Happy Easter 2026

Jesus Christ is alive!  Today is the day we celebrate His resurrection.  Praise the Lord!  Jesus’ death on the cross paid the penalty we owe for our sins.  His resurrection is proof that all those who believe in Him will one day also be resurrected. 

“Moses writes this about the righteousness that is by the law: “The person who does these things will live by them.” But the righteousness that is by faith says: “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’ ” (that is, to bring Christ down) “or ‘Who will descend into the deep?’ ” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim:  If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.”  For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:5-13 NIV) [1] (emphasis added) 

When Jesus rose from the dead, He demonstrated that God has power over death.  Therefore, He can raise us from the dead, also.  When Christians’ bodies die, their soul and spirit immediately go to be with the Lord. (2Corinthians 5:8)  Then when He comes to call the Christian living and dead to be with Him bodily, those who have died in Him will return with Him in the rapture and He will call us all to be with Him in a new resurrected body  forever. (1Corinthians 15) Jesus is the Lord of all. 

“But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.  For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep.  For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.  Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.  Therefore encourage one another with these words.” (1Thessalonians 4:13-18 NLT) [2] 

Happy Easter!

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[1] https://biblehub.com/niv/romans/10.htm

[2] https://biblehub.com/nlt/1_thessalonians/4.htm

 

The President's Address on 1 April 2026

Yesterday evening President Trump addressed the American people regarding Operation Epic Fury and the prospects for an end to the conflict with Iran.  Before we begin a discussion about Operation Epic Fury, let me say that, with certain qualifications, we should support what the US and Isreal are trying to achieve by this undeclared war in the Middle East.  It is in our best interest, Israel’s best interest – and the best interest of the entire world. 

President Trump's speech outlined the successful achievement of our well defined military objectives.  It is truly amazing that we have dismantled a regional economic and military power in such a short time with so few American casualties. It would be remiss, however, not to point out that Israel's contribution to the military effort has resulted in constant arial attacks from Iran.  We should recognize the courage that they have shown.  They have known from the start that their home land would be attacked and that their casualties would be far greater than ours. 

With full recognition and gratitude for the excellent performance of our armed forces, it is necessary to emphasize that the achievement of the military objectives is a measure of success, but they do not constitute victory. We are grateful for the success that has been achieved, and we pray for the safety of our military personnel. We are hoping sincerely that these military successes will compel the Iranians come to the negotiating table in good faith and agree to our conditions for a ceasefire. 

Whether victory is achieved by further military action or by negotiations, it will remain elusive if we prematurely abandon our efforts to reach a long-term solution that will make sure Iran will no longer be a threat to the peace and safety of other nations.  Victory will be ours when Iran is no longer able or willing to continue to fight.  Anything less will only “kick the can down the road.”  There is no other alternative that will provide lasting peace. 

Therefore, victory must include an agreement in which Iran will:

1. Promise free, fair and internationally supervised elections that will give the Iranian people a representative government, and which will result in the peaceful transition of power from the radical Islamic theocracy, and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IGRC), to the new elected government.

2. Iran must agree to abandon its efforts to get nuclear weapons. We must be able to remove the enriched uranium that is still in Iran, and we must remove the Iranians ability continue enriching uranium … including the centrifuges and nuclear power plants they need to produce it.

3. Iran must agree to stop sponsoring terrorism around the world, and stop funding arming, training, and providing advisors to terrorist proxies like Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis.

4. They must stop persecuting political opponents and other religions. Women must be treated fairly and with kindness and respect.

5. Iran must obey international law by permitting the free use of the international waterway through the Strait of Hormuz.

6. They must agree to unannounced inspections to ensure the world that these conditions have been met.

 

Given the realities of modern warfare, the President of the United State must have the authority to use military force to respond immediately if the USA is attacked.  With greatest respect for President Trump, Operation Epic Fury has demonstrated the need to get congressional approval if time permits, before the President commits American forces to military operations.  It is understandable that President Trump was faced with a Congress that might not approve the use of military force in Iran.  He is faced by opponents whose hatred of him clouds their judgement, and who oppose his every action simply because he is the one doing it.  We also understand that certain members of Congress pose a risk because they may leak classified material to the press or to foreign adversaries. 

Nevertheless, by acting without Congressional approval, the President provided the opposition with the means to sway popular opinion against him and Operation Epic  Fury. The public is easily led by the constant harangue that the war is illegal and unjust from Democratic legislators and the liberal news media.  Congressional approval to use military force might have been a lever to use in the negotiations that preceded the conflict.  The element of surprise may have been preserved by couching the approval in general terms – without specifying times, dates, methods, or points of attack 

President Trump has not violated the War Powers Act.  Not obtaining congressional approval has, however, placed a 60 day time limit on the hostilities, after which they stop if approval from Congress is withheld.  If the President choses to violate that limit, Congress may try to impeach him and/or cut off funding for the war. 

