03/30/26 TO SIN OR NOT TO SIN, THAT IS THE QUESTION
PSALM 119 VS. BY VS.
Those who believe in "sinning religion," in other words, those who do not believe God saves believers from all sin (the penalty and the power and the pollution of sin) in this present evil world (either because God is unwilling, or God is unable, or God is uncaring), they often accuse those who believe in purity of heart and life of "cherry-picking" verses to make the point.
This is interesting since they claim, based on a few verses taken out of context, that saved men will continue to have the sin nature until the day they die, and saved men will continue to sin (even to the extent of sinning every day in word, thought, and deed), regardless that hundreds and hundreds of verses and passages clearly assert God's deliverance from sin and sinning in this present evil world. In other words, they claim that God does not purify the faithful believer from the Old Man, the Carnal Mind, the Double Mindedness, the Law of Sin and Death, Carnality, and they claim that Biblical salvation does not deliver the believer from sin (willful disobedience to the known law of God), and that Christians cannot obey God (keep God's commandments), and that God does not enable His redeemed children to become actually righteous or walk in righteousness
This is interesting since they cherry-pick the few verses that SEEM to support their erroneous claim, while ignoring the overwhelming witness of Scripture that clearly contradicts their false doctrine.
I could give a number of illustrations, but let me challenge you to consider Psalm 119. Read the entire Psalm and put a notation for each verse, which either indicates or seems to indicate whether a believer can or cannot be delivered from all sin or sinning.
Psalm 119 has 176 verses and is divided into sections of eight verses each (corresponding to each of the 22 letters in the Hebrew alphabet). I will leave an open line between each section.
I will also designate each verse with either a D (deliverance from sin), a B (bondage to sin), or an X (unsure or unclear), concerning either God's implied or stated position concerning deliverance from sin. You may not agree with some of my designations. Still, go through each verse and decide for yourself, according to your honest view of what the verse says, NOT ACCORDING TO WHAT SOMEONE SAYS ABOUT THE VERSES, then decide whether the weight of information leans toward DELIVERANCE FROM SIN or BONDAGE TO SIN. I am not uncertain about the verses I have designated with an X, but I am trying to be consistent with my challenge to you. (I believe the verses I have designated with an X are clarified by their immediate context, indicating victory from and over sin). I have added a + behind the D when the verse UNQUESTIONABLY asserts deliverance and a - sign when the verse UNQUESTIONABLY asserts bondage. Keep in mind that God's word does not contradict itself. Supposed contradictions must be explained by the overall preponderance of evidence found in the rest of Scripture. The obscure must be understood in the light of the obvious.
These verses do not claim that the person has never sinned or that the person is unable to sin. They indicate that there is hope for those who have sinned and that the grace of God, through His word, enables the believer to not sin.
Psalms 119:1-176
D+ 1 ALEPH. Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD.
D+ 2 Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.
D+ 3 They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways.
D 4 Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently.
X 5 O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes!
D+ 6 Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments.
D+ 7 I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments.
D+ 8 I will keep thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly.
D+ 9 BETH. Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.
D+ 10 With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.
D+ 11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
D 12 Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes.
X 13 With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth.
D+ 14 I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches.
D+ 15 I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.
D+ 16 I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.
D+ 17 GIMEL. Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live, and keep thy word.
D+ 18 Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.
D 19 I am a stranger in the earth: hide not thy commandments from me.
X 20 My soul breaketh for the longing that it hath unto thy judgments at all times.
D 21 Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed, which do err from thy commandments.
D+ 22 Remove from me reproach and contempt; for I have kept thy testimonies.
X 23 Princes also did sit and speak against me: but thy servant did meditate in thy statutes.
D+ 24 Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counsellors.
D 25 DALETH. My soul cleaveth unto the dust: quicken thou me according to thy word.
D 26 I have declared my ways, and thou heardest me: teach me thy statutes.
D 27 Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of thy wondrous works.
X 28 My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen thou me according unto thy word.
D+ 29 Remove from me the way of lying: and grant me thy law graciously.
D+ 30 I have chosen the way of truth: thy judgments have I laid before me.
D+ 31 I have stuck unto thy testimonies: O LORD, put me not to shame.
D+ 32 I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart.
D+ 33 HE. Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end.
D+ 34 Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart.
D+ 35 Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight.
D+ 36 Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness.
D+ 37 Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way.
D+ 38 Stablish thy word unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear.
X 39 Turn away my reproach which I fear: for thy judgments are good.
D+ 40 Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: quicken me in thy righteousness.
D 41 VAU. Let thy mercies come also unto me, O LORD, even thy salvation, according to thy word.
D 42 So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: for I trust in thy word.
X 43 And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; for I have hoped in thy judgments.
D+ 44 So shall I keep thy law continually for ever and ever.
D+ 45 And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts.
D 46 I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed.
D+ 47 And I will delight myself in thy commandments, which I have loved.
D+ 48 My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes.
D 49 ZAIN. Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope.
D 50 This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me.
D+ 51 The proud have had me greatly in derision: yet have I not declined from thy law.
D 52 I remembered thy judgments of old, O LORD; and have comforted myself.
X 53 Horror hath taken hold upon me because of the wicked that forsake thy law.
D+ 54 Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage.
D+ 55 I have remembered thy name, O LORD, in the night, and have kept thy law.
D+ 56 This I had, because I kept thy precepts.
D+ 57 CHETH. Thou art my portion, O LORD: I have said that I would keep thy words.
D 58 I intreated thy favour with my whole heart: be merciful unto me according to thy word.
D+ 59 I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.
D+ 60 I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments.
D+ 61 The bands of the wicked have robbed me: but I have not forgotten thy law.
D 62 At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous judgments.
D+ 63 I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts.
D 64 The earth, O LORD, is full of thy mercy: teach me thy statutes.
X 65 TETH. Thou hast dealt well with thy servant, O LORD, according unto thy word.
D+ 66 Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed thy commandments.
D+ 67 Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.
D 68 Thou art good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes.
D+ 69 The proud have forged a lie against me: but I will keep thy precepts with my whole heart.
D+ 70 Their heart is as fat as grease; but I delight in thy law.
D 71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.
D+ 72 The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver.
D 73 JOD. Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments.
D 74 They that fear thee will be glad when they see me; because I have hoped in thy word.
D 75 I know, O LORD, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me.
X 76 Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant.
D+ 77 Let thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live: for thy law is my delight.
D 78 Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: but I will meditate in thy precepts.
D 79 Let those that fear thee turn unto me, and those that have known thy testimonies.
D+ 80 Let my heart be sound in thy statutes; that I be not ashamed.
D 81 CAPH. My soul fainteth for thy salvation: but I hope in thy word.
X 82 Mine eyes fail for thy word, saying, When wilt thou comfort me?
D 83 For I am become like a bottle in the smoke; yet do I not forget thy statutes.
D 84 How many are the days of thy servant? when wilt thou execute judgment on them that persecute me?
D 85 The proud have digged pits for me, which are not after thy law.
D 86 All thy commandments are faithful: they persecute me wrongfully; help thou me.
D+ 87 They had almost consumed me upon earth; but I forsook not thy precepts.
D+ 88 Quicken me after thy lovingkindness; so shall I keep the testimony of thy mouth.
X 89 LAMED. For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.
X 90 Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth.
X 91 They continue this day according to thine ordinances: for all are thy servants.
D+ 92 Unless thy law had been my delights, I should then have perished in mine affliction.
D 93 I will never forget thy precepts: for with them thou hast quickened me.
D 94 I am thine, save me; for I have sought thy precepts.
D 95 The wicked have waited for me to destroy me: but I will consider thy testimonies.
X 96 I have seen an end of all perfection: but thy commandment is exceeding broad.
D+ 97 MEM. O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.
D+ 98 Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me.
D 99 I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation.
D+ 100 I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts.
D+ 101 I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word.
D+ 102 I have not departed from thy judgments: for thou hast taught me.
D 103 How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
D+ 104 Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.
D 105 NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
D+ 106 I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments.
D 107 I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O LORD, according unto thy word.
D 108 Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD, and teach me thy judgments.
D+ 109 My soul is continually in my hand: yet do I not forget thy law.
D+ 110 The wicked have laid a snare for me: yet I erred not from thy precepts.
D+111 Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart.
D+112 I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes alway, even unto the end.
D+113 SAMECH. I hate vain thoughts: but thy law do I love.
D 114 Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word.
D+ 115 Depart from me, ye evildoers: for I will keep the commandments of my God.
D 116 Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope.
D+ 117 Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto thy statutes continually.
D+ 118 Thou hast trodden down all them that err from thy statutes: for their deceit is falsehood.
D+ 119 Thou puttest away all the wicked of the earth like dross: therefore I love thy testimonies.
X 120 My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments.
D+ 121 AIN. I have done judgment and justice: leave me not to mine oppressors.
D 122 Be surety for thy servant for good: let not the proud oppress me.
X 123 Mine eyes fail for thy salvation, and for the word of thy righteousness.
D 124 Deal with thy servant according unto thy mercy, and teach me thy statutes.
D 125 I am thy servant; give me understanding, that I may know thy testimonies.
X 126 It is time for thee, LORD, to work: for they have made void thy law.
D+ 127 Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold.
D+ 128 Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way.
D+129 PE. Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them.
D+ 130 The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.
D+131 I opened my mouth, and panted: for I longed for thy commandments.
D+ 132 Look thou upon me, and be merciful unto me, as thou usest to do unto those that love thy name.
D+ 133 Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.
D+ 134 Deliver me from the oppression of man: so will I keep thy precepts.
D 135 Make thy face to shine upon thy servant; and teach me thy statutes.
D+ 136 Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law.
X 137 TZADDI. Righteous art thou, O LORD, and upright are thy judgments.
X 138 Thy testimonies that thou hast commanded are righteous and very faithful.
X 139 My zeal hath consumed me, because mine enemies have forgotten thy words.
D+140 Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it.
D+ 141 I am small and despised: yet do not I forget thy precepts.
X 142 Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth.
D+ 143 Trouble and anguish have taken hold on me: yet thy commandments are my delights.
X 144 The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting: give me understanding, and I shall live.
D+ 145 KOPH. I cried with my whole heart; hear me, O LORD: I will keep thy statutes.
D+ 146 I cried unto thee; save me, and I shall keep thy testimonies.
D 147 I prevented the dawning of the morning, and cried: I hoped in thy word.
D 148 Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that I might meditate in thy word.
X 149 Hear my voice according unto thy lovingkindness: O LORD, quicken me according to thy judgment.
X 150 They draw nigh that follow after mischief: they are far from thy law.
D 151 Thou art near, O LORD; and all thy commandments are truth.
D 152 Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old that thou hast founded them for ever.
D+ 153 RESH. Consider mine affliction, and deliver me: for I do not forget thy law.
D 154 Plead my cause, and deliver me: quicken me according to thy word.
D 155 Salvation is far from the wicked: for they seek not thy statutes.
X 156 Great are thy tender mercies, O LORD: quicken me according to thy judgments.
D+ 157 Many are my persecutors and mine enemies; yet do I not decline from thy testimonies.
D 158 I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved; because they kept not thy word.
D 159 Consider how I love thy precepts: quicken me, O LORD, according to thy lovingkindness.
D 160 Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.
D 161 SCHIN. Princes have persecuted me without a cause: but my heart standeth in awe of thy word.
D+ 162 I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil.
D+163 I hate and abhor lying: but thy law do I love.
D+ 164 Seven times a day do I praise thee because of thy righteous judgments.
D+ 165 Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.
D+ 166 LORD, I have hoped for thy salvation, and done thy commandments.
D+ 167 My soul hath kept thy testimonies; and I love them exceedingly.
D+ 168 I have kept thy precepts and thy testimonies: for all my ways are before thee.
X 169 TAU. Let my cry come near before thee, O LORD: give me understanding according to thy word.
X 170 Let my supplication come before thee: deliver me according to thy word.
D 171 My lips shall utter praise, when thou hast taught me thy statutes.
D 172 My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments are righteousness.
D+ 173 Let thine hand help me; for I have chosen thy precepts.
D+ 174 I have longed for thy salvation, O LORD; and thy law is my delight.
D 175 Let my soul live, and it shall praise thee; and let thy judgments help me.
D 176 I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments.
Monday, March 30, 2026
Friday, March 27, 2026
03/27/26 VALIANT VOLUNTEERS WANTED
03/27/26 VALIANT VOLUNTEERS WANTED
Be A Valiant Volunteer, Not A Reluctant Recruit
If a person with a goal, an objective, needs help to bring his dream to fruition, he will look for people who are already excited about the plan, already vested in the project, already active in "making it happen." The visionary should not need to find," or stir-up, or spoon-feed, or constantly motivate, and re-teach and remind the others about the basics of the task. The leader is looking for others who are convinced, driven, and eager to make the dream come to reality.
Everyone needs to be recruited, trained, and challenged at some point. But the longer it takes for a person to catch the vision, the less likely they are to reach the goal. The losses build up while the hesitation drags on.
Sometimes people never catch the vision, and the treasure is never recovered.
Sometimes a person starts out as an enthusiastic participant, but the demand of excellence and the ridicule of the nay-sayers and the cost of success is more than they are willing to face, so they drop out before the prize is won.
No telling how many wars are lost and victories are abandoned because doubt said that the "cost was too great." Even when victory was within grasp, entire campaigns have been lost because there was no vision, no stick-to-itiveness, no "do or die mentality." And that "do or die" must be an inner fire that cannot be quenched, a driving force that cannot be stopped.
There is a season for victory, just like there is a season for harvest. But the other seasons must happen before the day of victory. There must be people who will make the sacrifice in order to reap the benefits, accomplish the task. If there are not enough people available, then the loss will be catastrophic.
