Phone Calls, Promises, and Real Relationships

Now that I'm calmer today, I can back the truck up and maybe make some real sense. Maybe. And so far I haven't seen any black SUVs in my front yard from my last rant. That's a good thing. So let's think about a couple of things with a quieter (slightly) voice for a minute: 1.Israel is backed into a corner, surrounded by Hezbollah, Hamas, the Muslim Brotherhood, and Iran (a class all by themselves). The U.S. has always been a faithful ally. Our promises and reassurances have always held a lot of weight for the leaders of Israel. Their current Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, is a good man who understands the dangers surrounding his nation. Inevitably being surrounded by a bunch of threatening,shrieking voices will cause action on someone's part...whether the loud mouths or the people who are surrounded. The pot will boil over, it's only a question of when and by whom. 2.I have several friends who love the Arab people. I love the Arab people. They are beautiful, smart, and an integral part of the human race. What I do not love are the temper tantrums that cause death and destruction. While in modern Christianity you find the odd man out wacko that bombs abortion clinics or a group of loon birds that picket funerals and spout hate speech, in general Christians just pray their way through difficulties without pitching a fit or killing others. Not so with our radical Muslim brothers. They seem to delight in throwing hissy fits that are intended to intimidate everyone around them from speaking their minds and hearts. I do not like bullies, how about you? True peace comes from hearts that have flushed away violence and anger. True peace comes in right relationship to Jesus Christ. True peace fills a life that focuses on what is good, true, beautiful, and loving. If our President had true peace, he would be able to stand in strength rather than apology. He would meet face to face with our allies rather than call them on the phone. Phone calls and emails are too easy to manipulate because they can't see your face. Promises made are not stable unless friendship and trust are at their foundation. Trust is earned, not bestowed. I pray that America will once again find that place where we can earn the trust of our allies, and stand firm against our enemies. "When a man's ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him." Proverbs 16:7