God and Country in Jesus' Words

^“Then the Pharisees went and plotted how to trap Him by what He said. They sent their disciples to Him, with the Herodians. ‘Teacher,’ they said, ‘we know that You are truthful and teach truthfully the way of God. You defer to no one, for You don’t show partiality. Tell us, therefore, what You think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?’”

Trying to trick Him, the self-appointed arbiters of righteousness in His day broached the issue of the relationship between civil government and the sacred. In 1^st Century Palestine, the government was that of a foreign power. While there was a fairly high degree at the time of freedom of religion, the Jews resented being part of a Gentile empire, which, as any government does, taxed them for whatever provisions Rome supplied.

But no culture/state wants to be ruled by others. Every nation desires autonomy. In Judea was a rebel faction called zealots who sought the overthrow of Roman occupation by violent means. They hoped to convince Jesus, who was quickly gaining the following of the masses, to not only join them, but also be their “Messiah” and lead them to conquer Rome. He wasn’t so persuaded because overthrowing a political regime was not His mission.

His enemies then sought to use politics as a way to trip Him up and present Him as urging the people to refuse to pay taxes. Now there’s a way to win the approval of the people! But it wasn’t to win the favor of the citizenry that they posed this question to Him. It was to run back to the Roman authorities and charge Jesus with being a revolutionary and have them end His life and with it, His growing movement.

Jesus saw through their scheme. ^“But perceiving their malice, Jesus said, ‘Why are you testing Me, hypocrites? Show Me the coin used for the tax.’ So they brought Him a denarius (a Roman coin). ‘Whose image and inscription is this?’ He asked them. ^‘Caesar’s,’ they said to Him. Then He said to them, ‘Therefore, give back to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’”

Not only did Jesus recognize the place of civil, human government to look over the affairs of mankind, He also gave support to the ability of government to impose taxation. Note that when the opportunity arose He did not condemn either Rome or taxes. We know from another story in the Gospels that Jesus was a taxpayer Himself.

At the same time Jesus clearly drew a line. Founding Father Thomas Jefferson, in a letter, called it a “wall of separation”. The framers of our Constitution also recognized Jesus’ “line” in the Bill of Rights’ 1^st Amendment. Some areas are clearly the domain of the government, especially protecting our freedoms and rights. But others belong to a higher power – the Creator. He is the author of morals, faith, ethics and what we call “personal conscience”.

Jesus’ made it so simple. Give to Caesar (the civil authorities) those things that belong to “him”. Give to God those areas of life that belong to Him. It is when we mix the two or allow one to take over the other that we move away from Christ’s words of wisdom.

The message seems simple. Let the government rule over that which God has given it. After all, government is God’s idea. But don’t allow the government to rule matters of faith and the morals and institutions over which He alone should have control.

And giving back to God the things that are His can be far more difficult a choice than filling out a 1040 and mailing a check.

This article is taken from The Outer Banks Sentinel, April 18, 2012

Rick Lawrenson is the Lead Pastor of Nags Head Church.

Copyright 2012 Rick Lawrenson

Pearl Harbor Day

70 years ago the United States was attacked by the Japanese at Pearl Harbor. It is an event our nation should always remember. What happened on this day propelled our country into World War II, forever changing everything.

Few of the US military survivors are still with us.

So, pause for a moment today and remember. Take a few minutes and tell the story to your children old enough to grasp its significance.

Happy Birthday USMC!

The few, the proud, founded in 1775 on this date. They are the oldest branch of our military.

Show That You Have Not Forgotten September 11

The 10th anniversary of September 11, 2001 is this Sunday. Here are some practical things you can do to show you have not forgotten the acts of heroism shown that day.

Fly your flag. Do you remember how many Americans displayed Old Glory in the days following 9-11? And don’t wait until Sunday. Put it out early.

Replace tattered flags. Check out the flag flying at your place of business and the businesses you frequent. If they are tattered, ask that they be replaced with a new flag. And suggest places (Scout troops and the American Legion, for example) to give the “retired” flag. They’ll see it is retired with proper dignity.

