Author Unknown
"Lord, Thou knowest better than I know that I am growing older.
Keep me from getting too talkative and thinking I must say
something on every subject and on every occasion.
Release me from craving to straighten out everybody's affairs.
Teach me the glorious lesson that occasionally
it is possible that I may be mistaken.
Make me thoughtful, but not moody; helpful but not bossy.
Thou knowest, Lord, that what I want is a few friends at the end."
Welcome Revival
"Unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds - John 12:24."
The spiritual awakening among Gen Z reminds us of the Great Revival of 1904-1905. It spread across the earth, beginning at a small youth group meeting in Wales.
Drunkenness was cut in half, and many taverns went bankrupt. Judges had no cases of murder, assault, rape or robbery. Local police became unemployed in some districts. Many foul-mouth miners stopped using foul language, and horses which hauled coal trucks could no longer understand what was being said to them.
French philosopher Voltaire (1694-1778) predicted that Christianity would be forgotten within 30 years. The Spirit fell first in the cities of Yorkshire in 1791. It spread throughout Britain, and William Wilberforce nearly single-handed turned the slave trade.
No one wakes up in the morning and decides to back-slide. It happens slowly and unawares.
C.T. Studd (1860-1931): "Only one life, 'twill soon be past. Only what's done for Christ will last." Think Charlie Kirk.
WORLD magazine
Battle for Nigeria's Soul
And Somalia's Friend in Congress
Islamic extremists want to drive half the population - Christians - out of the country...killing many in the process. Why should we care?
Local military commanders are Muslim. Local police commanders are Muslim. Government officials reportedly knew about an attack, but never acted to prevent it. There is a Muslim president and Muslim vice president.
Nigeria is about evenly split between Christians and Muslims, but the numbers are shifting. Nigeria's crisis causes international concern. But Nigerian authorities have denied that any persecution is happening. A nonprofit society claims Islamists murdered more than 7,000 Christians and kidnapped 7,800 others from January to August.
"If extremist Islamic ideology continues to spread," says an African journalist, "it will change the country. Terrorist sentiments will over time make Nigeria like Yemen...like Afghanistan."
Muslim sentiments in Michigan and Minnesota are not what our founders had in mind. Oh, wait - freedom for all.
So, "Miss" Omar, Muslim U.S. representative in Minnesota, married four men recently, one of which may have been her brother, to sneak him into the US. Now with husband # 4, her net worth (not his) rose in one year from $65,000 to $30 million. We thought their governor was sad enough. Then he overlooked taxpayer money going to Somalia, presumably to keep the Somalian voter block in his pocket.
Jimmy
Rare Earth Minerals
You have some in your smart phone.
Much has developed since the discovery of oil in the late 1800s. Now we're seeking, finding, using and negotiating with China over tons of "rare earth minerals." Each advancement in human activity comes with its problems. The global economy itself could be disrupted.
The U.S. relies on China (our friendly enemy) for 70 percent of our rare earth imports. Many technologies wouldn't exist without them, including smart phones, electric vehicles, missile guidance systems and some cancer therapies.
Heather Frank, WORLD magazine
The minerals aren't rare, but discovering unique chemical and physical properties in concentrated forms is costly. These metals are critical to sectors of U.S. and global economies. We depend on them for clean energy, LED lighting, and military equipment.
China took over the market in the 1990s when U.S. companies began offshoring processing, in response to environmental restrictions here at home. Cheap labor and heavy government subsidization boosted China's output. China now controls over 90 percent of global refining and 60 percent of production.
Some companies - Toyota and BMW - developed technologies to reduce or eliminate need for rare earth. In July, the War Department invested $400 million in a company in Nebraska, the only U.S. site for mining. Nine departments of the War Department awarded $10 million in contracts.
Any questions?
Knowing Jesus, not About Jesus
Knowing someone partially isn't the same as knowing them completely. Many believers - me included - have a similar relationship with Jesus. They've received Him as Savior, but they haven't fully received Him as deliverer, healer, provider and protector.
It's like having his phone number for emergencies but never really getting to know Him as a friend. When you face financial stress ... when you're sick ... when you are in danger. This isn't about replacing practical wisdom with spiritual platitudes. It's about recognizing that Jesus wants to be involved in every area of your life.
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In my late 40s, a husband, father, Sunday School teacher, faithful employee...my first wife wanted me out. That meant out of regular touch with our children. Already, my job and apartment were 50 miles or so from home.
I went into a stress like never before. Two months went by. I prayed like never before, without hearing anything back. Coworkers put up with me. My health was in decline. I prayed, asking - no - demanding Jesus tell me if He is really the truth. (be careful about demanding)
The first Sunday night in January 1987, I opened my car door to return to my apartment - when the joy of the Holy Spirit came over me like a storm. I drove up the highway laughing, crying, and pounding the steering wheel.
That lasted three weeks, not so wild, and my happy/sad life went on for many months. Today, the kids and my second wife and I are all doing well. Thank you, Jesus.
About the Vowels
We have 31 state names that end with a vowel > a e i o. None end with u. 19 states end with "a." Twelve end in "e, i, o."
What drew us into this colossal study was a map of a Japanese "state." Every city and county name ends with a vowel. Is the whole nation like that? Tokyo is, and Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
About Ineligible Names
Judicial Watch went to court, resulting in removal of over 5 million ineligible names from voter registration roles in Pennsylvania, Colorado, Indiana, New York City, North Carolina, Kentucky, Florida, West Virginia, and Missouri. JW is suing California, Illinois and Oregon over failures to clean it up.
