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SUNDAY MORNING COMING DOWN: A Truly Good and Honest Man

11/29/2020

Just like the sunshine, the faithful work of a truly good man brings glory too.

The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. - Luke 6:45 (ESV)

What is the difference between a really good man and a man who is evil? Well, from God's perspective, the good man has a heart that is open to God, hears what He tells him that is is right and wrong and through the use of his free will decides to opt for the good and his actions are adjudged to be worthy of God's love and grace. As for the opposite kind of man, the one who opts for his selfish personal desires without concern whether they are right or wrong is focused on all the wrong things, substituting his wishes and desires for those that are chosen by God. And I think it is worth pointing these out today since we see so many actions going on in the world around us that represent things that we know are not productive or good in the heavenly perspective. And it leads us as a people and society here in America to things that cause so much harm and acrimony in our lives. And we find that the advent of an almost purely secular lifestyle among so many in our midst results with evil fills the void by putting selfishness, greed and wants not needs at center stage. And many believe we are at the point where turning back is almost no longer in reach.

But every now and then we find a great leader rise to the occasion in his area of expertise. His heart is in tune with God and he knows how to follow His Way. He has had an excellent career, climbing to the pinnacle of success until he realizes there are things going on around him that clearly make no sense. So when he has the drive to find his way into a central position of advising the leader of the free world, he joins the leadership team only soon to find out that he has been set up, loses his position and faces serious charges even though he has done no wrong. Yet, in spite of it all, this good man remains true to his word, his family and his faith and he refuses to wilt under pressure of tyranny and now is a free man, once again able to speak up for himself and defend both his honor and the destiny of the land he so loves, and God smiles on him because of his faith and it gives him peace. That is the way things work in a Christian life for a very good man.

So, now some of you might know if whom I write and others may not, but this good man is Michael T. Flynn, retired Army Lieutenant General and a master of counterintelligence measures and evaluation. General Flynn would have been a great National Security Advisor had the Democrats and their Deep State compadres not been determined to remove him from office for they knew he had knowledge of all the things they were doing. He was unfairly charged, had to plead guilty to a process crime because he knew they were going to go after his son and, as a good father, he acted accordingly. He was financially ruined and even his family was threatened, yet he labored on and, in the end when even a rogue judge refused to accept the prosecutor's withdrawal of charges (something not authorized for a judge), the President gave him a full pardon and he is now free to speak the truth to power and he has already started doing so today.

So, why do I write a blog of faith on such a political issue? I do so because this issue shows one of the best examples of evil I have ever seen in my life and I highlight Michael Flynn as the epitome of the good Christian man discussed in the Bible passage for this morning. He is a devout believer, a good family man and a patriot and I know that God's body armor has been shielding him all the way along, and now at long last, he will finally begin to see the light at the end of his long tunnel and find everlasting peace. God bless you all, God bless Michael Flynn and God bless America which will stand free and true under God once again.

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THANKSGIVING 2020: The Importance of This Day

11/26/2020

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General Washington prays for success in the impending Battle of Trenton.

Today we celebrate Thanksgiving Day, a day which originated as a special day to thank God for the many gifts He gave us as Americans. Sadly, many of us today enjoy the great meal, the fellowship with family and friends and the pageantry of football games. But, and this is so often the case in an advanced secular society, we forget the central role that God has played in our nation's creation. I remember as a boy, one of the most important things we did on Thanksgiving morning was to attend a Thanksgiving morning worship of prayer and today that is so often out of vogue. Yet, when you read the words of George Washington, God is certainly the central point of what we must recognize today. And that is why the following words are so important on this day.

The Thanksgiving tradition is claimed as its starting point to be the Massachusetts Colony following a long and brutal winter with the grace of God. As a native Virginian, I instead celebrate its beginning with the Jamestown Colony, founded before Massachusetts and like her northern Colonial brethren, has a similar story about the land on the banks of the River James a number of years previous to the Massachusetts experience. but that isn’t really what’s important. Oh, both groups of settlers were aided by local Indians in surviving those early harsh winters, but they knew that the ultimate reason for their survival was due to the guidance of Divine Providence, God, from above. In the ensuing years as the colonies grew and prospered, their will for freedom from taxation without representation by the oppressive Crown led them to initiate the push for independence and a bloody war ensued. Again with the guiding hand of God, they survived against the preeminent military of the world at that time and gained independence, yet even then there were problems in formulating a government that would show the world that reasoned men and freedom could join together in the greatest experiment in self-governance in the world, the United States of America. It was with this in mind that the first President, George Washington, the Commander of the successful Continental Army against the British, penned and presented a Declaration of Thanksgiving with the approval of Congress as well. While the official national holiday didn’t become official until it was directed by President Abraham Lincoln, it became a tradition toward the end of the harvest season as a way of thanking God for the bounty he provided. Like the Declaration of Independence earlier, it made it clear that this new nation, this United States of America was a Nation of God and was always indebted to his love and grace for making this land possible. We should all read and ponder the following words of Washington, words which were eloquent and clear in their message. God bless the United States of America on this Thanksgiving Day and may she ever be free.