Don't wait for God to draft you into His army of deliverance or coerce you into standing firm or force you into doing His will. Hear His call today. Answer, "Here am I, LORD, send me."
Remember, there is a violence God is looking for in His people. Jesus said, "The kingdom of God suffers violence, and the violent take it by force." It is not a violence of vindictiveness, but of vehement eagerness that will not be denied. It is the force of holy intention, holy determination. It is the drive of total commitment.
Charge the Gates of Hell, Do Not Drag Your Feet To The Fray.
The cost is great, but it is nothing compared to the return it brings.
Be A Valiant Volunteer, Not A Reluctant Recruit
If a person with a goal, an objective, needs help to bring his dream to fruition, he will look for people who are already excited about the plan, already vested in the project, already active in "making it happen." The visionary should not need to find," or stir-up, or spoon-feed, or constantly motivate, and re-teach and remind the others about the basics of the task. The leader is looking for others who are convinced, driven, and eager to make the dream come to reality.
Everyone needs to be recruited, trained, and challenged at some point. But the longer it takes for a person to catch the vision, the less likely they are to reach the goal. The losses build up while the hesitation drags on.
Sometimes people never catch the vision, and the treasure is never recovered.
Sometimes a person starts out as an enthusiastic participant, but the demand of excellence and the ridicule of the nay-sayers and the cost of success is more than they are willing to face, so they drop out before the prize is won.
No telling how many wars are lost and victories are abandoned because doubt said that the "cost was too great." Even when victory was within grasp, entire campaigns have been lost because there was no vision, no stick-to-itiveness, no "do or die mentality." And that "do or die" must be an inner fire that cannot be quenched, a driving force that cannot be stopped.
There is a season for victory, just like there is a season for harvest. But the other seasons must happen before the day of victory. There must be people who will make the sacrifice in order to reap the benefits, accomplish the task. If there are not enough people available, then the loss will be catastrophic.
Don't wait for God to draft you into His army of deliverance or coerce you into standing firm or force you into doing His will. Hear His call today. Answer, "Here am I, LORD, send me."
Remember, there is a violence God is looking for in His people. Jesus said, "The kingdom of God suffers violence, and the violent take it by force." It is not a violence of vindictiveness, but of vehement eagerness that will not be denied. It is the force of holy intention, holy determination. It is the drive of total commitment.
Charge the Gates of Hell, Do Not Drag Your Feet To The Fray.
The cost is great, but it is nothing compared to the return it brings.
03/27/26 JOIN THE TEAM, INVISION THE FUTURE
03/27/26 JOIN THE TEAM, INVISION THE FUTURE
Don't settle for a peek or even a view for personal and corporate ministry. You need a VISION for personal and corporate because, where there is no vision, the people perish, the people are scattered, the people are destroyed.
Don't sit as a fan rooting for the home team. Suit up and get on the field. Be part of the home team. It is more than a game; it is a fight for souls, and we are His warriors.
Don't settle for a peek or even a view for personal and corporate ministry. You need a VISION for personal and corporate because, where there is no vision, the people perish, the people are scattered, the people are destroyed.
Don't sit as a fan rooting for the home team. Suit up and get on the field. Be part of the home team. It is more than a game; it is a fight for souls, and we are His warriors.
03/27/26 DERANGEMENT...
03/27/26 DERANGEMENT...
Most people have two-thirds of TDS (Trump Derangement Syndrome). It comes in various forms and at varying degrees. Most people have "AnyDS" (fill in the "Any"). In other words, most people have some form of DERANGEMENT SYNDROME. The Derangement is usually related to a HATRED, but it can also be related to giving Allegiance, to the point of Worship.
The opposite of the popular use of the term, "TDS" could be called "TAS" Trump Allegiance Syndrome. And, of course, this comes in various forms and degrees as well, "AnyDS" and "AnyAS." It can relate to personalities, political parties, "brands" of products (Ford, Chevy, Tesla), types of sporting events (football, soccer, basketball, tennis, boxing, wrestling, hunting, fishing), teams (professional, or collegiate, or regional), and other categories (soft drinks, "sneakers," religious leaders).
Usually, the level or degree of "DERANGEMENT" is not actually a derangement, but rather a personal preference, and it is usually minor and almost harmless. People will have preferences concerning a wide range of issues. It is acceptable to have favorite choices. The problem is when it becomes an actual DERANGEMENT, whether HATRED OR ALLEGIANCE (Worship). Derangement indicates an impairment of the mind, resulting in unclear thinking or irresponsible behavior.
AnyDS starts at a very early age. Children and young people begin to hate and align with people, things, and groups. If the preferences are not kept in a proper perspective, then ill-placed hatred and worship will develop, producing prejudice, anger, and divisiveness. The person will become brainwashed, either by outside influences or by a personal worldview.
The Bible tells us to bring every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. We are called to have the mind of Christ. We must not love the world or the things of the world; if we do, then the love of God is not in us. We are to fill our minds with the truth, the light, the love, the revelation of God as found in the Bible.
TDS (whether hatred or worship) is wrong. Likewise, any DERANGEMENT SYNDROME IS WRONG. We must deliberately guard against the corruption of our minds. We must seek the LORD with all of our mind, soul and strength.
Deuteronomy 6:4-9
4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:
5 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.
6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:
7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
8 And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.
9 And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.
Mark 12:29-31
29 And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:
30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.
31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.
Most people have two-thirds of TDS (Trump Derangement Syndrome). It comes in various forms and at varying degrees. Most people have "AnyDS" (fill in the "Any"). In other words, most people have some form of DERANGEMENT SYNDROME. The Derangement is usually related to a HATRED, but it can also be related to giving Allegiance, to the point of Worship.
The opposite of the popular use of the term, "TDS" could be called "TAS" Trump Allegiance Syndrome. And, of course, this comes in various forms and degrees as well, "AnyDS" and "AnyAS." It can relate to personalities, political parties, "brands" of products (Ford, Chevy, Tesla), types of sporting events (football, soccer, basketball, tennis, boxing, wrestling, hunting, fishing), teams (professional, or collegiate, or regional), and other categories (soft drinks, "sneakers," religious leaders).
Usually, the level or degree of "DERANGEMENT" is not actually a derangement, but rather a personal preference, and it is usually minor and almost harmless. People will have preferences concerning a wide range of issues. It is acceptable to have favorite choices. The problem is when it becomes an actual DERANGEMENT, whether HATRED OR ALLEGIANCE (Worship). Derangement indicates an impairment of the mind, resulting in unclear thinking or irresponsible behavior.
AnyDS starts at a very early age. Children and young people begin to hate and align with people, things, and groups. If the preferences are not kept in a proper perspective, then ill-placed hatred and worship will develop, producing prejudice, anger, and divisiveness. The person will become brainwashed, either by outside influences or by a personal worldview.
The Bible tells us to bring every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. We are called to have the mind of Christ. We must not love the world or the things of the world; if we do, then the love of God is not in us. We are to fill our minds with the truth, the light, the love, the revelation of God as found in the Bible.
TDS (whether hatred or worship) is wrong. Likewise, any DERANGEMENT SYNDROME IS WRONG. We must deliberately guard against the corruption of our minds. We must seek the LORD with all of our mind, soul and strength.
Deuteronomy 6:4-9
4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:
5 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.
6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:
7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
8 And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.
9 And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.
Mark 12:29-31
29 And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:
30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.
31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
03/25/26 DON'T HIDE THE TRUTH
03/25/26 DON'T HIDE THE TRUTH
If your pastor, preacher, teacher, counselor, or evangelist does not expose Statist attacks on Biblical truth, standards, or Divine directives given to Christians or churches, or warn you about turning your allegiance from Christ to the State, then you are being robbed of Biblical counsel and led into disobedience to God. Obeying man rather than God is idolatry and spiritual adultery.
Damnable Statism is not only the oppression of harsh and obviously evil governments. The coming Beast (Anti-Christ, Man of Sin) will present himself as a bright hope and deliverer of the downtrodden. Deception is the great tool of Satan.
Knowing the truth and doing the truth is what separates the pretenders from the true followers of Jesus.
If your pastor, preacher, teacher, counselor, or evangelist does not expose Statist attacks on Biblical truth, standards, or Divine directives given to Christians or churches, or warn you about turning your allegiance from Christ to the State, then you are being robbed of Biblical counsel and led into disobedience to God. Obeying man rather than God is idolatry and spiritual adultery.
Damnable Statism is not only the oppression of harsh and obviously evil governments. The coming Beast (Anti-Christ, Man of Sin) will present himself as a bright hope and deliverer of the downtrodden. Deception is the great tool of Satan.
Knowing the truth and doing the truth is what separates the pretenders from the true followers of Jesus.
Tuesday, March 24, 2026
03/24/26 USA WILL COLLAPSE
03/24/26 USA WILL COLLAPSE
For various Biblical reasons, I don't see the USA as being a player in the end-times scenario. I am not going to address those reasons at this time. In this post, I will mention a few reasons that might cause the USA to become a non-player.
God can extend America's viability and influence for as long as He chooses, and of course, He can do the same for any other country and for the world at large. With that in mind, and realizing that God's word makes it clear that God will bring this present evil age to a close, let me mention some reasons America will not be a player in the end times.
The USA may have an actual civil war (based on race, economics, politics, religion, or another form of sinsanity) that could cause our country to collapse from internal corruption. It is already at work in several forms. The USA may never recover from the internal division caused by rejecting the Holy Bible, Christian faith, Christian morality, family values, honesty in government, and replacing these things with institutional, societal, and governmental alliances with Humanism, Secularism, Naturalism, Socialism, Communism, Statism, "Wokism," or False Religion. Any political party can become the broken link in our national stability (as we have seen with the Democratic Party).
The USA may be irretrievably ruined by internal strife, which will drain our legitimate financial base and destroy our country's ability to function and protect itself from internal collapse, or defend itself from outside enemies.
The USA may expend its financial and military resources in legitimate conflicts, while other enemies sit back and wait for us to deplete our military strength, or while our "allies" (whom the USA has defended and financed for a century) refuse to fight against countries, philosophies, religions that actually pose an existential threat to the USA and to our "long standing FRIENDS." Europe has been infiltrated and emasculated by Communism, Socialism, and Islamism, creating a spineless, mindless, heartless culture and nations that will readily accept the coming World Ruler spoken of in the book of Revelation. This betrayal by our former friends will leave us vulnerable to overthrow, making the lands and wealth of the USA the property of a foreign entity, rather than preserving and promoting freedom at home and around the world.
At the present time (March of 2026) the USA has an administration that is trying to correct decades of political, economic, academic, moral, social, cultural, and religious decay and betrayal,
Our present Administration may continue to take steps to preserve the USA and our way of life, or it could take a major turn, or it could be voted out of office, or it could be cheated out of office as has happened in the past. We have already been weakened because our elected leaders have robbed us domestically and betrayed us to our foreign enemies. They have gotten richer while stealing our finances, our families, and our freedoms.
We will not save America or this world. The Bible tells us what is going to happen in the future. Eventually, after the Tribulation and after the return of Christ, Christ will set up His Thousand Year Reign in Jerusalem and the kingdoms of this world will become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ. After the thousand years, Satan will be released from his millennial chains, at which time he will gather his worldly army against Christ. This indicates that sinful mankind will never turn to God as a race of people but will always seek to overthrow God. Adam chose against the Garden, Israel chose against the kingdom, the world will choose against the Church (the Body of Christ), and the Millennial world will choose against the earthly reign of Christ. Then comes The Great White Thrown Judgment, when every unsaved person will be judged according to the deeds done in the flesh.
Our help is in the Lord, not the world, not the flesh, not the devil, not in the government, not in the military.
For various Biblical reasons, I don't see the USA as being a player in the end-times scenario. I am not going to address those reasons at this time. In this post, I will mention a few reasons that might cause the USA to become a non-player.
God can extend America's viability and influence for as long as He chooses, and of course, He can do the same for any other country and for the world at large. With that in mind, and realizing that God's word makes it clear that God will bring this present evil age to a close, let me mention some reasons America will not be a player in the end times.
The USA may have an actual civil war (based on race, economics, politics, religion, or another form of sinsanity) that could cause our country to collapse from internal corruption. It is already at work in several forms. The USA may never recover from the internal division caused by rejecting the Holy Bible, Christian faith, Christian morality, family values, honesty in government, and replacing these things with institutional, societal, and governmental alliances with Humanism, Secularism, Naturalism, Socialism, Communism, Statism, "Wokism," or False Religion. Any political party can become the broken link in our national stability (as we have seen with the Democratic Party).
The USA may be irretrievably ruined by internal strife, which will drain our legitimate financial base and destroy our country's ability to function and protect itself from internal collapse, or defend itself from outside enemies.
The USA may expend its financial and military resources in legitimate conflicts, while other enemies sit back and wait for us to deplete our military strength, or while our "allies" (whom the USA has defended and financed for a century) refuse to fight against countries, philosophies, religions that actually pose an existential threat to the USA and to our "long standing FRIENDS." Europe has been infiltrated and emasculated by Communism, Socialism, and Islamism, creating a spineless, mindless, heartless culture and nations that will readily accept the coming World Ruler spoken of in the book of Revelation. This betrayal by our former friends will leave us vulnerable to overthrow, making the lands and wealth of the USA the property of a foreign entity, rather than preserving and promoting freedom at home and around the world.
