Conversations on the Trail

Posted on January 16, 2021 by steve2525 | Leave a comment

My Son, his two daughters and I, went on a backpacking hike over the weekend. My ten year old granddaughter and I were discussing our salvation experiences and I mentioned that after I was baptized as a child, I was not taught about the Holy Spirit in our church. My granddaughter interrupted asking, “How is it possible that they were even a church?” I marveled at the perception of her words and her recognition of the Holy Spirit’s importance.

That night in camp, I asked her about school and if she had studied History. She replied, “I took a class in American history and it stopped at George Washington.” I asked her to repeat that, thinking I missed something, she did, and it hit me as the funniest statement – we shared a long deep laugh. Later, she explained that Covid-19 had caused the class to be canceled in progress.

On the trail we met an old lady who was hiking and quite winded as she was finishing a long ascent; we paused and swapped bear stories. Later, that night around the campfire we recalled the lady’s reference to bears in the area. After a lot of talk, I made one comment, “I truly believe in my heart that it is not God’s will for any of us to be mauled by bears.” To my surprise, that ended the bear discussion. After we returned home, I remembered that King David, as a shepherd boy, encountered bears and lions.

“Saul replied, ‘You are not able to go out against this Philistine and fight him; you are only a young man, and he has been a warrior from his youth.’ But David said to Saul, ‘Your servant has been keeping his father’s sheep. When a lion or a bear came and carried off a sheep from the flock, I went after it, struck it and rescued the sheep from its mouth. When it turned on me, I seized it by its hair, struck it and killed it. Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God. The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.’ Saul said to David, ‘Go, and the Lord be with you’ ” (1 Samuel 17:33-37). David had great faith in God and it was tried, tested and proven in life circumstances.

I shared with my Granddaughters that for many years I have always counted how many men and women we meet on the trail and it is usually almost even. They didn’t find this unusual at all, as they love many outdoor activities and their father takes them biking, camping, hiking and fishing. They enjoyed watching the tally fluctuate and it worked out to be twenty men and twenty women. “Its true”, I said, “women love to hike, even backpacking overnight.”

The Deep State Rises

Posted on January 10, 2021 by steve2525 | Leave a comment

A large group of people move into the capital building as Congress, Representatives of the people, take the last steps to certify a fraudulent election. The media barons censor President Trump, who called for peaceful actions by the 200,000 citizens protesting the government’s failure to hear the evidence and merits of fraudulent votes. There were no fires or destruction, no looting or violence. There were no fights with people carrying sticks and weapons. The fake media sought for footage of violence, but could only find police pushing citizens. The coward politicians ran like rats from a ship fearing they would be harmed, some fainted or pretended to and afterwards acted as though they had suffered more than running from a peaceful crowd of people.

The next day the Deep State brought out four remaining Presidents with their false accusations of shame and dishonor. The lone traitor Republican George W. Bush, who never had anything negative to say about Deep State criminality in four years, stood proud with the Democrats in condemnation of Trump and the people’s peaceful protest against election fraud. The media’s unified voice of condemnation of this protest stand in stark contrast to their approval and support of destructive violent riots in Michigan, Oregon and elsewhere by acknowledged terrorist groups like Antifa. Then they argued that those riots were protected speech under the constitution as private buildings, businesses and offices were burned and looted. Now, they condemn peaceful gatherings of private citizens who are not represented by terrorist organizations, to assemble and occupy public spaces.

These are the members of the Deep State that have unified against 74 million people or more who voted for President Donald Trump to continue his efforts to rid America of a corrupt, evil, criminal Kabul of Media Baron/Politician/Bureaucrat liars. They appear to have succeeded in their fraud and lies, but the 74 Million believe in a God Supreme over all and He will judge with justice. The 60 million and counting infants killed in abortion death chambers speak a more righteous protest against this Deep State than any to date. God will not support any nation that sacrifices its children to demons and idols. All other isolated instances of injustice pale in comparison to this, but planned parenthood is the temple shrine of the Humanist Deep State.

Though it mentions a city of Babylon, the judgment of God may be similar. “Therefore in one day her plagues will overtake her: death, mourning and famine. She will be consumed by fire, for mighty is the Lord God who judges her. When the kings of the earth who committed adultery with her and shared her luxury see the smoke of her burning, they will weep and mourn over her. Terrified at her torment, they will stand far off and cry: ‘Woe! Woe to you, great city, you mighty city of Babylon! In one hour your doom has come!’ The merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her because no one buys their cargoes anymore…” (Revelation 18:8-11)

Reason Supporting Faith

Posted on January 7, 2021 by steve2525 | Leave a comment

I have observed often that mental reasoning and a reliance thereon can thwart our response in faith. The entire Humanist religion is founded in reason over faith. Even flimsy ideas like evolution must be continually propped up with twisted reason as new scientific evidence and observations add to the collective error of this theory opposed to creation. However, occasionally sound reason can support faith.

In 2 Kings 5 is the story of Naaman who was commander of the army of the king of Aram. He was a valiant soldier, but he had leprosy. The King of Aram heard that a prophet of God was in Israel and could heal leprosy. He sent a letter to the King of Israel and sent Naaman to Elisha. “Elisha sent a messenger to say to him, ‘Go, wash yourself seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will be restored and you will be cleansed.’ But Naaman went away angry and said, ‘I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the Lord his God, wave his hand over the spot and cure me of my leprosy. Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Couldn’t I wash in them and be cleansed?’ So he turned and went off in a rage. Naaman’s servants went to him and said, ‘My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more, then, when he tells you, “Wash and be cleansed!” ‘ So he went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, as the man of God had told him, and his flesh was restored and became clean like that of a young boy. Then Naaman and all his attendants went back to the man of God. He stood before him and said, ‘Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel…’ ” (2 Kings 5:10-15).

Naaman first reasoned that a big flashy ceremony would be necessary and thought the muddy Jordan river was unfitting and became mad, but his servants straightened out his reasoning which supported obedience to God’s command. Are there situations in your life where your reason was amiss? Have you ever set expectations upon God’s ways, means, or timing? I think it is very common for us go astray in our assumptions. When we focus on news of war, crime, fraud and other evil in this world, we are prone to fret, worry and fear, but if we reason that God is Sovereign over all and our protector, we correctly trust in His loving care. When we encounter situations and circumstances that challenge us we may consider taking matters into our on hands and trust in our own understanding, but then, if we reason how weak, flawed and limited we truly are, we have reasoned correctly and pray, wait in faith, seek God’s guidance and stand upon His promises.

Many things can only be handled rightly by God, in His way and timing. Our rationalization and reasoning can lead to failure, unless it is founded upon God’s Word, promises, and principles. The Bible says we do not know how to pray as we should, except by the Spirit (Rom. 8:26). It says we have been given the Holy Spirit and gifts enabled by the Spirit (Rom. 8:5-6,13). The fallen human nature is opposed to God, but we live by the Spirit. “So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts” (Ephesians 4:17-18). “He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel” (2 Timothy 1:9-10). Child of God you are destined for glory in God’s presence, let nothing persuade otherwise.

The Only Refuge

Posted on January 4, 2021 by steve2525 | Leave a comment

“Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea….” Yeshua was not afraid of death and was willing to be tortured and abused for you, I and the entire congregation of Believers. Shall we lose hope in God’s victory over evil, the enemy, even death in the end. Our time on earth is not guaranteed to be eighty or so years, but all are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment. (Hebrews 9:27). Every Believer has hope in the afterlife and salvation before the judgment seat of Christ, Yeshua, the one who paid our price. Moreover, our treasure is secure in Heaven, our true home.

