The last straw

Most are familiar with the old phrases; “ The last straw” or “The straw that broke the camel’s back” The idea is that a long period of patiently waiting for change and not seeing any finally brings that patience to an end with one last action. Since the 1920s, America had practiced following after the gods of philosophy, pleasure, and government. Even though many Americans still followed God, the majority had turned away from the God of their fathers. Schools began to teach evolution and reject the Biblical account of Creation. Humanism replaced the teaching of Biblical morality. The family came under the attacks of television, movies, and other forms of hedonism. The people turned to government to solve more and more of their problems as government spending sky rocketed. Finally, in 1962, America made the ultimate slap in God’s face. The event was a Supreme Court case known as Engel V Vitale which officially removed prayer from public schools. The case declared that a simple prayer in school was a violation of the Separation of Church and state. Imagine the very school system that had declared that the purpose of education was to teach religion, morals and knowledge, was now being made to abandon two of those elements. A year later, the Supreme court decided to remove Bible reading from the public school system. America had officially declared their turning away from the God of Heaven. This was the last straw in our forgetting of our powerful friend as Ben Franklin had warned. Since that time, our schools have become violent, lowered their standards, and lost their prominence in the world. Our society has seen an increase in divorce, abortion, and a general decline in morals. I believe that since 1962, America has experienced what it is like when God turns His back on a rebellious people. We now face financial collapse, political corruption, endless wars, and Spiritual weakness. God has made it clear in his Word that sin is a reproach to any people. America’s only hope is to return to God. If we will not do it as a nation, we must at least individually return to Biblical living.

God can be seen even in the darkest of times

Whenever something tragic occurs on a personal or national level, the following question usually follows; “How could a loving God allow this to happen, and why didn’t He do something to help”? The truth is that while we live here on earth, we may never be able to understand many of the circumstances that God allows us to endure. For Job, it was to test and strengthen his faith, for Israel in the Old Testament it was punishment for sin, and for Christ it was to save mankind from their sin. However, even in difficult situations the hand of God can be seen. Perhaps the greatest example of human suffering in modern times was during the Holocaust. Hitler and his Nazi party systematically rounded up millions of Jews and put them to death. Jews were worked until they could do no more, and then they were put in gas chambers and then burned. This unimaginable hatred and wickedness caused many Jews and Gentiles to question the love or even the existence of God. While it is impossible to know the mind of God as to why He allowed this suffering, it is possible to see some good to come out of this horrible chapter in history. After the Holocaust was made known to the world at the end of World War II, many nations around the world recognized the need for a Jewish state. Israel had been out of their land since the Romans destroyed Jerusalem in 70 A.D. The Jews had been forced to live in exile all over the world since the first century. God used the massive outpouring of sympathy for the plight of the Jews after World War II to move countries to form the nation of Israel in 1948. Hitler’s plan was to destroy the Jews and set up a super race of Arians. God’s plan was to defeat the designs of wicked dictators, and allow the return of His people to the Promised Land. Hitler and those who followed him were responsible for the Holocaust, but God was able to take that tragedy and turn it into something that has been a blessing to the Jewish people for the last sixty years.

God's hand in a day which will live in infamy

December 7, 1941 was a day that will live in infamy. The attack on Pearl Harbor marked the beginning of the United States involvement in World War II. Japanese planes attacked our forces, destroyed many of our ships and airplanes, and killed over 2400 of our military personnel. In the midst of all of this destruction and suffering, we still can see the hand of God. One of the goals of the Japanese attack was to cripple our navy in order to gain control of the Pacific. However, all of our Aircraft carriers had left the night before to practice maneuvers to remain battle ready. The attack did not cripple our Navy at all, God allowed us to keep the most important part of our defense. Some suggest that because we had broken the Japanese code, we knew they were coming so that is why we moved our Aircraft Carriers out of harms way. The bottom line is that they were spared, and America was spared also.
Another example of God’s hand of in World War II was seen during the battle of Midway. The Battle of Midway was the turning point in the battle of the Pacific. If Japan won, than the United States would have been helpless to stop their conquest of the Pacific islands. The Japanese had the advantage in numbers of ships and planes. The only advantage held by the Americans was the element of surprise. The Japanese sent out planes to find out the location of the enemies’ aircraft carriers. One of the Japanese planes spotted the American Aircraft carriers, but when they went to radio the location, their radio went dead. The Americans were able to take the Japanese by complete surprise, and were able to change the course of the war. Was is just luck, or was the God of the airwaves working His will at a key moment of history. I believe that God wanted America to help the forces of freedom defeat dictatorship, in order for His Word to be able to continue being spread across the world.

