Prepare Now

 The Parable of the Ten Virgins is a powerful lesson that demands our attention. In this story, all ten virgins professed to be waiting for the bridegroom. They all had lamps and they all heard the cry announcing his arrival. However, here's where the critical distinction lies: while five of them were wise enough to bring extra oil, five foolishly ran out.

This parable underscores an essential truth: mere profession and outward appearances are not enough. All were asleep when the call came, but only those who had prepared adequately made it to the wedding. The five who had oil in their lamps were welcomed into the feast, while those who ran out of oil found themselves shut out.

The message is clear and uncompromising—preparedness is non-negotiable. It's not enough to simply carry a lamp; you must also ensure it has sufficient oil. This parable serves as a stern reminder that vigilance and preparation are crucial if we wish to be ready when the critical moment arrives. Only those who are truly prepared will gain entry into the celebration, leaving no room for complacency or half-hearted efforts.

Was I Wrong Ten Years Ago?

 Today, there is growing concern about the potential for a conflict between the United States and Russia, with reports of Russian submarines near the U.S. coast. Tensions have risen due to the U.S. involvement in Ukraine, and there are warnings of the potential for a conflict between Ukraine and Russia to escalate into a broader conflict involving NATO.

Back in 2014, I wrote this in my blog---

Some may be tired of my ranting about what is happening in the U.S. and worldwide.  I feel like Jeremiah when he was told to go down to the king’s palace and give a message to all those in Jerusalem.  That message was to do what is right and fair.  Protect those who have been robbed; don’t do anything to harm the orphans and widows.  Don’t kill innocent people.  If they would only do these few things, God would bless them.  But if they didn’t obey these few commandments, then the LORD promised with an oath in his name that he would destroy everything until it was nothing but a pile of rocks.

I am not sharing my rantings; I want to rant.  I have a responsibility to give the message from the LORD.  The LORD has said it will be awful for the shepherd (spiritual leader) who provides the wrong message.  During Jeremiah's time, the shepherds destroyed the sheep (the people) and made them turn to the LORD.  The LORD made the shepherds responsible for the message and blamed them for not caring for the sheep.  The LORD promised to punish the shepherds for the evil things they did and said that they would be replaced with new shepherds who would watch over the sheep.

So, if my ranting bothers you, don’t read it. However, I will not be silenced because I am not politically correct on some issues that need to be addressed and brought to light. We live in a time when people are uninformed about what is happening in our communities, our state and federal government, and within the very walls of the church. I feel a personal obligation to share what is happening all around us.

Every day, the news is about Russia and its criminal actions and how the U.S. needs to intervene. I received this email from Senator Dan Coats about how he would intervene.

On Wednesday, I introduced a resolution to support the territorial integrity of Ukraine and to condemn recent Russian military aggression. The resolution proposes sanctions and other measures to compel Russia to withdraw from the Ukrainian region of Crimea.

I intend to contribute new, meaningful ideas for President Obama to consider as a solid response to Russia’s military invasion of a neighbor. The proposals are designed to isolate Russia and would inflict real pain on Putin and Russian interests. Some of these ideas can be accomplished unilaterally, while others require us to lead our allies toward broader agreement.

My resolution seeks to isolate and punish Russia by calling for:

• Expelling Russia from the G-8;
• Suspending operation of the Russia-NATO Council and expelling Russian representation;
• Downgrading U.S. diplomatic representation;
• Closing two U.S. Consulates General;
• Requiring Russia to take reciprocal steps to close Consulates it has in the U.S.;
• Expanding significantly the application of the Magnitsky Rule of Law Accountability Act;
• Calling on FIFA to reconsider its decision to place World Cup 2018 matches in Russia and
• Suspending eligibility of Russians for seasonal work visas.
• 
  

Can I ask why we are so bent on going to war with Russia?  Our elected leaders have their finger on the trigger and are ready to act without having all the information, or maybe they do have the information and are hiding the real reason we need to intervene.  First, let me say that Russia did not invade Crimea.  Russia has an agreement with Crimea to use their port.  This was verified by our own CIA director, John Brennan when he told lawmakers that a 1997 treaty between Russia and Ukraine allows up to 25,000 Russian troops in the vital Crimea region, so Russia may not consider its recent troop movements to be an invasion.

So why would my senator want to punish Russia?  I have stretched my tolerance to its limit and am tired of Washington’s lies.  I am also tired of hearing the news media following the talking points of those who are no more than warmongers.  

