Final Thoughts for 2022

     Daniel trusted God's promises, God's providence and the presence of God. He did not know God's plan. On faith, he accepted what he was told.

Daniel 3:16

Transforming truths:

1. persecution should be expected 

2. Learn to stand alone

3. Fear God more than the furnace

4. Fire that purifies sets us free

5. Things are not what they appear to be. Eternity reverses fortunes.

6. It is not necessary to win in this life, but to be victorious.

    Be faithful, loving and courageous. Every knee will bow. 

Dr. Irwin Leutzer

 American Majority/Majority Issues

1. Americans should be judged by the character, not color. 91% agree

2. Needy but able-bodied adults should work to receive taxpayer-funded benefits - food stamps, health care, welfare. 74% 

3. America is the greatest country on earth. 78% 

4. Criminals who kill police officers - mandatory life in prison. 74%

5. Federal income taxes should be cut for all Americans. 75% 

6. Give tax credits for products made in the USA. 87% 

7. Valid government-issued photo ID to vote. 81% 

8. Freedom of religion. 85% 

9. Children can attend schools best for them. 81% 

10. Noncitizen gang members should face mandatory deportation when arrested. 87% 

     So why are many elections won, 51-49%, or even closer? 

     "American system would be far more patriotic and conservative if not for the intense, ferocious left." - Newt Gingrich

     Survey by McLaughlin & Associates

 The Government Warns

     WASHINGTON, D.C. - The White House issued a dire warning, that Elon Musk's ownership of Twitter means they now control only 97% of the media. 

     "We can't overstate how dangerous this is," said Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. "Yes, we still control Facebook, Google, Apple Instagram, YouTube, ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN, MSNBC, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, The New York Times, TIME, USA Today, Hollywood and pretty much all the rest, but we don't own Twitter. This is dangerous to Democracy."

     The entire intelligence community at the CIA, FBI and NSA concurred with the warning, stating that "Elon's ownership of Twitter leaves America vulnerable to dangerous opinions we do not approve of." 

     "Democracy is at stake," said all the agency leaders in a shared statement in which they recited the words simultaneously in a robotic monotone. "We must do something. Democracy is at stake." 

😈

But after he had considered this, 

an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, 

"Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home 

as your wife, because what is conceived in her 

is from the Holy spirit. 

She will give birth to a son, 

and you are to give him the name Jesus, 

because he will save his people from their sins.

Matthew 1:20-21

Merry Christmas 

 Worse Than We Thought 

     Sorry to interrupt our Christmas cheer like a Grinch.

     But Wednesday night the House and Senate got together for what looked like a State of the Union speech. In essence, it was the state of the union. 

     Except the speaker was not our President. It was the leader of war-torn Ukraine...wearing his everyday shirt.  

     We've been thinking, Russia's oligarchy has no business invading Ukraine - true - and the brave defender, Zelenskyy, is a hero of historic proportions. Or something like that. 

     Our Congress certainly thinks so. Members of both parties were standing and clapping like we just won the World Cup. I don't think FDR enjoyed that much gushing. I know Lincoln didn't. 

     So, what's the problem? We want Putin to win? Nooooo!    

     Average Ukrainians are suffering, big time, but Zelenskyy isn't Washington or Lincoln or Reagan. He wants more U.S. money. He wants American troops ultimately on the ground. We hear that he has done away with political opponents, as they do in Russia, China etc. That he has shut down their largest church and generally given Christians a hard time. 

     We hear that U.S. seniors on Social Security may get a "pay cut" soon - which we've expected for some time - but the U.S. has enough billions to pour on top of billions already spent helping Ukraine give Putin a headache. Companies selling (or replacing) weapons for Ukraine are doing okay, we suppose, and politicians supporting the "war" are getting their rewards, so we think. 

     When Ukraine wins and all settles down, Hunter Biden can return to Kiev and milk them for more millions, so long as his dad is President.  

     Our Vice President and Senate (lame duck) Majority Leader sure were gushy, fawning over the foreigner pleading to hike our national debt. Of course, he didn't put it that way.

            Jimmy

      

After the War  

 conclusion

     Without realizing how much our world was changing, we entered a world of plenty and opportunity. Well, not so much yours truly, but for many. We enjoyed ourselves and felt secure in our future, although depression and world war wasn't totally forgotten.

     Polio continued to cripple and take lives, including the brother of my cousin-by-marriage. Still, we were the last generation to have an interlude when there were no threats to our homeland. Okay. No threats until we learned that the Soviets could nuke someone too.

     The cold war, terrorism, global warming (renamed climate change) and economic insecurity had yet to cause unease.

     Only our generation can remember both a time of great war and a time of security, bright promise and plenty. 

     We grew up at the best possible time. Remember the TV comedy, Happy Days? 

     More than 99 percent of us are either retired or deceased. 

     We don't know if our generation unwittingly allowed the good times to morph into something different. We do think our military might and decades-long national security allowed some to turn inward...finding fault with everything we thought was true and right (not discrimination), but God, family and freedom.  

