Category Insights on Scripture

Deal or No Deal

Allen Frederick Leave a comment

 

Random Ramblings from the Resident Raptor

Insight from the Journey across the Sky


Make sure that no one commits sexual sin or is as concerned about earthly things as Esau was. He sold his rights as the firstborn son for a single meal. You know that afterwards, when he wanted to receive the blessing that the firstborn son was to receive, he was rejected. Even though he begged and cried for the blessing, he couldn’t do anything to change what had happened. Heb 12:16-17 (GW)

Hosted by Howie Mandel, “Deal or No Deal” is an exhilarating hit game show, where contestants play and deal for a top prize of $1 million in a high-energy contest of nerves, instincts and raw intuition.

Each night, the game of odds and chance unfolds when a contestant is confronted with 26 sealed briefcases full of varying amounts of cash – ranging from a measly penny to $1 million. Without knowing the amount in each briefcase, the contestant picks one – his to keep, if he chooses – until its unsealing at game’s end.

The risk element kicks in when the player must then instinctively eliminate the remaining 25 cases – which are opened and the amount of cash inside revealed. The pressure mounts as in each round, after a pre-determined number of cases are opened, the participant is tempted by a mysterious entity known only as “the Banker” to accept an offer of cash in exchange for what might be contained in the contestant’s chosen briefcase – prompting Mandel to ask the all-important question – Deal or No Deal?

As each case is opened, the likelihood of the player having a valuable cash amount in his or her own case decreases or increases. Viewers will see if, truly, fortune favors the bold. The contestant knows that as long as the larger cash prizes haven’t been opened, the Banker’s deals will only get higher. And if the conflicted contestant accidentally opens a case with a bigger cash value – the Banker’s offer could suddenly evaporate.

The banker sits behind a dark glass and all you can see is his outline as he dials up the hot line to Howie to offer what he hopes will be an offer you can not refuse. The banker is made out to be sinister and his intentions are to trap you into giving up a million dollars for a measly couple hundred thousand.

The show gets great ratings probably because we all like to think that we can strike it rich and love rooting for the ”little guy”. A game show, although entertaining, is not life or death. Even if you loose a million you still gained in the television exposure and perhaps you come away with a few thousand dollars for your appearance.

Real life however is not like a game show; there are real consequences for bad choices. In our biblical example Esau found out, the hard way, life’s consequences when he gambled with his birthright and lost.

Once, Jacob was preparing a meal when Esau, exhausted, came in from outdoors. Â So Esau said to Jacob, “Let me have the whole pot of red stuff to eat—that red stuff—I’m exhausted.” This is why he was called Edom. Jacob responded, “First, sell me your rights as firstborn.” Â “I’m about to die.” Esau said. “What good is my inheritance to me?” Â “First, swear an oath,” Jacob said. So Esau swore an oath to him and sold him his rights as firstborn. Â Then Jacob gave Esau a meal of bread and lentils. He ate and drank, and then he got up and left.Gen 25:29-34 (GW)


Jacob in this story could be likened to the Banker on Deal or No Deal, for he held the upper hand. He saw the desperation in Esau and used that against him in order to get him to sell him his birthright. Esau was in deep despair thinking that he was going to die from hunger and therefore willingly sold Jacob his birthright. Later after he came to himself he realized what he had done and could not undo the deal.

Once you sell your briefcase on Deal or No Deal you have to take the offer. Then and only then do the producers show you what you gave up in the briefcase you were holding for yourself. Many times the amount you sold the briefcase for is more than what was in the case but there are more times when the amount in the case far exceeds what you were able to sell it for.

A pot of stew is what Esau sold his birthright for. We see another example of the Banker banking on the weakness of an individual in hopes of buying him cheap.

