Where do I put my confidence?

Fellow Christians: I think I'm doing pretty good. Then I read the apostle Paul's humble letter to the Philippians, chapter 3, verses 7-14. 

     "But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things.

     "I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ - the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. 

     "I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his suffering, becoming like him in his death, and to attain to the resurrection from the dead. (Romans 6:3-5; 8:17). 

     "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 

     "Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." 

😌

Musk Goes to Washington    

     Andrew Carnegie went to Pittsburgh and New York City (see Monday's blog). Elon Musk, the current wealthiest person in the world, has gone to Washington. 

     A private businessman himself, like President Trump, Musk is praised by Republicans and hated by Democrats. He is appointed, without pay we understand, to clean up fraud and waste in government. 

     Musk leads the new Department of Government Efficiency, DOGE. Classified as a "special government employee," he works in the White House complex, where DOGE teams branch out to federal agencies, to gain information and recommend whatever.

     One agency that Musk calls a radical-left, political "psy op" (military psychological operation) is the U.S. Agency for International Development. He blames USAID for a "crazy waste of money." President Trump wants to freeze funding and essentially shut down the $43 billion agency. 

*

NEWS FLASH: The Supreme Court on Wednesday voted 5-4 to agree with a judge who ruled the administration cannot do what the president might decide about USAID. We don't know the facts. But how can a judge rule over an administration agency when no laws have been broken?  

*

     Democrats despise anything Trump and his appointees do. If the administration miraculously provided peace, good health and prosperity to every soul in the world, Dems would find something to criticize. Rep. Raskin, D-Md. said, "we don't have a fourth branch of government called Elon Musk." Silly. But his voters will buy it. 

     Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, said Musk is, "working around the clock to root this out and end it. And it's exactly what President Trump was elected to do."  

     Dems and some Republicans went to Washington for themselves. President Trump went there for all Americans, including Democrats. 

            Jimmy

 

World's Wealthiest Man 

     He was born in Scotland, where his family had basically a one room house. No wonder they immigrated to America in 1848. He was 12. He worked in a Pennsylvania cotton mill, 12 hours a day. That's not how he became wealthy. His pay was $1.20...a week! 

     Next as a messenger boy, spending his Saturdays at the library. From there, he became a telegraph operator, and eventually, superintendent of Pennsylvania Railroad. 

     By age 30 he was a rich investor, a major player in steel production. He invested in railroads, bridges and oil during the Civil War.  In 1901 he sold Carnegie Steel to J.P. Morgan and retired as the wealthiest man in the world. In retirement he gave 90 percent of his wealth to charities. 

Hunger for knowledge led Andrew Carnegie to fund 2,800 libraries in the U.S. and seven other nations. He believed in opportunities for education among common people. His Pittsburgh property on the river is now the site of Heinz Field, Pittsburgh Steelers. 

     Pittsburgh has a Carnegie Science Center, Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University and a Carnegie Mansion. My dad parked and we walked past Carnegie Library to attend Pirates baseball on Forbes Ave. You see where our interest was. 

     Carnegie funded famous Carnegie Hall in New York City, where he lived for a time, and spent summers in Scotland. He delayed marriage to care for his aging mother, later married at age 51, and died in 1919. His wealth was estimated to be $372 billion.  

     Elon Musk's net worth is only $357.54 billion.  

        Jimmy  

Apocalyptic Calamity? 

     Your blogger remembers the new Cold War in the 1950s, when the threat of Russian atomic bombing had Americans conducting drills and building shelters. Some of us teens went to the USO to call in any airplanes flying over our small town. Ho hum. There weren't many. I do recall being somewhat afraid.  

     In the early 1960's JFK called for public fallout shelters. Interest in survival skills and such grew to a multibillion-dollar industry.

     Today, Cold War heritage, some 23 million U.S. adults are stockpiling and working on survival skills. Billions are spent annually on portable generators, gas masks and windup radios. Some preppers are motivated by common sense. Others have apocalyptic fear. Then there are those of us who question the desire to preserve life here when something much better awaits.

     The terrorist attacks of 9/11 prompted new safety measures. By 2010, half of all Americans had preparedness on the brain. Prepping isn't cheap. Americans spent some $11 billion to be prepared in 2022. Today it is as much personal choice as it is emergency prep. Conservatives feel strongly about gun ownership. 