There is much to do in this life to accomplish God’s calling, destiny and purposes. The Ministry of Yeshua was only three years and He fulfilled prophecy, revealed God in the flesh and bought salvation for Israel and the nations. We do not necessarily or always see our part in this Kingdom expansion; the work of sanctification, justification or redemption that God accomplishes by His Spirit through us, but rest assured He is able to do more than we could ask or imagine. All glory belongs to God. “Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying: ‘To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!” (Revelation 5:13).

I’m convinced that keeping our eyes and heart on Yeshua is the only way to maintain peace in this wicked and turbulent world. The election has been disturbing to many and the outcome may be disturbing further. I wouldn’t say that Germany’s emergence before WWII is similar in all respects with our election, but Hitler stole the election and power through evil means. I’m not comparing either Trump or Biden with Hitler, what may be a comparison in the future is the reaction of the American people to the changes that may be coming and are being promoted by powerful forces in the media, politicians, large corporations and academia. To illustrate the German populace either conformed to Nazi programs or opposed them and went into exile or prison. When it was all over, many ordinary people questioned how they had succumbed to such evil and wicked ideals. The future is not something we can sit on the sidelines and watch as it plays out. As with all things we will be faced with a choice, sooner or later, to follow men or obey God. For Believers it will be more important than ever to know the voice of our Lord and Shepherd, the Holy Spirit and the word of God. There is no plan or formula upon which to rely because our paths, assignments, callings, and gifts are all different, but we have a person who is an ever present help in time of need. Now is a good time to cultivate a robust prayer life and there is probably nothing more effective or powerful we can do, today.

The Firm Unknown

Posted on January 1, 2021 by steve2525 | Leave a comment

Think of it this way, the sea is vast and filled with unseen currents that move like mighty rivers across the oceans depths. The winds swirl and move about raising the waves and driving across the surface, then subside in stillness and quiet. We can not determine where the wind is from or where it is going, but only see and feel its effect upon us and our surroundings. Massive storms and hurricanes swirl around a central point, but move like a spinning top unpredictable as it moves forward, stops, turns, or backtracks in another direction. These are forces that impact us as we float upon the waters and these forces are unseen and uncontrollable. Even so, we have learned by observing the things around us that our posture can influence the forces of wind and water such that we can alter the speed and direction of our movement. With sails hoisted into the air and rudders reaching down into the water, we travel and are pulled or pushed along upon the waters.

We were always moving upon the seas by the wind and waves, but as we learned to alter our direction and speed, we felt a sense of control. Before we were at the mercy of the wind and waves and their unseen forces. With a measure of control we feel empowered, no longer subject only to the unseen. However, this influence on the integral forces of wind and sea currents was only an illusion and imagination of power. The speed and direction we designed did not effect the intrinsic elementary forces that varied, changed and still moved all things in an unseen and unpredictable means. Who could say whether our new found speed or direction enhanced, thwarted or even effected ones purpose or destiny upon the waters. However, the inherent deceit of independent control and illusion of power was so great that it was soon deemed irrefutable fact among all, but a few.

This imaginary place I’ve described is an allegory raising the question that seems a paradox, without answer or logical conclusion. Each persons destiny depends on the existence of providence. Through science and observation our illusion has become a fact; we speed around in directions of our own making, but what becomes of purpose and destiny? We started with a tossing sea amidst swirling winds, unseen and unpredictable. Very little of substance has changed with the addition of speed and directional influence, all was still subject to the greater elementary forces. How could the notion of control ultimately alter the unseen unknowable forces of destiny? Did Providence lose its power and become replaced by man with his new found science? Did the unseen and uncontrollable forces of creation cease or become ineffective merely because we influenced our own trajectory? Whoever declared that the unseen and uncontrollable forces were limited to movement, speed, direction, rather than some other aspect of time, space, and/or our reaction to them or theirs upon us? To illustrate, one may put his pet dog in a car and speed down the road, turning this way and that, but only when he rolls down the window, does he achieve his desired goal for the dog, who sticks its head out the window and starts lapping up the air with its tongue in such a silly fashion as to bring laughter to the owner.

Our control is an illusion and we work to maintain a state of our own deception. “In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven….But about the Son he says, ‘Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom.’ ” (Hebrews 1:1-3,8). The Bible, supernaturally preserved for thousands of years explains our purpose and destiny in words, recorded events, and embodied in the Messiah, the God-man, who is described above. His Hebrew name is Yeshua.

A Perspective on Politics

Posted on December 29, 2020 by steve2525 | Leave a comment

President Trump is a lightning rod for highly charged political and emotional banter, but his administration set records in every category of prosperity. My perspective is one for the holidays as Mr. Trump and Jesus were in similar situations in certain respects. I’m not comparing them personally or their missions, just the circumstances in which they found themselves. If you know anything about the Bible you know Jesus was hated by the Jewish religious leadership because His message and deeds were shaking the established religious order. He also faced the secular Roman empire who had occupied Israel, the surrounding area, and were seeking to assimilate the Hebrews into the Roman collective. Both these groups united in a limited purpose to have Jesus crucified, but it was His close friend Judas who set the whole thing up through betrayal and his own selfish desire for bribe money.

I see the Democrats who are natural rivals with Trump for political control as the Jewish leadership. Trump, an outsider, gained momentum among the people and upset the chosen democrat candidate, Hillary Clinton. As a result the Democrat leadership swore themselves to Trumps demise. They investigated, accused, and impeached him, but nothing actually removed Trump or stopped his agenda. The Deep State DOJ, FBI, and Courts are like the Roman, Pontius Pilot, who knew that Jesus was innocent, but refused to take the just action and exonerate him. Instead washing their hands of the entire fraud, acquiescing to the mobs cry, “Crucify him”. The Supreme Court justices who refuse to hear the evidence of fraud possessed by Trump attorneys. Judges that refuse to hear the merits of Trumps case and give him the opportunity to prove beyond a reasonable doubt a specific number of fraudulent votes that were counted for Biden. Supreme Court justices who refuse a clear constitutional case brought by twenty eight states. The corrupt DOJ and FBI that refuse to investigate hundreds of sworn affidavits from eyewitness pole workers, watchers and whistleblowers, but stand down approving the democrat fraud. The media which is silent failing to report the truth of election fraud and censoring that which is reported by others. These are the Roman occupation who are ambivalent toward Trump and are happy to see the lone voice of truth extinguished.

The final betrayal is not yet finalized, but the battalion of soldiers have been dispatched to the garden were their victim will be captured under the cover of darkness, (a Media blackout). The betrayer is a friend, (on the surface), but he is an unbeliever in the mission of Trump and is self-focused and willing to accept bribe money from the Media Billionaires. Judas is represented by the Establishment Republicans, Republican governors, Republican State legislatures in battleground states who permit massive election fraud by acquiring voting machines capable of fraud, paper ballots with no corroborative information, and illegally overriding state election laws. Judas are the Republicans in the Senate and House who sit by hoping Trump and his agenda of liberty and American greatness will be silenced.

It may not be a perfect comparison, but it brings me to the final point which I believe to be applicable in both situations. Jesus said, His Kingdom was not of this earth and that He was laying down His life by the will of His Father God in Heaven. (John 10:15-17) Jesus understood God’s will and obeyed it perfectly. We do not normally have such understanding and obedience, but God’s will is immutable, Sovereign and loving. Jesus died on the cross so our sins could be forgiven, that everyone who believes will be saved from God’s just wrath upon sin. (John 3:16; 1 John 4:10; Rom. 5:8-11) If the injustice that Donald Trump has endured prevails, then it was God’s will upon America. In just seventy years after Jesus’ death, the Roman’s utterly destroyed Israel and their temple. It may very well be that those who thought they were saving America from Trump are taking actions that will result in its destruction. The old adage is, “Be careful what you ask for, you might just get it.” Everyone, Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, or Uninterested should seek God while He may yet be found. He is our only Hope and shelter from the storm.