At the present time (March of 2026) the USA has an administration that is trying to correct decades of political, economic, academic, moral, social, cultural, and religious decay and betrayal,
Our present Administration may continue to take steps to preserve the USA and our way of life, or it could take a major turn, or it could be voted out of office, or it could be cheated out of office as has happened in the past. We have already been weakened because our elected leaders have robbed us domestically and betrayed us to our foreign enemies. They have gotten richer while stealing our finances, our families, and our freedoms.
We will not save America or this world. The Bible tells us what is going to happen in the future. Eventually, after the Tribulation and after the return of Christ, Christ will set up His Thousand Year Reign in Jerusalem and the kingdoms of this world will become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ. After the thousand years, Satan will be released from his millennial chains, at which time he will gather his worldly army against Christ. This indicates that sinful mankind will never turn to God as a race of people but will always seek to overthrow God. Adam chose against the Garden, Israel chose against the kingdom, the world will choose against the Church (the Body of Christ), and the Millennial world will choose against the earthly reign of Christ. Then comes The Great White Thrown Judgment, when every unsaved person will be judged according to the deeds done in the flesh.
Our help is in the Lord, not the world, not the flesh, not the devil, not in the government, not in the military.
03/24/26 WE HAVE BEEN WARNED
03/24/26 WE HAVE BEEN WARNED
You should be able to read this in less than 5 minutes. Maybe you will find something helpful. (at least read the passage at the end).
There is much that needs to be said about the U.S. and Israeli military response to the Iranian Regime's mounting threats and forever attacks against Israel, the U.S.A, the West, and Biblical Christianity. The ongoing arms build-up and the looming possibility of a nuclear and worldwide war fit into the religio/political plans of a radical (read that as "fundamental") Islamist preparation for their Mahdi and their coming warped version of "Jesus," a Jesus impersonator, which the Bible calls, "another" (or different) Jesus.
The Bible tells us that the actual Christ, the Biblical Christ (Jesus the Christ, The Savior, The LORD [God], The Messiah, The Deliverer, The Shepherd) is going to return physically to reign over the earth, from Jerusalem, for one thousand years of peace, then will come the end of the present world (physically as well as systemically) as we know it, being replaced with a New Heaven and a New Earth and a New Jerusalem, where there is no sin or death or suffering. The Bible also tells us that there will be many false Christs (deliverers, messiahs) coming at the end of this present age (the Church Age, which is from the time of Jesus' Ascension to the time of the Rapture of the Church, [which ushers in the Tribulation Period]).
In this present period of human history (The Church Age, or The Age of Grace, or The Gospel Dispensation, or The Dispensation of Grace), God is seeking the lost, the unsaved, and calling them to repentance and reconciliation. When the Rapture (the catching away of the Church) takes place, the world order will be totally changed. The most terrible time of human existence (seven years of corrupt political, social, and religious oppression, known as The Tribulation) will be in place, and will only end with the Return of Jesus Christ as King.
At the present time, God is allowing people all over the world to hear the gospel of salvation, and through the gospel, they can be reconciled to God, against Whom they have sinned. The God of the Bible wants ultimate good for us and in us, and He will provide all that is necessary for life and godliness.
The threat and reality of a Christless government is being confronted militarily today. This military and political action will have limited success, but God is using it to reach the unreached before the shroud of devilish darkness envelopes the entire world.
Remember, God instituted human government to protect the righteous (law-abiding) and to punish the wicked (the lawless). We are already in the foyer of the Days of Noah and the Days of Lot. This is the Laodicean Period of the Church. Wicked government and wicked society are running wild, and though there are attempts to bring some of it under control, the fact is that the world will not turn to Jesus. We can buy a little time, but the wickedness of mankind is irreversible. It is no small thing that any attempt to confront the coming days of Noah and the days of Lot are met with such political, social, and religious outrage. Men love their sins, and they will sooner align with evil than with any attempt to stop evil.
Consider this chapter from the Bible. I placed an asterisk (*) to accent specific points.
2 Peter 3:1-18
* (Remember what God has said)
1 This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance:
2 That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour:
* (Beware of scoffers, deniers, and false Christs)
3 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,
4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.
5 For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:
*(God's judgment in Noah's day)
6 Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:
7 But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.
* (Judgment delayed is mercy extended)
8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
* (Judgment is certain)
10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
* (Prepare for the inevitable)
11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,
12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?
* (We have hope in Christ)
13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
* (Be watching, be diligent, be converted, be spotless, be blameless)
14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
* (Be wise)
15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;
16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.
* (Beware)
17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.
* (Be faithful)
18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
You should be able to read this in less than 5 minutes. Maybe you will find something helpful. (at least read the passage at the end).
There is much that needs to be said about the U.S. and Israeli military response to the Iranian Regime's mounting threats and forever attacks against Israel, the U.S.A, the West, and Biblical Christianity. The ongoing arms build-up and the looming possibility of a nuclear and worldwide war fit into the religio/political plans of a radical (read that as "fundamental") Islamist preparation for their Mahdi and their coming warped version of "Jesus," a Jesus impersonator, which the Bible calls, "another" (or different) Jesus.
The Bible tells us that the actual Christ, the Biblical Christ (Jesus the Christ, The Savior, The LORD [God], The Messiah, The Deliverer, The Shepherd) is going to return physically to reign over the earth, from Jerusalem, for one thousand years of peace, then will come the end of the present world (physically as well as systemically) as we know it, being replaced with a New Heaven and a New Earth and a New Jerusalem, where there is no sin or death or suffering. The Bible also tells us that there will be many false Christs (deliverers, messiahs) coming at the end of this present age (the Church Age, which is from the time of Jesus' Ascension to the time of the Rapture of the Church, [which ushers in the Tribulation Period]).
In this present period of human history (The Church Age, or The Age of Grace, or The Gospel Dispensation, or The Dispensation of Grace), God is seeking the lost, the unsaved, and calling them to repentance and reconciliation. When the Rapture (the catching away of the Church) takes place, the world order will be totally changed. The most terrible time of human existence (seven years of corrupt political, social, and religious oppression, known as The Tribulation) will be in place, and will only end with the Return of Jesus Christ as King.
At the present time, God is allowing people all over the world to hear the gospel of salvation, and through the gospel, they can be reconciled to God, against Whom they have sinned. The God of the Bible wants ultimate good for us and in us, and He will provide all that is necessary for life and godliness.
The threat and reality of a Christless government is being confronted militarily today. This military and political action will have limited success, but God is using it to reach the unreached before the shroud of devilish darkness envelopes the entire world.
Remember, God instituted human government to protect the righteous (law-abiding) and to punish the wicked (the lawless). We are already in the foyer of the Days of Noah and the Days of Lot. This is the Laodicean Period of the Church. Wicked government and wicked society are running wild, and though there are attempts to bring some of it under control, the fact is that the world will not turn to Jesus. We can buy a little time, but the wickedness of mankind is irreversible. It is no small thing that any attempt to confront the coming days of Noah and the days of Lot are met with such political, social, and religious outrage. Men love their sins, and they will sooner align with evil than with any attempt to stop evil.
Consider this chapter from the Bible. I placed an asterisk (*) to accent specific points.
2 Peter 3:1-18
* (Remember what God has said)
1 This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance:
2 That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour:
* (Beware of scoffers, deniers, and false Christs)
3 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,
4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.
5 For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:
*(God's judgment in Noah's day)
6 Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:
7 But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.
* (Judgment delayed is mercy extended)
8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
* (Judgment is certain)
10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
* (Prepare for the inevitable)
11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,
12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?
* (We have hope in Christ)
13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
* (Be watching, be diligent, be converted, be spotless, be blameless)
14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
* (Be wise)
15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;
16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.
* (Beware)
17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.
* (Be faithful)
18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
03/24/26 NEITHER ANTI-CHRIST NOR MESSIAH
03/24/26 NEITHER ANTI-CHRIST NOR MESSIAH
Biblical principles at work in a self-destructive world.
Without going into the specifics of my eschatology, I don't believe the USA will be a player during the Great Tribulation. I believe the USA will lose its power and position of world influence before the installation of the anti-Christ and the development of the One World Government, the One World Economy, and the One World Religion.
President Trump is not the Messiah (he is not even a Christian), and he is not the Anti-Christ.
However, God is using President Trump to accomplish His will in a similar fashion that He used the pagan King Cyrus to accomplish God's will when he returned the Jews to their homeland, after being exiled in Babylon and Persia. In their past, the Children of Israel had been oppressed and abused while they were held captive by the Egyptians, the Assyrians, and the Babylonians (which oppression would continue into their future under the Greek and Roman Empires). During the Persian captivity, Israel was treated more humanely under King Cyrus than they had been treated by other pagan kings. God used Cyrus to return the Israelites to their homeland, rebuild the Temple, and restore temple worship. God referred to King Cyrus as His shepherd and His anointed. This did not mean that Cyrus was in a redemptive relationship with God, performing a redemptive act. It only meant that God had chosen Cyrus to do this particular service. Cyrus was not a believer; he was not God's prophet; he was not God's priest; he was not God's king, and Cyrus was not God's spiritual shepherd of Israel. Cyrus was a pagan man, used by God to exercise political power and position for the benefit of Israel.
The title "anointed" is used in the Old Testament in reference to a chosen vessel for a certain work. In the Jewish economy and spiritual realm, God anointed men to do specific work. The three offices of Divine service are Prophet, Priest, and King. In the Old Testament, a king of Israel might be referred to as a Shepherd King. Jesus became the fully anointed Prophet, Priest, and King (a Shepherd King). The word anointed also means messiah. The Chosen One. Jesus is The Anointed One, The Prophet, Priest, and King, and He is the Shepherd (Great, Chief, and Good Shepherd). Jesus is the Promised One, the Long-Awaited One, The Desire of Ages, The Chosen One, The Messiah.
We must never confuse any mortal man with Jesus. We must never confuse Christ's Anointing as Prophet, Priest, and King with any other mere man, whether anointed for spiritual service or for other service to God.
Cyrus was especially chosen to fulfill the plan of God to restore Israel and to rebuild the Temple. God honored Cyrus. God chose him. God anointed him. God directed him, and God enabled him.
Isaiah 44:28-45:1
44:28 That saith of Cyrus, He is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure: even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built; and to the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid.
45:1 Thus saith the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut;
We should never take it upon ourselves to give Divine honor, recognition, or title to any man. But in the case of Cyrus, we see that God does use the raven (a symbol of the ceremonially unclean) to feed the Jewish prophet (the Divinely accepted). God still uses the unclean to accomplish the holy.
Even if God does not give President Trump the title, "anointed," God has obviously enabled Donald Trump to do the Divine work of Government for the USA. God instituted human government for the purpose of protecting the righteous (law-abiding) and punishing the wicked (lawless). Throughout our history, we have had Presidents, Congressmen, and Judges fail to do what God ordained for them to do. Instead, many of them have robbed and oppressed Americans, fattening their own bank accounts and aligning with the enemies of the American people. President Trump has taken heroic steps to correct a history of abuses enacted by previous Administrations. Even our best leaders have fallen far short of their responsibilities to God and the American people. They have failed to protect the law-abiding citizenry at large, and they have failed to bring the enemies of the people to justice. I am not claiming that President Trump is perfect in his performance, and certainly he is not perfect in his understanding or moral standing. But he has done for the USA that which no other President has done in my entire life, and he has used his position to aid the oppressed around the world. At least, that is what millions of people around the world think.
President Trump has stood more firmly for Americans to live by standards that are mostly based on Scriptural truths, and he has stood more firmly for Biblical faith, family rights, Christian freedoms, Western values, and biological distinctives in America than any President we have had in my lifetime. He has taken steps to protect our borders, disarm those who want to use extreme weaponry to destroy America (and with it, Israel and the rest of the world), in the name of a blood thirsty socio/religio/political dominion. He has protected parental rights, protected right-to-life groups, freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and squelched terrorist religious groups, at home and abroad.
Trump is neither the Messiah nor the Anti-Christ.
However, we have seen how easy it is for people to put their faith in a human leader, whether that human leader is doing good or evil. We have seen American allies (especially European allies) overrun by destructive religion, philosophies, and socio/political groups. And we have seen those same allies refuse to stand with the USA in our resistance to various enemies of freedom and Western values (especially Biblical values). The Western world is moving away from the Christian principles that made America the greatest country to ever exist on the face of this planet. I will address this problem and the result of the betrayal of America in another post.
I believe that following any evil system (Communism, Socialism, Islam, Scientism, Wokeism, Globalism) will destroy a country and eventually the world. We as a country have been invaded by anti-Christian, anti-family, anti-reality, anti-freedom forces, and our country was a hair's breadth from destruction before Trump became President. God has not only given a stay of execution to America, but He has extended His mercy to the rest of the world, giving us all the opportunity to hear and heed the Gospel of Christ.
2 Peter 3:8-13
8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,
12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?
13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
But the Bible tells us clearly that the world will not turn to God and walk faithfully in the way of the LORD. Therefore, our opportunities will be squandered, and our world will fall into the hands of madmen.
Men will look to a human leader to bring real and lasting peace, but no such thing will happen. Donald Trump will not save America, or the world. In fact, no mortal man will save humanity. Men will be deceived into following a supposed savior of mankind. He will seemingly bring world peace, he will seemingly bring security, he will seemingly bring worldwide unity, and he will seemingly bring true religion. All of this will be a deception.
The only hope we can have is through a living and holy relationship with God through the Christ of the Bible. God is giving us an opportunity. Don't miss His intervention because of political alignment or personal hatreds.
Biblical principles at work in a self-destructive world.
Without going into the specifics of my eschatology, I don't believe the USA will be a player during the Great Tribulation. I believe the USA will lose its power and position of world influence before the installation of the anti-Christ and the development of the One World Government, the One World Economy, and the One World Religion.