If this company didn't work to prevent voter fraud, who would? Apparently, the National Voter Registration Act doesn't get much attention in many states. Millions of voters are moving from one state to another for various reasons. Keeping records should be a full-time job.
About the Day
"If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames."
1 Corinthians 3:12-15."
Apology Accepted
This pleases tens of thousands of us
Last Monday Views ranted about Michigan's unsportsmanlike behavior, especially after Saturday's loss to rival Ohio State. Since then, a former Michigan player says something "nice" about the Buckeyes.
Taylor Lewan, age 34, 6' 7", once an NFL lineman for nine years, participated in a podcast, speaking to Ohio State coach Ryan Day. Lewan, once a big critic of coach Day, told him in person:
"I have said a lot of nasty things. Even after the spring tour, I've used the third base comment. I've said not a leader of men. And my opinion shouldn't and does not matter to you. However, I will say, I was wrong. And you truly beat our a-- and you did it with humility. You did it the way Ohio State should have probably done it last year. And you have proven me wrong.
"And I want to formally apologize for that because it's one thing to make comments in rivalries and stuff like that and things that I did believe at the time. But for you to go 16-0 since the game that happened in Columbus last year, it shows how much of a leader you are in that locker room and it's very impressive. So, that's the last nice thing I'll say."
Coach Day graciously accepted Lewan's apology, the article said. "I appreciate it, Taylor. I've got a lot of respect for you. It means a lot."
Day said more, but nothing we need to pass along.
Jimmy
Look Out, New York
It would be interesting to know how socialist countries around the world are doing. We would like insight on how New York, our largest city, is going to fare with socialist mayor Zohran Mamdani.
He is the youngest mayor in NYC in a century, and its first Muslim leader. We know how Venezuela went from wealthiest country in South America to crash and burn, when people voted for a candidate with promising new ideas.
So, Mamdani isn't the first politician to capture votes of the working class with an attractive "tax the rich" speech. Who wouldn't like better rents, free buses, free child-care, and city-run grocery stores not making profits? If all that is not enough, slap a 2% tax on New Yorkers who make more than $1 million, and hike corporate tax rates.
He has a little problem; state lawmakers must approve any change in tax law. He knew that when he campaigned. Gov. Kathy Hochul has criticized policies that might drive wealthy New Yorkers out of the state, not just the city. Some may have relocated already.
His opponents warned that freezing rents could drive up prices in the long run. Not sure how that happens, but maybe you know.
We're not thrilled with those who make many millions (MMM), whether corporate heads or politicians or football coaches. But messing with the system, at any level, had better be wise. See Argentina and Venezuela...maybe Canada, recently under a socialist leader.
Jimmy
PS. Mamdani has already given himself and his staff large pay increases.
Information of the Day
Early to bed and early to rise. Is that really the best advice? There are morning type people, evening types, and night owls. A recent study found that going to bed late - even getting a regular among of sleep, is linked to greater risk of physical problems.
Who should not use Ibuprofen? 1. People with liver and kidney problems. 2. People with asthma. 3. People with hypertension or heart failure. 4. Pregnant women. 5. People with stroke history.
More than 80 percent of people who used AI to draft their work couldn't recall a single sentence, even though they had written it just minutes before. We may be sacrificing cognitive capacity and creativity for short-term convenience. An MIT study found that AI users asked to think independently were less "activated" than those who had been thinking and writing independently all along.
More than 73 percent of the U.S. food supply is ultra-processed, meaning, we don't really know what's in our food and what it does for our health.
How did we get the word "husband?" The word comes from the Old English "husbonda," meaning, master of the house. It's a combination of hus (house) and bondi (dweller or peasant). Take your pick: master or peasant.
President Trump considers supporting a bill to eliminate the capital gains tax on home sales. The bill would adopt housing policies similar to those in Canada and Switzerland. Any profit would be tax-free if the home was a primary residence.
All from an October newspaper.
Hope you learned something. Jimmy 😏
Tuition Free
A billionaire businessman has given the young University of Austin $100 million, with more coming. He hopes to keep the school tuition free, and free from relying on government funds.
Co-founded in 2021 the school's founders want to build a "community based on the lively clash of ideas and opinions." Initially a year's education would have cost $32,000, but students have never paid tuition. The school says keeping the campus tuition free will encourage innovation, since grads won't be encumbered by heavy loans.
Go Blue
That is, go look at yourselves. For a university that prides itself on top-notch education, looking down on schools such as Michigan State and Ohio State seems, well, prideful.
On Saturday, Michigan hoped to overtake Ohio State and go to Saturday's Big Ten championship game. Okay.
After a hit and miss first quarter, Ohio State dominated to the end. As a side show, Michigan players bad mouthed - we assume - in between plays. Even pushing a bit, just not enough to draw a penalty.
After last year's game in Columbus, Michigan tried to plant their flag on Ohio colors. That resulted in a lot of pushing and shoving. This year, Michigan players made a massive formation to protect their big M. Their rivals weren't interested. They were mostly gathered in front of their fans, enjoying the moment.
That wasn't all. At Michigan stadium, both teams come and go in the same hallway. Michigan players stopped short of their locker room and waited for the Buckeyes. Police ushered them on in. Bossie behavior also occurred during their Michigan State game. Boys will be boys, but where is the coach and the athletic director?
Jimmy
Scams and More Scams
Think the president and his cabinet have everything under control?