Say “Thanks” to a cop, firefighter or EMT/paramedic. 9-11, designated by Pres. Bush as “Patriot Day” is their equivalent of Memorial Day and Veterans Day.

Provide a meal or a dessert and take it to your local Fire Department. If a meal, it’s a good idea to let them know early in the day. Police, for obvious reasons, tend not to accept food from the public. But a gift card to a local eatery works.

Have your kids make thank you cards for your police, fire and EMS stations. They’ll be grateful and will put them up for all to see. No kids? Drop by with a card yourself.

Attend a 9-11 ceremony or church service. Many municipalities are hosting ceremonies. And many churches are honoring public safety on that day. My department is having a ceremony at 8:30 AM followed by breakfast. And my church is honoring and remembering public safety heroes at our 9 and 11 worship gatherings.

Pray for our country and her leaders. Terrorism continues to exist. Our leaders need wisdom from on high as they serve to protect freedom.

Some gave all...

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. There are many stories as to its actual beginnings, with over two dozen cities and towns laying claim to being the birthplace of Memorial Day. There is also evidence that organized women's groups in the South were decorating graves before the end of the Civil War: a hymn published in 1867, "Kneel Where Our Loves are Sleeping"...

For more info on the history and meaning of Memorial Day, click here.

While many confuse it as a day to honor veterans, (their day comes November 11) Memorial Day is a day of remembering those who died while in military service for our country and the many other countries America has liberated, and continues to liberate fro tyranny to this day.

Many communities host Memorial Day ceremonies. If you have young children or grandchildren, consider taking the to such a ceremony on Monday to teach them what a great price has been paid for their freedoms.

Few Remain on this Dec. 7

Remember Pearl Harbor.

Precious few who survived the attack by the Imperial Japanese military on the United States are still with us. If you know one, please make the call or the visit to say "Thank you."

The "Greatest Generation", after enduring the Great Depression rose to stand tall and protect our freedoms and those of Europe and Asia. It was a history changing day. One that will, as President Roosevelt said on that Sunday morning in 1941, "A day that will live in infamy".

Thanksgiving Day: An American Tradition

While earlier American presidents issued proclamations on occasion for days of prayer, fasting and thanksgiving, it has been an annual tradition in our country for our President to do so since Abraham Lincoln’s Thanksgiving proclamation of 1863.

I found it enlightening to read the words of these men of our past – especially in how they gave encouragement to our citizenry to worship, pray and give thanks to God. It is a great tradition that I hope will live on.

Here is a random sampling from those proclamations. I hope their words inspire you this Thanksgiving as they have me.

I do therefore invite my fellow-citizens… to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next as a day of thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens. – A. Lincoln, 1863

I recommend that they gather in their several places of worship and devoutly give Him thanks for the prosperity wherewith He has endowed us, for seedtime and harvest, for the valor, devotion, and humanity of our armies and navies, and for all His benefits to us as individuals and as a nation; and that they humbly pray for the continuance of His divine favor, for concord and amity with other nations, and for righteousness and peace in all our ways. – W. McKinley, 1900

Let us remember that, as much has been given us, much will be expected from us, and that true homage comes from the heart as well as from the lips, and shows itself in deeds. We can best prove our thankfulness to the Almighty by the way in which on this earth and at this time each of us does his duty to his fellow-men. – T. Roosevelt, 1901

May we on that day in our churches and in our homes give humble thanks for the blessings bestowed upon us during the year past by Almighty God. - F. Roosevelt, 1932

I…do hereby proclaim …a day of national thanksgiving, and I call upon every citizen to offer thanks to God for His gracious guidance and help. Again I ask all my countrymen to appeal to the Most High, that the God of our Fathers who has blessed this land beyond all others will in His infinite mercy grant to all nations that peace which the world cannot give. I entreat them, in church, chapel and synagogue, in their homes and in the busy walks of life, every day and everywhere, to pray for peace. – H. Truman, 1950

…for the unity of spirit which has made our country strong; and for the continuing faith under His guidance that has kept us a religious people with freedom of worship for all, we should kneel in humble thanksgiving. – Pres. Eisenhower, 1953