The Miracles at Dunkirk and Britain

One of the consequences of the Great Depression, was the rise of Dictators in several key countries. Germany, Russia, Japan, and Italy, all willingly gave total power to a man who promised to bring them back to greatness. These dictators were not content to control one country, and soon began taking over country after country. Adolf Hitler especially was successful with his campaign to recover all of the territory that had been lost to Germany in World War I. Hitler seemed unstoppable as he took Austria, Czechoslovakia, and finally Poland. Hitler then turned his attention to France. The French were totally unprepared for Hitler’s Blitzkrieg, and found themselves trapped at Dunkirk. Hitler’s troops were only about ten miles away, and stood poised for the complete destruction of the French army. Here we find the beginning of a series of events often referred to as “The miracle of Dunkirk.” Hitler ordered his Panzers to stop, and allow the German Air force to destroy the enemy as they attempted to cross the English channel to safety . As the German Air force arrived, a dense fog appeared and protected many of the boats as they made the crossing. During the ten days that troops were evacuated, seven of those days had the thick fog. Most of the time the Luftwaffe (German air force) had to return to Germany with their bombs still with them. Also, during this time the English channel was unusually calm. Many remarked that they never remembered the Channel being so placid for such a long period. After the evacuation was complete, large breakers rolled up on to the beach, almost as if a hand that had been holding them back, had released control of the waters.
When Hitler realized that the fog had rendered his Luftwaffe useless, he ordered his tanks to advance. However, a large storm caused the tanks to be delayed for several days. By the time they were able to move, all but about forty thousand troops had been able to flee to England. When the evacuation at Dunkirk had begun, it was estimated that the best they could hope for would be to have 40-50 thousand men rescued. When the evacuation was finished, there were over three Hundred and fifty thousand men saved. Had Hitler been able to cut off their escape, it is doubtful if France of England would have been able to carry out much more of a resistance.
Hitler then decided to attack Britain in what is known as the battle of Britain. Here again he made two incredible mistakes. First he decided to attack by air instead of by sea, Britain could have easily been invaded and taken. Instead he bombed England day after day with the intent to bomb them into submission. Hitler’s second mistake was the decision to abandon the research on radar. He felt it was not as important as developing missiles. The English did develop radar, and it helped the British air force to defeat the Germans.
How can we explain all of these incredible mistakes by a leader who up to this time had done no wrong in his ability to take one country after another? I believe that Proverbs 21:1 gives us the answer. “The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the Lord; He turns it wherever He wishes.” God caused Hitler to do those things that would change the outcome of the war to His will. God works through fog, calm water, storms, and even in the decisions of evil men. Germany would never again have an opportunity to end the war in one great battle.

America turns to government instead of God

Much has been written concerning the major causes of the Great Depression. Some blame tariffs, some point to over production of goods, and still others point to speculation in the stock market and easy credit. However, I believe that the ultimate cause of the Great Depression is found in America’s turning from God in the 1920s. The Bible clearly teaches that when and individual or a nation turns from God, then God removes His hand of Blessing. For hundreds of years America had enjoyed the mercy of God. We had great economic, educational, physical, and Spiritual blessings. God had delivered us from wars, recessions, and many natural disasters. In 1929, America experienced the total melt down of its economy. When this type of trouble had occurred in the past, many Americans turned to family, neighbors, and especially God and the Church. Instead of turning to these, we as a nation turned to Government for deliverance. Franklin Roosevelt promised that the government would provide a New Deal to bring our country back to prosperity. Roosevelt used deficit spending to put people back to work, and rebuild our economy. Ever since, whenever there has been any type of disaster, the majority of Americans have demanded that the government needs to do something to solve the problem. We have exchanged the God of Heaven for the God of Government.
Another example of God withdrawing His hand of blessing on America during the Great Depression, was the Dust Bowl. During the mid 1930s America experienced one of its greatest droughts. All told, during the 1930s, about 150,000 square miles of farmland in the heart of the country were stripped of their top soil, which was deposited hundreds of miles away. (Family Encyclopedia of American History) Psalm 104 tells of God’s control over nature. In verses 13 and 14, we read “He waters the hills from His upper chambers; The earth is satisfied with the fruit of His works. He causes the grass to grow for the cattle, and vegetation for the service of man, that he may bring forth food from the earth.” These verses show God’s Providential control of nature. When America turned to government for their deliverance, God turned his had of blessing away from America.
Today there is much discussion concerning the role of Government in our lives. Many feel that Government can solve every problem we have. The truth is that the only real solution to our nations' problems is to return to the God of our fathers, and perhaps He will return His hand of blessing.