The 60 day limit also gives the Ayatollahs who are left standing a goal to strive for.  They may believe that if they can hold on to power for a few more weeks – they win.  That is America will go away without any lasting arrangements that allow the achievement of our goals.  In the Islamic world, if they are killed in this attempt they become martyrs who receive special rewards in heaven.  If they stand up to the West in a conflict, and they survive, they are heroes, even if they lose militarily. 

In short, America is a constitutional republic.  That means we need to try to have consensus before we act. 

Pray that Iran will capitulate or be so weakened that they collapse.  Pray For President Trump.  Pray for the people of Iran.  Pray for Israel, and please pray for the United States of America.

Palm Sunday 2026

 

Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem.  It begins the most significant series of events in history. 

“And when he had said these things, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem.  When he drew near to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount that is called Olivet, he sent two of the disciples, saying, “Go into the village in front of you, where on entering you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever yet sat. Untie it and bring it here.  If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ you shall say this: ‘The Lord has need of it.’”  So those who were sent went away and found it just as he had told them.  And as they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, “Why are you untying the colt?”  And they said, “The Lord has need of it.”  And they brought it to Jesus, and throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it.  And as he rode along, they spread their cloaks on the road.  As he was drawing near—already on the way down the Mount of Olives—the whole multitude of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”  And some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples.”  He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.” 

And when he drew near and saw the city, he wept over it, saying, “Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes.  For the days will come upon you, when your enemies will set up a barricade around you and surround you and hem you in on every side and tear you down to the ground, you and your children within you. And they will not leave one stone upon another in you, because you did not know the time of your visitation.” 

And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who sold, saying to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a den of robbers.” 

And he was teaching daily in the temple. The chief priests and the scribes and the principal men of the people were seeking to destroy him, but they did not find anything they could do, for all the people were hanging on his words.”(Luke 19:28-48 ESV) [1] (See also: Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 11:1-11, John 12:9-19)

 

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[1] https://biblehub.com/esv/luke/19.htm

 

Overcoming Evil

“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.  Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.  Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.  Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.  Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. 

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.  Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.  Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.  Do not be conceited. 

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.  If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.  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.  On the contrary: 

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;

if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.

In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” 

(Proverbs 25:21-22)

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:9-21 NIV) [1]

 

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[1] https://biblehub.com/niv/romans/12.htm

 

 

What Must I do to be Saved?

“As we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners much gain by fortune-telling.  She followed Paul and us, crying out, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation.”  And this she kept doing for many days. Paul, having become greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And it came out that very hour. 

But when her owners saw that their hope of gain was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace before the rulers.  And when they had brought them to the magistrates, they said, “These men are Jews, and they are disturbing our city.  They advocate customs that are not lawful for us as Romans to accept or practice.”  The crowd joined in attacking them, and the magistrates tore the garments off them and gave orders to beat them with rods.  And when they had inflicted many blows upon them, they threw them into prison, ordering the jailer to keep them safely.  Having received this order, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks. 

About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them,  and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s bonds were unfastened.  When the jailer woke and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped.  But Paul cried with a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.”  And the jailer called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas.  Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”  And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”  And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house.  And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family.  Then he brought them up into his house and set food before them. And he rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God.” (Acts 16:16-34 ESV) [1] (emphasis added)

 

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[1] https://biblehub.com/esv/acts/16.htm

 

Weeds and Good Seed

He put another parable before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field, but while his men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat and went away.  So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared also.  And the servants of the master of the house came and said to him, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have weeds?’  He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ So the servants said to him, ‘Then do you want us to go and gather them?’  But he said, ‘No, lest in gathering the weeds you root up the wheat along with them.  Let both grow together until the harvest, and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, “Gather the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.” (Matthew 13:24-30 ESV)

 

Then he left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples came to him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field.”  He answered, “The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man.  The field is the world, and the good seed is the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one, and the enemy who sowed them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels.  Just as the weeds are gathered and burned with fire, so will it be at the end of the age.  The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers, and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.  Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear.” (Matthew 13:36-43 ESV) [1]

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[1] https://biblehub.com/esv/matthew/13.htm

 

The Price is not too High

When I was in town today, I noticed that a name brand filling station and convenience store was selling unleaded regular gasoline for $4.09 a gallon. The price that store was asking for diesel fuel was over $5.00 per gallon. Earlier in the week, I purchased unleaded gasoline from the same company at a different location for $3.92 a gallon.  This is a snapshot, and it may not accurately represent the average price of fuel in our area.  You can get blended gas for a few cents less.  It does show, however, that you have to pay high prices for gas and diesel fuel right now. 