     Preparedness is wise. We were educated a few years ago when there was a rush on toilet paper...trucker strike, I think. You never know. And we don't trust the mainstream media's every word.

         Jimmy

 

Abraham Believed God 

     And Jesus his descendant, his offspring, more or less, also obeyed God, his Father, allowing himself to be nailed to a cross, suffering the penalty we all - including Moses, Jacob, Joseph, Abraham and Washington, Lincoln and Trump - deserve. 

     Miraculously, Abraham and Sarah bore a child (Isaac) after they were way beyond the possible age. Jesus, miraculously born to a virgin, miraculously rose from the dead, revealing his wounds to his disciples. 

     He later became a curse for us, that the blessing given to Abraham might come also to Gentiles. And not just a blessing, but supernatural strength by the indwelling Holy Spirit. God.

     The law came centuries after Abraham. Not as a road map to heaven, but a prison of sorts, until the risen Christ won over his incredulous disciples and others. World history thereby burst in all directions...the invitation to accept Jesus' as Savior and Lord, sins forgiven, eternal life offered.

     Missionaries and other believers who spread the good news to Jews and Gentiles are still at work, the world often hostile to those who speak of miracles. 

     We say it again: Neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female. We can be (spiritually) heirs of Abraham, forgiven souls who trust and obey the One who experienced human life, without sin, shedding his blood that we might respond to his heavenly love.

😇

     

How Can Anyone Be Saved?

     Obey the law? Be a descendent of Abraham? Human effort?

     In Galatians chapter 3...relying on the law leaves people "cursed." If we obey it perfectly, welcome to heaven. But none of us can do that. Neither can any of us be holy enough to pass through the "pearly gates." 

      If we're "children" of Abraham - that is, like him in faith and obedience, no matter what - we are blessed, closer to the promise. Not home yet (as a home run doesn't count until the batter crosses home plate). There was considerable disobedience and disbelief during the centuries of Jacob/Israel's descendants. God allowed - or led? - the Romans to scatter "his" people. 

     Today, there are still Abraham descendants who are not believers. Maybe the Holocaust resulted in unbelief. Understandable. Then again, the horrible Holocaust led survivors to reestablish the nation of Israel ... believers or not ... three years after the war.  

      What did God say to Abraham? Translated from Hebrew into English, through your offspring, all nations on earth (or, believers in all nations) will be blessed (eventually) because you have obeyed me. - Moses, in Genesis 22:18.  

     God didn't say the "descendants." He said "offspring" (as translated). (Offspring could be plural. In this case...?)     

     In the New Testament, Galatians 3, Paul wrote, "The Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith and announced the gospel (good news) in advance to Abraham - verse 6.    

     In verse 16: The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed (One version of ancient Hebrew has a word translated offspring or seed). The Scripture does not say "and to his seeds," meaning many people, but "and to your seed, meaning one person, who is Christ. 

 To be continued Wednesday

Faith or Works? 

     So many particulars: Belief. Obedience. Promises. Obligations. Commitment. Human effort........? 

     The lives of men. What about women? From Canaan to Israel. What about America? 

     For answers we will turn to Galatians chapter 3, tying the Old and New Testaments together. Remember Saul, 100 percent Jewish, who persecuted Christians that were leading Jews into a mistaken faith, or so he believed. Jesus spoke to him from heaven, gave Saul the name Paul, and the rest is history. 

     But first, let's go to Genesis chapter 3. The clever devil posed as a serpent, duping Adam and Eve into disobeying God (the world's first sin; eating forbidden fruit). God told the serpent he would put "enmity (hostility) between him and the woman" (all humanity). The serpent "will strike the heal of the enmity (Christ on the cross) and he (Christ) will crush your head" (yet to occur).

     We are living in that warfare today. Now, to Galatians 3. 

     Paul told Galatians to remember Abraham (father of Isaac, father of Jacob - renamed Israel). This was centuries before Moses and the law. When God told Abraham to sacrifice his only son, he prepared to do so, until the Lord told him to put down his knife. 

     God declared, "Because you have done this and have not withheld your only son, I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars...and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed because you have obeyed me." 

