There’s no denying if you watch the news at all something is going on in our world today.  There’s a lot of talk about a Global Currency, Nato, The United Nations, and the need for a leader to bring us all together.  It does sound a bit like a movie that I have already seen… or even a chapter right out of the Bible.

While listening to the news this week about the G20 Summit I couldn’t help but be reminded of a bit of history recorded in Genesis 11:4 & 6,

Then they said, “Come, let’s build ourselves a city and a tower that reaches Heaven. Let’s make ourselves famous so we won’t be scattered here and there across the Earth… God took one look and said, “One people, one language; why, this is only a first step. No telling what they’ll come up with next — they’ll stop at nothing!”  (The Message).

Here we are with all of the problems we are facing as a Nation and at large a ”Global Community” and what do our “leaders” do?  They come together to try and solve the worlds problems.  Where is God in their leadership?  How much time has been spent by our leaders seeking the face of God rather than their own agendas?  I would like to hear that question in a news conference!

The life of Joshua (the understudy to Moses) is fascinating to me.  I just love Joshua.  I wish we knew more about the day to day life of Joshua as he learned from Moses.  I would like to know about the conversations they had together. 

So much is said about Isreal today.  Some Nations love and support while others hate and want to see them destroyed.  In the Bible, it is plain that God chose Israel as the nation from which He would reveal himself to the world.  When Jesus enters the world – God’s plan for redeeming the world now moves forward.  Why can’t our leaders see what has been set in motion from the beginning of time?  His plan for us all is to seek and worship Him.

The Bible says in Joshua 3:11,

…Think of it — the Master of the entire earth is crossing the Jordan as you watch.  (The Message).

“The Master of the entire earth…”  In the next chapter, we read that the people of Isreal crossed over the Jordan on dry land.  In the last verse of the chapter we read that all of the events of this chapter were done so that,

“…everybody on earth would recognize how strong GOD’s rescuing hand is and so that you would hold God in solemn reverence always.” (Joshua 4:24, The Message).

As the Nation’s leaders seek ways to bring peace (or their own agenda’s) to the table, lets not forget to seek God.  Let’s pray that our leaders eyes will be opened to the fact that the Master of the entire earth has a strong hand and desires that they hold Him in solemn reverence.

What do you think?

I was going to stay away from Political things here at Focus for awhile.  But – I just found an article on WorldNet Daily that I could not resist bringing to your attention. 

These are the words of Nation of Islam leader, Louis Farrakahn, on Barack Obama, February 28.

You are the instruments that God is going to use to bring about universal change, and that is why Barack has captured the youth.  And he has involved young people in a political process that they didn’t care anything about.  That’s a sign.  When the Messiah speaks, the youth will hear, and the Messiah is absolutely speaking.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OowxMcVTjTE]

We are living in very challenging times right now.  People are looking for answers on the economy and world peace.  Every time I hear Obama speak – I do not hear any answers.  I do hear a man who is very good at speaking… he is slick and polished without any substance.  When he speaks I don’t hear the Messiah… I hear an empty suit.  I’m not thrilled with McCain right now either.  He needs to step it up in my opinion.  I also believe that non of us need to sit back and ignore what is going on… no matter how bad this election season disgusts all of us!

As for the youth vote, I have talked to of a couple of parents lately who have children of voting age who are voting for the first time.  Their children have come to them with questions about this election.  They have each challenged their children to educate themselves on the candidates to determine for themselves which candidate “most likely” supports their ideas, opinions, and values.  From what I have heard – these young people decided for themselves to choose someone who is NOT being proclaimed as the “Messiah”.

Obviously, I am supporting McCain.  No, I don’t agree with everything about McCain.  The most recent thing is this Bailout vote.  (The markets lost 18% of its value this week.)  In addition to Obama’s policies, I’m very nervous about Obama’s radical affiliations.  There are too many to ignore.  As a Christian, I have attended many churches searching for a place where I can serve.  I listen and ask questions about the beliefs and values of those in leadership.  Obama sat under Rev. Wright for 20 years and not once heard those kinds of comments from him?!  I find it hard to believe.  Look for yourself into this guys life he has a trail of questionable associations… poor judgments… I don’t want that kind of person as my leader.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jc2FCJ7zWEQ]

In the next clip, anyone can mess up when speaking (I know that I’ve done it) but this one is pretty hard to stomach when so much of his life is in question.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKGdkqfBICw&feature=related]

What I am asking of those in leadership is to be honest with me… honest with all of us.  Quit spouting off half-truths and quit being liars.  Both sides.  Shoot straight.  Tell us what you really believe and stand for on all of it.  That’s what “grass roots” America really wants… but is “grass roots” America really what you are fighting for?

Below is a list of those in Congress with the integrity to vote “No” on the bailout.  I’m very disappointed with this bailout… especially all of the PORK attached to it.  Come on Congress just be honest with the citizens of the United States… it’s not about the people but rather YOUR back pockets.

Sure something needs to be done with the economy… but is it really the governments job?  Afterall, it is the government that got us here.  We can look back to Jimmy Carter’s four years that got the ball rolling on this mortgage mess.  It’s unfortunate that no one stood up and said ”No” back then… or since then.

Is the President of the United States really expected to be the CEO of our nation?  Is that the role of the Presidency?  If so, then why don’t we drop this democratic – republic label we so proudly use and call ourselves a socialist nation!

Our forefathers never intended for Congress and the Senate to be a career.  But that’s what it has become.  How about term limits?!  Afraid you can’t get a real job?  I think we need to take another look at the “Contract with America”.

Below are the Patriots that voted – NO!