It reminded me that there is a ration card my mother saved from World War II in our family papers. During that war, people sacrificed in order that the war effort could be successful. Our current military effort in Iran is very different from World War II. However, in any war it is necessary for the folks back home to share some of the burden. 

While there may be other factors at play regarding fuel prices, the Iranians have closed off shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, and the reduction in the world’s oil supply is driving the price of oil higher. President Trump has issued an ultimatum to Iran.  If they refuse to allow shipping through the strait, the United States will attack Iran’s electrical infrastructure.  It is uncertain whether the Ayatollahs care, but there will be hardship for everyone in Iran if that happens. When the choke point is relieved, we hope that gas prices will go down. 

The public dialogue is replete with praise and criticism regarding our military effort in Iran. Please allow this small attempt to bring clarity to the discussion. 

The prospect of the radical Islamist regime in Iran obtaining a nuclear weapon is the western world's worst nightmare. If they get the bomb, they will use it or threaten the use of it to force the nations of the world to do their bidding. Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) would have Americans believe that there is no imminent Iranian nuclear threat to the US because Iran does not have a delivery system that can reach our shores. *  This argument ignores some very important considerations, some of which might include: 

There is more than one way to skin a cat, and there is more than one way that Iran can deliver a nuclear strike against the USA.  Furthermore, by treaty if Iran delivers a missile borne nuclear strike on one or more of our NATO allies, we must treat it as an attack on the United States.  Iran has pledged to destroy Israel.  A nuclear attack by Iran on Israel would draw the United States into a conflict that might possibly involve a nuclear response on Iran by Israel.  There is no way to know if Russia and China would stay out of that fight. 

Whatever temporary sacrifices we need to make to ensure that Iran does not obtain nuclear weapons are worth it. If I have to pay even more for a gallon of gas to get that done, I will do it happily. We cannot pass on to our children and their children the prospect of a nuclear attack from a terrorist regime like the one in Iran. The Ayatollahs must not be allowed to have nuclear weapons.  It would be like giving a five-year-old a loaded pistol at a birthday party. 

President Trump and his team have stated that regime change it's not a goal in Iran for now, but simply put, if regime change does not happen, we cannot permanently rid ourselves of the threat of a nuclear Iran. They will continue to try to obtain nuclear weapons until they get them. 

Fellow citizens, it is rare for anything worthwhile to be achieved without effort on somebody's part. Please believe as I do that the inconveniences we are experiencing are worth it, and they will end when our mission in Iran is accomplished. Give President Trump the room he needs to operate. If permanently ending the threat of a nuclear Iran is all we accomplish, what the President is doing is in our long-term best interests.

* Fox News "The Sunday Briefing" interview of Ro Khanna by Jacqui Heinrich       15 March 2026 

Freedom of Religion

The right of American citizens to worship as they choose is protected by the First Amendment to the US Constitution: 

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” 

Many of the world’s nations have an official state religion. The First Amendment prohibits the US government from designating an official state religion.  It also prohibits the government from interfering with any citizen’s faith related activities. 

Although the United States has no official religion, the majority of Americans  self-identify as Christians, Jews, or Religiously Unaffiliated.  There are over a thousand different religious groups or subgroups in the United States. 

Lamp in a Corner is a Christian blog.  It is an effort to inform people about the way of salvation provided to us through faith in Jesus Christ.  This salvation is the only way that people can come to the One True God and receive eternal life … to be spent in the joy of His presence and serving Him forever. 

Although Christians have an obligation to warn others who do not share our beliefs that we will all eventually stand in the presence of God and give an account of ourselves, it is not our job to judge others unto condemnation.  Instead, we must pray for them and peacefully persuade them to believe in Jesus Christ. 

Lamp in a Corner respects the right of people to worship as they please.  We urge everyone to regard freedom of worship and practice as a universal human right … so long as doing so does not prevent others from worshiping as they choose. 

No one has the right to use violence or coercion to convert others.  Historically, Christianity has “converted by the sword.”  Today, true Christians recognize that does not honor God.  We oppose other countries or religions when they use violence and persecution as a way to make converts. 

A great many of the world’s nations do not allow freedom of worship.  We call on them to recognize that each individual has the right worship as they choose.  In the end it is God - and only God - who will decide who is correct. 

It is not God’s way to kill, injure, coerce, persecute or discriminate against those who do not share the same religious beliefs that we do.  Please do not use force except to defend yourselves and others.  Peacefully persuade.  Pray for your enemies.  If you do, God will bless your efforts.