I urge that all observe this day with reverence and with humility. Let us renew the spirit of the Pilgrims at the first Thanksgiving, lonely in an inscrutable wilderness, facing the dark unknown with a faith borne of their dedication to God… - Pres. Kennedy, 1962

…it is our desire to observe, in the custom and tradition of our forebears, a special day dedicated to giving thanks to God - a day on which to lay aside our daily tasks and cares and pay joyous homage to Him. We are impelled to raise our voices in His praise and to proclaim our heartfelt gratitude for another year… - L. Johnson, 1964

I ask all Americans to gather on that day with their families and neighbors in their homes and in their houses of worship to give thanks for the blessings Almighty God has bestowed upon us. – J. Carter, 1977

Let us pause from our many activities to give thanks to almighty God for our bountiful harvests and abundant freedoms. Let us call upon Him for continued guidance and assistance in all our endeavors. And let us ever be mindful of the faith and spiritual values that have made our Nation great and that alone can keep us great. – R. Reagan, 1986

Source: Pilgrimhall.org

Say "Thanks" to a Veteran for his/her service

Saturday I was at our local nursing home and engaged in a conversation with Harold, a veteran of World War II. He served in the Army Air Corps, the predecessor to the US Air Force.

As we talked, because of his age and physical limitations he was somewhat slumped over in his wheel chair. But when I said, "Thank you for your service to our country", he looked up at me and replied, "Thank you".

Whenever I meet a veteran I try to say those words. Their willingness to put on the uniform of the United States is not taken lightly in my view. And just thanking them always brings a smile to their faces if not a look of surprise. Apparently they don't hear it often.

Two days loom large this week. The first is Wednesday, November 10 and the Marine Corps' Birthday - the oldest military force in our country. Semper Fi!

The second, of course, is Thursday, November 11, Veterans Day. Memorial Day in May is when we remember those who died for our country. This one is to say "Thanks" to those who served in uniform and lived to tell about it.

So express your gratitude to a Veteran this week. Make their day. Fly the flag.

And if you can, get out to a Veterans Day ceremony in your town. Take the kids. Teach them appreciation for our flag and how to stand and place their hands over their hearts as the Star Spangled Banner is sung and the Pledge of Allegiance is proudly recited.

Freedom isn't free. Thanks to all our Veterans for your service. And we pray for those in active duty service today, especially those on foreign soil.

God bless you.

Vote tomorrow! It's our watch.

Tony Bennett at 84 Belts it Out

Tony is a WWII Army veteran who served in Europe, liberating concentration camps. I think he meant every word.

Smoke Signals

Not only is an extremist church in Florida threatening to burn copies of the Koran, our tax dollars are being used to burn Bibles in Afghanistan.

My thoughts are that neither will accomplish the goals of the match holders.

One Nation Under God

Thanks to the brave and Christian men who risked all by signing their names to the Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776. They had no problem acknowledging the Creator's integral and ongoing role in human affairs.

Happy Birthday, USA!

Memorial Day: More than just a day off

Because of my role as chaplain with the NHFD I participate every year in the town's Memorial Day ceremony. Typically the event draws about 50 people. That's all. And the vast majority of them are my parents' ages. Seldom are there any young people or children.

We're missing an opportunity here.

Our freedoms and the freedoms of so many other countries were obtained by men and women who wore the uniform of this country and paid the supreme sacrifice. And Memorial Day is set aside to remember them and express our gratitude.

I realize that there are many other things to do on Monday. And most of them are more fun. But already I know that my own generation has allowed the purpose of the holiday to be about cook outs and the beach. That has been magnified in my children's generation, and I fear that my grandchildren's generation will have no sense of how our freedom was won and preserved.

So, why not take some time Monday to take your children to a Memorial Day ceremony or observance. Several are proudly done throughout Dare, at cemeteries and monuments, either led by veterans' groups or town officials. Your kids will sing the National Anthem, pledge allegiance to the flag, perhaps hear taps played on a bugle or Amazing Grace on bagpipes. They'll see proud veterans - true American heroes - assemble to remember fallen comrades.