Then the Spirit led Jesus into the desert to be tempted by the devil. Jesus did not eat anything for 40 days and 40 nights. At the end of that time, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread.” Jesus answered, “Scripture says, ‘A person cannot live on bread alone but on every word that God speaks.’” Then the devil took him into the holy city and had him stand on the highest part of the temple. He said to Jesus, “If you are the Son of God, jump! Scripture says, ‘He will put his angels in charge of you. They will carry you in their hands so that you never hit your foot against a rock.’” Jesus said to him, “Again, Scripture says, ‘Never tempt the Lord your God.’” Once more the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms in the world and their glory. The devil said to him, “I will give you all this if you will bow down and worship me.” Jesus said to him, “Go away, Satan! Scripture says, ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve only him.’” Then the devil left him, and angels came to take care of him. Matt 4:1-11 (GW)


In order for Jesus to identify with our temptation, he too was tempted, just like Esau. For 40 days Jesus did not eat anything and at the end of that time he was hungry. Esau came home famished and hungry and wanted a pot of stew. Jesus was offered bread if he would only sell out to the Banker. Unlike Esau, Jesus refused to sell.

Later the Banker took Jesus to a very high place on the temple and appealed to his sense of invulnerability, but Jesus again said no deal.

Finally the Banker tempted Jesus with fame and fortune if he would just sell him his birthright but Jesus still refused.

Temptation comes to all of us in much the same way. The Banker attempts to lure us into a deal that is damaging to our souls by promising a chance at something bigger. Esau could not see the value of his birthright until it was gone. On Deal or No Deal you can not see the value of your briefcase until it is gone. In real life, we oftentimes fail to see the value of our life until we are about to loose it.

Satan (the Banker) loves playing a game of DEAL or No Deal. We should not be surprised that we are engaged in this swap-meet, because Jesus was tempted to sell out by the very same game show host. Although on the game show ‘Deal or No Deal’ you may walk out without any money. In real life you may loose your whole soul by selling out to Banker.

How much are you willing to sell out for? If you are hoping for a big payday then I suggest you hold out until Jesus comes back to bring you your reward. Selling out to this world has eternal consequences. You have more to loose than a few dollars. Deal or no Deal, what is your answer?


What profit has a man if he gets all the world with the loss of his life? And what would a man give in exchange for his life? Mark 8:36-37 (BBE)


But those who are waiting for the Lord will have new strength; they will get wings like eagles: running, they will not be tired, and walking, they will have no weariness. Isaiah 40:31 (BBE)

 

 

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Behind the Briefcase: The Unauthorized Guide to Deal or No Deal

Living in the Land of Denial

Allen Frederick 1 Comment

 

Random Ramblings from the Resident Raptor

Insight from the Journey across the Sky

People are anxious to improve their circumstances, but are unwilling to improve themselves. They therefore remain bound. James Allen

“We simply assume that the way we see things is the way they really are or the way they should be. And our attitudes and behaviors grow out of these [often false] assumptions.” — Stephen Covey

 

 

You say, ‘I’m rich. I’m wealthy. I don’t need anything.’ Yet, you do not realize that you are miserable, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked. Rev 3:17 (GW)


Russian icon of the Last Judgment (16th century).
Image via Wikipedia

Many people live their lives in a state of denial. An altered state of reality you could say. A place where, in their opinion, everything is as it should be, but those around them hold to a different viewpoint. Those who insist that all is well yet do not realize their life is in need of a drastic make-over.

 

We live in an age of enablers who continually prop up and reinforce bad behavior by not insisting upon a change in that bad behavior. The government bail out is an excellent example of enabling bad behavior. If we are never left to FAIL we will never learn to succeed. If we continually think all is well, we will never seek to change. If our bad actions do no have equally bad consequences then there really is no incentive to alter our behaviors.

There are certain behaviors that are harmful to ourselves and others and should not be encouraged let alone propped up and supported so that it continues.

Many live lives of quiet desperation, never knowing the peace and joy they could have if they only surrendered their misguided attempts of leading their life to someone who is capable of leading them into paths of right living, peace and contentment. They tell themselves that all is well.

All of us will have to give an account of ourselves to God. Romans 14:12 (GW)

Judgment day is coming. A time is soon at hand where we all must face the judge and give an account of our manner of living. It is soon time to pay the piper, to face the music, to reap what we have sown. Are you absolutely certain all is well with your life?