"Let the Sunshine In"

On Sunday 8 March 2026, “a day that shall live in infamy,” we will again be required to change our clocks and observe daylight saving time.  There are bills before the Senate and House of Representatives that are referred to as the Sunshine Protection Act of 2025, (SB29 and HR139), which would make the change to daylight saving time permanent.  If passed by congress and signed by the president, there would be no further requirement to switch from daylight saving time to standard time.  Although it would be preferable to make standard time permanent, rather than daylight saving time, these bills are better than ongoing time change requirements. 

Over the years there have been multiple legislative efforts at the federal and state level to deal with the time change requirements.  Arizona and Hawaii do not observe daylight saving time.  Since 1966, daylight saving time has been protected by federal law, but the law does not prohibit the states from choosing to remain on permanent standard time.  A previous federal attempt to impose daylight saving time only was repealed because the people did not like it. 

Other legislation is now pending that would leave the time change requirements up to the individual states.  Although this legislation may be more consistent with the 10th Amendment, it would be detrimental to the conduct of business and travel, and the results would be chaotic.  Furthermore, it would cause the negative impact of time change requirements to be year around, rather than semi-annual. 

Therefore, since Article I, Section VIII gives congress the authority to regulate foreign and domestic commerce, and the impact of the individual states setting their own time change rules would negatively impact both, Article I, Section VIII may take precedence.  In short, deferring the issue to the individual states does not solve the problem, it makes it worse. 

 Although I prefer permanent standard time, observing permanent daylight saving time is better than dealing with semi-annual time changes.  If you agree, please write, email, or call your senators and congressional representatives and urge them to approve one or the other. Many health experts have said that the time changes are unhealthy.  It would be an act of mercy for congress to eliminate them.

 

The First Must be Last

Now they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was going before them; and they were amazed. And as they followed they were afraid. Then He took the twelve aside again and began to tell them the things that would happen to Him:  “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death and deliver Him to the Gentiles;  and they will mock Him, and scourge Him, and spit on Him, and kill Him. And the third day He will rise again.” 

Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Him, saying, “Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask.” 

And He said to them, “What do you want Me to do for you?” 

They said to Him, “Grant us that we may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on Your left, in Your glory.” 

But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” 

They said to Him, “We are able.” 

So Jesus said to them, “You will indeed drink the cup that I drink, and with the baptism I am baptized with you will be baptized; but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared.” 

And when the ten heard it, they began to be greatly displeased with James and John.  But Jesus called them to Himself and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them.  Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant.  And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all.  For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”                                          (Mark 10:32-45 NKJV) [1]

 

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[1] https://biblehub.com/nkjv/mark/10.htm

 

Iran

People do things for more than one reason. Currently, President Donald Trump is trying to negotiate an agreement with the Islamic Republic of Iran to achieve certain goals without having to resort to military action. He is being criticized by some for moving too slow, while the people of Iran suffer under the brutal totalitarian theocracy by which they are governed. 

Wisely, President Trump has usually left the planning and execution of military operations to our military commanders. Of course, as commander-in-chief he reserves the right to make the final decisions about our military actions. 

It seems clear to most observers that the Ayatollahs in Tehran have no intention of abandoning their nuclear ambitions, ceasing to sponsor terrorism around the world, and the horrible slaughter of their own people. Some commentators view military action to be inevitable. They make the valid point that the theocratic regime in Iran has never been and weaker, and that the opportunity has never been better topple the regime. 

So, what is President Trump waiting for? To retain the moral high ground, it is clear that the United States needs to exhaust every available opportunity to resolve this matter peacefully, and that by delaying military action we are making a good faith effort toward achieving a peaceful resolution. The delay also gives our military the time it needs to mass sufficient forces in the area of operation to be able to apply overwhelming force when the stubbornness of the Ayatollahs ultimately makes it necessary. 

The task before our military is achievable, but they will need to destroy Iran’s offensive missile capability immediately to keep our forces in the region and the people of Israel safe from attack. To achieve meaningful change in the governance of Iran, our military will also need to destroy their air defense capability, command and control systems, nuclear program, and the military forces and infrastructure that support the regime. These and other military objectives are achievable, but the use of ground forces may become necessary. 

The need for the use of our ground forces will depend on whether the Ayatollahs, and other oppressors in Iran are willing to step down from their positions of authority and seek asylum in other countries. Should they refuse, the use of ground forces may be necessary to remove them. They are criminals, and they should stand trial for crimes against humanity. However, removing them from power should be our first priority. 