"A scam might involve cellphone calls, retailers gift card purchases, bank account withdrawals, and cryptocurrency deposits. A lack of clarity around who ought to be responsible to prevent crimes makes it harder.
"Over 80 private and public organizations formed a task force that released their report in October. Called 'United We Stand: A National Strategy to Prevent Scams' hopefully will encourage all sectors to become more united in the effort. A lack of clarity on which sector ought to take responsibility makes it harder." (Can everyone work together?)
"Victims have no clear recourse and rarely get their money back. In 2024 scammers stole at least $16 billion from Americans. Actual losses may be 10 times that, due to underreporting.
"The strategy has two parts: First, act against scams in progress at every stage of its life cycle. Second, strengthen efforts to prevent scams in the first place. The task force recommended law enforcement agencies and the government work together...where companies and victims can report activity. The task force asked Congress to agree that scams have grown into a national epidemic.
"Scammer tactics will continue to evolve and likely become more sophisticated, especially with the use of AI. 'The cost of inaction is just too great,' they say. Even a 10 percent reduction means billions of dollars. Any progress is meaningful, if we can prevent this crime from affecting additional people."
WORLD magazine
Forgiven and Purified
Here's an uncomfortable truth: parts of who we were as children and teenagers still live within us today. We still can react with the same immaturity, selfishness or emotional responses we had years ago.
Recognizing this is the first step toward spiritual growth. We all have areas where we're driven by emotion rather than wisdom...places where we are still children spiritually. We react rather than respond.
A special thing about following Jesus is that He doesn't expect us to have it all figured out. He meets us where we are and patiently works with us in every area of our lives.
But this growth requires honesty. Instead of being defensive, we can see our immature moments as opportunities for growth. God isn't surprised by our humanity. He seeks our transformation.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness - 1 John 1:9.
The Temperature Will be 31
View's interrupts normal blogging, to do some balling.
College Football that is. Today ends the regular season. Rivalries!
Alabama tangles with Auburn. UCLA with USC. Purdue & Indiana. Oh wait, Indiana won last night.
Ohio State vs. Michigan, at noon, "The Game?
Or maybe you would rather watch Texas vs. Texas A&M. Oh wait, they played last night, and Texas upset the No. 3 opponent.
The spread today: Buckeyes by about two touchdowns. But the Bucks had a similar spread last year, at home, and lost by three points ... Michigan's fourth win in a row. Before that streak, OSU won seven straight.
Last year Michigan ran the ball, and if needed on third down, they threw short passes to stay on the field. They were in no hurry to score. Rather, keep the Buckeye offense off the field as long as possible. Will that work today?
Injuries add to the guess-work. Ranked #15, Michigan's top running back is out. Ranked #1, Ohio State's two pass receivers, best in the country? are healing from injuries and their status is uncertain. Or maybe it's a secret. OSU's 11 opponents averaged 7.2 points a game.
Michigan, with two losses, is also playing to enter post-season playoffs. About 3.30 pm we will include the final score, below. On the coldest, snowiest day of the season.
Ohio State 27 Michigan 9
Jimmy
What Do Women Want?
Don't ask me. In a survey of some 3,000 participants from Gen. Z (ages 18-29) women placed marriage and motherhood low on the scale of success. That's the same age group Charlie Kirk focused on.
The NBC News survey no doubt went to Democratic leaning voters. "Being married" and "Having children" ranked 11 and 12 on a list of 13 priorities. There were conservative participants. Marriage was 9 and children 6. Go figure. Financial independence was number 1, and a fulfilling career number 2.
Wow! Conservative men ranked "Having children" number 1. Being married, 4. "Okay, a little adjustment needed there," wrote Janie Cheaney, one of our magazine regulars. She asks, "Where does love fit into the current view of life satisfaction? Is it a by-product to be picked up on the way to success?"
Cheaney says, "Women's liberation never admitted that raising children is a loving relationship, who go on to form loving relationships, which may be a fulfilling career. Surveys indicate that marriage and motherhood are the greatest markers of satisfaction for women."
"A compliant woman gets her way more often than the others. Beyond that, she gets love, which is all any of us really want."
My parents and my aunts and uncles all provided good homes for their kids, which was more common back then. My sister graduated magna cum laude from college. But after one semester as a teacher, she devoted full time to raising four kids, who did likewise for their kids.
Saturday: a collision
Jimmy
Who Wrote the Bible?
Was it Moses? Isaiah? Matthew? Paul? Yes, and Joshua, Amos, Peter, John and a number of others...over 15 centuries. Don't forget David. Several books in the OT and Hebrews in the NT are anonymous. We just don't know. None of them knew their records or letters would end up in one book.
But they all fit. Numerous verses in the first book, Genesis, have meaning in the last book, Revelation. The Author behind the authors is...God...from Genesis 1 to Revelation 22. God is the divine origin.
Paul encouraged his spiritual son Timothy to make Scripture the center of his faith. He wrote, All scripture is given by inspiration of God...for doctrine...reproof...correction...instruction... Not just the parts that we like, or that make us feel comfortable. The Bible is self-revelation of God, penned by human authors, guided by the Holy Spirit.
Will Graham, grandson of Billy Graham, wrote, "The Bible provides everything needed to know God, find salvation, be convicted of sin, be corrected and restored, and to guide followers in Christian discipline."
John wrote, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness - 1 John 1:9."
Graham added, "Through circumstances, relationships, politics and culture, the Bible is everlasting - a firm foundation. It lights our path and meets our needs."
