Category: Real Stuff

 

“In reality there is perhaps not one of our natural passions so hard to subdue as pride. Disguise it, struggle with it, beat it down, stifle, mortify it as much as one pleases, it is still alive, and will now and then peek out and show itself,” Benjamin Franklin.

So what’s the answer to Franklin’s analogy and what we all know and have experienced? Pride is a matter of attitude whether victim or perpetrator. If being victimized, the greater the distance between oneself and the perpetrator the better. It’s a behavior that has no outward remedy.

Pride, its destructive forces have plagued and ruined individuals, torn apart the best of friends, splintered families into nothingness.

If one is the perpetrator, eventually this will occur. Prideful attitudes of superiority have a way of alienating one. Which is the opposite of what is desired.

And, perpetrators have the following guarantee. “The pride of your heart has deceived you. You who dwell in the cliffs of the rock, whose habitation is high; you shall say in your heart, who will bring me down to the ground? Though you ascend as high as the eagle, and though you set your nest among the stars, from there, I will bring you down,” says the LORD. See Obadiah 1:3-4.

And for the victimized, also know this, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, then to divide the spoil with the proud. He who heeds the word wisely will find good, and whoever trusts in the LORD, happy are they.” See Proverbs 16:18-20.

 

Our need for sustainability is because it’s required that we mortal beings bless the LORD. See Psalms 103:1-5. Acknowledging His greatness as a independent sovereign being of incomprehensible honor and majesty to the human experience. Whose being must be seen as a sovereign clothed as light. Allowing mortals to see Him as a curtain stretched out like a curtain through out the heavens. It’s what makes star gazing so fascinating.

Making the stages of the Sun and Moon an intriguing curiosity because of their artistic maneuvering. Begging to be recognized by we mortals, as He dazzles us with their charms upon the water and through out the skies. A God who uses the wind, as His wings, as He globe travels. Using angelic beings as observable spirits seen as ministering flames of fire.

He did all that because He also laid the foundation of the earth, as a testimony that mortal insanity will never destroy the earth. With His majestic creation He embedded the earth with deep caverns holding the worlds waters, as His servants. Who at His pleasure the deep caverns of water stood above the mountains. And, yet at Your rebuke like the sound of thunder they fled their heights to their natural cavern containment’s. The great water ways of the world You have set for them boundaries that they must obey. Only with Your permission can they step outside of their habitats. From the mighty oceans to the twisting rivers and gentle springs all which nourish plant life and give quenching drink to other life forms.

It is said that the birds of heavens make their homes from these majestic water ways. All done by our Creator to serve the various needs of His creation. Serving a three fold purpose of a happiness, a sense of satisfaction and endurance.

He created trees as a place of residence for His birds all enjoying a particular type of tree called a nest. The same is so His four legged creatures. All governed by the moon, the sun and darkness as to how they govern their lives. They are hunters by night when man sleeps. When the sun brings forth its light, the pride of His creation man begins his labor until the cycle repeats itself.

O LORD, how manifold are your works! In wisdom You made them all. The earth is full of your possessions. This great and wide sea in which are innumerable teeming things, living things both small and great.

There are ships all about; there is that Leviathan which You have made to play there. Leviathan of apocalyptic lure alleged to be a monster of the sea and land. Perhaps Satan himself. Employing his monstrous traits upon Job. So Satan said to God, “Skin for skin! Yes all that a man has he will give for his life. So Satan went from the presence of the LORD, and struck Job with painful boils from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head. See Job 2: 6-7.

The land that we dwell upon and the seas we sail are endangered by Leviathans. Alleged by many from Leviathan’s conversation with Jesus. See Mark 5:6-9.

Portions of discussion derived from Psalms 104:1-26.

When some one says to you, “Ask anything of me and I will do it.” That’s a promise, and to protect ones credibility the pledge must be kept. It was Jesus, who made that declaration. Causing much disillusionment, when sincere Christians prayed such prayers that fell on deaf ears. While some stuck around, but bundled up with tons of doubt concerning their faith. With some disassociating themselves from Christ altogether. With few available to provide an explanation.

This padre has an explanation which hopefully will rekindle the interest of many to serve and act for Jesus. Do yourself a favor, and don’t get sucked backed into church orthodoxy.

Several discussion on the subject have been posted preveously. Like the one titled, “What Manner Of People Should We Be,” 12 April 18. Hopefully, this discussion will be an additional building block for greater Christ awareness. Hope you’ll buggy up and buckle in for perhaps a journey of a lifetime.

Your Bible is a an interesting and fascinating book. Giving the reader rich nuggets of truth to live by. For some that’s all they want, and it’s okay. But for others, they want a historical time line that addresses their curiosity about world events and how they change. With any possible impact upon their own destiny.

But with as many as 40 different authors making contributions to those books over more than a thousand years. Causing controversies and disputes among theologians and historians.

But it all got straightened out by one of the great artist of that transformation, and it was the Apostle Paul. Spend as much time as you can spare reading and studying his divinely inspired literature. And you’ll walk away Spirit filled and useful to Jesus. It’s a promise!

Here’s an example, Jesus said, “If you ask any thing in My name, I will do it.” See John 14:14. That all inclusiveness of His declaration is irrelevant today!
Doubt it? Then put it to the test. Here’s why it’ll fail. It was applicable only to the Jews, who were still being governed by Old Testament law.

The four gospels are a continuation of the Old Testament law. Jesus came to fulfill a long standing promise. Of the arrival of the Jewish Messiah, who would also establish His promised kingdom on this earth. Long story made short the Jews rejected Him and thus the kingdom has been postponed.

With the crucifixion of Jesus and His resurrection a new era moved across the planet. In the providence of time God attack a Jew hating prosecutor. Telling him, “Game change for you.” “You’ll going to become my voice to the Gentile world, and you will experience severe hardships as My voice. ” See Acts 9:1-15.

This Padre is available to teach such subject matters in the comfort of someones home or any other comfortable location. Like a library.

Tomorrow the prayer tonic that works

I recently submitted a building permit application for a new house.

It was going to be 100 ft. tall and 400 ft. wide. With nine gun turrets at various heights and windows all over the place and a loud outside entertainment sound system. It would have had parking for 200 cars and I was going to paint it snot green with pink trim.

The City Council told me to forget it.

So, I sent the application in again, but this time I called it a Mosque.

Work starts Monday. (source unknown)

Maybe the source penned it hoping to stimulate some curiosity about what goes on in side those military compounds Muslims call mosques?

No doubt a lot of the following which comes from their war manual that they refer to as the Qur’an. From the Qur’an, book 61-Solid Lines, verses 10-12, “You who believe, shall I show you a bargain? Have faith in God and his Messenger and struggle for his cause with your possessions and your persons-that is better for you, if you only new-and He will forgive your sins, admit you into the Gardens graced with flowing streams, into pleasant dwellings in the Gardens of Eternity. That is the supreme triumph.”

Qur’an, book 52-The Mountain verses 17-21, “Those of you who were mindful of God are in Gardens and in bliss, rejoicing in their Lord’s gifts. He has saved them from the torment of the blaze. Eat drink with healthy enjoyment as a reward for what you have done. They are comfortably seated on couches  arranged in rows. We pair them with beautiful-eyed maidens. We unite the believers with their off spring who followed them in faith.”

Right from their war manual permission to Islamicize America by whatever means necessary, including the weapon of the suicide bomber. Not an American experience, yet, but no doubt, such an attack will occur. And why not, after all Muslim, Major Nidal Malik Hasan, who mercilessly gunned downed American soldiers at Fort Hood. While addressing a military court, he said, without any remorse, as he confessed to killing and wounding many American soldiers. He said it was all about orders of being deployed to Afghanistan. Declaring that he couldn’t stand the thought of Muslims being killed by Americans.

