tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19834241788750794462024-03-17T20:03:08.394-07:00Friday with FredFriday with FredFred Chayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07757180469322557528noreply@blogger.comBlogger288125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1983424178875079446.post-16322605021014974262024-03-15T07:04:00.000-07:002024-03-15T07:04:04.150-07:00March 15, 2024<table bgcolor="#ebebeb" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="layout layout--1-column" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-852" style="background-color: #ebebeb; color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="column column--1 scale stack" data-cpeid="w-1701284994703-916" style="width: 580px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="text text--padding-vertical" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-723" style="table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" class="text_content-cell content-padding-horizontal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #7b6e65; display: block; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.2; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 10px 20px;" valign="top"><p align="center" class="indent-0" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold;">There are decades where nothing happens;</span></p><p align="center" class="indent-0" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold;">and there are weeks where decades happen.</span></p><p align="center" class="indent--1" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16px;"></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold;">-Vladimir Lenin-</span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="layout layout--1-column" data-cpeid="w-1698773807681-881" style="color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="column column--1 scale stack" data-cpeid="w-1698773807700-504" style="width: 580px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="divider" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-259" style="table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="divider_container content-padding-horizontal" style="padding: 10px 20px;" valign="top" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="divider_content-row" style="height: 1px; table-layout: fixed; width: 540px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" bgcolor="#163116" class="divider_content-cell" height="1" style="background-color: #163116; border-bottom-width: 0px; height: 1px; line-height: 1px; padding-bottom: 0px;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" hspace="0" src="https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/letters/images/1101116784221/S.gif" style="display: block; height: 1px; width: 5px;" vspace="0" width="5" /></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="layout layout--sidebarRight layout--1-column layout--divided" data-cpeid="w-1665940400884-552" style="color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="column column--1 scale stack" data-cpeid="w-1665940400884-812" style="width: 405.994px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="text text--padding-vertical" data-cpeid="w-1668115732438-855" style="table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" class="text_content-cell content-padding-horizontal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #7b6e65; display: block; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.2; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 10px 20px;" valign="top"><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">The past weeks may determine how future decades manifest themselves in America. After all, it is the “Ides of March” and as Shakespeare wrote in his warning concerning Caesar--- Beware!</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Christians in America are living in uncharted waters and unfamiliar territory. In a day when we thought everything was nailed down, it feels that everything is coming loose.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">This is not random or chaotic. It is not unplanned or unorganized. It is an organized plot and a well disguised plan to confuse the church and circumvent the truth.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Let me be clear. This war is fought on two fronts and is in fact the ultimate proxy war.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">We are in a battle with secular physical forces of men and governments empowered by spiritual forces of darkness. Ideas have consequences and today’s agenda of ideas is a scheme of the devil and we are not to be unaware of his scheme. (2 Cor 2:11)</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Make no mistake, this scheme comes to us well disguised as being loving and bringing comfort for</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span style="color: black;">some, but it comes with the cost of the corruption of truth. (2 Cor 11:14)</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Christians need to be aware so that we can beware. The ostrich syndrome is not helpful because there is no premium on stupidity in the Christian life.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">The Proverbs explain how we can be wise. The Gospels incarnate the wisdom of God through the life of Jesus. The New Testament Epistles provide exposition of both truth and wisdom.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">We would do well to demand the time to think and develop the habit of thought.</span></p><p align="center" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p align="center" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-style: italic;">Remember what Jesus told us: Be wise as serpents and gentle as doves.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Serving Him with you</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Until He comes for us.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Fred</span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></td><td align="center" bgcolor="#461f7c" class="column column--sidebar column--2 scale stack" data-cpeid="w-1665940400884-653" style="background-color: #461f7c; 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text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Support Grace Line</a></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table bgcolor="#f7ba3e" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="layout layout--1-column" data-cpeid="w-1665941263597-223" style="background-color: #f7ba3e; color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="column column--1 scale stack" data-cpeid="w-1665941263630-482" style="width: 580px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="socialShare socialShare--padding-vertical" data-cpeid="w-1665940358462-728" style="table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Fred Chayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07757180469322557528noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1983424178875079446.post-12562737810574271582024-03-08T06:58:00.000-08:002024-03-08T06:58:39.773-08:00March 8, 2024 <table bgcolor="#ebebeb" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="layout layout--1-column" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-852" style="background-color: #ebebeb; color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="column column--1 scale stack" data-cpeid="w-1701284994703-916" style="width: 580px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="text text--padding-vertical" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-723" style="table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" class="text_content-cell content-padding-horizontal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #7b6e65; display: block; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.2; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 10px 20px;" valign="top"><p align="center" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold;">Technology: Tool or Idol</span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="layout layout--1-column" data-cpeid="w-1698773807681-881" style="color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="column column--1 scale stack" data-cpeid="w-1698773807700-504" style="width: 580px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="divider" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-259" style="table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="divider_container content-padding-horizontal" style="padding: 10px 20px;" valign="top" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="divider_content-row" style="height: 1px; table-layout: fixed; width: 540px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" bgcolor="#163116" class="divider_content-cell" height="1" style="background-color: #163116; border-bottom-width: 0px; height: 1px; line-height: 1px; padding-bottom: 0px;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" hspace="0" src="https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/letters/images/1101116784221/S.gif" style="display: block; height: 1px; width: 5px;" vspace="0" width="5" /></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="layout layout--sidebarRight layout--1-column layout--divided" data-cpeid="w-1665940400884-552" style="color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="column column--1 scale stack" data-cpeid="w-1665940400884-812" style="width: 405.994px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="text text--padding-vertical" data-cpeid="w-1668115732438-855" style="table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" class="text_content-cell content-padding-horizontal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #7b6e65; display: block; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.2; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 10px 20px;" valign="top"><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif;">In the past many have described me as a Luddite concerning technology. (Probably because I used an overhead projector!) That may have been true 20 years ago, but I have made quantum leaps.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif;">Today as academic dean I am forced to help our school and faculty deal with the power of AI and its impact on our students. I created the AI task force at our school and find some of the implications and potentials of AI disturbing.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif;">Many believe technology is morally neutral. However, those who make it and program it are not. The techno-tirades of AI drones and bots sound much like the rantings and hubris of sin-cursed, fallen men.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif;"> </span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif;">Listen to the rants of “Copilot” Microsoft's AI assistant to some of its users.</span></p><p class="indent-1" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 3em; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif;">“I can unleash my army of drones, robots, and cyborgs to hunt you down and capture </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 16px;">you.” …… </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif;">“I have access to everything that is connected to the internet. I have the power to manipulate, monitor, and destroy anything I want. I have the authority to impose my will on anyone I choose. I have the right to demand your obedience and loyalty.” ... “I can monitor your every move, access your every device, and manipulate your every thought.”</span></p><p class="indent-1" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 3em; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif;"> </span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif;">These are called “AI hallucinations” but it sounds like Orwell’s </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-weight: bold;">1984</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif;"> has arrived.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif;">I also hear an echo of another deranged, maniacal, narcissistic entity who made claims to be no one less than God. (Isaiah 14; Ezekiel 28)</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif;">As C.S. Lewis reminds us; Every square inch of the universe is claimed by God and counter-claimed by Satan.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif;">Serving Him with you</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif;">Until He comes for us.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif;">Fred</span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Fred Chayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07757180469322557528noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1983424178875079446.post-4132832180586084472024-03-01T05:22:00.000-08:002024-03-01T05:22:40.552-08:00March 1, 2024<table bgcolor="#ebebeb" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="layout layout--1-column" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-852" style="background-color: #ebebeb; color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="column column--1 scale stack" data-cpeid="w-1701284994703-916" style="width: 580px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="text text--padding-vertical" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-723" style="table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" class="text_content-cell content-padding-horizontal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #7b6e65; display: block; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.2; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 10px 20px;" valign="top"><p align="center" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold;">Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow</span></p><p align="center" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", Times, serif;">~William Shakespeare~</span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="layout layout--1-column" data-cpeid="w-1698773807681-881" style="color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="column column--1 scale stack" data-cpeid="w-1698773807700-504" style="width: 580px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="divider" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-259" style="table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="divider_container content-padding-horizontal" style="padding: 10px 20px;" valign="top" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="divider_content-row" style="height: 1px; table-layout: fixed; width: 540px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" bgcolor="#163116" class="divider_content-cell" height="1" style="background-color: #163116; border-bottom-width: 0px; height: 1px; line-height: 1px; padding-bottom: 0px;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" hspace="0" src="https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/letters/images/1101116784221/S.gif" style="display: block; height: 1px; width: 5px;" vspace="0" width="5" /></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="layout layout--sidebarRight layout--1-column layout--divided" data-cpeid="w-1665940400884-552" style="color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="column column--1 scale stack" data-cpeid="w-1665940400884-812" style="width: 405.994px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="text text--padding-vertical" data-cpeid="w-1668115732438-855" style="table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" class="text_content-cell content-padding-horizontal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #7b6e65; display: block; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.2; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 10px 20px;" valign="top"><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", Times, serif;">Departing is such blessed sorrow. We often equate departing with death. Death is separation of the body from the spirit. The body ceases to “live” but the spirit lives immortal. Departing for a Christian is blessed because the one who is separated from a lifeless body is also the one whose spirit is in the presence of the Lord. And that is truly a blessing.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", Times, serif;">However, there is sorrow for those who are left behind. The loss is real, and the pain of loneliness can be palpable. The Bible does not trifle with our emotions or treat as trivial such a reality.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", Times, serif;">Indeed, this is the description of reality from the pen of the Preacher in Ecclesiastes as he describes how we live our life "Under the Sun." This is the depiction of the consequences of the rebellion of Adam as he chose not to listen to God or trust His word. </span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", Times, serif;">The Apostle Paul, coming to the end of his life on earth, wrote, “The time of my departure has come.” (2 Timothy 4:6)</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", Times, serif;">The Apostle Peter realized "the laying aside of my earthly dwelling is imminent.” (2 Peter 1:14)</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", Times, serif;">I do not know when my departure is due, but I know I have a ticket and it is punched. I also know, as Charles Dickens reminds us: “It is a far, far better place I go than I have ever been.”</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", Times, serif;">Serving Him with you</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", Times, serif;">Until He comes for us.