North Florida Writer

Dec. 7, 1941: PEARL HARBOR DAY AND WE THINK WE HAVE IT TOUGH

12/7/2021

On a beautiful Sunday morning the attack came taking the USA into War with Japan

Imagine that you were alive and old enough to remember December 7, 1941. The majority of Americans who were there are now departed since that day was eighty years ago, but just think of what took place. Here in the States most Americans had breakfast and went to church, but by the time they got home they learned that the sprawling Naval Base at Pearl Harbor had been viciously attacked by Japan. Thousands were killed, many more injured and we lost a lot of ships and equipment. Fortunately the carriers were out, something which even Japanese Fleet Commander Yamamoto knew would make his longer term mission most difficult, for the now a vicious attack would result in America losing battles for awhile while it geared up quickly to take on the Japanese directly.

The joys of Christmas were muted, young men by the thousands volunteered to go to war, and with our other fighting men closing in on the Germany territory, a two front war was now underway since Japan was an ally of Germany. Christmas was still celebrated as it was important to keep things of good cheer present in the atmosphere of gloom which filtered through families everywhere. Thousands of young men, some almost boys, were signing up to report for training, tearful goodbyes were soon to be shed, and no one knew fully what to expect except that the future looked rather weak. Even so, industries would quickly retool and the war machine would get in full swing, and while America would take a few lickings in the Pacific, even the Japanese knew that if they couldn't decisively win quickly, in the end they were doomed because they wouldn't have the necessary staying power.

The immediate aftermath of Pearl Harbor was more than two thousand four hundred dead, nearly half from the Battleship Arizona sunk where it was anchored. Sadly it was soon learned that many of the casualties were known to be alive at the time recovery began but there was no way to reach them before their air supply ran out. But the one good thing to report that none of the American aircraft carriers were sunk since they were all out on maneuvers. Even Japanese Fleet Commander Yamamoto knew this would ultimately favor the Americans in the end yet he carried out his duties as any loyal commander would, ultimately committing suicide in the end.

The War in the Pacific would go on until August 1945, only ending due to Japan being finally driven to here knees by nuclear bombs. There has been much criticism in recent years about this, however, had we not used the bomb the death tolls on both sides would have astronomically increased due to the suicidal warfare options pushed by Tojo. Thankfully, it came to an end an America, rather than being a conqueror, returned Japan to self governance where she remains as a close and reliable friend.

So, what can we learn from the events of Pearl Harbor and the ensuing war? Well, first of all, we must realize that if a nation wants to maintain its sovereignty, it must be strong and capable of taking on all comers. We learned from World War II that the lack of maintaining a strong fighting force during the 1930's led to the growing influence of Germany and Japan and a heavy price was paid because of that. We also learned that in war, just like in peace, miracles do happen. For example, the Battle of the Bulge in late 1944 and early 1945, the war to Germany could have been lost due to bad weather. But General Patton directed his chief Chaplain to write God and demand good weather for battle in prayer. Now the good Chaplain did as he was told, somewhat lessened in phraseology, yet it was done and, voila, America's outmanned forces ultimately won. Miracle? Coincidence? You be the judge. And even in the Pacific, had one of the airman searching for the Japanese fleet from the skies above not found a break in the clouds to spot Yamamoto's fleet, the Battle of Midway would likely have been lost and with it, perhaps the war. And there are several other examples but I would just leave the rest to your own research and imagination.

In closing, let's never forget the tragedy that was Pearl Harbor and use it to do what is right and good. You know, when America is in the major leadership role in the world, peace usually happens. And why do we see so much turmoil and chaos today? America has decided it no longer needs to lead the way. That's why the effort going on for freedom in America are so important these days. Stay informed and stay involved. That is something we all must do, regardless of politics, because this is about much more than politics. It is about freedom and liberty.

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SUNDAY MORNING COMING DOWN: The Only Way Forward

12/5/2021

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With the Light the nature of things around us is revealed.

These are crazy times we find ourselves going through these days. So many things we have been brought up to believe are being challenged in ways that defy logic. And things are made so complicated that we often can't even figure out what to do. Science is often turned on its head, and reason is subjugated to group think and even we often find our children no longer believing what we taught them. So, we could give up, but then we need to remember that has never been what we were taught to do, for once we do that, all hope is lost. And that begs the question: What are we supposed to do?