Tautologically Islam and Nazi are interchangeable expressions for extreme racist and authoritarian views. The world found no place Nazism, and so Nazis were exterminated. And so it must with those, who practice Islam.

What should be Christendoms reaction to this very real Islamic threat? From the prophet Moses arrives this ancient prophesy that has haunted civilization for centuries. NOTE: “And he (Ishmael father of Islam) will be a wild man; his hand will be against everyman, and every man’s hand against him (in self defense) and he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren (as a global nuisance and killer),” Genesis 16:12.

Nobody understood the danger of Muslims in Christendoms communities than the apostle Paul. Who gave us this advice, “Nevertheless, what says the scriptures? Cast out the bondwoman (Hagar mother of Ishmael) and he son (Ishmael father of Islam); for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son (Isaac) of the freewoman (Sarah),” Galatians 4:30.

There you have it, easy to read and understand what the Middle East conflict is about. And why! Muslims must be driven out of America. Governments are spending trillions to contain Islamic wildness. Some governments, in including the United States are willing to make compromising concessions in order to accommodate Islam, hoping for less violence. It will never happen!! No matter how great the effort!! It’s just going to cost more lives and money!!

If you want to understand world events, you have to understand your Bible. Briefly, here is why there will never be global peace between Islam and the rest of the world. God promised Abraham that Isaac would become heir to the worlds most comprehensive contract ever made between God and man. A contract that eventually would include the birth of Christ. And God’s kingdom on earth through Jesus Christ.

The Islamic struggle is to kill off the Jews and Christians. Replacing them with Ishmael as the heir to the Abrahamic covenant handed to Isaac. Then Muslims think they will be able to establish peace on earth.

One last thought, woman never get enough credit for their contributions as being an integral part of God’s plan for our earth. So note: “And I will bless her (Sarah Paul’s freewoman), will give her a son (Isaac Abraham’s heir), and she shall be the mother of nations; kings of people shall be of her,” Genesis 17:15-16.

Hello America! Your true birthright came through Abraham. A lot taught and even more left untaught, so want to understand what was left to be learned? And thus understand your world through your Bible and the Muslim Qur’an? Begin an in depth study of the aforementioned biblical scriptures. And familiarize yourself Islam’s global goals for world domination right from their Qur’an.

And by the way, part of what you’ll learn, will be the secret for Islamic eradication. But I must say, all this is for those who are desperate to learn and act. Remember there is a profound difference between try and do, according to Yoda.

Did someone say, Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton are Christians? They must have gotten into the Garden of Eden through their connections. Darn it, Lucifer, cut the planet some slack. And then, right there Trump and Clinton consumed to much of that forbidden fruit. That must be the answer because the world knows they are both delusional. After all President Obama used his satanic connections to grab a home in the Peoples House. And he did the the same again thing 2012. That Lucifer, guy must be powerful, or the opium from that forbidden fruit must be transferable. For sure, neither Trump or Clinton can pull off a successful presidential run by themselves.

After all, Lucifer has boldly said that his party would retain control of the Peoples House and a whole lot more, note Isaiah 14:13-14. But like all presidents, who can’t name Jesus as their Savior a Trump or Clinton presidency would be doomed, Isaiah 14:15-16.

What we need is a miracle. And a miracle is defined as an occurrence outside of natural laws. Who unexpectedly boldly announces the name of Jesus Christ as his or her Savior. And then is elected president, which would serve as a rebuttal to Lucifer’s announcement. After all, Lucifer has been the predominate influence in Washington long enough.

Thought the country belonged to We the People? We need to do a better job in determining who the candidates are going to be. Because as of now, We the People have no choice in determining the candidates to choose from. That is because we have left that process to a select group of elitist. The rich and powerful. Who determine the presidential candidates for both parties. But the unusual happens, as it did this year, and when it does attribute it to divine intervention.

Often wonder, if the universe can be changed as a result of people being who they are. Well, Karl said, “Give me 26 keys and I’ll change the world.” There are 26 keys on a piano with each being is symbolic of a person. Could 26 people really change the world? Sure! Because it has already been done more than once. Most significantly by a guy named Jesus, who surrounded himself with 12, not so perfect people. And from that group came the birth of the church.

Strange what a little opium will do to a guy’s mind. Didn’t think those organic coffee beans were that strong. Or, does the global sphere have that opium effect? Maybe that is why our government works so hard to keep power in the hands of the nations elite. After all, that’s  why America is an imperial nation and not a democracy.

Some think that if we get angry, as we are, and scream and demand political and governmental reform. Change will occur, and if the imperialist refuse. We could scream louder then change will occur. It will not! Because, the system is set up to perpetuate itself. This thing called democracy is a fraud. Because, it lacks the controlling power of We the People. Our founding fathers saw We the People as Christ centered stewards serving the interest of divine intervention. And, that is the secret to changing our world.

Then sings my soul, My Savior God to Thee,
How Great Thou art, How Great Thou art!

When through the woods, and forest glades I wander,
And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees.
When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur
And see the brook, and feel the gentle breeze.

Then sings my soul, My Savior God to Thee,
How Great Thou art, How Great Thou Art!

Recalling that Stuart Gustaf Boberg, trapped by a deadly thunder storm that almost claimed his life. Upon its soon passing, seeing the luminous reflection upon the bay from the high hills of Sweden penned a poem reflecting the second stanza of what would become the hymn, How Great Thou Art.” Boberg, no doubt deeply touched by the severe thunder storm, and his near death experience. Appreciating God’s creativeness is one way we connect ourselves with the very Spirit of God. Allowing for what many seek which is to experience God’s creative beauty from a rare perspective.

This padre attempting to somehow connect with Boberg’s cumulative experience of that day. Has drifted to scriptural accounts from the book of Genesis. God’s own account of how everything came to be then and today. With of course, with one big exception; manifested by the degree, that we humans have desecrated the very work of God Almighty. Merciful God shed your mercies upon us; your inhabitants, by stirring us to action to save the planet. Capture the beauty of the following and attempt to connect it with first two stanza’s and the chorus. “The earth was without form and void … And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters, Genesis 1:1. That very spirit of God dwells in you and me. From 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, comes these words, “What?” “Know you not that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have of God. For you were bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit which are God’s. And if we Christians took more seriously those words. The state of our health would be better and God’s earth would not be in such a pitiful state of environmental desecration.

Returning to our creative process with the spirit of God moving upon the face of our earth. Which ended, with what God called the first day, Genesis 1:5. The second day resulted in God creating heaven and establishing day and night, Genesis 1:6-8. During the third day God separate the waters into two more spheres (once there was three but now two because heaven was created). Creating dryness and waters , calling the dryness earth and the waters seas. God determined what he had created so far to be good, verse 10. With God creating specific functions for our earth, Genesis 1:9-12. Which gives every Christian a right to be tough environmentalist advocates. Safe guarding the very creative process God gave us for survival! Our loyalty should not be to the government, federal or state, because they represent the desecration of God’s earth. Instead our loyalty should be to the coming Kingdom of God because God created this place He called earth for our enjoyment and survival. And it’s where, we will abide and reign with Him. Thus we are stewards of His property.

During the fourth day God created the calendars for times using His created luminaries as guide posts, Genesis 1:14-19.

During the fifth day God created the creatures of the seas and the birds of the earth, Genesis 1:20-23.

During the sixth day God created the various and sundry life form on earth, and He saw that what He had created was very good, Genesis 1:24-25.

Continuing with the sixth day, God created His most prized creation man and woman. Created He, them, in His very image and likeness. Giving these special life forms specific responsibilities. And God saw that everything He had made, and behold it was very good, Genesis 1:26-31!!!

“And on the seventh day God ended His work which he had made; and He rested on the seventh day, and sanctified it because in it He had rested from all His work which God created and made,” Genesis 2:2. A topic that needs to be explored because rest rejuvenates the body. Rejuvenation of the body eliminates killer diseases.