***Offspring? Monday's blog will be the most important in my 11 years***

Have You Heard? 

     Someone wants to build a home for you. You won't have to pay for it. No worry about a mortgage, taxes or utility bills. 

     Your home will have no mold. No leaky roof. No rotten wood. No pests. No disease. No storms. No crime. No traveling salesmen.

     NO KIDDING! 

     The Master Builder's name is Jesus. 

     Have faith to join the Builder's family while there is still time. Be warned. We don't know when "time's up!" 

     The Book says it's heavenly there. The sun doesn't shine, but a certain glory provides all light. We hear the music is out of this world. And the fruit is so good! 

     All the people you meet will be loving, like you. 

     Get ready for this: "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all in one in Christ." - Galatians 3:28  

     In eternal life, you can roam the "new earth," with adventures and friends far beyond our worldly existence. And you will never, ever get hurt physically or emotionally again. 

     Is our short life on earth so awesome we say "no" to salvation in eternity?

Friday: How can we know?

 Then and Now - Same Issue 

My letter to Congress, 3-18-93

Hon. Sen. George Mitchell:

     "We will be as brief as possible, but we hope our words somehow express the depth of our conviction.

     "Amazed by polls that claim so many Americans support the president's (Clinton) tax proposals, we conclude that there are millions of good-hearted patriotic citizens who are easily impressed by an eloquent public speaker. 

     "We don't know how to operate such a massive government, our neighbors don't know, and Washington knows we don't know. We don't want Washington to patronize us about offering our suggestions, so that we'll feel good and be more inclined to up our taxes.

     "We have elected many men and women, and are paying them generously, to manage the considerable tax money we already are providing. 

     "The debt is proof that something is not being managed well. Further, increased spending has followed and even exceeded previous tax increases. We don't know why grown men and women are even debating more taxes.

     "Let the government cut billions and tens of billions out of programs that aren't giving us our money's worth - before debt destroys us all - if it isn't already too late. Then, in a few years when the government has proven it is fiscally responsible, approach us about new taxes, if indeed they are still necessary." 

32 years later, someone is responding

- if it isn't already too late

         Jimmy 

Hope, or Hopeless? 

     More than 5.6 billion people around the world are living without the hope that comes from knowing Jesus Christ. 

     This may be a faceless crowd to us, but each one is a soul - precious to God - for whom Christ died. 

In his great mercy he has given us new birth in a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 1 Peter 1:3 

     Millions look to the internet for answers to their hurts and longings. Google alone sees millions of queries in search of hope.

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13 

     More than 55 million Americans ages 12 and older abuse or are addicted to drugs or alcohol. 

You are precious in my eyes ... and I love you. Isaiah 43:4

     More than 23 million Americans struggle with depression, and over 49,000 commit suicide each year. 

You answer us with righteousness, O God of our salvation, the hope of all the ends of the earth. Psalm 65:5 

     Some 40 million people in the U.S. feel trapped or crippled by fear.

Fear not, for I am ... your God and will ... help you. Isaiah 41:10  

     An average of 165,000 people go into eternity each day, the majority are lost.

Without hope and without God in this world. Ephesians 2:12

     Last year, hundreds of thousands of people found new life in Jesus Christ through the Ministeries of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. BillyGraham.org

Hope does not put us to shame. God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit given to us. Romans 5:5

# 

 The Full Moon

...bring it on!

     Here in Florida, we just had a bright, full moon for two nights. That means the sun in those hours is below earth shining on the moon above the earth. 

     We also know that nighttime can be moonless, as when one or the other goes down in the West and the other follows it down. When the sun and moon are positioned in other ways, we get half-moons and every other angle.

     Politically, America has been almost moonless for several years. Today, we see increasing light, and there is hope for even brighter days and nights to come.

     Pastor Jim Cymbala reminds us that the apostle Paul urged people to pray for government leaders. Paul's goal wasn't to support a political party, but "that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth" - 1 Timothy 2:2-4.

     With Jesus now in heaven, his disciples "received power when the Holy Spirit" came upon them. Cymbala wrote, "The power to be salt and light came by being in God's presence, praying and waiting" - Acts 1:8. 

     "We need to be salt and light as the answer to society's ills. Elijah was a human as we are, and he prayed earnestly, and God answered."