Well, if you agree with the views just presented, you are already likely on your way to get something done because you have children or grandchildren directly impacted and we certainly don't want to see their faith destroyed by nonsense. That being said, no one wants to take on issues like this in the public view because of the retaliation that is so prevalent these days. So, how do we do what we know we need to do? The only answer is band together with others of like view, because when we do we have strength of numbers, it is much easier to do something when we have others who will have our back while we have theirs. This leads finally to the realization that we are part of the majority, not the minority as so many want to make us think.

So, why have I picked a subject like this for my Sunday Morning Coming Down blog of faith? I mean, don't we think that the action taken will lead to problems, even violence, on the part of our opposition. And my answer is that it can happen but if the group is large enough, and prepared with a message of love and peace for our brothers and sisters of this planet, we will likely find that a significant number of our opponents will then become our friends with a little time. And the large numbers with us naturally impacts the actions of the opposition, for they don't want to start a fight if they don't think they will win. But there is something much more important that should really be what drives us forward. What might that be?

The answer is that we must be responsive to the word of God and what He expects of us. Since He made us in His image, it is important that we stand with Him in His work to win the souls of both the good people and the lost souls among us if we can. You see, God doesn't want any of His creation falling for the likes of Satan, yet He knows some will. But God expects us to do our part to try and give mission support to the cause to save lost souls from eternal darkness and death. There are a number of steps we can take to help in the cause for starters. First, stay alert to those around you and make every effort to portray yourself in the best Christian way. Be helpful, be cheerful and show by your countenance just what a good Christian is like. Don't go overboard, but as time goes on you will have ample opportunity to express what you believe in a way that is not threatening or demanding but in the best tradition of leading others blinded by darkness to the light. And then, you will also be much more motivated to get involved in organizations for the faith and become willing to be a model missionary for the faith right in your own home territory where it is likely needed more than we often recognize. And at that point you are on your way in the best traditions of the faith, just realize that whatever you want to do further has to come from your heart, and not because of some outside influence looking to add you to their cause. Remember, you may never realize if you had an impact on someone or not, but live the Christian life anyway because it is the right thing to do and you will find yourself doing it. Additionally, you will be a positive force in the thinking of some for sure.

Now you might be thinking to yourself, this guy has no idea what he is talking about because so many pay attention to nothing these days, so how can I have any impact. And to that I say this. Just imagine if every Christian decided to do one more item of outreach each day. Maybe it is just a kind word to an old couple walking down the street feeling forgotten. Or a young boy who fell off his bike as we went by. Or even an old lady having trouble getting groceries out of her car. There are millions of little things we can do to make the world look brighter for others. And when things look brighter, people do better. The sky is the limit on what they can be and the more we do, the more we want to do because it is habit forming. And lastly, if we are going to move forward, doesn't that mean we have to go in the direction that God wants us to go. And these little steps are things that play a small but important part in focusing us on the prize that awaits us when life on earth is done. Think about it, and let's move forward for God. Divine things await those who do God's bidding. Be one of them.

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CHRISTMAS MEMORIES: It was a Bitter Start to December

12/1/2021

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Dad, four three years before his death in 1956.

I awoke on this date way back in 1956 feeling numb, still not believing the events of the day prior. Shortly after two in the afternoon on that fateful Friday afternoon, I had been summoned to the Principal's office and informed by a family friend that my father had died unexpectedly. She walked me home, the house was filled with visitors and after eating something I just went to my room to be alone. Finally, after silently pondering what might happen to our family without Dad, I fell asleep.

That Saturday morning was difficult to say the best. Mom told me to be on my best behavior even though I just wanted to be a hermit. It was a cold day that first of December and rapid plans had been made to inter Dad the next day on Sunday afternoon. He had specifically asked in his will to do it quickly as he didn't want a fuss over his departed self, and Mom followed his wishes to a T. The only thing that got any interest out of me that day was the Army-Navy game which ended in a 7-7 tie. I ate little, didn't say much to anyone except the answers for things I was asked but was polite as Mom required. On that second night, I remember falling asleep and dreaming that we were going to lose our house. Mom pulled me aside and told me that would not be a problem and she told me to be a big little man at Dad's graveside service in the afternoon at Greenlawn Cemetery in the East End of Newport News.