Harriet, the Movie (2019)

Posted on December 26, 2020 by steve2525 | Leave a comment

When we got this movie I thought it was a western with a woman heroine, like most of the movies today, that seek to replace the notion of male leadership with a maternal hegemony. When I saw that it was about Harriet Tubman, I wasn’t sure whether I could endure another suggestion that it is 1962, or worse 1862, in America and all white people are inherently racist and essentially equivalent to slave owners. Nevertheless, it was purportedly based on historic facts and that is usually better than fiction, so I gave it a chance.

I knew about Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad, but what I didn’t know was the underlying theme of this movie. The movie is rated 6.5 on IMDB which is lower than I would rate it. The one review they posted was vague in its criticism of lead actors, but I do not believe Hollywood will give a fair rating to any movie that accurately and positively portrays Christian virtue. It is a fact that before and during the Civil War there was a national revival of Christian faith. This movie depicts and credits God’s providence, intervention, and answer to prayer as an integral part of the motivation, success, and purpose behind Harriet Tubman’s heroism, bravery, courage and guiding purpose.

The black ethnicity has a marvelous history of Christian foundation and faith. Even today, amidst the crime, corruption and violence so often highlighted in the media regarding the so called black community, it is the Church that anchors and sustains virtuous endeavor, hope, and success, in any ethnic category. In my experience, even those who are not devoted in the Christian lifestyle, among my black friends and acquaintances there is an acknowledgment of the foundations of faith, the Bible, Creator God, and Jesus Christ because these truths are rooted in generations of ancestors who experienced and shared the evidence for their faith to the next generations. A personal testimony of God’s faithfulness during difficulties or in the face of injustice is more powerful and enduring than mere words.

When I first read “Uncle Tom’s Cabin”, by Harriet Beecher Stowe, at the recommendation of my pastor, I knew it was about slavery and had tremendous influence upon the Civil War. What I was surprised to discover is that this book is a testimony to the virtue of Christian principles, practice and faith. Rather than Uncle Tom being a symbol of cowardice and subservience, as the world has labeled him; this character is an image of Jesus, whose kingdom was not of this world and whose message and life changed history. No one, even across the deep South, thinks slavery or racism is good; slavery was eliminated in 1865, (via civil war), racism was eliminated in 1964, (via legislation and court precedent). Martin Luther King Jr. was a devout Christian minister who prevailed through the practice of Christian faith and virtue. Perhaps it is time for a renewal of Christian faith and virtue to awaken those who do not understand that the year is 2020.

One Promise to Hold

Posted on December 20, 2020 by steve2525 | 2 Comments

The Almighty God of all is loving, so much so that we are told He is love. In His unfathomable love He chooses to impart blessings and make promises to assure us of the good things He has in store for us. As Moses was addressing the nation of Israel he said, “Praise be to the Lord, who has given rest to his people Israel just as he promised. Not one word has failed of all the good promises he gave through his servant Moses.” (1 Kings 8:56). God was faithful to Israel, in spite of their stubbornness to believe and hold true to Him. It’s the same with you and I, God’s love and faithfulness are not dependent on us, such that we deserve such lavish and abundant lovingkindness as a reward for our part. Do we pick up our precious little children in our arms because they have earned our love? No, it is God’s love set within our heart, imparted to us as His children.

There are too many promises to list, but they have their fulfillment in Yeshua, even those given to Israel are available to Believers among the nations because we have come into community and relationship with Israel through Messiah Yeshua. “And you are heirs of the prophets and of the covenant God made with your fathers. He said to Abraham, ‘Through your offspring all peoples on earth will be blessed.’ ” (Acts 3:25). Speaking of Israel, Paul says, “Theirs is the adoption to sonship; theirs the divine glory, the covenants, the receiving of the law, the temple worship and the promises. Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them is traced the human ancestry of the Messiah, who is God over all, forever praised Amen.” (Romans 9:4-5). Before Yeshua came, the promise given to Abraham had not been effected, because He is the “offspring” who would bring blessing to all peoples. “Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called ‘uncircumcised’ by those who call themselves ‘the circumcision’ (which is done in the body by human hands)— remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” (Ephesians 2:11-13).

I said all this to explain how we who were far away have received sonship and everything it includes. If ever there was an act of love so amazing, majestic, and gracious, we foreigners can testify with great humility, I was nothing, but I was made a child of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Therefore, I will share one of the many promises that are yours in Yeshua, Messiah, (Jesus’ Hebrew name). “No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame, but shame will come on those who are treacherous without cause.” (Psalm 25:3). Today, you may feel the weight of shame, under which the world seeks to bury you. Lift your head, not in pride, but with hope looking to our redeemer, Yeshua. His promise stands firm and is yours as an inheritance.

Times of Refreshing

Posted on December 17, 2020 by steve2525 | Leave a comment

You can call on the Lord Yeshua now, nothing can stop you or separate you from God’s love in Yeshua Messiah. (Rom. 8:38-39). Exalt Him above all; in surrender cast yourself into His hands. Accept everything He is giving, say, Yes, to Him and receive His love which is poured into your heart. (Rom. 5:5). He is calling out to you as you call out to Him, meeting your embrace. (James 4:8). He is exalted above everything, yet He is near. As you exalt Him and humble yourself He is overshadowing you in His arms. (Luke 1:35; Deut. 33:27). His blood has been shed for you and it ever works salvation, healing, forgiveness, grace, mercy, and love. (Rev. 1:5).

Join with the multitudes in heaven and across the earth in constant praise to the Lord our savior, redeemer, the only worthy one to whom is the supremacy. (Col. 1:17-18). Enter His gates and his courts with praise, worship Him, in Spirit and truth. (Ps. 100; John 4:23-24) .Cry out for Him to have His way in you. Recognize His authority and rule over your life. Speak as the Spirit gives you utterance, confess His name, Yeshua. Speak His promises and proclaim His lordship. Speak as the Holy Spirit gives utterance. (Acts 2:4). “Jesus is Lord.” (1 Cor. 12:3). Ask for your hearts desire, for freedom and return of the prodigal. Give Him your burden, confess sins, and apply the blood as a balm of renewal.

Bow down, laying open your heart before Him, so that He can come in with fresh wind, cleansing rain, and the resurrection power of His presence. Let Him fight your battle and root out every foothold of the enemy. (1 Cor. 15:57). In His presence there is peace and wholeness. Get His vision and see the impossible coming about. (2 Kings 6:17). Release faith and hope within your innermost being through His presence. Let love and the Spirit reign in mind, soul and body.

He is your friend. He is your brother and the one who loves deeper and stronger than any force in heaven or earth. Accept His peace and rest, this is your charge to believe and receive. This is the place of refuge and blessing, in His presence. (1 John 3:19). Nothing is impossible for Him and He has chosen you for Himself. (1 Thess. 1:4).

“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus.” (Acts 3:19-20). The Holy Spirit works, indwelling the Believer to know, express and move in chorus with the reality of God’s eternal Kingdom. This expression of God’s love takes many forms and it is both common to every believer and unique as to each one. Let Him in and out. “ ‘Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.’ By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified. (John 7:38-39).

Nashville in the News

Posted on December 14, 2020 by steve2525 | Leave a comment

Recently, Ben Shapiro announced that he was moving his business from Los Angeles to Nashville. His motivation was that California had become a “cesspool”, with inadequate security, declining public sanitation, excessive taxes, and failing leadership. He indicated that Nashville was a place of where he could raise his children in safety. Nashville was the location of the last Presidential debate just a week earlier which may cause one to consider its political history.