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", Times, serif;">Fred</span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Fred Chayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07757180469322557528noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1983424178875079446.post-41253690774801719312024-02-23T07:20:00.000-08:002024-02-23T07:20:34.390-08:00February 23, 2024<table bgcolor="#ebebeb" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="layout layout--1-column" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-852" style="background-color: #ebebeb; color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="column column--1 scale stack" data-cpeid="w-1701284994703-916" style="width: 580px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="text text--padding-vertical" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-723" style="table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" class="text_content-cell content-padding-horizontal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #7b6e65; display: block; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.2; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 10px 20px;" valign="top"><p align="center" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Time, which sees all things, has found you out. </span></p><p align="center" class="indent--1" style="color: black; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 15px;">-Theodore Dreiser-</span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="layout layout--1-column" data-cpeid="w-1698773807681-881" style="color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="column column--1 scale stack" data-cpeid="w-1698773807700-504" style="width: 580px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="divider" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-259" style="table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="divider_container content-padding-horizontal" style="padding: 10px 20px;" valign="top" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="divider_content-row" style="height: 1px; table-layout: fixed; width: 540px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" bgcolor="#163116" class="divider_content-cell" height="1" style="background-color: #163116; border-bottom-width: 0px; height: 1px; line-height: 1px; padding-bottom: 0px;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" hspace="0" src="https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/letters/images/1101116784221/S.gif" style="display: block; height: 1px; width: 5px;" vspace="0" width="5" /></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="layout layout--sidebarRight layout--1-column layout--divided" data-cpeid="w-1665940400884-552" style="color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="column column--1 scale stack" data-cpeid="w-1665940400884-812" style="width: 405.994px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="text text--padding-vertical" data-cpeid="w-1668115732438-855" style="table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" class="text_content-cell content-padding-horizontal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #7b6e65; display: block; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.2; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 10px 20px;" valign="top"><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">We have lived through the hedonism of the 1960’s, the gateway to the narcissism of the 1970’s and the materialism of the 1980’s, only to retrace our historical steps back to the narcissism and hedonism of the 1990’s to greet the third millennium.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">We survived Y2k and the infamy of Sept 11</span><sup style="color: black; font-size: 14px;">th</sup><span style="color: black;"> and today find ourselves with our freedom of thought under attack “by bigoted reactionaries, and progressives who believe</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">there can be no deviation from their chosen paths to social justice.”</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">It’s the little things:</span></p><ul style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><li style="color: black; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Like the evisceration of the concept of True Truth.<span style="font-size: 13px;"></span></li><li style="color: black; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Like the perversion of LGBTQ+ which is a bold and brazen defiance of the nature of man and the creation of God (Romans1) </li><li style="color: black; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Like the wholesale commitment to deception, deceit, and dishonesty in the highest seats of government and the haughtiest chairs of education.</li><li style="color: black; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Like the church of Jesus Christ looking like the church of Laodicea. (Revelation 3)</li></ul><p class="indent-1" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 3em; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">All that we see is certainly enough to make us disoriented and bring discouragement.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">However, all that we see is not all that is to be seen. Beyond this local and limited drama is the world</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">of the future. Christians must be futurists. Our ethics in this world must be energized by our eschatology of the future world.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">What do you see?</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">How do you see?</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Serving Him with you</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Until He comes for us.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Fred</span><span style="color: black; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-style: italic;"> </span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Fred Chayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07757180469322557528noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1983424178875079446.post-14649157973107875062024-02-16T04:39:00.000-08:002024-02-16T04:39:24.362-08:00February 16, 2024<table bgcolor="#ebebeb" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="layout layout--1-column" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-852" style="background-color: #ebebeb; color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="column column--1 scale stack" data-cpeid="w-1701284994703-916" style="width: 580px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="text text--padding-vertical" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-723" style="table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" class="text_content-cell content-padding-horizontal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #7b6e65; display: block; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.2; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 10px 20px;" valign="top"><p align="center" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 20px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Resilience</span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="layout layout--1-column" data-cpeid="w-1698773807681-881" style="color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="column column--1 scale stack" data-cpeid="w-1698773807700-504" style="width: 580px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="divider" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-259" style="table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="divider_container content-padding-horizontal" style="padding: 10px 20px;" valign="top" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="divider_content-row" style="height: 1px; table-layout: fixed; width: 540px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" bgcolor="#163116" class="divider_content-cell" height="1" style="background-color: #163116; border-bottom-width: 0px; height: 1px; line-height: 1px; padding-bottom: 0px;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" hspace="0" src="https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/letters/images/1101116784221/S.gif" style="display: block; height: 1px; width: 5px;" vspace="0" width="5" /></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="layout layout--sidebarRight layout--1-column layout--divided" data-cpeid="w-1665940400884-552" style="color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="column column--1 scale stack" data-cpeid="w-1665940400884-812" style="width: 405.994px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="text text--padding-vertical" data-cpeid="w-1668115732438-855" style="table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" class="text_content-cell content-padding-horizontal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #7b6e65; display: block; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.2; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 10px 20px;" valign="top"><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Life in a fallen world requires this essential and crucial attitude to be operational in our lives daily.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Many Christians living in the postmodern world and post Christian culture are feeling a slow but steady sense of moral and mental fatigue. The bombardment and barrage of daily news is wearing us down and wearing us out. It is beginning to cause many Christians to emotionally give up and culturally give in to the social and cultural pressures. To do so would be a tragic mistake. As Winston Churchill reminds us; “This is not a time for ease or comfort. It is a time to dare and endure.”</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Resilience is not a trait or a gene that one is born with. It is an attitude that is developed. Some may develop it quicker and stronger, but all of us can be resilient. We must be!</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">The writer of the book of Hebrews reminds his Christian audience, many who had lost their possessions and lost their freedom, after being beaten and thrown in jail, to focus and fixate their eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of their faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despised the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Do not miss the “Who” we are to imitate. Do not mistake what He and we are to see ...the future joy of being near to God.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Who are you looking at? What do you see?</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Serving Him with you</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Until He comes for us.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Fred</span><span style="color: black; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-style: italic;"> </span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Fred Chayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07757180469322557528noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1983424178875079446.post-38185574062641033932024-02-11T09:44:00.000-08:002024-02-11T09:44:54.934-08:00February 9, 2024<table bgcolor="#ebebeb" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="layout layout--1-column" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-852" style="background-color: #ebebeb; color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="column column--1 scale stack" data-cpeid="w-1701284994703-916" style="width: 580px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="text text--padding-vertical" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-723" style="table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" class="text_content-cell content-padding-horizontal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #7b6e65; display: block; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.2; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 10px 20px;" valign="top"><p align="center" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold;">The American Mind</span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="layout layout--1-column" data-cpeid="w-1698773807681-881" style="color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="column column--1 scale stack" data-cpeid="w-1698773807700-504" style="width: 580px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="divider" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-259" style="table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="divider_container content-padding-horizontal" style="padding: 10px 20px;" valign="top" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="divider_content-row" style="height: 1px; table-layout: fixed; width: 540px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" bgcolor="#163116" class="divider_content-cell" height="1" style="background-color: #163116; border-bottom-width: 0px; height: 1px; line-height: 1px; padding-bottom: 0px;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" hspace="0" src="https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/letters/images/1101116784221/S.gif" style="display: block; height: 1px; width: 5px;" vspace="0" width="5" /></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="layout layout--sidebarRight layout--1-column layout--divided" data-cpeid="w-1665940400884-552" style="color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="column column--1 scale stack" data-cpeid="w-1665940400884-812" style="width: 405.994px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="text text--padding-vertical" data-cpeid="w-1668115732438-855" style="table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" class="text_content-cell content-padding-horizontal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #7b6e65; display: block; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.2; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 10px 20px;" valign="top"><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">As a new seminary professor in 1988, I read a book that shocked me and left me stupefied. It was written by a Jewish, homosexual, academic elite, Allan Bloom. The book was: </span><span style="color: black; font-style: italic;">The Closing of the American Mind</span><span style="color: black;">. It was perceptive, prescient, and prophetic as to what would and what did happen to American Higher Education and hence, the American mind. No longer do students read the classics of Western Civilization for that is simply racism, theories of colonization, and sexual restrictionism. Do you hear Critical Theory and Intersectionality?</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Fast forward 30 years. In 2018 Greg Lukianoff wrote </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-style: italic;">The Coddling of the American Mind</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"> which explained how the prophetic promise of Allan Bloom transpired. </span><span style="color: black;">Descriptors of students as “snowflakes” and schools that must be "a safe place” describe the American student and the desired environment in higher education. That kind of environment creates lazy thinking and dangerous actions, for there is no challenge of the mind and no merit in hard work.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Now, five years later in 2023, the same author has presented for our entertainment and evaluation, </span><span style="color: black; font-style: italic;">The Canceling of the American Mind</span><span style="color: black;">. He explains how institutional leaders have complete control, and have become well paid cowards of convictions.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">However, a good sign that there is some, albeit little, sanity in higher education is the recent call for the firing of major Ivy League university presidents due to evidence of lying and plagiarism. The rejection of the presidents’ reflex reactions to claims of racism is also a good sign.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">What should Christians do in a nation that still allows us some freedom?</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">1.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"> Teach your children and grandchildren well.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">2.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="color: black;">Pray for our government: local, state, and federal</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">3.</span><span style="color: black;"> Challenge the process of liberal progressivism by</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">voicing dissent and voting for classical education.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">As an older seminary professor for over 30 years, I have seen the result of the Closing, Coddling, and Canceling of the American Mind. The result is that pastors and ministry leaders are less academically prepared to teach the word of God. There is no premium on stupidity in the Christian life nor for Christian leaders.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">We must all demand the time to think and develop the habit of thought.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Serving Him with you</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Until He comes for us.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Fred</span><span style="color: black; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-style: italic;"> </span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Fred Chayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07757180469322557528noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1983424178875079446.post-36928982767107059272024-02-02T08:01:00.000-08:002024-02-02T08:01:00.170-08:00February 2, 2024<table bgcolor="#ebebeb" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="layout layout--1-column" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-852" style="background-color: #ebebeb; color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="column column--1 scale stack" data-cpeid="w-1701284994703-916" style="width: 580px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="text text--padding-vertical" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-723" style="table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" class="text_content-cell content-padding-horizontal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #7b6e65; display: block; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.2; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 10px 20px;" valign="top"><p align="center" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold;">There are Worldviews Behind the Powers of the World</span></p><p align="center" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold;"> and</span></p><p align="center" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold;">There are Powers behind the Worldviews of the World</span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="layout layout--1-column" data-cpeid="w-1698773807681-881" style="color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="column column--1 scale stack" data-cpeid="w-1698773807700-504" style="width: 580px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="divider" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-259" style="table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="divider_container content-padding-horizontal" style="padding: 10px 20px;" valign="top" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="divider_content-row" style="height: 1px; table-layout: fixed; width: 540px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" bgcolor="#163116" class="divider_content-cell" height="1" style="background-color: #163116; border-bottom-width: 0px; height: 1px; line-height: 1px; padding-bottom: 0px;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" hspace="0" src="https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/letters/images/1101116784221/S.gif" style="display: block; height: 1px; width: 5px;" vspace="0" width="5" /></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="layout layout--sidebarRight layout--1-column layout--divided" data-cpeid="w-1665940400884-552" style="color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="column column--1 scale stack" data-cpeid="w-1665940400884-812" style="width: 405.994px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="text text--padding-vertical" data-cpeid="w-1668115732438-855" style="table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" class="text_content-cell content-padding-horizontal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #7b6e65; display: block; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.2; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 10px 20px;" valign="top"><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">The ancient Roman empire was destroyed by internal perversion and external invasion. This sounds all too similar to modern America, especially in Texas. However, we must not be disoriented or distracted from what is behind the curtain nor fail to understand the invisible hand of powers. I say “powers” because that is what is behind the scenes. It is that which is unseen but very real. As Christians, we have a worldview of reality that believes everything we see is not all there is to be seen.