I remember riding to the funeral in a limo right behind the hearse and sitting in a cold metal chair on the first row looking at the gravesite with the casket closed there. It was hard for me to believe that the casket contained Dad, yet I knew that was the case and after the service concluded, I dutifully walked up to it now in place in the ground, and threw a flower in on top as my farewell to Dad. It was bitter cold but I didn't feel a thing until that night in bed when I finally broke down and cried and said with anger in my words, "Why Dad, why did you leave us?" It would take a few more days to get over the anger, which then turned to great sadness and grief and finally acceptance. I owe credit to my mom, a wonderful neighbor, my friends and my minister for helping me through those early tough times.

From that bitter cold start, bitter by weather standards and with initial bitterness in my heart, December allowed us to focus on the holiday and the Christ Child which gave us great comfort. But later, when I looked at the family pictures we had taken, we all looked like we were lost and expressionless. If it is true that a picture is worth a thousand words, then those Christmas pictures were. And now, so many years later, my memories are still vivid and I am glad that I at least had those eight and one half years with Dad. I say that because the neighbor lady who came to escort me home from school that day told me that her dad had died when she was six months old and all she had was pictures of her dad to see. I am, indeed, heaven blessed to have had the experiences I had and Dad, I'm coming home in the not too terribly distant future to see you and the homecoming you, Mom, and brother, sister and I have will be one for the ages. Thank you for the time that we had and for the future that certainly will be eventually. And for those of you who still have you mom and dad, honor them and cherish them while you have them, for when they are gone you will seriously miss them. Don't let those days slip away because you can't get them back.

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SUNDAY MORNING COMING DOWN: Faith Will Not Let You Down

11/28/2021

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Faith in God will never fail you.

The time between Thanksgiving and Christmas has always been sad to me even though we normally associate it with joy. But looking at the calendar I can't help but see November 30th and I vividly remember it as the day many year ago when I lost my father. I was a young boy. I loved him and he was my hero. He died suddenly and I didn't even get to say goodbye. Our family was not only distraught but we feared what the future might bring.

I went through a time of depression, not wanting to talk with anyone or go to school, but it was our family minister, I called him Dr. "B", who talked with me and put everything in proper perspective to help me accept it even if it took some time to really understand. Now Dr. "B" was a big, jolly man with a ready smile and a kind word, but having been a Chaplain in World War II in Europe he had seen things that I couldn't even imagine in those days. Because of his experience he had a way of making something positive out of the worst situations and using it to comfort those in need. And his words were very comforting for they let me know what was expected of me and provided peace in my heart as he told of how the Heavenly Father, the one who created both my dad and me, was always near and ready to help if we ask.

So, the father of our birth, our earthly father, is given the task with his wife, our mother, of raising children for the Father of Creation, for earthly life is finite and short-lived while eternal life is endless. During that short life Dear Old Dad is expected to prepare us for all of life's joys and sadness and introduce us to the greatness of God and what he expects of us so that someday we will earn the opportunity to live eternally when our time here is done. How does he do it? By involvement in our early activities, trials and tribulations; providing unconditional love with discipline as necessary; providing a safe home while we develop; teaching us the importance of prayer, reading the Bible, attending Sunday school and worship; and using all of these factors to open our eyes to the importance of faith in a God to guide our life's decisions.

His hands on "job" ends when we reach adulthood and have learned those lessons that will see us through the good times and bad. Oh, he's still in our lives, but his purpose becomes one of standing back and encouraging us while we carry on the task of living on our own. Just like the eagle teaches the young eaglet to overcome his fear of flying from a high branch and in turn learn to experience the joy of soaring high in the sky, our earthly father prepares us to face the world with the faith to receive the joy that believing in Our Lord provides.