Miller vs. Comey
A friend in Israel sent this to us
Stephen Miller, homeland security advisor, said: "One of the most heinous things that has ever happened in the history of our country, James Comey as head of the FBI, tried to lay a trap to remove a duly elected President, to imprison his allies and to lead an actual coup.
"That's not 'mistakes,' that's not 'misjudgment.' That's a weaponized intelligence chief attempting to overthrow the United States government. Let's be blunt:
* Comey pushed the Russia hoax
* Used a fake dossier to justify surveillance
* Targeted Trump's inner circle
* Abused federal power to influence an election
* Tried to criminalize political opposition
* Helped engineer a silent coup inside the FBI
"James Comey didn't just break trust - he attacked the Constitution itself. History will record this for what it was: a corrupt FBI director deploying state power to overturn the will of the American people.
"And the truth is finally catching up to him."
Written by Jim Ferguson, United Kingdom
PS. We remember on TV during Trump's first term - there were a number of people standing in a room, and Comey was trying hard to keep his distance from the President. But Trump called on him. 😏
2 Cows
We don't know who wrote this, but...
Socialism: You have 2 cows. Give one to your neighbor.
Communism: You have 2 cows. Give both cows to the government, and they may give you some milk.
Facism: You have 2 cows. You give all the milk to the government, and the government sells it.
Nazism: You have 2 cows. The government shoots you and takes both cows.
Anarchism: You have 2 cows. Keep both cows. Shoot the government agent and steal another cow.
Capitalism: You have 2 cows. Sell one. Buy a bull.
Dressing Like Jesus
A uniform gives authority. Formal wear brings confidence. Comfortable clothes help us relax. Peter learned something about spiritual clothing from watching Jesus serve others.
Peter then tells us to tie around ourselves the apron of humility. Just as Jesus wrapped a towel around his waist to serve, we're called to clothe ourselves with a servant's heart.
Humility isn't thinking we're worthless, or false modesty. It's having an accurate view of ourselves and others. When we put on humility like a garment, we acknowledge that every person has value and that no task is beneath us...if it serves others and honors God.
When we stop worrying about our image or status, we're free to focus on what really matters - loving and serving others.
Spiritual clothing never goes out of style, never wears out. When we choose to put on humility, we're dressing like Jesus.
1 Peter 5:5
What is Work?
part 2
The labor-force participation rate for prime-age men has declined since 1990-a span of 35 years, from 8 percent to more than 11 percent ...millions. Wealth manager David Bahnsen says unemployed men become unmarriable; fatherless boys grow up without models of diligence."
"Work is not everything, but it is one of the ways we image God. To strip it of dignity is to strip humanity of design. Economics. Markets are moral goods because they channel our creative impulses into mutual blessing. In a free market, we can't make our life better without making some else's life better."
"Properly ordered exchange becomes a form of love - service rendered through skill. Work is not the enemy of life; done rightly, it's one of its expressions," he says. His interviewer adds, "Bahnsen can sound almost defiant in a culture that prizes victimhood over vocation."
Trade-offs. He says they are built into creation itself. "The goal is to order them rightly - productivity without pride, ambition without idolatry, rest without retreat. Forget that, and a nation loses more than output. It loses a piece of its soul. When people stop working, they lose sight of the One whose image they bear."
Nick Eicher: "Bahnsen isn't offering a policy solution. His point, the dignity of work is a divine calling. He argues that the curse of the Fall lies in futility, not in the work God ordained before it."
WORLD magazine
What is Work, Anyway?
And what has God to do with it...anyway? When this blogger entered the workforce, it was for money. "No work, no eat," people said. God mattered only on Sundays.
Today, about 7 million men of prime working age don't work and don't seek work, up from 5 million in the 1990s. How do they eat? What's the purpose of work? Wealth manager David Bahnsen says it's not a shortage of jobs; it's a collapse of will."
Bahnsen makes the case that "every human being is created to be a worker - a producer, co-creator. God made every person to build, to serve, to make something of the world. It began in Eden. Before there was sweat or scarcity, there was a command: Rule and subdue."
He said, "God left the world for humans to finish, turn raw material into beauty and order, to draw out the potential of creation." Bahnsen refuses to treat "ministry" as holier than managing a balance sheet. He argues that in "making things and meeting needs we participate in God's creative purpose."
Behnsen's point is that "creative labor expresses what it means to be human. Work is not a curse...it is a gift to be ordered. When men lose the habit of work, they lose something that no amount of leisure can replace."
Continued Saturday
Be There!
Earlier in life, I was one of millions who listened to broadcasts by Dr. James Dobson, psychologist. He founded Focus on the Family and wrote more than 70 books on preserving the traditional family. He never strayed from his belief that the Gospel is foundational to God's vision for the family. Dr. Dobson died at age 89. Some excerpts:
"If we grasped the brevity of our lives, we would surely be motivated to invest in eternal values. Would a man pursue an affair if he knew how quickly he would stand before his God? Would a woman make herself sick from petty frustrations if she knew how little time was left to her?
"Would (people) devote their lives to the pursuit of wealth and status, if they realized how soon their possessions would be torn from their hands? It is the illusion of permanence that distorts our perception and shapes our behavior. When eternal values come into view, our greatest desire is to please the Lord and influence as many (others) as possible.
"So...what will be your legacy on behalf of those you love? Will you help them build a foundation of faith that will sustain them through the trials of life? Will they be there to greet you and (others) on the other side? This is the hope of the ages that burns within my beast. It is the ultimate answer to those who suffer and struggle today.