Nashville is synonymous with Tennessee, a state deeply red with a Republican state legislature and Governor. Consequently, most people across the nation may assume Nashville is Republican, but it is not. When the great migration of conservative southern Democrats moved to vote for republican presidents, they stayed loyal to their seemingly less partisan local city Democrat politicians. Moreover, the term “Blue Dog Democrat” refers to those who will vote for Satan as long as he is a Democrat. Nashville has maintained a Democrat in its US House of Representatives seat forever. This was partly due to the powerful Democrat political machine created over the preceding one hundred years, which populate the city municipal working ranks, schools, police and public institutions.

As the Democrat party moved left, so did Nashville’s Democratic leadership. It even began to resent the “hillbilly” label that came with the home of Country Music. Nashville’s elite Democrats longed for the respect they believed they were due, and were envious of Atlanta with its modern liberal image. The state was growing more politically conservative, and just beyond Nashville’s city limits, Brentwood and Franklin were listed among the top ten highest per capita counties in the nation. Country music had successfully walked the tight rope toward pop music and was booming. It was not until Barack Obama’s first term that the true colors of the Nashville Democrat machine began to fly high again. Obama visited Nashville several times and commented, “I like Nashville.” The Democrat machine chose a woman for mayor just before Hillary Clinton announced her candidacy for president. The liberal congressional representative proudly announced support for all things liberal; Obamacare, open borders, gun control, dutifully following directions from the Democrat council on high. The first female mayor of Nashville resigned in a scandal of embezzlement and fraud before her term was completed, and like Hillary she didn’t serve any jail time. During this time the Dixie Chicks ended their career, deciding to go to Europe and trash fundamental American values.

There are plenty of Liberals, perhaps Socialists in Nashville, more come everyday escaping New York and California’s high taxes, crime and liberal mismanagement. It’s good to have hard working, responsible, law abiding, people in our community irrespective of their political beliefs. Similarly, Ben Shapiro would be a very welcome addition. Nashville remains a blue city amid a crimson state. Even the recently elected mayor appears less flamboyantly liberal, but like the “Deep State” in Federal government, it is unlikely that the Nashville Democrat machine will wave a flag of surrender anytime soon.

Applicable History

Posted on December 11, 2020 by steve2525 | Leave a comment

Things seems really bad in America, but we should keep things in perspective. “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes. All the nations surrounded me, but in the name of the Lord I cut them down. They surrounded me on every side, but in the name of the Lord I cut them down. They swarmed around me like bees, but they were consumed as quickly as burning thorns; in the name of the Lord I cut them down. I was pushed back and about to fall, but the Lord helped me. The Lord is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation. Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous: ‘The Lord’s right hand has done mighty things! The Lord’s right hand is lifted high; the Lord’s right hand has done mighty things!’ I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the Lord has done.” (Psalm 118:9-17)

Israel is our example of their rebellious nature and God’s merciful redemption and salvation. On several occasions the cities of Israel were surrounded and held under siege by more powerful enemy armies. When things looked hopeless, God brought victory and delivered Israel, often through His own Sovereign work, occasionally through Israel’s army. Some examples are when the King of Aram surrounded Elisha (2 Kings 6:11-23); When the King of Israel was under siege (2 Kings 6:24-7:10); when Elisha confronted Ahab and the Prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18:20-40); when Ahab was attacked by the King of Aram (1 Kings 20:13-21), and there were many more incidents with Moses, David and others. God is our deliverer and hope, irrespective of how great this world full of foes appears.

I wanted to remind and encourage us to put hope in God’s mercy and power, but the Holy Spirit offered a more important aspect to this message. ” ‘Do not forget the covenant I have made with you, and do not worship other gods. Rather, worship the Lord your God; it is he who will deliver you from the hand of all your enemies.’ They would not listen, however, but persisted in their former practices. Even while these people were worshiping the Lord, they were serving their idols. To this day their children and grandchildren continue to do as their ancestors did.” ( 2 Kings 17:38-41)

We must examine ourselves to ascertain whether we are serving any idols, whom the world follows wholeheartedly. Today, these are not symbolized by cast images or statues, but they are the same demonic forces of sexual pleasure/eroticism, avarice/greed/envy, fame/power/influence, selfishness/egotism/pride, intellectualism/humanism, and many other things that promise satisfaction, pleasure or lusts in exchange for our servitude. Lord Yeshua, (Jesus’ Hebrew name) expose our duplicity and deliver us from idolatry of any form, restore our pure devotion to you alone. (See Ps. 116)

Don’t Label Me, But Yeshua’s

Posted on December 5, 2020 by steve2525 | 2 Comments

Politics has been distorted by the secular humanist media and its minions. Traditionally politics referred to discussions of issues promoted by the various political parties. Today, politics has been polluted by identity politics and the tributaries of the various identities, such as gender confusion, racism, social justice, as well as historical issues like government role, limits, and form. A very small group of radicals have been promoted by the media and held up as representative of a majority of Americans. These and terrorists organizations like BLM and Antifa are cast as civil rights organizations, while they are actually racist, communist, anarchist seeking the destruction of traditional America.

The leaders of the internal enemy of America want destruction in order to initiate their reorganization in the crisis aftermath. Racial wars, civil war, outright rebellion, widespread terrorism, anarchy, financial collapse, continuing pandemics, or anything that can bring national crisis is the goal of the Democrat party and the humanist media. This sounds outlandish, but not in light of the failed coup perpetrated by the Deep State, followed by the impeachment of President Trump for what Joe Biden actually did. On top of all this the DOJ, FBI, police, courts and those who process justice under the law have taken no action against any illegality.

In this backdrop, you and I are being labeled as intrinsically racist, homophobic, bigots, and deplorable because we believe in the God of the Bible and rights clearly enumerated in the Constitution. I appreciate your desire to have less political controversy, conflict or adversity, but this cannot be accomplished in an atmosphere of such serious accusation, name calling, violence, illegal rioting and rampant injustice. The time where people argued about various policies that would be best for the nation has been abolished. While we still hope for changes in policy that would improve our nation, our opponents in the media, Deep State and leaders of the Democrat Party have discarded politics in exchange for a mass personal attack on historical Americans.

I refute the allegations and accusations by the enemies of American that I’m racist, chauvinist, or any other derogatory label they use to defeat or disarm the true majority of honorable, law abiding, working, God fearing, citizens of traditional America. I don’t say this in hate or as a threat in retaliation. These enemies are antithetical to all things God given or ordained. We have only love for the lost, our enemies who are facing the wrath of God, just as we were before Yeshua, (Jesus’ Hebrew name) saved us through His grace. We will not be manipulated or controlled by the world system our enemies serve. Among the congregation of Believers, in spite of our fallen human nature, we exhibit the nature and teachings of Messiah, Yeshua. Our Kingdom is that of God Almighty, an everlasting Kingdom, not of this fading world. Our prayer is that the eyes of your heart will be opened and you will come to faith in Yeshua, King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Lies Unending

Posted on December 2, 2020 by steve2525 | Leave a comment

I thought I would check the “News” after a quiet week of seclusion. First, I saw an article that described a group that went to Louisville, not to riot, but to defend private property from anarchists destruction. This article presented these people as illegal, racist bigots. It promoted the rioters as though there was a right to destroy personal property. With no evidence of racial bias or illegal purpose this group was condemned while Black Lives Matter was praised. The next article was from Rome, Italy, where an “extreme group” of Catholic women were creating graveyards of aborted babies. They got written permissions from the mothers and graveyards of the aborted were popping up all around Rome. The focus of the story was the tragedy this created for the women who aborted their baby. The author stated that the privacy of these women had been violated, by these insensitive radical Catholic women, but no mention was made of the innocent babies who were killed in mass, like victims of war crime.