And now all these years later, I still look back at the time long ago with sadness, but I know that the answers I received from that good and kind minister were true. And I know that even though dad died while I was very young, he began my mental preparation for the future which led me to the beliefs that I hold today. I also know that when eternity comes, I will not only see the Father and His Son, but I will be reunited with my earthly father and mother again in a place glorious beyond any imagination, and what a reunion it will be.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow. God bless you all on this Sunday Morning Coming Down.

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Why We Celebrate Thanksgiving: George Washington Says it Best

11/25/2021

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George Washington seeking divine guidance in the struggle underway.

It's personally sad to contemplate, but there are some among us who would eliminate Thanksgiving Day as a national holiday, claiming that America is now such a multi-cultural nation that we should not force our old fashioned value structure on others. To that I say hogwash, since the historical and cultural background of America is such a major part of what America is. Millions have come to these shores seeking to become Americans, recipients of the American Spirit as well, and part of that means adopting her heart and soul as their own as well.

For the few who want to spoil that, the many will not change. Those who disagree may, of course, keep their views to themselves in a free society but we must never allow them to alter the tradition that the overwhelming majority of honor in recognizing the central nature of our Creator to our nation and the blessings that He has so graciously given us. Thanksgiving is a special time when all good Americans gather together to thank the Lord for the many blessings that we all have and it's appropriate that we do so.

If you have any doubt about the direction that our Founders set for America, read the Declaration of Independence which clearly states our reliance on The Creator and his grant of inalienable rights which government does not have the authority to remove. And one of the best examples of America's need to thank God for all that He has given us while also acknowledging our commitment to Him as a people is the 1789 Thanksgiving Proclamation from our first President, George Washington. Washington appreciated the sacrifice that so many made under his leadership as a General in harsh conditions to earn our freedom from British oppression. And He knew without the grace of God that America would have never gained her independence.

So, as we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving Day today and all that it represents and means, Washington's Thanksgiving Proclamation of 1789 is offered in its entirety below. Read it, ponder it and wonder at its wisdom and value for as a people graced by God we are truly blessed. A suggestion might be reading it as part of your celebration since so many of us are so poorly educated today about our historical foundation. Make no mistake about it; this land we love was a creation of God.

Issued by President George Washington, at the request of Congress, on October 3, 1789

By the President of the United States of America, a Proclamation.

Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and—Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me “to recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:”

Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favor, able interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed; for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted; for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and, in general, for all the great and various favors which He has been pleased to confer upon us.

And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations, and beseech Him to pardon our national and other trangressions; to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shown kindness to us), and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally, to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best.

Given under my hand at the City of New York the third day of October in the year of our Lord 1789.

Go. Washington

God bless America as we gather together for this great holiday!

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Happy Thanksgiving Eve

11/24/2021

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Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. Psalms 100:4 (NKJV)

Today is Thanksgiving, a day when Americans will gather together for a traditional feast with family and friends and enjoy fellowship, probably a few football games, and look forward to the upcoming holiday season which, for many, begins with this day. It is a time to remember our good fortune, the beginnings of a great and thankful nation, and to contemplate the primary role that God plays in our lives.

Unfortunately, as America becomes more and more secularized and less centered on God, many will forget that it is a day to thank our Father for the many blessings that He has given us. A large portion of that group will not even acknowledge His part in our heritage at all. What a sad state of affairs for a land that was founded under God. The Godless just see it as a day to feast (for what they do not know), watch football and enter into the pandemonium of Christmas shopping, ironic since so many don't acknowledge the Christ Child either.

Despite this discouraging situation, I hope that all God fearing Americans will put God at the center of all of our celebrations including the good times and good food and drink that we partake of today and truly thank Him for our many blessings. And help us to rededicate ourselves to the foundation upon which this great land was built and renew her spirit of freedom, individualism, and our many God-given rights.

Dear Lord: We thank you for all of the bounty that you have so graciously provided and we want to rededicate ourselves to you this day. America has truly been blessed by you over her lifetime and we fear that many have lost the Spirit and no longer seek your guiding hand. Help us to use this day to remind us of of your glory and love and to seek a renewal of your Spirit and love in all that we do. And we also pray that same Spirit becomes infectious in those who scorn or refuse to acknowledge you, waking them to the wonders and glory that life in you brings. Help us to truly enjoy this day with you at center stage and then take us safely back home or wherever our travels must take us, to prepare for the greatest celebration that will be coming soon, the celebration of the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. We ask this prayer in Jesus' name, Amen.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and then remember to go forward with God at your side. God bless you all and God bless America.

