Toward a Happy New Year in 2026

It is the time of year when lots of people make New Year’s resolutions.  I normally don’t, however, this year has been a difficult one, and I am hopeful that 2026 will be better.  The best path to happiness is to try to be more like Jesus (Romans 8:28-30, 35-37), so I hope that this old hymn will help to keep me mindful of that: 

Just a Closer Walk With Thee

(Anonymous)

 

1.    I am weak, but Thou art strong;
Jesus, keep me from all wrong;
I’ll be satisfied as long
As I walk, let me walk close to Thee. 

Refrain:
Just a closer walk with Thee,
Grant it, Jesus, is my plea,
Daily walking close to Thee,
Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.

 

2.    Through this world of toil and snares,
If I falter, Lord, who cares?
Who with me my burden shares?
None but Thee, dear Lord, none but Thee 

                        Refrain 

3.    When my feeble life is o’er,
Time for me will be no more;
Guide me gently, safely o’er
To Thy kingdom shore, to Thy shore. [1]

 

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[1] https://library.timelesstruths.org/music/Just_a_Closer_Walk_with_Thee/

 

Blessed are Those Who Have Not Seen, Yet Have Believed

And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord  (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”)  and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.”  Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.  And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.  And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, 

“Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace,
according to your word;
for my eyes have seen your salvation
that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and for glory to your people Israel.” 

And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him.  And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.” 

And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day.  And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem. (Luke 2:22-38 ESV) [1]

Anna and Simeon saw Jesus, and they believed.  After Jesus rose from the dead, He appeared to His followers, but His disciple, Thomas, was not there.  Thomas refused to believe until he saw the Lord himself and could touch Him.  Jesus gave Thomas the opportunity to do so, and then Thomas believed.  Then, Jesus blessed us who have not seen Him, and yet believe. 

Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came.  So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.”

Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.”  Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.”  Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!”  Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”                               (John 20:24-29 ESV) [2] 

Anna, Thomas, and Simeon saw and believed.  Be blessed of the Lord because you have not seen, and yet have believed.

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[1] https://biblehub.com/esv/luke/2.htm

[2] https://biblehub.com/esv/john/20.htm

 

The Birth of Jesus

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.  This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria.  And all went to be registered, each to his own town.  And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David,  to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.  And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth.  And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. 

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.  And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear.  And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.  And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 

“Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” 

When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”  And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger.  And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child.  And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them.  But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.  And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. 

And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.                  (Luke2:1-21 ESV) [1]

When Jesus was born there was no room for Him in the inn.  Is there room for Him in your heart?  Please give Jesus a birthday present.  Believe and be saved.

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[1] https://biblehub.com/esv/luke/2.htm

 

Please Pray

Please take a moment to pray for all those who must be away from home, away from family and friends on Christmas, in the service of our country.  Our military personnel, contractors, embassy staff, intelligence people, and others make a special kind of sacrifice to serve us, during the Holidays.  May God bless them all.

The Annunciation

About the time that Jesus was born, a priest name Zacharia was visited by the Archangel Gabriel. Gabriel informed Zacharia that his wife Elizabeth was going to become pregnant and bear him a son. Zacharia and Elizabeth were past the usual age of childbearing. Up until that time, they had not been able to have children.  Zacharia did not believe what Gabriel was telling him. So, his ability to speak was taken away from him until after Elizabeth gave birth.  The child was John the Baptist.  (Luke 1:5-25, 57-62) 

Mary was related to Elizabeth, and when Elizabeth was in the sixth month of her pregnancy, Gabriel appeared to Mary in Nazareth.  He told her about her part in God’s plan. 

In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary.  The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” 

Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.  But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.  You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.  He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” 

Mary’s response was different than that of Zacharia.  Instead of doubting the angel’s message, she asked for an explanation of how it was going to happen. She believed. 

“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” 

The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.  Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month.  For no word from God will ever fail.” 

“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. (Luke 1:26-38 NIV) [1] 

Please note Mary’s willingness to do the will of God.  Now, in those days an unwed mother would be ostracized, and her child would be considered a second-class citizen.  Mary was betrothed to Joseph.  How would he react?  Yet, Mary said, “May your word to me be fulfilled.”