Later, my grandson asked about my bees, “Beekeeping is like politics.” I said. “How is that,” he replied. “Well, it depends on who you talk to”, I answered. The political news is so bent that no outrage or injustice in a true historical or factual sense can be accepted, everything of the new Fascist agenda must be continually slathered with distortions to prop up the charade. People who defend the innocent are accused of racism, insensitivity or worse. Aborted babies do not deserve a decent burial or marker to identify the existence of their once beating heart. Since George Floyd was killed there have been hundreds of police officers wounded, fifty-four murdered, and several assassinated in cold blood. If we ignore the rule of law, even the oldest code of “an eye for an eye”, would stay this madness, but there is no satisfaction in insanity, rage, hate or revenge. God knew this and said, ”Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.” (Leviticus 19:18). Paul expounds, “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.” (Romans 12:19). These innocent babies who were sacrificed to demons, live in Heaven before God who created them in the womb. (Psalm 139: 13-15). They will get satisfaction from God when His wrath is revealed against the wicked and all liars. (Rev. 21:8).

Which One Are You

Posted on November 29, 2020 by steve2525 | Leave a comment

In the Bible we see many people who rejected Yeshua (Jesus’ Hebrew name). They usually had a reason, for example, some read the prophetic scriptures and concluded Yeshua was not the promised Messiah. They assumed they knew where He was from and therefore, He couldn’t be from God. In Nazareth they knew Yeshua and His family, but they didn’t know He was born in Bethlehem or that He was from God, born of a virgin. (John 7:27; 6:42).

The prophets said He would be David’s son, from Bethlehem. They thought we was from Galilee and didn’t know He was born in Bethlehem; was in the lineage of David through both Joseph and Mary, and were unaware of the prophecy about Galilee. (Micah 5:2; Matt. 4: 13-16).
They refused to believe the miracles He performed as signs of the Messiah and doubted when they didn’t see it personally, though thousands witnessed it. (Matt. 11:21,23).
They were looking for a warrior Messiah who would deliver them from Roman rule. He came as a meek servant, poor, rejected by the influential and powerful, a preacher of God’s truth and love. (Isa. 31: 4-5; 53: 3-12).
They relied upon the religious leaders who were not looking for the Messiah or God’s will and only cared about preserving their positions of power. (John 11:48).
They were pursuing their own interests, religious traditions and had no real interest in the Messiah or God’s will. (Matt. 19: 21-22; 6:5).
They saw Yeshua only as a man who did not satisfy their worldly desires and expectations. (John 6:26-27).
They were consumed with hatred of the Roman occupation and thought they must produce their own deliverance. Similarly, they weren’t looking for the Messiah and had little or no knowledge of him. (Luke 23:18-19).
Yeshua’s message of selflessness, mercy, forgiveness, humility and the true nature of God’s love was offensive to their prideful lifestyle. (Matt. 23:23-26).
Yeshua’s words of knowing God, doing His will, fulfilling prophecy, and demonstrating He was the Messiah made them mad, so angry they tried to kill him more than once. (John 8:59; 10:31).
They didn’t believe in God and/or the God disclosed in the scriptures. (John 9:29).

Today, there are new objections, such as: He was never an actual person; He was killed by the Romans and stayed dead; the resurrection never happened; the whole Bible is a myth, only science is Truth; Christians are evil and bad, etc. Most believers were under one or another of these delusions, but something happened to change everything. For example, Saul was imprisoning Believers until Yeshua showed up and confronted him. It may have been a scripture, message, or testimony they heard, or a serious event that got their attention and suddenly as though the lights came on, and there was the Lord and Savior, Yeshua Messiah. Scripture says everyone who seeks finds. (Luke 11:10). If you seek Him, you will find Him in some manner, like the woman at the well who was expecting the Messiah. (John 4: 7-26). Have you sincerely and earnestly sought the only one who can give you life abundant, true peace, and healing within your innermost being?

Efforts and Grace

Posted on November 26, 2020 by steve2525 | Leave a comment

I was reminded of several interrelated things today. First, I was sad that an irresistible swarm of cabbage leave worms attacked and consumed every leaf of Kale and Turnip greens in my garden. I have bees, so I could not fight them with insecticide and organic methods were useless against such a horde. Then I considered a volunteer watermelon plant that came up all on its own and produced three giant watermelons in just a couple weeks. At this time my granddaughters were catching grasshoppers in the yard and containing them in overturned cups on the drive. When I told them their mother was on her way to pick them up, they ran out to the driveway to move their precious menagerie of grasshoppers. Finally, out of the blue I remembered a tax case I worked on about twenty years ago. It involved a gain that resulted from a massive liquidation, distribution and reorganization of a multinational consolidated group. The gain was overlooked due to complex basis computations and rarely applicable sections of tax law. The representative attorney maintained that he did not understand the issue, though it was fully explained in a report with a description of the issue, facts, law, argument and conclusion. Of course, it is not necessary to agree with a tax position, as the facts, law or argument can each be disputed. What made this event memorable was that he prevailed with no other position than “he did not understand the issue.”

Then, I realized all these observances and recollections had a theme – we attribute concern for the fruit of our labors – but that which we receive by grace is often ignored or welcomed with less gratitude. Perhaps its why we spend so much effort trying to be happy or content in this world, even though we recognize that this world is not our home and our true longing and destination is with the Lord in Heaven. “For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 5:1-6)

Lord, show us where and how best to expend our efforts and to be led by your Spirit. We thank you that all things work for our good as we love you and are called according to your purpose. Forgive us for not recognizing all the grace you give us each day. Help us to put more faith and hope in your grace than our efforts.

Antithesis Significance

Posted on November 23, 2020 by steve2525 | Leave a comment

“If I profess with the loudest voice and clearest exposition every portion of the truth of God except precisely that little point which the world and the devil are at that moment attacking, I am not confessing Christ….” Martin Luther.

I was listening to a discussion of purpose and meaning. One party suggested that he found purpose in service to his fellowman. The other asked whether this purpose of serving others was founded in his religious beliefs. He paused before answering, “No, I think it could be, but anyone could as it is fundamental to human nature to find meaning in service to others.” (That reply set alarms off in my spirit). The other party redirected, replying that in his experience such service was tied to faith in God, but ignored the premise and its ultimate conclusion.

This conversation is an illustration of the Humanist lie, that has so successfully infiltrated our society and is now reeking havoc across numerous spheres of authority. Such a falsehood regarding foundational truth cannot be disregarded like a child’s denial of getting into the cookie jar. There is a creator or not, humans are inherently prone to evil or not, these are not relative issues, even though the physical evidence may be inconclusive to many. Therefore, to accept an assertion that humanity is inherently good, noble, and willing to serve others, above self, is merely a dream of those who came before like Karl Marx, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Margaret Sanger and others whom I will not list, but rather suggest a Google search wherein this idea will be overwhelmingly exalted, due to its designed bias for humanistic principles.

Secular Humanism is defined as, “a philosophy that embraces human reason, secular ethics, and philosophical naturalism while specifically rejecting religious dogma, supernaturalism, and superstition as the basis of morality and decision making. Secular humanism posits that human beings are capable of being ethical and moral without religion or belief in a deity. It does not, however, assume that humans are either inherently good or evil, nor does it present humans as being superior to nature.” This definition illustrates the significance of antithesis, which is, “if anything is true the opposite is false.” The humanists reject absolutes in favor of their own rule, definitions, and judgments. With complete power they expect to be proven righteous, but they exercise no limit of means to achieve their aims, including lying, fraud, collusion, deceit and crime.