Perhaps from Borberg’s inner being to this padre’s inner thoughts attempting to connect thought patterns which led to the creation of the hymn, “How Great Thou Art.”

To the majesty of a happy soul which sings,
“Then sings my soul, My Savior God to Thee,
How Great Thou art, How great thou art.”

Because: “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof; the world and they who dwell therein,” Psalms 24:1. In song and verse the majesty of Almighty God.

Almost anywhere through out the country, anyone may get cornered by religious zealots, peddling some religious scheme. Some try to sell the notion that people need to be “born again” in order to escape the eternal fires of hell. Pure and simple, it’s a scare tactic employed by certain religions to add numbers to their membership rolls. Suggesting that the larger the numbers the more powerful the church for Jesus. When in reality, it is a ploy for some (not all) clergy to demand bigger salaries and fringe benefits.

Plus it’s a very profitable financial business for many religions. In that no one knows the future it’s an easy sell. After all, why not be safe than sorry when it comes to the eternal unknown. It works because all one has to do is to travel the highways of America and strings of churches can be found. God seems to be speaking in so many voices that it’s difficult to separate the truth from the fiction.

When these religions, are finished with their fire and brim storm torching of the community, and the ashes have settled. What remains is pure fiction at its very best. With church treasuries over flowing with profits. But with very little Christ like change being evident any where in the community. Making the church a castle of hypocrisy, and the victims of Revelation 3:14-17, and most likely both, “… these things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God. I Know your works, that you are neither cold or hot; I would prefer that you were either cold or hot. So then because you are lukewarm, neither cold or hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. Because you say, I am rich, and increased in goods, and have need of nothing. Do you not know that you are wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.”

The book of Revelation pictures seven conditions of the church. With the above depiction resembling the most tragic of them all. It is difficult to picture the church sinking to a more dismal state. And if so, we are talking about our modern 21 century church. Then you know why so little is accomplished for Christ today. Despite the magnificence of certain church edifices.

This padre most certainly believes in the transformation power of Jesus Christ. Yes, it begins with being born again. It is of central importance for any Christ centered operation. But it has a secondary application which is just as important. Peter serves as an example of what it means to be born again. It’s the setting aside of ones own priorities and taking upon ones self the mission of Christ. To take upon the purpose of Christ does not require the abandonment of a career. Peter most likely remained a fisherman. He fished in order to live and meet his obligations. It’s just his main priority became the cause of Christ. That is a significant part of what being born again means for everyone who embraces Christ, as Lord and Savior. Despite the condition of the church today. It is never to late to emulate Peter and His Christ; our Christ. God’s prescription for service in His cause is found in Revelation 3:19, “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten; be zealous, therefore, and repent.” Then move on offering the world our Christ solution, with zeal.

Perhaps in another discussion, I’ll discuss the meaning of what it means to embrace Christ. A later discussion may occur concerning Christ as Lord and Savior. These are complex spiritual, metaphysical and intellectual discussions

The mission of Christ was to provide common services for the people in His community. Readers might want to read the book of Mark. Because, it is the shortest of the four gospels. By reading Mark, you’ll get a feeling for what Christ did during his lifetime. A brief summary of His ministry is that Christ saw to the common ordinary needs of the people. This summary also finds Christ at opposition with the religious and civil authorities of His day. The people admired Jesus. They thought he might be the Messiah who would deliver them from the bonds of religious and civil oppression. Christ was found to be a criminal by the religious leaders of His community. The civil authorities feared him. They feared that He might over throw the government and establish Himself as Emperor. In the end the religious and civil authorities conspired against Christ. He was eventually sentenced to death and executed.

That summary of the Christ mission is in stark contrast to the Christian movement today. For example, our national government today considers itself unofficially to be a Christian state. Then we have a very powerful group of evangelical christian fundamentalists promoting a union between protestant Christianity and the national government.

After a brief contrast between the Christ mission pictured in the book of Mark. And a careful reading of his gospel, the reader might be left in a state of horror. Because a relationship between church and state will lead to religious and civil oppression of the people by these two evil conglomerates. Neither has ever provided for the needs of the people. Of course exceptions exist, but not enough to make a difference in the current trend of religious and civil oppression by church and state.

What this nation needs is a of band of Christian revolutionaries. Willing to take upon themselves the mission and purpose of Christ. The recruiting offices are open, so sign up! And maybe God will privilege you to die for him, as He did for His son.

When out of nowhere, God gives his church two wings, as of a great eagle. So that she might fly into the wilderness, and find her place of nurture. Which is her’s for awhile, and it’s secure from the presence of that awful masquerading shape shifting Serpent. (Scriptural text:Revelation 12:14).

Metaphors and symbols the language of God. Giving us insights in our battles against the underworlds masquerading shape shifting dragons, serpents, devils multiple emissaries of Satan. Who in the end will become the idols of world governments, as they express themselves through prime ministers, chancellors, presidents, kings and queens and fake religious leaders. And the worlds people got on the band wagon, and John privileged by God warned, Wow! Unto the inhabitants of the earth!

Most shake off such ancient advice, as nonsense. But the few, who don’t, will be glad in the long run that they did not. It’s the short run that will in the long run make the difference. Much to say about that later. These little diversions occur when inspiration nudges me with subject matter for future discussions. Between the now and then, thought and research will determine their manifestations.

For now, we turn our attention to the metaphoric symbolism for the church in the wilderness. Described as a great two winged eagle, and when, she emerges, she’ll have the skills of forceful, fearless unmatched creature of the skies. A creature of intelligence, speed, strength, endurance and long life. Traits befitting a church engaged in multiple battles, including demonic possession. Wow wrote John, as the underworlds wars to humiliate God. Moving on to destroy his church, his body of believers.

Naturalist have tagged the great eagle as a magnificent creature with a body length of about 109 centimeters or about three feet. Its wing span is about 3.1 meters which equals a span of more than ten feet. Picturesque of the awesomeness of God’s mature believers. The question, as always, what will this present generation do with such awesomeness?

The eagle is known for its extraordinary eyesight with the capability of being able to see it’s prey at a distance of fifty miles. Traveling at incredible speeds of 120-170 kilometers an hour or 75-99 miles per hour. It swoops and snatches its prey with its curved talons. Some as big, as goats. Then using its intelligence it soars to heights dropping its prey to its death.

Will the church come together combining her eagle like skills and kill metaphorically those who would kill God’s church. Meaning his people, said to be his body, flesh and bones, at Ephesians 5:30. They kill us in many ways one of which is to say belief in the world of zombies or demons in the form of dragons, serpents, devils is the folk lore of superstition. They are wrong! And  America, and the world is less inhabitable and dangerous because of their ignorance.

Naturalist who study this species have discovered that they engage only in monogamous relationships. And God requires nothing less from his church. Paul wrote, endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that wars entangles himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him, who has chosen him to be a soldier. (Scriptural texts:2 Timothy 2:3-4). Wars are being fought on more fronts than those with the underworld of masquerading shape shifting dragons, serpents and devils. Pick your war and be faithful in battle.

One naturalist put it this way. “They are symbols of power, bravery, courage, honor, pride determination and freedom. Their transcendence as high soaring eagles are believed by some cultures to touch the face of God.” All biblical attributes of what the church should be.

Naturalist say that the eagle is fearless and determined. “While other birds flee storms with fear, not the great eagle. It spreads its mighty wings and uses the wind to soar to greater heights.” Dr. Myles Munroe reported that, “Eagles can fly up to an attitude of 10,000 feet, but they are able to swiftly land on the ground. No other bird can do that,” said Dr. Munroe. The great eagle, according to Dr. Munroe doesn’t mingle with pigeons. “Pigeons scavenge on the ground and grumble and complain all day long.” Concluding, “Eagles do not behave that way. They fly, and make less noise waiting for opportunities to strike their next prey or glide with the current of the storm.