     "It doesn't matter how small or weak we are, if we are connected by prayer to God, then he will move on our behalf. That doesn't mean God rescues every believer who prays in trouble. But the Lord will > give us endurance, or > change the circumstance."

     

      

Democrats in Bible Times

     Well, what'd ya know! 

     In Paul's letter to the Romans, chapter 16:17-18, he wrote:

     I urge you brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery, they deceive the minds of naive people.

      We should not be surprised - people 20 centuries ago were thinking and acting like many people today. Human nature has not changed since Adam and Eve. Our toys are much advanced, but our belief and behavior are what Jesus wants from us. First of all...

A Godless Age

     As above, Jim Cymbala, senior pastor at The Brooklyn Tabernacle, says our culture today mirrors what Timothy saw in Ephesus. "We live now in a mostly non-Christian country. When society is essentially godless, how should Christians respond?" 

     "Think of the Ephesian culture," he wrote. "There was no moral majority. Yet, Paul said, 'First of all, let the church be praying...for kings and those in authority.' Cymbala adds, "We are to pray for our leaders, whether they be Republican or Democrat."  

     Jesus said, "My house will be called a house of prayer" (Matthew 21:13). First of all. Why? "Because prayer brings God onto the scene."

            Jimmy

      

Will Our Constitution Survive?

The War on Warriors

Pete Hegseth, Secretary of Defense

     "In today's military we can rightly speak of the loss of our fundamental purpose, our common creed - our covenant. The mission creep is inside our ranks, as our original purpose as warriors and servants of the Constitution has transformed into an austere bureaucracy hell-bent on ideological conformity and societal change. 

     "The story of Gideon is a good reminder that readiness means nothing without God. God chose 'unready' men to accomplish his purposes. Strength is nothing without righteousness. Just as America's military might is nothing without an unwavering commitment to the Constitution and the defeat of our enemies, internal and external. 

     "The fundamental purpose of every elected officer, judge, law enforcer or warrior is to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies foreign and domestic. This book ... is about how the military allowed itself to go woke. 

     "When we lose sight of the fact that the primary responsibility of the president of the United States is to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States, then everything else falls apart.

     "Our covenant is broken. Our next president has one last chance to repair it." 

Pray for President Trump

Monday: Democrats in Bible times 

Our Covenant is Broken 

     As God made a covenant with ancient Israel in the time of Gideon, our founders signed a covenant uniting the 13 states on July 4, 1776. Freedom required war, and some of the signees paid with their lives.

     Our constitution with 25 amendments - ink on paper - is the understanding, the law, that has held us together for 248 years (our civil war excepted) regardless of faith, origin and finally, race. 

     In his book, The War on Warriors, chapter 13, Pete Hegseth, now our Secretary of Defense, wrote, "When we maintain our covenant, we are Gideon - God on our side. But what if we ignore our covenant? We turn our backs...on each other." 

     "America today is in a cold civil war. Our soul is under attack by a confederacy of radicals. They wish to erode our institutions by making us question our purpose." 

     "Gideon first had to sacrifice his own name and reputation. He had to learn how to be faithful. He had to brave the slings and arrows of his own people, his own tribe." 

     "This is our journey today. 'One nation, under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.' As a veteran, I read the story of Gideon, and I reflect on the values that Gideon shares with a warrior. His story reminds us that we are not only fighting a battle against foreign enemies." 

     "Sometimes (it must) begin with a struggle against domestic enemies: those who would violate the Covenant that binds us as a community of faith and ... blessing."

Conclusion on Friday

Submission to Authorities 

     Romans 8:13 updated:

     Everyone must submit himself to governing authorities (national, state and local), for there is no authority except that which God has established. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against ... God ... and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.

     For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do what is right and God's servant will commend you. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for (the president, governor or mayor) does not (arrest suspects) for nothing. They (by their justice departments) are God's servants...to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 

     Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. This is why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. 

     So ... Let us behave decently, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.

Views: Did recent American authorities follow Paul's warning/advice? Did they release wrongdoers repeatedly? Did they arrest and otherwise harass political opponents, orderly abortion demonstrators, and threaten U.S. Supreme Court justices? And millions (two for sure) who wanted President Trump dead. 