In the list below those Democrats in roman, Republicans in italic, independents underlined.

—- NAYS    171 —

Source:  Office of the Clerk  House of Representatives

I have a lot on my mind these days.  My mind is always on hyper-thought.  It’s been difficult to capture each of these thoughts… it gets kind of frustrating.

My time has been a bit divided with my thoughts as well.  The news about the election and the economy gets overwhelming.  My mind is made up on the election (I’ve already cast my vote!!) and as for the economy I don’t support this bail out.  The Senate just passed the $700 Billion Bill.  Now it’s in the House’s lap.  One Senator said this was not for Wall Street but rather for Main Street.  Whatever!  Does this mean that the loans are going to start flowing once again?  I don’t think so! (I’m very skeptical – at best!)

You see there I go with my thoughts once again… I didn’t sit down to write about this.  I can say I am on a track now to be focused on our finances like never before.  We are so close to being on the right side of the tracks as far as finances goes… there are a couple of hurdles still yet to make…

But I’m not wanting to talk about that either.  God is good.  I may have some fear over the election, the economy, and finances – but I know God has a plan that is being lived out.  His plan is being worked out globally and His plan is being worked out in your life and mine.  That is so mind blowing to me.

If a man or woman is called of God, it doesn’t matter how difficult the circumstances may be. God orchestrates every force at work for His purpose in the end. If you will agree with God’s purpose, He will bring not only your conscious level but also all the deeper levels of your life, which you yourself cannot reach, into perfect harmony. (Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest, September 29).

I’m trusting God to bring out those deeper levels and allow my thoughts to be effectively communicated for His purposes.  God is so good to us all.  We need to trust Him more than ever through these tough times that we are all facing at this time in history. 

One more hyper-thought… with all of the attention on the election and the economy let’s not forget we have men and women fighting for our country overseas.  We have others preparing for war.  We really need to remember to pray for them and for the leaders of our military.  Pray for God’s peace to rule in their hearts in these troubling times.  I’m asking God to give our leaders wisdom… may God’s purposes prevail.

… the only baggage that you can bring. It’s all you can’t leave behind. (U2, “Walk On” Bono).

I love the opening to the song “Walk On” by U2.  I was listening to it today while burning up some of that cheap fuel I bought last Saturday!!  The words just captivate my heart… it’s a captivity that leads to freedom. 

Think about it:  Love is not easy… yet Paul says it’s the greatest of all gifts. (1 Corinthians 13).  I guess in the context of this verse love is the ONLY baggage you can bring… when a believer in Christ dies the only baggage allowed is love.  Love is the only thing you can’t leave behind.

I realize this song is dedicated to Aung San Suu Kyi.  She is a political prisoner in Myanmar.  As for her faith, she is a Buddhist.  She has been a political prisoner under house arrest because of her fight… dream… of democracy for her country. 

Because of this song I pray for her and people like her.  People who are held captive for what they believe.  It’s people like her who have a quality inside them that bars, prison, and persecution can’t hold. 

That quality is LOVE.  The truest form of this love is a gift given by Jehovah -  The Lord God Almighty.  This love was lived out and expressed in it’s deepest form in a man named Jesus Christ.  The man who came to bring freedom to all men and women who would believe in him.

For God so loved the world – how beautiful are those six words.  I sit here so late at night thinking almost imagining this love – in a way I’ve never known before.  This kind of love gives and gives and gives.  Seventy times seven this love gives… love is not the easy thing / the only baggage you can bring / It’s all you can’t leave behind.

You see – I have this thing.  If you keep up with things here at focus, you will know something of this thing.  I desire peace… not just some mamby pamby passive peace… I’m talking a strong victorious kind of peace.  Peace must be found.  I must not allow the love of God who fills me be tarnished by all of the opposing feelings, thoughts, and attitudes that try to win me over.  I know it’s not the easy thing.   And the fight must be waged on a spiritual level. 

Jesus said, “Take up your cross and follow me.”  Love is not the easy thing.

I know I have posted this song recently.  I hope you will take a moment if you haven’t already to think about the lyrics here.  They are posted below the video…. if you don’t want to watch the video and just listen and read them… think… pray… whatever God leads.  For me they are inspiring and I hope they are for you too.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiCpjNSOY2I]

And love is not the easy thing
The only baggage that you can bring…
And love is not the easy thing…
The only baggage you can bring
Is all that you can’t leave behind

And if the darkness is to keep us apart
And if the daylight feels like it’s a long way off
And if your glass heart should crack
And for a second you turn back
Oh no, be strong

Walk on, walk on
What you got they can’t steal it
No they can’t even feel it
Walk on, walk on…
Stay safe tonight

You’re packing a suitcase for a place none of us has been
A place that has to be believed to be seen
You could have flown away
A singing bird in an open cage
Who will only fly, only fly for freedom

Walk on, walk on
What you’ve got they can’t deny it
Can’t sell it, or buy it
Walk on, walk on
Stay safe tonight

And I know it aches
And your heart it breaks
And you can only take so much
Walk on, walk on

Home… hard to know what it is if you’ve never had one
Home… I can’t say where it is but I know I’m going home
That’s where the hurt is

I know it aches
How your heart it breaks
And you can only take so much
Walk on, walk on

Leave it behind
You got to leave it behind
All that you fashion
All that you make
All that you build
All that you break
All that you measure
All that you feel
All this you can leave behind
All that you reason
All that you sense
All that you speak
All you dress-up
All that you scheme…

This is a great story to read.  Take a few moments to follow the link here to read this story.  It’s a story about a family with a child with Downs Syndrome who got the opportunity to meet the McCain’s and Palin’s.