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

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The Season of Planes, Trains and Automobiles Begins in Earnest

11/25/2020

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I'm sure that most of you remember the funny 1987 hit "Planes, Trains and Automobiles" where the high-strung marketing executive (played by Steve Martin) and the annoying but lovable shower curtain ring salesman (John Candy) link up under strange circumstances as they both attempt to get to their destination for Thanksgiving under the most trying of circumstances. And I mention it this morning to exemplify the possible issues that holiday travelers face. With the added stress caused by the Corona virus, it creates many more issues yet the will to be with family is understandable. Frankly, I understand why people are traveling if they have none of the major contributing factors because a society can't close down and such major holidays are a part of being an American.

Now I know that all of us have had some horrible experiences traveling at this time. I've had them both by air and auto but not by train. Like my first year at the University of Arizona when I was set to come home for Christmas. I finished the final day of classes with a night class and didn't sleep for my flight via Chicago was scheduled for dawn. Well, I got to Chicago okay and then I found myself grounded for twenty-four hours by snow. By the time I got home I had been up for about forty hours and then wasted the first day sleeping. Then there was the time we were flying from Jacksonville to Norfolk to visit for Thanksgiving. There were special offers available and it was a last minute decision and we were ready to go. Arriving at the airport early, I found that the one change flight wasn't in Charlotte, but Detroit. And the flight up took about two more hours than expected, and since it was an early Thanksgiving Day flight, we almost missed the turkey dinner. And on the flight back, we were delayed in Detroit by snow, arriving home at 3 in the morning. And there have been many more from Army days and career moves but we have all had those.

So, I am glad at this stage of life I no longer have to travel for holidays. And I wish the best of travel mercies to all who are on their way. May God protect them and safely get them to their destinations safely and allow them to return home later, too. And if you are not traveling and have some time on your hands. Perhaps watching that very funny movie will make you glad you are where you are this year. Warm Thanksgiving wishes are offered to all of you.

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SUNDAY MORNING COMING DOWN: Has God Turned His Back on Us Today?

11/22/2020

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Sometimes we are our own worst enemy.

How many of you hear people in anguish today saying they just don't understand why God is allowing the things to happen in this world that just don't make sense? Such things as public beatings and abuse, complete refusal to accept long accepted practices and instead trying to turn our social and moral systems upside down and so much more are now commonplace. And yet, so many stay silent and never say a word about such things while questioning God's response to the world. Do we seriously think that there will be no response by God to such things? Do we also seriously think that we are just supposed to sit silent in fear and allow these things to overwhelm the world? Sadly, that seems to be just what we think. Well, apparently many of us do just that, so let's ponder this issue for a moment and see if we can come up with an answer that will be pleasing to God.

I think some of us forget this, but God, our Creator, created us in His image. And that means He expects us to live as He wants us to live. Now you might ask how do we know what that is? And the answer is that it comes from within your heart. For all of us have an innate quality built within us that guides us in that regard, yet experience, poor upbringing and a willingness to avoid the reality of God adds to it to the result that it is no longer prominent in our thinking for it has been relegated to the depths of memory. But even then, God has given us tools to use if we will just seek them out.

God realizes our weaknesses and lack of knowledge, yet He gave us the Bible which has only grown in popularity through the ages. And in that Bible in the Book of Exodus in the Old Testament we find the Ten Commandments. Nearly everyone knows of the Commandments, yet many have never paid attention. But for the unknowing, it is a goodly guide to how to live in society. The removal of it from prevalence today has played a large part in the degradation of our concept of what is right and good, and when we couple it with poor parenting and lack of faith therein, twenty-first century radical norms become the result.

Next He gave us Jesus Christ who died for our sins and in so doing has provided the opportunity to live forever eternally if we believe in Him and follow by faith alone. Yet, despite that greatest of gifts granted through his tragic death, so many of us just ignore it, unwilling to face the truth of how tragic the other option might be: Darkness forever.

