because it is evident in our lives, “...we are confident that we have a good conscience, in all things desiring to live honorably.” (Hebrews 13:19) In the end we can say, “I stayed true to those convictions,” or, as the Apostle Paul put it, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:9)

Gayle Virkler

Terror In The Streets of Boston

It has become another one of those select days that will “live in infamy” as the famous saying goes. And of course that is referring to the recent events at, and just following, the famed Boston Marathon.

 It was also a living, but painful, reminder of the words of the New Testament wisdom book record in James 4:14. “Whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.”

There have been other terrible events that have brought with them a greater death toll. But few things grip the mind, and disturb the soul, as does an intentional act of terror. Perhaps that is because it strips everyone down to their deepest fears of helplessness and proves that none are fully safe - no matter who they are or where they are. It brings the unique fear of being an innocent victim and unsuspecting target for instant evil.

Again, that awful reality saturated the American psyche on April 15th and dredged up memories and fears perhaps not thought about since 9/11. Yes, the shooting of 20 young children in Connecticut last year was too much to even fathom or accept. It was simply unthinkable and beyond any description. But when there is a public display of violence perpetrated against innocent people, and it is caught on camera, it strikes an additional cord of horror.

But with this cruel day now in the rear-view mirror, even while its stunning brutality is still in the headlights, what do we take from such a life-altering and troubling experience? And what are the unique biblical lessons can be learned or confirmed through it all? Here are just a few from a Christian perspective - the one that matters most!

First: there is great evil in the world and everyone is capable of even the most vile of sins. “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9)

Second: we are again reassured of the reality that anything can happen on any given day. “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.” (Proverbs 27:1)

Third: without the inner influence of the life of God, man often turns to a life of godlessness. “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness.” (Romans 1:18)

Fourth: human sin results in eventual judgement and a Christ-less eternity in a literal hell. “It is better for you to enter into life maimed, rather than having two hands, to go to hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched — where their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.” (Mark 9:43-44)

Fifth: the forgiveness of sin, all sin for all men, is available through one source and one only. “For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all.” (1Timothy 2:4-6)

Sixth: the offer of God’s salvation is to be seriously addressed when an opportunity is there. “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” (2 Corinthians 6:2)

Seventh: those who are in God’s family, through faith, have great and real hope now and forever. “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)

Eighth: do not allow the cares of life, or the evil in the world, to rob you of God’s gift of peace. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)

The event in Boston will forever be remembered as one of the nations most unexpected and brutal crimes. It was a supreme example of the depths and results of human depravity. And it has left many Americans in shock, in fear, and having more questions than they do answers. But for those who are also citizens of Heaven, God’s Word provides the many vital answers. It reveals why such things are done, how to avoid doing them, and most importantly, what to do to prepare for them and be forgiven of them!

  

“Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, And whose sins are covered;  Blessed is the man to whom the LORD shall not impute sin.” (Romans 4:7-8)


Click here to listen to “The Word and The World” broadcast on the Boston Marathon Attack.

Bill Breckenridge