President Trump is not the Messiah (he is not even a Christian), and he is not the Anti-Christ.
However, God is using President Trump to accomplish His will in a similar fashion that He used the pagan King Cyrus to accomplish God's will when he returned the Jews to their homeland, after being exiled in Babylon and Persia. In their past, the Children of Israel had been oppressed and abused while they were held captive by the Egyptians, the Assyrians, and the Babylonians (which oppression would continue into their future under the Greek and Roman Empires). During the Persian captivity, Israel was treated more humanely under King Cyrus than they had been treated by other pagan kings. God used Cyrus to return the Israelites to their homeland, rebuild the Temple, and restore temple worship. God referred to King Cyrus as His shepherd and His anointed. This did not mean that Cyrus was in a redemptive relationship with God, performing a redemptive act. It only meant that God had chosen Cyrus to do this particular service. Cyrus was not a believer; he was not God's prophet; he was not God's priest; he was not God's king, and Cyrus was not God's spiritual shepherd of Israel. Cyrus was a pagan man, used by God to exercise political power and position for the benefit of Israel.
The title "anointed" is used in the Old Testament in reference to a chosen vessel for a certain work. In the Jewish economy and spiritual realm, God anointed men to do specific work. The three offices of Divine service are Prophet, Priest, and King. In the Old Testament, a king of Israel might be referred to as a Shepherd King. Jesus became the fully anointed Prophet, Priest, and King (a Shepherd King). The word anointed also means messiah. The Chosen One. Jesus is The Anointed One, The Prophet, Priest, and King, and He is the Shepherd (Great, Chief, and Good Shepherd). Jesus is the Promised One, the Long-Awaited One, The Desire of Ages, The Chosen One, The Messiah.
We must never confuse any mortal man with Jesus. We must never confuse Christ's Anointing as Prophet, Priest, and King with any other mere man, whether anointed for spiritual service or for other service to God.
Cyrus was especially chosen to fulfill the plan of God to restore Israel and to rebuild the Temple. God honored Cyrus. God chose him. God anointed him. God directed him, and God enabled him.
Isaiah 44:28-45:1
44:28 That saith of Cyrus, He is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure: even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built; and to the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid.
45:1 Thus saith the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut;
We should never take it upon ourselves to give Divine honor, recognition, or title to any man. But in the case of Cyrus, we see that God does use the raven (a symbol of the ceremonially unclean) to feed the Jewish prophet (the Divinely accepted). God still uses the unclean to accomplish the holy.
Even if God does not give President Trump the title, "anointed," God has obviously enabled Donald Trump to do the Divine work of Government for the USA. God instituted human government for the purpose of protecting the righteous (law-abiding) and punishing the wicked (lawless). Throughout our history, we have had Presidents, Congressmen, and Judges fail to do what God ordained for them to do. Instead, many of them have robbed and oppressed Americans, fattening their own bank accounts and aligning with the enemies of the American people. President Trump has taken heroic steps to correct a history of abuses enacted by previous Administrations. Even our best leaders have fallen far short of their responsibilities to God and the American people. They have failed to protect the law-abiding citizenry at large, and they have failed to bring the enemies of the people to justice. I am not claiming that President Trump is perfect in his performance, and certainly he is not perfect in his understanding or moral standing. But he has done for the USA that which no other President has done in my entire life, and he has used his position to aid the oppressed around the world. At least, that is what millions of people around the world think.
President Trump has stood more firmly for Americans to live by standards that are mostly based on Scriptural truths, and he has stood more firmly for Biblical faith, family rights, Christian freedoms, Western values, and biological distinctives in America than any President we have had in my lifetime. He has taken steps to protect our borders, disarm those who want to use extreme weaponry to destroy America (and with it, Israel and the rest of the world), in the name of a blood thirsty socio/religio/political dominion. He has protected parental rights, protected right-to-life groups, freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and squelched terrorist religious groups, at home and abroad.
Trump is neither the Messiah nor the Anti-Christ.
However, we have seen how easy it is for people to put their faith in a human leader, whether that human leader is doing good or evil. We have seen American allies (especially European allies) overrun by destructive religion, philosophies, and socio/political groups. And we have seen those same allies refuse to stand with the USA in our resistance to various enemies of freedom and Western values (especially Biblical values). The Western world is moving away from the Christian principles that made America the greatest country to ever exist on the face of this planet. I will address this problem and the result of the betrayal of America in another post.
I believe that following any evil system (Communism, Socialism, Islam, Scientism, Wokeism, Globalism) will destroy a country and eventually the world. We as a country have been invaded by anti-Christian, anti-family, anti-reality, anti-freedom forces, and our country was a hair's breadth from destruction before Trump became President. God has not only given a stay of execution to America, but He has extended His mercy to the rest of the world, giving us all the opportunity to hear and heed the Gospel of Christ.
2 Peter 3:8-13
8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,
12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?
13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
But the Bible tells us clearly that the world will not turn to God and walk faithfully in the way of the LORD. Therefore, our opportunities will be squandered, and our world will fall into the hands of madmen.
Men will look to a human leader to bring real and lasting peace, but no such thing will happen. Donald Trump will not save America, or the world. In fact, no mortal man will save humanity. Men will be deceived into following a supposed savior of mankind. He will seemingly bring world peace, he will seemingly bring security, he will seemingly bring worldwide unity, and he will seemingly bring true religion. All of this will be a deception.
The only hope we can have is through a living and holy relationship with God through the Christ of the Bible. God is giving us an opportunity. Don't miss His intervention because of political alignment or personal hatreds.
Sunday, March 22, 2026
03/22/26 DON'T BLASPHEME...
03/22/26 DON'T BLASPHEME...
When I talk to people who have been misled into sinning religion (you know, the people who believe God does not save us from the power, pollution and presence of sin in our lives), they usually attack my bold, Biblical beliefs that God not only forgives us of our sins we have committed, but He also cleanses us from the sinful nature we have inherited, and He empowers us to quit sinning (i.e. deliberately disobeying the known will of God).
They go on to falsely accuse me of saying that I have never sinned, OR that I am saying I cannot sin again, OR that I am claiming to be sinless based on my works of the flesh, OR that I am claiming to be absolutely perfect, OR (many other false accusations).
But then I re-read the Bible and I am convinced that Jesus does save His people from their sins, that He is the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world, that He does cleanse us from all sin (all unrighteousness, all iniquity), that whoever is born of God does not commit sin, that He is able to save us to the uttermost, and on and on and on.
Then I read (sounds like reed) the first verses of Psalm 119 (as well as the last verses of Psalm 119 and all the verses in the middle of Psalm 119). Let me just mention Psalm 119:1-8. Read it and feed on it and heed it.
It is one thing to say we don't understand or we don't live by God's word; it is a totally different thing to say we don't accept or believe God's word.
Psalms 119:1-8
1 ALEPH. Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD.
2 Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.
3 They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways.
4 Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently.
5 O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes!
6 Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments.
7 I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments.
8 I will keep thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly.
Take note...
vs. 1
* The meaning of UNDEFILED.
* Those who walk in the Law of the LORD.
Law means "teaching, instruction and the discernment of God."
vs. 2
* Those who keep (observe) God's testimonies.
His witness concerning His nature, instructions and works.
* Those who seek God with their whole heart.
vs 3
* They do no iniquity.
* They walk in His ways.
vs. 4
* God commands us to KEEP His precepts DILIGENTLY.
God does not command us to do that which is impossible.
vs. 5
* The prayer to keep God's statutes.
vs. 6
* Keeping God's commandments results in no shame.
vs. 7
* We can praise God with UPRIGHTNESS of heart as we learn God's righteous judgments.
vs. 8
* I will keep God's Statutes.
* I need the fullness of God's continuous presence.
And the rest of this Psalm, and the other Psalms and the Proverbs and the other Writings, Law, Old Testament History, Prophets, Gospels, New Testament History, New Testament Letters, and New Testament Prophecy (in other words, the entire Bible) says the same thing.
Don't interpret the power of God to save His people from sin and sinning as the work of the flesh or the work of the devil. Without holiness of heart and life, no one shall see the Lord. Don't demean the work of salvation, which comes through the death and resurrection of Christ, by calling it a man-made doctrine or a doctrine of demons.
Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. God gives us victory over the world, the flesh and the devil. Ours is not only salvation, but it is GREAT SALVATION.
Hebrews 2:1-4
1 Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.
2 For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward;
3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;
4 God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?
When I talk to people who have been misled into sinning religion (you know, the people who believe God does not save us from the power, pollution and presence of sin in our lives), they usually attack my bold, Biblical beliefs that God not only forgives us of our sins we have committed, but He also cleanses us from the sinful nature we have inherited, and He empowers us to quit sinning (i.e. deliberately disobeying the known will of God).
They go on to falsely accuse me of saying that I have never sinned, OR that I am saying I cannot sin again, OR that I am claiming to be sinless based on my works of the flesh, OR that I am claiming to be absolutely perfect, OR (many other false accusations).
But then I re-read the Bible and I am convinced that Jesus does save His people from their sins, that He is the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world, that He does cleanse us from all sin (all unrighteousness, all iniquity), that whoever is born of God does not commit sin, that He is able to save us to the uttermost, and on and on and on.
Then I read (sounds like reed) the first verses of Psalm 119 (as well as the last verses of Psalm 119 and all the verses in the middle of Psalm 119). Let me just mention Psalm 119:1-8. Read it and feed on it and heed it.
It is one thing to say we don't understand or we don't live by God's word; it is a totally different thing to say we don't accept or believe God's word.
Psalms 119:1-8
1 ALEPH. Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD.
2 Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.
3 They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways.
4 Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently.
5 O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes!
6 Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments.
7 I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments.
8 I will keep thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly.
Take note...
vs. 1
* The meaning of UNDEFILED.
* Those who walk in the Law of the LORD.
Law means "teaching, instruction and the discernment of God."
vs. 2
* Those who keep (observe) God's testimonies.
His witness concerning His nature, instructions and works.
* Those who seek God with their whole heart.
vs 3
* They do no iniquity.
* They walk in His ways.
vs. 4
* God commands us to KEEP His precepts DILIGENTLY.
God does not command us to do that which is impossible.
vs. 5
* The prayer to keep God's statutes.
vs. 6
* Keeping God's commandments results in no shame.
vs. 7
* We can praise God with UPRIGHTNESS of heart as we learn God's righteous judgments.
vs. 8
* I will keep God's Statutes.
* I need the fullness of God's continuous presence.
And the rest of this Psalm, and the other Psalms and the Proverbs and the other Writings, Law, Old Testament History, Prophets, Gospels, New Testament History, New Testament Letters, and New Testament Prophecy (in other words, the entire Bible) says the same thing.
Don't interpret the power of God to save His people from sin and sinning as the work of the flesh or the work of the devil. Without holiness of heart and life, no one shall see the Lord. Don't demean the work of salvation, which comes through the death and resurrection of Christ, by calling it a man-made doctrine or a doctrine of demons.
Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. God gives us victory over the world, the flesh and the devil. Ours is not only salvation, but it is GREAT SALVATION.
Hebrews 2:1-4
1 Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.
2 For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward;
3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;
4 God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?
Saturday, March 21, 2026
03/21/26 SIN MAKES YOU STUPID AND CRAZY
03/21/26 SIN MAKES YOU STUPID AND CRAZY
Two of the results of sin.
1
"Sin makes you stupid."
Stupid, in the sense of having poor judgment, not in the sense of having a low I.Q. The Bible says the same thing in different words. Read the book of Proverbs. The person who is hard-headed or a numbskull is called a "fool" in the Bible. This is why there is so much chaos in the world. People are exchanging truth for deception, wisdom for absurdity, reason for feelings.
2
"Sin makes you crazy."
This is not a reference to a person who has a biologically induced chemical imbalance or a person who has been kicked in the head by a mule. I am talking about the person who has filled his body with chemicals that alter his mental functions or attack his emotional stability, and also the person who has focused on aberrant and deviant beliefs and behavior. This is seen with people who have drugged themselves with chemicals or given their minds to pornography and witchcraft (not to mention the extreme side of Communism, Islam, Racism, or Wokism).
All humans have sinned, except Jesus Christ. All sin takes a toll on the sinner. But the sinner who dedicates himself totally to sin's utter degradation, surrenders his body, spirit, and soul (reason, emotion, desire, will, and conscience), will sink to depths they never imagined. They get to the point that they hate themselves for their thoughts, words, and deeds, but they cannot turn from their wicked ways. They are held captive by Satan to do his will, and they will not or cannot believe that Jesus will or can save them. Or they are so corrupted that they have no desire for anything better.
People get "strung-out" on drugs, philosophies, amusements, politics, greed, hatred, pride, jealousy, lust, perversion, success, pleasure, and power to the point that they lose all composure and reasonableness.
This level of wickedness is related to demonic oppression and demonic possession. Sinners start out having sins in their lives but eventually sin has the sinner in its grip. The overthrow of the mind is not only personal, but it can be familial, corporate, and even societal.
Remember, Satan wages war on the mind. It started in the Garden. It continued in the depression of Cain, and it became global in the days of Noah, when all of the thoughts of the heart were only evil continually.
And so, we are seeing God's truth play out today.
We either will draw near to God, or we will be filled with iniquity. We decide on our direction. God has already given us everything we need for life and godliness.
Two of the results of sin.
1
"Sin makes you stupid."
Stupid, in the sense of having poor judgment, not in the sense of having a low I.Q. The Bible says the same thing in different words. Read the book of Proverbs. The person who is hard-headed or a numbskull is called a "fool" in the Bible. This is why there is so much chaos in the world. People are exchanging truth for deception, wisdom for absurdity, reason for feelings.
