Discerning the Times with Pastor Rusty - America

Discerning the Times with Pastor Rusty

Federal Debt is Out of Control

4/10/2019

Does anyone care about the national debt anymore? One thing is for sure, we don't hear our politicians talk about it very much if at all.

I suspect the average American gives the subject a glancing blow from time to time, but then proceeds with the attitude somehow things will work out in spite of our excesses. From time to time I feature an article that brings us up to date on the situation. Such is the case with an article by Howard Schultz from Fox News. I don't necessarily agree with all of his opinions, but most of this article is just plain fact about the worsening situation we face. I hope you read it to stay in touch with reality.

Here are a few things you should do to prepare for the day America must pay her bills. When that day comes our economy will face deep recession and perhaps a depression. So keep these things in mind:

In a bad economy you only keep what you own. Pay down personal debt now and avoid new debt.

Increase personal savings in the following ways:

   - accumulate a modest amount of cash which you keep in your possession outside a bank. Place it in a creative, safe place accessible to you when you need it.
- next, save an emergency fund the equivalent to six months of your normal income. Keep it in the same bank holding your home mortgage. In a tough economy you would have funds to pay your mortgage which doesn't need to be moved from one bank to another.
      - if you do not have a mortgage, great! If you have a larger amount of savings remember not to exceed the limit on the bank's FDIC insurance. Establish another account in a different bank as necessary.
   - if you have an investment portfolio make sure it is diversified. A certified financial advisor can assist you in doing so. One thing that is common advice amongst financial advisors is to hold 10 to 20 percent of that portfolio in real gold. Gold is real money, holds it value overtime, and functions as insurance in a bad economy.

Finally, if you know the Lord, remember to lay your treasure up in heaven where thieves cannot break in to steal it and rust cannot corrupt it! Be wise in planning for temporal needs, but if you hoard wealth get ready for it to evaporate. Instead, use it for the cause of Christ and in so doing it is laid up in heaven.

There's Rampant Academic Fraud

3/21/2019

Here is the concluding paragraph from Walter Williams of the Daily Signal on this matter:

"I’m not sure about what can be done about education. But the first step toward any solution is for the American people to be aware of academic fraud that occurs at every level of education."

Wow! Please read this article and be discerning about the major problems that exist in our schools of higher learning. I cannot recommend our Christian young people attend a secular college in general. I do understand that certain opportunities especially in the medical field may compel students to attend for required training, but be carefully to explore Christian universities and see how much can be accomplished there first.

With that said, too many young people are not really college material. It is much wiser for such students to pursue training in other programs that will actually land them a decent job with very little or no debt. This article reminds us of some issues that really should become front and center in the thinking of those contemplating college.

Debt Crisis Looms in America

3/11/2019

I am watching the growing debt in America in disbelief. How can the richest nation in the history of the world find itself in a growing debt crisis?

Consider these realities as I speak:

Total household debt has climbed for 18 straight quarters... setting a new record at $13.54 trillion in the fourth quarter of 2018. Consumer debt – which includes student loans, auto loans, and credit cards – is also on the rise... It just exceeded $4 trillion for the first time.

One financial author summarized various aspects of what I'm calling a looming debt crisis as follows:

In the past decade, students (most of whom have virtually no income) have racked up enormous debts, which currently total more than $1.5 trillion. Incredibly, that's what our entire federal government owed a little more than 30 years ago. Nearly all of this money was borrowed in only the past 10 years.

A lot of it is not even being used to pay for school, but for students to pay for practically everything in their lives. And these debts have ballooned to absurd amounts... The number of students with debts totaling more than $100,000 has quadrupled in the past 10 years.

And then there's consumer debt... U.S. consumers owe roughly $1 trillion on their credit cards. These debts carry interest rates as high as 28% annually.

It's gotten so bad that 73% of Americans now die in debt... leaving behind an average total of more than $60,000. If you look carefully at the debt statistics of the United States, you'll discover a terrifying change over the past two decades or so...