As always, Lamp in a Corner will support military action only if it will result in the complete destruction of the enemies’ ability and will to resist. In our opinion, while it may not be a legal requirement, the Trump Administration should seek the approval of Congress before such military action takes place. This approval can be in the form of a general approval, and it does not need to involve itself with specifics like dates, times, and methods. We do not want American lives to be put at risk unless our military actions are backed by the majority of our elected government, and without a firm commitment to the complete destruction of the enemies' will and ability to resist. 

Delay will result in the further suffering for the Iranian people. This is regrettable, but necessary. Although not all of the Iranian people are our enemies, they have not shown themselves to be loyal friends either. There are calls from the Iranian resistance for American help. We feel for the plight of the people in Iran, and we have humanitarian concerns for their welfare. We want to do what we can to help. However, we are under no obligation to allow their pleas for help to direct our management of the situation. Whatever we do should be in the interests of the United States, and our success should not be jeopardized by precipitous action.

Don't be Afraid

Jesus taught us:

 

“Students are not greater than their teacher, and slaves are not greater than their master.  Students are to be like their teacher, and slaves are to be like their master. And since I, the master of the household, have been called the prince of demons, the members of my household will be called by even worse names! 

“But don’t be afraid of those who threaten you. For the time is coming when everything that is covered will be revealed, and all that is secret will be made known to all.  What I tell you now in the darkness, shout abroad when daybreak comes. What I whisper in your ear, shout from the housetops for all to hear! 

“Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell. What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it.  And the very hairs on your head are all numbered.  So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows. 

“Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven.  But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven.”                        (Matthew 10:24-33 NLT) [1]

 

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[1] https://biblehub.com/nlt/matthew/10.htm

 

Tim "Temerity" Walz

There was a segment on Fox News today showing a public statement by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.  Gov. Walz had the temerity (couldn’t resist the pun) to demand that the federal government pay reparations for alleged damaged caused by ICE and other federal agents, during operations they were conducting to apprehend illegal migrants.  Please consider this: 

Any damages that were done were caused by violent demonstrators who were incited by Gov. Walz and other Democrat officials in Minnesota.  There is evidence that many of the most vehement demonstrators were paid agent provocateurs, many of whom were not residents of Minnesota.  In addition to taking responsibility himself, maybe Gov. Walz should be going after their backers for the alleged damages instead of the federal government. 

Under Gov. Walz’ watch, billions of dollars were fraudulently obtained from programs intended to help the poor of Minnesota.  His level of complicity is under investigation.  At a minimum, he has command responsibility.   He has no moral or ethical ground to stand on when accusing others of costing the public money.  His statement was the zenith of hypocrisy. 

Unless he has recanted, Gov. Walz has said that he will not be a candidate for reelection to the office of governor.  Does he have other ambitions?  He certainly has shown that he can do the “political sidestep” by trying to make himself appear to be the heroic defender of freedom against tyranny.  Is it to deflect attention from his welfare fraud scandal, or does he have delusions of greater grandeur – like running for national office?  Fellow Americans, I don’t know about you, but I wouldn’t follow Tim Walz across the street. 

Sometimes in my prayers I thank God for His mercy that Kamala Harris and Tim Walz lost in 2024.  That is the truth.  It is not a figure of speech.  Please pray that they will be relegated to the political sidelines.  America doesn’t need the likes of those two anymore.

Remaining Humble

The Lord loves a humble and contrite person. 

 

“Then Jesus told this story to some who had great confidence in their own righteousness and scorned everyone else:  “Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax collector.  The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: ‘I thank you, God, that I am not like other people—cheaters, sinners, adulterers. I’m certainly not like that tax collector!  I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.’ 

 “But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.’  I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”     (Luke 18:9-14 NLT) [1]

  

“God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth.”                     (Matthew 5:5 NLT) [2]

 

 “The greatest among you must be a servant.  But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” (Matthew 23:11-12 NLT) [3]

  

Oh God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.

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[1] https://biblehub.com/nlt/luke/18.htm

[2] https://biblehub.com/nlt/matthew/5.htm

[3] https://biblehub.com/nlt/matthew/23.htm

 

Made for Each Other

This is what God intended for us.  From the beginning God has joined men and women together to help each other through life.  So, men and women are united in marriage and become as one. 

“Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground.” 

So God created human beings in his own image.

In the image of God he created them;

male and female he created them. 

Then God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground.” (Genesis 1:26-28 NLT) [1]

  

“This is the account of the creation of the heavens and the earth. 

Then the LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground. He breathed the breath of life into the man’s nostrils, and the man became a living person. 

The LORD God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and watch over it.  But the LORD God warned him, “You may freely eat the fruit of every tree in the garden— except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If you eat its fruit, you are sure to die.” 