But those who are waiting for the Lord will have new strength; they will get wings like eagles: running, they will not be tired, and walking, they will have no weariness. Isaiah 40:31 (BBE)

 

 

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Bankruptcies at all-time High

Allen Frederick 2 Comments

Random ramblings from the resident raptor.

Insight for your “Journey across the Sky”

A View from the Nest www.eagleviews.org


BANKRUPTCIES AT ALL-TIME HIGH

Empire of Debt: The Rise of an Epic Financial Crisis

This topic of bankruptcy caught my eagle eye and I thought I would respond. Many financial talking heads like Larry Burkett and others speak about the Christian’s obligation to repay debts even if they file bankruptcy and that really got me to thinking. When GOD established Israel He instituted laws to regulate the society based on HIS way of doing things. Let’s take a look at what God had to say about this subject of borrowing and exacting usury.

Exodus 22:25 through Exodus 22:28 (NIV)

“If you lend money to one of my people among you who is needy, do not be like a moneylender; charge him no interest. If you take your neighbor’s cloak as a pledge, return it to him by sunset, because his cloak is the only covering he has for his body. What else will he sleep in? When he cries out to me, I will hear, for I am compassionate.

Again we read:

Leviticus 25:35 through Leviticus 25:37 (NIV)

“‘If one of your countrymen becomes poor and is unable to support himself among you, help him as you would an alien or a temporary resident, so he can continue to live among you. Do not take interest of any kind from him, but fear your God, so that your countryman may continue to live among you. You must not lend him money at interest or sell him food at a profit.

Deuteronomy 23:19 through Deuteronomy 23:20 (NIV)

Do not charge your brother interest, whether on money or food or anything else that may earn interest. You may charge a foreigner interest, but not a brother Israelite, so that the LORD your God may bless you in everything you put your hand to in the land you are entering to possess.

And then there is:

Proverbs 28:8 (NIV) \

He who increases his wealth by exorbitant interest amasses it for another, who will be kind to the poor.

Now then we see that IF WE Christians were living like we were supposed to be living we would not be in the position of being in debt to THOSE WHO EXACT USURY. We are commanded to take care of our brothers and sisters and to lend without interest so that our brothers and sisters can remain amongst us. I am not going to expound too much on that. I think that is pretty self explanatory. NOW then if someone is in debt what did God say to do about it?

The Year of Jubilee was when all debts were to be forgiven and property being held returned to the original owner. Now then it seems like God had a great way of dealing with borrowing and debt relief. HOWEVER in our modern world we seem to have for-gotten God’s ways and replaced them with a system that exacts usury on its citizenry WITHOUT a method of redemption. I feel that bankruptcy is the closest thing to THE YEAR of Jubilee we have going for us and if a person gets into the bondage of HEAVY DEBT and is being TAXED with HEAVY usury then it is only fitting that there is a way of escape.

It would seem the financial talking heads today are missing this very important portion of GOD’S economy. Take care of our OWN and help our brothers and sisters out without taking advantage of them with excess interest. And if they do happen to get into a mess then in the year of Jubilee which came around once every 50 years then all those debts are supposed to be forgiven.

Interesting, many Christians pray THE Lord’s Prayer which addresses FORGIVING OUR DEBTS as we forgive those who are indebted to us. But then we turn around and exact excessive interest on our brothers and sisters and place them in bondage. THIS ought not to be.

It really is no wonder that America finds itself in a real financial mess. We have been violating the laws of God for quite a long while and it has only led us into financial bondage and an unbridled lust for more. We have been living beyond our means for quite some time and I guess to quote the Reverend Jeremiah Wright “America’s chickens have come home to roost”. Or in other words we have sown the wind and have reaped the whirlwind. (Hosea 8:7)
We can not continue to spend beyond our abilities to repay without ending up in some sort of slavery. Without a remedy of forgiveness those who are thusly enslaved will remain that way until they have paid their debt in full.

A person without good sense closes a deal with a handshake. He guarantees a loan in the presence of his friend. Prov 17:18 (GW)

From the sounds of things Christians should not have a problem with debt if we were living according to the scriptures. What say you?