When Jesus was realizing that His earthly life would end, and both He and the Father realized that all prior actions to convince His people of why they should believe were being denied by so many, He told his Disciples as he r prepared for Ascension to heaven that He would soon send them one more gift. Days later, the Holy Spirit arrived on earth to serve as guidance counselor to the faithful providing assistance to keep them on the heavenly path. Yet even that has sufficiently failed in such large numbers that today's society still scorns the Lord, preferring to opt for Satan to provide them earthly pleasures which lead to disaster. And quite frankly today, we see taking hold in our social systems. The behaviors exhibited by earthly residents and the loss of hope for life to be guided by goodness and light are so often generated by wickedness and darkness which only destroy

So, when we talk about why God lets our society get the way it is today, it's not God who is at fault. And while there are many good people who try to live life the right way on this earth, the loud and boisterous who gain the attention and drive the agenda for radical and godless change have successfully created the where we find ourselves today. So, we need to get involved, stand up and strongly proclaim who He is and what His impact is on us. And we need to acknowledge Him first in our lives and life like we mean it and that means by doing it. And when we do that, the evil one, Satan, doesn't like it for despite his atrocious behavior and actions, He is terrified of God since he knows of the power of God to remove forever Satan's influence by casting him into the lake of fire. And when we live like that and show God our intention, our troubles on earth will be cast away. Now isn't that a goal worth working for and isn't America worth returning to God? You bet it is and let's get ready to celebrate the joys of freedom, liberty and godly living again. And He wants to return it to us if only we listen and respond. Will we do it? What say you.

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One Thing Never Changes: The Clockwork of Nature

11/19/2020

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And suddenly, the clouds on a dreary morning were just whisked away.

One thing I don't think any of us can deny any longer is that life today is upside down. What is right is now considered wrong and wrong is considered right and now we can't even manage to conduct a national election without nonsense controlling the way we do. It has happened fast and many are worried and don't know what to do. And the answer is simple. Look to God the creator of us and our surroundings to ground us in what is real and true.

Think about it. The arrogance and self-assurance of today's mortal man (and woman) leads us to believe we have all the answers on our own and we later find out we don't. But our pride gets the better of us, and we move onward on our own and as often as not things either show no improvement, or they even get worse. But God, the One who created us, wants us to believe on faith and faith alone and has given us some tools to help us understand if we will just open our eyes and ears and watch and listen.

The principal tool He gives on earth is nature itself, for it follows time-honored patterns tied to God's time divided into four different seasons. And the exact timing of it is always variable to a small degree measured by a few days, but it never fails to come and go in a natural pattern which has existed since keeping time began. So, be it seasons, a storm, a freeze or so many other things that man thinks he can control, he can't. And once we realize that, we can use nature to help guide us while we also enjoy her simple, yet amazing pleasures like the picture above. It was part of a truly amazing, yet commonplace occurrence that we just don't take the time to enjoy.

Two mornings ago, when I awoke to a dark and gloomy day, I headed to the barn and I could feel the gloom in the dreary morn impacting my mind in a negative way. And it wasn't just me, but also the dogs, the barn cats and the horses as they also realized that the day to come would be without sunshine. And if you know domestic animals as I do, you know how much they love sunshine. So, to change my outlook, I threw myself into my barn chores and fed the horses and the other animals, cleaned things up and walked back outside to just enjoy the morning as the sun was now coming up. It was still very gray and ugly and I was beginning to think it was the plan of the day. But off in the distance in the western sky, there was a sign of better times to come. There was a thin strip of clear sky just above the horizon. I thought nothing more of it for a moment as I put a few things away in the storage building next to the house, then returned around front to go in for a bite to eat for breakfast. Looking one last time toward the western horizon, the gray and drab clouds were now moving fast toward the east to soon give way to beautiful, clear sky which would lead to sunshine on a warm day. By nine o'clock the clouds were gone and the memory of the gloom went away, too. And the horses nickered and the cats meowed and the guard dogs turned in for sleep after a long tour of duty as God's nature filled the air. And all the horses realized it, too, and they settled in the pasture secure knowing the weather would be fair. And God's warmth and light as brought by the sun filled their spirits, too.

So, folks, my message to you on this cool and comfortable Florida day, is to take time to see and pay attention to your surroundings. Appreciate them and think about what they tell you. For God gives us all the beauty of our habitat, just like He gives us life itself. And He wants us to love it, appreciate and enjoy it and use it in part to learn what His master plan is for each of us. Whatever it might be, if we open our hearts to find it and live it, in the end we will live with Him for all eternity. Enjoy this beautiful fall day and use it wisely to set your course for tomorrow and beyond on the road to everlasting life. For if you do, the wonder and the glory that you will see and the change in yourself will be such a mastery that you will wish you did so many years ago. Why? Simply put, because God loves you and me. Have a wonderful day.