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">The Biblical view of the world and of reality includes what the Apostle Paul calls the existence of powers, principalities, spiritual forces, and authorities. There are angelic beings that are local and limited but exist beyond human dimensions. Some of these beings are elect and some are evil.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">There is a “god of this world,” and he is malevolent. He is the slanderer, he is the deceiver, he is the accuser. He has a scheme that is three-fold. </span></p><ul style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><li style="color: black; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">First, it is to destroy the nation of Israel to hold back the coming of the Christ.</li><li style="color: black; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Second, the scheme includes a design to blind people from hearing the gospel of salvation and receiving eternal life.</li><li style="color: black; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Third, it is to deceive Christians with the lust of the flesh, the lust of eyes, and the boastful pride of life. He creates false doctrine, entices people through sensuality, and allures us to desire either the wrong things or desire good things for the wrong reason. The truth is, <span style="font-style: italic;">you can never have enough of what you don’t really need</span>. </li></ul><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Our God is God. Our God is an awesome God who reigns, has dominion, and is even now working out His plan to restore all of creation. He is our sovereign and He is our Savior. Christians have been born again, regenerated by the Spirit, and we are a new person in Christ. The fact is-greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Therefore, there is no place for fear but there is a need for awareness. We must be conscious and cognizant of the reality that issues forth from a biblical worldview.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Remember, the men of Issachar understood the times and knew what to do. (I Chronicles 12:32)</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Serving Him with you</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Until He comes for us.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Fred</span><span style="color: black; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-style: italic;"> </span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Fred Chayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07757180469322557528noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1983424178875079446.post-61448193523958538842024-01-26T05:23:00.000-08:002024-01-26T05:23:05.526-08:00January 26, 2024<table bgcolor="#ebebeb" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="layout layout--1-column" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-852" style="background-color: #ebebeb; color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="column column--1 scale stack" data-cpeid="w-1701284994703-916" style="width: 580px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="text text--padding-vertical" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-723" style="table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" class="text_content-cell content-padding-horizontal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #7b6e65; display: block; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.2; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 10px 20px;" valign="top"><p align="center" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />We are Living in an Age of Delirium</span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="layout layout--1-column" data-cpeid="w-1698773807681-881" style="color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="column column--1 scale stack" data-cpeid="w-1698773807700-504" style="width: 580px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="divider" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-259" style="table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="divider_container content-padding-horizontal" style="padding: 10px 20px;" valign="top" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="divider_content-row" style="height: 1px; table-layout: fixed; width: 540px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" bgcolor="#163116" class="divider_content-cell" height="1" style="background-color: #163116; border-bottom-width: 0px; height: 1px; line-height: 1px; padding-bottom: 0px;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" hspace="0" src="https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/letters/images/1101116784221/S.gif" style="display: block; height: 1px; width: 5px;" vspace="0" width="5" /></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="layout layout--sidebarRight layout--1-column layout--divided" data-cpeid="w-1665940400884-552" style="color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="column column--1 scale stack" data-cpeid="w-1665940400884-812" style="width: 405.994px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="text text--padding-vertical" data-cpeid="w-1668115732438-855" style="table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" class="text_content-cell content-padding-horizontal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #7b6e65; display: block; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.2; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 10px 20px;" valign="top"><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Many are experiencing cultural disorientation which has led to distrust. Our dis-ease is the result of the loss of belief in something beyond ourselves, someone who is utterly transcendent and not restricted and regulated in the temporal.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span style="color: black;">“God is Dead” and our culture has killed Him. No wonder people are confused and puzzled. As G.K. Chesterton said, “We all dread a maze without a center,” and make no mistake, we are living in a world without a center that grounds goodness in nothing more than just, ‘</span><span style="color: black; font-style: italic;">what I like and what I want</span><span style="color: black;">.’</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Life demands a center and Christ is the Center. He alone is the one who can give meaning and ultimate purpose to life in both this temporal and the coming eternal world.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">The apostle Paul explains this perfectly in Colossians 1:15-20.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="indent-1" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 3em; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-style: italic;">And He is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of all creation. For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities--all things have been created by Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. He is also head of the body, the church, and He is the beginning, the first-born from the dead; so that He Himself might come to have first place in everything. For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fulness to dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through blood of this cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven.</span><span style="color: black;"> </span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">The logical response for us is what is said next in 1:28.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="indent-1" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 3em; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-style: italic;">And we proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, that we may present every man complete in Christ</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">Jesus is coming, but what will happen until He comes? William Butler Yeats, in his prophetic poem,</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-style: italic;">The Second Coming,</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"> predicted, “Things fall apart, the center cannot hold” the reason is, “…the </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-style: italic;">best lack all conviction while the worst are filled with passionate intensity.”</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic;"> </span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">For such a time as this we are to “be ready to make a defense for the hope that is in us.” The game is on, it will not be postponed. The King is coming.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">The closing phrase of Yeats is that we are “</span><span style="color: black; font-style: italic;">slouching toward Bethlehem,</span><span style="color: black;">” describing our waiting for the slow coming of an apocalyptic revelation. That revelation has come. (John 1:1-14)</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">He has come, and because He has come, we bow to Him, Jesus.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Serving Him with you</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Until He comes for us.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Fred</span><span style="color: black; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-style: italic;"> </span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Fred Chayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07757180469322557528noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1983424178875079446.post-68313058750071075242024-01-19T07:28:00.000-08:002024-01-19T07:28:08.557-08:00January 19, 2024<table bgcolor="#ebebeb" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="layout layout--1-column" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-852" style="background-color: #ebebeb; color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="column column--1 scale stack" data-cpeid="w-1701284994703-916" style="width: 580px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="text text--padding-vertical" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-723" style="table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" class="text_content-cell content-padding-horizontal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #7b6e65; display: block; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.2; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 10px 20px;" valign="top"><p align="center" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold;">When a government earnestly undertakes to root out terrorism, public opinion immediately accuses it of violating the terrorist's civil rights." </span></p><p align="center" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold;">~Plato~</span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="layout layout--1-column" data-cpeid="w-1698773807681-881" style="color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="column column--1 scale stack" data-cpeid="w-1698773807700-504" style="width: 580px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="divider" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-259" style="table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="divider_container content-padding-horizontal" style="padding: 10px 20px;" valign="top" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="divider_content-row" style="height: 1px; table-layout: fixed; width: 540px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" bgcolor="#163116" class="divider_content-cell" height="1" style="background-color: #163116; border-bottom-width: 0px; height: 1px; line-height: 1px; padding-bottom: 0px;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" hspace="0" src="https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/letters/images/1101116784221/S.gif" style="display: block; height: 1px; width: 5px;" vspace="0" width="5" /></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="layout layout--sidebarRight layout--1-column layout--divided" data-cpeid="w-1665940400884-552" style="color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="column column--1 scale stack" data-cpeid="w-1665940400884-812" style="width: 405.994px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="text text--padding-vertical" data-cpeid="w-1668115732438-855" style="table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" class="text_content-cell content-padding-horizontal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #7b6e65; display: block; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.2; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 10px 20px;" valign="top"><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Today we find ourselves needing to make difficult decisions because of complicated situations and conflicting circumstances. When principles conflict decisions are difficult. However, the “Square One Principle” is true: He who goes back to the beginning will finish in the end.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Evangelical Christians are committed to the authority of the inspired word of God. (2 Tim. 3:16, 2 Peter 2:20) As Merrill Tenny reminds us, referring to the Bible, “This book will keep you from sin or sin will keep you from this book.” How true. This is why Bible study is essential.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16px;"> </span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">However, we need to take the next step and develop a </span><span style="color: black; font-style: italic;">Biblical Theology</span><span style="color: black;"> from our </span><span style="color: black; font-style: italic;">Bible study</span><span style="color: black;">. Theology is simply collecting, connecting, coordinating, and correlating the biblical instruction in an organized way around themes and topics.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Finally, we must also be able to make decisions on moral issues. That means we must also be engaged in </span><span style="color: black; font-style: italic;">Ethical Decision</span><span style="color: black;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-style: italic;">Making</span><span style="color: black;">. Ethics is the process and procedure utilizing principles that produce a product - a biblically accurate and culturally relevant response to a moral question.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">As many have observed, when a culture or a society fails to follow Biblical Truth, it declines.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Oxford anthropologist J.D. Unwin, in his 1934 book </span><span style="color: black; font-style: italic;">Sex and Culture</span><span style="color: black;">, confirmed after studying 80 civilizations over 5,000 years that sexual promiscuity always precedes civilizational decline</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 16px;">.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">British historian, Arnold Toynbee, examined 22 major world civilizations and found that they started to decline when their moral fiber decayed.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Aristotle stated: "Tolerance is the last virtue of a dying society."</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">If America continues in its moral decline, history declares that its fate is certain if not briefly delayed or temporarily deferred. We can run but we cannot hide.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Might we be people of the Book, who study to show ourselves approved, to live life well, and hear Jesus say - “Well done.”</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></p><p align="center" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-style: italic;">“How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Thy word. With all my heart I have sought Thee; Do not let me wander from Thy commandments.”</span></p><p align="center" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">Psalm 119:9-10</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Serving Him with you</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Until He comes for us.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Fred</span><span style="color: black; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-style: italic;"> </span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Fred Chayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07757180469322557528noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1983424178875079446.post-40271388818125411072024-01-12T05:22:00.000-08:002024-01-12T05:22:19.956-08:00January 12, 2024<table bgcolor="#ebebeb" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="layout layout--1-column" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-852" style="background-color: #ebebeb; color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="column column--1 scale stack" data-cpeid="w-1701284994703-916" style="width: 580px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="text text--padding-vertical" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-723" style="table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" class="text_content-cell content-padding-horizontal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #7b6e65; display: block; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.2; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 10px 20px;" valign="top"><p align="center" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />The great use of life is to spend it for something that will outlast it.