Maybe God saw to it that Trump survived, not to Make America Great Again, but to demote Democrats who don't read Romans chapter 13, or anything else in God's Word. 

              Jimmy 

Glory Comes Later 

     Wednesday's instructions from Paul might puzzle you, because most of us don't hear much about the Holy Spirit. God's connection with the spirit of believers is the real deal. In chapter 14 Paul explains that the kingdom is not a matter of (our preferences) but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 

     In Romans chapter 8. Jesus "intercedes" for us (connecting with our spirits). Awesome! Paul asks, Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Trouble? Hardship? Persecution? Famine? Danger? Sword?

     Paul, who endured all this himself, wrote, We are sheep to be slaughtered. (Psalm 44:22) 

     But: We are more than conquerors through him who loved us. Neither death nor life nor angels nor demons nor the present nor the future nor any powers neither height nor depth nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God...that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

     Most Americans don't suffer what other believers might experience around this wicked world. That doesn't mean we are loved more. Our spirits and all that goes with us - mind, soul, etc. - are considered already alive in heaven forever more. 

Monday: President Trump in the Bible?

It is Finished! 

     On Monday, we wrote from Romans chapter 8 the law of sin and death, and the law of the Spirit. While still alive on the cross, Jesus said, "It is finished." What was finished? His life? Yes, but he rose again and spent 40 days witnessing to his disciples, his half-brother, and many others.

     Ten days later, the Holy Spirit descended on the disciples and other God-fearing Jews in Jerusalem. Read Acts chapters 1 and 2 for the thrilling account. 

     The sacrifice of the Son of God himself sets us free from the law of sin and death...if...Jews and Gentiles alike, believe, confess and turn from our sinful ways, be they small or great.

     God sent the Holy Spirit - all over the world - to connect with our spirits, setting us on the narrow road of growth and obedience until he takes us home (to heaven). 

     Sounds easy enough. But God allows Satan (see Genesis chapter 3) to lie and deceive). While we seek freedom through the law of the Spirit of life, this war continues. We are on one side or the other. 

     John the Baptist (Jesus said, "he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he") baptized people in water, but baptism in the Spirit results in power to follow, trust, obey and witness. It is the Great Commission. 

     What to pray for? The Holy Spirit intercedes for us in accord with God's will. As Christ became an "heir of God," we become "co-heirs" with him. Amazing. We don't have to be beautiful or highly skilled or rich. In fact, the humbler we are, the more we will conform to his likeness.

     If God is for us, who can be against us? - Romans 8:31

Friday: 

      We are sheep to be slaughtered, yet more than conquerors.

   

What is Truth?  

...the Roman governor sniffed

     Two laws are more critical than all laws passed by all governments over all the centuries. Read on...

     Nature. The world and our inclusion in it. What about it? Nature can be beautiful, harmful, changeable and deceptive. What happened to the Garden of Eden?

     We were conceived in a mother. Ideally, we were born with two parents. In some cases, we are adopted. If not, is there no teacher?  

     Whatever the circumstance of our birth, we are weakened by our sinful nature. No matter how good we or others think we are, our nature is Adam and Eve's nature. For simply biting into a fruit their Creator forbid, they were evicted from the awesome garden. They hadn't killed or robbed anyone. They believed in God. They disobeyed. 

     Animals, birds and creatures of the sea don't need to be taught. We do. Who will teach us?  

     God exists in his forever realm, called heaven, unseen. He created the world we do see and live in. So, how does Almighty God communicate with this inferior world, and how can we reply? 

     He provides the WAY! In scripture, he says he is Spirit. He gives each human - along with a soul, mind, emotion, etc. - a spirit. This is the necessary connection, if we choose to believe, trust and obey. And pray.

     God calls our sinful nature "the law of sin and death." Our only escape is "the law of the Spirit." And what is that?

     God himself in the person of Jesus was born to a virgin. In his early 30s he underwent severe testing for 40 days. He presented himself to the people of Israel. Performed miracles. He died a horrible death on a cross, suffering the law of sin and death in our place...and returned to life, appearing to some 500 people over another 40 days. We then acknowledge our guilt and allow him to be our Lord in "new life."

