DISCUSSION AND DIALOGUE BREAK OUT ACROSS THE NATION!

An amazing thing is happening across America. People are discussing issues--they are expressing themselves and saying what they believe in and why.


Last week President Trump criticized NFL players for kneeling during the National Anthem and suggested the owners fire those who do. It has created a firestorm throughout the league and nation.


When Mr. Trump first said this I was scratching my head. Why would he make a statement like this and then not explain what he is saying and why. Why dig this up? What is the purpose?


I've been praying for some wisdom and understanding on this issue and this morning I started to receive some understanding.


Mr. Trump, for whatever anyone thinks, is not stupid. Most Presidents would have gone on TV and preached to the nation about why they should stand for the anthem. Mr. Trump just made a bold statement and let it go where it would.


Instead of preaching, Mr. Trump threw it out there and now the entire nation is expressing their feelings on this issue. People are seriously thinking about why they choose to stand for the anthem and what it means to them.


The issue of the anthem should be discussed and now, so far, the nation is discussing this in a peaceful way. On many teams it has brought a unity through disagreement. Team mates are agreeing to disagree but respecting each other.


The flag and the anthem represent the freedom and opportunities available to anyone who lives in this country. Many have shed their blood for the freedoms America represents. No country is like America.


Have we been perfect as a nation? In no way--but no matter what nationality or color you are--there is opportunity for you as an individual in this country in 2017. This is what the flag and anthem represent--and the price paid for this opportunity.


The players on these teams are taking advantage of being able to make millions of dollars playing a game at a high level. I would ask them what are they doing with their time and money to create a better world? What was Colin Kapernick doing before he kneeled? To my knowledge not much.


Our country has done may wrongs to many people during our history, but the written law supports those who have been unfairly treated. Over time many wrongs have been righted because of LAW.


Are the police always justified? Of course not, but we have a system and if it isn't working protest in the correct way--this is not a reason to destroy property.


I thought the Dallas Cowboys protest on Monday Night Football was well thought out. The entire team and owner went out to the middle of the field prior to the anthem and knelt down in protest of discrimination in our country. Then they went back to the sideline and stood for the anthem.


The other thing that bothers me is that many times those individuals the police challenge show a total lack of respect and cooperation when asked by the police. I was taught to respect and cooperate if I was innocent--but we have a total lack of respect in many communities. We have lawlessness.


When are parents going to train their children to have respect and honor? That should be a discussion and dialogue in many communities--but it is not. In fact, lawlessness abounds, and that is a Biblical issue we won't get into now.


In conclusion, and please get what I am saying here, Mr. Trump started a dialogue by making a bold statement and not explaining anything. What I am going to say now is just an insight from the Word of God, I am not placing Mr. Trump on a pedestal.


Many times, I have noticed when reading the word, Yeshua would make bold statements without explaining them. Look at John 5.48-69. Yeshua is talking about resurrection and how we are supposed to live out our lives in service to God.


He makes a statement about eating His flesh and drinking His blood. This created a firestorm of protest among the priests and people. They were extremely upset with Yeshua.


The Torah commands us to not drink blood or eat the flesh of animals strangled. Yeshua  knew this was going to upset the crowd and leadership. Notice that He does not explain Himself! Many turned away from Him at this time. Didn't seem to bother Jesus.


Jesus could have run after them and tried to explain what He meant--but he let them walk away. He let the crowd murmur and complain. He didn't try to explain anything to the priests. He let them wrestle with the issue. He was speaking to them at a higher level and they had to work it out.


Whether Mr. Trump did this on purpose or not I'm not sure--but if he did, it is pure genius! He has us talking, he didn't preach to the nation, many think he is a jerk, but we got us a nationwide discussion and this is good!


Yeshua acted in this manner throughout the scriptures. He didn't defend Himself but he spoke boldly and allowed the people to wrestle with what He said. I've always felt that Jesus was one tough man. He took the abuse, spoke the truth, and let the chips fall where they may.


If we believe Yahweh establishes rulers and sets up kings then maybe there is a reason that Mr. Trump was elected President. Maybe God is trying to show us something.


I look to no man--I look to Yahweh. I am always amazed at how He works in the affairs of men. Maybe there is hope that Americans can introspect and talk and work out our issues.


One thing is for sure. Mr. Trump is one tough man. He speaks what he speaks and lets the chips fall. Our God operates in the same why if you can see it.


One final time--just think about the Father and how He operates. Something good seems to be happening. May God bless America and help us speak the truth in love to one another. Now that is something the church sure needs to learn, huh?


God bless America and forgive us for our shortcomings!