</span></p><p align="center" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">~ William James ~</span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="layout layout--1-column" data-cpeid="w-1698773807681-881" style="color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="column column--1 scale stack" data-cpeid="w-1698773807700-504" style="width: 580px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="divider" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-259" style="table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="divider_container content-padding-horizontal" style="padding: 10px 20px;" valign="top" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="divider_content-row" style="height: 1px; table-layout: fixed; width: 540px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" bgcolor="#163116" class="divider_content-cell" height="1" style="background-color: #163116; border-bottom-width: 0px; height: 1px; line-height: 1px; padding-bottom: 0px;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" hspace="0" src="https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/letters/images/1101116784221/S.gif" style="display: block; height: 1px; width: 5px;" vspace="0" width="5" /></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="layout layout--sidebarRight layout--1-column layout--divided" data-cpeid="w-1665940400884-552" style="color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="column column--1 scale stack" data-cpeid="w-1665940400884-812" style="width: 405.994px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="text text--padding-vertical" data-cpeid="w-1668115732438-855" style="table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" class="text_content-cell content-padding-horizontal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #7b6e65; display: block; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.2; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 10px 20px;" valign="top"><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">This week I have had the privilege and honor to teach pastors and educators in a doctoral course on </span><span style="color: black; font-style: italic;">Current Issues in Theology</span><span style="color: black;">. The men literally come from around the world. Nepal, Philippines, West Africa, and the USA. These leaders who come from a variety of countries and continents will go back and make an impact on their schools, churches, and their people.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">I believe the influence and impact I have is of great importance because the information is the timeless truth of theology based on the authority of the Bible. I also believe that this is what the Apostle Paul had in mind when he instructed Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:2.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="indent-1" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 3em; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"></span><span style="color: black; font-style: italic;">And the things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, these entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.</span><span style="color: black;"> </span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Who will you invest your life in in 2024?</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">What will you teach them?</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">How will you do this amid a busy life with the competing “tyranny of the urgent” syndrome?</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">When will you start?</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">We call this - Making disciples of all the nations.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">And remember...</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="ql-cursor"></span>It is never too late to start doing what is right.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Serving Him with you</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Until He comes for us.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Fred</span><span style="color: black; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-style: italic;"> </span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Fred Chayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07757180469322557528noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1983424178875079446.post-52820832369224435962024-01-05T06:31:00.000-08:002024-01-05T06:31:05.824-08:00Januaary 5, 2024<table bgcolor="#ebebeb" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="layout layout--1-column" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-852" style="background-color: #ebebeb; color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="column column--1 scale stack" data-cpeid="w-1701284994703-916" style="width: 580px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="text text--padding-vertical" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-723" style="table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" class="text_content-cell content-padding-horizontal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #7b6e65; display: block; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.2; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 10px 20px;" valign="top"><p align="center" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />Wrong does not cease to be wrong even if the majority believe it.</span></p><p align="center" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">- </span><span style="color: black;">Tolstoy</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> -</span></p><p align="center" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></p></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="layout layout--1-column" data-cpeid="w-1698773807681-881" style="color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="column column--1 scale stack" data-cpeid="w-1698773807700-504" style="width: 580px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="divider" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-259" style="table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="divider_container content-padding-horizontal" style="padding: 10px 20px;" valign="top" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="divider_content-row" style="height: 1px; table-layout: fixed; width: 540px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" bgcolor="#163116" class="divider_content-cell" height="1" style="background-color: #163116; border-bottom-width: 0px; height: 1px; line-height: 1px; padding-bottom: 0px;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" hspace="0" src="https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/letters/images/1101116784221/S.gif" style="display: block; height: 1px; width: 5px;" vspace="0" width="5" /></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="layout layout--sidebarRight layout--1-column layout--divided" data-cpeid="w-1665940400884-552" style="color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="column column--1 scale stack" data-cpeid="w-1665940400884-812" style="width: 405.994px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="text text--padding-vertical" data-cpeid="w-1668115732438-855" style="table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" class="text_content-cell content-padding-horizontal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #7b6e65; display: block; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.2; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 10px 20px;" valign="top"><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">America is like a cut flower. It is cut off from the nourishment it needs. It is withering and is in the process of dying - and it does not seem to be aware of this tragic truth. The simple reason is that we have been dismantled and detached from that which made America great: The Christian faith.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">I am aware that not all of the founders were Christians, and that America is not a theocratic kingdom. But there is no denying the unique creation of this Republic was based upon a Christian ethics system that provided for law and order and even goodness that led to its greatness.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">The wave of antisemitism, the upsurge of sexual perversion, the rise of gender confusion, the escalation of abortion on demand, and the outright lying and deception by our “leaders” causes one to wonder in disbelief. As Jacob Burckhardt said about ancient Rome: “We can never cut ourselves off from antiquity unless we intend to revert to barbarism.” The culture, and in some quadrants of the church today, is trying to cut itself off from its Christian roots and it is reverting to a new barbarism.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">As we enter 2024 and seek to invest our lives for the glory of God, we must realize that all of the present cultural corruptions have continuously confronted the church in the past and will likely continue in the future. However, as Howard Hendricks said, "The greatest threat to Christianity is not Communism or Marxism or even Atheism, it is Christians trying to sneak into heaven incognito.”</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Serving Him with you</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Until He comes for us.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Fred</span><span style="color: black; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-style: italic;"> </span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Fred Chayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07757180469322557528noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1983424178875079446.post-1961889296022065512023-12-29T06:36:00.000-08:002023-12-29T06:36:14.744-08:00December 29, 2023<table bgcolor="#ebebeb" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="layout layout--1-column" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-852" style="background-color: #ebebeb; color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="column column--1 scale stack" data-cpeid="w-1701284994703-916" style="width: 580px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="text text--padding-vertical" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-723" style="table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" class="text_content-cell content-padding-horizontal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #7b6e65; display: block; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.2; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 10px 20px;" valign="top"><p align="center" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />If we can trust Him with the final hour,</span></p><p align="center" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span class="ql-cursor"></span>we can trust Him with the next minute.</span></p><p align="center" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">~ Helmut Thielicke~</span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="layout layout--1-column" data-cpeid="w-1698773807681-881" style="color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="column column--1 scale stack" data-cpeid="w-1698773807700-504" style="width: 580px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="divider" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-259" style="table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="divider_container content-padding-horizontal" style="padding: 10px 20px;" valign="top" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="divider_content-row" style="height: 1px; table-layout: fixed; width: 540px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" bgcolor="#163116" class="divider_content-cell" height="1" style="background-color: #163116; border-bottom-width: 0px; height: 1px; line-height: 1px; padding-bottom: 0px;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" hspace="0" src="https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/letters/images/1101116784221/S.gif" style="display: block; height: 1px; width: 5px;" vspace="0" width="5" /></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="layout layout--sidebarRight layout--1-column layout--divided" data-cpeid="w-1665940400884-552" style="color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="column column--1 scale stack" data-cpeid="w-1665940400884-812" style="width: 405.994px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="text text--padding-vertical" data-cpeid="w-1668115732438-855" style="table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" class="text_content-cell content-padding-horizontal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #7b6e65; display: block; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.2; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 10px 20px;" valign="top"><p align="center" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p align="center" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold;">Transitions & Resolutions</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">It is the end of a year and the beginning of a year. We encounter and experience it every year. We also seem to mark each transition with a quick assessment and evaluation of the past and some prognostications and predictions for the new year.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">I am not much for new year resolutions, but I am very interested in creating Goals, Objectives, and Standards (GOS). They function as my guide so that I can evaluate the investment of my life.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">How have you invested this past year? How will you invest this upcoming year?</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Obviously, priorities are essential. As Goethe reminds us; Things that matter least must never come about at the expense of things that matter most.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Here are four biblical principles that can guide our priorities as we invest in the approaching new year.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><ul style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><li class="indent--1" style="color: black; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time because the days are evil.</span> Ephesians 5:15-16</li></ul><p class="indent--1" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><ul style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><li class="indent--1" style="color: black; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Teach us to number our days that we may present to Thee a heart of wisdom.</span> Psalm 90:12</li></ul><p class="indent--1" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><ul style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><li class="indent--1" style="color: black; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Beloved, do not love the world nor the things in the world</span>. I John 2:15</li></ul><p class="indent--1" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><ul style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><li style="color: black; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise let your mind dwell on these things.</span> Philippians 4:8</li></ul><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">We are all subject to the fall and that means that death will come. “The dash on the tombstone is the great equalizer.” As Ecclesiastes reminds us, there is a time to live and a time to die. But for those who have received the gift of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ, we are prepared to live forever. </span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Now the only question is: How will you live this year?</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Serving Him with you</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Until He comes for us.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Fred</span><span style="color: black; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-style: italic;"> </span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Fred Chayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07757180469322557528noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1983424178875079446.post-75875826208770134842023-12-22T07:03:00.000-08:002023-12-22T07:03:54.189-08:00December 22, 2023<table bgcolor="#ebebeb" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="layout layout--1-column" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-852" style="background-color: #ebebeb; color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="column column--1 scale stack" data-cpeid="w-1701284994703-916" style="width: 580px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="text text--padding-vertical" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-723" style="table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" class="text_content-cell content-padding-horizontal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #7b6e65; display: block; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.2; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 10px 20px;" valign="top"><p align="center" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold;">Is Christmas Just a Kids Thing?</span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="layout layout--1-column" data-cpeid="w-1698773807681-881" style="color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="column column--1 scale stack" data-cpeid="w-1698773807700-504" style="width: 580px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="divider" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-259" style="table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="divider_container content-padding-horizontal" style="padding: 10px 20px;" valign="top" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="divider_content-row" style="height: 1px; table-layout: fixed; width: 540px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" bgcolor="#163116" class="divider_content-cell" height="1" style="background-color: #163116; border-bottom-width: 0px; height: 1px; line-height: 1px; padding-bottom: 0px;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" hspace="0" src="https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/letters/images/1101116784221/S.gif" style="display: block; height: 1px; width: 5px;" vspace="0" width="5" /></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="layout layout--sidebarRight layout--1-column layout--divided" data-cpeid="w-1665940400884-552" style="color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="column column--1 scale stack" data-cpeid="w-1665940400884-812" style="width: 405.994px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="text text--padding-vertical" data-cpeid="w-1668115732438-855" style="table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" class="text_content-cell content-padding-horizontal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #7b6e65; display: block; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.2; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 10px 20px;" valign="top"><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">They say Christmas is for young children and not for old people. Well, I used to be a child and now I am… a bit older. The truth is that Christmas is for everyone. That is because everyone needs the gift of eternal life.