The poor – and especially the young and poor in our country – have no hope of being able to afford the American Dream anymore.

Not when the average college debt is more than $35,000 per student. Not when the average American family owes more than $8,000 in credit-card debt. Not when the average family with debt owes more than $137,000. Not when the median price of all the homes listed for sale in America today is more than $200,000.

Here's what's critical to understand...

This kind of debt burden for the poorest Americans is new. The debt load for the poorest 20% of Americans is up nearly 300% in the past 20 years.

Debts of this magnitude cannot be financed normally. Remember, debts that can't be paid, won't be paid. In other words... it isn't just the amount of debt Americans carry that's the problem. It's who owes the money that's the bigger concern.

When the rich – a tiny percentage of the population – get in trouble with debt, it's an economic problem. But when the poor and middle class get in trouble with debt – a huge percentage of the population – it's a political problem.

What happens when the least educated, least "vested" members of society make up the largest demographic block... and have the largest debts (relative to income) with zero ability to pay back those debts or discharge them through bankruptcy?

Forty-four million people carry a student loan. Most of them can't afford these loans. Nor can they default. They can't restructure. They're stuck – many with $100,000 loans that absorb more than 100% of their disposable income.

According to a report from the Federal Reserve Board, four in 10 adults can't come up with $400 in an emergency. In other words, millions and millions of folks have a debt burden they simply can't afford... a ballooning debt that has no political affiliation.

This situation won't last forever...

Indeed it will not. Exactly how this scenario will play out remains to be seen. One thing common sense is screaming at us is this: the debt party is almost over and who will pay the bills??

I think in some way we all will pay. It seems likely to me much of these debts will be "cancelled" in one way or the other with those who have resources footing the bill in part or the whole. As for me, I do not trust our government and I think in the near future the wealth of many Americans will be stolen! Of course, our government will never call it that. But when your assets fall dramatically in value, and the money in your savings accounts has dramatically less buying power the net effect is the same.

So what should we do? First, do not increase your personal debt by borrowing money for purchases of anything for the next few years.

Next, save some money and literally hide some cold hard cash in a safe place other than your bank. In other words, you can get your hands on your cash because you have it hidden away somewhere. During a debt crisis for a number of reasons it may become very difficult to get your hands on cash. Lay some back.

Next, pay down existing debt as quickly as you can. Next, if you have an investment portfolio seek sound advice and make sure it is well diversified. When the next debt crisis unfolds stocks will take a major hit. As well, the current corporate debt level threatens the bond market so take a look at any bonds you hold. With prayer and advice perhaps it would be safer to move your resources out of the bond market especially if the companies you hold are headed for junk bond status.

Personally, I lay my treasure up in heaven where the thieves cannot break through and steal it! I don't need to make any real lifestyle changes if the whole thing blows up tomorrow. I live modestly, within my means, and I am contented. I am not afraid of what will unfold as America's debt crisis reaches critical mass. I believe the Lord will prove himself faithful to those who honor him and who over time have kept him first in their life.

One thing I am sure of is this: the nation is not at all ready for what is coming. Most Americans evidently think bills never have to be paid and we can gorge on debt indefinitely. However, even the richest nation in history will learn debt does not pave the road to prosperity.

Pray for America.

5 Things Bernie Sanders Doesn't Want You to Know About Socialism

3/3/2019

Socialism is sure to be a hot subject through-out the upcoming presidential election cycle. I hope Americans take the time to actually understand why socialism is a bust.

Bernie Sanders is an avowed socialist and his vision for America in the view of history is flat-out unamerican! America stands as a constitutional republic with a free market, capitalistic economy. Private property rights and freedom to own businesses apart from government control is exactly why we enjoy the greatest level of prosperity known in the history of the world.

Of course, over the past 90 years or so the nation has slowly migrated toward big government that today is administering a number of programs once foreign to the whole concept of government in America. The result is not a happy one: soaring national debt; growing dependence on government; a bloated federal bureaucracy; oppressive regulations; and taxation aimed at taking from one segment of the population and giving it to another.