Let's teach our children the meaning of sacrifice for freedom. Let's show them what that magnet on the backs of our cars that says "Support our Troops" means.

If they can understand what it means to give your life for others then explaining the Gospel to them will be easier. Isn't that what Jesus did?

Remember Pearl Harbor

Before the day passes I want to say "Thank you" to those who served our country on Dec. 7, 1941 at Pearl Harbor, HI.

Few of you remain. We owe much to your generation.

This week say "Happy Birthday" and "Thanks"

"Happy Birthday" to the United States Marine Corps, founded on November 10, 1775, and our oldest branch of the military. From the Halls of Montezuma to the shores of Tripoli they continue to be the few and the proud. Find a Marine and say "Happy Birthday", whether he/she is active duty or not. Once a Marine always a Marine. Semper Fi.

"Thanks" to anyone who has ever served our country's armed forces on Wednesday, Veterans Day. We should be more aware of their duty and sacrifice than ever before with the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan coupled with the tragic killings last week at Ft. Hood. God bless all who have served. Maybe you can find a local Veterans Day ceremony and show your support with your attendance.

Find a way to remember and say "Thanks" today, Sept. 11

Stop by a fire station, police station or rescue squad to say "Thanks". And fly your flag at half mast today.

Happy Birthday USA

Celebrating the birth of the greatest nation on earth.

Praying for her to return to the God of her Fathers.

Who's Minding the Store?

Yesterday I went into our local Post Office (USPS) to cash a postal money order (issued by the USPS) my nephew received from his dad. Actually I went twice. The first time was about 9:20AM and I was told it couldn't be cashed because they "didn't have enough money in the register".

(Actually my wife had gone into this same PO a couple days earlier to cash it for him and was told the same thing..."not enough cash on hand". But she was also told that because the clerk didn't know her and our nephew wasn't present, she couldn't cash it for her, and advised her to go to the Post Office in the town in which we reside. But since she doesn't know my nephew either, and at age 15 he doesn't possess a photo ID, how would she know he is who he is?)

Anyway, I said, "That's OK (not enough dinero in the register), I'll come back later." They know me well in this Post Office. So, mid-afternoon I returned, presented the money order, was asked to endorse it and put my drivers' license number under my name. No problem. Then the clerk called the post master to the counter and asked if she could cash this for me. "Of course! We know Pastor Rick!"

They have this machine that they feed the money order into which is supposed to read the serial number off the front, telling the computer in the register how much it is for and recording the transaction. They tried for ten minutes to get the machine to read the money order to no avail. Every time it just spit it out. I wondered aloud, "Can you manually put in the number?". They tried but there wasn't a way to do that. So finally they suggested I take it to my bank and cash it.

Now, this was a post office issued money order. Their computer should have been able to accept it. But, I thought, if this was my business, I wouldn't send my customer away telling him "Sorry". I would have said, "Here's your cash. We'll figure this out later", kept the money order and sent me on my way.

But, the Post Office is a government owned business.

So I'm really scared for our banking and automotive industries now owned by Uncle Sam, and for our health care system, should it be taken over by the feds. Will they be run just like my post office? How many people will be turned away by doctors who have the ability to do the surgery but the system requires them to say, "Sorry".

We have the best medical/health care in the world. Sure, there are shortcomings, but do we really want to be told that our surgery or care is denied because the system doesn't work?

By the way, my bank quickly cashed my money order. They didn't have a US government provided machine to run it through.

I have to add this: I like all the folks who work in our PO. It's the system that doesn't work, not the kind men and women there. I'm sure they had no choice but to send me elsewhere.

Memorial Day

The freedom we enjoy and likely take for granted comes at a great cost.

Don't let Memorial Day go by without pausing to reflect and give thanks for the sacrifices made on your behalf. Teach your children the meaning of the day and why they have a holiday. Take them to a Memorial Day ceremony in your town. Fly the flag.

Just don't forget.

Salute!

Happy Veterans Day! Thanks to all who have given years of their lives and in the prime of their lives to defend and protect the freedoms we value and love.

And to those currently serving, especially in the Middle East, may you come home safely, soon and to a grateful nation.