2
"Sin makes you crazy."
This is not a reference to a person who has a biologically induced chemical imbalance or a person who has been kicked in the head by a mule. I am talking about the person who has filled his body with chemicals that alter his mental functions or attack his emotional stability, and also the person who has focused on aberrant and deviant beliefs and behavior. This is seen with people who have drugged themselves with chemicals or given their minds to pornography and witchcraft (not to mention the extreme side of Communism, Islam, Racism, or Wokism).
All humans have sinned, except Jesus Christ. All sin takes a toll on the sinner. But the sinner who dedicates himself totally to sin's utter degradation, surrenders his body, spirit, and soul (reason, emotion, desire, will, and conscience), will sink to depths they never imagined. They get to the point that they hate themselves for their thoughts, words, and deeds, but they cannot turn from their wicked ways. They are held captive by Satan to do his will, and they will not or cannot believe that Jesus will or can save them. Or they are so corrupted that they have no desire for anything better.
People get "strung-out" on drugs, philosophies, amusements, politics, greed, hatred, pride, jealousy, lust, perversion, success, pleasure, and power to the point that they lose all composure and reasonableness.
This level of wickedness is related to demonic oppression and demonic possession. Sinners start out having sins in their lives but eventually sin has the sinner in its grip. The overthrow of the mind is not only personal, but it can be familial, corporate, and even societal.
Remember, Satan wages war on the mind. It started in the Garden. It continued in the depression of Cain, and it became global in the days of Noah, when all of the thoughts of the heart were only evil continually.
And so, we are seeing God's truth play out today.
We either will draw near to God, or we will be filled with iniquity. We decide on our direction. God has already given us everything we need for life and godliness.
Friday, March 20, 2026
03/20/26 BLESSING IN PSALMS
03/20/26 BLESSING IN PSALMS
CONSIDER THE PEOPLE GOD BLESSES, ACCORDING TO THE PSALMS
Various forms of the word Blessed are used in the book of PSALMS 101 times in KJV. Here are twenty passages specifically blessed, who have certain behavioral traits.
Why don't you jot down these traits? We don't employ godly traits in order to get blessed. We pursue godliness because we love and want to please God. God conforms the faithful to the image of Jesus, then God further blesses those who please Him.
Psalms 1:1-2
1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
Psalms 2:12
12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.
Psalms 24:4-5
4 He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.
5 He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
Psalms 28:7-9
7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.
8 The LORD is their strength, and he is the saving strength of his anointed.
9 Save thy people, and bless thine inheritance: feed them also, and lift them up for ever.
Psalms 29:11
11 The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace.
Psalms 32:1-2
1 A Psalm of David, Maschil. Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
2 Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.
Psalms 33:12
12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.
Psalms 34:8
8 O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.
Psalms 37:22
22 For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth; and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off.
Psalms 37:25-29
25 I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.
26 He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed.
27 Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore.
28 For the LORD loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.
29 The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever.
Psalms 40:1-8
1 A Psalm of David. I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.
2 He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.
3 And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.
4 Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.
5 Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.
6 Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required.
7 Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me,
8 I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.
Psalms 41:1-3
1 A Psalm of David. Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble.
2 The LORD will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies.
3 The LORD will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing: thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness.
Psalms 65:4
4 Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple.
Psalms 84:3-4
3 Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even thine altars, O LORD of hosts, my King, and my God.
4 Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee. Selah.
Psalms 84:12
12 O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.
Psalms 89:15
15 Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O LORD, in the light of thy countenance.
Psalms 94:10-15
10 He that chastiseth the heathen, shall not he correct? he that teacheth man knowledge, shall not he know?
11 The LORD knoweth the thoughts of man, that they are vanity.
12 Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest, O LORD, and teachest him out of thy law;
13 That thou mayest give him rest from the days of adversity, until the pit be digged for the wicked.
14 For the LORD will not cast off his people, neither will he forsake his inheritance.
15 But judgment shall return unto righteousness: and all the upright in heart shall follow it.
Psalms 106:3
3 Blessed are they that keep judgment, and he that doeth righteousness at all times.
Psalms 112:1
1 Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments.
Psalms 118:26
26 Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the LORD: we have blessed you out of the house of the LORD.
Psalms 128:1
1 A Song of degrees. Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways.
Psalms 128:4-5
4 Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the LORD.
5 The LORD shall bless thee out of Zion: and thou shalt see the good of Jerusalem all the days of thy life.
CONSIDER THE PEOPLE GOD BLESSES, ACCORDING TO THE PSALMS
Various forms of the word Blessed are used in the book of PSALMS 101 times in KJV. Here are twenty passages specifically blessed, who have certain behavioral traits.
Why don't you jot down these traits? We don't employ godly traits in order to get blessed. We pursue godliness because we love and want to please God. God conforms the faithful to the image of Jesus, then God further blesses those who please Him.
Psalms 1:1-2
1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
Psalms 2:12
12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.
Psalms 24:4-5
4 He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.
5 He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
Psalms 28:7-9
7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.
8 The LORD is their strength, and he is the saving strength of his anointed.
9 Save thy people, and bless thine inheritance: feed them also, and lift them up for ever.
Psalms 29:11
11 The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace.
Psalms 32:1-2
1 A Psalm of David, Maschil. Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
2 Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.
Psalms 33:12
12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.
Psalms 34:8
8 O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.
Psalms 37:22
22 For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth; and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off.
Psalms 37:25-29
25 I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.
26 He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed.
27 Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore.
28 For the LORD loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.
29 The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever.
Psalms 40:1-8
1 A Psalm of David. I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.
2 He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.
3 And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.
4 Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.
5 Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.
6 Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required.
7 Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me,
8 I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.
Psalms 41:1-3
1 A Psalm of David. Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble.
2 The LORD will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies.
3 The LORD will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing: thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness.
Psalms 65:4
4 Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple.
Psalms 84:3-4
3 Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even thine altars, O LORD of hosts, my King, and my God.
4 Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee. Selah.
Psalms 84:12
12 O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.
Psalms 89:15
15 Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O LORD, in the light of thy countenance.
Psalms 94:10-15
10 He that chastiseth the heathen, shall not he correct? he that teacheth man knowledge, shall not he know?
11 The LORD knoweth the thoughts of man, that they are vanity.
12 Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest, O LORD, and teachest him out of thy law;
13 That thou mayest give him rest from the days of adversity, until the pit be digged for the wicked.
14 For the LORD will not cast off his people, neither will he forsake his inheritance.
15 But judgment shall return unto righteousness: and all the upright in heart shall follow it.
Psalms 106:3
3 Blessed are they that keep judgment, and he that doeth righteousness at all times.
Psalms 112:1
1 Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments.
Psalms 118:26
26 Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the LORD: we have blessed you out of the house of the LORD.
Psalms 128:1
1 A Song of degrees. Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways.
Psalms 128:4-5
4 Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the LORD.
5 The LORD shall bless thee out of Zion: and thou shalt see the good of Jerusalem all the days of thy life.
Thursday, March 19, 2026
03/19/26 A DAILY VERSE IN PSALM 119
03/19/26 A DAILY VERSE IN PSALM 119
Here is a little challenge for you. This does not replace or eliminate your studies or meditation; it is a tiny supplement for your growth in grace and knowledge.
Understand this...
Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible. It is in the Old Testament, but its principles are appropriate for and applicable to New Testament Christian living. It is not a call or directive to follow or obey Mosaic laws (Jewish, sacrificial, dietary, ceremonial). Also, keep in mind that the same theme of Biblical obedience to God's word (which is a New Testament principle) is repeated throughout the 176 verses. Each verse is related to the other verses, but each verse also stands alone.
My challenge...
READ AND MEDITATE ON ONE VERSE FROM PSALM 119 EACH DAY. This will give you a verse a day for nearly 1/2 of the year. You will be reading and contemplating the same truth (principle) but stated differently, with various shades of emphasis, every day. Early in your day, read the daily verse. Throughout the day, reflect on that verse. You may choose to memorize some of the verses or all of the verses, but that is not the assignment. The assignment (challenge) is to read through Psalm 119, one verse at a time, daily.
Obviously, reading and or studying the entire Psalm at one sitting or in segments is advisable (the Psalm is Divinely crafted into 22 segments of 8 verses each). My challenge does not conflict with a more thorough study, but taking this great Psalm in small bites can be very refreshing, invigorating, enlightening, and empowering.
You can figure out your own method of scheduling. You can make a list on your phone or computer to remind you which verse goes with which day. This is intended to be a personal challenge, but maybe you have someone who wants to do this along with you. You can encourage one another, and you can share your personal journey. Of course, it would be good to share your journey (growth, enlightenment, development) with other people.
Don't view it as simply a reading assignment or an exercise in redundancy (though all the verses address the same subject). Reading a verse daily focuses on a major life principle and Bible truth for 176 days. God chose to reveal and teach this Psalm in this way (saying the same thing 176 ways in one writing). We should latch onto that reason and benefit from God's wisdom.
The benefits should be immediate and cumulative. It is a spiritual exercise. It is not strenuous. It is not overwhelming. It is not time-demanding. It is instantaneously and progressively strengthening.
If you choose to make this a larger part of your devotional life, you can write the lessons God teaches you from each verse.
Now that I have said all this, I need to read and heed today's verse from Psalm 119.
Bon Voyage.
Here is a little challenge for you. This does not replace or eliminate your studies or meditation; it is a tiny supplement for your growth in grace and knowledge.
Understand this...
Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible. It is in the Old Testament, but its principles are appropriate for and applicable to New Testament Christian living. It is not a call or directive to follow or obey Mosaic laws (Jewish, sacrificial, dietary, ceremonial). Also, keep in mind that the same theme of Biblical obedience to God's word (which is a New Testament principle) is repeated throughout the 176 verses. Each verse is related to the other verses, but each verse also stands alone.
My challenge...
READ AND MEDITATE ON ONE VERSE FROM PSALM 119 EACH DAY. This will give you a verse a day for nearly 1/2 of the year. You will be reading and contemplating the same truth (principle) but stated differently, with various shades of emphasis, every day. Early in your day, read the daily verse. Throughout the day, reflect on that verse. You may choose to memorize some of the verses or all of the verses, but that is not the assignment. The assignment (challenge) is to read through Psalm 119, one verse at a time, daily.
Obviously, reading and or studying the entire Psalm at one sitting or in segments is advisable (the Psalm is Divinely crafted into 22 segments of 8 verses each). My challenge does not conflict with a more thorough study, but taking this great Psalm in small bites can be very refreshing, invigorating, enlightening, and empowering.
You can figure out your own method of scheduling. You can make a list on your phone or computer to remind you which verse goes with which day. This is intended to be a personal challenge, but maybe you have someone who wants to do this along with you. You can encourage one another, and you can share your personal journey. Of course, it would be good to share your journey (growth, enlightenment, development) with other people.
Don't view it as simply a reading assignment or an exercise in redundancy (though all the verses address the same subject). Reading a verse daily focuses on a major life principle and Bible truth for 176 days. God chose to reveal and teach this Psalm in this way (saying the same thing 176 ways in one writing). We should latch onto that reason and benefit from God's wisdom.
The benefits should be immediate and cumulative. It is a spiritual exercise. It is not strenuous. It is not overwhelming. It is not time-demanding. It is instantaneously and progressively strengthening.
If you choose to make this a larger part of your devotional life, you can write the lessons God teaches you from each verse.
Now that I have said all this, I need to read and heed today's verse from Psalm 119.
Bon Voyage.
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
03/17/26 THE HIVE MIND
03/17/26 THE HIVE MIND
I watched YOUTUBE videos about the F-35. This is an awesome development in military avionics and warfare.
I watched YOUTUBE videos about the F-35. This is an awesome development in military avionics and warfare.
The F-35's technology unites a fighting group together through shared information and action, giving a group of several warplanes a unified oneness that enhances their defensive and offensive capabilities, creating a more powerful, efficient, and effective strike force. They refer to this as "hive mind." Hive Mind refers to sharing information and tasks to accomplish a unified task, much like a beehive is the work of an entire hive. In the case of the F-35, it is the electronic gathering, cataloging, dissemination, and utilization of information that will enable a group of Jet Fighters to act as one body against the enemy instantaneously.
The equipment is advanced; the pilots are highly skilled and trained, and the computer technology enables the group to function as a single unit.
This concept of the hivemind did not originate in the mind of any AI program, or other scientific laboratories, or any human think tank. Hiving was the creation of God, and actually expresses the nature of God. The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are three different Persons, thinking and acting as the One True God.
God also designed human families and His Church to be a unified body. We are to be of one mind, with God and one another. God has established an order of authority, and He has gifted the various parts of a family and a church to function together in love, peace, joy, productivity and effectiveness.
God is the Head of the Church (universal and local), and individual Christians are the unified members, moving as one body. God intends and enables believers in a local body to have a single mind and to work together seamlessly. It is our responsibility to accept God's plan and employ His power in doing His work. We have an overall objective, and we each have our own personal responsibilities in the body life of the local church. We find God's design for unity explained in 1 Corinthians 12.
We never lose our personhood or our personality, but we must learn our place as being a part of God's family rather than being apart from God's family.
Just as bees, ants, and other creatures, as well as highly trained team members of human endeavors, can accomplish much more in a corporate body, so too can individual Christians accomplish much more as a unified family and church.
Self-serving, self-orientation, and self-pleasing is contrary to the plan, design, and work of God. We are to have the same mind, we are to serve one another, and we are to submit to one another in love, honor, and humility.
The equipment is advanced; the pilots are highly skilled and trained, and the computer technology enables the group to function as a single unit.