"If our children and loved ones have given their hearts to the Lord, we will be reunited forever. Give your children and loved ones a simple message as you prepare to step into the next world: 'BE THERE!'"
Expanding Relations
Picking up where we left off, "Russia and China are setting the foundations for a long-term relationship with economic, military and political dimensions. They are challenging the current world order."
"China showcased its ability to launch airborne nuclear weapons...from land, see and air. Americans need to understand that the world is just getting really dangerous, and very unstable. Strength matters more than anything now."
"Russia needs weapons, manpower and money. Russia's economy is 10 times larger than Ukraine. European countries think this could lead to a confrontation between Russia and NATO."
"The 21st century has its own race toward stronger weapons and a broader East-West alignment of strategies. One expert says this is a gradual change, more evolution than revolution. Meanwhile, China wants Taiwan, though its citizens fled the Chinese revolution in 1949 and still want no part of mainland communist China." Wake up, New York City!
We're not sure where Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Azerbaijan and Pakistan come into play. We'll save that for another blogistan.
Jimmy
Asian Alliance
In September, as we remembered 9/11, the Chinese, Russians and North Koreans were - and are - plotting their "autocratic coalition."
China held a parade to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. As Europe was assaulted by the Germans, China was invaded by Japan, which attacked our Navy to keep us from responding. So they thought. Some years later, China now communist, we convinced them to join the fun of commerce, thinking they would soon abandon communism. So we thought.
Leaders of Russia and North Korea attended China's parade, more a showcase of power than remembrance. New types of nuclear weapons. And a showcase for dictatorial unity.
Xi Jinping calls this "true multilateralism" to counter U.S. and European control of world affairs. Russia and Asian countries say Western rules, including President Trump's economic policies, stand against their interests and power.
Our article says, "All this has potentially dangerous implications for America's interests and allies around the world, and for flash points like Taiwan and Ukraine."
Jimmy
They Crucified Jesus What did that start?
Tyler Killed Charlie What did he gain?
Columnist Andree Peterson wrote to 'Wormwood:' "Thought you would put an end to an annoying vice, did you? Ten thousand tongues have been unloosed in its place...timid men now emboldened. In Philippians 1:14, 'Most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much bolder to speak the word without fear.'"
"People scroll through Charlie Kirk speeches to look for hate and find agreeableness and reasonableness. Legions of so-called Christ fallowers who lived in compromise, lackluster faith, suddenly repenting. They replaced generic 'God' with 'Jesus.'"
"What did the stoning of Stephen result in? A rampant spread of the gospel. Assassination, imprisonment and vilification play into the enemy's own hands. Charlie Kirk's wife, strengthened, said as much in her eulogy: what we intend for evil will only fortify the good."
"Do away with Joseph, and he is elevated to viceroy of Egypt. 'Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it' - John 1:5."
"Turn on any news channel and people are talking about God, politicians and journalists alike. It is the handwriting on the wall for us."
Jimmy
Sunday Devotional
our pastor
How do we know what to trust? We're bombarded with news, opinions, and advice. But there's only one source that has never failed and never will. God's Word.
Scripture serves as a lamp shining in a dark place, illuminating the path ahead and protecting us from stumbling. When everything around us feels uncertain, we can anchor ourselves in the unchanging truth of God's Word. This doesn't mean we ignore wisdom from other sources or live in isolation.
But it does mean we filter everything through the lens of Scripture. When advice contradicts biblical principles, we choose God's way. We stand firm on the Word.
The enemy is crafty. He usually doesn't present us with obvious lies. Instead, he offers half-truths, things that are "just this close to right" but ultimately wrong. Only by knowing Scripture deeply can we discern subtle deceptions.
The Word of God is more reliable than any search engine, more trustworthy than any news source, and more enduring than any earthly institution.
2 Peter 1:19
Science
One glass of wine per week can't hurt us, right?
Dementia, deterioration mentally, often comes with age. Is it treatable, or do we just accept what's normal in our advanced years?
Studies suggest that moderate alcohol use does not increase risk of dementia. However, researchers from the USA and England found that any level of alcohol use is associated with increased risk of dementia.
The study observed nearly 560,000 adults ages 56 to 72. Their assessment of drinking habits over four years revealed a higher risk of dementia for both nondrinkers and heavy drinkers. So?
A genetic analysis using Mendelian randomization - cough - estimated causal effects and genetic data from 2.4 million people to assess drinking in relation to dementia. While considering lifetime genetically predicted risk, they found that dementia risk increased with greater alcohol consumption.
The lead study author said, "Our findings challenge the common belief that low levels of alcohol are beneficial for brain health. Genetic evidence offers no support for a protective effect - in fact, it suggests the opposite." Article by Heather Frank
Can dementia be treated? We don't think so. But, it can be delayed to some extent.
So what does your blogger check on any of 17 risk factors for Alzheimer's disease? If you are in your 70s or older, what do you check?
Who Is Fascist?
The man who killed Charlie Kirk wrote "Hey fascist! Catch!" If true, that would put Kirk in company with Hitler and Mussolini.
How separated from truth most leftists are. Fascism. A professor said, "The textbook definition would be that it's a far-right authoritarian movement or political system. It's dictatorial, hyper national."
Benito Mussolini of Italy used the term fascist (Latin fasces) around 1919, a symbol of authority. Hitler's Nazi Party means "national socialist." Other fascist regimes include Greece and Spain in the last century.
