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."

 #

Some words deleted to save space. 

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.

                                                   *

     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