      Jimmy

 The One Percenters 

     Continued

     Of those born from 1930 to 1946...telephones were one to a house, often sharing party lines. Computers were called calculators, hand cranked. 

     Typewriters were driven by fingers, throwing the carriage and changing the ribbon. I earned a living doing that up through 1983, probably. Newspapers and magazines were written for adults. News was broadcast on radio each evening. 

     The Government gave returning vets the means to attend college, causing colleges to grow. Pent-up demand opened many factories for work. New highways brought jobs and mobility. 

     Veterans joined civic clubs and became active in politics. The radio network exploded from 3 stations to thousands. Parents were free from the confines of the depression and the war and threw themselves into opportunities they had never imagined. 

     Those born in those years weren't neglected, but we weren't the all-consuming family focus. Looking back, that explains a lot. In some respects, I would cheerfully return to the 1950s.....Happy Days.

     Coming up, 3rd and final chapter of this series.

        Jimmy

The 1% Age Group

     Yours truly is a one percenter.

     This group was born between 1930 and 1946. Our age range is 76 to 92. We are the smallest group of children born since the early 1900s. We are the last generation, climbing out of the depression, who can remember the war that rattled daily lives for years. 

     I remember a day in August 1945 when Dad and two uncles were intensely listening to a radio in the living room. Every few minutes, the announcer said, "The war is over." I was goofing around, making noise as kids do, when one uncle looked my way and commanded, "Shut up!" I looked at Dad and timidly offered, "Well, he said the war is over." Like, what else matters? 

     We are the last to remember ration books. Our families saved tin foil and poured fried meat fat into tin cans. We saw cars up on blocks because tires weren't available. Yes, my dad did that.

     We remember milk delivered to our house early in the morning and placed (in our case) by the side door. We knew those who were off to war (two uncles in particular). 

     We are the last generation that spent childhood without TV, imagining what we heard on radio. Without TV, we spent childhood playing outside - hide & seek, riding bikes, climbing trees etc. There was no Little League. 

     I remember radio weather reports for "Western Pennsylvania," which sounded like a very important place. Then I learned that I lived in Western Pennsylvania. On Saturdays, the movie theater gave us newsreels, westerns and cartoons. Awesome. 

     More to come. Based on an email forwarded by a friend.  

                

Beware What They Invent   

     The Mrs. is probably weary of my occasional statement: "Everything we invent can be used against us." But, she doesn't deny it. 

     Steam, cameras, radio, phones, railroad trains and print can be used in mischief. Magnets, wrist watches, glue, boats, rope? 

     Airplanes. No debate there. They were first used in World War I, and most hideous was the attack on civilians on 9/11.

     Worldwide web, computers, electric lights, motorized vehicles and steel all can be used to destroy or kill somebody or some thing.

     The printing press, internet, wheels, pens, knives, scissors, guns, baseball bats, bricks and social media come to mind. Electricity was discovered, not invented, but inventions using electric power can make trouble. 

     Nuclear bombs. No debate there. 

     Satellites. If not yet, the day will come. 

     If you can think of a wonderful invention that no one can turn against mankind... 

     Let's love our Savior, not so much our toys. 

           Jimmy 

       

Element of Surprise

     From a column we read: God has a purpose for all things. He has a purpose for surprises too. 

     Peter wrote: "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you." 1 Peter 4:12 He knew about surprises. Having been warned by Jesus at least three times, he and other disciples still didn't believe their miracle-working teacher was going to be killed.

     God often surprised his people in the past by showing up: at the Red Sea, for reform, for rebuke. Christ himself was not what the Jews expected. But the greatest surprise occurred on the third day after his ignominious death. 

     He had told his followers about that too, but it's unlikely they expected the resurrection while placing his broken body in a tomb. Otherwise, they wouldn't have been doubtful and fearful when he appeared among them with wounded hands and side: the happiest surprise in history.

     In any surprise, God is showing up.

 Will Trump Be Re-elected?

     We don't want to dwell on politics, but this is kind-of important. 

     Joe Biden officially beat Trump two years ago. Since then he has given us inflation, a shamefully open border, energy dependency, more crime, Afghanistan embarrassment, higher interest rates, family collusion with China (and Ukraine) which has earned the Bidens $31 million (and compromised the U.S.), political sidekicks who lied under oath, and used Twitter, Silicon Valley, so-called news media, social media and the FBI in party warfare.

     These people, if given an edge, will mess with our Constitution, electoral college and the 1st Amendment (critical). And they will abolish the 2nd Amendment. So long, democracy. It was nice knowing you. 

     Will Trump be re-elected and return to his stellar ways that improved the life of so many Americans? 

     Since his announcement to run again, he has not been a uniter. He never was. Swing voters will not get aboard. He has filled the air with controversy, spats, melodramas and social media rants. He calls potential rivals like accomplished Gov. Desantis names. 

     The above from Victor Hanson of the Hoover Institution. 

     Trump was treated unfairly by a politicized FBI intrusion. That won't get him votes. 