Communism and fascism are both authoritarian and suppress key freedoms. For communism, it is class and economics. For fascism, it is race and ethnicity. So, it's Democrats who are far right!!!
Poor education is to blame for fascism used so widely today, says a professor. The average college grad knows very little history. Evil is defined as anyone like Hitler. It is a powerful weapon against political opponents. A poll in 2024 found that 87 percent of Democrats believe Trump is a fascist. (So, Charlie Kirk's killer thought and probably still thinks he did good...except for being jailed.)
Today's accusations against Republicans trace to FDR, who in 1944 warned that America would yield to fascism if it returned to policies of the 1920s. Most right-wing political leaders have faced accusations of fascism. George W. Bush, obsessed with curing AIDS in Africa and ensuring that every kid in America would succeed in school, was called a fascist. After 9/11 he had to focus on our enemies.
Based on article by Emma Freire
That trespass might increase?
If you missed Wednesday's blog scroll down. It is the subject of today's blog.
The word "increase" we put in italics. Some wonder why God would add hundreds of laws only to increase disobedience. Great question. So, we searched Old Testament commentary.
God introduced law at Mt. Sinai, after He led the people out of slavery, a hardship for sure. The Ten Commandments are often read in Christian services today...or they were? But God didn't stop with 10. From Exodus through Deuteronomy (40 years) there were enough laws to...well, someone counted 613 laws.
When Moses was relieved of duty and Joshua took the lead, God helped them fight their way into the Promised Land. Once they settled, the law wasn't very desirable. Near the end of life, Joshua told the people (Joshua 24:15) "But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve...other gods or the Lord."
Disobedience. They weren't ready for self-government either. More sin, more abundant grace. Law was to teach the meaning of sin. When they didn't learn...off to Babylon.
"If righteousness comes by law, Christ died for nothing" (Gal. 2:21).
"Law is only a shadow of good things to come" (Hebrews 10:1).
"I will boast more gladly about my weaknesses so that the power of Christ may rest on me" (2 Cor. 12:9).
PS. Israelites today (religion aside) may be the best citizens in the world. Jimmy
What We Need to Know - Romans chapter 5
Jewish Apostle Paul
Sin > one man, Adam, then human race
Disobedience > all men, trespass, death
Law > added so trespass might increase
Suffering > men powerless, impulse toward sin
Jesus Christ > one act of righteousness, the cross, obedience, justification by blood, love, resurrection
Holy Spirit > grace, love, life
Men > faith, peace, joy, hope, reconciliation, love, gift of righteousness, rejoice in suffering
Greatest commandment > "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." - Jewish Matthew 22:37-40
Hope Rising
"With the hostages finally home, Israel looks forward to peace."
Travis Kircher in WORLD magazine.
"Shortly after the hostages were released, in Jerusalem President Trump addressed the Knesset, Israel's parliament. In an upbeat, hourlong speech laced with humor and touting his own foreign policy, Trump promised a new era for the region."
'Generations from now, this will be remembered as the moment that everything began to change and change very much for the better,' Trump said. 'It will be the golden age of Israel and the golden age of the Middle East - it's going to work together.'
"The president went on to assure Israelis that they had won over Hamas militarily and said they now needed to pursue peace and prosperity. 'The plan calls for an international body to govern Gaza, with Palestinian bureaucrats running day-to-day affairs.'
'It also calls for an Arab-led international security force paired with Palestinian police. About 200 U.S. troops traveled to Israel to monitor the cease fire.
"Israelis aren't the only ones who have suffered for the past two years," says Yousef AlKhouri, the dean of Bethlehem Bible College. "He was born in Gaza in a family that served in Gaza's Orthodox Church for 900 years. Some of his family still lives there and have suffered during the conflict."
Tomorrow: One chapter tells us all we must know.
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The Fight for America's Heartland
We offer you page 198 from the book, BUTLER, by author Salena Zito, a veteran political reporter in Pennsylvania.
"There will never be another candidate like Trump...what I heard from so many voters. His detractors should understand, these voters are here to stay. They have seen what the power of the cultural curators...has done to their lives, and they have rejected it."
"It took someone as brash, unconventional and strong as Trump to be the bull in the china shop. His supporters wanted...someone who, when shot, would stand up and say, "Fight, fight, fight."
"The elites tried to change their values and their children's values. Elite reporting was biased against them. The universities had lost credibility, and corporations had decided to dump loyalty to them to satisfy a narrow consumer base."
"This will come as a surprise to some, but Trump did not create this coalition. He is the result of it. Both parties have changed. Republicans are now the party of working-class Americans, and Democrats are the party of the elites."
Zito wrote of Trump's step down the escalator nine years ago. "What journalists missed and every working-class person heard was a speech he gave on the dignity of work - a speech not much different from the one Bill Clinton delivered in 1992. Trump's speech was delivered in an unconventional way that people would see for the next eight years."
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What MUST We Do?
Recently, we read again the book by Jim Cymbala, pastor in a Brooklyn church. Cymbala (without formal Christian education, unable to continue at the Naval Academy for health reasons) notes how he and his tiny congregation concluded that prayer is primary. Decades later, the Brooklyn Tabernacle draws thousands. A number of churches in New York City are an outgrowth.
We are concerned how the new socialist mayor will treat the church.
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Edward Bounds (1835-1913) was an author, attorney and clergyman well known for his emphasis on prayer.
He said, "For the church of God to accomplish God's will, it must have praying leaders. Leaders cannot lead in God's work without a relationship with God."