The Word says that an angel of the Lord God showed Joseph in a dream that Mary was innocent of any wrongdoing, and that he was to take her as his wife: 

This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. Joseph, to whom she was engaged, was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly. 

As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit.  And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 

All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord’s message through his prophet: 

“Look! The virgin will conceive a child!

She will give birth to a son,

and they will call him Immanuel,

which means ‘God is with us.’” 

When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife.  But he did not have sexual relations with her until her son was born. And Joseph named him Jesus.                                            (Matthew 1:18-25 NLT) [2] 

Joseph also believed and obeyed God.  Praise the Lord.

 

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[1] https://biblehub.com/niv/luke/1.htm 

[2] https://biblehub.com/nlt/matthew/1.htm

 

 

A Reason to Celebrate

While in prison for his faith, the Apostle Paul wrote his protégé, Timothy, about the reason Jesus Christ came to live among us, that we must not be ashamed to testify about Jesus, and the promise of His return.  Let’s keep these things in mind as we celebrate Jesus’ birthday. 

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.  And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher.  That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day. 

What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus.  Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit 
who lives in us.  (2Timothy 1:9-14 NIV) [1]

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[1] https://biblehub.com/niv/2_timothy/1.htm

 

Jesus' Birth in Bethlehem

The birth of the Jesus Christ in Bethlehem was foretold by the Prophet Micah:

 

But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah,

are only a small village among all the people of Judah.

Yet a ruler of Israel,

whose origins are in the distant past,

will come from you on my behalf.

(Micah 5:2 NLT) [1]

 

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[1] https://biblehub.com/nlt/micah/5.htm

 

Immanuel

 

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign.

Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, 

and shall call his name Immanuel (God with us).

(Isiah 7:14 ESV)[1] (parenthetical added)

 

For to us a child is born,

to us a son is given;

and the government shall be upon his shoulder,

and his name shall be called

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Of the increase of his government and of peace

there will be no end,

on the throne of David and over his kingdom,

to establish it and to uphold it

with justice and with righteousness

from this time forth and forevermore.

The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

(Isiah 9:6-7 ESV) [2]

[1] https://biblehub.com/esv/isaiah/7.htm
[2] https://biblehub.com/esv/isaiah/9.htm

Venezuela

The United States of America is clearly massing forces in the Caribbean, the Gulf of Mexico, and other strategic locations.  What we are doing looks a lot like what we did before we liberated Kwait and again when we invaded Iraq.  Our military presence is becoming sufficient to mount an invasion of Venezuela if President Trump elects to do so. 

Anyone who follows the news is aware of the reasons why some people think deposing the communist dictator Nicolás Maduro Moros necessary.  Salient among them are that he is a criminal and a thug who is heavily involved with the cartels and Iranian-backed terrorist organizations.  He is deeply implicated in smuggling deadly drugs into the United States, facilitating the illegal migration of criminal gang members, and with trafficking in human beings. 

To stay in power, Mr. Maduro has released criminals from prison and used them to coerce the Venezuelan people who oppose him into submission.  Those who oppose Maduro have often had to flee the country.  To support his rule, he has allowed China, Russia, Iran, and Cuba to use his country as a base to expand their influence in the region. [1] 

It seems clear that the actions of the Maduro regime threaten the safety and security of the peoples of the United States and other countries in the Western Hemisphere.  The question is, then, how far are we willing to go to end that threat? 

Americans are generally a peace-loving people.  We do not want war unless it is forced upon us to defend ourselves.  In principle, I agree with President Dewight Eisenhauer: 

“I hate war as only a soldier who has lived it can, only as one who has seen

its brutality, its futility, its stupidity.” [2]

Consequently, I will support the use of military force within the borders of Venezuela only if it is clearly demonstrated that it is necessary and if there is no other way.  I believe that the American public needs to be convinced of its necessity, and I am against entering into another war unless we are unified and resolute.  Our government must get everybody on board before that ship sets sail. 

If we begin, we must be willing to see it through – to resolve the matter in our favor no matter how long it takes.  Too many times, we have entered into conflicts on foreign soil with popular opinion in favor of it, only to see support for the war effort dwindle over time.  Our people favor swift victories, and do not want to commit our human and financial resources to wars that drag on and on without resolution.  Our enemies see this as a weakness, and they exploit it. 