     So, Views has the view that should elderly Trump and elderly Biden meet again, Donald Trump will lose again. Republicans' modest inroad in November despite atrocious leadership by socialist Democrats tells me so. Case in point: Georgia's senate race. Voters chose a democracy-hater over a man who was immoral during his youth, and since repented.  

          Jimmy

  

Blending With Babylon  

     Babylon represents all pagan and humanistic cultures of the unregenerate world. In the last days of the tribulation, these cultures (formed into nations), will be overthrown by God. Revelation 17:1, 18:2.

     As Christian influence declines, America becomes more like Babylon. 

Short takes from Isaiah 47: 

     Our Redeemer - the Lord Almighty is his name...

     But you didn't consider these things or reflect what might happen. Now then listen you wanton creature, lounging in your security. You have trusted in your wickedness. Your wisdom and knowledge mislead you. 

     Disaster will come upon you that you cannot ward off with a ransom. All the counsel you have received has only worn you out. Each of them goes on in his error. There is not one who can save you.

#

  

 Georgia on My Mind  

     Say what you want about powerful New York or California, even Florida. Important matters in the USA will depend somewhat on voters in the Peach State. 

     It is fitting that our typeface here is called "Georgia." 

     A runoff for U.S. Senate ends on Tuesday. Herschel Walker, a businessman, former Heisman trophy winner, faces Sen. Raphael Warnock, who was appointed to fill out a term two years ago. 

     In the general election, Warnock finished one percentage vote better, but neither man reached 50 percent, hence the runoff. Democrats have already won half - 50 - of the seats, giving them great power should all 50 senators agree on some matter. 

     Should an issue be crucial, there still are senators Manchin and Sinema, who haven't been 100% in line with Democratic leadership.  

     While the House will have Republican leadership, the Senate can still accomplish much the hate-America Democrats desire if Warnock keeps his seat. 

     Walker has baggage from his youth. Liberals strongly in favor of abortion accuse him of paying for two abortions. Get it? 

     But Walker has "come to Jesus" and is a new person. Warnock, pastors Ebenezer Baptist Church - in his spare time? - and approves of abortion. His church is under investigation for a ministry arm evicting residents of low-income housing. He criticized other landlords of doing the same during COVID. 

     Is this the lesser of two evils? In November, 80,000 votes went to Chase Oliver. What issue will they favor Tuesday, if they vote at all? Republican Gov. Brian Kemp won reelection handily, but polling shows this race for senate too close to call. 

         Jimmy

     

Pastor's Kid Excels 

     Seth Dillon has a knack for comedy, landing him at the helm of the Babylon Bee in 2018. 

     The Bee writes satire from a Christian perspective. This means speaking truth to culture through humor.  

     "It also means holding the church itself accountable," he says. "We need levity and laughter in the church not just because we take ourselves far too seriously, but because we're in just as much need of correction as anyone else." 

     Dillon adds, representing and defending the Bee in the media has "become the most fun and rewarding part of my job. I have the opportunity to fight for truth, freedom and life on the biggest stages imaginable."

     "Christians - Christian institutions - can be far too squishy. In the name of love, we cede too much ground. We need to be willing to stand firmly in our convictions and in defense of the truth, even if it means making a few people mad on Twitter." 

     He says, "The mob will get weaker only if you starve it by refusing to give it what it wants. And the truth will only prevail if it's fiercely and unapologetically defended. When I said Christian institutions need a backbone, I meant they need to stop caring about the mob." 

Prayer of Encouragement   

I pray...

that I function in strength and power by the Spirit

that Christ make his home in my heart through faith

that I have power to comprehend the measure of the love of Christ

that I truly experience the love of Christ, not just know it in my head

that I may be filled with all the fullness of God.

          Ephesians 3:20-21 

 Thanksgiving is a Great Time  

     A great time for universities and students to thank us taxpayers for supporting President Lyndon Johnson's Higher Education Act. 

     Better yet, if President Biden gets the okay to wipe out student loan debt, we will pay an estimated $430 billion more than we pay now for those who default, one third of whom never get their degree. Yea!

     Millions who owe $1.6 trillion have applied for loan forgiveness. 

     Cancelling loads doesn't solve the problem. Over the past 40 years, the average cost of private college tuition has tripled. Do you know of anything else that has tripled? Maybe housing, or vehicles? 

     See. Universities dependent on student payments were limited in what they could charge in tuition. Yours truly paid about $350 a quarter (10 weeks) at a state university. And that included out-of-state add on. One year (fall, winter, spring) cost me about $1,050, plus food and board. 

     When our do-good Government began doing good, universities realized they could rely on taxpayers and upped their tuition, no doubt paying professors and other employees more - good for them - and investing in more facilities - maybe worthwhile? 

     Now, while more jobs require degrees, students and taxpayers are on the hook. It takes on average 21 years to pay off student loans. 

     Government (taxpayer) loans may be helping students who otherwise would have no shot. Harvard among others has billions in the bank thanks to wealthy alumni. Wouldn't be nice if they helped more, when millions of taxpayers who never attended college may get a bill for $430 billion?

       Jimmy   😠 

           

 Think Today's Voting is Difficult?

