<?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />AMERICA: GREATER EXPECTATIONS<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />
By Jan Markell
www.olivetreeviews.org
 
 
We are in historic and perilous times.  There are trends in America that are troubling. We have been God's favored nation in spite of ourselves.  The Bible states that "of whom much is given, much is required" (Luke 12:48) and that tells me God has a higher standard for America. Therefore, God has to be grieved and, yes, angry over some recent issues in this great nation.
 

• Last week on the Washington Mall, loudspeakers spewed Tibetan chanting as the Dalai Lama was about to receive America's highest civilian honor-the Congressional Gold Medal. Why? I guess because he is a "warrior for peace."  Signs said "There can be no peace without first obtaining inner peace."  I'm sorry, only Jesus offers that, my Buddhist friends. But to our highest leaders including our president, the Dalai Lama was "a great spiritual leader" who was addressed as "his holiness."

• In California, "Mom and Dad" and "husband and wife" have been banned from California schools under a bill signed by Gov. Schwarzenegger. We must be gender-neutral. Additionally, in public schools girls and boys can use each other's restrooms. With a stroke of his pen, the Governor told parents that their values do not matter.

• This year the Empire State Building was lit green to honor Ramadan.  Authorities said this would become an annual event in the same tradition of the yearly Christmas lightings (which are banned in many places.) 

• Currently, there is talk of pressuring Israel to divide Jerusalem. At the recent State Department observation of Ramadan, Condoleeza Rice told Muslim attendees, "Palestinians have waited long enough for the dignity that will come with their own state." The highest leaders in our land still do not comprehend that Palestinian leadership and many of their followers do not WANT a state side-by-side with Israel. They just want the entire land with Israel in the sea. Yet America negotiates away the borders of God's land oblivious of the warnings given in Joel 3. The Palestinians will only get "dignity" when their leaders allow them to. Don't hold your breath.

• Our president must set an example. It does not help when he stated two weeks ago, "I believe in an Almighty God, and I believe that all the world, whether they be Muslim, Christian, or any other religion, prays to the same God."  What does this say to our youth or to the other nations around the world? It denies that we are a nation run by Judeo-Christian principles and that "many gods" are just fine for America.

• The media did not give much coverage to the homosexual debauchery in San Francisco two weeks ago.  How could they? The degradation was so abhorrent due to the antics of this crowd that righteous people could have revolted. But San Francisco was proud.

 
The Bible says, "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord" (Ps. 33:12). We owe Him so much more than this and other issues that could be listed, but space does not allow it. Our leaders need to have the fanfare for the living God and not a mere mortal, the Dalai Lama, who serves many gods.  Will this happen?  I am beginning to wonder.  With the forthcoming election I am reminded that ancient Israel always got the kings she deserved. And she got some rotten apples.  Will we?
 
CONFERENCE NOTE: We will be offering CDs and DVDs of our "Understanding the Times 2007" conference on our Web site and print newsletter.  They are not yet posted. We had over 6,000 in attendance from 20 states and Canada hearing some gripping messages on our times. It will require three weeks for editing and duplicating. We will keep you posted.