But those who are waiting for the Lord will have new strength; they will get wings like eagles: running, they will not be tired, and walking, they will have no weariness. Isaiah 40:31 (BBE)
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With Hearts and Hands and Voices

Allen Frederick 1 Comment

image001Insight for your “Journey across the Sky”

A View from the Nest www.eagleviews.org

A Random rambling from the resident raptor.

Now thank we all our God

With hearts and hands and voices,

Who wondrous things hath done,

In whom the world rejoices;

Who from our mother’s arms

Hath blessed us on our way

With countless gifts of love,

And still is ours today.

From “Now Thank We All Our God” by Martin Rinkhart (1586-1649)

Although Martin Rinkhart witnessed first hand severe suffering and death during the “Thirty Year War” yet he was able to find a place in his heart to praise and thank God. It is real easy to give praise and thanks to God when things are going well, but it really takes hard to go the extra mile and reach out in praise to God even though surrounded by such dire circumstances. It truly takes heart.

Brotherly Love Powers Lawn Mower Trek

image002Alvin Straight couldn’t be stopped once he came on an idea.

“Whenever he set his mind to doing something, he was about like a train on a track,” said Straight’s son, William, the middle of seven children.

Much has been written about the 73-year-old man who rode a 1966 John Deere mower 240 miles to see Hank, his older brother, four years ago. But questions remain as to who the man really was behind the white beard, thick glasses and cowboy hat.

“He was a real straight forward person, real good at setting goals,” William said.

Asked to illustrate what he meant with a story about his father, William added, “It’s kind of hard to condense a person into one story.”

There was much more to Straight, now known as the “lawn-mower man,” than his road trip.

“If I was to have Dad sit down and write a resume, it would be a long one,” including these titles: bounty hunter, farmer, rancher, carpenter and coal miner, William said. “Dad never let grass grow under his feet.”

Straight raised his seven children with high moral standards, William said. So even though they moved around a lot, to Oregon at one point, William and his siblings always knew what was what at home.

As with many families, not everyone got along all the time. This was probably a part of Alvin Straight’s motivation to ride his mower to his brother’s house. When Hank had a stroke, Alvin knew his time, too would eventually run out. So as quick as he could, Alvin went to his brother to mend some previous hurts. Source: Waterloo- Cedar Falls Courier Pulse October 15, 1998 Susan Bosch

On good days he averaged about five miles an hour along U.S. 18. But about four days into the trip, the engine failed on his mower in West Bend, 21 miles from where he had started in Laurens, Iowa.

Mr. Straight spent $250 replacing points, the condenser, plugs, the generator and the starter.

He made it to Charles City, 90 miles from West Bend, when he ran out of money in mid-July, and had to camp out until his next Social Security check arrived.

By Aug. 15, he had made it to within two miles of his brother’s house near Blue River, but then his mower broke down again. A farmer helped him push it the rest of the way . Source: New York Times Aug 25, 1994

Alvin was a man on a mission. He had a purpose and nothing was going to deter him from making his journey to be with his brother. No cost was prohibited, no obstacle was too large, nothing short of his own death was going to stop him from reaching his brother in need. Alvin had heart. He had passion.

An inscription found on the General Post Office in New York City reads:

image003

Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these

couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.

Inscribed in the words of scripture we find:

image004

Everyone has passion. Some for wealth and security, some for social status and prestige, some have a passion for a sport, or artistic expression. Like Alvin they give all they have to pursue that passion. They are willing to invest the time and energy to reach their goal.

As a church we need to be consumed with the passion of God like a dear panting for water. Where are we spending our resources? What are we passionate about?

God as Psalm 42:1 states? A passion for the lost? John 4:34 & 35 A passion for the world? Matthew 28:19

Does our worship of God cost us all or cost us nothing at all?

For where our heart is there will be our treasure.

Then the king (David) said to Araunah, “No, but I will surely buy it from you for a price; nor will I offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God with that which costs me nothing.” So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver. And David built there an altar to the Lord, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. So the Lord heeded the prayers for the land, and the plague was withdrawn from Israel.2 Sam 24:24-25 (NKJV)

David had a heart after God and he refused to offer a sacrifice that cost him nothing.