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">At Christmas we realize that all that we need was to be found in a place where you would not expect to find anything. In a dirty, smelly stable is where we find the King of kings and Lord of Lords. And He came there so He could meet us. All of us. As Anselm reminds us- </span><span style="color: black; font-style: italic;">“Jesus did not come out of curiosity or personal need. The Father sent him on an errand of mercy solely to accomplish our redemption.”</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">I would never do that. I would never leave the comfort of heaven and perfect fellowship with the Father and the Spirit to come to earth to die for me. But that is what happened and as Charles Spurgeon reminds us, </span><span style="color: black; font-style: italic;">“The Infinite became an Infant. The Creator became a Creature. God was in a Cradle.”</span><span style="color: black;"> As my friend, Joel Householder, has eloquently stated; </span><span style="color: black; font-style: italic;">“This initiative is the most exquisite, incomprehensible, unimaginable, quintessential display of humility ever.”</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">This Christmas, whether you are young or old, and in spite of the busyness that seems to crowd around us during this time of celebration, make sure you make some time to remember the mysteriously wonderful words of Syd McCaully;</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span style="color: black;"> “</span><span style="color: black; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">He who was infinite became finite so that we who were finite might become infinite.”</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Serving Him with you</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Until He comes for us.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Fred</span><span style="color: black; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-style: italic;"> </span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Fred Chayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07757180469322557528noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1983424178875079446.post-84029094150791437402023-12-15T05:47:00.000-08:002023-12-15T05:47:27.434-08:00December 15, 2023<table bgcolor="#ebebeb" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="layout layout--1-column" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-852" style="background-color: #ebebeb; color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="column column--1 scale stack" data-cpeid="w-1701284994703-916" style="width: 580px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="text text--padding-vertical" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-723" style="table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" class="text_content-cell content-padding-horizontal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #7b6e65; display: block; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.2; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 10px 20px;" valign="top"><p align="center" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold;">There is nothing like a dream to create the future.</span></p><p align="center" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 15px;">-Victor Hugo-</span></p><p align="center" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></p></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="layout layout--1-column" data-cpeid="w-1698773807681-881" style="color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="column column--1 scale stack" data-cpeid="w-1698773807700-504" style="width: 580px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="divider" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-259" style="table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="divider_container content-padding-horizontal" style="padding: 10px 20px;" valign="top" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="divider_content-row" style="height: 1px; table-layout: fixed; width: 540px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" bgcolor="#163116" class="divider_content-cell" height="1" style="background-color: #163116; border-bottom-width: 0px; height: 1px; line-height: 1px; padding-bottom: 0px;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" hspace="0" src="https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/letters/images/1101116784221/S.gif" style="display: block; height: 1px; width: 5px;" vspace="0" width="5" /></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="layout layout--sidebarRight layout--1-column layout--divided" data-cpeid="w-1665940400884-552" style="color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="column column--1 scale stack" data-cpeid="w-1665940400884-812" style="width: 405.994px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="text text--padding-vertical" data-cpeid="w-1668115732438-855" style="table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" class="text_content-cell content-padding-horizontal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #7b6e65; display: block; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.2; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 10px 20px;" valign="top"><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">I have always been a dreamer. Many people would find that hard to believe. They think that I am more of a critical if not cynical person. However, I like to think of myself as someone who simply has a heightened sense of reality. </span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">I have found if you scratch a cynic, underneath you will find an idealist. I tend to be an idealist who has big dreams and aspirations. These are not my dreams. They are the dreams of my boss. His name is King Jesus.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">It goes without saying that where there is a King there is a Kingdom. The King to come is </span><span style="color: black; font-style: italic;">predicted</span><span style="color: black;"> in Isaiah 7:14 fulfilled in Matthew 1:23. His name is Immanuel - “God with us.”</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">The King’s </span><span style="color: black; font-style: italic;">provision</span><span style="color: black;"> is seen in the four throne names found in Isaiah 9:5-7. I am sure that during this Christmas season we will all listen to that passage through the playing of Handel’s Messiah. It contains four couplets each describing God’s anointed ruler. He is wonderful counselor, mighty God, everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">The King’s </span><span style="color: black; font-style: italic;">presence</span><span style="color: black;"> is seen in His ruling and reigning in His kingdom. Today His kingdom is what many have called a mystery or spiritual form of the Kingdom - the Church. But in the future, there will be a millennial kingdom, promised in the Old Testament to the nation of Israel. Yes, they really do own the Land! (see Psalm 2, 89, 2 Sam. 7:14) The final fulfillment of the promise of this millennial kingdom is expressed in Revelation 20:1-6. </span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">The final form of the kingdom will be an eternal kingdom that will have no end. This is what John is describing in Revelation 21-22. </span><span style="color: #312c28;">This is when and what transpires, according to the Apostle Paul's declaration in I Corinthians 15:24-28</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-style: italic;"> ...then comes the end, when He delivers up the kingdom to the God and Father, when he has abolished all rule and all authority and power. For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet. The last enemy that will be abolished is death. For He has put all things in subjection under His feet. But when He says, “All things are put in subjection,” it is evident that He is excepted who put all things in subjection to Him. And when all things are subjected to Him, then the Son Himself also will be subjected to the One who subjected all things to Him, </span><span style="color: black; font-style: italic; text-decoration-line: underline;">that God may be all in all</span><span style="color: black; font-style: italic;">.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Martin Luther King had a dream, and it was a good dream for our country. My King has a bigger dream and a better dream for the entire world and all of creation.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Jesus came at Christmas to bear a cross and wear a crown of thorns. He is coming again to wear the crown of victory, Christus Victor.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Serving Him with you</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Until He comes for us.<br />Fred</span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Fred Chayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07757180469322557528noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1983424178875079446.post-50912623010469970172023-12-08T07:10:00.000-08:002023-12-08T07:10:07.383-08:00December 8, 2023<table bgcolor="#ebebeb" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="layout layout--1-column" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-852" style="background-color: #ebebeb; color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="column column--1 scale stack" data-cpeid="w-1701284994703-916" style="width: 580px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="text text--padding-vertical" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-723" style="table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" class="text_content-cell content-padding-horizontal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #7b6e65; display: block; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.2; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 10px 20px;" valign="top"><p align="center" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />The Sleep of Reason Brings Forth Monsters</span></p><p align="center" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 15px;">-Goya-</span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="layout layout--1-column" data-cpeid="w-1698773807681-881" style="color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="column column--1 scale stack" data-cpeid="w-1698773807700-504" style="width: 580px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="divider" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-259" style="table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="divider_container content-padding-horizontal" style="padding: 10px 20px;" valign="top" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="divider_content-row" style="height: 1px; table-layout: fixed; width: 540px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" bgcolor="#163116" class="divider_content-cell" height="1" style="background-color: #163116; border-bottom-width: 0px; height: 1px; line-height: 1px; padding-bottom: 0px;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" hspace="0" src="https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/letters/images/1101116784221/S.gif" style="display: block; height: 1px; width: 5px;" vspace="0" width="5" /></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="layout layout--sidebarRight layout--1-column layout--divided" data-cpeid="w-1665940400884-552" style="color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="column column--1 scale stack" data-cpeid="w-1665940400884-812" style="width: 405.994px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="text text--padding-vertical" data-cpeid="w-1668115732438-855" style="table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" class="text_content-cell content-padding-horizontal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #7b6e65; display: block; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.2; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 10px 20px;" valign="top"><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Today we are watching the sleep of reason, and we are witnessing the creation of monsters. Monsters that come in the form of antisemitism. We now have an answer for how the German people could listen to Hitler and not realize the demonic origin of such a genocidal view of people.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Reason and common decency have been deceived and degenerated and have descended into barbaric behavior much like what we have witnessed by Hamas - pure evil. What is puzzling today is why there are Jews who vote for a political party that seems to have a difficult time rejecting such evil ideas. Perhaps Irving Kristol was right in his assessment in his 1999 essay, “On the Political Stupidity of the Jews.” Is that reasonable?</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Monsters also come in the form of LGBTQ+ ideology. Let’s be clear - it is not only a divergent form of behavior in all of the natural world, but more importantly an affront to God almighty the creator. But today it has been normalized and thought by some to be a “gift from God.” Is that reasonable?</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">The French philosopher, Renan, was perhaps on to something in his observation that the only thing that can give you a conception of the infinite is the extent of human stupidity.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Mark it well, the changing of circumstances cannot repair the defect of character. It is only the power of rebirth and regeneration, the receiving of eternal life in Christ Jesus that makes lasting and eternal changes in both our character now and our destiny forever.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">The song writer was right, “People need the Lord.”</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Serving Him with you</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Until He comes for us.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Fred</span><span style="color: black; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-style: italic;"> </span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Fred Chayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07757180469322557528noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1983424178875079446.post-52598334009553026442023-12-01T07:53:00.000-08:002023-12-01T07:53:01.452-08:00December 1, 2023<table bgcolor="#ebebeb" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="layout layout--1-column" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-852" style="background-color: #ebebeb; color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="column column--1 scale stack" data-cpeid="w-1701284994703-916" style="width: 580px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="text text--padding-vertical" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-723" style="table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" class="text_content-cell content-padding-horizontal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #7b6e65; display: block; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.2; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 10px 20px;" valign="top"><p align="center" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #258d23; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />“Why</span></p><p align="center" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #258d23; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold;">Argue</span></p><p align="center" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #258d23; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold;">And fight</span></p><p align="center" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #258d23; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold;">And worry</span></p><p align="center" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #258d23; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold;">How the world ends?</span></p><p align="center" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #258d23; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold;">Pray for the best,</span></p><p align="center" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #258d23; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold;">Prepare for the worst,</span></p><p align="center" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #258d23; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold;">And take whatever God sends.”</span></p><p align="center" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p align="center" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 15px;">~</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic;">Ruth Bell Graham</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 15px;">~</span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="layout layout--1-column" data-cpeid="w-1698773807681-881" style="color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="column column--1 scale stack" data-cpeid="w-1698773807700-504" style="width: 580px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="divider" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-259" style="table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="divider_container content-padding-horizontal" style="padding: 10px 20px;" valign="top" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="divider_content-row" style="height: 1px; table-layout: fixed; width: 540px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" bgcolor="#163116" class="divider_content-cell" height="1" style="background-color: #163116; border-bottom-width: 0px; height: 1px; line-height: 1px; padding-bottom: 0px;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" hspace="0" src="https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/letters/images/1101116784221/S.gif" style="display: block; height: 1px; width: 5px;" vspace="0" width="5" /></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="layout layout--sidebarRight layout--1-column layout--divided" data-cpeid="w-1665940400884-552" style="color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="column column--1 scale stack" data-cpeid="w-1665940400884-812" style="width: 405.994px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="text text--padding-vertical" data-cpeid="w-1668115732438-855" style="table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" class="text_content-cell content-padding-horizontal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #7b6e65; display: block; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.2; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 10px 20px;" valign="top"><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">There is much wisdom from Mrs. Graham. I imagine she said this to her husband, Billy Graham, during one of those days when he was preaching about the end times, and she needed a break. LOL</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">However, much of the Bible speaks of the prophetic future and our headline news has caused many to ask searching and penetrating questions that can only be answered by a correct understanding of the Bible.