How soon do we forget that we were involved in Egypt with our elected leaders telling us how great this would be for the Egyptian people and that the Muslim Brotherhood was no more than a secular organization that wanted democracy?  So how did that work out?

We got involved in Libya by overthrowing the government, and it is now run by Islamist militias who took the lives of four Americans.  Had it not been for the outcry from the American people who were informed, we would have been in the middle of Syria.  Our government leaders tried to hide the fact that the U.S. government was supporting the “freedom fighters” who were no more than paid mercenaries with ties to the enemy we were fighting in Afghanistan.

Now that we know we are reducing troops and pulling out of Afghanistan, the warmongers need another enemy to fight—enter Russia.  How did this international conflict come about?  Who are the movers behind the scenes who have pushed the world to the brink of war?

This conflict in Ukraine did not start in the past few months; it has been planned for several years.  The multimillion-dollar campaign to destabilize Ukraine is an attempt to thwart the efforts of Russia in Syria.  This is all due to the calculated efforts of the meddlers in the U.S., EU, Israel, and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).  This meddling is Washington's way of spreading “democracy.”  Washington gave support to the new government of Ukraine by getting rid of the democratically elected government because President Yanukovych would not sign the agreement with the E.U.  So, Washington initiated the violent demonstrations and allowed the “protesters” to take control.  Washington's support of the “protesters” is no different than the support they gave to al Qaeda terrorist groups in Syria.  

What I find interesting about those who want to go to war with Russia and teach them a lesson is that every one of them will profit at the expense of the American taxpayer.  The very ones who will benefit from this conflict are the same who are presently profiting from the war in Afghanistan.   

The conflict in Ukraine is no more than a calculated effort to weaken Putin’s New Russia, which will open the door for Israel to defeat Syria and move forward with the gas and oil pipeline through Syria, which Israel considers essential.  This will never happen as long as Ukraine is accessible from the E.U.

The conflicts taking place in Ukraine, Crimea, Syria, and Iran are all about the control of the oil and gas in that region.  Meyer Rothschild said, “Give me control of a country's money, and I care not who makes her laws.”  In the present conflicts, the control of money is found in the control of gas and oil.  If Russia controls the central portion of the energy to Europe, there will be a financial shift in those who control the money.  As long as Russia is the leading energy supplier, the international profiteers will not have control.  

 American citizens, we need to understand if Russia reduces economic dependency on the United States over the Ukraine crisis, the American financial system will no doubt crash.  Americans must stop being so gullible and realize our existence is in jeopardy.

If WE, THE PEOPLE, continue in our ignorance and gullibility, we put the entire world at risk. The message that Washington is trying to get American citizens to accept is that Russia is in the wrong.  John Kerry said in an interview with NBC, “You just don’t invade another country on phony pretext to assert your interest.”   Did he forget the U.S. invasion of Iran, Afghanistan, and Libya, which resulted in hundreds of thousands of civilian deaths and caused millions to flee to other countries?  Has he forgotten the wasted dollars these wars have cost the American taxpayer?  Sometimes, the actions of those in Washington can only be expressed as follows: What are they thinking?

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The hypocritical and utterly dishonest statements coming out of the Obama administration and propagated by the news media leave one stunned by the unbelievable nonsense of our elected leaders.  

Just as it was on the day of Jeremiah, the prophet, America is going down the road of destruction.  The LORD promised Judah that he would bring something terrible to them, something so dreadful that they could not escape.  They would cry out to the LORD, but he would not hear them.  The people chose not to serve the LORD, so he told them to cry out to their idols when the terrible disaster came.  There will be suffering, but the LORD will not hear their cries. 

Demonic Influence

 In the past few weeks, we have witnessed an invasion of a demonic culture into our towns and cities. The invasion of demonic power is no longer a myth; it's a reality we face daily. Demonic influence has insidiously infiltrated our government, education system, religious institutions, entertainment industry, and even sports. America has become pagan, adopting the culture of the heathen with alarming speed and enthusiasm.

Government policies are increasingly reflecting values that contradict moral and ethical principles. Stating that specific values are vital does not necessarily imply that elected leaders also practice what they preach. This is mainly because values often clash and contradict each other, confusing when action is needed. For example, during the pandemic, the shutdown of churches while allowing taverns to remain open was seen as a direct attack on the freedom of religion. Many people believe that the federal government has overstepped its constitutional bounds. They argue that it has become too big, intrusive, and expensive. As a national legislature, Congress has gone far beyond its "few and defined" powers and encroached on those reserved to the states and the people. Examples of this include controlling education and healthcare and creating various criminal laws. Even more intrusive are the over 400 federal agencies created by Congress that issue thousands of regulations controlling every aspect of our lives, including our air and water, as well as our farms and factories. The executive branch now chooses which laws to enforce and issues its laws through executive orders and administrative rules. The federal courts have also started to routinely decide matters of public policy historically reserved to the states, including issues regarding life, marriage, and morality.