Then the LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.”  So the LORD God formed from the ground all the wild animals and all the birds of the sky. He brought them to the man to see what he would call them, and the man chose a name for each one.  He gave names to all the livestock, all the birds of the sky, and all the wild animals. But still there was no helper just right for him. 

So the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep. While the man slept, the LORD God took out one of the man’s ribs and closed up the opening.  Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib, and he brought her to the man.” 

 “At last!” the man exclaimed.

“This one is bone from my bone,

and flesh from my flesh!

She will be called ‘woman,’

because she was taken from ‘man.’”

 This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.

 Now the man and his wife were both naked, but they felt no shame.”                (Genesis 2:4, 7-25 NLT) [2]

 

 

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[1] https://biblehub.com/nlt/genesis/1.htm

[2] https://biblehub.com/nlt/genesis/2.htm

Who was That Masked Man?

When I was a young boy before we had television, my mom used to let me listen to the adventures of The Lone Ranger on the radio.  I watched The Lone Ranger on TV later, after we finally got one.  (My folks didn’t have a lot of money.) 

The Lone Ranger and his friend, Tonto, roamed around the Old West righting wrongs and bringing the bad guys to justice. Every program would begin with The Lone Ranger’s horse rearing up on its hind legs while he yelled “Hi ho Silver away.” and with the William Tell overture. 

The Lone Ranger wore a mask, and he was always mistaken for a bandit by the townspeople. They realized that he was a good guy by the end of each episode. Then somebody would ask “Who was that masked man?” 

The press and the liberal politicians are making a big deal out of federal agents wearing masks while apprehending criminal illegal migrants. The level of ignorance these people are displaying is really aggravating.  The masks are a precaution against retribution against the officers and their families.  They also protect the American public from these lawbreakers gaining control of our social order the way they have in countries South of the border. 

Aljazeera recently did a story about mass graves in Brazil near the border with Venezuela that the Brazilian authorities we're attributing to Tren de Aragua. [1]  It is well known, or it should be, that a common modus operandi (normal method of operation) of criminal gangs and cartels is to render the police, local officials, and even state and national officials in Mexico, Central America, and South America ineffective by threatening to kill them and their families – and they follow through.  They have frequently kidnapped people and held them hostage to get what they want.  Even those criminal illegal migrants who are not affiliated with gangs or cartels often have serious criminal histories. 

As employees of a state department of corrections, we were discouraged from having identifying items on our persons or in our offices.  Cell phones were not allowed in the facility, and we were discouraged from bringing in check books, credit cards, or driver's licenses.  We had picture ID’s, but without addresses, phone numbers, etc. If an employee lost their ID or keys, the facility was locked down, and a thorough search was conducted. Furthermore, the legal offenders we were dealing with were already incarcerated and were (theoretically) sober and unarmed.  We worked in a risky environment, but it was usually safer than the one ICE and CBP are operating in … and it was still wise to take precautions. 

To the loud mouths in the press, and to the liberal politicians making political hay at the expense of brave law officers: Let’s see you go out and try it.

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[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zx8bcirDccg

 

Scapegoating

You can say it several different ways, but when something goes wrong there is often an effort to fix the blame on one person, or group, to deflect the responsibility from an organization, or the leader of the organization. You probably have heard some of these before. However, we'll provide a few of them here. 

Sometimes, it is said that someone is getting, “thrown under the bus.” Another way of putting it is that someone is “being made the scapegoat.” In the same way it is said that someone is “a sacrificial lamb.” There are others, but we think you get the idea. 

In fairness, President Trump appears to be supporting ICE, CBP, and Homeland Security Secretary, Kristi Noem, in connection with the deaths of two demonstrators in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  We hope the President will continue to handle things fairly, especially since Congress and the press are not. 

We all grieve when a person dies. It is worse when they die at a young age. We grieve for the decedent’s family, friends, and community. Two of our fellow Americans, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, have died while protesting our government’s deportation operations in Minneapolis.  It hurts to see things come to this. It was predictable, due to the volatility of the situation, but let us pray for the peace that only God can give. 

Grandma used to say that “When you point a finger at someone, three fingers are pointed back at you.” There is certainly enough blame to go around for the tragedy in Minneapolis.  It would be a mistake to blame just one or two people for the totality of the situation that resulted in the death of American citizens. 

Before we play the blame game, it might be useful to consider a widely quoted Japanese saying, “Fix the problem, not to blame.” The responsibility for the loss of life in Minneapolis may fall on the shoulders of a number of people. We are not advocating that those responsible should not be held accountable. One thing we learned investigating cases of child abuse, however, is that it is a mistake to rush to judgement. Another way of putting it is that we ought not to jump to conclusions. We must let the investigations into the recent tragic deaths of the two demonstrators  proceed for a reasonable amount of time, until more facts are known. 

