I have heard since I was a very young child that despite our warts and weaknesses, America is still the best country on Earth. Usually I hear this in reference to somebody having heard a complaint about our political system, or our court system, or another system that has had a recent failure or shortcoming. I would like to ask the question, are we still the greatest nation on Earth, and if so, in what? What does it mean to be the greatest nation on Earth?
So, I set out to look up some global statistics to see if, and if so where, America is still the greatest nation on the big blue ball.
In many of the statistical areas, America was first just a few years ago, however it seems we are in a slow slide and even highly motivated to continue the downward trend. Figures for skills in math, reading and science in 2009 show the US in 33rd in reading, 27th in math, and 22nd in science on standardized testing. Countries that are highest is math, science and engineering are known to be the most innovative, a label we are quickly losing as colleges are closing down programs in these areas due to a lack of interest while they pack in philosophy and communications programs (which almost guarantee a job at McDonald's right out of college).
Here are a few more global rankings:
Freedom of the Press - Tied for 9th
Global Peace Index - 96th (just behind Yemen and just ahead of Iran)
Likelihood of a Terrorist Attack - 4th
Soundness of Banks - 108th
Beer Consumption - 2nd
Competitiveness - 1st
Tax Burden - 21st
Quality of Infrastructure - 23rd
Deaths in Youth (10-24 years of age) - 1st
Life Expectancy - 24th
Obesity - 18th
Preventable Deaths (amenable to health care) - 14th
Murder Rates (lower numbers are better) - 78th
Prison Population - 1st (738 per 100,000)
Gun Ownership - 1st (39%)
GDP - 1st (expected to be 3rd by 2020)
Privacy Index - Tied for 13th with Thailand
When we consider there are approximately 196 countries in the world (the experts can't agree on this number), we are doing OK in some areas, however considering the above rankings we certainly are not #1 in many areas. Over the last few years global position in economic factors has taken a large dip. Prior to 2008-9 most of the countries of the world pinned their currency to the US dollar, however this is no longer true as the US dollar is no longer considered by many to be safe. There are many other areas we could cite as well.
So what does it mean to be the "best nation on Earth?" Do these world rank numbers indicate we are not the best, or are we still the best, only in areas that are more difficult to define? Is it possible we are sliding and continue to slide while we pat ourselves on the back and tell ourselves we are the best, further blinding ourselves to the need to work harder to be the best?
Is it true or has it become an excuse to do nothing as we slide into mediocrity?
(rankings taken from http://www.photius.com/rankings/)
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Thursday, November 8, 2012
The Accuser is Alive and Well
Of all the names the Bible gives Satan, none is more telling than the one in Revelation 12:10:
"I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night."
One of this enemies greatest tools is his ability to accuse us to each other in such a convincing way that we often do not question where the accusation is coming from, and more often just believe it as founded on some logic our mind wraps around it. There are some timeless rules that apply and help us to hear him when he speaks:
1. If it is an accusation, it is from the devil, no matter what it is about. God does not ever accuse us to one another, nor does He speak to us about each other in a way that rouses suspicion or violates His Word in any way. If the voice says pray for or love somebody, it may be the voice of God. If the voice says "look at how that person is dressed," or "Did you hear what she said about my president," it is not from God.
2. You cannot know another person's thoughts or motives, no matter how much you think you can. Whenever you get a thought that includes a person's thoughts or motives, you can be sure it is not from God. Only God knows the thoughts and intents of the heart. We cannot know others', however our own can be revealed by spending time in God's Word.
3. If you fall in love with God and His Word, you will never be offended. Psalm 119:165 says, "Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them." If you have a problem being offended by what others say or how they act, it is most likely the problem is not with them. We do not have the opportunity to change how others act, we do, however, have the opportunity to change how we react to the stimulus.
4. Love is the antidote (Matthew 24) . If you love people you will not be offended by them (see I Corinthians 13).
5. Try every spirit whether it is of God. We should cultivate a sensitivity to the spiritual in our lives through prayer, fasting, reading the Bible, and walking with God daily. The Bible tells us it is possible to exercise our senses to the point that we are sensitive to both good and evil (Hebrews 5:14).