This concept of the hivemind did not originate in the mind of any AI program, or other scientific laboratories, or any human think tank. Hiving was the creation of God, and actually expresses the nature of God. The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are three different Persons, thinking and acting as the One True God.
God also designed human families and His Church to be a unified body. We are to be of one mind, with God and one another. God has established an order of authority, and He has gifted the various parts of a family and a church to function together in love, peace, joy, productivity and effectiveness.
God is the Head of the Church (universal and local), and individual Christians are the unified members, moving as one body. God intends and enables believers in a local body to have a single mind and to work together seamlessly. It is our responsibility to accept God's plan and employ His power in doing His work. We have an overall objective, and we each have our own personal responsibilities in the body life of the local church. We find God's design for unity explained in 1 Corinthians 12.
We never lose our personhood or our personality, but we must learn our place as being a part of God's family rather than being apart from God's family.
Just as bees, ants, and other creatures, as well as highly trained team members of human endeavors, can accomplish much more in a corporate body, so too can individual Christians accomplish much more as a unified family and church.
Self-serving, self-orientation, and self-pleasing is contrary to the plan, design, and work of God. We are to have the same mind, we are to serve one another, and we are to submit to one another in love, honor, and humility.
Monday, March 16, 2026
03/16/26 STAND ON THE WORD FOR ETERNAL LIFE
03/16/26 STAND ON THE WORD FOR ETERNAL LIFE
In my rec-room (sometimes my wreck-room), I have my office, library, exercise equipment, storage boxes, assorted extra stuff, sitting area, and set of scales. I have 25 full bookshelves (6 are seen in this photo), not counting the mini-shelves and the tops of shelves, which are also full, plus many more books without shelving. I have some of my commentaries and Bibles on the tops of the shelves in this photo.
As I was getting ready to weigh myself this morning, I steadied myself by leaning on one of my Bibles.
I said all of that to say this.
The Bible tells us, "It is appointed unto man once to die and after that, the judgment."
We have all sinned, and the "wages of sin is death." But this is where our faith in the sacrificial death and physical resurrection of Christ is important. While "the wages of sin is death," it is also true, "the gift of God is eternal life, through Jesus Christ." If we believe on Christ, repent of our sins, confess Him as our Lord and Savior, and follow Him, then our judgment for sin is taken away by His sacrifice and resurrection. Active faith (deliberate, obedient, and continuous trust) in His death and resurrection saves me from my sins.
The believer's judgment for sin took place on the cross. The non-believer's sins must be answered for by the sinner himself, at the Great White Throne Judgment Bar of God, at the end of this present evil world. This will include every evil thought, word, and deed. The evidence is accumulating, and it is irrefutable.
Faith in Christ will not only save us from the penalty for the sins that we have committed, it will also save us from the pollution and corruption we inherited from Adam. Salvation cleanses our hands from sins committed and purifies our hearts from sin inherited. Without the blood of Christ there is no salvation, but faith in the blood of Christ provides forgiveness of our repented sins and cleansing from all unrighteousness.
Because of the sacrifice of Christ I can say,
"I owe God nothing for what I've done to Him,
For on the cross, Christ died to take away my sin.
I give my life to serve Him faithfully,
I owe Him everything for what He's done for me."
Through faith in Christ, we are separated from our sins, as far as the east is from the west. But unsaved people will be judged for every sin committed in their body and suffer eternal torment. You don't want to be weighed in God's scale of justice and "found wanting."
Believers will be judged and rewarded according to their service to Christ.
Now, back to my reason for this post. Be sure to rely on God's word to steady yourself, balance yourself for the time you will be weighed on God's Divine and exacting scales.
We get our balance and our stability and our stay-ability from God and His word.
Psalms 119:9-16
9 BETH. Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.
10 With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.
11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
12 Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes.
13 With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth.
14 I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches.
15 I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.
16 I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.
In my rec-room (sometimes my wreck-room), I have my office, library, exercise equipment, storage boxes, assorted extra stuff, sitting area, and set of scales. I have 25 full bookshelves (6 are seen in this photo), not counting the mini-shelves and the tops of shelves, which are also full, plus many more books without shelving. I have some of my commentaries and Bibles on the tops of the shelves in this photo.
As I was getting ready to weigh myself this morning, I steadied myself by leaning on one of my Bibles.
I said all of that to say this.
The Bible tells us, "It is appointed unto man once to die and after that, the judgment."
We have all sinned, and the "wages of sin is death." But this is where our faith in the sacrificial death and physical resurrection of Christ is important. While "the wages of sin is death," it is also true, "the gift of God is eternal life, through Jesus Christ." If we believe on Christ, repent of our sins, confess Him as our Lord and Savior, and follow Him, then our judgment for sin is taken away by His sacrifice and resurrection. Active faith (deliberate, obedient, and continuous trust) in His death and resurrection saves me from my sins.
The believer's judgment for sin took place on the cross. The non-believer's sins must be answered for by the sinner himself, at the Great White Throne Judgment Bar of God, at the end of this present evil world. This will include every evil thought, word, and deed. The evidence is accumulating, and it is irrefutable.
Faith in Christ will not only save us from the penalty for the sins that we have committed, it will also save us from the pollution and corruption we inherited from Adam. Salvation cleanses our hands from sins committed and purifies our hearts from sin inherited. Without the blood of Christ there is no salvation, but faith in the blood of Christ provides forgiveness of our repented sins and cleansing from all unrighteousness.
Because of the sacrifice of Christ I can say,
"I owe God nothing for what I've done to Him,
For on the cross, Christ died to take away my sin.
I give my life to serve Him faithfully,
I owe Him everything for what He's done for me."
Through faith in Christ, we are separated from our sins, as far as the east is from the west. But unsaved people will be judged for every sin committed in their body and suffer eternal torment. You don't want to be weighed in God's scale of justice and "found wanting."
Believers will be judged and rewarded according to their service to Christ.
Now, back to my reason for this post. Be sure to rely on God's word to steady yourself, balance yourself for the time you will be weighed on God's Divine and exacting scales.
We get our balance and our stability and our stay-ability from God and His word.
Psalms 119:9-16
9 BETH. Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.
10 With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.
11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
12 Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes.
13 With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth.
14 I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches.
15 I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.
16 I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.
Saturday, March 14, 2026
03/14/26 TWO RECENT PROBLEMS
03/14/26 TWO RECENT PROBLEMS
TWO RECENT PROBLEMS.
No Spin, No Problem
The SPIN CYCLE on our washing machine quit working. OH NO! Oh well, things wear out, and you need to move on. But I looked online and read that it might only need to be unplugged and plugged back in. I tried it, and VOILA, spin time.
Many times, the answer to a problem is simple or easy to find. In the case of the faulty spin cycle, it was a simple disconnect and reconnect. It did not require a complete overhaul or a new purchase.
In the Christian life we receive the Holy Spirit at the time of our conversion. As we follow His leading, He will give us repeated times of refreshing and renewing of His Spirit. If we are faithful, He will lead us into the Fullness of the Holy Spirit, which will cleanse and deliver us from the inherent corruption of the Old Man, which we inherited from Adam. If we drift or resist His leading, He will convict us and call us back to repentance and faith, at which time He will restore us to a right relationship.
It is good that God restores the fallen, but it is better that we follow and receive His refreshing, His renewing, His fullness, His restoration.
But remember, it is possible to fall away, become reprobate and never be renewed, restored again. The time to fix a broken relationship is when you realize it has been broken.
Recharging Problem
My cell phone started having recharging problems. I could recharge, but the connection was really touchy. It seemed to me that the phone had an internal issue since the cable did not go into the port fully. It would charge, but "I had to hold my mouth just right." I could also recharge on the phone cradle. But someone gave me a Drone, and I needed a good connection in order to use my phone. I checked online again and VOILA (again). I needed to clean the port more thoroughly than I had previously. The cable snapped back in place and does not fall out.
OK, OK, I realize some of you are smarter than I am. You knew about resetting the washing machine, and you knew that a deeper cleaning of the phone port was essential. But I didn't.
Sometimes people have a spiritual weakness or failure. It is possible for the problem to loom so large that it seems like there is no answer. "Why try? It is hopeless."
The person in this illustration is having a CONNECTIVITY PROBLEM. Maybe they need a cleansing because something is interrupting the connection with God. It could be dirt or it could be debris or a damaged connection. Whatever it is, it needs a connection correction. It won't fix itself. Clean out anything that is interfering with your prayer, your fellowship, your meditation, your listening time with God. It is likely that ignoring the problem will result in further problems. Don't let your alone time with God slip away.
The guidance and answers to our Christian walk, our fellowship with God and His people, our service is found in the Divine user's guide (the Holy Bible). Sometimes we need help in recognizing the problems that are hindering our communications with God. We need to respond with obedient faith to reactivate the Divine solution to our spiritual problem. It is not faith if we don't obey. Presuming on God is a trick of the devil.
TWO RECENT PROBLEMS.
No Spin, No Problem
The SPIN CYCLE on our washing machine quit working. OH NO! Oh well, things wear out, and you need to move on. But I looked online and read that it might only need to be unplugged and plugged back in. I tried it, and VOILA, spin time.
Many times, the answer to a problem is simple or easy to find. In the case of the faulty spin cycle, it was a simple disconnect and reconnect. It did not require a complete overhaul or a new purchase.
In the Christian life we receive the Holy Spirit at the time of our conversion. As we follow His leading, He will give us repeated times of refreshing and renewing of His Spirit. If we are faithful, He will lead us into the Fullness of the Holy Spirit, which will cleanse and deliver us from the inherent corruption of the Old Man, which we inherited from Adam. If we drift or resist His leading, He will convict us and call us back to repentance and faith, at which time He will restore us to a right relationship.
It is good that God restores the fallen, but it is better that we follow and receive His refreshing, His renewing, His fullness, His restoration.
But remember, it is possible to fall away, become reprobate and never be renewed, restored again. The time to fix a broken relationship is when you realize it has been broken.
Recharging Problem
My cell phone started having recharging problems. I could recharge, but the connection was really touchy. It seemed to me that the phone had an internal issue since the cable did not go into the port fully. It would charge, but "I had to hold my mouth just right." I could also recharge on the phone cradle. But someone gave me a Drone, and I needed a good connection in order to use my phone. I checked online again and VOILA (again). I needed to clean the port more thoroughly than I had previously. The cable snapped back in place and does not fall out.
OK, OK, I realize some of you are smarter than I am. You knew about resetting the washing machine, and you knew that a deeper cleaning of the phone port was essential. But I didn't.
Sometimes people have a spiritual weakness or failure. It is possible for the problem to loom so large that it seems like there is no answer. "Why try? It is hopeless."
The person in this illustration is having a CONNECTIVITY PROBLEM. Maybe they need a cleansing because something is interrupting the connection with God. It could be dirt or it could be debris or a damaged connection. Whatever it is, it needs a connection correction. It won't fix itself. Clean out anything that is interfering with your prayer, your fellowship, your meditation, your listening time with God. It is likely that ignoring the problem will result in further problems. Don't let your alone time with God slip away.
The guidance and answers to our Christian walk, our fellowship with God and His people, our service is found in the Divine user's guide (the Holy Bible). Sometimes we need help in recognizing the problems that are hindering our communications with God. We need to respond with obedient faith to reactivate the Divine solution to our spiritual problem. It is not faith if we don't obey. Presuming on God is a trick of the devil.
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
03/11/26 DIFFERENT WEAPONS
03/11/26 DIFFERENT WEAPONS
Christians wield the Sword of the Spirit when they confront evil.
Christians wear their spiritual armor and bear their spiritual weapons at all times.
We do not disarm when faced with evil, whether it is in our own personal lives, social encounters, moral standards, or political issues.
When preachers say that they don't preach about politics, they are admitting that they don't preach the Bible.
When "Christians" say that they separate their faith from their politics, they are denying the faith of the New Testament.
Look at what has happened to our country, our society, our educational system, our churches, and our own spiritual lives because preachers and parishioners went mute in the face of political, social, academic, and spiritual opposition.
We do not need a Theocratic government, either pagan or "Christian, "since it would be a "brand" of Christianity rather than purely Biblical faith. Remember, we will not see the kingdom until the King comes back Himself.
On the other hand, we do not need a government that is devoid of or antithetical to the Christian message or morality.
The world will continue to move away from Christ and become more antagonistic to followers of Christ. Not only should we stand firm in our relationship with and knowledge of Christ, but we should grow in grace and knowledge, we should move forward in our relationship, and we should prevail against the gates of hell.
Christians wield the Sword of the Spirit when they confront evil.
Christians wear their spiritual armor and bear their spiritual weapons at all times.
We do not disarm when faced with evil, whether it is in our own personal lives, social encounters, moral standards, or political issues.
When preachers say that they don't preach about politics, they are admitting that they don't preach the Bible.
When "Christians" say that they separate their faith from their politics, they are denying the faith of the New Testament.
Look at what has happened to our country, our society, our educational system, our churches, and our own spiritual lives because preachers and parishioners went mute in the face of political, social, academic, and spiritual opposition.
We do not need a Theocratic government, either pagan or "Christian, "since it would be a "brand" of Christianity rather than purely Biblical faith. Remember, we will not see the kingdom until the King comes back Himself.
On the other hand, we do not need a government that is devoid of or antithetical to the Christian message or morality.
The world will continue to move away from Christ and become more antagonistic to followers of Christ. Not only should we stand firm in our relationship with and knowledge of Christ, but we should grow in grace and knowledge, we should move forward in our relationship, and we should prevail against the gates of hell.