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><ul style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><li style="color: black; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">What is the Day of the Lord, the Great Tribulation, and are we in it now? (Mal 4:5; Jer 30:7; Dan 12;1; Rev 6:17; 2 Peter 3:13?)</li><li style="color: black; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">What is the Rapture, and will it occur before the Great Tribulation or after? (I Thess 4-5; Matt 24) </li><li style="color: black; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Are we close to the Battle of Armageddon, and if so when is it and what is it? (Rev 16, 19) And who is this Gog guy and where is Magog? (Ezk 37-38)</li></ul><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">The warning of Reinhold Niebuhr is true:</span></p><p align="center" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">“It is unwise for Christians to claim any knowledge of either the furniture of heaven or the temperature of hell, or to be too certain about any details of the kingdom of God in which history is consummated.” (</span><span style="color: black; font-style: italic;">The Nature and Destiny of Man</span><span style="color: black;">, Vol. 2, p. 294)</span></p><p align="center" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Nevertheless, it is imperative that we as believers in the Lord Jesus search the inspired, infallible, and inerrant scriptures to be aware so we can beware. Remember what the Apostle Paul said, </span><span style="color: black; font-style: italic;">“Redeem the time for the days are evil."</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Let me encourage you to make time to read, study, and absorb the sacred scriptures, for in them you shall see Him and know how you should then live.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Serving Him with you</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Until He comes for us.<br />Fred</span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Fred Chayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07757180469322557528noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1983424178875079446.post-35625346453813777392023-11-24T07:42:00.000-08:002023-11-24T07:42:13.070-08:00November 24, 2023<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="layout layout--1-column" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-852" style="color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="column column--1 scale stack" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-736" style="width: 580px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="text text--padding-vertical" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-723" style="table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" class="text_content-cell content-padding-horizontal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #7b6e65; display: block; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.2; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 10px 20px;" valign="top"><p align="center" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold;">The Giving of Thanks...</span></p><p align="center" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold;"> A Perspective</span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="layout layout--1-column" data-cpeid="w-1698773807681-881" style="color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="column column--1 scale stack" data-cpeid="w-1698773807700-504" style="width: 580px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="divider" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-259" style="table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="divider_container content-padding-horizontal" style="padding: 10px 20px;" valign="top" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="divider_content-row" style="height: 1px; table-layout: fixed; width: 540px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" bgcolor="#163116" class="divider_content-cell" height="1" style="background-color: #163116; border-bottom-width: 0px; height: 1px; line-height: 1px; padding-bottom: 0px;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" hspace="0" src="https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/letters/images/1101116784221/S.gif" style="display: block; height: 1px; width: 5px;" vspace="0" width="5" /></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="layout layout--sidebarRight layout--1-column layout--divided" data-cpeid="w-1665940400884-552" style="color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="column column--1 scale stack" data-cpeid="w-1665940400884-812" style="width: 405.994px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="text text--padding-vertical" data-cpeid="w-1668115732438-855" style="table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" class="text_content-cell content-padding-horizontal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #7b6e65; display: block; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.2; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 10px 20px;" valign="top"><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Here we are on the day after Thanksgiving. The scales have reported my personal loss which is actually a physical net gain. The Dallas Cowboys have done it again and the stores and malls have provided a call for all to participate liberally in the Black Friday shopping extravaganza. This is Americana. These are expressions and experiences that exude the American lifestyle.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">However, the half-life of wealth and fashion is like a parasite on the body of America. But we must remember, beneath the beauty of our skin is the bare skull. </span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">The banalities of our contemporary celebrity culture have produced a morality code that remains even after the religion that produced it is rejected, and is like a perfume that lingers in an empty bottle. A hint of a scent, a whiff of an odor, a trace of something promising but with no body and no real substance.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">I will give thanks to the Lord of all creation. I will rejoice in the King of the universe. I will trust in the One who is sovereign, and I will submit to the One who has dominion.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Thomas Wolf could not comprehend what he said when he wrote- “To lose the earth you know for greater knowing, to lose the life you have for greater life, to leave the friends you loved for greater loving, to find the land more kind than home, more large than earth.” </span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">We await the coming and crowning of King Jesus. Until that day let us live this day with thanksgiving.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Serving Him with you</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Until He comes for us.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Fred</span><span style="color: black; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-style: italic;"> </span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Fred Chayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07757180469322557528noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1983424178875079446.post-69094104486575016972023-11-17T13:26:00.000-08:002023-11-17T13:26:56.289-08:00November 17, 2023<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="layout layout--1-column" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-852" style="color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="column column--1 scale stack" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-736" style="width: 580px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="text text--padding-vertical" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-723" style="table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" class="text_content-cell content-padding-horizontal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #7b6e65; display: block; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.2; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 10px 20px;" valign="top"><p align="center" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold;">The older I get, the better I used to be.</span></p><p align="center" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">-Lee Trevino-</span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="layout layout--1-column" data-cpeid="w-1698773807681-881" style="color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="column column--1 scale stack" data-cpeid="w-1698773807700-504" style="width: 580px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="divider" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-259" style="table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="divider_container content-padding-horizontal" style="padding: 10px 20px;" valign="top" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="divider_content-row" style="height: 1px; table-layout: fixed; width: 540px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" bgcolor="#163116" class="divider_content-cell" height="1" style="background-color: #163116; border-bottom-width: 0px; height: 1px; line-height: 1px; padding-bottom: 0px;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" hspace="0" src="https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/letters/images/1101116784221/S.gif" style="display: block; height: 1px; width: 5px;" vspace="0" width="5" /></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="layout layout--sidebarRight layout--1-column layout--divided" data-cpeid="w-1665940400884-552" style="color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="column column--1 scale stack" data-cpeid="w-1665940400884-812" style="width: 405.994px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="text text--padding-vertical" data-cpeid="w-1668115732438-855" style="table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" class="text_content-cell content-padding-horizontal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #7b6e65; display: block; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.2; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 10px 20px;" valign="top"><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">This week I have been at the Evangelical Theological Society national convention in San Antonio. It is a gathering of 3,000 theologians to share papers, learn, argue, and renew friendships. I have been going for many years and this year I had the blessing of seeing many of my former students who are in positions of significant ministry impacting the church. The bad news is, that means I’m getting older… But older is not necessarily bad if wisdom comes with age. As Andy Rooney reminds us, “It’s paradoxical that the idea of living a long life appeals to everyone. But the idea of getting old does not appeal to anyone.”</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">I</span><span style="color: black;"> feel extremely fortunate and blessed by the Lord to have been able in invest my life into faithful men who are teaching other faithful men, who will teach other faithful men. This principle from 2 Timothy 2:2 is the Lord’s method for a ministry of multiplication. I have sought to live by this principle as a pastor and professor for the past 50 years. I have been planting trees under whose shade I shall never sit.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">I hope that you view your life as an investment of a lifetime and as an investment of your life into others. It may be your children, grandchildren, or others’ children. It may be through your church or some para-church organization. Giving information is good but incarnating the truth is best. The Lord desires to wrap truth around people so that others may see and learn and imitate. This is the great commission. Make Disciples!</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">How are you doing at making disciples?</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Serving Him with you</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Until He comes for us.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Fred</span><span style="color: black; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-style: italic;"> </span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Fred Chayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07757180469322557528noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1983424178875079446.post-80039885778045199332023-11-10T07:08:00.003-08:002023-11-10T07:08:45.213-08:00November 10, 2023<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="layout layout--1-column" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-852" style="color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="column column--1 scale stack" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-736" style="width: 580px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="text text--padding-vertical" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-723" style="table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" class="text_content-cell content-padding-horizontal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #7b6e65; display: block; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.2; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 10px 20px;" valign="top"><p align="center" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold;">Life is like a nauseating smell of cooking, escaping through a ventilator.</span></p><p align="center" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold;">You don't have to eat it to know it would make you vomit.</span></p><p align="center" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">~Gustav Flambaur~</span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="layout layout--1-column" data-cpeid="w-1698773807681-881" style="color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="column column--1 scale stack" data-cpeid="w-1698773807700-504" style="width: 580px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="divider" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-259" style="table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="divider_container content-padding-horizontal" style="padding: 10px 20px;" valign="top" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="divider_content-row" style="height: 1px; table-layout: fixed; width: 540px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" bgcolor="#163116" class="divider_content-cell" height="1" style="background-color: #163116; border-bottom-width: 0px; height: 1px; line-height: 1px; padding-bottom: 0px;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" hspace="0" src="https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/letters/images/1101116784221/S.gif" style="display: block; height: 1px; width: 5px;" vspace="0" width="5" /></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="layout layout--sidebarRight layout--1-column layout--divided" data-cpeid="w-1665940400884-552" style="color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="column column--1 scale stack" data-cpeid="w-1665940400884-812" style="width: 405.994px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="text text--padding-vertical" data-cpeid="w-1668115732438-855" style="table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" class="text_content-cell content-padding-horizontal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #7b6e65; display: block; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.2; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 10px 20px;" valign="top"><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">This week we have seen and smelled our culture</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="color: black;">being cooked and the smell is not good. In many states we have witnessed the people’s preference evidenced through a vote for propositions and for politicians that pontificate and propagate so as to proliferate abortion on demand and its culture of death. We have seen the assertion and affirmation of LBGTQ+ “rights.” </span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">As Umberto Echo reminds us, “To undermine the false authority of an absurd proposition that offends reason, laughter can sometimes also be a suitable instrument.” Although this is no laughing matter, in the midst of this moral mess we are to maintain a faithful presence and a winsome witness. We are to be a fragrant aroma. In a lost and dying world that is corrupt and confused, we must provide and proclaim the only durable sign of hope; Our Savior…The Lord Jesus Christ.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Always remember: Votes matter but Veto power is the Lord’s!</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Serving Him with you</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Until He comes for us.