Our apologetics can no longer overlook or ignore such a critical falsehood or premise through the misplaced notion and hope for mutual agreement in less contentious issues. Through this acquiescence Judeo-christian principles have become confined within the church and banned from the classroom, workplace, Courthouse, marketplace, sports arena, and internet forum/platform. Many who have maintained sound reason, faith in God, and traditional American principles, are bewildered by the stark lies and bias in TV/Internet Media. They are perplexed that the rule of law has seemingly vanished. They are baffled and mystified by a national election that pitted the most successful incumbent President in history with an admittedly corrupt, demented, repeated failure, who didn’t even campaign or win by popular vote in his own party primary. Malaise is on the horizon and it may be too late to mount a defense considering the state of societal decline. There will be no consolation or accountability from those who seek our destruction.

Yet, Truth lives and God is Sovereign over all. “For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” (1 Cor. 13:12-13). “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Heb. 12:1-2).

A Day as a Thousand Years

Posted on November 17, 2020 by steve2525 | Leave a comment

Scripture says, “By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly. But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.” (2 Peter 3:7-8). This scripture is about the the end and the Lord’s patience. God transcends time.

“For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.” (1 Peter 4:6). I believe everyone who ever lived will be given a revelation of God as an opportunity to accept God by faith and basis for judgment. “Very truly I tell you, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live.” (John 5:25). Yeshua said His voice had the power to give life to the dead. I believe this has a multi-dimensional application, as to the physical, spiritual, and soul. Every Believer has been raised to a new spiritual life. “After being made alive, he went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits—to those who were disobedient long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water,….” (1 Peter 3:19-20.) “He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive.” (Luke 20:38). God is Spirit and the spirit within each man returns to God at death, but that is not the end before God, just as God is called the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, all existence is open and present before Him.

God is beyond time, there is no comparison, He is faster or slower than time measures. Yeshua was in the grave dead for three days and Peter gives just a hint that a proclamation was made to imprisoned spirits who were disobedient before the flood. Moreover, the gospel was preached to the dead regarding their judgment. Not a lot is said about this and to speculate is not good, but it does illustrate the relative nature of time with respect to the spirit. Whatever Yeshua accomplished in the grave took three days of physical earth time, but could have been equivalent to three thousand years in grave time. So, just as God can wait thousands of years for the entire human family to be born and live their lives here on earth, for Him it is as a few days, but in the end the Universe will be destroyed by fire, and then the judgment will come. Yeshua said, “Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out—those who have done what is good will rise to live, and those who have done what is evil will rise to be condemned.” (John 5:28-29). Read the Bible for yourself, even if you can understand only a little, start with the Gospel of John.

Anger Rising

Posted on November 14, 2020 by steve2525 | Leave a comment

We are made in the image of God; not that we are equal or just like God, but we favor him. One aspect we share is the emotion of anger. God was angry with Israel. “Remember this and never forget how you aroused the anger of the Lord your God in the wilderness. From the day you left Egypt until you arrived here, you have been rebellious against the Lord. At Horeb you aroused the Lord’s wrath so that he was angry enough to destroy you….I feared the anger and wrath of the Lord, for he was angry enough with you to destroy you. But again the Lord listened to me. And the Lord was angry enough with Aaron to destroy him, but at that time I prayed for Aaron too.” (Deuteronomy 9:7-8, 19-20). Again we find, “God’s anger rose against them…” and “Because of their guilt, God’s anger came on Judah and Jerusalem.” (Psalm 78:31; 2 Chronicles 24:18).

Was Yeshua ever angry? As fully human, He must have been and I remembered when he drove the money changers out of the temple, but it concludes, “His disciples remembered that it is written: ‘Zeal for your house will consume me.’ ” (John 2:17). There is one account, “Then Jesus asked them, ‘Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?’ ” But they remained silent. He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, ‘Stretch out your hand.’ He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored.” (Mark 3:4-5) It seems very rare, but His anger did not prevent miraculous healing, because He is divine as well as human.

God is perfect, therefore, even His anger is just and righteous. In the end God’s wrath and anger will be appeased. “But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger.” (Romans 2:8; Matthew 18:34-35; Hebrews 4:3). We are far from perfect, so our anger is not good or just. “But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.” (Matthew 5:22). “But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.” (Colossians 3:8). “In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold….Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.” (Ephesians 4:26-27, 31). The devil will get a foothold in order to harm us, if we succumb to anger, rather than producing God’s goodness. As James says, “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” (James 1:19-20). My son-in-law put this into action when he told me, “If I feel the blood rising within from anger because of something said or heard; I wait till I calm down before responding, even if I must wait till tomorrow.” Lord, we see anger in the news and many things trigger anger within us. Help us release the anger through forgiveness, restore the peace, and cut off Satan’s influence.

Yeshua’s Church

Posted on November 11, 2020 by steve2525 | Leave a comment

This is a sad truth, in history there have been churches that accepted tyranny, evil, and wickedness in opposition to Yeshua. Apostate refers to a person or group who renounces a religious belief. The teaching of Yeshua should be accepted by His followers, to side with the world’s beliefs rather than God’s word is to betray Yeshua’s teaching. Before WW2 the German church accepted Hitler and his Nazi edicts, this was Apostasy, even if the leaders claimed they did not know of the death camps, there was no denying that Hitler was evil. Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a leader in the German church who saw the evil of Hitler and refused to be disobedient to Yeshua. The Russian Orthodox church later became apostate by accepting communists murder of fifty million Russians who chose not to worship the State above God. In America there is an Apostate church that accepts the world’s perverted detestable behavior and substitutes man’s reason for God’s truth, seeking the approval of men before that of God.

It is not our place to judge individuals in the church, but rather we are to pray that God will restore them to Himself. “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him. If you see any brother or sister commit a sin that does not lead to death, you should pray and God will give them life. I refer to those whose sin does not lead to death. There is a sin that leads to death. I am not saying that you should pray about that.” (1 John 5:14-16). In John’s Revelation chapter two and three Yeshua judges the seven Churches, and we must take heed, because we are members of His Church. He is the Lord of all Believers and He holds us in His all powerful, loving hands, but we must submit ourselves to His rule and the Spirit’s leading. With respect to praying for our fellow believers, Daniel was a great example for us in this regard, he said, “While I was speaking and praying, confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel and making my request to the Lord my God for his holy hill—while I was still in prayer,….”. (Daniel 9:20-21). We see that Daniel interceded for the sin of his people Israel. Our natural inclination is to condemn, criticize, and denounce those who fail to follow Yeshua wholeheartedly, but our first effort in their reclamation should be intercession, and that after recognizing our own sin as well.

Just as there are serious failures of certain churches in history, there have been many great testimonies of victory and faithfulness. Moreover, every nation that has followed Yeshua diligently has found favor and blessing, England and America are two examples. Part of that blessing is to share with others. Also, as Believers we have a priestly calling for intercession and sharing the Good News of Yeshua with the world. John says, “Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne, and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.” (Revelation 1:4-6)

Lord, Yeshua (Jesus’ Hebrew name) forgive us for our fear of man and failure to stand with you and upon your word. You gave yourself for us and we owe all to you. Send your Holy Spirit upon your congregation of Believers to turn our hearts back to you so that we may be unified, wholly obedient to your word and lordship. In these last days, distinguish us from the world and show yourself powerfully through your Congregation of Believers.

Future Automotive Design

Posted on November 8, 2020 by steve2525 | Leave a comment

The release of the newest automobile had been kept secret, just like a weapons development project, top secret. Though there was an industry of speculation, it was not fed by hints, leaks or anything, but imagination and history. The transformation of automobile design started with the abandonment of historical evolutionary processes, where each new release stood alone, no versions, editions or adaptations of a predecessor model. After marketing had been supplanted by actual engineering, substance ruled over form and it changed everything. Patching up last years model with a few new shiny bells and whistles had become antiquated. The technological advancement of design enabled UPD, Universal Point Development, such that a baseline was no longer the starting point – history was eclipsed and discarded, just as physical memory had replaced serial tape storage.