     Who would you have voted for in the 1930s?  

     Candidate A associates with crooked politicians, 

and consults with an astrologist. He has had two mistresses, chain smokes

and drinks 8 to 10 martinis a day. 

     Candidate B was removed from office twice, sleeps until noon, used

opium in college, and drinks a quart of whiskey every evening. 

     Candidate C is a decorated war veteran. He is a vegetarian,

doesn't smoke, drinks an occasional beer and never cheated on his wife.

     Which is your choice? A is Franklin D. Roosevelt.

     B is Winston Churchill

     C is Adolph Hitler

     Makes us wonder what's going on with our congressional representatives and people in the White House. 

 

Take Nothing for Granted

     A woman who was pregnant had 8 kids already.

     Three were deaf, two were blind, one mentally retarded, and the mother had syphilis. Wouldn't this be a legitimate excuse for abortion?

     If she aborted this baby, the world would never have heard of Beethoven.

Provided by a friend

 

Insipid Goals for Kids  

     So, American parents are raising the future generation of leaders and doers, movers and shakers. Or not.

     A poll by the Barna Group would make our founders weep. 

     "Discipline" and "toughness" were not dominant among respondents describing what is important to effective child rearing. 

* Patience - 36 percent

* Demonstration of love - 32 percent

* Discipline and understanding - 22 percent

* Faith commitment - 20 percent

* Communication skills - 17 percent

* Compassion - 14 percent

* Listening skills - 12 percent

* Being intelligent - 11 percent

* Being a praying person - 4 percent

      These results from a survey of Christian families were indistinguishable from a survey of parents not "born again."

     Joel Belz of WORLD magazine wonders if these parents are as easily satisfied with their surgeons, car mechanics, stockbrokers and others who matter in the course of life.

        Jimmy

What's Most Important?

     In a recent poll, 60 percent of voters said they strongly disagree with Democrats' (Biden) policy of leaving our Southern border open to immigrants and whatever else comes across daily. 

     No other country in the world has such a policy. Is opening the door to most anyone a big step toward destroying our sovereign nation? Certainly, our democracy, which liberals wish to replace with socialism. 

     There are other one-issue causes: abortion, economy, crime, etc. But, what good is it to win that fight and lose the entire constitution? 

     Tuesday, there were slam dunks on both sides, and nail-bitters as well. But, at least 10 percent did not think losing our country and its freedoms is more important than voting for Democratic senate candidates. Even a man who is not only mentally compromised but in favor of numerous ideas that are clearly foreign to our culture (or so we thought) won a senate seat.  

     People have differences. We get it. But how several million voters concerned about our survival could ignore the clear path to correction is a result of focus, and gobs of money spent on fooling us. If the House tilts red, we may delay calamity for a while longer.  

          Jimmy

     

 Unique Importance

    Joe Belz,  Conclusion

     To be consistently anti-abortion (you can) at the same time cast your vote for environmental sensitivity, against racism, and for economic justice. These are not independent, isolated packages.

     It's hard to see how anyone can focus on the future of polar bears and whales, while asking evangelicals to (stop caring about infant humans). Keep in mind that abortion is one of the most racist of all social causes. The history of Planned Parenthood and similar organizations is racist to the core - as is their current practice.

     And no economist can look at the loss of 50 million American babies over the last 45 years [this was written in 2008] and not wince at the drain on the vitality of our society. Today's poor Americans are poorer than they would have been if we'd take care to preserve enough consumers - and workers - to fill a state 1-1/2 as big as California. 

     Stop apologizing for focusing on a single issue. It's those promoting causes like abortion and same-sex marriage who are the real "single issue" fanatics, falsely teaching that you can mess with one or two aspects of life without upsetting the balance God installed in His created order.

     We need to expose the lie for the tragic falsehood that it is - and to teach the next generation what a bad bargain they have been asked to accept.

WORLD magazine

 Issues of Unique Importance

 This is an old column (modified for space) by Joel Belz, 

Jewish upbringing, believer in Christ,

retired from WORLD magazine, that doesn't get old. 

     It's become a frequent reminder to us evangelical Christians not to let our cultural identity be framed by single issues. Why are backers of the "Evangelical Manifesto" so ready to join the cultural left - suggesting guilt for evangelicals preoccupied with the evils of abortion and same-sex marriage? 

     And if younger evangelicals are embarrassed by their elders and think it's time to get equally exercised over issues like racism, economic justice and the environment - maybe we need to do a better job of explaining to them why we've put the emphasis where we have. 

     Evangelicals shouldn't be embarrassed to say clearly: Abortion and same-sex marriage are uniquely heinous sins. They rattle the foundation of a civilized society. 

     I'm not referring so much to the young women caught in the anguish of an unexpected pregnancy or folks bewildered by their sexual identity. I'm talking mostly about a society that goes all out to tell such people that they're doing just fine. There's forgiveness for individual sinners. There's judgment for societies that lead them astray.

     It's true that we haven't been as zealous as we ought in fighting racism, abuse of the environment, and poverty. But on those fronts, we're at least facing the right direction. 