David, had been trained in ritual worship. From his earliest years he had never worshiped with that which cost him nothing. He had brought his offering, and he had paid for it, and he had denied himself something so that he might pay for it. The God whom he had found when he was shepherding was not a God to be worshiped on the cheap.

And then there came his fall, and the terrible havoc of his kingly character, and David found that all the blood of goats could not make him a true worshiper again.

“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart.” Psalm 51:17

Let him give his kingdom for an offering, and he would not be an acceptable worshiper. He must give himself, he must deny his lusts; he must lay aside his pride and be penitent, or all his worship would be mockery, and the sanctuary a barren place for him. He knew from the first that worship meant denial. It was his thought of denial that was deepened. He found there was no blessing in the sanctuary unless his heart was penitent and humble. And that was a mighty truth for him to grasp, and it has enriched the worship of the ages, and has passed into the newer covenant, and into all the gatherings of its saints. –A Treasury of Great Preaching

Worship has got to be more than a nice hour on Sunday morning. Worship has got to mean more than pretty music and a stirring message. True worship of God has to cost us something. There has to be an investment on our part to make it meaningful and life changing. If we come with empty hands we shall leave with empty hearts. But if we bring all we have to the altar of God and lay it all down than God can fill us with His fullness.

Worship requires giving of ourselves. Worship requires self-denial. Worship requires heart.

Unlike Alvin we can not get to God on a John Deere but like a deer we can pant for God and find Him in worship. If we worship Him with our whole heart.

But those who are waiting for the Lord will have new strength; they will get wings like eagles: running, they will not be tired, and walking, they will have no weariness. Isaiah 40:31 (BBE)

What Time is It?

Allen Frederick Leave a comment

 

Insight for your “Journey across the Sky”

A View from the Nest www.eagleviews.org

dial1c

1 Everything has its own time, and there is a specific time for every activity under heaven:

2 a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to pull out what was planted,

3 a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build up,

4 a time to cry and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance,

5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to hug and a time to stop hugging,

6 a time to start looking and a time to stop looking, a time to keep and a time to throw away,

7 a time to tear apart and a time to sew together, a time to keep quiet and a time to speak out,

8 a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace. — Ecc 3:1-8 GW

Disney’s High School Musical franchise keeps on going and going with the third installment recently released to theaters across the country. How many tweens and teens have learned and loved the song “What Time Is It” from the second musical installment. Dance DVD’s, sing-a-long CD’s, and various other marketing items flood the shelves across the nation as HSM aficionados spend money to get paraphernalia from the musical. So what time is it really? Is it a time to dance and rejoice? Is it a time to weep and mourn? Is it a time to pack up and move, or a time to dig in and wait? Is it a time to make a change or a time to stay planted? Is it a time to plan big things or just be still? Is it a time to speak out or remain quiet? What time is it really?

 

I love music, I enjoy everything about music, I enjoy singing, playing, writing, directing, arranging, performing and listening to music. One might say that music is a big part of my life. I do not dance but I have been known to get a little ’soulful’ when singing. I was involved in my own high school musical back in the day and enjoyed the whole experience. The spring all-school musical was the one big event many would strive to gain a part in, and to land a leading role was much envied and hard sought after. I on the other hand just enjoyed being a part, although I was able to land a major part in the production.

In my case I did not have to actually try out for the musical because I was chosen for a part. Our school chose to do Meredith Wilson’s ’ The Music Man’ there was a need for a male quartet. Our choral director chose 4 guys who he thought could handle the part of the male quartet and there we were, rehearsing our parts long before the actual auditions started for the rest of the cast and crew.

Being chosen was a special feeling and certainly took a great deal of angst out of the whole audition process. I am not really sure why the teacher chose to include me in the role of the high tenor in the quartet but it certainly was an experience I shall never forget, and one I enjoyed immensely. As a result of that experience I have been a long time listener and aficionado of Southern Gospel Quartet music. That solid 4-part harmony still stirs my soul. Thank you Edward O’Neil, my high school choral director.