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Veterans Day 2021: Hug a Vet Today

11/11/2021

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Today we honor those who served our nation through military service. They've come from large cities, small towns, and farms throughout this great land of ours. Most began service as young men or women, not knowing what they would face but making the commitment to serve anyway. Many died, many more wounded and some luckily were left unscathed. They include Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard, many found in places around the world often never heard of before they went there. Some were Infantry, Armor and Artillery soldiers, others were sailors on ships and submarines, still more flew or served as crew on aircraft and many more filled support functions. But whatever they did and wherever they served, they did so to keep America free.

From an inauspicious start as Armistice Day, commemorating the end of World War II, this day later became Veterans Day (after World War II) to honor all who performed military service. Many local ceremonies will be conducted this day and many veterans both old and young will be in attendance with other patriotic citizens. You can usually pick them out in the crowd, often with a tear in their eye or proudly wearing their old military hat or other remembrance. And when you recognize them, take a moment and go up and simply thank them for their service. It's a small gesture but they'll probably smile and offer a handshake, knowing that they've been remembered. And it will make you feel proud and happy as well.

American veterans have been through many hardships, yet they love and honor this land. Taking a moment for them is just a small simple gesture that means so much and costs you nothing but a moment of time. It will, however, remind you of all of those fine men and women who answered the call for our country when they were needed.

God bless our veterans and what they have done. And may they ever receive the support that they need for the sacrifices they have given. And today is just for them, a special day indeed. Participate if you can but if not at least take a moment to remember America's best. Remember, America is better because of her veterans. God bless you all.

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VIRGINIA 2021 ELECTION: How Glenn Youngkin Won

11/10/2021

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Republican Governor-Elect Glenn Youngkin

One week ago today, a political newcomer surprised many Americans by sweeping his entire top ticket into power in Virginia, up until then judged to be a reliable Blue state. Businessman Glenn Youngkin, with a unique combination of Conservatives, disenchanted Liberals, Trump-supporting Republicans and even RINOs joined together to make him the Governor-Elect of the Old Dominion. What his win will now do is begin the rollback of so many leftist entrenched agenda items that Virginia could very easily find itself moving back much closer to the more traditional values that previously were so representative of the Commonwealth in generations gone by.

Now I must personally mention that I was skeptical of Youngkin as the candidate at first. Coming from the Carlyle Group, I thought he might totally be in the pocket of big business which, as we have seen of late, is often counter to the needs of the majority of the citizenry. I was pleased to see, however, as his campaign unfolded, his style and content was one of blending the needs of all citizens into a powerful force impacting all of us positively. Contrast that to Terry McAuliffe, a man with no principles and blindly charting the course that the Democratic Party has turned into. Even so, McAuliffe had a large power base in Virginia and began with a hefty polling lead. Youngkin, however, refused to be discouraged and went to work eloquently explaining his positions which were much more in line with the average Virginian. He also supported and had the support of President Trump, yet he was not so tightly wedded to that camp that he couldn't distinguish himself as an independent thinker offering his own views. That, in turn, gave him the advantage of even gaining support from significant Democratic voters of the blue collar set who didn't like Trump even though they believe in many of the things he stood for. Youngkin could then gain their support and President Trump clearly understood that and gave Youngkin his unqualified support and with McAuliffe's foolish position on parents and schools, Youngkin was off to the races.