     Here's the difference: What evangelical do you know who says insensitivity to the poor should be promoted? What leader is calling for more racism? Who advocates the plundering of the environment? That is exactly the kind of cheer-leading that is going on for abortion and same-sex marriage.  

Conclusion to come

 Will America Survive? 

     Did you watch the Mark Levin program Sunday night on Fox?

     He had 8-1/2 X 11-inch papers each with a picture of something important in the history of our nation. Some were founders, like Washington and Jefferson (whose estate apparently has been damaged by hoodlums). Others were leaders like Lincoln, and people who created prosperity and other advances. 

     One at a time, he showed each paper to the camera, then ripped it up.

     There were various documents such as our Declaration of Independance and Constitution etc. There was the flag, a dollar bill, and the Supreme Court. Rip! 

     On he went showing every single person or specialty that America was known for...and for our independence, freedom, and justice. Rip!

     Of course, the USA has never been perfect. It's people - like you and I - have feet of clay. Some of us are contributors in one way or another. Others of us are destroyers in one way or another.

     Levin was clear: the Democratic Party today wants nothing to do with American prosperity, power, influence, safety, freedom of thought and speech. They run for office like middle of the road people. But their hearts and their goals are anything but. 

     They are offspring of President Harding, and President Obama, whose offspring is President Biden. The 2024 election will be critical, but if the Dems aren't swept out of Congress next week, it may be too late. 

     The people who gave the murderous rulers of Iran hundreds of millions of dollars to "repay" them for our opposition to Iran's agenda, have tried to do it again. It wasn't about preventing nukes. And here at home, they're destroying schools, and spending more money than the laws of economics can tolerate. China good. America bad.   

     We have one week to go. If we're going to lose our liberty, we will read about it in our leftist papers or hear it on our leftist TV channels. 

     Meanwhile, the devil is watching the polls like you and me.

        Jimmy

What a country! 

Our President with a failing mind 

goes to Pennsylvania to campaign for a 

Senate candidate with a failing mind. 

     Jimmy

 Here are topics of the day:

media   the church    movies & TV    supreme court

cancel culture   sports    censorship    government  

secularism    marriage & family   abortion   crime   

constitution    big tech   parents & schools    the economy

war   foreign policy    liberalism   leadership   climate & energy

conservatism   gender & sexuality    racism    religious liberty

the pandemic      education    pornography    history    sports

Are you on top of all those topics? Just trying to help.   😉 

 God's word given to us today.

For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, 

the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men - 

the testimony given in its proper time.

I Timothy 5-6

 Thirty Years Earlier  

     A preview of what would come. Jesus took Peter, James and John up a high mountain. There he was transfigured. His face shone like the sun. His clothes became white as the light. Then Moses and Elijah appeared. And they heard a voice say, This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him! They fell to the ground, terrified. 

Thirty Years Later   

     Only John was still alive, but now in exile. He heard a loud voice, Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches... "John turned and saw someone like the son of man."       

    His eyes were like blazing fire. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace. His voice was like the sound of rushing waters. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance.  

     The first message was for the Ephesians, where Paul and Tychicus had ministered three decades earlier. Jesus complimented the believers for their hard work, perseverance, opposition to wickedness, and for testing those who claimed to be apostles. Yet I have this against you: You have forsaken your first love. If you do not repent, I will remove your lampstand from its place (Rev. 2:4-6).

From The Ultimate Victory by Dr. Horton: They gave service, but not themselves. They lacked self-giving love, as the Father gave his Son to suffer for our salvation. They were to "remember," to realize how far they had fallen. They were to "repent," to adopt an attitude of love. The lampstand represents the presence of Jesus in each of the seven churches. 

Suppose Jesus sent this warning to our church.  

 Third Morning  

     "Good morning, devoted men of Ephesus. Before we begin - later today I depart for Colosse with Paul's letter to the Colossians. I'll finishing reading your letter today. Make copies for other churches.

     "Now, you know how normal it is to follow the ways of Ephesus. God calls you to put off your old self. Every day we need to put on our new self, created to be like God in true righteousness. 

     "What is our 'new self?' Jesus said, If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love. He who loves me will be loved by my Father and I too will love him and make our home with him.

     "Be kind and compassionate, forgiving each other, just as God forgave you. As Paul wrote, no immoral, impure or greedy person has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

     "You were once in darkness - living as everyone does - but now you are light in the Lord. Be very careful how you live, because the days are evil. Love supersedes all else. 

     "Serve others wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men. When we share our faith together, the presence of the Holy Spirit is evident. There is no favoritism with God.

     "Our struggle is not against men, but against the rulers, the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Stand your ground with truth, righteousness, peace, faith and the Word of God.

     "Paul sent me for your encouragement. He wrote, Peace and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love."

Thirty years later >>>>>>>      

Tychicus Opens the Letter  

     "Good morning again, brothers. On behalf of Paul, who loves you with the love of Christ. He is eager to know of your growth. You have shown me your faithfulness to the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. 

     "We Ephesians were all dead in our transgressions, following the ways of the world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air. But God, rich in mercy, made us alive in Christ. We don't deserve salvation. By grace, through faith, we receive this gift of God. 