My support of military action within Venezuela is, therefore, subject to the following conditions: 

In the past, I have repeatedly said that I strongly oppose putting the lives of our troops at risk unless we are willing to do whatever it takes to win.  This includes using weapons systems that will devastate the enemy.  Our opponents must not be allowed to have any safe haven; not in their own country or in any other country. 

In the interest of national unity, I think President Trump must obtain the authorization of congress by a full roll call vote, not just from congressional leaders or a committee.  It doesn’t matter whether he has the authority as president to do it on his own.  Our government must be unified in support of military action.  Not one American should die in Venezuela without the full support of our government.  It also means that, at least in this one case, the members of congress must set partisan politics aside and vote their conscience. 

When I was 14 years old, we lived (barely) through the Cuban Missile Crisis.  Given the improvements in modern delivery systems, enemy bases in Venezuela would pose an even greater threat.  In truth, the American people have not been made fully aware of the nature and extent of this peril, and it must be fully disclosed to the congress and the people in any discussion of our nation’s alternatives in this situation. 

Everyone must understand that regime change is not the only goal of our military action.  We need to stop the Russians, Chinese, Cubans, and Iranians from using Venezuela as a base of operations to spread their influence in the Western Hemisphere.  In other words we need to kick them out.  The whole thing will be a wasted effort if we do not. 

Venezuela is training its military to fight an asymmetrical, guerilla-type war of resistance to a US military incursion.  Much of the country is heavily forested.  Most of the population is concentrated in its coastal cities.  The topography is varied, and it includes agricultural lowlands and mountainous terrain – all of which lends itself to the same kind of fight we had in Vietnam. 

The Venezuelan people would like to be rid of Maduro, but they were not willing to accept US offers of help from Vice President Pence, during the previous Trump Presidency.  Things may be different now, but we should not depend on the Venezuelans to welcome us as liberators.  We should also expect to be criticized and condemned by the rest of the world. 

In short, I think we will have a lot tougher time of it than we expect if we invade.  I think a blockade (also an act of war), support of the anti-Maduro resistance movement, stringent economic sanctions, and clandestine, covert operations offer alternatives that should receive full consideration. 

“The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.” [3]

Sun Tzu

 

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[1] https://www.foxnews.com/world/china-moves-venezuela-maduro-regime-gets-beijing-lifeline-amid-us-tensions

[2] https://www.brainyquote.com/authors/dwight-d-eisenhower-quotes

[3] https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/dwight_d_eisenhower_136897

Trump Bucks

There is an old saying that goes, “Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth.”  It’s hard to say this, but maybe we need to give it a second thought.

President Donald Trump has talked about providing $2,000 to Americans from the money the government has been collecting for tariffs on foreign goods. Most of us could use $2,000. During the Biden Administration, the Democrats and Rino Republicans increased federal spending by trillions of dollars.  The resultant inflation made it more difficult for many Americans to afford the necessities of everyday life.  Those of us who are on a fixed income, families with children, the poor, and many others have been disproportionately affected in a bad way.  So, I don't think very many people would turn down $2,000.

Certainly, President Trump knows that public support for his economic policies has been dwindling.  It cannot have escaped his attention that paying out some of the tariff money to the people might help to build public support for his policies.  It would also be likely to increase demand for goods and services; increasing job creation and economic activity in the short term.

Unfortunately, flooding the economy with additional money would decrease the value of money. Consequently, it would take more money to buy the same amount of things. That is one of the ways that inflation is fueled.

It is not wrong to give people a break. I'm aware - very aware - that people are hurting. Therefore, giving people $2,000 dollars is not in itself a bad thing. There are, however, other good ways to use the money; ways that might benefit our people more over the long term.

The interests of the American people would be well served if the tariff money was used to pay down the national debt. The national debt is now well over $38 trillion and climbing.[1]  That does not include the debt owed by state and local governments. Many knowledgeable persons believe this amount of public debt will eventually lead to an economic disaster.