So, Governor Pilate, that's the Truth

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Culture Infiltrates Churches

     "In America today, even among evangelicals, God has been domesticated. He's made more sin friendly. Americans don't mind saying they believe in 'God' as long as they can choose the god they believe. This god turns out to be their own consciousness."

Erwin Lutzer, 83, former pastor 36 years of Moody Church in Chicago, in his latest book, The Eclipse of God, calls Christians to return to the God of the Bible, prayer and repentance. Next week on Views, a sure path to recovery.

     Lutzer says, "this book is to help people understand where this eclipse of God, this darkness, came from, and why we must get back to the Biblical concept of God and not the gods of popular culture." 

     "I think we find ourselves in the presence of a god who exists for us, not God whom we need to fear. In the New Testament era, it's emphasis on the love of God, which needs to be preached." 

     "But where's the wrath of God? There are two doctrines that destroy the church: the goodness of man and the tolerance of a nonjudgmental god. The drift began in Europe during the Enlightenment. It gave people the confidence that reason alone is all we need."

     "Love and truth are not enemies. Sometimes the most loving thing is to tell people some very hard things. There's a difference between music that has dignity and much of the modern music...trying to popularize the gospel through songs. People think they are Christians, but they are only cultural Christians."  

     "Cultural Christianity ultimately falls apart, unless we get back to a Biblical view of the gospel and God, that provides the basis for a common Christian culture."   

     "If you don't have truth, justice can become whatever people want it to be. Truth is based on the revelation of God. If we drift toward a nation without God, without heritage, we could easily move into a totalitarian society. There would be ways to force churches out of business. We certainly seem to be on the way."

The cure: Romans chapter 8, all next week

The Patient Survives. Time for Healing

     To summarize Monday's impressive transfer of power, President Trump restored some of his own first-term executive actions. He issued directives regarding our borders, the federal workforce, energy and trade. 

     He declared our borders to be a "national emergency," and seeks cooperation from Canada and Mexico. 

     Trump pardoned more than 1500 January 6, 2021 prisoners. We hope it is the innocent. And he removed the U.S. from the Paris Climate Accord. (We thought that had already been done.) 

     In his inaugural address, the president promised to "end unfair weaponization of the Justice Department." He paused a TikTok decision for 75 days, and he terminated the Diversity Equality Inclusion (DEI) agenda, which is Marxist based, in government. Many corporations have already ended DEI activity. Some climate programs also bit the dust. 

     Outgoing President Biden had a big day also. He preemptively pardoned a number of people who haven't been charged. True. > Anthony Fauci, Chairman Mark Milley, Biden's brother, sister-in-law, sister, and brother-in-law, minutes before his term ended at 12 Noon. Biden had already pardoned his son Hunter. 

     We've long known that the Bidens were milking $ millions from other nations, without delivering on promises. Yet, in 2020 we elected the chief "milker" to the presidency. 

     Pardons should be given only for convicted people. Otherwise, this undermines our legal system. If there is no consequence for criminal activity, what's to prevent the Biden family from continuing to milk? Thankfully, father Biden no longer has power to sell for profit. 

     Innocent people don't need pardons.  

            Jimmy

This is the Day! 

     People usually recover from various troubles - sickness, financial loss, broken marriage, accidents, etc. 

     Today is the day the United States begins to recover from government abuse, corrupt and partisan prosecutors, politicians and judges. From Deep State lies and corruption. From war on our First Amendment and other civil rights. From those who call Right to Life groups "terrorists." From criminals and foreign agents the outgoing administration allowed to cross our borders. 

     Our incoming president and cabinet, and many other appointees will have much to clean up, from damage to education, to justice, to our military readiness. Some recent history can't be reversed, probably, but integrity, fair, responsible governance can flourish going forward. Foreign relations look promising. 

     Woke discrimination, abuse of power, mutilating surgeries for minors, transgender policies, DEI in the military...all this and more must end. 

     Tom Fitton of Judicial Watch hopes..."we enter a pro-transparency and anti-corruption era under the new administration." 

     We hope our leaders will be Americans first, Republicans and others second. Pray for those in authority, Paul wrote, keeping in mind that the Son of Man, Jesus, has ultimate authority. 