That said, events often will not wait. The situation in Minneapolis needs to be defused to avoid more death and injury.  The responsibility for that rests upon both sides. 

One principle that we have learned over 25 years of management and supervisory experience is that it is often a mistake to change personnel and policy on the basis of an isolated incident(s).  Further, when an incident happens in Minneapolis, it may not be necessary to make changes nationwide, nor should we abandon the goal of deporting all persons who have illegally entered and remained in the United States. 

Therefore, it is distressing to see people in Congress and in the press jump on a bandwagon - demanding that the Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, resign, be dismissed, or be impeached. The tactics of ICE and CBP can be reviewed and changed. People funding the violent demonstrations can be held accountable. It is a mistake to make Secretary Noem a scapegoat and then expect the problem to get fixed by doing so. 

Secretary Noem apparently made public statements that were premature about the incident. We must keep her overall situation in mind before we accuse her of wrongdoing.  She may have been given erroneous information.  We won’t know until all the facts are available.  Remember, also, that she has agents on the ground doing a dangerous and difficult job, and it is important that they feel supported. It is understandable that she may have been trying to demonstrate to all federal agents that she “has their back.” 

Although the standard, “I cannot comment while an active investigation is in progress,” would have been preferable, it does not necessarily mean that what she said was disingenuous.  It may mean that she should have waited until she had a better understanding of the situation before she spoke publicly about it.  We are sure that at some level she should have known that her political enemies would use anything she might say against her. 

It's probably wishful thinking to expect that we would see a little more restraint from Congress and the press, before they call for Kristi Noem to resign or be fired – and especially before they talk about impeaching her.  She has done a good job so far, and the loss of Kristi Noem’s leadership would be a great loss the country.  People should try and remember that in November. 

The Democrats are threatening to defund Homeland Security and blocking funding of the government – again. That is why we absolutely must elect a clear majority of Republicans or conservatives to the US Senate and House of Representatives in November, and why President Trump must not reduce that majority by appointing legislators to work in his administration. 

Please pray that God will heal our land.

 

Take up the Cross

Let us set aside our earthly wants and desires, so that we can find eternal life through faith in Christ Jesus our Lord: 

And it happened that while He was praying alone, the disciples were with Him, and He questioned them, saying, “Who do the people say that I am?”  They answered and said, “John the Baptist, and others say Elijah; but others, that one of the prophets of old has risen.”  And He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” And Peter answered and said, “The Christ of God.”  But He warned them and instructed them not to tell this to anyone,  saying, “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed and be raised on the third day.” 

And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me.  For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, this is the one who will save it.  For what good does it do a person if he gains the whole world, but loses or forfeits himself?  For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His glory and the glory of the Father and the holy angels.  But I say to you truthfully, there are some of those standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God.”  (Luke 9:18-27 NASB) [1]

 

 

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[1] https://biblehub.com/nasb_/luke/9.htm

 

Light and Darkness

Jesus said: 

“No one lights a lamp and puts it in a place where it will be hidden, or under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, so that those who come in may see the light. Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are healthy, your whole body also is full of light. But when they are unhealthy, your body also is full of darkness. See to it, then, that the light within you is not darkness. Therefore, if your whole body is full of light, and no part of it dark, it will be just as full of light as when a lamp shines its light on you.”   (Luke 11:33-36 NIV) [1]

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[1] https://biblehub.com/niv/luke/11.htm

 

Greenland

President Donald J. Trump did not make billions of dollars as a real estate developer by being shy, retiring, or afraid to take risks.  He has the ego-strength that it takes to prevail in negotiations.  He understands the art of crafting win-win deals.  He wrote a book about it. 

President Trump has an uncommon talent for identifying the present and future problems the United States is facing. Unlike career politicians, when President Trump identifies a problem, he takes action to fix it. He doesn't waste time by creating a study group, forming a committee, or setting up a task force. 

In America, everyday transactions are not usually done by bargaining. When we go to the store, we pick something that we need from the shelf, take it to the cashier, and pay for it. If we don't like the price, we go to a competitor who sells it for less. American tourists are often at a disadvantage when buying things in other countries. They pay too much because they are not used to bargaining.  Sometimes, they enjoy the novelty of bargaining for goods with local vendors because it is so different from what we do here. Anyway, when President Trump negotiates with other countries in matters of foreign policy, we are not always able to understand what he is doing. 