Another group of symbolic metaphors easily tied to our scriptures. It is said in the Psalms, “He restores my soul; he leads me in the paths of righteousness for his names sake. Yes, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death. I will fear no evil; for you are with me, your rod and your staff comfort me. “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over.” (Scriptural texts:Psalms 23:3-5.

And we like the great eagle should leave the scavenging to the pigeons of our world, who are dirty, and make ungodly noises and tend to business. Done this way, For you were bought with a price; glorify God in your body and spirit which are God’s. (Scriptural text:1 Corinthians 6:20; and, “Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?” (Scriptural text:2 Corinthians 6:14).

Time comes and goes and a new generation must be trained. So here is another lesson from our great eagle. Naturalist researchers say that no member of the bird family is more vicious than the great eagle. But when it comes to family, they are gentle, and attentive to their young. They report that when the mother eagle sees that time has come for her to teach the eaglets to fly. She gathers an eaglet onto her back, and spreading her wings, flies high. Suddenly! She swoops up and the eaglet falls. As it falls, it gradually learns what its wings are for. Then mother catches the tumbling eaglet again and again. With the process being repeated, until success is achieved. Or disasters strikes, and the eaglet tumbles to its death.

The church should provide her children with the same loving forbearance. Because we have these instructions, “Train up a child in the way he should go. And when he is old, he will not depart from it.” (Scriptural text:Proverbs 22:6). Because, “This a faithful saying, for if we died with him, we shall live with him. If we endure, we shall reign with him. If we deny him, he also will deny us. If we are faithless he remains faithful; he can not deny himself. Remind them of these things, charging them before the Lord not to strive about words of no profit, to the ruin of the hearers. Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (Scriptural texts:2 Timothy 2:11-15).

Then the next generation will be ready to fly. And maybe some will be dragon, or zombie slayers.

And if that doesn’t suit their taste, well there are other underworld figures masquerading as dragons, serpents, and devils. All more visible top side to the naked eye, who are just as bad and need to be swooped up and left as slop for the surviving pigeons.

And finally, for our great eagle, they discover that age isn’t their friend. But we are told by the naturalist that they don’t like that state, so they remake themselves. By the time the great eagle reaches thirty their physical condition deteriorates making it hard for them to survive.

So, our great eagle retreats to a mountaintop. Where he goes through a metamorphosis taking about five months. The eagle knocks of its own beak by banging it against a rock. It plucks out its talons and then its feathers. Amazingly, each stage produces a regrowth of the removed body parts. Which allows the eagle to live for another thirty to forty years.

Here’s the churches mountaintop for metamorphosis. Blessed is the man who walks not in the council of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of the sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in his law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the river of water, that brings its fruit its season, whose leaf shall not wither; and whatsoever he does shall prosper. (Scriptural texts:Psalms 1:1-3).

Revelation 12:14, is a very strategic verse for the church picturesquely, as the great eagle, as she experiences her wilderness flight. For her own sake, she is sheltered from the serpent; but for a short time. This discussion shared her attributes metaphorically and developed while in seclusion. Tomorrow we’ll discover why. Which by the way, is the result of a nudge mentioned in paragraph three. I just didn’t expect it to be so soon. Sometimes it taken years for such nudges to materialize.

Once there was this guy, who had a very strange notion, at least by today’s opinions. Here’s some stuff about a governor, who saw America through a lens that seemed to resonate with people. Today such a notion might seem rather repulsive to a vast number of people. Seasons change and so do the times. To each their own, and their own each shall get.

Our guy governed a colony for twelve years which would later become the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Though his lens he envisioned this for his colony, and eventually America saw it as their destiny. His name John Winthrop. “We must consider that we shall be a city on a hill (hill a reference to these words, “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden,” Matthew 5:14). The eyes of all people are upon us, a reference to Matthew 5:15, “Neither do men light a lamp, and put it under a bushel, but on a lamp stand, and it gives light unto all that are in the house. So that if we deal falsely with our God in His work that we have undertaken that causes Him to withdraw His present help from us. We shall be made a story and a byword through the world.” “A byword through the world,” another reference to our sacred scriptures, this time from Deuteronomy 28:37, “And though shalt become an astonishment, a proverb, and a byword among the nations to which the LORD shall lead you.”

Yep! The seasons change and so do the times. Indeed! 2 each their own and their own each shall get. America, America, are you becoming Winthrop’s nightmare?

There was this guy, who made a living by beating up on Christians. It was a state job and he loved the job. Because not only could he beat up Christians, he could torture them and even kill them. For this guy, this was the perfect job. At this particular time in his life, he was gloating with enormous pride. Because he had just murdered one of those Christian loud mouths. We have this historical account preserved for us in the Acts of the Church. And they stoned Stephen, as he prayed, Lord Jesus receive my spirit, Book 7:59.

The record of this champion of mayhem and murder of Christians. Making it official that he was responsible for the murder of Stephen. And the havoc inflicted upon other people, who called themselves Christ followers. As Saul, was consenting unto his death. At the same time there was great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem. Fearing for their safety they scattered themselves through out the regions of Judea and Samaria. Except for the apostles, who stood their ground for Jesus, Book 8:1.

Today Judea and Samaria are part of the Arab/Muslim occupied lands of the West Bank. Which need to be liberated from their control, and returned to Israel. Palestinians are where they don’t belong. Lands that contain the history of the split, and sacred blood of Jews and Christians. And Christians should be enraged by their presence because Jesus will some day reign from that region of the world.

But for now, time to return to the shenanigans of Saul. Because, he wasn’t content with successes against the church. He wanted more, for he made havoc of the church, entering into every home. Arresting men and women and sending them to prison, Book 8:3. Could that ever happen in America?

Being a person with a feared reputation, he became more angrier at the apostles because they showed no fear. Even though he continuously breathed rage against them. Threatening to slaughter these brave disciples of the Lord. But to no avail, they remained firm in their faith. So obviously, stronger measures were needed. So he approached the high priest. Asking for permission to enter the synagogues with authority to arrest Christian men and women. Returning them hand cuffed to Jerusalem. Where they would meet the same death, as did Stephen, Book 9:1-2.

With permission granted, he proudly and with confidence knew that an end of this Christ nonsense was about to end. But while on his way, a rare phenomenon occurred. Suddenly there appeared a light that circled him from heaven. Causing him to fall to the ground and a voice said to him.  “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” Stunned no doubt, Saul asked, “Who are you Lord?” And the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you persecute.” Trembling, and astonished Saul asked, “Lord what will you have me do?” And the Lord said, “Arise and go into the city, and it shall be told to you, what you must do,” Book 9:3-6.

His compatriots hearing a voice and seeing nothing. But Saul rising from the ground and upon opening his eyes realized that he had been blinded. So he was brought to the city, and was there for three days, as a blind man.

And in a vision a disciple was told to go to Saul. But this disciple hearing his instruction became fearful because he knew the reputation of Saul. But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel unto Me. He is to bear my name  before the Gentiles, and kings and to the children of Israel. And I will show him what things he must suffer for my names sake,” Book 9:7-16.

And the disciple Ananias did, as he was told. Laying his hands on Saul so that Saul received his sight, and he was filled with the Holy Spirit. And a new life was launched, as Saul preached that Christ is the Son of God, Book 9:10-20.

And from those very same sacred historical scriptures, the man, who made hate work. Would himself become the man hated, Book 9:21-23.

Old Scourge of Christmas wears many faces, all year long. All of them with an ugly smirk on their faces. Signaling that there’s nothing real about the season. And seemingly, most American’s walk stiff legged and locked stepped to the beat of their denials.