From the very beginning, Youngkin was upbeat and positive and he listened to the people. And when McAuliffe made the most stupid statement about parents having no business intervening in their children's education, the dye was cast. As we saw in Loudoun County, where Yougkin even campaigned in front of schools, he stood fast for the concept of traditional American education and the voters, the ones who counted, not the teacher's unions and the school boards, and the issue gained such overwheming positive support for Youngkin that even some cheating couldn't defeat him. The key to a Republican winning any election is turnout and in Virginia it is particularly noteworthy in Democratic areas. You see, when a Republican can have the impact of holding down the Democratic vote in places such as Arlington, Fairfax, Richmond and even Tidewater, the overwhelming votes they get in other areas of the state can't be overcome and he accomplished this by careful nurturing and coalition building. The result: Youngkin won with sufficiency to overcome any potential changes and he also brought in with him A Republican lieutenant governor (black, immigrant and woman) and a Hispanic male Attorney General. Furthermore, he now has a two vote majority in the General Assembly. He has effectively stopped the Democratic overthrow of constitutional governance in its tracks and watch Virginia move rapidly back to a more tradtional view of governance, honoring the long history of the Old Dominion.

Does anyone have any doubts why the tremblors which had been striking Monticello Mountain near Charlottesville have grown silent? Why, it's because with the return to traditional governance, Thomas Jefferson is no longer rolling over in his grave. Not only that, but it means the arrival at long last in Virginia of a giant Red Wave. Sorry, Dems, but if you think that is all I have news for you. The Wave is not limited to Virginia, but is ready to spread throughout the United States as the majority of Americans are at long last waking up. This Wave isn't so much about politics as it is about freedom from tyranny. Watch it grow and prosper in the months ahead. America has had enough.

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SUNDAY MORNING COMING DOWN: What if God Wasn't Home?

11/7/2021

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In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 2 Corinthians 4:4 (ESV)

We humans sometimes just really aren't very smart. After all, we have a loving God who created us, one who has given us tools to use in deciding what is right and wrong, and God even made us in His image to be living examples of what he wants us to do. Despite all that, however, we are still woefully inadequate to the task and we falter and fail because we often seek those seemingly wonderful things that, upon reflection are anything but wonderful. Why do we do this? Because we are mere mortals born into a sinful world who just can't help ourselves.

It's easy to find examples with situations that just almost naturally c0me about when individuals get tempted by what's around them and fall into a trap that seemed so perfect until they got there. They lack the discernment to see what they are really dealing with, instead taking the world of Satan who is an artist at convincing others to go ahead and do the things they shouldn't do. Take the thirty-something rising business executive who works long hours and is continually in the company of a beautiful young supporting worker many hours of the day. What seemed like innocent flirtation gravitates toward active sexual activity, potentially destroying both the man's family and career and also shames the young woman involved. Or the business executive who is so hell-bent on increasing the bottom line, that he cuts corners on production to reduce price, while making the product of such loss in quality that his career is also finished. And the list can go on and on, but the point is that God's tools include the Holy Spirit, the Bible, the fellowship of believers and even history and natural observation, yet when we get so consumed by the human side of things we also lose our perspective.

Now let's add in the situation regarding how God looks at these things. Well, we all know that He loves all of us even when we sin, but He certainly must feel grave concern when His people foolishly go for sinful things instead of following His guidance. So, in such situations, He often turns us loose to learn the hard way, but there's more. Remember, God has given Satan free reign on earth until the Second Coming, so Satan, a master of disguises, flits around looking for good targets, people who are putting their desires and ambitions ahead of their responsibility to God. The Wicked One develops an option to paint his works as goodness and not darkness and, voila, he captures another soul to show God that he (Satan) still can combat God effectively, although he knows that in the end, he will be no match for Jesus and it will result in his banishment to hell. He celebrates, however, every victim he gains to his mission for he knows each soul loss is upsetting to God, his enemy.

But what if instead of hanging in there for us and giving us every last opportunity He can, God decided He was just going to shut down His house and let things happen totally as they might if He were not around. Just imagine all the little unknown miracles that we take for granted today have all gone away. There's the little boy with leukemia, expected to die, yet when going for a treatment the cancer had mysteriously disappeared, and that was several years ago. Or my own sister and brother-in-law, sleeping soundly when a large pine crashed into the house. The odds on were that it would have hit the bedroom, yet it mysteriously landed on the garage just through the wall from their bed. No one knows what causes these changes, but I know it wasn't Satan. So, folks, let's face it. God is good. Yes, sometimes he let's us suffer for our sins, but in the end if we stick with Him we will find paradise, not gloom. What do you want? Sure darkness and death or an everlasting life so grand and beautiful that all of her inhabitants will be richer than the richest person who ever lived on earth. And I don't know about you, but I'm not planning on taking any chances. How about you? Just think it through prayerfully and carefully. We'll all know what to do.