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Backing Away from Facebook? It's the Right Thing to Do

11/15/2020

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Why are so many so easily accepting this.

Some of you who have routinely read my blogs over the years know that I have been remiss from writing them since last Sunday. I did so because I was troubled and was deciding what I wanted to do going forward. And the issue was, of course, the outrageous push by those of a tyrannical mind set to destroy our right to free speech, and with it help to crumble the nation that we love and for which so many sacrificed to create. Finally, yesterday, I decided to be done with Facebook (having previously left Twitter) and find a new home for my writing and source for like-minded or other open minded friends. Now it will likely cost me some book sales, and I will miss the great following I had, but it will be worth it and I know I can rebuild my network again. Nothing should be more important to us than the value of free speech for it allows us to worship our God openly while holding the key to all of the rights endowed to us by God. Without free speech, all other rights will fall away and America will crumble. And it shouldn't surprise us, since the entire politically correct speech movement was just the first stage of the effort. Whenever a society substitutes dogma for truth, bad things always follow.

But what specifically has brought me here in the early twilight years of my life is this. I have been very alarmed over time with the course that America seems to be taking and the vile and unjust treatment of President Donald Trump. For now we are at the breaking point. Nothing imagined by Orwell in his 1984 could outpoint where this thought manipulation and action process is headed and Trump is right now the only one working to hold the line.. We find ourselves on the precipice of what could rapidly become a vile totalitarian state which, once reached, will likely be the end of the magnificent experiment in self-government which has been these United States, a model to the world. Our President, who right now is in the midst of this most pitched political battle any of us has ever seen, has refused to give up in his quest for another four years. Over the past four years no President has ever faced such a vile onslaught of hate perpetrated by both the Leftists and even s0-called Conservatives who hate him because he dares to tackle their worship of whatever it takes to enrich themselves and stay in power as the the Deep State. Make no mistake about it, the entrenched bureaucracy, fat and always wanting more; the detestable swamp politicians who turned what was meant to be a citizen legislature into a career occupation; and the lobbyists who only care for what they want, not what is best for the country as they bribe the politicians to get what they want, all together want to destroy this man who has relentlessly pursued them. Donald Trump knows who they are and has worked hard against them and that is why they hate him so. They have used their positions to advance their personal fortunes while not only neglecting their duty, but also sent their constituents the bill for their corruption.

But I aim the blame most directly on the so-called media which was supposed to be the force to demand accountability and honesty to make sure the job of America is done. Instead, they have used their influence to join in the fray while we watch the nation fritter away. And then there is Facebook and so many other social sites designed for fun and freedom of speech, but now turned into an indoctrination force itself by joining those who wish to end the nation as we know. How, you say? By silencing bloggers and others like me who just want the truth. But you see, truth is the enemy of tyranny, and the tyrants want to amass all power and they also know that what they do is wrong. And that's why they silence us because they don't want to be bothered by truth. And it's why I no longer can sit by as they threaten me with their "jail time" and modify remarks. So, I just finally decided it was no longer worth it to me.

Now, I am not trying to tell anyone else what to do but I will say this. If you love this country, it is time to just say no which is what I am doing. If I sell my honor and my integrity and go silently into a world of abject hopelessness as tyranny always creates, I am no better than those who support such nonsense, and that I refuse to do. All I can ask is that others just look carefully around and make your own determination of what the Facebooks of the world really mean by the censorship they apply. If so, I think you will know what to do. God bless you and since today I missed my weekly special blog of faith in my Sunday Morning Coming Down series to write this post instead, you can look for it tomorrow. I hope you join me then.

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SUNDAY MORNING COMING DOWN: When Evil Reigns

11/8/2020

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Ultimately, Jesus wins the battle of Good versus Evil.

"All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants. ” - John 3:20-21 (NLT)

Some of you, my good readers, may have noticed that I haven't written any blogs this week. I have been pondering the events that recently took place and have been grappling with how the respond to them. But on this Sunday Morning Coming Down, I know that I must tackle things head on. Some of you may not agree and, of course, that is certainly your right, but I think it important to discuss it from a Biblical faith perspective, since God knows all and His Word has the answer to all things.