     By the way, President Trump did not ask for my advice. 😢

             Jimmy

  

Monday       Wednesday     Friday       

Big Game, Bigger Inauguration

     So, after four-plus months of college football competition, the championship game is set, 7:30 Monday night, January 20. By that time, President Trump will have taken oath, many executive orders in the playbook, and various fans celebrating victory. It wouldn't amaze me if he sneaks out to attend the game in Atlanta, but we don't expect it.

     Political parties compete 12 months/year, and numerous Democrats won seats in Congress in November's election. Most of them will not consider Republicans as teammates.  

     The 77 million people who voted for Trump are looking for new rules to tackle wokeness, high inflation and border security. Christians among them want more constitutionalist referees on the team, fumble free religious liberty, and left wingers blocked from their infractions.  

     As coaches have duties throughout the year, voters also have work to do. Tony Perkins, of Family Research Council, says, "The government protects our freedom and our ability to do the work only the church can do. That is to change the hearts and minds of people through the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ." 

  ```

     "Life is hard. But this is what I know. Whatever the circumstances, personally or politically or nationally, as we face the new year, our hope is not in Washington. Our hope is in God." - Anne Graham Lotz

     

 Monday       Wednesday       Friday

Christians - Pray for a President? 

     Really? Are Christians to rely on worldly institutions? Where does the Bible say, "form a political party to spread the gospel?" Many American Christians don't vote. But they pay taxes! 

     Meanwhile, government policies and reckless spending have insulted the founders who gave us the world's finest constitution. Another four years of current "leadership" could have meant a new (Roman) empire. 

     Franklin Graham, evangelist and missionary, founder of Samaritan's Purse, believes God has placed President Trump back in the Oval Office. He says, "The Lord's sovereign hand of mercy was on him during the assassination attempt in Pennsylvania. I believe God spared his life."

     "There will continue to be enemies...around the world and here at home. That's why, more than ever, the president needs the prayers of God's people. The Bible says prayer is vital to the success of leadership...for kings and all who are in authority..." (I Timothy 2:1-3).   

     "Prayer should be a priority, not an afterthought," he says. "God esteems our prayers as crucial in our relationship with Him. Prayers are instrumental in the way He has chosen to govern the world."

     Graham adds, "Since the Bible says God's purposes will prevail, our leaders need to seek God's counsel for wise, lasting progress."

     The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing. The counsel of the Lord stands forever. Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord... (Psalm 33:10-12) The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord; He turns it wherever He wishes. (Proverbs 21:1)

     Graham urges us to "pray that President Trump will surround himself with men and women who will give him godly counsel." (Note: appointees Mike Huckabee, Marco Rubio, Scott Turner, Doug Collins, Brooke Rollins, Kristi Noem and Pam Bondi are among the Christians.) 

     "No one person has enough wisdom to always make the right decisions. Remember above all that our hope is in the Lord, not men. Only God can save souls, and only God can bring revival to the nation...that brings stability, true peace and God's blessings." 

☝

     

     

      

Monday       Wednesday       Friday

Share in his suffering, what lies ahead 

The Lord's prayer, Matt. 6:9-13

Moody Pastor Phillip Miller, January 12

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 

     "Life is a series of tests. How do we overcome fiery trials? Take up your cross. Self-denial. Pray for deliverance."

Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.

     "Define the enemy in the test. Trouble may come before winning. The real danger is evil, our enemy."

     "Run to our Father; don't face it alone. We are tested by hard things, not to harm us but to transform us. He provides the way. Testing of our faith involves trust and dependance on eternal good. Jesus said, 'Take up your cross and follow me.'"

Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory. 

     "Led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted, Jesus prevailed over the devil. Later, in the Garden of Gethsemane, he said, 'Not my will...' Faced with trials and temptations, he takes us through the cross to glory. We follow him, running with endurance. Don't grow weary. Fix your eyes on the end." 

Wednesday: Pray for our president???

☝

Monday       Wednesday       Friday