America's turning point

Many times over the years, students have asked; “If America was a Christian nation, why is it like it is today?” That is a good question. Today we have abortion on demand, homo-sexual marriage, prayer and Bible reading have been removed from our schools, and Evolution is taught as a fact. How could a nation whose foundations were so strong Spiritually, have become so Humanistic? The turning point for America’s turning away from God seems to have begun in the 1920s. American history books refer to this period as the Roaring Twenties. It was a time of great advancement and prosperity. However, it was also a time when many anti-Christian forces began their assault on America’s Christian values. There were at least five different forces that worked to turn American away from God during this period. The first was materialism. In the 1920s there was a great emphasis on fashions and fads. Flappers showed off their contempt for the conventional roles of woman with short hair and shorter skirts. People began spending time listening to entertainment on the radio, and going to Nickelodeons to watch the latest movies. There was a new interest in Marathon dancing and setting foolish records. The Bible warns about the dangers of loving the world and the things that are in the world. God tells us that if anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in them. Many Christians began spending time with sports as well. Instead of the heroes of the day being great political or Spiritual leaders, their heroes were Babe Ruth, Bobby Jones, and Jack Dempsey.
Another anti-Christian force in the Twenties, was the beginning of the Communist party in the United States. The Goal of Communism was to bring down Capitalism, but it was also anti-Christian. Marx said that religion was the enemy of the masses. Communism desired to remove Christianity from public life. Groups like the ACLU may not have been started by Communists, but they have certainly worked to accomplish their goals. Communists infiltrated our government, our colleges, our Churches, and just about every aspect of our nation. Even today there are many who embrace its philosophy of Government controlling the nations economy, and removing Christianity from every part of life.
Another Anti-Christian idea that took off in the twenties, was evolution. In 1925, there was a famous trial called the Scopes monkey trial. The major issue was the teaching of evolution in public schools. The law had made it illegal to teach evolution in public schools, and John Scopes had tested the law by teaching the forbidden subject. The trial found Scopes guilty, and he had to pay a 100 dollar fine. However, the real loser was fundamental Christianity. The press presented evolution as a Scientific fact, and Creation as just another myth. The result was that most public schools soon were teaching evolution and ignoring Creation. The Creation account today had been totally rejected by our academic society. The Bible tells us to “Remember now they Creator in the days of thy youth.” Our youth are no longer being taught about their Creator.
Psychoanalysis was also developed during this time. Sigmund Freud taught that the key to understanding people was to understand their past experience. He denied concepts like sin and the need to repent. This man centered way of thinking became the foundation of modern psychology. Before this time the major way people dealt with their problems was through the Church and the family. God’s Word was all they needed for mental, financial, marital, or Spiritual problems.
The last and probably the most serious, was the rise of Modernism. During the 1920s, many of the mainline Protestant Churches faces a crossroad. The Modernists were those who denied the Fundamentals of the Bible. They denied the Deity of Christ, the Trinity, the Virgin birth of Christ, the Bible being inerrant, and the literal bodily return of Christ. Those who believed these truths, were known as Fundamentalists. During the Twenties, almost every major denomination decided to go with the Modernist camp, and reject Fundamentalism. The Bible believers left the mainline Churches and started their own Churches and Colleges. Today most of America is under the Control of modernist theology. What a shame that the belief of most of our founding fathers has been rejected by most Americans in our society.
It is not hard to see that America began the slow retreat from being a Christian nation in the 1920s. Things changed gradually, but today the change is very evident. America is no longer a Christian nation. God still is working, and is still in control of history, but His hand is harder to see in later American history. America’s only hope is to have another turning point. We need Christians to turn their backs on the Humanism of today’s American culture, and return to the Truth of God’s Word.

A Marksman and a Pigeon

World War I was known as the Great war, and the war to end all wars. This horrible conflict cost Billions of dollars and millions of lives. America was spared for over two years, but eventually was pulled into the awful conflict. Perhaps the most important battle that the United States was involved in was the Meuse-Argonne offensive. During this key battle God showed His hand of intervention in two different parts of the battle. The first was the amazing exploits of Sergeant Alvin York. He was a man who loved God and hated war. He found himself almost alone during the Argonne campaign and facing a machine gun nest. He was able to get into position to pick off many of the enemy, to the point that the Germans surrendered. When the Germans came out and gave themselves up,he realized that he had captured “a tolerable few” In reality he had killed twenty-five Germans, captured 132, and silenced thirty-five machine guns. When he was asked how he was able to accomplish such a feat, he replied , ”We know there were miracles, don’t we? Well this was one. It’s the only way I can figure it”
Another event in the same campaign was the rescue of the Lost Battalion. A group of several hundred American soldiers found themselves surrounded by the enemy. To make matters worse, the American who were in another area were shelling the area right where they were. They were being killed by the big guns of their own side. The only hope for the battalion was to send carrier pigeons to give their position to the other Americans to stop the friendly fire. As the Americans sent each pigeon into the air, the Germens simply shot each one down. Finally the lost battalion was down to its last pigeon. The pigeon named Cher Ami was sent into the air, and quickly shot down. However, she got back up and flew to the other American troops, and the battalion was saved. Cher Ami had one eye gone, her breastbone smashed, and one leg shot off, but God had allowed her to make it to her destination. The Bible says that God knows even when a sparrow falls to the ground. In this case, He reached down and picked up a pigeon. God saved hundred of men using one of our nations most unusual heroes. Many times we use the excuse “God could never use me, I just don’t have any ability. If God can use an uneducated marksman, and a pigeon, he can certainly use us.