Two ways that tariff revenue could be used to reduce the national debt include paying it down directly or using it to bolster federal revenue in support of the Trump tax cuts.  Either one would be more effective if combined with cuts in federal spending.

In the past, lower taxes have resulted in more revenue becoming available to the government. Decreasing taxes (increasing revenue) will help offset the deficit spending our government seems to be addicted to. The same would be true of direct payments to reduce the rate by which our national debt is growing.  If federal spending is not reduced, tax cuts and tariff revenue alone will never solve the problem of federal indebtedness.

In the interest of full disclosure, I will not return it if the government gives me $2,000.  I could use the money.  It would be more socially and economically responsible if the government would use everyone’s share to begin to address the national debt.

 

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[1] https://www.usdebtclock.org/

 

Stille Nacht

 

Stille Nacht

 

Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht,
Alles schläft; einsam wacht
Nur das traute hochheilige Paar.
Holder Knabe im lockigen Haar,
Schlaf in himmlischer Ruh!
Schlaf in himmlischer Ruh!

Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht,
Hirten erst kundgemacht
Durch der Engel Halleluja,
Tönt es laut von fern und nah:
Christ, der Retter ist da!
Christ, der Retter ist da!

Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht,
Gottes Sohn, o wie lacht
Lieb' aus deinem göttlichen Mund,
Da uns schlägt die rettende Stund'.
Christ, in deiner Geburt!
Christ, in deiner Geburt!

 

 

Silent Night

 

Silent night, holy night
All is calm all is bright
'Round yon virgin Mother and Child
Holy infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace

Silent night, holy night,
Shepherds quake at the sight.
Glories stream from heaven afar,
Heav'nly hosts sing Alleluia;
Christ the Savior is born
Christ the Savior is born

Silent night, holy night,
Son of God, love's pure light.
Radiant beams from Thy holy face,
With the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth*

 

 

 

 

*Pastor Joseph Mohr and Franz Gruber, Christmas Eve 1818.  (Modern versions may contain more verses.) [1]

 

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[1] https://www.thoughtco.com/stille-nacht-silent-night-1444302

 

Our Hope is Grounded in The Word

We can find hope in God’s Word.  The Word of God was fully God, and He came to live among us. 

The Apostle John testified: 

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  He was in the beginning with God.  All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.  In him was life, and the life was the light of men.  The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:1-5 ESV) 

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14 ESV) [1] 

The Prophet Isiah testified:

 

“The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
“Prepare the way of the Lord;
Make straight in the desert
A highway for our God.
Every valley shall be exalted
And every mountain and hill brought low;
The crooked places shall be made straight
And the rough places smooth;
The glory of the Lord shall be revealed,
And all flesh shall see it together;
For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”
(Isaih 40:3-5 NKJV) [2]

John the Baptist testified: 

“And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?”  He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.”  And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” And he answered, “No.”  So they said to him, “Who are you? We need to give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?”  He said, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as the prophet Isaiah said.” 

(Now they had been sent from the Pharisees.)  They asked him, “Then why are you baptizing, if you are neither the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?”  John answered them, “I baptize with water, but among you stands one you do not know,  even he who comes after me, the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie.”  These things took place in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.” (John 1:19-28 ESV) [3] 

God’s Law as given through Moses repeatedly states that the testimony of two or three witnesses may be taken to be fact: 

“A single witness shall not suffice against a person for any crime or for any wrong in connection with any offense that he has committed. Only on the evidence of two witnesses or of three witnesses shall a charge be established.” (Deuteronomy 19:15 ESV) [4] 

And all God’s people said, “Amen!”

 

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[1] https://biblehub.com/esv/john/1.htm

[2] https://biblehub.com/nkjv/isaiah/40.htm

[3] https://biblehub.com/esv/john/1.htm

[4] https://biblehub.com/esv/deuteronomy/19.htm

 

The Only Way to the One True God

The Jack Van Impe ministries’ Intelligence Briefing, (Volume 31, No. 11, November 2025, p.1) reports that a recent survey (State of Theology) by Ligonier ministries found that about half of the 637 evangelicals surveyed believe that God accepts all religions. It would seem that some of our brethren may not be clear about what the Holy Bible says about the way to God. 