As it is, we have a growing mess on our hands today because the nation is tinkering with ideas more akin to socialism than free market capitalism. God forbid we ever embrace the lie of socialism wholesale! Check out this article by Justin Haskins of Fox News. These points need to be made over and over and over and over again until the general public sees socialism as the evil it really is.

By the way, for the latest failed example of socialism see the next piece below. In real life socialism is a disaster, unless of course one love's the idea of an elite group ruling over the population of a nation all equally poor and miserable.

Venezuela Was My Home and Socialism Destroyed It

2/21/2019

Daniel Di Martino is a young man now living in the US who has tasted the fruit of socialism first hand. In this article he documents life in his home country of Venezuela as the nation drifted into socialism.

Venezuela was a prosperous nation until recent dictators lead the nation down the road to poverty. How does a prosperous nation end up looking like this? The answer lies in the failed government policies of socialism.

Unfortunately, America is already practicing a mild form of socialism as government programs continue to redistribute wealth in the nation. If the current wild ideas of liberals in this country find expression in even bigger government programs the future is bleak for our nation.

I suggest you get a firm grip on the real picture of socialism and the deceptive promises of a supposed better life apart from free market capitalism. Be sure to educate your children in the evils of socialism. Remember, socialism is the economic system of godless nations. Socialism is another departure from the wisdom of God's Word.

Wow! The cure for a culture in decline is a wholesale return to God and his Word. We shall be governed by the Book, or we shall be governed by tyrants on every front. Battle socialistic thinking in your youth by training them in God's Word.

University Won't Let Chick-fil-A Open Store on Campus Because Its Owners Are Christians

2/8/2019

Here is another story that illustrates the dire condition of our universities. For the most part the adults leading our schools of higher learning are ungodly. It doesn't take a lot of discernment to come to that conclusion in light of the underlying philosophy of education, the courses offered to students, and the general anti-Christian culture fostered by professors and various student groups alike.

Lifenews.com reports:

"A New Jersey university is not bringing Chick-fil-A to its campus over the fast food chain's "corporate values," even though the restaurant was the student's top pick.

Rider University surveyed students in the spring and asked which restaurants they wanted the school to bring to campus. Campus Reform reported. . .Chick-fil-A was the top pick.

The school sent an e-mail to students on November 1, however, that told them Chick-fil-A's "corporate values have not sufficiently progressed enough to align with those of Rider," according to Campus Reform. . . .

Chick-fil-A has been under fire since 2012 after CEO Dan Kathy defined marriage between a man and a woman. It was ranked the number one fast food restaurant for customer service in 2018 for the third year in a row."

Did you notice the university accused the leadership of Chick-fil-A of failing to "progress enough" to be endorsed by the university? Did you also notice that the university could careless about how the majority of the students feel about it?

This is progressive education at its best (or should I say, its worst). The goal of such educators is to move students and society away from Bible based values into a world of ungodliness. If the school does not accept the values of a Christian owned business, it is obvious they have no interest in cultivating those values in the hearts and minds of the students entrusted to them. On the contrary, they intend to progressively move students away from such values.

I hope millions of Americans will wake up to the fact that our universities are now hot-beds of anti-American and anti-Christian education. It has been this way for some time. While spiritual minded believers are not caught off guard concerning this development in as much as Scripture warns we must struggle against spiritual wickedness in high places (Eph. 6:12), it is not enough to simply be aware of what is happening.

Scripture goes on to compel us to "stand" in the evil day taking to ourselves the whole armor of God (Eph. 6:12-18). Faithful believers cannot capitulate to the pressure of an unbelieving world determined to conform everyone to their vision of an ungodly society. Are you ready to be strong in the Lord and live out the truth no matter the cost?