A very long time ago an old man, named Jacob, gathered his sons together. And said boys, I’m going to tell you a Christmas Carol, yet to come. Only he put it this way, “Gather yourselves together, that I may tell you that which shall happen to you in the last days,” Genesis 49:1. But they only had smiles on their faces because they learned that they would walk to the beat of many drummer boys. Who offered freedom, individuality, wealth and invincibility.

Who were these drummer boys? There were thousands of them, who marched across the centuries of history. Fighting battles that destroyed their scourges. Capturing lands and becoming free, independent, wealthy, and an invincible people. But despite having the best of all worlds, they found ways to anger their God. Despite being told repeatedly what would happen, if they didn’t mend their ways, only He called it repentance. Also telling them that failure to heed such admonishments, would usher in severe consequences. And it all happened, as promised, until all was gone. As all know, who are familiar with the Old Testament.

But there was always some, who feared God’s judgments and pleaded for another chance. And so God, allowed these people to repeatedly start over.

Until a baby was born in a manger because there was no room for him, and his mother in any of the hotels, Luke 2:7. Perhaps as a symbol of what would occur because of the birth of Jesus. As an old story retold, with all the benefits of the past and with its consequences applicable today.

They say there is nothing worse than the fury of a woman. And Mary, who had been told by one of God’s ambassadors that she had been blessed among women, Luke 1:28, and had found favor with God, Luke 1:30. Perhaps knowing the end from the beginning, as did Jacob, as can you. Went on to record for of posterity these prophetic words. “And Mary said, ‘My soul does magnify the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior. For he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden; for, BEHOLD! from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. And He that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is His name,”‘ Luke 1:46-49.

And then, Mary releases her fury. Directed at a world community, but one suspects, particularly toward a people, who would become known as Americans. Because Jacob’s Carol of the End Times is a Carol about a boy named Manasseh whose descendants would establish a distant out post called the United States far from the lands of Abraham and Jacob. “And His mercy is on them that fear Him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He has put down the mighty from their seats; and exalted them of low degree. He has filled the hungry with good things; and the rich He has sent empty away. he has helped His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy. As He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham, AND TO HIS SEED FOREVER,” Luke 1:50-56.

With the ending verses settling for all time the inseparable bonds between Israel and the United States. That so many modern scourges  are working to make irrelevant. But should they succeed, with Israel being God’s chosen people, bonded by divine oracle with Christian America. Then that could be the event that ends God’s tolerance of Americas godless trend. Where she’ll reap the  consequences that the Israelis know all to well.

It’s the time of the year, when we think about new years resolutions. I would suggest the learning of the history that lies between the lines of this posting. And then to defend the splendor of that history because its been scourged to become irrelevant. And should it occur, the consequences may be of the greatest ever because Jacob’s Carol is about those times.

Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall. And called Jesus, and said unto him, are you the King of the Jews? Jesus answered him, are you asking on your own account or did others tell you about me? Pilate answered, am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests delivered you unto me. What have you done? Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then my servants would have fought. So that I would not have been delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here. Pilate therefore, said unto him. Are you a king? Jesus answered, you say that I am a king. To this end was I born. And for this cause came I into the world that I should bear witness unto the truth. Everyone that is of the truth hears My voice, John 18:33-37.

We came here from the womb of our mothers. Because God miraculously breathed His breath of life into us, as recorded in Psalms 104:30, “You send forth your spirit, they are created.” All people struggle to make since of this short existence called life. Some do better than others, but in the end, death captures all. But for the few fortunate, death doesn’t matter. Because another life giving miracle occurs, and is described this way. “The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but you cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone that is born of the Spirit,” John 3:8.

Never doubt the power of the wind likened to the effect of the Spirit. Because more than six decades ago, this padre experienced that wind like Spirit of God, as it miraculously ‘born’ a new life. To make it simple, I was alone, pondering six things which the LORD hates, Yes! Seven are an abomination to him, Proverbs 6:16-19. Considering them all because it was me. Of particular focus, came these striking words, “Hands that shed innocent blood,” Miraculous and powerful because I was not in possession of a Bible. Those words were lifted from a page of a book. Some have heard it said, God works in mysterious ways. You just read about one. My life was destined on a very different career path which was changed instantly by a wind like force that I wasn’t seeking. The Spirit of God comes and goes where it pleases. It can’t be seen coming or going, only felt. But, its impact changes lives.

Five verses from John, what’s the connection between the aforementioned and the after mentioned? The ringing words of Jesus, “but now my kingdom is not of this world,” and emphatically stating, “but now, is my kingdom not from here.”

The players have changed with new Pilate’s interfering with the work Jesus commissioned to be done. Like Pilate himself our Pilate’s having a spiritless force of people encouraging the end of His cause today. Whenever something noteworthy is done for Christ, no doubt the question is asked by their Pilate’s as was Jesus, what have you done, John:18:35? And no doubt, answering, serving a kingdom, not of this world, as should all Christians.

And chiming in from time to time is another Pilate. In the personage of Pilate Obama. Expressing concerns, when Christians become to Christ like because they want to see Christ returned to the public arena. Saying such attempts are offensive to the conscience of those who don’t share such sentiments. It’s easy to understand that this Pilate knows little, or perhaps cares less, than did his distant predecessors of divine providence in the public arena.

There was nothing godly about Lucifer, who wanted to be God. And look at the mess, we have on our hands. The same mess will intensify because Americas Pilate’s have decided that it’s more beneficial to be less Christian. And that’s the ungodly manifestation and influence of Lucifer.

May God bless, and protect all associated with their attempts to make manifest through out America these words of Jesus. “…,You (Pilate) say rightly that I am a King. For this cause, I was born, and for this I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of this truth hears My voice,” John 18:37.

Maybe God, through such people will create a movement that will sweep the nation. Crushing. all Pilate’s, whose forces oppose His causes. Allowing the Spirit empowered people of Christ to do what only the Spirit of God can do. Blow in ways not known, but felt, as the Pilate’s of America are crushed.

Through our combined efforts through out America. Preparing the way for the second return of King Jesus. Through the ways of our LORD, as highways in the desert are made straight. Severing as high ways for Jesus until He returns. Even unto death if necessary.

For some reason, some think that this padre is somehow involved in politics and has a political agenda. Nothing could be further from the truth! My mission is one of complete devotion to Jesus Christ. Involvement or association with the political process is in opposition to the teachings of God Almighty. Consider James 4:4, which discusses God’s forbidden relationships. Nothing fits the admonishment better than to be caught up in the world of politics. “Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.” Politics just makes one tired with very little accomplished that has an eternal dimension. On the other hand, service to Christ has an eternal dimension. We each must determine where we are going to spend our energy.

The Word of God provides insights, so as to help us prioritize our lives. God had this recorded in Isaiah, “Behold the nations are like a drop in the bucket, and are counted, as dust on the scales,” Isaiah 40:15. The voice said, Cry! And he said, what shall I cry? “All flesh is as grass, and its beauty is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades because the breath of the Lord blows upon it; surely the people are as grass. The grass withers, the flower fades, but the Word of God shall stand forever,” Isaiah 40:6-8.

On occasions this padre has discussed the duality of scripture. Meaning what is recorded has more than one application. In Isaiah 40:3, the mission of John the Baptist was foretold and ours too. It remained a mystery for centuries, as to who this person was.

Upon being questioned, John unveiled the mystery saying, “I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness. Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Isaiah,” John 1:23.

We Christians have a mission similar to that of John the Baptist. It was foretold that a voice would cry from the wilderness. “Prepare the way of the Lord.” The Baptist completed his mission. Preaching repentance and declaring that he was unworthy even to untie the shoe laces of Him who was to follow, John 1:27. In the process, he lost his life in the service of his Lord.

The duality is as follows, “Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and rough places plain. And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken it,” Isaiah 40:4-5.