These new releases were completely new units. One might ask why develop new parts when last years part is still viable? The answer is that the innovation of the assembly line, over a hundred years ago, had become defunct. There are no unimportant parts, the whole is no longer the sum of the parts. UPD removed limitations that resided, even in the designers subconscious mind. Former efficiency in design, production and assembly had produced a product life-cycle lasting from five to ten years, but now there is no cycle of incremental versions, new releases are altogether new. The old, so called, efficiencies were altogether replaced by new technologies, processes, and materials.

What everyone is interested in these days is not the “How”, but the “What”. “How fast can it go”, was replaced by “what can it do.” The last release was waterproof to three meters. It was shown driving down the beach into the water until it disappeared just below the surface, after the suspense built, it slowly emerged up onto the shore and tore off in a spray of mist and sand. The releases are beautifully unique, but their style does not betray functionality as large, heavy, and bulky models once denoted back country accessibility. These vehicles can transform with adaptive design. Of course, every function is not universally desired and some features serve multiple functions, for example, a sound proof car is also a waterproof car; an all terrain vehicle is also self-repairing, and multi-fuel options can keep them running longer in any environment. Aesthetics, the concern with the nature and appreciation of beauty, is not diminished, but enhanced in this unlimited realm of design. Vehicles can repair themselves of scratches and certain damage, just as they can repaint and recolor themselves. The thought of purchasing a vehicle of a particular color, is a concept that has lost all meaning. This sounds like science fiction because the words “repaint” and “repair” convey images of laborious activity done in paint and body shops. However, the replacement of steel exteriors and fluid paint with micro perforated fiber and light diffusing particulates enabled these laborious tasks to become as easy as opening a valve to release agents that fill holes and change color.

One final point should be explained, these vehicles are very expensive, so much that only the super-wealthy can afford them, but they out bid each other trying to secure just one of the latest releases. However, the high price is not due to production or assembly costs, but simply as much as the market can bear. After all, it’s not important, as Yeshua said, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” (Luke 12:15). Moreover, we know that only one thing is needed, “Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.” (1 John 5:12).

Israel’s Awakening

Posted on November 5, 2020 by steve2525 | Leave a comment

“‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: When I gather the people of Israel from the nations where they have been scattered, I will be proved holy through them in the sight of the nations. Then they will live in their own land, which I gave to my servant Jacob. They will live there in safety and will build houses and plant vineyards; they will live in safety when I inflict punishment on all their neighbors who maligned them. Then they will know that I am the Lord their God.” (Ezekiel 28:25-26). This was fulfilled beginning in 1948 and 1967 where the nations observed seven days of punishment on Israel’s neighbors who together set out to annihilate Israel. What does it have do to Believers today? It is proof of God’s true righteous faithfulness to keep His promises. What is coming in the future?

“Let the nations be roused; let them advance into the Valley of Jehoshaphat, for there I will sit to judge all the nations on every side. Swing the sickle, for the harvest is ripe. Come, trample the grapes, for the winepress is full and the vats overflow— so great is their wickedness!” Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! For the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision. The sun and moon will be darkened, and the stars no longer shine. The Lord will roar from Zion and thunder from Jerusalem; the earth and the heavens will tremble. But the Lord will be a refuge for his people, a stronghold for the people of Israel.” (Joel 3:12-16). The prophet Joel saw the final battle where the returning Messiah will come from Jerusalem to vanquish a host of many nations that again seek to annihilate Israel.

“I will gather all the nations to Jerusalem to fight against it; the city will be captured, the houses ransacked, and the women raped. Half of the city will go into exile, but the rest of the people will not be taken from the city. Then the Lord will go out and fight against those nations, as he fights on a day of battle. On that day his feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem, and the Mount of Olives will be split in two from east to west, forming a great valley, with half of the mountain moving north and half moving south. You will flee by my mountain valley, for it will extend to Azel. You will flee as you fled from the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah. Then the Lord my God will come, and all the holy ones with him.” (Zechariah 14:2-5). The prophet Zechariah provides more detail of the city as the Lord goes out to meet the nations and how a perfectly timed earthquake will prepare an escape passage for Jerusalem’s residents.

“Then they gathered the kings together to the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon.” (Revelation 16:16). Upon the return of the Messiah many prophecies will be fulfilled including the final battle, but greatest will be the acceptance of Israel’s Messiah, such that all Israel will be saved. “For the Israelites will live many days without king or prince, without sacrifice or sacred stones, without ephod or household gods. Afterward the Israelites will return and seek the Lord their God and David their king. They will come trembling to the Lord and to his blessings in the last days.” (Hosea 3:4-5). God brings everything about in its perfect timing and He tells those who listen what will happen. He does this to encourage His people and confirm His word. ” ‘Shout and be glad, Daughter Zion. For I am coming, and I will live among you,’ declares the Lord. ‘Many nations will be joined with the Lord in that day and will become my people. I will live among you and you will know that the Lord Almighty has sent me to you. The Lord will inherit Judah as his portion in the holy land and will again choose Jerusalem.’ ” (Zechariah 2:10-12). God draws people to himself and works in the heart of people. He opens our eyes to see Him and His salvation. “And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for him as one grieves for a firstborn son.” (Zechariah 12:10). This is like Yeshua returning for Thomas who doubted the resurrection, but believed when he saw Yeshua’s pierced hands. (John 20:25-28).

“I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers and sisters, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in, and in this way all Israel will be saved. As it is written: ‘The deliverer will come from Zion; he will turn godlessness away from Jacob. And this is my covenant with them when I take away their sins’ .” (Romans 11:25-27). Every Believer is a recipient of God’s grace and favor; that He chooses to save Israel fulfilling His longstanding promises is just and loving. It is through the same faith of the patriarchs that all believers share salvation through Yeshua Messiah. Come Lord, Yeshua.

Kingdom Preparation

Posted on October 30, 2020 by steve2525 | Leave a comment

This is our duty to prepare ourselves for readiness, though our role is limited in the greater ongoing preparation in heaven. Yeshua said, “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” (John 14:3) What sort of preparations have we been doing? Have we been busy preparing a more comfortable place on this earth? Have we done all the preparation we know do to and we are waiting patiently for the next step? Not only is a place prepared for each believing child of God, but there is a place of eternal fire prepared for the enemy and his fallen angels. (Matthew 25:41). The entire creation, physical and spiritual dimensions, will be prepared for the judgment where good and evil will be separated. All the lies, deception, and everything false will be separated from truth, righteousness and holiness on the day of judgment.

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10) “However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived”— the things God has prepared for those who love him— these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.” (1 Corinthians 2:9-10). When we prepare our mind and heart for obedience we will encounter opportunities prepared for us. Of course, the Spirit is our guide leading us and empowering us to accomplish God’s purposes. Even Moses, the prophets and Apostles followed the same process of being alert, hearing instruction, and obeying. All the power, coordination of others, even amassing the enemy for defeat is organized by God; we simply show up, believe and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit.

“In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work. Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” (2 Timothy 2:20-22). Lord Yeshua, as our King and Brother, thank you for bringing us into your Kingdom and family. Thank you for giving us a small part in your redemptive work on earth. Let us be alert, watchful, and prepared for your return.