In the musical experience known as ’High School Musical 2’ they sang about What Time Is It?. It was the end of the school year and they were ready to depart for summer vacation and time to sing and dance and party for the long school year had come to a close. What time is it? Summertime, it’s our vacation. What time is it? Party time, that’s right, say it loud! What time is it? The time of our lives, anticipation. What time is it? Summertime, schools out, scream and shout. How simple life was back then. Our days were scheduled, our weeks we pre-planned, we lived by other people’s rules and policies, our every need supplied, there really wasn’t much to concern us except perhaps an upcoming quiz.

Days were broken down into periods, and each period was punctuated by the ring of the school bell. And then finally senior year rolls around and it’s time for High School Musical 3: Senior Year . It is time to graduate and plan for a future career or further education. Time to choose which university to attend or whether to move to New York and pursue an acting career or attempt to be a Wall Street whiz kid. Hopes are high, dreams are fresh and vivid, the sky is the limit, futures are bright. But it means leaving behind the past as we embrace the future. What does the future hold? Will we be able to meet the challenges it holds or be crushed from the concerns of each day?

What time is it? If someone were to write a musical to depict your life now, what would it be about? Would it be a comedy of errors? Would it be a tragedy? Would it be filled with endless drama? Would the story line be filled with one sordid affair after another? Would we find a main character wrecked by substance abuse or just abuse in general? Would it be more of a romance novel?

What would the story line be about? Would it be an action adventure movie, or perhaps a moving, emotion filled, tear jerker? Would your life’s story be one of heroic conquest or by contrast, one that reflects a simple, quiet life?

No two people’s life stories are the same. Each of us have our own crosses to bear. Each of us have our own chapters to write. Some have led rather uneventful lives and others have had one dramatic experience after another. And yet, can anyone really tell us what time it is? Does anyone know exactly when school is going to be out? Does anyone know when that final bell will ring? Is anyone prepared for final exams?

What time is it? Can we tell from world events if it is soon time for Christ to return and end our time here on earth? What are we supposed to be preparing for? What tests should we be studying for? What should be our goals at this time of our lives? ’Does anybody really know what time it is? Does anybody really care? If so I can’t image why, we’ve all got time enough to die’. So goes the Chicago song written by Robert Lamm.

Your life may not be a musical but it surely is a play acted out on life’s stage. “Out, out, brief candle! Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player that struts and frets his hour upon the stage and then is heard no more: it is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.” Macbeth Quote (Act V, Scene V). How tragic that sounds. How dark and dreary a life led without purpose can become. If this is all there is to live for, then perhaps our musical would be more of a funeral dirge.

What time is it? It is time to be about the Father’s business. It is time to be planting and sowing in His kingdom. It is time to be preparing to meet God. It is a time of drawing near to God. As the world turns sour and darkness increases on the face of the earth, there is coming a time when to worship God, could cost us our lives.

So before the final bell rings and we are required to leave this school yard and graduate into eternity, let us use the time remaining to store up heavenly treasures and build a life worthy to be included in the final end credits. When the final chapter is written will our names be found recorded in the Lamb’s “Book of Life“. Let us learn to sing th The Songs of Zion and then we too can sing with the heavenly choir.

img14

To-morrow, and to-morrow, and to-morrow,

 

Creeps in this petty pace from day to day,

 

To the last syllable of recorded time;

 

And all our yesterdays have lighted fools

 

The way to dusty death.

But those who call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved from this penalty of sin called death. Whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:15 (NKJV)

What time is it? It is time to call upon the name of the Lord. It is time to secure your part in the heavenly musical. It is time to take your place with the “Saints of Old” so you too can be counted among the cast of the saints of God and your name added to the heavenly roll call. The curtain is opened, the casting call has gone out into all the world. It is time to join up or be left behind. The choice is yours.

But those who are waiting for the Lord will have new strength; they will get wings like eagles: running, they will not be tired, and walking, they will have no weariness. Isaiah 40:31 (BBE)

 

 

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