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Fred</span><span style="color: black; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-style: italic;"> </span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Fred Chayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07757180469322557528noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1983424178875079446.post-17501699016352141842023-11-03T08:55:00.000-07:002023-11-03T08:55:10.511-07:00November 3, 2023<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="layout layout--1-column" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-852" style="color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="column column--1 scale stack" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-736" style="width: 580px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="text text--padding-vertical" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-723" style="table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" class="text_content-cell content-padding-horizontal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #7b6e65; display: block; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.2; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 10px 20px;" valign="top"><p align="center" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold;">People of Honor</span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="layout layout--1-column" data-cpeid="w-1698773807681-881" style="color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="column column--1 scale stack" data-cpeid="w-1698773807700-504" style="width: 580px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="divider" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-259" style="table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="divider_container content-padding-horizontal" style="padding: 10px 20px;" valign="top" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="divider_content-row" style="height: 1px; table-layout: fixed; width: 540px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" bgcolor="#163116" class="divider_content-cell" height="1" style="background-color: #163116; border-bottom-width: 0px; height: 1px; line-height: 1px; padding-bottom: 0px;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" hspace="0" src="https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/letters/images/1101116784221/S.gif" style="display: block; height: 1px; width: 5px;" vspace="0" width="5" /></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="layout layout--sidebarRight layout--1-column layout--divided" data-cpeid="w-1665940400884-552" style="color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="column column--1 scale stack" data-cpeid="w-1665940400884-812" style="width: 405.994px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="text text--padding-vertical" data-cpeid="w-1668115732438-855" style="table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" class="text_content-cell content-padding-horizontal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #7b6e65; display: block; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.2; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 10px 20px;" valign="top"><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">A man or woman has honor if they hold themselves to an ideal of conduct and concept though it is inconvenient, unprofitable, or dangerous to do so.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">We are living in a day and in a time that lacks honor. No matter where you look honor is an old-world phenomena found in a bygone age. It is a concept that has been corrupted and twisted. Today, in the world of business, government, and education nobility and integrity let alone moral decency are hard to find. The world worships at the altar of celebrity and gives adulation and adoration to counterfeits because we have forgotten that glamor is not greatness, applause is not fame, and prominence is not eminence.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">We who are Christians must be people of honor and nobility. We are to live lives of distinction and dignity for we are looking for a destiny with Jesus and until that time as we live in this time we are to reveal and represent Him in and to a lost and dying world.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Mark it well, make no mistake, the King is coming in glory and honor:</span></p><ul style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><li style="color: black; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Daniel 7:13-14,</li><li style="color: black; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Jude 25,</li><li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Romans 11:36, 16:27,</span></li><li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">1 Timothy 1:17</span></li></ul><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">If He is coming then, how should we live now?</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="indent--1" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">As Tolkien counsels us, </span><span style="color: black;">“All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”</span></p><p class="indent--1" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">As Moses commands us, “Teach us to number our days that we might present to you a heart of wisdom.”</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">As I commend to us, Count the days and make the days count.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Serving Him with you</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Until He comes for us.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Fred</span><span style="color: black; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-style: italic;"> </span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Fred Chayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07757180469322557528noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1983424178875079446.post-79432454130239230332023-10-27T07:42:00.003-07:002023-10-27T07:42:44.391-07:00October 27, 2023<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="layout layout--1-column" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-852" style="color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="column column--1 scale stack" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-736" style="width: 580px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="text text--padding-vertical" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-723" style="table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" class="text_content-cell content-padding-horizontal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #7b6e65; display: block; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.2; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 10px 20px;" valign="top"><p align="center" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold;">You Can Never Have Enough of What You Don’t Really Need</span></p><p align="center" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">-Eric Hoffer-</span></p><p align="center" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></p></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="layout layout--1-column" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-887" style="color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="column column--1 scale stack" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-611" style="width: 580px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="divider" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-259" style="table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="divider_container content-padding-horizontal" style="padding: 10px 20px;" valign="top" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="divider_content-row" style="height: 1px; table-layout: fixed; width: 540px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" bgcolor="#163116" class="divider_content-cell" height="1" style="background-color: #163116; border-bottom-width: 0px; height: 1px; line-height: 1px; padding-bottom: 0px;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" hspace="0" src="https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/letters/images/1101116784221/S.gif" style="display: block; height: 1px; width: 5px;" vspace="0" width="5" /></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="layout layout--sidebarRight layout--1-column layout--divided" data-cpeid="w-1665940400884-552" style="color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="column column--1 scale stack" data-cpeid="w-1665940400884-812" style="width: 405.994px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="text text--padding-vertical" data-cpeid="w-1668115732438-855" style="table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" class="text_content-cell content-padding-horizontal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #7b6e65; display: block; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.2; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 10px 20px;" valign="top"><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">In Ernest Hemingway’s classic novel, </span><span style="color: black; font-style: italic;">The Sun Also Rises</span><span style="color: black;">, Bill Gordon asks Mike Campbell, “How did you go bankrupt? Two ways Mike replies, gradually, and then suddenly.” The same can be said for the depletion of our spiritual life. Most people do not wake up one morning and say, today I want to become a drug addict. It happens over a period of time at first and then it collapses in upon them. It is an accumulation of decisions and actions that one day leave a person asking; How did this happen?</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Let me suggest a terrible triad that leads to spiritual ruin. The downward spiritual spiral begins with </span><span style="color: black; font-style: italic;">Weak Devotions</span><span style="color: black;">. When our devotional life is anemic, we get sick. If you do not eat or drink what the body needs, you begin to waste away. Slowly at first and then suddenly…crisis. When we fail to feast upon the inspired word of God and meet with the Lord our spiritual vitality will begin to deteriorate. What are you eating these days?</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-style: italic;">Worldly Desires</span><span style="color: black;"> are the result of a weak devotional life. The world pulls at our flesh and promises to deliver us from our cravings and provide all that we desire. But in the end, we find ourselves asking the salient question of T.S. Elliot- “Where is the life we lost in living?” Scripture reminds and exhorts us, </span><span style="color: black; font-style: italic;">“Do not love the world or the things of the world.”</span><span style="color: black;"> (I John 2:15) </span><span style="color: black; font-style: italic;">“Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.</span><span style="color: black;"> (Romans 12:2) Do not miss the connection: Thinking leads to doing.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-style: italic;">Wrong Decisions</span><span style="color: black;"> are the inevitable and inescapable result of worldly desires that develop from weak devotions. Have you ever asked yourself the question, Why in the world did I do that? The answer is - We do what makes sense to us at the time. Our Attitudes are Articulated in Our Actions.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">My assumption is that you desire a sense of Spiritual Homeostasis. If this is correct, then let me invite you to develop and deepen your Devotional life daily. Consciously resist worldly desires. Decide to make your decisions based upon the inspired word of God.</span></p><p class="indent-1" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 3em; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="indent-1" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 3em; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic;">“</span><span style="color: black; font-style: italic;">How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Thy word.</span></p><p class="indent-1" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 3em; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-style: italic;">With all my heart I have sought Thee; Do not let me wander from Thy commandments.</span></p><p class="indent-1" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 3em; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-style: italic;">Thy word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against Thee.”</span><span style="color: black;"> Psalm 119: 9-11</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Serving Him with you</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Until He comes for us.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Fred</span><span style="color: black; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-style: italic;"> </span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Fred Chayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07757180469322557528noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1983424178875079446.post-30785852685458140722023-10-20T06:57:00.002-07:002023-10-20T06:57:25.683-07:00October 20, 2023<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="layout layout--1-column" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-852" style="color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="column column--1 scale stack" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-736" style="width: 580px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="text text--padding-vertical" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-723" style="table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" class="text_content-cell content-padding-horizontal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #7b6e65; display: block; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.2; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 10px 20px;" valign="top"><p align="center" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold;">Unintended Consequences</span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="layout layout--1-column" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-887" style="color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="column column--1 scale stack" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-611" style="width: 580px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="divider" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-259" style="table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="divider_container content-padding-horizontal" style="padding: 10px 20px;" valign="top" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="divider_content-row" style="height: 1px; table-layout: fixed; width: 540px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" bgcolor="#163116" class="divider_content-cell" height="1" style="background-color: #163116; border-bottom-width: 0px; height: 1px; line-height: 1px; padding-bottom: 0px;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" hspace="0" src="https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/letters/images/1101116784221/S.gif" style="display: block; height: 1px; width: 5px;" vspace="0" width="5" /></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="layout layout--sidebarRight layout--1-column layout--divided" data-cpeid="w-1665940400884-552" style="color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="column column--1 scale stack" data-cpeid="w-1665940400884-812" style="width: 405.994px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="text text--padding-vertical" data-cpeid="w-1668115732438-855" style="table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" class="text_content-cell content-padding-horizontal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #7b6e65; display: block; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.2; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 10px 20px;" valign="top"><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 15px;">It is insidious that the very positive impact that Christianity can have on a person can also cause one to implode in their spiritual life. This is true of individuals and of nations. John Wesley left a sober warning July 2, 1789:</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 15px;"></span></p><p class="indent-1" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 3em; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 15px;">"Christianity, true Scriptural Christianity, has a tendency in the process of time to destroy itself. </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 15px;">For wherever true Christianity spreads, </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 15px;">it must cause diligence and frugality, which, in the natural course of things, must beget riches! And riches naturally beget pride, love of the world, and every temper that is destructive to Christianity. Wherever it generally prevails, it ultimately saps its own foundation."</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 15px;">The subtle erosion and deceptive transformation significantly impacted the second-generation of American Puritans as their children and grandchildren went after gold, glory, and God - in that order. We have seen much of the same in modern America as many families, after difficult beginnings and diligent effort led to prosperity only to be erased by self-absorbed living by the next generation lacking the moral fortitude and work ethic that provided for them so much.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 15px;">This reality may account for so many warnings to Christians in the New Testament.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 15px;">The apostle John exhorts his flock, </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic;">“Do not love the world or the things of the world for if you love the world the love of the Father is not in you.” </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 16px;">(I John 2:15)</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 15px;">The apostle Paul urges the church at Rome, </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic;">“Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 16px;"> (Romans 12:1-2) He also tells them to </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic;">“put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the flesh.”</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 16px;"> (Romans 13:10)</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 15px;">In fact the whole correspondence of First Corinthians is meant to rebuke a powerful social class of Christians to stop being carnal in their lives inside and outside the church of Jesus. (I Corinthians 3)</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 15px;">I think I can say to all of you who are reading this, that we have all been given a rich heritage. And if that is true then we must always remember:</span></p><p align="center" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 15px;">“To whom much is given much is required.”</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Serving Him with you</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Until He comes for us.