     "I speak as if Paul himself was before you. With this gift of God, Jesus expects us to obey what he commands. We don't simply 'know' the truth; we obey. And if we obey, he gives us the Spirit of truth. Whoever has my commands - and obeys them - Jesus said, he is the one who loves me. 

     "Remember that we in Ephesus - I was one of you - were excluded and without hope, until Christ took your sins and mine on himself, died and rose again to new life. He is our peace. He destroyed the dividing wall - Jew and Gentile - reconciling 'all' men to God through the cross. 

     "Gentiles are heirs with believers in Israel, one body, sharing in the promise. In Christ and through faith, we approach God with confidence. Paul prays you will grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ. It surpasses knowledge. We don't find love on tablets of stone. Most of you don't read. I will read Paul's letter to you. 

     "Our city - Empire famous. But no creation of man will endure. God is eternal, and he cares for you. 

     "Friends, the sun is up. Your work awaits. Let us gather again tomorrow morning and I will read his letter." 

>>>>>>>     

 

First Morning 

     Tychicus (pronounced Tik uh kuhs) comes before saints of the Ephesian church. Morning sun about to rise, he wants to know how well these men have lived out their teaching. Paul wants them to continue growing.

     He will give them Paul's letter, when he is certain of their faith. Little time remains before they must begin their workday. 

     It is A.D. 62. Ephesians generally know about Jews and their traditions. Word has it there is unrest in the Empire's region of Judah. 

     Meanwhile, these Christians. They have no scrolls. No army. No wealth. No city of their own. No goddess.  

     Ephesians, for all their architecture, are like most people ... prone to self-interest, immorality, worship of idols and other deeds of darkness. Who knows what happens in the Temple of Artemis? 

     Christians are a strange minority, eyed with suspicion. Unwelcome.

     While Paul in his Roman prison continues to write, Tychicus greets the "flock," most of whom he knows from before. 

     He informs them about Paul's circumstance, and summarizes journeys being taken by co-workers Mark, Silas, Barnabas, Luke and Timothy. 

     Questions and answers rapidly go back and forth. Tychicus will open the letter tomorrow morning. 

>>>>>>>        

The Supper Table 

     Tychicus places his bag and a satchel with shoulder strap in the guest room. He and his host reminisce over supper. 

Remember when you two came, and there were just 12 of us?

Yes, and Paul baptized you in the name of the Lord Jesus.

Miracles that followed put fear into both Jews and Gentiles. 

Remember when Demetrius started a riot against Paul?

And the amphitheater crowd went wild.

I contend Paul would have been slain had we not held him back.

Tychicus, is Paul living? He said we would never see him again.

Paul was arrested in Jerusalem. They would have killed him.

What did he do?

He appealed to Caesar. He is in Rome, "a prisoner of the Lord." 

     My friend, I'll tell you about his shipwreck and other hardships. But Paul would say, "We may be seated in heavenly places, but our faith may lead to trouble, prison, harm...even death. God gives us power to witness and power to endure." 

     I was in Rome attending to Paul's needs when he gave me his letter for you. Let's call the brothers together early tomorrow before they go to work. I have his letter in my satchel. 

 >>>>>>>        

 In Story Form

The scene: 

One of Seven Wonders in the Ancient World

     After his long journey, he disembarked on the shore. Having left Rome, did he cross the Adriatic to Macedonia, then to Athens, and across the Aegean Sea, east to Asia? Or did he sail along the Mediterranean route, south of civilization?

     In any case, his journey was far more than 800 miles as a crow would fly. All in Roman territory. There must have been some importance for his grueling trip. 

     He steps onto Harbor Street. The empire's awesome workmanship awaits. 

     There is an amphitheater with some 25,000 seats, largest in the world. He imagines it filled with worshipers. 

     Then, the Temple of Artemis, with more than 100 marble pillars, each 56 feet high. The city is known as the "Servant of the Goddess."

     He passes through the gate of Augustus, and by the Library of Celsus, known to hold thousands of scrolls. Under one of the aqueducts, he continues. Nearby...a complex of baths. 

     Next, the synagogue where Paul spoke for three months, though his listeners were not inclined to believe. Finally, with night coming on, this traveler arrives at his destination.  

"Tychicus! My friend! What joy to see you."

"Greetings, my fellow worker. Are you well?"

"Yes. Yes. But you. You look exhausted. Please come in."

"I am weary, true. But seeing you restores my spirit." 

"Where have you been? And what draws you back to Ephesus? 

Maybe you wish to be a tourist this visit." 

"Ah. I have been a tourist today. 

But no. It is you and the brothers. I must see you all."

                >>>>>>>               

                                  Our special: E_ _ _ _ _s in Story Form

                             Monday-Saturday, Oct. 17-22 

                                                      ~ ~ ~ 

     Meanwhile, there are three major features in 2 Thessalonians:

     1. Paul's letter includes one of the New Testament's most complete passages about unrestrained lawlessness (is the USA paying attention?) and deception at the end of history. 2. God's judgment during Christ's second coming is described in terms similar to the book of Revelation (chapters 1 and 2). 3. Paul uses terms for the antichrist not found elsewhere in the Bible. 

