Navajo Springs - Arizona History #2

A relatively obscure fact of Arizona history is that on December 29, 1863 a governmental party appointed by President Abraham Lincoln, traveling by wagon train with a military escort to guard against Confederate and Apache attack, arrived at Navajo Springs, Arizona and swore in the first territorial government of Arizona. Beginning at 4:00pm on that cold day in the high desert of northeastern Arizona... the 'Stars and Stripes' flag was raised, the oath of office was administered, a prayer given by Rev. H.W. Read, a proclamation was spoken by the new territorial governor, John N. Goodwin, the "Battle Cry for Freedom" was sung, and a 15-gun salute was fired. The territorial government of Arizona was officially established.

Politics and Prayer!

O, the presumption of men who think they know better than God. Contrary to some popular opinions, politics and prayer go together if you are seeking good government. Prayer is first an acknowledgement that everything good comes from God, including good government. Man in the exercise of any true authority must recognize the source of all authority. God is the source of all good, justice, law and order. God created us and the nations, and in such a way to respond to us as we draw near to Him. Prayer is weak and even absurd, unless God is Who He says He is. Prayer is mighty if God is. Prayer submits our will to His. Just as our Founding Fathers established our nation, we must acknowledge God in our politics through prayer.

Raise a Flag!

What do you do when there is too much to do... too much to deal with... too many issues... so much wrong?

Find a place to stand. Determine a position to begin building a wall. Raise a flag. When good people begin to see a standard raised that is true and right, they will be encouraged and rally around that place. Then, even greater things will happen. May the flag of truth, honesty, integrity, righteousness, and justice be raised in our political field of battle.

The Media Monster...

No commentary on politics would be complete without mentioning the Mainstream Media Monster. The Media's legendary bias for liberal views in choosing slanted labels, headlines, story lines, reports of rumors, convenient omissions, etc. can have a significant impact on issues and elections. The "puff pieces," "photo ops," and free advertising for liberal candidates and agendas are evident virtually everyday in the major newspapers and network telecasts. However (and as a result), the "new media" including many talk shows and BLOGGING is exploding. We saw its initial power in bringing more balance and accountability to news coverage in the last Presidential race ['swift boat', Dan Rather's ordeal, etc].

Check out a new blog, Arizona Media Watch, which is already beginning to make an impact here in our state.

Nevertheless, don't give up, but pray that our Media exercise more truth, honesty, and fair and balanced reporting.

Speaking of Abortion...

Right after I posted about the distinction between the "Pro-Abortion" vs. "Pro-Choice" labels (I have never written on the abortion subject before), my wife forwarded to me an e-mail announcing a new website called DeathRoe.com. She did not know that I had just written about the abortion issue, nor has she ever before sent me a forward regarding abortion. Interesting timing. Check it out. It has lots of features, including succinct, articulate "pro-life" answers to the common arguments given by the "pro-choice" position.

Church! Be Engaged!

Politics matter. Public policies and laws radically effect our lives. Without the salt and light of God working through the church in the political arena, the debate is empty or worse. Let us rise up to things of the Kingdom that are beyond ourselves.

"This grace was given... that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the church to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly places" - Ephesians 3:8,10

"Pro-Abortion" vs. "Pro-Choice" Labels - #1

In political debate, we know that labeling is often used to charaterize sides of an issue. Some labeling is inflammatory and clearly designed to slander and skew an argument, while other labeling, though it may use strong language, is warranted. For example, in the abortion debate, the "pro-choice", "pro-abortion", "pro-life", and "anti-choice" labels are often used. The "pro-choice" side does not like the "pro-abortion" label and the "pro-life" side does not like the "anti-choice" label.

"Pro-lifers" greatly value personal choice, however they believe there is an overall higher moral priority given to the value of a baby's life in the womb over the choice of the mother (or parents) to terminate that life. Similarly, many "pro-choicers" are also horrified by abortion, thus not truly "pro-abortion" in the aggressive sense of the label, though they maintain that there is a higher moral priority for the woman to choose even when it involves abortion.

However, there are those to whom the "pro-abortion" label clearly does apply. For example, the largest abortion provider in the nation, Planned Parenthood, advocates, facilitates and profits from abortions. They may not like the label, but by any reasonable standard they have accurately earned the "pro-abortion" label nonetheless.

Another strong indicator of earning the "pro-abortion" label is for those who actively work against such things as informed choice and parental notification legislation. This further demonstrates that there can be an important distinction between the "pro-abortion" and "pro-choice" positions in the political debate.

Sunday Morning Campaign Trail...

We are in an election year with campaigns swinging into motion. Democrat Governor Napolitano, who officially began her re-election campaign on March 1, is using a page from the Clinton playbook. She is now soliciting large churches to allow her to "visit" so that she can be recognized in front of the congregation. Despite the fact that she has a record of working against family values, she is being welcomed. The great irony this last week is that the very next day after being recognized and even honored with a standing ovation and flowers at a mega-church in Phoenix this past Easter Sunday, she vetoed 3 more pro-life, pro-family bills.

Although most Christians will see through this obvious campaign strategy by the governor, many may not stay informed on the issues and be deceived into believing that the governor is with them simply because she has made an appearance in their midst. Churches should have open doors to all, and respectfully acknowledge government officials when appropriate, but be very careful about honoring those that reflect ungodly principles.

"They're out-- We're In!"

There is something very important about having a history with God. As a nation and state we have a public record from the very foundation of the establishment of our government that acknowledges and honors God.

Pastor Dutch Sheets is a national leader who frequently prays and intercedes for our nation, including having key connections in Washington, D.C. I love what he says about the significance of our Christian heritage and the place of authority it gives us against those who seek to remove God and our historic biblical principals from our government and the public square:

"They do not have any historical right to this nation. We do. We have a history with God. THEY'RE OUT. WE'RE IN. DO NOT YIELD ONE INCH!"

"We, the People..." - Arizona History #1

"We, the people of the state of Arizona, grateful to Almighty God for our liberties, do ordain this constitution." This is the complete preamble to the Arizona state constitution unanimously approved (46-0) by the constitutional assembly on December 6, 1910. Just as for our great nation, the heritage of our state government at its origin includes the public written acknowledgment of Almighty God with thanksgiving and no apology.

God Cares About Good Government

God cares about good government. So should we. He speaks volumes about justice, righteousness, truth, kingship-- and the establishment of His kingdom "on earth as it is in heaven."

"He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" - Micah 6:8.

Political Salt

SALT: preserves, prevents rotting, adds and enhances flavor

Through this blog we desire to add spiritual salt to the political meal, particularly in regard to the pursuit of good government in Arizona. Nowhere in God's word does it say Christians are to stay out of the political discussion. In fact, we are called to be salt and light in all areas of life. Nevertheless, we need to know how to apply salt in proper measure with wisdom and grace.

We will not shy away from controversial subjects and the practical application of political matters, but we will engage in discussions with the desire to search out what is true and right and just.