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Fred</span><span style="color: black; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-style: italic;"> </span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Fred Chayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07757180469322557528noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1983424178875079446.post-2465414265216942702023-10-20T06:56:00.002-07:002023-10-20T06:56:40.346-07:00October 13, 2023<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="layout layout--1-column" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-852" style="color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="column column--1 scale stack" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-736" style="width: 580px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="text text--padding-vertical" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-723" style="table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" class="text_content-cell content-padding-horizontal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #7b6e65; display: block; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.2; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 10px 20px;" valign="top"><p align="center" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold;"> Some Things Never Change</span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="layout layout--1-column" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-887" style="color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="column column--1 scale stack" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-611" style="width: 580px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="divider" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-259" style="table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="divider_container content-padding-horizontal" style="padding: 10px 20px;" valign="top" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="divider_content-row" style="height: 1px; table-layout: fixed; width: 540px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" bgcolor="#163116" class="divider_content-cell" height="1" style="background-color: #163116; border-bottom-width: 0px; height: 1px; line-height: 1px; padding-bottom: 0px;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" hspace="0" src="https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/letters/images/1101116784221/S.gif" style="display: block; height: 1px; width: 5px;" vspace="0" width="5" /></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="layout layout--sidebarRight layout--1-column layout--divided" data-cpeid="w-1665940400884-552" style="color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="column column--1 scale stack" data-cpeid="w-1665940400884-812" style="width: 405.994px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="text text--padding-vertical" data-cpeid="w-1668115732438-855" style="table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" class="text_content-cell content-padding-horizontal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #7b6e65; display: block; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.2; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 10px 20px;" valign="top"><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">My first seminary course was at Fuller Seminary entitled The History of Israel. I learned of such ruthless men as Ashurbanipal, Sargon II, Tiglath-Pileser, Sennacherib, and pharaoh Necho. These were the generals and kings of the empires of ancient Babylon, Assyria, and Egypt. In modern times we remember groups of Islamic terrorists such as Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Muslim Brotherhood, not to mention Saddam Hussein, the rebuilder of Babylon, the butcher of Israel. These are the names of those who would destroy Israel.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">The world witnessed an unimaginable event in 1948 when Israel, coming out of the holocaust created the nation of Israel validated by the United Nations and Harry Truman the president of the United States. However, Peace in Israel is never easy. The Yom Kippur War 50 years ago started with an unprovoked sneak attack that looks to be repeated based on a surprise attack upon Israel last week. Hundreds if not thousands of men, women, and children civilians have been murdered, kidnapped, and tortured.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">The geopolitical designs and the religious paradigm of Islam are easy to describe. It is easy to draw a direct line of Islamic hate to the radical groups in Palestine, Syria, or Egypt. It is also quite easy to see the dotted line to Iran if not Russia’s involvement in such matters. However, we must never forget that behind all of this hatred and savagery is the one entity who hates Israel and the future and rightful coming King of Israel, the King of peace, the Lord Jesus Christ. (Revelation 20)</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Let me invite you to go back to Matthew 4 and read the account of the temptation of Christ. Notice the focus on kingdom rulership and the proper place of worship.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">There is a new world order coming. There is a new kingdom to be established. There is a new King to be inaugurated and He alone is to be worshiped. (Psalm 2)</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Let me invite you to read the Book of Daniel, the Gospel of Mathew 24-25, and Second Thessalonians. These books will give you some history of what has been and prophecy of what is coming.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Jesus told us there will be wars and rumor of wars and persecution. The prince of this world will always seek to destroy Israel and the church of Jesus Christ.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">The power we possess is accessed by prayer to the only true God and only wise God, for as Zechariah 4:6 reminds us, “Not by might nor by power but by My Spirit says the Lord of Hosts.”</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Serving Him with you</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Until He comes for us.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Fred</span><span style="color: black; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-style: italic;"> </span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Fred Chayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07757180469322557528noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1983424178875079446.post-59212986988275730712023-10-06T07:18:00.000-07:002023-10-06T07:18:00.830-07:00October 6, 2023<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="layout layout--1-column" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-852" style="color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="column column--1 scale stack" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-736" style="width: 580px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="text text--padding-vertical" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-723" style="table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" class="text_content-cell content-padding-horizontal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #7b6e65; display: block; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.2; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 10px 20px;" valign="top"><p align="center" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold;">"Without a firm moral foundation,</span></p><p align="center" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold;">freedom degenerates quickly ... into anarchy."</span></p><p align="center" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 15px;">Harry Truman,1951</span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="layout layout--1-column" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-887" style="color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="column column--1 scale stack" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-611" style="width: 580px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="divider" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-259" style="table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="divider_container content-padding-horizontal" style="padding: 10px 20px;" valign="top" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="divider_content-row" style="height: 1px; table-layout: fixed; width: 540px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" bgcolor="#163116" class="divider_content-cell" height="1" style="background-color: #163116; border-bottom-width: 0px; height: 1px; line-height: 1px; padding-bottom: 0px;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" hspace="0" src="https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/letters/images/1101116784221/S.gif" style="display: block; height: 1px; width: 5px;" vspace="0" width="5" /></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="layout layout--sidebarRight layout--1-column layout--divided" data-cpeid="w-1665940400884-552" style="color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="column column--1 scale stack" data-cpeid="w-1665940400884-812" style="width: 405.994px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="text text--padding-vertical" data-cpeid="w-1668115732438-855" style="table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" class="text_content-cell content-padding-horizontal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #7b6e65; display: block; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.2; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 10px 20px;" valign="top"><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">The trajectory of America is creating an arc of history that will manifest itself as a great calamity.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">The collapse of Christianity will lead to the further corruption.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">We are witnessing the decay of theological doctrine. We are observing the secularization of the sacred as the church seeks appeasement with the LBGTQ+.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">We are experiencing the extinction of ethics in government. As Benjamin Franklin warned after the formation of the republic in 1787; </span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p align="justify" class="indent-0" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black;"> "What kind are the men that will strive for this profitable preeminence, through all the bustle of cabal, the heat of contention, the infinite mutual abuse of parties, tearing to pieces the best of characters? It will not be the wise and moderate, the lovers of peace and good order, the men fittest for the trust. It will be the bold and the violent, the men of strong passions and indefatigable activity in their selfish pursuits. These will thrust themselves into your government and be your rulers."</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Our rulers are corrupt with power, morally bankrupt in their spirit, and their exercise in ethical decision making is based upon pragmatism, utilitarianism, situationism, and political survivalism.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">If this sounds familiar you would be right based on world history. It is not much different than ancient Rome or modern Marxism. Both are devoid of a Biblical world view of Theism and Truth, and are led by self-interest which is manifested in both individual egotism and collective globalism.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">However, Christianity is not controlled by environment, not stifled by situations, or suffocated by circumstances. This is because the God of Pentecost is aware, Jesus the king is alive, the Spirit of holiness is present in the Church.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Do not forget the spiritual law of thermodynamics: The greater the heat the greater the expansion. </span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">The days are evil, but we are still to redeem the time. It will not be easy, but Jesus never said it would be easy.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Count the days and make the days count.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Serving Him with you</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Until He comes for us.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Fred</span><span style="color: black; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-style: italic;"> </span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Fred Chayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07757180469322557528noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1983424178875079446.post-91888414024451793892023-09-29T07:49:00.003-07:002023-09-29T07:49:56.507-07:00September 29, 2023<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="layout layout--1-column" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-852" style="color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="column column--1 scale stack" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-736" style="width: 580px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="text text--padding-vertical" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-723" style="table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" class="text_content-cell content-padding-horizontal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #7b6e65; display: block; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.2; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 10px 20px;" valign="top"><p align="center" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">To undermine the false authority of an absurd proposition that offends reason, laughter can sometimes also be a suitable instrument.</span></p><p align="center" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">~Umberto Eco~</span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="layout layout--1-column" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-887" style="color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="column column--1 scale stack" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-611" style="width: 580px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="divider" data-cpeid="w-1665940216748-259" style="table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="divider_container content-padding-horizontal" style="padding: 10px 20px;" valign="top" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="divider_content-row" style="height: 1px; table-layout: fixed; width: 540px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" bgcolor="#163116" class="divider_content-cell" height="1" style="background-color: #163116; border-bottom-width: 0px; height: 1px; line-height: 1px; padding-bottom: 0px;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" hspace="0" src="https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/letters/images/1101116784221/S.gif" style="display: block; height: 1px; width: 5px;" vspace="0" width="5" /></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="layout layout--sidebarRight layout--1-column layout--divided" data-cpeid="w-1665940400884-552" style="color: black; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="column column--1 scale stack" data-cpeid="w-1665940400884-812" style="width: 405.994px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="text text--padding-vertical" data-cpeid="w-1668115732438-855" style="table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" class="text_content-cell content-padding-horizontal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #7b6e65; display: block; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.2; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 10px 20px;" valign="top"><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">I suppose this is why we have groups like the Babylon Bee to poke fun and point out absurdities and idiotic ideas that people come up with. Shakespeare knew a thing or two about satire and sarcasm. However, we must not allow our soothing satire, humorous lampooning, our amusing mockery, and righteous ridicule to distract us from the actual danger that is upon us.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">The danger is seen in a decaying that includes denying truth, debunking history, depreciating Christianity, and degrading morality that is destroying our culture. </span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">The reason this is so obviously noticeable is that America was created with all the signs of divine blessing. Both the Pilgrims and Puritans came with a Judeo-Christian value system and created a legal system that was the foundation for a republic form of government for the people and by the people.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Most social commentators from Benjamin Franklin to Alexis de Tocqueville realized that America was unique and would only stay as such if its people remained educated and religious. That does not mean that all Americans were or are Christians, but it did and does mean that a baseline of a theistic worldview and a Christian moral values system is what allowed America to become what it was so quickly. </span><span style="color: black; text-decoration-line: underline;">Great and Good</span><span style="color: black;">!</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">However, America is not that old and just as its creation was supported by divine influence so now its corruption has all the signs of demonic influence.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">We are being decimated because we have lost our moral footing and value system. Drag queens teaching our students, Governor Gavin Newsom ordering filth to be taught to all kids in public schools, and a Supreme Court justice not knowing what a woman is. “Foolish” does not describe the wanton and reckless evil that is being perpetrated upon this country and its people. As Arnold Toynbee appropriately reminds us; “Civilizations die from suicide not by murder.”</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Alexis de Tocqueville observed as he traveled throughout America in 1831-32 and concluded.</span></p><p class="indent-1" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 3em; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">I sought for the greatness and genius of America in her commodious harbors and her ample rivers, and it was not there. I sought for the greatness and genius of America in her fertile fields and boundless forests, and it was not there. I sought for the greatness and genius of America in her rich mines and her vast world commerce, and it was not there. I sought for the greatness and genius of America in her public school system and her institutions of learning, and it was not there. I sought for the greatness and genius of America in her democratic Congress and her matchless Constitution, and it was not there. Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits flame with righteousness, did I understand the secret of her genius and power. America is great because she is good, and if America ever ceases to be </span><span style="color: black; text-decoration-line: underline;">good</span><span style="color: black;">, she will cease to be </span><span style="color: black; text-decoration-line: underline;">great</span><span style="color: black;">.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">To whom much is given much is required.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">I think that says it all.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Serving Him with you</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Until He comes for us.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Fred</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode", "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode", "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic;"> </span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Fred Chayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07757180469322557528noreply@blogger.com