The old commercial that had the punch line "pay me now, or pay me later" is appropriate for American Christians today. We can either pay the price that may come now as we stand for truth, or we can compromise and try to get along in order to avoid controversy. However, we will not like the price we pay if and when the ungodly obtain unbridled power.

Prepare to stand and pay the price NOW. Sin is still sin and the Lord is to be honored through-out society. Do not be ashamed of Him or of his word in your sphere of influence. Remember, the shield of faith is able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked!

Hollywood Big Shot Launching Group That Targets Anti-LGBTQ Candidates

1/26/2019

A recent article from theblaze.com reports the following:

Hollywood director and producer Ryan Murphy. . .said he's launching a "multi-million-dollar organization that targets anti-LGBTQ candidates running for office". . .

"In 2020, we're going to create and fund, with corporate sponsorship, a multi-million-dollar organization that targets anti-LGBTQ candidates running for office," he said to more applause, adding that the group is going to target 20 "senate and congressional candidates who think they can get votes by hurting and discriminating against us. . .well, we can get votes too, and we can fight back."

So, if you are pro-family, stand for marriage between a man and a woman, and resist the pressure to give the LGBTQ lobby special rights, then look out! Clearly, this effort will be aimed largely at Christians who are running for a seat in Congress. While the verbal persecution will most certainly come, Christians must graciously stand for the promotion of Biblical marriage and the traditional family. Furthermore, we must stand up for the right to disagree with the LGBTQ lobby.

It is not hate speech to simply disagree with fellow Americans. Unfortunately, LGBTQ adherents long to destroy religious freedom in the country. They despise those who point out their immoral behavior and rebellion against God. They want to squelch free speech and freedom of conscience.

However, religious freedom must be guarded and fought for in the political arena. I encourage you to pray for those who are called of God to serve in high places of government. They are facing great opposition and evidently the battle is about to get more intense.

Ephesians chapter six is so appropriate and says, "having done all to stand, stand therefore" taking to yourself the whole armor of God--especially the shield of faith wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked" (Eph. 6:10-18).

Robotics: Change is Coming to the Workplace

1/11/2019

Most of us know something about robotics. I doubt most of us understand how much this technology is going to change American life over the next five to ten years.

Here is some insight from a gentleman on the floor of the international Consumers Electronics Show (CES) taking place this month in Las Vegas. His take suggests the technology is an opportunity for investors, but whether that is of interest to you or not the fact remains extensive change is coming:

Tech expert Christian Olsen – who authors the Stansberry Innovations Report – wrote to us with some insights from day two of the event. In particular, he's excited about the development of "smart robots," which he believes is one of the next big tech investment opportunities. Here's Christian...

We're at the beginning of a long run which will be a revolution for the manufacturing sector. And one day soon, it could end up causing laborers to disappear from the factory floor altogether.

You see, robots can sustain repetitive motion at speeds greater than humans. We already know this, and manufacturers use robots today as cars roll off the production line. Using robots made a huge difference because it extended what a labor force could do. The robots already relieved them of some labor, which meant increased productivity. Instead of doing a task with his own hands, a worker shepherds a task next to a robot and lets the robot do the brunt of the work.

And it could change the workforce as we know it. More from his e-mail...

Smart robots will make human laborers unnecessary. They can "see" with sensors... With the addition of artificial intelligence ("AI"), they can "learn" and begin to "reason." And when one Smart Robot learns, they all learn. That's the "smart" part.

Think about what happens when you don't need a factory staff of 3,000 workers at an auto plant. Now, extend that out across the entire sector. Salaries, labor unions, pensions, paid time off... You won't necessarily need all of those things.

Considering that just five years ago, the U.S. manufacturing sector employed 12 million workers – or nearly 9% of U.S. employees – this could have massive implications going forward. More from Christian...

At CES, I saw a Japanese robotics company whose smart robot learned how to play ping pong against a person in real time. It saw what the player did: what his habits were, and how he would respond to a side shot. Then, the smart robot took the information and beat him. It could see... move... and learn.