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So, You Think Man Has All of the Power? NOT SO FAST!

11/3/2021

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There are signs everywhere of God's power and love. Just look!

As the world and even the United States sinks deeper into what I consider depravity, perhaps it is time to clearly state what we of faith think. We still have our faith, yet we are facing so many difficult and, frankly, unconstitutional actions that it is enough to make a weak man scream and cower. But that is the last thing that any of us should do, for the Lord who made us in His image has great works that He needs us to perform. This work takes courage and resolve, and days like these are when those attributes are needed more than ever, so I urge all of us to stand up and be strong, never fear what man can do to us when we have God at our side for Him omnipotent power will rescue us. Oh, it might not be in this world, but remember, our earthly life is just a blip on the screen of the lifeline of eternal life. So, quit your worry and get engaged, for we have a nation and a world to save and God will help us and reward us for those things that we do to honor Him in His name.

Think about it. Everyday God sends us signs to signal He is active and alive in our lives, yet so often we choose to either ignore them or just don't take the time to look and see for ourselves. Look at a morning sunrise or an evening sunset and notice how things always go right on schedule. After all, for God to have created a solar system than is so synchronized for thousands and thousands of years ago is truly amazing. It is much more important than any other mechanism to measure time in a day than man could ever contemplate.

Look at the physical signs often apparent in the sky above, like the beautiful picture from the high desert country of Arizona above appearing as if God is reaching down to us to offer a hand. Actually, that is just what that means. If this is not enough "proof " of his active existence, how about the workings of all the gifts he has given us. None can be more gracious than the very gift of life itself. The detail of how the process works, from conception to the development of a living and breathing being and its birth like clockwork in so many different ways. Human life is, of course, foremost since we are created in His image, but also look at the animal kingdom and even flowers and plants, trees and other living things that are so detailed and exacting that it is a miracle in itself, a miracle created by the Creator Himself.

There are many other things to consider that, of course, are not miracles and some of us might think they are the act of the Devil, like vicious storms and weather patterns. In looking at those, consider that they could be the work of the Devil, since God has allowed his free reign on the earth until the Second Coming of Christ, but sometimes we might look at them instead as exacting punishment provided by God to knock some sense into us and wake us up. Yes, God is a loving God but He also has great demands and expectations of us and when we operate in opposition to His wishes. He can sometimes exact heartache to get us back on track. Can you blame Him after what He and, of course, His only Son have done for us? There is no way that we can.

So, why is it so many of us have trouble coming to grips with the reality of God being a living reality, one who knows everything about us, including past, present and future. Well, in some cases it is because we haven't had any exposure to God. Think of all the children in today's modern culture who have never been told of Him, unlike the days of my youth when it was just generally expected we would go to Sunday school and church and experience who He is in our daily life. It was all about the way we were brought up in a two parent family, unlike today when our societal norms have so radically changed in so many ways.

But there is a bigger issue, at least in my opinion, which I think plays the leading role and while it has grown due to the new morays of today, it is still present within each of us if we don't control it. It is pride and focus on what we think is our self interest with our wants even more than our needs. For we mortals want and expect so many things today, some of which God knows we shouldn't have for our own good. Do we listen? Maybe yes, maybe no and maybe partially, for you see we try to justify ourselves based on what we want, not based upon God's edicts. That is because we are frail humans subject to so many shortfalls and if we fail to recognize them they can control us. The answer is to open ourselves to the Holy Spirit and let Him fill us with what we need in our hearts and not just what we want. Admittedly, that is sometimes very hard to do and, of course, old Satan is out there just waiting to step in when he sees an opening. So, let's just focus on what we need to do and the rest, with God's help, will come naturally. Let's try it for a while and see what happens. I think the result will be monumentally successful and we can then help others find their direction in the same way. When the faithful get focused and all work together, we can change the world for the better because of the power of God. He loves it when we live as He wants and he rewards us with success. Be blessed, my friends, and realize the power within us when we incorporate His will into our lives.