Monday, March 9, 2026
03/09/26 KINGDOMS MATTER
03/09/26 KINGDOMS MATTER
KINGDOMS MATTER
There is a Biblical difference between the State and the Church. God ordained Human Government (The State) to establish and maintain CIVIL LAW AND ORDER. God ordained the Church (believers, followers of Jesus Christ) to be His People, His Bride, His Body, His Building, and TO DO HIS WORK OF RECONCILIATION (we are His witnesses, His ambassadors, His spiritual army [armed with spiritual weapons]).
Though there have been religious and political groups that claimed to be Christian, claimed to be The Church (the Spirit-born, Spirit-led, Spirit-empowered children of God), God's Church has never raised a carnal weapon or raised an earthly army against its enemies.
No!!! Christians have never formed a military force, nor have they ever tried to force anyone into submission and subjection to the Christian faith.
Human Governments (since the time of Constantine) have falsely claimed to be Christian (Christ followers), while they use carnal weapons and physical force to implement their rule.
The New Testament never sanctioned Christians (individually or corporately) to kill anyone in the name of Jesus.
Use of violence in the name of Jesus to conquer and subjugate other people is a misrepresentation of Christ and His message.
New Testament directives are good for all people and all nations.
There is no legitimate law that opposes New Testament teaching.
There is no evil action that agrees with New Testament teaching.
To live contrary to New Testament instruction for believers is to live outside of the Christian revelation and to live in disobedience to God.
Every nation would be benefited to submit to the rule of Christ.
Every person would be benefited to submit to the rule of Christ.
Those who trust Christ and turn to Him (from sin), are a blessing and benefit to their society and to the world at large.
There is nothing in the Christian behavior that is destructive or repugnant to decency and order.
Only those who have a personal and salvific relationship with God through faith in Christ can live the redemptive life that pleases God and blesses the world community.
Statism (the worship and acceptance of the State as the ultimate authority), false religions (anything other than New Testament Christianity), or the worship and service to any other person or entity is idolatry.
There are kingdoms of this world that are Statist Governments.
There are kingdoms of this world that are spiritual belief systems.
The kingdoms of this world may or may not have geographical, political, economic, racial, or ethnic boundaries.
Israel and Judah in the Old Testament were known as the kingdom of God.
In the New Testament, God has no such national kingdom.
In the New Testament, God has a spiritual, worldwide, multi-racial kingdom, in the sense that God is King, and He has a people who trust, follow, and obey Him, above all other rulers.
After the Rapture, there will be seven years of Tribulation, at which time there will be a One World Government, a One World Economy, and a One World Religion.
As the last Divine judgments of the Tribulation appear (Revelation 11:15), the kingdom powers of this world begin to transition to the rule of Christ's earthly Thousand Year Kingdom, known as the Millennium or the Millennial Reign of Christ.
When God releases Satan from his thousand-year imprisonment, the Millennium will end. Men will readily rebel against the rule of Christ, choosing to follow Satan rather than God.
God will destroy the world with fire.
The Great White Throne Judgment will take place. Every unsaved person from all of history will be judged by God according to their thoughts, words, and deeds, resulting in their eternal sentence of punishment in the Lake of Fire.
There will be a New Heaven, a New Earth and a New Jerusalem.
At the present time we are in the Church Age, whereas the Millenium will be the Kingdom Age.
However, the kingdom of God is present in the world now (contrary to the teaching of some people), since God reigns (as King) in the hearts of believers.
God's Kingdom on earth now is a spiritual Kingdom.
The New Testament indicates the present reality of the Kingdom of God in various ways.
... "the kingdom of God is at hand."
... Jesus "preaching the gospel of the kingdom."
... (referring to Christians) "theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
... being least or being great "in the kingdom of God."
... to Christians, "seek ye first the kingdom of God."
And many more in the four Gospels.
There are a great number of verses in the New Testament letters that refer to Christians and the kingdom of God. Most of those verses have "now and later" aspect to the kingdom of God (heaven) that is promised to Christians. Here are two verses that are specifically related to the Christian walk.
... Romans 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
... 1 Corinthians 4:20 For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.
Kingdoms Matter. In our present time we need to realize that the kingdom of God is separate from the kingdoms of this world. We have accountability to God that supersedes our responsibility to the kingdoms of this world.
We are subject to the kingdoms of this world, provided they do not conflict with or contradict the rule of God in our lives.
But God is the ultimate Authority and Christians obey Him above all others.
John 18:36
36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.
Acts 5:29
29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
KINGDOMS MATTER
There is a Biblical difference between the State and the Church. God ordained Human Government (The State) to establish and maintain CIVIL LAW AND ORDER. God ordained the Church (believers, followers of Jesus Christ) to be His People, His Bride, His Body, His Building, and TO DO HIS WORK OF RECONCILIATION (we are His witnesses, His ambassadors, His spiritual army [armed with spiritual weapons]).
Though there have been religious and political groups that claimed to be Christian, claimed to be The Church (the Spirit-born, Spirit-led, Spirit-empowered children of God), God's Church has never raised a carnal weapon or raised an earthly army against its enemies.
No!!! Christians have never formed a military force, nor have they ever tried to force anyone into submission and subjection to the Christian faith.
Human Governments (since the time of Constantine) have falsely claimed to be Christian (Christ followers), while they use carnal weapons and physical force to implement their rule.
The New Testament never sanctioned Christians (individually or corporately) to kill anyone in the name of Jesus.
Use of violence in the name of Jesus to conquer and subjugate other people is a misrepresentation of Christ and His message.
New Testament directives are good for all people and all nations.
There is no legitimate law that opposes New Testament teaching.
There is no evil action that agrees with New Testament teaching.
To live contrary to New Testament instruction for believers is to live outside of the Christian revelation and to live in disobedience to God.
Every nation would be benefited to submit to the rule of Christ.
Every person would be benefited to submit to the rule of Christ.
Those who trust Christ and turn to Him (from sin), are a blessing and benefit to their society and to the world at large.
There is nothing in the Christian behavior that is destructive or repugnant to decency and order.
Only those who have a personal and salvific relationship with God through faith in Christ can live the redemptive life that pleases God and blesses the world community.
Statism (the worship and acceptance of the State as the ultimate authority), false religions (anything other than New Testament Christianity), or the worship and service to any other person or entity is idolatry.
There are kingdoms of this world that are Statist Governments.
There are kingdoms of this world that are spiritual belief systems.
The kingdoms of this world may or may not have geographical, political, economic, racial, or ethnic boundaries.
Israel and Judah in the Old Testament were known as the kingdom of God.
In the New Testament, God has no such national kingdom.
In the New Testament, God has a spiritual, worldwide, multi-racial kingdom, in the sense that God is King, and He has a people who trust, follow, and obey Him, above all other rulers.
After the Rapture, there will be seven years of Tribulation, at which time there will be a One World Government, a One World Economy, and a One World Religion.
As the last Divine judgments of the Tribulation appear (Revelation 11:15), the kingdom powers of this world begin to transition to the rule of Christ's earthly Thousand Year Kingdom, known as the Millennium or the Millennial Reign of Christ.
When God releases Satan from his thousand-year imprisonment, the Millennium will end. Men will readily rebel against the rule of Christ, choosing to follow Satan rather than God.
God will destroy the world with fire.
The Great White Throne Judgment will take place. Every unsaved person from all of history will be judged by God according to their thoughts, words, and deeds, resulting in their eternal sentence of punishment in the Lake of Fire.
There will be a New Heaven, a New Earth and a New Jerusalem.
At the present time we are in the Church Age, whereas the Millenium will be the Kingdom Age.
However, the kingdom of God is present in the world now (contrary to the teaching of some people), since God reigns (as King) in the hearts of believers.
God's Kingdom on earth now is a spiritual Kingdom.
The New Testament indicates the present reality of the Kingdom of God in various ways.
... "the kingdom of God is at hand."
... Jesus "preaching the gospel of the kingdom."
... (referring to Christians) "theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
... being least or being great "in the kingdom of God."
... to Christians, "seek ye first the kingdom of God."
And many more in the four Gospels.
There are a great number of verses in the New Testament letters that refer to Christians and the kingdom of God. Most of those verses have "now and later" aspect to the kingdom of God (heaven) that is promised to Christians. Here are two verses that are specifically related to the Christian walk.
... Romans 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
... 1 Corinthians 4:20 For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.
Kingdoms Matter. In our present time we need to realize that the kingdom of God is separate from the kingdoms of this world. We have accountability to God that supersedes our responsibility to the kingdoms of this world.
We are subject to the kingdoms of this world, provided they do not conflict with or contradict the rule of God in our lives.
But God is the ultimate Authority and Christians obey Him above all others.
John 18:36
36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.
Acts 5:29
29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
Saturday, March 7, 2026
03/07/26 NEW CREATIONS
03/07/26 NEW CREATIONS
People judge a person's parents or church based on the attitude and actions of that person. Once an impression is made, it cannot be completely corrected.
Sadly, God and local churches are misrepresented because people who call themselves "Christian" choose to live in the "natural" rather than the "spiritual," they choose to walk in the flesh rather than in the Spirit, they choose to stumble in the darkness rather than walk in the light, they choose to linger in the lowlands rather than ascend to the heights.
Being Christlike is a choice. It is not simply a choice of human will (you cannot "will yourself" into Christlikeness), but you can choose to surrender to God's will (and God will transform and conform you into the likeness of Christ).
People hold on to habits, desires, culture, beliefs, training, optics, politics, materialism, and relationships that are contrary to growth in grace. This is why it takes "the death" of the Old Man (an instantaneous crisis event), and deliberately following Jesus, through growth in grace and knowledge (a progression in light and life).
We are the only witnesses of Jesus that some people will ever see.
Never give a negative representation of your heavenly Father.
Never be the kind of "Christian" for whom others need to make excuses.
God calls believers "New creations." A Christian is a New Creation who has been reconciled to God, through faith in Christ, and a person who continues in Christ, being renewed as they walk in the light as Christ is in the light.
Don't be the person who was renewed but failed to move forward in newness of life.
Don't be the person who has the label of "New Creation," but wears the old garments of carnality, self-orientation, bitterness, anger, greed, pride.
Don't be the person who professes to be born of the Spirit but refuses complete transformation. You will come across to other people as defective.
It takes no grace for us to judge the sinner.
We are to love the sinner (remember God loved us when we were yet sinners).
We are to forgive others as God forgives us.
We are to be kind, tenderhearted, patient.
We are to do to others what we would have them do to us.
Be a stepping-stone, not a stumbling block.
Be a help, not a hindrance.
Be a blessing, not a burden.
Be a reconciler, not a reviler.
Think more highly of others than you think of yourself.
The hurt we feel because of the sin in someone's life is nothing compared to pain in the heart of a Christian parent for their wayward child.
God's hurt for our sin was manifested on the cross.
When we seek to please God, we will be willing and eager to be conformed to His image. There will be no price that is too high.
Listen closely to teaching, preaching, encouragement, confrontation, correction, instruction in righteousness, admonition, and follow fully, faithfully.
People judge a person's parents or church based on the attitude and actions of that person. Once an impression is made, it cannot be completely corrected.
Sadly, God and local churches are misrepresented because people who call themselves "Christian" choose to live in the "natural" rather than the "spiritual," they choose to walk in the flesh rather than in the Spirit, they choose to stumble in the darkness rather than walk in the light, they choose to linger in the lowlands rather than ascend to the heights.
Being Christlike is a choice. It is not simply a choice of human will (you cannot "will yourself" into Christlikeness), but you can choose to surrender to God's will (and God will transform and conform you into the likeness of Christ).
People hold on to habits, desires, culture, beliefs, training, optics, politics, materialism, and relationships that are contrary to growth in grace. This is why it takes "the death" of the Old Man (an instantaneous crisis event), and deliberately following Jesus, through growth in grace and knowledge (a progression in light and life).
We are the only witnesses of Jesus that some people will ever see.
Never give a negative representation of your heavenly Father.
Never be the kind of "Christian" for whom others need to make excuses.
God calls believers "New creations." A Christian is a New Creation who has been reconciled to God, through faith in Christ, and a person who continues in Christ, being renewed as they walk in the light as Christ is in the light.
Don't be the person who was renewed but failed to move forward in newness of life.
Don't be the person who has the label of "New Creation," but wears the old garments of carnality, self-orientation, bitterness, anger, greed, pride.
Don't be the person who professes to be born of the Spirit but refuses complete transformation. You will come across to other people as defective.
It takes no grace for us to judge the sinner.
We are to love the sinner (remember God loved us when we were yet sinners).
We are to forgive others as God forgives us.
We are to be kind, tenderhearted, patient.
We are to do to others what we would have them do to us.
Be a stepping-stone, not a stumbling block.
Be a help, not a hindrance.
Be a blessing, not a burden.
Be a reconciler, not a reviler.
Think more highly of others than you think of yourself.
The hurt we feel because of the sin in someone's life is nothing compared to pain in the heart of a Christian parent for their wayward child.
God's hurt for our sin was manifested on the cross.
When we seek to please God, we will be willing and eager to be conformed to His image. There will be no price that is too high.
Listen closely to teaching, preaching, encouragement, confrontation, correction, instruction in righteousness, admonition, and follow fully, faithfully.
03/07/26 POWER MATTERS
03/07/26 POWER MATTERS
Imagine what it would be like if Russia, China, North Korea, Somalia, Iran, Pakistan, Cuba, or any other country besides the USA had the same military power as the USA. The world should rejoice that the USA has this power, or the world would be Communist, Socialist, Koranic Islamicist, or run by Drug Cartels and Human Traffickers. Funny (weird, not haha) how these corrupt systems align against America's Christian history and culture in America. Don't forget the old saying, "the enemy of my enemy is my friend." America's values and heritage (Christian and Biblical) are the enemy of all these sick systems, and they will gladly unite against us. Consider the uniting of Communists and Islamicists in NYC as an example, and the ever-sleeping WOKE crowd as they join Muslims with the Homosexual community. Sin really does make you stupid.
