Think about a jigsaw puzzle

     "Each piece is unique and sometimes confusing on its own, but when you find its place, the bigger picture emerges. 

     "Our life's circumstances and God's interventions are much like those puzzle pieces. Mary took the time to piece together her experiences with God, seeking understanding and clarity about His plans. 

     "In your life, what pieces are you holding, and how might you ponder them with the eyes of faith? Ponder it and treasure it and hide it away and meditate upon it." 

I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways.

Psalm 119:15 

To Compute...

     Yea! We are good to go. Computer trouble was not serious.

Making Headlines

     Journalist Bari Weiss is the new editor-in-chief of CBS News. Parent company Paramount announced the purchase of her online news site, the Free Press, saying the move is a response to our longing for balanced, fact-driven news. 

     In 2021 Weiss co-founded what would become The Free Press after quitting The New York Times, where she accused colleagues of being intolerant of her centrist views. Here at Views we appreciate that. Is it working?

     With 1.5 million subscribers, The Free Press is now one of the nation's largest and fastest-growing media outlets. 

     NBC and ABC - it's time you wake up and return to your origins. You are not to be one sided. That's why our founders 250 years ago did not make rules for the news media. Then came television. Fox and Newsmax may seem to be biased, or is it that they allow guests on both sides to speak? 

          Jimmy 

Typology?

     We don't get it either. Let's just see that in the OT there are types of verses fulfilled in the coming of the Messiah. There is "correspondence" between persons, events or things in the OT and Jesus Christ in the NT.

Christ in the Old Testament, part 2

     An OT passage reveals a historical event to come. The Messianic fulfillment may be on a higher spiritual plane than the OT event. People in the story may not themselves have seen that their experience was prophetic of the coming Son of God. 

     David probably did not realize when he wrote Psalm 22 that the suffering was prophetic of Christ's suffering on the cross, millenniums later. Read the details. Nor did the weeping exiles (Jeremiah 31:15) know that their tears would be fulfilled in the death of boys under age 2 in Bethlehem - Matthew 2:18. 

     The article we're summarizing for you says there are at least four different patterns in which the OT points to and is prophetic of the coming of Christ in the NT. 

This can't be true? God who created the world can do anything!

 Next week: we provide more examples of OT texts quoted in the NT. 

Foreign Policy

     "In 2017 President Trump wrestled with whether or not to move the U.S. Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. One of the biggest political issues for prophecy-oriented America Christians is foreign policy regarding Israel. 

by Carolina Lumetta 

     "Trump 45 was a modern Cyrus, it was the beginning of the restoration process, a pastor told me. Trump 47 is Darius, where we will see the completion of the border wall and the rebuilding of the Temple. What we're seeing now is a global reset against an anti-Christ spirit. 

     "The Scripture says we are to pray for the peace of Jerusalem, and that when we do, we're blessed. Pastor Greg Laurie: 'Jesus said when we get closer to His return, it would be like a woman giving birth...her labor pains.' 

     "Prophetic figures God and Magog could be Russia and Iran. Reading Ezekiel's prophecy is like reading your newspaper. Moving the American Embassy to Jerusalem is a critical moment. Israel has to have a prominent place so someone in the political sphere eventually - an anti-Christ - triggers the reconstruction of the Temple. That would be a sign that we're coming close to the Rapture."

     "Days before Trump authorized a strike on Iran, Ambassador Mike Huckabee texted the president, in part: 'No president in my lifetime has been in a position like yours. I believe you will hear from heaven and that voice is far more important than mind or ANYONE else's.'"

NOTE: I didn't bother with names of several voices.

 

 

They Said It 

     "I was very aware of my own shortcomings as a human...Jesus loves all of us; no matter what we've done there's forgiveness." - Jerry Pierce

     "We have a duty and responsibility to take a message of hope, a message of love, the message of the Gospel, to win people to Christ." - Jonathan Falwell 

     "It's impossible to find true and lasting peace and happiness through simply chasing prosperity and comfort." - Will Graham 

     "The idea that we're supposed to divorce our faith from the political or cultural realm is a complete misreading of Scripture."- Eric Metaxas 

     "The battle for America isn't being fought in courtrooms or newsrooms; it's being fought in the prayer closets of God's people." - Jack Hibbs

     "We saw people open a Bible for the first time in a decade. We saw people pray for the first time since they were children. We saw people go to a church service for the first time in their entire life." - Erika Kirk

     "Many people have riches today; but their souls are lean, their hearts are cold toward God, their consciences are dulled, and their minds are blinded." - Billy Graham 

 

Guarding the National Guard 

     The National Guard is civilian soldiers who meet once a month and are subject to callup. When we were fighting in Afghanistan, our grandson was called up and served for a year there. Today he is full-time National Guard in his hometown. 