Our education system is indoctrinating young minds with ideologies that erode traditional values. Education is not about reading, writing, and arithmetic. Politicians thought that primary schools could shape behavior by instilling fear of punishment for misbehavior or, conversely, by promoting rewards for proper behavior. Attending school every day, sitting still, not speaking out of turn, and following schedules, routines, and rituals, like marching in silence from classroom to breakroom, would make individuals internalize what constituted good manners and civil behavior from a young age.

Public schools have become the incubator of gender identity, critical race theory, anti-Christian values, pagan indoctrination, the culture of death, and rebellion.

 Religious institutions are not immune; many have compromised their beliefs to align with secular trends. Many churches no longer speak against what was once considered sinful. Sexual sins are now condoned by several mainline denominations and practiced by others. The sanity of life is no longer a command of God to be followed. The American church has lost its power and mission of salvation. The transforming power of salvation is no longer a doctrine of the church.

Entertainment glorifies vice over virtue, while sports have become platforms for promoting divisive agendas rather than unity. Race and gender identity have become the focus of many athletes, and sports have become the platform for political, environmental, religious, and social protest. 

We must recognize this invasion and come together to resist the demonic forces that are reshaping our society. As a unified front, we must reclaim our cultural and moral compass before it's too late.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prisoner of Hope

 Many people have put their hopes in this next election, relying on the promise that things will return to normal. This belief is not just misguided; it is dangerous. Trust in government is based on faulty hope, as the same promises and disappointments are repeated every election cycle. It's time to wake up and realize that placing blind faith in political saviors only makes us prisoners of our hope.

Expecting a different outcome from the same system is not just naive—it's irresponsible. We must demand more than empty promises and superficial changes. Actual progress requires active participation, critical thinking, and a willingness to challenge the status quo. Anything less is simply perpetuating a broken system under the illusion of hope.

It's time to break free from the shackles of hope. We must demand accountability, pursue tangible solutions, and acknowledge that substantial change stems from collective action, not empty electoral pledges.

Every election, we hear the same promises from our elected leaders: better living standards, fewer taxes, no more wars, and more freedom. Yet, every election has given us the opposite—more taxes, less freedom, more wars and violence, and a lower living standard. Each election cycle, our hopes are shattered, and our lives are filled with chaos.

It's time to wake up to this deception. We can no longer afford to be lulled into complacency by empty words and broken promises. Our leaders have failed us repeatedly; their assurances have become hollow echoes in the chambers of power. The pattern is clear: they promise utopia but deliver dystopia.

We must demand accountability from those who seek our votes. We should no longer accept vague pledges and unfulfilled commitments. We must scrutinize their track records and hold them responsible for the outcomes of their policies. Only then can we hope to break free from this vicious cycle of deceit and disappointment?

 Our future depends on it. The prophet Jerimiah writes--Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is a good way and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said we would not walk there. American Christians must declare a fast and repent for putting our hope in men rather than the LORD has brought judgment and chaos.

Reading The Signs

 The Parable of the Ten Virgins is a powerful lesson that demands our attention and reflection. In this parable, all were asleep. Yes, everyone—both the wise and the foolish—was caught in slumber. Yet, they all professed to be waiting for the bridegroom, symbolizing their shared anticipation for an important event.

When the midnight cry rang out, it was heard by all. This cry was not selective; it reached every ear. All had lamps, signifying that each one appeared prepared on the surface. However, this is where their similarities ended. The critical difference lay in their reserves: five had oil while five ran out.

This distinction is crucial and cannot be overlooked. Only five made it to the wedding because they were prepared with extra oil—symbolic of inner readiness and genuine faith. They were being filled with the Holy Spirit. The other five? They missed out entirely due to their lack of foresight and preparation and the loss of the Holy Spirit in their hearts.

The message here is unmistakable: more than superficial readiness will be required when actual preparedness is needed. Be among those who are genuinely ready; do not be content with merely having a lamp if you lack the necessary oil to keep it burning brightly until the end.