"Much of the work of the church is done by those who are strangers to their closet. They cannot offer the 'effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man' - James 5:16.
"We pray as we live. We live as we pray. God proposes that we pray - in every place, in the church, in the closet, on Sundays and secular days. Everything is dependent on the measure of people praying."
What's Happening?
"When you look at the world, it's easy to wonder, 'What's going on? Is this what the Bible foretold? Is the end near?'
WORLD magazine
"In the last 20 years, there are worrying cultural trends and amazing technological advances. A one-world government and systems of global surveillance seem possible. Rising anti-Semitism and conflict in the Middle East may be setting the stage.
Our largest city elected a socialist/communist as mayor, and half of our
national politicians seek total control over we the people.
"Years gone by: fear of climate catastrophe and nuclear holocaust. Today: a rogue AI, a pandemic, economic meltdown, political meltdown, demographic collapse as birthdates plummet, and a war against the West.
"The Bible (Ezekiel) foretells in the last days nations will come against Israel. In the book of Daniel, the Prince of Persia (Iran) is (was?) in a war with Israel's Archangel Michael. Hamas' October 7 massacre is a reflection on earth of the battle in the spiritual realm.
"God is in charge. We thank God our president supports Israel, because those who bless Israel (as of now) will be blessed (Genesis chapter 12)."
Unimaginable Joy
"Like an ice bath thrown in my face, Charlie Kirk's death reminded me there is no such thing as 'this life' and 'the next.' It is all one life with that threshold where we shed our battered tents and acquire sudden, brilliant, vivid sight.
Lynn Vincent, WORLD magazine
"Of course, such light will produce for many instant horror, and the realization that those annoying Christians were right all along.
"But for those on the narrow path, that sight will bring unimaginable joy. We will see Christ, dazzling like the sun shining in full strength (Revelation 1), people we recognize, with resurrection bodies, imperishable and glorious (Matthew 17 and 1 Corinthians 15).
"And flowing from the throne of the Father and Son, 'the river of the water of life, bright as crystal...also, on either side of the river, the tree of life...leaves for the healing of the nations (Revelation 22).
"Darwin lacked the technology to see inside the cell. Similarly, heaven is a plain cardboard box if the unbeliever can't see the glories inside. We must do better. We must tell them."
Jimmy
Audit the Fed
Your blogger pays bills and annual taxes. That's about the extent of our financial wisdom.
Dr. Rand Paul, a senator, understands finance at the national level. He said on Fox News the "Federal Reserve pays hundreds of billions to banks while operating at a loss and increasing national debt." So?
He said, "The Fed is a behemoth agency with the ability to manipulate and control the entire American economy. Our jobs, our finances and ultimately our livelihoods are subject to the decisions made at the Fed. But the Fed's deliberations happen behind closed doors."
"Congress must take immediate steps to provide transparency for the American people," he said. "Our country is over $37 trillion in debt. Not enough people in Washington are willing to say 'no,' because they don't want to stop spending other people's money."
"I introduced the 'End the Fed's Big Bank Bailout Act,' which would end the Fed's subsidy to big and foreign banks. Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders' support is indicative of the appeal of ending easy profits for banks. In 2022 the Fed paid nearly $60 billion to banks. In 2023, over $176 billion, and in 2024, about $186 billion. And 44% of these subsidies are paid to foreign banks."
"Without accountability and transparency, the Fed has manipulated the economy and squandered resources. It's time to audit the Fed."
Do you follow this? I understand accountability and transparency.
Jimmy
The Crooks
"No man can get rich in politics unless he's a crook."
Who said that? A Democrat, Harry Truman, who replaced FDR who died during his fourth term, with WWII still going. Truman was still in office when North Korea attacked South Korea. Six years in all. Roosevelt was so self-centered, Vice President Truman had no participation in the government. Mrs. Roosevelt called him into the White House and said merely, "Good luck."
We can think of a few men and women in politics, nationally and in states, who Truman would consider crooks. Of course we don't know who all lives in that category. Can't ask the IRS.
The Enemies
Who are they? Russia, China, North Korea and Iran? Well, we don't call them friends, although we've been friendly with China economically.
No. Our immediate enemies are within. Muslims, the aggressive types, who want to convert all of us...or else. Example: what they're doing to Christians in Nigeria. Communists in Hitler's Germany had to flee to the U.S. or die. And their offspring are with us today, some in Congress, others in our schools.
Muslims and communists (socialists) work as teammates, until they conquer America. Then they will no doubt fight to the death. "Freedom and justice for all" allows our enemies to thrive among us.
Jimmy
False Assurance
"The devil counterfeits everything. God turned Moses' staff into a snake, so the devil turned the Egyptian magicians' staff into snakes.
"Remember Jesus' warning that at the end of history many will fall under a 'strong delusion, that they shall believe a lie' - 2 Thessalonians 2:11-12. Satan can disguise himself as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14, or as your sweet old grandmother.
Andree Peterson
"In these last days, we can avoid being taken in by 'wiles' of the devil (Ephesians 6:11) only by knowing the word of God backwards and forwards (verses 14, 17). They say the best way to spot a counterfeit hundred-dollar bill is to study a real hundred-dollar bill.
"So I use Jesus' own rule of thumb: "You will know them by their fruits (Matthew 7:16). Any near-death experience that is absent of mention of Christ, or that gives false assurance of happily ever after without repentance and Jesus, is a bright red flag."
False Belief
So...some Americans go to the polls today assured they know best. Well, a survey found that half the voters know Democrats are keeping the government shut down. The other half thinks Republicans are doing this, or President Trump is keeping the government closed.