Not that the USA won't or can't become like those godless systems. In fact, it will if it does not repent and turn to Christ.
Imagine what it would be like if Russia, China, North Korea, Somalia, Iran, Pakistan, Cuba, or any other country besides the USA had the same military power as the USA. The world should rejoice that the USA has this power, or the world would be Communist, Socialist, Koranic Islamicist, or run by Drug Cartels and Human Traffickers. Funny (weird, not haha) how these corrupt systems align against America's Christian history and culture in America. Don't forget the old saying, "the enemy of my enemy is my friend." America's values and heritage (Christian and Biblical) are the enemy of all these sick systems, and they will gladly unite against us. Consider the uniting of Communists and Islamicists in NYC as an example, and the ever-sleeping WOKE crowd as they join Muslims with the Homosexual community. Sin really does make you stupid.
Not that the USA won't or can't become like those godless systems. In fact, it will if it does not repent and turn to Christ.
03/07/26 NICE TO REVISIT OLD FRIEND
03/07/26 NICE TO REVISIT OLD FRIEND
These days remind me of the time when the USA was recognized as the VOICE and STANDARD of FREEDOM, the world's number one Superpower with unequaled Peace through unchallenged Strength.
We had our troubles, but at least we still recognized Christian morality and culture, family values, Bible-based government, and the Constitution as the rule of law.
I am glad we have an Administration that is resisting the enemies of freedom, the wicked bullies of blood thirsty religion and governments (FINALLY). Forty-seven years of bowing before our enemies was shameful. We even had Presidents that paid protection money to them (which we had not done since the days of Thomas Jefferson).
Still, stopping enemy madmen is a reminder of the America we were when I was born and grew up.
We had the insane Communists of the day, but most Americans boldly opposed Marxism. Now, true patriots are a rarity. In fact, we have Communists and Socialists (same thing; like a skunk and a polecat) and self-proclaimed enemies of Christ leading our government away from Biblical law to Koranic law (not to mention the rampant perversion and sexploitation of our children, families, educational system, laws, and health system). This is what a generation without God and His word has done to America
Still, for however long or short it will last, it was a good feeling to see America be America again. But sadly, without Christ, America is "rotten to the core and the core is rotten too." Without a spiritual renewal, America is only a fading image of what it used to be.
In reference to Christians taking a stand against the evil that the world is trying to force Christians into, some of my church folks wrote a song years ago, which is still timely. This is the chorus. The verses are a very strong call to total commitment.
"We ain't taking no stuff from the devil,
We ain't taking no stuff from the world,
We ain't taking no stuff from the Humanistic Educators (or Legislators)
Telling lies to our boys and girls.
(or trying to tell the churches what to do)
Though we will not see the Kingdom,
'Til the King comes back Himself,
As long as we're here,
We'll say it loud and clear,
WE AIN'T GONNA TAKE NO STUFF."
Whatever our nation decides, we as the people of God (Christians) should be determined that we will not compromise our relationship with Jesus. We will follow Him fully.
These days remind me of the time when the USA was recognized as the VOICE and STANDARD of FREEDOM, the world's number one Superpower with unequaled Peace through unchallenged Strength.
We had our troubles, but at least we still recognized Christian morality and culture, family values, Bible-based government, and the Constitution as the rule of law.
I am glad we have an Administration that is resisting the enemies of freedom, the wicked bullies of blood thirsty religion and governments (FINALLY). Forty-seven years of bowing before our enemies was shameful. We even had Presidents that paid protection money to them (which we had not done since the days of Thomas Jefferson).
Still, stopping enemy madmen is a reminder of the America we were when I was born and grew up.
We had the insane Communists of the day, but most Americans boldly opposed Marxism. Now, true patriots are a rarity. In fact, we have Communists and Socialists (same thing; like a skunk and a polecat) and self-proclaimed enemies of Christ leading our government away from Biblical law to Koranic law (not to mention the rampant perversion and sexploitation of our children, families, educational system, laws, and health system). This is what a generation without God and His word has done to America
Still, for however long or short it will last, it was a good feeling to see America be America again. But sadly, without Christ, America is "rotten to the core and the core is rotten too." Without a spiritual renewal, America is only a fading image of what it used to be.
REPLY TO COMMENT...
Howard, greetings. I am not sure what you are saying, but I am guessing that you have seen that I try to use every opportunity to turn anyone I can to Jesus, which is to the good of all nations.In reference to Christians taking a stand against the evil that the world is trying to force Christians into, some of my church folks wrote a song years ago, which is still timely. This is the chorus. The verses are a very strong call to total commitment.
"We ain't taking no stuff from the devil,
We ain't taking no stuff from the world,
We ain't taking no stuff from the Humanistic Educators (or Legislators)
Telling lies to our boys and girls.
(or trying to tell the churches what to do)
Though we will not see the Kingdom,
'Til the King comes back Himself,
As long as we're here,
We'll say it loud and clear,
WE AIN'T GONNA TAKE NO STUFF."
Whatever our nation decides, we as the people of God (Christians) should be determined that we will not compromise our relationship with Jesus. We will follow Him fully.
03/07/26 4 FAVORITE SOUNDS
03/07/26 4 FAVORITE SOUNDS
FOUR OF MY FAVORITE SOUNDS
Bogue,
Pamilico,
Core,
and
Sound of Freedom.
I have loved being near these Sounds.
FOUR OF MY FAVORITE SOUNDS
Bogue,
Pamilico,
Core,
and
Sound of Freedom.
I have loved being near these Sounds.
Tuesday, March 3, 2026
03/03/26 OUR OWN CHOICE
03/03/26 OUR OWN CHOICE
You can't blame God for Adam's sin.
God judges each person according to his/her own deeds.
All are responsible for their own relationship with God.
Don't blame the parent for the offspring's sin.
The offspring of godly parents may choose not to follow Christ.
The offspring of ungodly parents may choose to follow Christ.
Being Biblical is a personal decision.
Christlikeness is a personal decision, despite parents or church.
Upbringing is one thing; personal choice is different.
The result of BEING a Christian is BEHAVING as a Christian.
The Bible warns us about professing without possessing.
2 Timothy 3:5
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
(dlg) The power of God transforms us from darkness to light and conforms us to the likeness of Christ.
Salvation is both a "being" and a "behaving" reality.
"Being" is what we are (our spiritual condition, our nature).
"Behaving" is what we do (our thinking, speaking, and actions).
We will be judged for our thoughts, our words, and our deeds.
Being Biblical is a personal decision.
Salvation is an "Inner Man" and an "Outer Man" reality.
2 Corinthians 6:17-7:1
17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
7:1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
Being a Christian includes walking in the Holy Spirit and bearing the fruit of the Holy Spirit.
You can't blame God for Adam's sin.
God judges each person according to his/her own deeds.
All are responsible for their own relationship with God.
Don't blame the parent for the offspring's sin.
The offspring of godly parents may choose not to follow Christ.
The offspring of ungodly parents may choose to follow Christ.
Being Biblical is a personal decision.
Christlikeness is a personal decision, despite parents or church.
Upbringing is one thing; personal choice is different.
The result of BEING a Christian is BEHAVING as a Christian.
The Bible warns us about professing without possessing.
2 Timothy 3:5
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
(dlg) The power of God transforms us from darkness to light and conforms us to the likeness of Christ.
Salvation is both a "being" and a "behaving" reality.
"Being" is what we are (our spiritual condition, our nature).
"Behaving" is what we do (our thinking, speaking, and actions).
We will be judged for our thoughts, our words, and our deeds.
Being Biblical is a personal decision.
Salvation is an "Inner Man" and an "Outer Man" reality.
2 Corinthians 6:17-7:1
17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
7:1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
Being a Christian includes walking in the Holy Spirit and bearing the fruit of the Holy Spirit.
Monday, March 2, 2026
03/02/26 KAYAKING AS A MICROCOSM
03/02/26 KAYAKING AS A MICROCOSM
As usual, this post addresses the subject of Christian living; (not the Divinely instituted Government responsibility of "protecting the righteous and punishing the wicked"). Don't confuse these two different principles.
When I see my Cover Photo or my Profile Photo, I relish the moments I have spent on my kayak (fishing, drifting, paddling, meditating, sharing with other kayakers, taking in the beauty of God's creation). Even on those occasions that I was struggling my way through a low tide marsh, or rushing to safety during a thunder squall, or fighting my way out of the grip of a dangerous Pluff Mud, I sought and sensed God's presence.
I kayak because it is fun. I kayak because it is restorative. I kayak because it is reflective. I kayak because it is good exercise. I kayak because it gives me time to share with other folks (friends, strangers, family).
Come to think of it, "kayaking" is somewhat of a microcosm of life. It is not always fun or easy. Actually, preparing to kayak and "squaring away" after kayaking can be unfun, but it is necessary if I am going to kayak. Also, the difficult times often have benefits. Challenges are beneficial, even when they are difficult. I learn about myself and about God's plan during the hard times.
There is an old saying, "It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness." We don't ignore the darkness, nor do we embrace the dangers in the darkness, but neither do we focus on the darkness. We look for the light; we trust the proven Guidance out of the darkness. We do not let the darkness define us or distort us. We do not honor the darkness.
As believers, we know that God's light in us is greater than the darkness around us. We also know that the darkness oozes out of the enemy of our soul, Satan. We know that we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but principalities and powers and spiritual wickedness in high places.
We don't love the enemy of our soul but we do love our enemies. (Remember, Christian love does not exempt a criminal from legal punishment or tyrants from justice). We reach out to others, even when we are despised, and lift others up, even when it is costly.
Jesus is not only our Savior and Lord He is our example, our pattern. We are to walk in His steps. This includes our attitude as well as our actions. Our possession of grace should align with our profession of faith. The root produces the fruit.
As we sang yesterday...
"My desire, to be like Jesus,
My desire, to be like Him!
His Spirit fill me,
His love o'rewhelm me:
In deed and word,
To be like Him."
"Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me.
All His wonderful passion and purity!
O Thou Spirit Divine,
All my nature refine,
Till the beauty of Jesus is seen in me.
We also sing...
O to be like Thee! O To be like Thee,
Blessed Redeemer, pure as Thou art!
Come in Thy sweetness,
Come in Thy fullness,
Stamp Thine own image,
Deep on my heart.
This is what I preach, this is what God requires, this is how Christians live.
As usual, this post addresses the subject of Christian living; (not the Divinely instituted Government responsibility of "protecting the righteous and punishing the wicked"). Don't confuse these two different principles.
When I see my Cover Photo or my Profile Photo, I relish the moments I have spent on my kayak (fishing, drifting, paddling, meditating, sharing with other kayakers, taking in the beauty of God's creation). Even on those occasions that I was struggling my way through a low tide marsh, or rushing to safety during a thunder squall, or fighting my way out of the grip of a dangerous Pluff Mud, I sought and sensed God's presence.
I kayak because it is fun. I kayak because it is restorative. I kayak because it is reflective. I kayak because it is good exercise. I kayak because it gives me time to share with other folks (friends, strangers, family).
Come to think of it, "kayaking" is somewhat of a microcosm of life. It is not always fun or easy. Actually, preparing to kayak and "squaring away" after kayaking can be unfun, but it is necessary if I am going to kayak. Also, the difficult times often have benefits. Challenges are beneficial, even when they are difficult. I learn about myself and about God's plan during the hard times.
There is an old saying, "It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness." We don't ignore the darkness, nor do we embrace the dangers in the darkness, but neither do we focus on the darkness. We look for the light; we trust the proven Guidance out of the darkness. We do not let the darkness define us or distort us. We do not honor the darkness.
As believers, we know that God's light in us is greater than the darkness around us. We also know that the darkness oozes out of the enemy of our soul, Satan. We know that we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but principalities and powers and spiritual wickedness in high places.
We don't love the enemy of our soul but we do love our enemies. (Remember, Christian love does not exempt a criminal from legal punishment or tyrants from justice). We reach out to others, even when we are despised, and lift others up, even when it is costly.
Jesus is not only our Savior and Lord He is our example, our pattern. We are to walk in His steps. This includes our attitude as well as our actions. Our possession of grace should align with our profession of faith. The root produces the fruit.
As we sang yesterday...
"My desire, to be like Jesus,
My desire, to be like Him!
His Spirit fill me,
His love o'rewhelm me:
In deed and word,
To be like Him."
"Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me.
All His wonderful passion and purity!
O Thou Spirit Divine,
All my nature refine,
Till the beauty of Jesus is seen in me.
We also sing...
O to be like Thee! O To be like Thee,
Blessed Redeemer, pure as Thou art!
Come in Thy sweetness,
Come in Thy fullness,
Stamp Thine own image,
Deep on my heart.
This is what I preach, this is what God requires, this is how Christians live.
Sunday, March 1, 2026
03/01/26 MAYBE IT'S NOT TOO LATE
03/01/26 MAYBE IT'S NOT TOO LATE
FINALLY, after 47 years, the USA cuts off the head of a madman, bully, bloodthirsty regime. Not only have previous Administrations failed to protect America, but some even financed and encouraged our enemy.
MAYBE IT'S NOT TOO LATE.
FINALLY, after 47 years, the USA cuts off the head of a madman, bully, bloodthirsty regime. Not only have previous Administrations failed to protect America, but some even financed and encouraged our enemy.
MAYBE IT'S NOT TOO LATE.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)