It's imperative to read the signs of the time in these dangerous times with unwavering clarity. We are witnessing an era where lovers of pleasure more than God dominate the landscape, cloaking themselves in a form of salvation that lacks actual substance. Wars rage on, bringing death and destruction in their wake, while hatred and malice seep into the very fabric of our society.

The division of family units is rampant, breaking down not just law and order but also the core values that hold us together. Leaders' deceit and lying have eroded our trust, leading to a profound loss of faith and hope among many. Bitterness festers as we navigate through this tumultuous period, facing a relentless barrage of challenges that test our resolve.

It's time to confront these realities head-on. Recognize the signs for what they are—a call to action for those who still believe in the Gospel's transforming power. This is not merely an observation; it's a mandate to reclaim our integrity and rebuild what has been broken. The next few months and years depend on how we respond today. Is your lamp shining as the light you will be to those around you? Have you hidden your light, or has it gone out? Time is short. The call has been made--The Bridegroom is Coming. Are you ready?

Forgivness

 Forgiveness is the foundation of Christianity, yet it remains one of the most talked about but seldom practiced virtues. The beginning of salvation is rooted in forgiveness; it is not merely a divine concept but an actionable mandate for all Christians. I find that actual spiritual growth and peace are attainable based on my forgiving others. However, many who profess their faith often ignore this essential practice.

Matthew 6:15 But your Father will not forgive your transgressions if you do not forgive others.

Forgiveness is not a selective virtue, but a universal one that should be practiced by all Christians. It's not just a topic for sermons or Bible studies, but a daily practice that demands humility, empathy, and a willingness to let go of grudges. These are qualities that should define every believer's life, making us all part of a larger community of forgiveness.

Ephesians 4:32 Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.

Ignoring this crucial aspect undermines the very essence of Christian teachings. If we truly aspire to live as Christ did, our actions must reflect our words. Forgiveness is not optional; it is a commandment that we must diligently follow to embody the love and grace that Christianity preaches.

Getting Ahead of the Holy Spirit

 One of my pet peeves is people who see others' faults and flaws and want to fix them. I have found that often, these are the same faults and imperfections they have in their own lives. Jesus acknowledged this in this statement:

Why do you look at the [insignificant] speck in your brother's eye but do not notice and acknowledge the [egregious] log in your eye?

In our fast-paced world, it's easy to fall into the trap of becoming a "Fixer." We see conflicts, relationship issues, and the myriad problems life throws at us and instinctively rush to solve them ourselves. But rather than allowing the Holy Spirit to work out these conflicts, we often create more turmoil. By taking matters into our own hands, we generate more conflict, exacerbate issues, and sometimes cause damage beyond repair.

This approach is not only counterproductive but also spiritually detrimental. We must step back and allow the Holy Spirit to work. Trusting in His divine wisdom means recognizing that some battles are not ours to fight alone. When we relinquish control and let the Holy Spirit guide us through life's challenges, we pave the way for proper resolution and healing.

I often use the story of William Penn and George Fox to illustrate the importance of allowing the Holy Spirit to work.

When William Penn began attending the meetings of the Society of Friends, he continued to dress in fashionable attire. He even carried a sword, as was customary among men of his standing. Seeking advice from George Fox, he inquired about the appropriateness of his attire, referencing the necessity of his sword as mentioned in the teachings of Christ. Fox advised Penn to continue wearing the sword for as long as possible. Subsequently, when they met again, and Penn was without the sword, he informed Fox that he had followed his counsel. This anecdote underscores the early Friends' emphasis on personal conviction guided by divine truth rather than conformity to external opinions.

Getting ahead of the Holy Spirit is a common pitfall that well-meaning people often fall into. They see a conflict, problem, or fault and believe they answer all life's conflicts. This mindset is not only misguided but also counterproductive.

The Holy Spirit continues to work within us, enabling us to believe in the Gospel and purifying our hearts through faith. However, the Holy Spirit does not work independently of us, nor does He control or compel us through physical force. He is a "free Spirit" who preserves our moral freedom instead of overriding our faculties and qualifying them for rational use. He shows us the truth and reforms us through His influence. All of this requires our active participation. He works within us or through us, as the words may signify. As long as we withhold our abilities from Him as instruments of action, He is not working to save us.

So, step back next time you feel compelled to jump in and fix something. Reflect on whether you're genuinely being called to act or just ahead of yourself—and, more importantly, ahead of the Holy Spirit.

It's time to stop being a Fixer. Let's acknowledge our limitations and put our faith where it belongs—in the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. Only then can we hope for genuine peace and lasting solutions.