I talked to one of the company's salesmen. He said everything we saw is double what it was last year... Significantly better perception and faster learning. The trick the company is using is that all of the AI happens on location with the robot. In other words, data doesn't need to stream to the cloud since all of the learning happens on the circuit board next to the smart robot.

Of course, it's not about playing ping pong... It's about jobs disappearing as the robots work perfectly 24/7.

Wow! Artificial Intelligence (AI) is making such advances it is mind boggling. No doubt the workplace across the economy is going to drastically change over the next decade. Perhaps our children and grandchildren should seriously consider entering the field of robotics. At least they will have a job!!

One interesting side note to me is a passage of Scripture found in Revelation 13:15 which says, "And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should speak . . ."

There is no doubt the image of the beast will consist of some form of artificial intelligence driven in this case by Satan himself. I ask you, does it seem far fetched for the Scripture to make reference to an "image of the beast" coming to life when technology today is headed toward the creation of robots that are very life like?

My point is simply this. Past students of the Bible probably wondered how a mere "image" could come to life, but the advent of AI brings this into clearer focus. The image of the beast will be the ultimate in AI as it is energized by Satan himself. My friend, these are truly amazing days we are living in!

NRB's Top 10 Stories of 2018

12/29/2018

Christian Broadcasting Ministries (CBM) is a member of the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB). NRB for 75 years has faithfully labored to assure the Christian community has access to the airwaves of America to preach the gospel. Today NRB is one of the leading Christian organizations in America fighting for religious freedom. I think you will enjoy checking out this article. It is encouraging to know the body of Christ is fighting to preserve religious freedom in our great nation.

For more information about CBM visit cbmtoday.org

How to 'Wield the Most Effective Weapon Against Tyranny'

12/16/2018

Here is a letter to the Heritage Foundation containing a powerful testimony which should encourage us in the battle for America today:

Dear Daily Signal: Thanks to The Daily Signal and The Heritage Foundation for presenting articles such as Rob Bluey’s podcast interview with Sebastian Gorka on the threats, both foreign and domestic, to our great country (“Sebastian Gorka on the Biggest Threat Facing America and What Trump Is Doing About It”).

I have supported and will continue to support The Heritage Foundation in its efforts to wield the most effective weapon against tyranny--a well-informed electorate through education and protection of basic freedoms of speech, expression, and the press. (emphasis mine)

My dad landed on Red Beach on the Pacific atoll of Iwo Jima as a 19-year-old Marine in February 1945. Though he was wounded twice and survived for 30 days of combat before being medically evacuated, he never talked about his experience until his later days, when he realized the importance of sharing.

One day as we sat in the yard swing trying to stay comfortable in the stifling heat of a west central Georgia summer, just out of the blue, he felt compelled to share something with his 25-year-old son that I will never forget. No, it wasn’t specifically about his combat experience. It was about modern-day warfare, the combat we find ourselves locked in today.

He said: “Son, the very freedoms I risked my life to defend will slowly disappear in your lifetime.” I had no clue why he said that and what he meant by what he said. He said it most emphatically and with a tone of regret.

My dad was not the type you questioned or asked to repeat things. Even though it completely went over my head, I did not dare ask him to explain. I am 70 now and we lost dad at 88 in 2013. Yet I still hear those fateful words. Now, 50 years later, I see very clearly what he was trying to warn me about as I was engaged to be married.

Though I now see clearly the motive of his warning, he left me the tools to resist, to persevere, to triumph over the tyranny that would steal freedom from my heritage: “Pray, work hard, work honest, never give up the fight, never give in to evil. Remember that truth and good will prevail in the end.”
Thanks, Dad.--Phillip Lee White, Warm Springs, Ga.

I think we all need to stay informed, but then we MUST pray and never give up the fight and never give in to evil. This is akin to saying Christians must maintain salt in themselves, otherwise we will be good for nothing in the fight to preserve American liberty.