     So our commentary says.

 $ Buying Victories $

     Today we're predicting which teams are likely to win championships in college football. But first, we applaud the success of free market capitalism.

     In the last 10-15 years head-coaches' salaries among teams in the "bowl subdivision" have exploded: from Nick Saban, $11.7 million per year, to Jim Harbaugh, $7 million. That's the top 12. Sadly, for Jim, his brother tops him at $9 million with the NFL Baltimore Colts.  

     The average for 131 coaches is a mere $1.75 million, far short of the NFL average, $6.6 million. But, if the head and his staff and recruits and fans and boosters and TV ratings go right, your team is in the top percent of incomes. There are 37 games (74 teams) on TV every Saturday, pulling in the sauce.

     A coach has a difficult job, marshalling all the components together like a fine-tuned vacuum cleaner. But, there's no guarantee. Three multi-millionaire coaches were fired in 2021, and three more this season already. Not that they were bad coaches.  

     Governors in 41 states have bowl-division teams. But they are elected public "servants." They have to find their riches elsewhere. 

     Root root root for your team. Their recruiters, boosters and TV revenue will make you happy most days.

Our Predictions for Conference Success

     The Ducks, Gophers, Tide, Volunteers, Deacons, Buckeyes and Aggies have no shot. Strongest teams will be the Wolverines, Tigers, Wildcats, Lions, Bears, Cougars and Panthers. We don't count out the Bulldogs and Huskies. 

        Jimmy 

     

 Dragonfly Gospel 

     Here's another one evolutionists can't explain.

     Dragonflies show up in spring and summer. But their lives are fleeting. 

     They begin life underwater as larvae, wingless, bug-like. Their diet is crustaceans, worms, snails, tadpoles and small fish. 

     After a year or two, a biological timer goes off. The "nymph" climbs out of the water and breathes air. 

     Then it attaches itself to a reed, splits its skin and unfolds a new thorax (chest) - twice the length of the old one. Next, the nymph pushes out a dragonfly head and dragonfly legs and two wings. 

     About 30 minutes later, it launches on its maiden flight. This entire process takes just three hours. 

     Unlike the butterfly, there is no pupal (inactive) stage. No extended, secret process. 

     How do evolutionists say this process evolved? What sequence of unintelligent, "beneficial" mutations can explain this? 

     Dragonflies mate and make more nymphs, which live underwater for years. Dragonflies live for weeks. Where's "survival of the fittest" in this picture? 

     Evolutionists have only long words to substitute for "we don't know." 

     But God knows. It is his handiwork.

     From article by Lynn Vincent, WORLD magazine

    

     

                        To God be the glory! 

 Who Are We?

     Firearms scattered throughout the executive branch. Thousands of new IRS agents; some armed. People who rushed the Capitol still incarcerated, without charges. A politician using the word "kill." 

     An all-out attack on everyone MAGA. FBI leadership doing the bidding of Democrats. "One world order" supporters: Gates, Soros, Obama, the Clintons, Pelosi, Kerry. (Not to mention Satan.) This explains our open Southern border, and judges against law and order.  

The Gipper and Gorbachev

     Speaking of communists, Mikhail Gorbachev met his match in Ronald Reagan, one of the few American victories since WWII.

     When they first met the president began working God into their conversations. (How dare he!) Stalin had mass-murdered Ukrainians and others who resisted collectivization. Khrushchev wasn't much better. 

     We remember words like "perestroika" (restructuring) and "glasnost" (openness). But Gorbachev was not pushing either. After the fall of communism, a Russian politician called Reagan the "father of perestroika." 

     Reagan understood the Soviet economy was failing due to excessive military spending. News media went berserk when he called the USSR an "evil empire." (as in Star Wars) He was responsible for programs that accelerated the decline in their economy, leading to the collapse of communism. 

     It remains inconclusive whether "Gorby" ever accepted Christ.

            Jimmy

 

Trust in Him 

     Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight. - Prov. 3:5-6

     Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. Do not swerve to the right or left; keep your foot from evil. - Prov. 4:26-27

     All a man's ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the Lord. -  Prov. 16:2 

     When a man's ways are pleasing to the Lord, he makes even his enemies live at peace with him. - Prov. 16:7 

     All a man's ways seem right to him, but the Lord weighs the heart.      - Prov. 21:2 

Walking the Ways  

     Blessed are they whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord. Blessed are they who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart. They do nothing wrong; they walk in his ways.           - Psalm 119:1-3

Commentary: God's ways represent those principles and means by which God relates to his people and advances his redemption in the earth. His ways are contrary to humanistic wisdom and values.

    O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. - David, Psalm 139:1-3. Also, Revelation chapter 2.  

Commentary: God knows all our inward thoughts, motives, desires and fears, as well as our outward habits and actions. He knows all we do from the beginning of the day to its end. In everything we do, he encircles us with his care. 