We will omit the above when our new schedule isn't new any longer. 

Catistropic  

     Heard that word lately? Indescribable? Four fires are consuming homes, schools, churches and businesses in dry Los Angeles County, our most populated county. They had lowered their fire budget by $17 million. Winds up to 100 mph delayed water drops from aircraft. Fire fighters were mostly limited to ushering people to safety. Some fire hydrants - empty. The number of homeless homeowners, not counting family members, is comparable to attendance in one of the Big Ten's largest football stadiums.  

Trump already at work 

     He is concerned about the Panama (not the canal) ports on both ends, where the Chinese are in control. And he is making news, threats? about Greenland's security, where Russia may have interest. 

     McDonalds announced plans to end DEI practices. And Meta ends fact checking for Facebook and Instagram, replacing such with "community notes," similar to Elon Musk's media X. 

     Would Mark Zuckerberg have done this if Donald Trump wasn't the next president, nine days from now?

Need to Clean House

     "We are ready, willing and able to help (and sue) for government accountability as we continue our mission to uncover what the government is up to and enforce the rule of law for election integrity, immigration, and against woke discrimination and racism." 

         - Tom Fitton, Verdict (the Judicial Watch)

   Next blog: Monday

     

 

 Monday       Wednesday       Friday

   Every year, accomplished people come to life's end. Some were known. We list those we knew about. Those under age 86: 

Toby Keith, 62, country music. Alexei Navalny, 47, Russian accuser of Putin. Joe Lieberman, 82, Democrat senator, turned independent. O.J. Simpson, 76, football, actor, accused of murder. Bill Walton, 71, basketball star. Richard Simmons, 76, fitness instructor. Lou Dobbs, cable news. Pete Rose, baseball, a record 4,256 hits in 24 years. 

       How did I outlive a fitness instructor?  ...  Those my age, 86:

Jim Otto, NFL player. Never missed a game in 1960-1974 career. Jerry West, pro basketball. Bobby Allison won three Daytona 500s. 

      Those who lived beyond age 86: 

Bob Graham, 87, Democrat elected twice as Florida governor and three times to the U.S. Senate. Kris Kristofferson, 88, country music singer and songwriter. Chi-Chi Rodriguez, 88, winner of more than 20 golf tournaments, including three PGA events. Phil Donahue, 88, talk show host with nearly 9 million viewers. 

James Inhofe, 89, conservative politician in Oklahoma, the U.S. House and Senate from 1966-2023. Also 89, Tony Campolo, whose sermons we attended three times in the Pittsburgh area. He was a leftist, but we don't criticize his devotion to helping the poor on the East Coast. 

Parnelli Jones, 90, a racer who drove a rear engine car to victory in the 1963 Indianapolis 500. Charles Osgood, 91, radio broadcaster for 46 years and CBS News 1994-2016. Willie Mays, 93, 660 home runs, third all time. Mitzi Gaynor, 93, Hollywood Golden Age actress in South Pacific, and There's No Business Like Show Business. James Earl Jones, 93, actor, stardom as an admiral in The Hunt for Red October.

       And then there were two: 

Beverly Lahaye, 94, a pastor's wife who formed Concerned Women for America in response to feminist groups. Bob Newhart, 94, comedian and TV icon, master of deadpan delivery and one-sided telephone calls. If only he could come back and make us laugh again. 

         Jimmy  

 Monday       Wednesday       Friday 

Ready, set, go...

     into the new year, a new schedule for Views by the Sea, and renewed hope for America. God willing. 

     Where have we been, you ask? Dealing with matters of Mrs. Donut's close sister, who rose to heaven, Dec. 21. Did you ever find the remains unexpectantly, of someone you love dearly? 

     Next, she provided Christmas dinner for her sister's New York son and four family members who had come to spend Christmas. From Dec. 26 until Jan. 4 my St. Louis daughter and husband were here. They were a great help in several ways. 

     Today and tomorrow, we're scheduled to have both doors and windows on two sides replaced. Still no time for crying. 

14 Days and Counting 

     We don't plan to spend lots of time on politics. Then again, as the late observer said, "If the politics fail, nothing else matters."

Open borders, amnesty, welfare for illegals.

Repair economy, secure borders, make government efficient.

FBI classifying parents as domestic terrorists.

United effort, White House, Congress and Main Street. 

Unions and social justice radicals take over education.

Renew energy policy, help Israel, expel illegal thugs.

Inflation, gas, food and housing prices.

Seek world peace. Confirm pro-Constitution judges. 

Violence in neighborhoods by those with no fear of arrest.

Border security, lower taxes, help small businesses. 

         Jimmy Donut