     President Trump has deployed guardsmen in at least 10 cities...not for war but to restore order. It worked in Washington, DC, which is federal property, although two guardsmen were shot there, one fatally. Elsewhere, Trump haters have rallied protesters, resisted ICE, and gone to court. ICE people must wear masks to prevent their foes from learning who they are, and where their families live. It's complicated, and the Supreme Court may be called upon. 

     Protesters were taking over the streets of Portland, Oregon long before Trump began his second term. They block traffic, play loud music, throw fireworks, usually for no pretext at all. City government gives them free reign. Nor will they address Portland's homelessness, shoplifting, theft and vandalism. 

     The author of our article doubts Portland's left-wing leaders will ever accept troops sent by Trump. He thinks local and the state government would rather see the entire state fail before they would accept any help.

     And people continue voting Democrat. 

Note: We're having computer trouble, so we may be down a day or two.                                           Jimmy 

      

     

Two Testaments, One Story 

     We begin a series - alternating among other topics - of Old Testament scriptures that mention Christ (the Messiah) in various ways. Some, directly quoted in the New Testament. Others, the topic repeated in the NT, but not word for word.

     Might as well begin with Hebrews, 1:1-2, in the New Testament: In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. That deserves to be the first two verses in the NT. Oh well. 

     Let's include verse 3. The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.

     Hebrews likely was written to Jewish Christians outside of Palestine. Many people were enamored with angels, so the author asked, For to which of the angels did God ever say, "You are my Son, today I have become your Father?" 

     Jesus himself said he had come to fulfill the Law and the Prophets - Matthew 5:17. Christ also came to suffer the death sentence we all deserve. Our response involves faith, hope and love. 

     After his resurrection, Jesus explained from the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms - three main divisions of the Hebrew OT - that God predicted everything that happened to him- Luke 24:25-27; 44-46. 

   

Swaddling Clothes? 

     How many times over 80 plus years have I read or heard the story of newborn Jesus wrapped in "swaddling" clothes, and never once curious about what swaddling means?

     This is the Son of God, to be Savior of all who believe...born in a manger (another reading calls it a cave). 

     Well, there was something normal. Infants were wrapped in blankets or similar cloths, so their movement was restricted, for safety. 

     Lowly shepherds would never expect the Savior of the world - if they even knew there would be a savior - to be born in such a lowly place, in the middle of the night. God did and still does meet us in unexpected places. 

     I've blogged before about how I met a woman at a restaurant - her friends - not me - were hoping I would be her husband. We talked for three hours - not normal for me. Back in my apartment I laid down to sleep - nothing unusual in my thoughts - when God told me, I have reserved her for your wife. He didn't speak to my ears, but to my mind.

     My ear drums and most everything else will die. But there is a "heart" or "soul" that lives on. I read that when we believe that God can appear in the unconventional, we open ourselves to experience His grace in unlikely ways. Such are the moments God uses to reveal His love and purposes.  

Monday: finding Christ in the Old Testament

Divine Light? 

     The star of Bethlehem. What was it? Closer to Christmas, we read again the awesome experience of the shepherds outside Bethlehem.

     Writer Lynn Vincent: "Divine light marks the intersection of heaven and earth (John 1:9, 8:1:  2 Corinthians 4:6). Luke's account of Christ's birth does not record heavenly light, but God's Shekinah glory, found many times in Scripture. God's glory 'shone around' the shepherds, and angels came around them. 

     "When the Star of Bethlehem appeared in the night sky, it was unique in history: a divine heavenly light announcing the event. 

     "Until Christ, there was 'none righteous, not one' - Romans 3:10-12.

     "Perhaps the star was a glimpse of the hidden light - 'Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.'" 

Commentary: The New Testament applies these verses to Jesus' ministry in Galilee. "...the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. From that time on Jesus began to preach, 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.'" - Matthew 4:16-17  

Have a Quiet Flight 

     What's that airplane with narrow wings and l...o...n...g nose?  

     The first "quiet" supersonic plane soared over California Oct. 28 on its inaugural test flight. NASA developed the X-59 on the mission to redevelop supersonic planes for commercial flights. 

     Supersonic planes can cover distances in half the time, but they cause thunder-like booms loud enough to cause property damage and hearing loss. So they say. 

     Our government banned civil supersonic flights over U.S. airspace in 1973. British Airways and Air France flew transatlantic commercial supersonic flights on the Concorde until 2003, phasing out the planes for economic and safety reasons. 

     President Trump lifted our ban on civil supersonic flight on the condition that they not create a boom audible on land. After eight years and $632 million, NASA's X-59 meets that requirement. The plane's shape is designed to reduce the sonic boom to a thump. NASA compares the thump to the sound of a car door being slammed. 

     Two other companies are developing their own commercial supersonic planes. 

      Here at Views we wonder, what's the hurry for trans-Atlantic commercial flights? We can imagine a military use for supersonic planes, maybe in our lifetime, or in 50 years, or never. Note: B-52s are subsonic, as are B-2s, stealth, not speed.

             Jimmy

       

 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