Like the Baptist, we Christians are to “prepare the way of the Lord.” Also calling people to repentance. For the one to follow will bring His kingdom to earth. And again, like the Baptist, we too are unworthy to untie His shoe laces. All humanity will witness this event, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken it, verse five.

But the modern church has been severely compromised. Resulting in its teachings being considered a laughing matter. Which is unfortunate because the last laugh will not be that of those doing the ridiculing. But rather the laugh of the Great Dragon, that Old Serpent, called the Devil and Satan, who deceived them, Revelation 12:9. And now, or sometime in the future they’ll pay the consequences for their laughter of ridicule.

Most have heard it said, spare the rod, ruin the child. For our purposes, spare the gospel and ruin the spirit. A duality in itself because the gospel is the entirety of the scriptures for saint and sinner alike. Same purpose different applications. For the saint, the voice said cry! What shall I cry? Prepare the way of the Lord. For the sinner, the voice said cry! What shall I cry? Repent!

Often referred to as the Lord’s day. If I were to ask my students, to write an essay on the Lord’s day. I would get a lot of blank looks. But if, I were to ask them to write an essay about Easter. The blank looks would disappear, and I would see from their expressions, lets get on with it. And they’d be all over the map, describing Easter.

The response I want from a body of students, who mostly describe themselves as Christians, is a description of what Easter Sunday represents. From a Christ perspective and absent all the secular addictions. Every Sunday, when people pack churches, this is what they are celebrating.

It’s found in the book of Romans and represents the most pronounced gift ever bestowed upon humanity. Here it is, “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven. And whose sins are covered, blessed are the people to whom the LORD shall not impute sin,” Romans 4:7-8. And that is what church going is all about, making it a day like no other and repeated every Sunday.

One other comment about a day like no other. It’s found in Zechariah with a series of words that I often recall, but especially on a Sunday. “…; they shall look upon me, whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn him, as one mourns for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn,” Zechariah 12:10.

I know that the celebration of Resurrection Sunday became necessary because of me. And now that Romans 4:7-8 are mine. I observe the day with a sense of bitterness because the day is often made pretty with trivialities and not with a sense of loss. As though the congregates had lost a firstborn son.

While Resurrection Sunday, 2016, is a ways of, it not to early to prepare for it; because really, we should mourn Resurrection Sunday everyday. Mournfully, because of the brutal slaughterous murder of the only Son of God, occurred because of us. Then with what would appear to be of a contradictory attitude. One of glee bubbling over with uncontrollable happiness. Being in a state euphoric praise, adoration of worship. Because death lost its victim, and God prevailed because Jesus rose from the grave ascending to the heavens to be with His Father. Making life eternal for those who have experienced the aforementioned scriptures. Now that is real happiness because it provides a sense of purpose for our lives here on earth. Knowing that our heavenly experience will be even better. Here are several of those purposes. He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? But to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. (scriptural text:Micah 6:8).

A festivity like no other, The he said (paranormal presences) said to me, “Write, blessed are those, who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!” And he said to me, “These are the true sayings of God.” And I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, “See that you do not do that! I am a your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” (scriptural texts:Revelation 19:9-10).

It is recorded for a reason. Blessed is every one who fears the LORD, who walks in his ways. When you eat the labor of your hands, you be happy, and it shall be well with you. Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine in the very heart of your house. Your children like olive plants all around your table. Behold! Thus shall the man be blessed, who fears the LORD. The LORD shall bless you out of Zion, and may you see the good of Jerusalem all the days of your life. Yes, may see your children’s children. Peace upon Israel,” Psalms 128:1-6.

Is there a connection between Psalms 128 and America? Yes! In order to get the complete picture of that connection. We have to understand the roles Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph played. Including the sons Joseph, Ephraim and Manasseh.

For now, a very little history, but first it must be understood that our scriptures sometimes have multiple applications. Starting with yourself, apply Psalms 128 personally. Think about the good consequences of walking in the fear of God. Accomplished when one governs their life by God’s rules. From there, the blessings reach out to everything important. Things like your spouse and your children’s children. Including careers and businesses. As well as your nation because it all starts with the individual. And that’s what makes for a prosperous nation.

The History: As was the Jewish custom, Israel or Jacob had decided that it was time to bless his grandchildren. It was customary for the eldest son to be the primary beneficiary. But Jacob reversed the tradition, and blessed the youngest grandson first and the oldest grandson after wards. In Genesis 48:19-20, over Joseph’s objections, his oldest son Manasseh was to receive an inheritance of greatness but not as great his younger brother Ephraim. There we have the scriptural prophecy of Ephraim becoming a multitude of nations. With Great Britain tracing its lineage to Ephraim. And with Manasseh becoming great, but to a lesser status. With the United States becoming the beneficiary of the ancestry of Manasseh.

In short summary, from Psalms 128:4-6, it’s again emphasized, but expanded. The results of a people in reverence of God’s behavioral expectations. Seen as successful from the center piece of God’s future reign from Zion. With Jerusalem’s magnificence as an available indulgences of prosperity from generation to generation. That has been America’s destiny and experience. Because, the journey started with a directive from God to Abraham. Saying go to a land that I’ll show you. I will make you a great nation. I will bless you, and make your name great. You’ll be a blessing, and I’ll bless them that bless you, and curse them that curse you. And in, and through Abraham would all nations be blessed, Genesis 12:1-3. The people of America’s past built a nation upon those principles and understood Psalms 128. The question, will we collectively, as individuals make for a nation worthy of the promises recorded? The indicators upon the American landscape would suggest, no. And when lost, and forgotten, God’s curses will visit the people and their nation. With its Jerusalem from Zion becoming a dilapidated  pile of ruins.

There are tons of history and prophecy to be told from between the lines of this discussion. Want to know more? Set time aside to explore the history of prophecy. And get a taste of what Jacob was saying, when he asked his sons, gather that I might tell what will occur in the last days, Genesis 49:1. And in the end, that is what peace upon Israel means.

Jesus taught many different kinds of lessons. So one day he said, “For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, the servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If you know these things, happy are you, if you do them, John 13:15-17.

For this discussion, what Jesus was talking about in those three verses represents human equality. Because it has applications as numerous as the stars in God’s skies. A togetherness among people who know no differences. Something western civilization has been trying to accomplish for centuries. Which is ethnic, racial, gender and cultural harmony between people. The slogan often applied is, diversity is our strength. But as we all know, it is just wishful thinking. People of different ethnicity, race, gender culture, at best can only rise to the level of tolerance. And that is considered to be real success by most people and the governments through out western civilization. But it is so shallow and easily fractured as history often demonstrates. As seen between the  Freedie Gray’s of our world, and the nations police forces.

Here’s are two incidents where the government has done a yeoman’s job in convincing the nation that diversity is our strength. It revolves around the Muslim community wherever a Muslim is found. Muslims are the enemies of everything American. Because, everything American is center around the nations Judeo Christian heritage. Which has fallen out of favor with recent U.S. governments, while persuading the American people that Muslims are no threat to anything American. Want proof read what the Apostle Paul had to say about Islam. It’s found in Galatians 4:22-31. In summary Paul said that they persecute Christians, vs 29, and for that reason we should get rid of Muslims, verse 30. Why because Muslims want Ishmael the father of Islam to be the nations heritage. It’s a struggle between what Paul describes as being bonded or being free. Paul says that bondage is through Abraham’s son of the flesh, Ishmael. While freedom, is through Isaac the son of promise birthed by the freewoman, Abraham’s wife Sarah.

The other deception peddled by the government is that homosexuality is a viable lifestyle. Homosexuality is condemned as detailed by the Apostle Paul in Romans 1:24-32. And confirmed by the only authority that matters, Jesus Christ and found in Matthew 19:4-6.

Wrongs can be made right, but they are often over looked because most in and outside of government refuse to recognize the transforming power of Jesus Christ. It is only Christ that can bring people together as one. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, this is written, “Therefore, if any person be in Christ, they are new creations; old things are passed away; behold all things are become new.”