     The Lord is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all he has made. - Psalm 145:17

 Tomorrow: Trust

Show Me; Teach Me 

     Show me your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. - Psalm 25:4

Commentary:

     Like Moses, the psalmist longed intensely to know God's ways. It is possible for us to know something about God's acts but never really know God or to understand his ways (the principles by which he works in us and guides us). 

(1) We must have a sincere desire to be led into God's righteous ways and the truth of his Word. 

(2) We must be eager to put our hope in God "all day long." - (v. 5) 

(3) We must humbly submit to God (v.9), commit ourselves to godly living (v. 10) and fear the Lord (vv. 12-14). 

(4) Since sin is a barrier to knowing God and his ways we must forsake sin and be cleansed and forgiven. (vv. 4-8). 

(5) Adversity in our lives is not necessarily a sign of God's disfavor (Psalm 34:15). Knowing God and his ways may lead us into suffering and loss. (Acts 14:22; 20:22-23).  

     The ultimate example is Jesus himself, who followed God's will perfectly, yet suffered sorrow, betrayal and the cross. 

Tomorrow: Who is blessed?

  

  

Walking in His Ways 

     Why O Lord, do you make us wander from your ways, and harden our hearts? - Isaiah 63:17 

     Teach me your ways, so I may know you and continue to find favor with you. - Exodus 33:13 

     What does the Lord your God ask of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. - Deut. 10:12, Rev. 2:4 

     You have declared this day that the Lord is your God and that you will walk in his ways, that you will keep his decrees, commands and laws, and that you will obey him. - Deut. 26:17 [repeated in Deut. 30:16]

     He is the Rock; and all his ways are just. - Deut. 32:4 

     His eyes are on the ways of men; he sees their every step.- Job 34:21

     All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful for those who keep the demands of his covenant. - Psalm 25:10

     Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.      - Psalm 37:7 

     Your ways, O God, are holy. - Psalm 77:13 

Psalm 25:4 and commentary tomorrow

 Let's Go for a Walk  

     Even a person who trains for marathons walks most of the time. 

     Enoch walked with God 365 years. Then he was no more, because God took him away. - Genesis 5:23-24

     Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on water and came toward Jesus. - Matt. 14:29 

     It has given me great joy to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as the Father commanded us. - 2 John 4 

     A man who walks by day will not stumble, for he sees by this world's light. It is when he walks by night that he stumbles, for he has no light.   - John 11:9-10

     He who walks righteously and speaks what is right, who rejects (sin), this is the man who will dwell on the heights. - Isaiah 33:15

     The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out. - Prov. 13:20 

     He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm. - Prov. 13:20 

     God expects us to walk. 

     As for which way to walk, come back tomorrow.

 

Quotables

    "The inescapable conclusion is that a right to abortion is not deeply rooted in the nation's history and traditions. An unbroken tradition of prohibiting abortion on pain of criminal punishment persisted from the earliest days of the common law until 1973." 

     - Supreme Court Justice Samuel J. Alito

~

     They felt entitled to our vote. The problem is they do not represent our values of faith, community, work ethic, or the desire to seek better opportunities." 

      - U.S. Rep. Mayra Flores, R-Texas, on the Democratic Party and Hispanics. Flores won a special election in a House district that is 84.5 percent Hispanic.

~

     "The court affirmed that if you can use God's name in vain...and verbally disrespect and dismiss His existence in public without hindrance, then others should be able to praise Him, thank Him and talk to Him in public." 

     - Deon Joseph, a law enforcement consultant, commenting on the Supreme Court's Kennedy v. Bremerton School District decision. 

Promises for All   

     John the disciple (not the baptist), had the advantage of knowing Jesus before his crucifixion and after his resurrection. He wrote: "Who is the liar? It is the man who denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a man ... denies the Father and the Son. No one who denies the Son has the Father." Strong words.  - 1 John 2:22-23 

     While explaining his mission to his disciples, Jesus said of himself, For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father's glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done. - Matthew 16:27

     This happens to end the tribulation and begin his rule.    

     Also to his disciples: Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. - John 14:1-2 

     This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. - John 15:8 

     Psalm 2:7 - "He said to me, 'You are my Son; today I have become your Father.'" This verse is restated in Acts 13:33 and Hebrews 1:5. 

     This applies to Jesus' public claim to be God's Son and his anointing as prophet, priest and king." Matthew 3:12. Acts 13:33. Hebrews 1:5, 5:5 7:28. 2 Peter 1:13

Commentary: Children of God

     Being a child of God is the highest privilege of our salvation. It is the basis for our faith and trust in God, and our hope of glory. We are heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ. He wants us to be aware through the "Spirit of sonship" that we are his children. 

     Being a child of God is the basis for our discipline by the Father and the reason we live to please him. His interest is to conform us to the likeness of his Son. - See Romans 8:29

     Finally, for centuries Christians and Jews held their ground and the relationship was awkward at best. Christians, on their better days, took and still take salvation to the world. Thankfully, there is now an International Fellowship of Christians and Jews that focuses on charity. And in world affairs, America is Israel's best friend.