We guess the Democrats and their media friends are responsible for this erroneous belief. They've lost the White House and Congress - close but true - yet Dem politicians remain skilled at throwing mud.
We'll find out tonight who wins the few races. Voters get to vote, but we haven't found a way to assure every voter is well informed and willing to vote wisely regardless of party.
Jimmy
The Right Course of Action
Do our leaders at all levels in all organizations live a virtuous life? Do they take the right course? And how do we know the right course?
Our nation's founders knew.
The word "virtue" was first used around the 12th century. Virtue came from an Anglo-French word meaning "moral life and conduct."
EPOCH news
Two centuries later the term "Cardinal Virtues" classified four virtues - prudence, justice, fortitude and temperance. The Latin word for "cardinal" means pivotal, or that on which something turns or depends. We assume this is where Catholic cardinals get their label.
To be considered virtuous, one must have virtue and be morally excellent and righteous. These four words relate to virtue:
Prudence: The ability to discern good from evil. Prudent leaders are guided by principles that help them make practical, wise decisions for the common good. Prudence appeared in our Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights.
Justice: To maintain what is just, exactly, precisely right.
Fortitude: Strength of mind to encounter danger, to bear adversity with courage.
Temperance: Moderation in action, thought and feeling.
If our founders from 250 years ago could return and evaluate us in every discipline, how would they rate us? Are we citizens virtuous?
Jimmy
Devotional for Sunday
From our pastor
Many people avoid God's call on their lives because of a distorted view of His heart. They grow up thinking that following God means He will ask them to do things they hate, go places they don't want to go, or sacrifice everything that brings them joy.
This misconception keeps countless believers from experiencing the fullness of God's plan for their lives. They see God as a harsh taskmaster rather than a loving Father who has good gifts in store for his children. But this isn't the God we serve.
God loves you deeply and personally. His plans for you aren't designed to torture you or strip away everything good in your life.
Yes, following God may involve challenges, sacrifice and stepping out of your comfort zone. But his ultimate desire is to bless you and use you for His glory. He invites you to partnership with Him that will bring fulfillment, purpose, and joy - even in the midst of difficulties.
His call on your life is an expression of His love. He doesn't typically call people to do things completely against their God-given personality and gifts. He refines and redirects our desires to serve His purposes.
Trust that God's heart toward you is good, and His plans for you are born out of love, not to harm you.
Hitler's Long Shadow
We are tired of Democrats claiming President Trump is another Hitler. Eighty years later, do most Americans even know who Hitler was?
The Age of Hitler, by Alec Ryrie. In WORLD magazine, James Wood summarizes, "For too long, Western politics has been defined by its devils. We avoid another Hitler, racist fascism, anti-Semitism, etc."
"We struggle to find common loves, and we are left only with common fears and hates. Is this all there is to civilization? The West replaced the Christian story with the anti-Nazi story. Scripture and Christianity were simplified into humanism and hatred of fascism. This has blinded us to all sorts of other evils, and poor guidance."
"We are too quick to make parallels between problems we face today and the battle against the Nazis. We will treat every problem with the same ruthlessness used by the Allies."
"Ryrie is okay with insights and values gained during the age of Hitler. He just thinks our values should rest on the firmer foundations of a richer story. He wants the West to return to its Christian roots, far more rich, positive and firm than simply fearing fascists."
"But he also wants us to receive the gains in moral and political wisdom from the past century. Both the Christian story and the Hitler story are part of the West's heritage. It's just that the latter should not over-shadow and erase the former."
Jimmy
Fear and Uncertainty
"Israel is not just another nation," pastor David Jeremiah said. "It is the epicenter of God's activity in the last days. The rebirth of Israel in 1948 was a major prophetic milestone, and every conflict surrounding it brings us closer to the fulfillment of end-time events."
As the world around us gives in to fear and uncertainty, Christians have hope and a faith anchored in God's promises (Luke 21:25-28, Titus 2:13).
"We as the church hold the message they so desperately need - the gospel of Jesus Christ," Jeremiah said. "While others are panicking, we should be proclaiming."
"We are here for such a time as this, Jeremiah continued, "to share the Gospel, to pray without ceasing and to live holy lives that reflect the light of Christ. The final hour is not a message of fear but a wake-up call."
John Silkman, Israel country director for Samaritan's Purse, says, "Believers in Jesus Christ inside Israel are praying for peace and safety in their country. People in Israel think they're forgotten and isolated. When we say to them that people in the United States or people around the world in general...are praying for them no matter what their beliefs, they are very inspired and encouraged, and it uplifts their spirits."
Court Decisions Matter
"The Supreme Court's decisions matter. These judicial decrees trickle down and touch our everyday lives, activities and freedoms. The decisions impact the education of our children, parental rights, freedom of speech and thought, rights of conscience, protection of children born and preborn, and how we operate our churches, ministries, religious schools, businesses, even our livelihoods.
Todd Chasteen, Decision magazine
"Most Americans who receive a paycheck have tax dollars withdrawn. And most believers would be livid to find that their tax dollars were going to organizations that intentionally terminate innocent lives in the womb or to the distributer of gender transition drugs.
"In June, in U.S. v. Skrmetti, the court held that Tennessee can protect children from what is likely the largest medical scandal and deception in our nation's history: experimentation with dangerous gender transition drugs and genital surgery. Children in Tennessee and nearly 25 other states are now safe from this harmful practice."