The accuser is working full steam in our day. I can say not a day goes by without some strange thought passing through my mind about one of my brothers or sisters. Among the many prophesies Jesus left us concerning the time just prior to His second coming, he said:
"And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold ( Matthew 24:10 &12)"
One of the hallmarks of the end of days is that people will be easily offended. Sound familiar? We are taught in our public schools that it is not only OK, but that it is your right to be offended. Nothing could be further from the truth. Let us remember that we are not fighting a battle against flesh (other people) but against spiritual wickedness in high places, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, and let us make sure we are prepared for the battle that we face daily.
Put on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:11-18)!
"I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night."
One of this enemies greatest tools is his ability to accuse us to each other in such a convincing way that we often do not question where the accusation is coming from, and more often just believe it as founded on some logic our mind wraps around it. There are some timeless rules that apply and help us to hear him when he speaks:
1. If it is an accusation, it is from the devil, no matter what it is about. God does not ever accuse us to one another, nor does He speak to us about each other in a way that rouses suspicion or violates His Word in any way. If the voice says pray for or love somebody, it may be the voice of God. If the voice says "look at how that person is dressed," or "Did you hear what she said about my president," it is not from God.
2. You cannot know another person's thoughts or motives, no matter how much you think you can. Whenever you get a thought that includes a person's thoughts or motives, you can be sure it is not from God. Only God knows the thoughts and intents of the heart. We cannot know others', however our own can be revealed by spending time in God's Word.
3. If you fall in love with God and His Word, you will never be offended. Psalm 119:165 says, "Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them." If you have a problem being offended by what others say or how they act, it is most likely the problem is not with them. We do not have the opportunity to change how others act, we do, however, have the opportunity to change how we react to the stimulus.
4. Love is the antidote (Matthew 24) . If you love people you will not be offended by them (see I Corinthians 13).
5. Try every spirit whether it is of God. We should cultivate a sensitivity to the spiritual in our lives through prayer, fasting, reading the Bible, and walking with God daily. The Bible tells us it is possible to exercise our senses to the point that we are sensitive to both good and evil (Hebrews 5:14).
The accuser is working full steam in our day. I can say not a day goes by without some strange thought passing through my mind about one of my brothers or sisters. Among the many prophesies Jesus left us concerning the time just prior to His second coming, he said:
"And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold ( Matthew 24:10 &12)"
One of the hallmarks of the end of days is that people will be easily offended. Sound familiar? We are taught in our public schools that it is not only OK, but that it is your right to be offended. Nothing could be further from the truth. Let us remember that we are not fighting a battle against flesh (other people) but against spiritual wickedness in high places, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, and let us make sure we are prepared for the battle that we face daily.
Put on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:11-18)!
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
So Obama has 4 more years, now what?
One of the greatest freedoms we have been given as Americans is the freedom to vote for the President of the United States. Only a little over half of the registered voters in the US actually take this freedom seriously. It is estimated that only 60% voted in the 2012 presidential election. If this figure is accurate, then it was 30% of the registered voters of America that chose Mr. Obama to take the reigns of our government for the next four years. This is not the only way Americans show their apathy toward the freedoms we all enjoy, but it is certainly a significant one.
As I was pondering these numbers, I began to consider if we as Christians do the same with the Word of Life we have been given by the supreme ruler of the universe.
Revelation 4:11
Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
God has created everything, including you and I, for His purposes, for His pleasure. What does He ask of us? To give Him our broken lives, our ashes, and in return He will give us beauty; to give our mourning and in return to receive joy unspeakable; to give Him our spirit of heaviness and receive of Him in return a garment of praise; to show forth His praises who has called us out of darkness and into his marvelous light; to continue the ministry that He began, to seek and to save the lost, the hurting, the broken; to love God with all our hearts, and to love our neighbors as we do ourselves; to serve our generation, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord; to work while it is dark, for the night is coming when no man shall work. It may seem overwhelming until we consider that even the sufferings of this present life are not worthy to be compared to the glory that will one day be revealed in those who serve Him!