So, what is it we should think about what has just transpired here in America? Well, from my perspective, it is quite simply a pitched battle of Good versus Evil and one which is greater than any we have seen in our lifetime. Oh, America has faced many pitched battles before, war, prior internal division, and much more, but never so divided that general principles of science and nature, thousand of years of world history from a Biblical perspective, as well as right and wrong were juxtaposed to the degree we find in our land this day. It's as if right is wrong and wrong is right and Jesus told us this would come to pass. But, never before has our concept of morality been so attacked and our nation so dishonored and while evil appears to be winning, remember that in the end, evil never does. And it is up to believers to stand for the Good and Righteous things of God regardless of what we face. After all, isn't that what Jesus did for us? It's in tough times that we need to show our resolve, not just in easy times when it requires no real sacrifice.

I will not go into extensive examples except to say that never has our election system been so destroyed by those intent on changing all things by any means possible. Legal protections to keep our systems honest have been violated on a grand scale. Documents have been forged or even made up and so many of those trusted to safeguard the system have sold it out. Yes, evil has been abundant and Satan thinks he has won. But take solace in this. In the end, God always wins even if it is not on this earth. So, for all of us out there who recognize the evil that is underway, never be afraid to stand up for what you know to be true four our faith. Support the good not the evil and rest easy knowing that if you stand for Truth and allegiance to His Word, your reward will be granted. And if we do, in the end Goodness will be victorious over Evil. That is one thing we can all count on in God's realm. So, be not trouble, stand proud in God's full protective armor and celebrate Sunday. God bless you all.

America is the last great hope for the world. It always has been, so be willing to stand up for her Goodness and maintain your disdain for the Evil pushing so hard to oust our belief structure from our national stage. Do the right thing and stand for Honor and His Truth. And that, in a nutshell, is my commentary for this day. May God show His mercy on the United States of America and may she ever be free.

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SUNDAY MORNING COMING DOWN: The Consequences of Our Actions

11/1/2020

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Isn't your future worth a wait in line?

On this Sunday Morning Coming Down, I think it is important to look at how we live our lives and what that means to us. Sadly, many today think that we humans are so smart and creative that we can deal with all things independently and without help. But the one thing wrong with that statement is the fact that our world is very troubled and to make the right choices we also need the strength of God through the Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It is also true that when we fail to accept it as truth and we lack that strength, we often make bad choices and the world is evidence of so many choices. And, as a natural progression, bad choices lead to bad consequences.

I speak of this today since in only two days, we Americans go to the polls to elect a President for four years. And since so many of us have already voted early, the message today is principally for those who have waited to vote. It is important since how we vote determines to a large degree what our life will then look like and whether or not we will be free or under the yoke of Big Government, a blind and bloated entity which seems to seek to control every facet of our lives and will if we let it. So, in order to make the best choice possible consider these questions as a starting point, and then consider the true positions of each candidate, then confer with God to add His wise counsel to your decision. God won't tell you what to do directly, but He will guide you through you own thought to reach the right answer. Here are some of the questions you might ponder and, naturally, you might have many more to consider and feel free to expand to whatever degree you feel comfortable.

Here are some suggested questions:

What are the pros and cons of each candidate based upon what they have said and written in campaign releases, statements and platforms?

What does each say about the Divinity and importance, or lack thereof, for God being in our lives?

When does the life of a child begin and how do the candidates look at that issue?

What does each say regarding the God given freedoms enshrined in our Constitution? Do they accept the Constitution as written as the having the force of law or not?

How do they feel about the sovereignty of our nation and the rights of citizens?

What does that inner self (the Holy Spirit) tell us of these things as we consider them? This is really important, for it get right to the base of our heart and soul.

And there can be as many more as you choose to consider, for these are just designed to get the Spirit within you working.

Take all of these things with you to prayer and first praise God, then ask Him to lead you along the way by helping you discern what is right. He won't let you down.

Dear Lord, American is at a critical turning point right now, and the decision we as a people make as a nation will likely impact generation to come, perhaps even much longer, and I hope you will join me in prayer as I close.

Dear Lord, Thank you for your love and grace and for being here for us in spite or ourselves. And give us the discernment and strength we need to stand for you and your righteousness as we finish voting on Tuesday. Be with our nation and lead us back to you through the candidate that most closely relates to your Word and wishes for your children who are us. Amen.

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SUNDAY MORNING COMING DOWN: A Truly Good and Honest Man

THANKSGIVING 2020: The Importance of This Day

The Season of Planes, Trains and Automobiles Begins in Earnest

SUNDAY MORNING COMING DOWN: Has God Turned His Back on Us Today?

One Thing Never Changes: The Clockwork of Nature

Backing Away from Facebook? It's the Right Thing to Do

SUNDAY MORNING COMING DOWN: When Evil Reigns

SUNDAY MORNING COMING DOWN: The Consequences of Our Actions

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