This padre walks among many people of ethnic, racial, gender and cultural differences. Often made well aware of the hostilities and the tensions among these diverse people. However, one aspect among these people stood out glaringly, where the hostilities and tensions were nonexistent. It occurred among these people, when they named Jesus, as their Lord and Savior. It is only through Christ that diversity is our strength.

There are two primary forces in this world. They take shape in this manner with people having difficulty reconciling these forces as being real influences. Especially the notion that there are demonic influences tugging within us all the time. For now, I’ll leave you with two scriptures. The first being, 1 Peter 5:8, were we find this warning, “Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary, the devil, like a roaring lion walks about seeking whom he may devour.”

How does he do this? Luke 22:3, makes this crystal clear, “Then entered Satan into Judas, surnamed Iscariot being one of the twelve.” Many ills that plague humanity come into play through that roaring lion taking lodging in unsuspecting people. Which makes that culprit of evil the cause and constant instigator of ethnic, gender, racial and cultural tensions.

The other force which is more readily accepted is the presences of God within us. In 1 Corinthians 6:19, we have these words, “What? Know you not that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have of God.” It is that God force that brings people together. Regardless of ethnicity, gender, racial or cultural differences. It is the manifestation of the newness of life found through Christ as found in 2 Corinthians 5:17.

So in a very real sense, we are engaged in mortal combat that we can not win, apart from the force of God dwelling in us. And that is how losers win! With that force comes resolution for what cripples America.

To that end, “The LORD bless you and keep you. The LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious unto you,” Numbers 6:24-25.

The United States is bogged down with so many external problems. That she has lost sight of the diseases that are destroying her internally. The following is kind of like a maze that in its own way is a diagnosis of that internal disease.

Some say, birds of a feather flock together. Suggesting a comfortable sense of familiarity with others associated with the flock.

Still others say, it is a feather in their caps.

Despite the governments interest in trying to persuade the nation that commonality among people is universal.

In reality, the greater the difference the less the flock has in common.
Need proof? Proof is plentiful! Communities are surrounded with cultural, racial and ethnic tensions.

The government works hard to say it ain’t so. Accepting it as a collective feather in their cap. With every effort by legislation to make it so. At least by law, but law really can not make it so, either.

Of course, for every rule there is an exception. But the rule is negated because the proof is in the pudding.

So if birds of a feather flock together, then make it a feather in your cap, if the maze is yours to be understand.

A litany of ills gnawing internally as those birds flock together. And it really is not a feather in their cap, but a maze to be understood. So perhaps it’s time to choose a choice and flock together with some different feathers. In quest of saving America from its own perils. In the end the peril that plunks the most feathers is the victor.

There once lived a guy, who was a top notch belligerent feather plucker. This is what he had to say about feather plucking. “All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing. God does according to His will in the army of heaven and among the inhabitants of earth. No one can restrain His hand or say to Him, what have You done?” (cp Daniel 4:35).

Feather plucking with an attitude, “I plucked these feathers on my own, thus I am as divine as they come.” (cp Daniel 4:30).

In the end, it drove him mad and he lost everything. Then he had an epiphany and said this. “At the same time my reason returned to me, and for the glory of my kingdom. My honor and splendor returned to me. My counselors and nobles returned to me, I was restored to my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added to me. Now I Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven. All of whose works are truth, and His ways just. And those who walk in pride, He is able to put down. (Scriptural texts:Daniel 4:36-37).

This discussion satirizes ill natured feather plucker’s for the sake of self or collective feather capping. Tomorrow successful feather capping.

And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death, Revelation 12:11.

And then there was Peter, quick to speak, hot tempered and argumentative, even with Jesus. And, a man of behavioral regrets. Who would blaze new frontiers for his Lord. Who became the disciple Jesus called the rock upon whom he would build his church.

And true to the prophetic voice of Jesus, we have this report. The apostles and brethren that were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God. Hearing that they took Peter to task because he had dined with them. But Peter, gave a complete account of his behavior. Saying, “I was in a the city of Joppa praying; and in a trance, I saw a vision, an object descending like a great sheet let down from heaven by four corners; and it came to me. When I observed it intently and considered, I saw four footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things.” And I heard a voiced saying to me, “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.” And Peter responded, “Not so Lord, for nothing common or unclean has at anytime entered my mouth.” But the voice answered me again from heaven, and said, “What God has cleansed you must not call common.” “Now this was done three times, and all were drawn up again into heaven. At that very moment, three men stood before the house where I was, having been sent to me from Caesarea. Then the Spirit told me to go with them, doubting nothing. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered the man’s house.”

There he met a man, who had also had an angelic experience. Who said, “That he had seen an angel standing in his house.” Who said to him, “Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon whose surname is Peter. Who will tell you words by which you and your family will be saved. And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them, as upon us at the beginning.”

“Then I remembered the word of the Lord how,” he said. “John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” If therefore God gave them the same gift as He gave us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God?”

And when Peter’s accusers heard these things, they became silent; and they glorified God, saying, “Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance unto life,” Acts 11:1-18.

During their lifetimes Jesus and Peter had this conversation, “Simon, son of Jonas, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus had asked the same question three times. So Peter said, “Yes Lord! You know that I love you.” Jesus replied to Peter, and said, “Feed my lambs!”

Then Jesus told Peter how he would die. Recorded for us are these prophetic words. “Most assuredly, I say to you when you were younger, you girded yourself, and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another shall gird you, and carry you where you you do not wish.” This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God.” And when he had spoken this. He said unto him, “Follow me!” John 21:17-19.

That epilogue from from the gospel of John, is thought to be the prophetic crucifixion of Peter. It is thought that Peter was executed by the Roman Emperor Nero. Who beheaded Romans and crucified non Romans. It is also said that Peter asked to be crucified up side down, so as not die like Jesus. Taken from the phrase, stretch forth your hands and another will gird you, and carry you where you do not wish.

The final victory how it occurs. “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Who will transform our lowly body, that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able to subdue all things unto himself,” Philippians 3:20-21.

What goes around, goes around, goes around and comes all the way back around. Here it is the life-death cycle. Experienced by joyful, and sad families depending where that family is at the moment, when that event makes its last cycle.

For sometime this padre has been thinking about a comment made awhile ago concerning the death end of that cycle. It is one of the least understood tenets of Christianity. It was instigate over the remarks made by the once globe trotting evangelist Billy Graham. Peddling his scare tactics of hell fires and eternal torments. Such doctrines have served to make Billy Graham and others like him very rich people. And, at the same time, contributing to reducing the Church of Jesus Christ to mockery and ridicule. Directing Christendom in a direction never intended by Christ.

The gospel of Jesus Christ when preached as taught from the Bible. Results in a gospel of action and deliverance from both spiritual and material degradation. Holding governing authorities accountable for their actions. While being equally, accountable for their failure to act. While at the same time not exempting, individuals from their Christ like reactions. When this gospel is preached, in its purity, it can have severe consequences. Those consequences have both positive and negative consequences.

That is not the gospel Billy Graham elected to preach and many like him because it would not have make him or them wealthy. Going to the streets, and getting down right sweaty and dirty was not their forte. No, the well groomed, and handsome Graham, with his exceeding charismatic personality. Preferred fine linens, and to wine and dine, in the halls of crystal lighted palaces of the rich and powerful. With the likes of President Richard Nixon and his corporate cronies. All Presidents have had such associations, as did President Obama. Interesting because President Bush’s adviser Rev. Kirbyjon Caldwell was Obama’s adviser for a period of time.

For me, the first signal that Obama was cut from the same piece of cloth as Bush, was the ushering in of his as government as usual.