Daniel 4:35
... and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?
Daniel 2:21
And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:
Daniel 4:17
This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.
God is a sovereign God, and He does things for His own purpose. We often question the things He allows, or does, or His purpose for doing so, but in the end His ways are higher than ours and His thought are far beyond our understanding, and we are better all around to allow God to be God. We are never asked to understand His ways!
I Timothy 2:1-4
I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
As Americans we have the freedom not only to vote, but also to think and speak the way we want, and we often exercise that right no matter who is offended. I wonder if this is how God would have us to act. Paul wrote to Timothy , on the heels of chapter one, to "First of all" pray for all those who are in authority. Why? That we might live a quiet and peaceable life. The witnesses written about in Hebrews chapter 11 certainly did not have the type of rule we desire to have. Have we as Christians adopted a love of ease and replaced the good fight of faith? Are we spiritually prepared for what may lay ahead? As Christians how should we act? How much time do we spend complaining vs. how much time we spend on our knees asking God to direct the affairs of our leaders? Do we truly believe God is on charge here or do we believe our leaders are in charge? The Bible does not speak favorably of those who despise government (2 Peter 2:10).
As Americans we should vote, and even do our best to persuade others to vote with us, as long as it is done honestly and in a respectful manner. As Christians we should believe and trust God is in charge, and we should do the things He has asked of us, no matter how pleased or displeased we may be. If we believe God is in charge, how about we act like He is in charge?
Let us love God with all our hearts, love and provoke one another to good works, and let us pray for our leaders that we may live in peace.
As I was pondering these numbers, I began to consider if we as Christians do the same with the Word of Life we have been given by the supreme ruler of the universe.
Revelation 4:11
Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
God has created everything, including you and I, for His purposes, for His pleasure. What does He ask of us? To give Him our broken lives, our ashes, and in return He will give us beauty; to give our mourning and in return to receive joy unspeakable; to give Him our spirit of heaviness and receive of Him in return a garment of praise; to show forth His praises who has called us out of darkness and into his marvelous light; to continue the ministry that He began, to seek and to save the lost, the hurting, the broken; to love God with all our hearts, and to love our neighbors as we do ourselves; to serve our generation, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord; to work while it is dark, for the night is coming when no man shall work. It may seem overwhelming until we consider that even the sufferings of this present life are not worthy to be compared to the glory that will one day be revealed in those who serve Him!
Daniel 4:35
... and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?
Daniel 2:21
And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:
Daniel 4:17
This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.
God is a sovereign God, and He does things for His own purpose. We often question the things He allows, or does, or His purpose for doing so, but in the end His ways are higher than ours and His thought are far beyond our understanding, and we are better all around to allow God to be God. We are never asked to understand His ways!
I Timothy 2:1-4
I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
As Americans we have the freedom not only to vote, but also to think and speak the way we want, and we often exercise that right no matter who is offended. I wonder if this is how God would have us to act. Paul wrote to Timothy , on the heels of chapter one, to "First of all" pray for all those who are in authority. Why? That we might live a quiet and peaceable life. The witnesses written about in Hebrews chapter 11 certainly did not have the type of rule we desire to have. Have we as Christians adopted a love of ease and replaced the good fight of faith? Are we spiritually prepared for what may lay ahead? As Christians how should we act? How much time do we spend complaining vs. how much time we spend on our knees asking God to direct the affairs of our leaders? Do we truly believe God is on charge here or do we believe our leaders are in charge? The Bible does not speak favorably of those who despise government (2 Peter 2:10).
As Americans we should vote, and even do our best to persuade others to vote with us, as long as it is done honestly and in a respectful manner. As Christians we should believe and trust God is in charge, and we should do the things He has asked of us, no matter how pleased or displeased we may be. If we believe God is in charge, how about we act like He is in charge?
Let us love God with all our hearts, love and provoke one another to good works, and let us pray for our leaders that we may live in peace.
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