An example from everyday life might be helpful.  You may have sold a home and thus become familiar with the process of buying and selling real estate; at least at the ground level (pardon the pun). If your real estate agent, an online resource, or an assessed valuation places a certain value on your home, it is in your best interest to ask for a higher price. That is because when a potential buyer becomes interested in your home they will probably offer less than your asking price. Then, it is customary for you to make a counter offer lowering your price a little bit. The buyer may agree to that price or make another counter offer. This process continues until both parties agree on a price that they are satisfied with. Or, the deal may fall through because an agreement cannot be reached. 

President trump exaggerates his goals in international relations, so that he can still protect US interests if he agrees to take a little less. It isn't really difficult to see what he's doing. 

A problem arises, however, when he pushes the envelope too far.  By nature, he is a man who will test the boundaries.  He will go for as much as he can get, unless he is compelled to reconsider. It often scares me - big time. On the other hand, President Trump disrupts the status quo, causes everyone to come to the table in a hurry, and brings about a solution to the problem. A different approach might result in the “establishment types” in our government and other governments talking it to death rather than acting. You have to hand it to President Trump … he gets results. 

Greenland is self-governing but remains a part of the Danish Kingdom.  The Danes maintain a small military force on the island. [1] 

Is there a present threat to American national security, or is our newfound interest in Greenland purely proactive?  The Chinese have been thwarted by the United States and Denmark from succeeding in attempts to get permission to build airports and buy an abandoned US military base in Greenland. [2]  They have also shown an interest in establishing “research” outposts in other parts of the arctic. [3]  For detailed information please visit: 

https://www.clingendael.org/pub/2020/presence-before-power/4-greenland-what-is-china-doing-there-and-why/ 

The information available at the time of this writing indicates that there is no Russian military presence in Greenland.  However, the US has long regarded Greenland as strategically important to our defense against a Russian air attack.  Consequently, with Denmark’s and Greenland’s permission, we maintain a military base at Pituffik. [4]  Greenland’s strategic location makes it ideal for building the Golden Dome air defense system that President Trump has proposed. 

President Trump has pointed out that Russian and Chinese military vessels have been seen near Greenland.  News reports indicate that his claims may have been exaggerated. [5] The president is privy to information that we do not have access to. However, the EU is an important trading partner for China.  Consequently, sighting Chinese merchant vessels along trade routes to Europe is understandable. 

It is widely known that Greenland has deposits of minerals that are used for military purposes.  The United States does not.  China does.  Ukraine does.  The US, Russia, and China covet these natural resources.  People, groups, communities, and governments usually do things for more than one reason.  Truthfully, it would compromise American national security to have Greenland’s mineral resources fall into the hands of our geopolitical opponents. 

It makes common sense that it is easier … and that it is less threatening to world peace … for the United States to craft agreements with Greenland, Denmark, and NATO that will keep Russia and China out of Greenland, rather than to try to kick them out once they establish a presence there.  The key is to do it legally, ethically, and with the greatest respect to the people of Greenland’s right to self-determination. 

The United States of America is not Vladimir Putin’s Russia or Xi Jinping’s China.  We do not take things by force; just because we can.  It may motivate our friends to get off the dime, but we cannot agree with threatening to do something that is so contrary to our national character. 

We are not among those who shout, “No Kings!”, in the street, or who falsely accuse President Trump of being a tyrant, a Hitler, or a fascist.  That is a bunch of left-wing fear mongering.  We must remember, however, that how others see us is reality for them.  Therefore, we need to be careful, as a superpower, to avoid creating the impression that we would abuse our power. 

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[1] https://www.voanews.com/a/russia-s-arctic-militarization-behind-trump-s-focus-on-greenland/7946621.html

[2] https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jan/21/china-strategic-opportunity-greenland-us-donald-trump  

[3] https://apnews.com/article/fact-check-greenland-denmark-trump-arctic-security-russia-china-6346aa8e86be594e467e8cc18f98357b

[4] https://www.voanews.com/a/russia-s-arctic-militarization-behind-trump-s-focus-on-greenland/7946621.html

[5] https://apnews.com/article/fact-check-greenland-denmark-trump-arctic-security-russia-china-6346aa8e86be594e467e8cc18f98357b

Shake the Dust Off Your Shoes

"After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them on ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself was about to go.  And he said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.  Go your way; behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves.  Carry no moneybag, no knapsack, no sandals, and greet no one on the road.  Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace be to this house!’  And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest upon him. But if not, it will return to you.  And remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the laborer deserves his wages. Do not go from house to house.  Whenever you enter a town and they receive you, eat what is set before you.  Heal the sick in it and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’  But whenever you enter a town and they do not receive you, go into its streets and say,  ‘Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet we wipe off against you. Nevertheless know this, that the kingdom of God has come near.’  I tell you, it will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that town." (Luke 10:1-12 ESV) [1]

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[1] https://biblehub.com/esv/luke/10.htm