The criminal, President Nixon, admired Graham because Graham contributed to keeping Christians in check. That notion plagues most of Christendom today. The gospels picture Christ, as one, who never saw a government he admired. Christ advocated rebellion against such scoundrels. A far jolt from today’s call for the support of government.

The featured plank of the Graham ministry was about escaping hell and experiencing heaven. Followed with a duty to obey the government. One shared by most of Christendom, which the government really loves. It goes like this, Christians place yourselves in subjection to the higher authorities. That doctrine was first announced by the apostle Paul, Romans 13:1-7. Meaning this; when the government is in compliance with our scriptures, then honor and comply. And when not, revolt! Totally compliant with what Jesus taught. With this from Jesus himself, “Think not that I am to send peace on earth. I am come not to send peace but the sword,” Matthew 10:34. But because the Graham’s of Christendom have prevailed, Christendom has a Church that is mostly useless. Based around fear of hell and servitude of obedience to the government.

By contrast, examine the experience of John the Baptist. Along with how Jesus responded. John was in prison because he condemned a marital union. Which was unlawful, according to the law of the time. On Herod’s birthday, the sexy daughter of the women central to the controversy. Danced before Herod, and it pleased him very much. Knowing that for the moment she owned, Herod. With that ownership, he promised to give her what ever she desired. Which was the head of John, separated from the body, of course. And forthwith the head of John was presented to the dancer, Matthew 14:1-11. Later the disciples came, claiming the dead body of John, and buried him.

Then they journeyed to tell Jesus. Jesus hearing the news sought privacy. The people hearing of the beheading of John. Followed Jesus, perhaps to extend their sympathy. After all, the two were allies. With the baptism of Jesus, by John. Jesus launched his ministry. And, the heavens opened for Jesus. Seeing the Spirit of God descending like a dove upon him. With a voice from heaven saying, this is my beloved son, in whom I am well pleased, Matthew 3:16-17.

Note two extremely important occurrences. When Jesus removed himself from his solitude, no doubt grieving the murder of his closest ally. He was moved by the response of the people to the murder of John.

Here is what Jesus did not do which is part of his expectations for Christians today. Jesus did not tell the people that he looked forward to seeing John in heaven, as did Graham concerning the death of Ruth Graham, and many others separated from their loved ones.

This is what he did do! Emerging from solitude moved with compassion for the people. Who traveled to see them. He immediately proceeded to heal the sick among them, Matthew 14:13-14.

Nor did he say that John would be greeted by a great reception in heaven, as did Graham concerning his wife. Jesus knew that there was no after death experience, at that time.

The Graham hype was more about sympathy, for the staggering Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. It does not have the same swagger with his son at the helm. Sympathy generates generosity which in return generated $ for Billy.

As noted in verse 14, Jesus healed the sick. Which is one aspect of the Christ purpose, and expected of Christians today. In that this not a discussion about healing. That will be a topic for another time. Suffice for this discussion, the Christ purpose of healing today is for Christians to demand, and secure ‘free’ health care for everyone. Paid for by the nations corporate conglomerates. They have billions to spend in securing a government. That will legislate their interest against that of the people. Resulting in a demand by the people, for a revamping of the American unfair tax system. So that the needs of the people becomes the governments first priority. Obama’s heath care reform falls far short of meeting the health care needs of Americans. If Billy was able today to preach that gospel, he may have had his head presented to the Billy Graham evangelistic Association as a souvenir. As perhaps, would many other favorites of Christendom to their enshrined edifices.

If the dead are not in hell or heaven, then where are they? In the ground without consciousness. God said in Genesis, chapter three, “For out of the ground, you were taken; for dust you are, and to dust you shall return, verse 19b.

With out consciousness, or sight of occurring world events. As established in 2 Kings 22:20, where death is the final experience.

Is that grave their final resting place for all eternity? Where one is finally free from the struggle for existence and is at ‘peace.’

The answer is no! The journey concerning the ‘last enemy’ will be continued.

Perhaps now is a good time to say that no disrespect is meant to Mr. Graham, or his family over the death of Ruth. What is disrespected is Billy’s harmful results for the mission and purpose of Christ.

Secondly, this padre is a vocal critic of Islam. Again, no disrespect to Islam is intended. One of the three Abrahamic religions. Because Jews, Christians and Muslims, share common ground with the father of our respective religions, Abraham. We should be able to work together to make the world a safer and better place to live. Unfortunately, Islam is committed to the annihilation of the Jews. And, all people who do not convert to Islam, especially Christians. That is the aspect of Islam that is condemned. So Christians must wake up a deal with reality. Muslims are our enemies, and as such should be treated, as our enemies. Learn how by engaging this padre in some ‘how to’ lectures and workshops. I can be found through the navigation link by clicking upon the ‘contact us’ tab.

If Muslims want to practice their backwards religion in the mountains of Afghanistan and Iran. In Syria, Saudi Arabia, in other Muslims countries, fine. But the free world must force this Islamic menace off our streets. And Christendom must pick up the cross, as forerunners announcing the doom to come for our failure to act.

As an option, discussions can be centered around the ‘death experience.’ Which these discussions on death just scratching the surface of a much feared and not well understood occurrence. Discussions will take the fear out of death and provide scriptural understanding.

Or for others, how about a Christ like struggle to put government in it’s rightful place. As servants of we the people, who fear Jesus and keep his edicts. And not a government that serves the interest of the rich and their corporate cronies at the expense of we the people.

Seldom do two different worlds meet with similarity of the spoken word with accuracy as the following. “Politics is the art of looking for trouble, finding it whether it exists or not, diagnosing it incorrectly, and applying the wrong remedy,” Ernest Benn, 1875-1954.

All because of that the following, “The government consists of a gang of men exactly like you and me. They have, a taking one with the other, no special talent for the business of government; they have only a talent for getting and holding office,” H.L. Mencken 1880-1956.

Then we have this timeless fable from Aesop which might be what’s ailing America. “People generally find that a change in government simply means exchanging one master for another. Amply illustrated with the following anecdote. A timid old man was gazing his donkey in a meadow when all of a sudden he was alarmed by the shouting of some enemy soldiers, ‘Run for it,’ he cried, ‘so that they can’t catch us.’

But the donkey was in no hurry, ‘tell me,’ he said, ‘if I fall into the the conqueror’s hands, do you think he will make me carry a double load?’ ‘I shouldn’t think so’, was the old man’s answer. ‘Then what matter is it to me what master I serve as long as I have to bear my ordinary burden?'” (source:One Master As God As Another -Penguin Classics-Fables of Aesop).

Complacency is a great trap holding its catch tightly in its web. Americans need to cut them selves free from our governmental web. Rediscovering the stuff of General G.S Patton, 1885-1945. Who knew this about us. “Champions are built to overcome adversity.”

The American political system is broken and needs to be replaced. America’s most cherished documents gives American’s the legal right to replace what needs to fixed. The first is found in our Declaration of Independence, where we find these words. “… That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive … it is the Right of the People to alter or abolish it, …” Followed by Article V, The Amending Power, of our Constitution. But in light of the dim wits representing we the people, there is no chance for change that will benefit the people. So, we the people will have to assume our power through one of histories most sacred documents, our Declaration of Independence. But that’s not likely to work, today! Because, our founding fathers realized a dreadful trait in most of us. Which also is found in our Declaration of Independence, and reads, “And according to all experience hath shown, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed.”

Obviously then, this would be a task of difficulty. Needing the courage of what champions are made of in order to overcome political adversity. The new is to be a secular state much like that of the dawn of our nation. Where the politicians wouldn’t dare offend the church. Knowing that if they did, then their political careers would be a short experience. If America is to return to its prosperity and might, then it must do so by returning to our Judeo Christian Heritage, and pronto!

There are lots of weeds in the American garden. Those weeds are Muslims. They must be weeded out because Muslims are the antithesis of everything American.