We must believe in Jesus unto salvation. James tells us that it is not enough just to believe that God exists: 

“You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.” (James 2:19 NIV) [1] 

Peter declared to the Sanhedrin: 

“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name (Jesus) under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12 NIV) (parenthesis added) [2]

Jesus said: 

“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.  In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.  And you know the way to where I am going.”  Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?”  Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.  If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.” 

Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.”  Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?  Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works.  Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in
me, or else believe on account of the works themselves.”
(John14:1-11 ESV) (emphasis added) [3] 

The world calls it bigotry.  Believers call it the truth.  Jesus said: 

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.  For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.  Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.  And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil.  For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed.  But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.” (John 3:16-21 ESV) (emphasis added) [4]

 

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[1] https://biblehub.com/niv/james/2.htm

[2] https://biblehub.com/niv/acts/4.htm

[3] https://biblehub.com/esv/john/14.htm 

[4] https://biblehub.com/esv/john/3.htm

 

Thanksgiving 2025

Psalm 150

Praise the Lord! Praise God in his sanctuary;

praise him in his mighty heavens!

Praise him for his mighty deeds;

praise him according to his excellent greatness!

Praise him with trumpet sound;

praise him with lute and harp!

Praise him with tambourine and dance;

praise him with strings and pipe!

Praise him with sounding cymbals;

praise him with loud clashing cymbals!

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!

Praise the Lord!

(Psalm 150 ESV) [1]

As I was thinking about writing this post, news reports began coming in about the two National Guardsmen who were shot in Washington DC earlier today.  I was doubly heartsick.  I was filled with sorrow for our soldiers and their families, and I was also sorrowed because it happened the day before Thanksgiving.  Then I got angry.

I thought, why on Thanksgiving?  Citizens, we cannot allow these lawless criminal/terrorists to ruin our Holidays.  Don’t give those who are evil any kind of victory. 

We are heartsick about today’s events in Washington, and we must pray for our brave soldier's recovery.  Rightly so.  Let’s strengthen our resolve as well, and go forward in the confidence that the Lord will help us if we humble ourselves and pray for His deliverance: 

“… if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (2Chronicles 7: 14 ESV) [2] 

It is Thanksgiving.  We must remember the many blessings the Lord has bestowed upon us and be grateful for them. In America, our blessings far outweigh our problems. In times of trouble, it may seem difficult to praise the Lord for his goodness to us, but it is at these times we must offer our praise as a sacrifice to God; in spite of how we may feel in the moment. 

“… be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’  So we can confidently say, 

‘The Lord is my helper;

I will not fear;

what can man do to me?”

(Hebrews 13:5-6 ESV) [3]

Jesus said:

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
(John 16:33 ESV) [4]

Praise the Lord!

[1] https://biblehub.com/esv/psalms/150.htm
[2] https://biblehub.com/esv/2_chronicles/7.htm
[3] https://biblehub.com/esv/hebrews/13.htm
[4] https://biblehub.com/esv/john/16.htm

Following Orders

 

“In a video posted on X Tuesday, Democratic lawmakers Sen. Elissa Slotkin, Sen. Mark Kelly, Rep. Jason Crow, Rep. Maggie Goodlander, Rep. Chris Deluzio and Rep. Chrissy Houlahan said the ‘threats to our Constitution’ are coming ‘from right here at home,’ and repeatedly urged the military and intelligence community to ‘refuse illegal orders.” https://www.wral.com/story/democratic-lawmakers-urge-troops-to-disobey-illegal-orders/22253445/ 

We respectfully urge their constituents to begin recall proceedings or vote them out of office. 

Let's be clear about one thing. What these elected officials did is wrong. That is our unambiguous and irrevocable response.  Anything that follows, should be understood in the context of that statement. 

If elected officials object to the actions of the President, they have the option to challenge those actions in court.  It is flagrantly irresponsible for them to publicly, and by visual media, urge military personnel who are engaged in combat to refuse orders Make no mistake, those Democrats’ remarks were directed at our service people who are obeying orders to use lethal force to stop narco-terrorists from smuggling illegal drugs into the United States. 

Those who have read some of our previous posts know that I'm a veteran. I served during the Vietnam war, but I did not serve in Vietnam. Nevertheless, the issue of obeying orders, legal or illegal, was ingrained in my memory and value system.  Please understand, you must live it in order to understand it fully.

On March 16, 1968, American soldiers led by Lt. William Calley killed a large number (300-500) of South Vietnamese civilians at a village named My Lai. During his court martial, Lt. Calley claimed that he was acting on the orders of his company commander, Captain Edwin Medina.  The court martial found that to be no excuse for his actions. https://armyhistory.org/my-lai/  

Subsequently, in ROTC, and later during my Infantry Officers Basic Course (IOBC) at Ft. Benning, I received training about refusing to obey illegal orders.  At Benning, an entire block of instruction was devoted to “The Law of Land Warfare.”  While I was at Ft. Benning, Lt. Calley was under house arrest there, during the due process of his case.  It got our attention. 

Our military servicepeople do not need partisan politicians, whose motive appears to be their hatred of President Trump, telling them about their “duty to refuse illegal orders.”  They are trained about that.  However, it may create a subtle misgiving in the soldier’s mind that our military men and women might be prosecuted in the future.  If they obey what liberals regard as “illegal orders,” what might happen when the Democrats get back in power?  Do you see the double-bind that puts them in? 

Furthermore, the resulting confusion might cause them to hesitate at a crucial moment.  In armed conflict hesitation can get you killed.  It can get your buddies killed.  It can cause the mission to fail. 

Military personnel do not have the luxury of evaluating whether each and every order they get is legal or illegal.  If it is obviously illegal*, they have the ability to refuse the illegal order, although it may be reviewed by military authorities and result in the legality of the order being determined by a court martial.  To put it plainly, if a service person refuses to obey an order that they think is illegal, they may be court martialed, and the court will then decide whether it was legal or not. Military personnel do not have the right to become armchair lawyers and to refuse any order they don’t like. 

If military people are allowed to arbitrarily refuse orders, the result would be chaos.  Unit cohesion would be disrupted.  There would be divisions among the rank and file of our operational units – ‘to obey or not to obey, that is the question.’  It’s madness to let that happen.  Our ability to defend the American people would get flushed down the toilet. 

 

* In Ukraine, the Russians are doing things that are obviously illegal.  Their war crimes include: purposely killing civilians and destroying civilian infrastructure, committing rape, kidnapping children, and mistreating prisoners of war.

Mercy

Paul must have been “reading my mail” when the Holy Spirit prompted him to say: 

“So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.  The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions.  But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses. 

When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God. 

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! 

Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there.  Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.” (Galatians 5:16-25 NLT) 

I keep committing the same sins over and over.  It is a wonder that God hasn’t thrown me into Hell a long time ago: 

“Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death?  Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 7:24-25 NLT) 

We cannot continue in a sinful style of living, willfully doing wrong, and treading underfoot God’s love and mercy.  To break the power of sin, we need to walk in the strength of the Holy Spirit and in vital union with Christ.  If we break fellowship with God by sinning, He will restore it if we sincerely turn away from our sinful lifestyle, confess our sins to Him, and accept His forgiveness. (Romans 8:1-2) 

“This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all.  So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness; we are not practicing the truth.  But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin. 

If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth.  But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.  If we claim we have not sinned, we are calling God a liar and showing that his word has no place in our hearts.” (1John 1:5-10 NLT)

 

“Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good!

His faithful love endures forever.

 

Let all Israel repeat:

“His faithful love endures forever.”

Let Aaron’s descendants, the priests, repeat:

“His faithful love endures forever.”

Let all who fear the LORD repeat:

“His faithful love endures forever.”

 

In my distress I prayed to the LORD,

and the LORD answered me and set me free.

(Psalm 118:1-5 NLT) * 

 

*  Acknowledgement: All Bible verses quoted were copied from: https://biblehub.com/

 

Persecuted for Jesus

According to the “World Watch List” maintained by Open Doors International, worldwide in 2025, “more than 380 million Christians suffer high levels of persecution and discrimination for their faith.”  They report that “1 in 7 Christians are persecuted worldwide, including: 4,476 murdered, and 4,744 imprisoned, while 7,679 churches and other Christian properties were attacked.” 

Open Doors International has a map that shows the countries where Christians are persecuted, and they rank the five countries where persecution is the worst.  These countries are: #1 North Korea, #2 Somalia, #3 Yemen, #4 Libya, and #5 Sudan.  According to Open Doors, Nigeria ranks #7.  https://www.opendoors.org/en-US/

The Voice of the Martyrs has a similar map that shows the countries where Christians are being persecuted all around the world. https://www.persecution.com/globalprayerguide/?gad_source=5&gad_campaignid=21514348932&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIzZbmptf1kAMVQRqtBh1SYQCVEAAYBSACEgJiN_D_BwE

Radical Islamists and communists are the primary persecutors. However, radical Hindu fundamentalists in India, guerilla groups and drug cartels in South America, and traditional religions in Mexico are also a major problem.

Here in the United States Christians have been increasingly persecuted for their faith in Jesus, and their desire to follow His teachings.  Hundreds of churches have been vandalized and burned, and leaders have been forced out of their positions in business and local government. The educational system has repeatedly disciplined Christian students and undermined their parents.  Government regulators and lawsuits have nearly, (and in some cases completely), driven Christian small business owners out of business.  National leaders have been mocked in the press. Violent demonstrators have tried to prevent access to Christian rallies and worship services; most recently at UC Berkley.  This anti-Christian hatred has even resulted in the assassination of the prominent Christian Evangelist, Charlie Kirk.

We thank God that President Trump has called attention to this problem, and that several members of the US Congress have taken notice as a result.  We also are grateful that there has been some reporting in the national broadcast media.  All freedom loving Americans should support freedom of religion. 

We are called to contend for our faith in Jesus Christ, but the Holy Bible is clear that Christians will be persecuted for it.  We need to pray, read the Bible, and draw on the power of the Holy Spirit, so that we will not falter when we are put to the test. 

Jesus said: 

If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first.  The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you.  Do you remember what I told you? ‘A slave is not greater than the master.’ Since they persecuted me, naturally they will persecute you. And if they had listened to me, they would listen to you.  They will do all this to you because of me, for they have rejected the one who sent me.  They would not be guilty if I had not come and spoken to them. But now they have no excuse for their sin.  Anyone who hates me also hates my Father.  If I hadn’t done such miraculous signs among them that no one else could do, they would not be guilty. But as it is, they have seen everything I did, yet they still hate me and my Father.  This fulfills what is written in their Scriptures: ‘They hated me without cause.’

But I will send you the Advocate—the Spirit of truth. He will come to you from the Father and will testify all about me.  And you must also testify about me because you have been with me from the beginning of my ministry. (John 15:18-27 NLT)

On his missionary journeys, the apostle Paul traveled from city to city preaching the gospel and planting churches. He always went to the synagogues first to give the good news to the Jews. He was favorably received at first. However, the religious establishment always stirred up opposition to him. When that happened, he carried the message to the gentiles. At first, the message was received favorably once more. However, the religious leaders stirred up opposition again. Paul was beaten, jailed, stoned and left for dead, and run out of town.  Yet, the churches he planted continued.  We are beginning to experience same thing now. Currently, the persecution is not so severe. It will get worse. 

Paul said: 

I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again.  Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one.  Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea,  I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers.  I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. (2Corinthians 11:23-27 NIV)

 You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance,  persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them.  In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. (2Timothy 3:10-13 NIV) (emphasis added) 

Peter wrote: 

Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good?  But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.”  But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,  keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.  For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.  For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit. (1Peter 3:13-18 NIV)

The Apostles set an example for us:

And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest questioned them, saying, “We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.”  But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.  The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree.  God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.  And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.” 

When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them.  But a Pharisee in the council named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in honor by all the people, stood up and gave orders to put the men outside for a little while.  And he said to them, “Men of Israel, take care what you are about to do with these men.  For before these days Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing.  After him Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the census and drew away some of the people after him. He too perished, and all who followed him were scattered.  So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail;  but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!” So they took his advice,  and when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.  Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name.  And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus. (Acts 5:27-42 ESV) (emphasis added) *

 

 

* All Bible verses quoted were copied from: https://biblehub.com/