Chernobyl and Lies

Posted on October 27, 2020 by steve2525 | Leave a comment

It seems that some of the best movies are knockoffs or inspired by documentaries of the same events, consider:

– A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood vs Want You Be My Neighbor

– Captain Phillips vs Pirates of Somalia

– Sully vs Miracle Landing on the Hudson

– Ford vs. Ferrari vs The 24 Hour War

– Chernobyl vs Building Chernobyl’s Mega Tomb

It confirms the saying, “Truth is stranger than fiction.”

Chernobyl is a 2019 TV miniseries. I thought is was very interesting and well told. The documentary is more focused on the replacement building that encapsulates the entire reactor. The miniseries is rated 9.4 on IMDB and has some excellent actors that play real participants in the disaster. A theme runs through this movie, “the cost of a lie” and the story is filled with lies told by practically everyone except those who sacrificed their lives in an effort to mitigate the disaster and prevent further devastation. Mikhail Gorbachev stated years later after the collapse of the USSR that it was Chernobyl that brought it down. It should be a wakeup call to America, when the State (government) becomes more essential than the truth, a nation is finished. When there are no sanctions or restraint to lies, it is a path that will lead to certain destruction. The extent of lies serving as news today is proliferating, such that we may not be able to afford to repair the damage and destruction these lies will one day demand.

This is not about politics, but politics is the vehicle that excuses lying. Integrity is what we need and that comes from individuals who have courage, commitment, and a sound moral foundation. These virtues are under assault by the same people who have sold their souls for political purposes. It doesn’t take courage or any virtue to hate. When we become so arrogant that we will do anything to achieve what we want, we are not just wrong, we have become wicked. Those who are attempting to overthrow traditional America are consumed with contempt, but they will not be thwarted by hate. Hatred kills those who harbor it like a parasite which sucks the life blood from its host.

Hope remains as long as there is a remnant of people who put their hope and trust in God alone. God is rich in mercy. (Eph. 2:4) “Come, let us return to the Lord. He has torn us to pieces but he will heal us; he has injured us but he will bind up our wounds. After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will restore us, that we may live in his presence. Let us acknowledge the Lord; let us press on to acknowledge him. As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth.” (Hosea 6:1-3).

Media Credibility

Posted on October 22, 2020 by steve2525 | Leave a comment

CBS, the producer of 60 Minutes, has a history of lies, distortion and fraud. The President’s interview with Leslie Stahl is the latest example. Fortunately, for Trump, he had a full uncut version exposing the bias and evil intent, masked as ignorance, of the 60 Minutes producers. All one has to do is realize that CBS is the network of Dan Rather, who was dismissed after he knowingly lied on his newscast about President Bush. I thought at the time he should have been prosecuted because it was so premeditated and purposeful. He was just recently given an award by the corrupt Hollywood socialist media for his career of bias. Another evil premeditated fraud involved NBC that put incendiary devices onto a Chevrolet truck and reported that the truck regularly caught on fire. This was litigated civilly with NBC paying a very large fine. It’s hard to single out CBS as ABC was also involved in a constructed, premeditated fraud on Food Lion Grocery Store that went to court finding ABC guilty.

These are just a few cases that garnered massive publicity but they illustrate the corruption and bias of the major networks. The founders of America expressed interest in a free and open press to shine truth on government and public corruption. However, when an oligarchy of media corporations violate the trust of the AmerIcan people, it is not enough to slap theirs hands with fines or in Dan Rather’s case to remove him from his position. The same was done with respect to Hillary Clinton, who was allowed to continue her candacy for president, though she committed several felonies. She lost the election but was never held to account.

Mr. Trump was exactly right to tell Ms. Stahl that she had discredited herself. I believe CBS was shopping for phrases to parse and edit into a characterization of the President as a mean person, bigot, and/or worse. On the eve of another presidential debate structured and organized by a bias corrupt Committee on Presidential Debates, why would anyone expect to see a fair representation of the candidates positions? If I were Trump I would not participate in another setup by the socialist lying media. Until these frauds are prosecuted and criminals are held accountable, this behavior will not stop. The FCC should bar ABC, CBS, NBC and other organizations that intentionally foist fraud upon the public. The media operate under a public trust and are licensed accordingly. Their bias over thirty years is gross and undisputed. These massive corporations cannot be put in jail but their fraud on the public can be stopped permanently and it is high time that a fraudulent media without credibility should lose its control and monopoly over the public airwaves.

Accepting the Word

Posted on October 21, 2020 by steve2525 | Leave a comment

Most religions have professional clergy that facilitate the requirements of the religion to the common people. In Judaism the priest offered the sacrifices that covered sins. The eastern religions have priests that serve a similar role. In some Christian sects a priest is necessary to absolve sins and administer sacraments. However, the Bible teaches that Yeshua (Jesus Hebrew name) became our one and only high priest bringing atonement through his blood sacrifice once and for all who believe. (Heb. 4:14-14; 5:1-10). Therefore, each person who believes receives salvation and the impartation of the Holy Spirit which leads us into all truth. (John 16: 13)

Teaching can be good, but should not be the believers only or primary connection with God’s word. I hope the encouragement given in this communication causes people to read the Word themselves in an open dialog through the Spirit. We must learn to eat the fish and spit out the bones of men’s teaching. An example can be seen in the withered fig tree. “Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to find out if it had any fruit. When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs. Then he said to the tree, ‘May no one ever eat fruit from you again.’ And his disciples heard him say it….In the morning, as they went along, they saw the fig tree withered from the roots.” (Mark 11:13-14, 20) The fact that it was not the season for figs, yet Yeshua cursed it for having no figs creates a problem for some men, so they teach that there could have been some other edible portion (taqsh-nob fruit or Berba-off season fig) on the tree. Their need to justify Yeshua’s curse by a fault of the fig tree overcomes the fact of God’s sovereignty. God can not be judged by man’s sense of justice. God is sovereign and does according to His will and pleasure. (Eph. 1:5). Paul observed that man is in no position to question why God does anything. “One of you will say to me: ‘Then why does God still blame us? For who is able to resist his will?’ But who are you, a human being, to talk back to God? Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it, ‘Why did you make me like this?’ ” Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for special purposes and some for common use? (Romans 9:19-21).

Any man could cut down a tree for a walking stick, tool, implement, firewood or any purpose. Yeshua cursed this tree to teach His disciples that faith is powerful and said afterwards, ” ‘Have faith in God,’ Jesus answered. ‘Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, “Go, throw yourself into the sea,” and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them.’ ” (Mark 11:22-23; Matt. 31: 19-22). It is not necessary to concoct an answer for anyone who asks, “Why did Jesus justly curse a tree to kill it?” Particularly, when scripture says it was not the fig bearing season. Some suggest the leaves indicated a possibility of edible fruit and this indicated hypocrisy in the tree, thus deserving the curse. Of course there are all sorts of symbolic teachings, but at least we understand these are merely conjecture and speculation. This was not a parable.

Beware of teaching that strains the clear meaning of words and scripture. This portion of scripture is about believing faith in action, not about the properties of fig trees or why it was just to curse the tree, which He did to show the power of faith. The Holy Spirit is able to lead each Believer into all truth. Do not assign to men the duty of the Holy Spirit.

The Conservative Christian Apologist

Living Life On God's Terms

Author Archives: steve2525

Conversations on the Trail

The Deep State Rises

Reason Supporting Faith

The Only Refuge

The Firm Unknown

A Perspective on Politics

Harriet, the Movie (2019)

One Promise to Hold

Times of Refreshing

Nashville in the News

Applicable History

Don’t Label Me, But Yeshua’s

Lies Unending

Which One Are You

Efforts and Grace

Antithesis Significance

A Day as a Thousand Years

Anger Rising

Yeshua’s Church

Future Automotive Design

Israel’s Awakening

Kingdom Preparation

Chernobyl and Lies

Media Credibility

Accepting the Word

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this: