Emergency Exercise October 2023: Community Building

Trained Men Gen. 14:14
Emergency Exercise October 2023: Rebuilding the walls

Intel: Globalism and so called climate change policies could impact food, fuel, utilities, and other resources.

So what: By faith (Heb. 11) and the power of the Gospel, are we ready to serve the Church brethren and our communities? Do we have food security networks, means of production, security and defense, and communications? And do we have the joy of the Lord in our hearts to face the day?


Community Building

Two big themes in Nehemiah are spiritual and physical rebuilding. Spiritually a reformation of the hearts of God’s people, and physically protecting the separateness of God’s people in the world and maintaining community continuity by being obedient to God and rebuilding the walls of the city.

Start building a network of resources by sharing what local resource you use for…

  • Beef
  • Eggs
  • Produce
  • Welding
  • Construction
  • Auto repair
  • Mechanical
  • Lumber
  • Fuel 
  • Medical, dental, other health care

Mindful that, “You should go into every business relationship with a brother looking to give something additional, rather than to get something additional. Don’t expect discounts because you are a brother. Try, when possible, to give something additional because he’s a brother… This spirit of grace and generosity does not take Mammon out of your hands, but it most certainly takes you out of Mammon’s hands.” Gashmu Saith It: How to build Christian communities that save the world, by Douglas Wilson https://canonpress.com/products/gashmu-saith-it/

“The generous soul will be made rich, And he who waters will also be watered himself.” Proverbs 11:25 NKJV https://bible.com/bible/114/pro.11.25.NKJV


“Chang warns Americans that they should have learned from the COVID-19 pandemic about food scarcity. At the same time U.S. consumers couldn’t get meat at grocery stores, the world’s top pork producer, Chinese-owned Smithfield Foods, shipped pork to China.” http://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/us/2023/september/china-moves-to-dominate-world-food-supply-food-is-power

”The Race to Rule the World’s Food Security & Water Supply” 
Real world history of 9 meals from anarchy in China and how it matters today. “with investigative journalist @eWords uncovers how countries like Saudi Arabia, Russia, and China – as well as private entities like Erik Prince’s latest venture – are racing to control the world’s food and water supplies.” https://youtu.be/t72EUG-9_Ag?si=J1du8jasXNk7uXez 

Second Layer Solutions:

  • Organize a local preparedness and information-sharing network. Our group, local church, and neighbors are it.
  • Find/establish alternative logistics, supply, and production networks
  • Find/establish alternative prolonged medical care
  • Find/establish metal and spare parts fabrication (a big one!)
  • Find/establish all the other things that are not “survival” or “prepper” skills, but will make life a lot better while we navigate our Gray Zone future

Fear God, Make disciples, Protect your family!


“When Abram heard that his relative had been taken captive, he assembled his 318 trained men, born in his household, and went in pursuit as far as Dan.” Genesis‬ ‭14:14‬ ‭CSB‬‬ 

“The right to life is a good example of what legal historians refer to as an objective right: it is objective in the sense that it exists outside ourselves and is unalienable… The right to life imposes obligations: you must do everything in your power to preserve it.”
#SlayingLeviathan https://canonpress.com/products/slaying-leviathan/


AMENDMENT II 

A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.

https://ministry.family.blog/america/second-amendment/


“Religion and liberty must flourish or fall together in America. We pray that both may be perpetual.” Pastor William Smith, Christ Church Philadelphia, 1775

Bringing Back the Black Robed Regiment, Dan Fisher, 2015

“God grant that in America true religion and civil liberty may be inseparable, and that the unjust attempts to destroy the one, may in the issue tend to the support and establishment of both.” John Witherspoon, 1776

Bringing Back the Black Robed Regiment, Dan Fisher, 2015

“And if our religion is given up, all the liberty we boast of will soon be gone.” Samuel Langdon, 1788

Bringing Back the Black Robed Regiment, Dan Fisher, 2015

THE GOOD NEWS

There is a God that created the heavens and the earth. We humans are created in His image.

We are sinners, we have rebelled against Him, our Creator. Our rebellion has brought “all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice… envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness” to the world. Romans 1:29-31 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/rom.1.29-31.ESV

Therefore we justly deserve our due punishment of death and damnation, “as it is written: ‘None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.’” Romans 3:10-12 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/rom.3.10-12.ESV

But good news! God is merciful and loving. Jesus is God the only begotten Son and He took our punishment upon Himself in our place. Jesus rose from the dead, defeating death and securing the hope of our salvation. 

“For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me.” 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/1co.15.3-8.ESV

“Brothers, what shall we do?” And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”” Acts 2:36-38 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/act.2.36-38.ESV

We need only repent and believe it. Repent: turn away from our sins, proclaim Jesus is lord and savior, and we will be forgiven our sins and have life ever after! “because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.”” Romans 10:9-11 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/rom.10.9-11.ESV

There is hope. Believe in Jesus! ““For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/jhn.3.16.ESV 

It doesn’t matter who you’ve been or what you’ve done, God stands with arms wide open, ready to forgive you. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/1jn.1.9.ESV

Independence Day 2023 Devotional Thought

“Let all the earth fear the Lord; Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him… Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, The people He has chosen as His own inheritance.” Psalms 33:8, 12 NKJV https://bible.com/bible/114/psa.33.8-12.NKJV

“It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the Providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor.”
– George Washington, October 3, 1789

“nations – not to be mistaken for forms of government – nations succeed when they obey God. God the Father gave all authority to Jesus Christ, and Christ commanded His church to teach the nations, baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and to obey His commands… to do real things in the physical world that… will result in nations looking to Christ, trusting Him, and obeying Him. Central to Christian Nationalism is the belief that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true and that Christ will be obeyed.” https://livelocal.store/product/christian_nationalism_is_inevitable/

Want a blessed nation? ““Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”” Acts 2:36-38 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/act.2.36-38.ESV


THE GOOD NEWS

There is a God that created the heavens and the earth. We humans are created in His image.

We are sinners, we have rebelled against Him, our Creator. Our rebellion has brought “all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice… envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness” to the world. Romans 1:29-31 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/rom.1.29-31.ESV

Therefore we justly deserve our due punishment of death and damnation, “as it is written: ‘None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.’” Romans 3:10-12 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/rom.3.10-12.ESV

But good news! God is merciful and loving. Jesus is God the only begotten Son and He took our punishment upon Himself in our place. Jesus rose from the dead, defeating death and securing the hope of our salvation. 

“For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me.” 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/1co.15.3-8.ESV

“Brothers, what shall we do?” And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”” Acts 2:36-38 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/act.2.36-38.ESV

We need only repent and believe it. Repent: turn away from our sins, proclaim Jesus is lord and savior, and we will be forgiven our sins and have life ever after! “because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.”” Romans 10:9-11 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/rom.10.9-11.ESV

There is hope. Believe in Jesus! ““For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/jhn.3.16.ESV 

It doesn’t matter who you’ve been or what you’ve done, God stands with arms wide open, ready to forgive you. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/1jn.1.9.ESV

Illinois Gun Control – 2nd Amendment – Never Again

Gov. Pritzker Signs Legislation Banning Assault Weapons and Sale of High-Capacity Magazines https://www.illinois.gov/news/press-release.25890.html

In America “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights” – these unalienable rights are human rights. There is one human race, and humans are created in the image of God the Creator. Since humans bear the image of God they belong to God. They do not bear the image of Caesar (i.e. the State or government) and therefore do not belong to Caesar.

“John Quincy Adams echoed this, avowing that man’s inalienable rights are those “given him by his Creator,” which can neither be taken from him by force nor transferred from him to anyone else; “hence the rights derived . .. are declared to be inalienable.” In short, inalienable rights are God-given rights that belong to each and every individual, period… The Second Amendment’s “right to keep and bear arms” is the constitutional embodiment of the Biblical right of self-defense found in Exodus 22 (and other passages) [Gen. 14:14, Nehemiah 4, etc…] – another of the many American rights rooted in Biblical teachings.” The Founders’ Bible, 2012, Shiloh Road Publishers


US Supreme Court Upholds 2nd Amendment: Gun Ownership is a Right of Americans | Facts Matter https://youtu.be/Jh8y1s4-4W8


Never Again!

For 70 years, the slogan “Never again” has been the post-Holocaust rallying cry of Jews everywhere. It is a solemn vow that millions of Jews will never again be disarmed and defenselessly marched into camps for systematic liquidation because we can resist with the same powerful firearms we might face in the hands of totalitarian government. That progressives would take this vow, turn it upside down, and use it to grab guns is an abomination… Disarming law-abiding citizens and concentrating firearms in government hands is fundamentally wrong and disastrous. Our Founders understood this, these students do not. Freedom hangs on these truths.” https://www.jewishaz.com/opinion/never-again-belongs-to-the-holocaust-not-to-the-movement/article_244c47fa-8542-11e8-a7cb-4bb851136f69.html


American Constitution
AMENDMENT II 
A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.

Militia: an army composed of citizens… called up in time of emergency. (Webster’s 2010)

There are four places in the American Constitution that affirm the Militia’s prior existence, and no law can alter it. The militia is all able bodied members of a community.

Article I, Section 8, Clauses 15 & 16:

[The Congress shall have Power To…]

Clause 15: [ ] “To provide for calling forth the Militia to execute the Laws of the Union, suppress Insurrections and repel Invasions;”

Clause 16: [ ] “To provide for organizing, arming, and disciplining, the Militia, and for governing such Part of them as may be employed in the Service of the United States, reserving to the States respectively, the Appointment of the Officers, and the Authority of training the Militia according to the discipline prescribed by Congress;”

Article II, Section 2, Clause 1:

“The President shall be Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States, and of the Militia of the several States, when called into the actual Service of the United States…”

AMENDMENT II

A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.

From the Founders… Original Intent

“[T]he said Constitution [should] be never construed … to prevent the people of the United States, who are peaceable citizens, from keeping their own arms.”
SAMUEL ADAMS, Signer of the Declaration, “Father of the American Revolution” …

“A free people ought … to be armed.”
GEORGE WASHINGTON, US. President, Signer of the Constitution …

“[N]o man should scruple or hesitate a moment to use arms in defense.”
GEORGE WASHINGTON, US. President, Signer of the Constitution …

“The people are not to be disarmed of their weapons. They are left in full possession of them…. This is a principle which secures religious liberty most firmly.”
ZECHARIAH JOHNSTON, Revolutionary Soldier, Virginia Legislator, Ratifier of the U.S. Constitution

“I am thus far a Quaker [a pacifist]: I would gladly agree with all the world to lay aside the use of arms and settle matters by negotiation; but unless the whole will, the matter ends, and I take up my musket and thank Heaven He has put it in my power.
THOMAS PAINE, Patriot, Author

Quotes from “The Second Amendment” by David Barton


Fear God, Make disciples, Protect your family!


“When Abram heard that his relative had been taken captive, he assembled his 318 trained men, born in his household, and went in pursuit as far as Dan.” Genesis‬ ‭14:14‬ ‭CSB‬‬ 

“The right to life is a good example of what legal historians refer to as an objective right: it is objective in the sense that it exists outside ourselves and is unalienable… The right to life imposes obligations: you must do everything in your power to preserve it.”
#SlayingLeviathan https://canonpress.com/products/slaying-leviathan/


AMENDMENT II 

A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.

https://ministry.family.blog/america/second-amendment/


“Religion and liberty must flourish or fall together in America. We pray that both may be perpetual.” Pastor William Smith, Christ Church Philadelphia, 1775

Bringing Back the Black Robed Regiment, Dan Fisher, 2015

“God grant that in America true religion and civil liberty may be inseparable, and that the unjust attempts to destroy the one, may in the issue tend to the support and establishment of both.” John Witherspoon, 1776

Bringing Back the Black Robed Regiment, Dan Fisher, 2015

“And if our religion is given up, all the liberty we boast of will soon be gone.” Samuel Langdon, 1788

Bringing Back the Black Robed Regiment, Dan Fisher, 2015

Household Prayer: Thanksgiving 2022

“Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands! … Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations.” Psalms 100:1, 4-5 NKJV https://bible.com/bible/114/psa.100.1-5.NKJV

Brothers, today I am giving thanks. I thank God for all of you. I thank God for our Classical Conversations community, for our wive’s, for our children, for the freedoms and liberty we still have. I am truly thankful for the fellowship and community of fellow laborers. I thank God for our Savior! Blessings and thanksgiving brothers. 

“Holy, blessed, and glorious Trinity, ever one God, we thank you for the manifold blessings of the year that is past. Now we appeal to your grace for truly grateful hearts all our days, that we may bask in your grace and show forth your praise, not only with our lips but with our lives, wholly consecrated to your service, and at the last enter into your everlasting embrace. Amen.” Full printable prayer by Hillsdale College https://www.hillsdale.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Thanksgiving-2022.pdf

Thanksgiving resources by Hillsdale College https://www.hillsdale.edu/thanksgiving2022/

From President George Washington’s 1789 Thanksgiving proclamation:

“Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor—and Whereas both Houses of Congress have by their Joint Committee requested me “to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.” Read the full proclamation: Hillsdale College https://www.hillsdale.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/HillsdaleCollege_GeorgeWashington_Proclamation1789.pdf

From President James Madison’s 1815 Thanksgiving proclamation:

“No people ought to feel greater obligations to celebrate the goodness of the Great Disposer of events, and of the destiny of nations, than the people of the United States. His kind providence originally conducted them to one of the best portions of the dwelling place allotted for the great family of the Human race. He protected and cherished them, under all the difficulties and trials to which they were exposed in their early days. Under His fostering care, their habits, their sentiments, and their pursuits prepared them, for a transition in due time to a state of Independence and Self-Government.” Read the full proclamation: Hillsdale College https://www.hillsdale.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/HillsdaleCollege_JamesMadison_Proclamation1815.pdf

THE GOOD NEWS

There is a God that created the heavens and the earth. We humans are created in His image.

We are sinners, we have rebelled against Him, our Creator. Our rebellion has brought “all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice… envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness” to the world. Romans 1:29-31 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/rom.1.29-31.ESV

Therefore we justly deserve our due punishment of death and damnation, “as it is written: ‘None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.’” Romans 3:10-12 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/rom.3.10-12.ESV

But good news! God is merciful and loving. Jesus is God the only begotten Son and He took our punishment upon Himself in our place. Jesus rose from the dead, defeating death and securing the hope of our salvation. 

“For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me.” 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/1co.15.3-8.ESV

“Brothers, what shall we do?” And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”” Acts 2:36-38 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/act.2.36-38.ESV

We need only repent and believe it. Repent: turn away from our sins, proclaim Jesus is lord and savior, and we will be forgiven our sins and have life ever after! “because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.”” Romans 10:9-11 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/rom.10.9-11.ESV

There is hope. Believe in Jesus! ““For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/jhn.3.16.ESV 

It doesn’t matter who you’ve been or what you’ve done, God stands with arms wide open, ready to forgive you. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/1jn.1.9.ESV

Household Prayer: Noble Cause of Raising Children

“After he begot Methuselah, Enoch walked with God three hundred years, and had sons and daughters… And Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him.” Genesis 5:22, 24 NKJV https://bible.com/bible/114/gen.5.22-24.NKJV

“By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, “and was not found, because God had taken him”; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God.” Hebrews 11:5 NKJV https://bible.com/bible/114/heb.11.5.NKJV

Brothers, this week I’m meditating on Enoch and Constitution signer Benjamin Rush. I’m praying for humility as we walk with God and raise our children in the paideia of God (Eph. 6:4), the all encompassing Christian worldview. 

“Founding Father Benjamin Rush found Enoch to be a compelling example for his own personal imitation. After signing the Declaration of Independence, Rush found himself the object of praise from many American patriots for his act of bold leadership, but such public acclaim was not important to him. He told his beloved wife, Julia: ‘I shall be better satisfied if the same can be said of me as was said of the prophet of old, ‘That I walked in the fear of the Lord, and begat sons and daughters’ [Gen 5:22], than if it were inscribed upon my tombstone that I governed the councils or commanded the arms of the whole continent of America.’ Dr. Rush and Julia eventually had thirteen children, of whom nine lived to adulthood… Three simple points from Enoch’s life had formed a model for his own and should still be the standard for us today: (1) Walk with God; (2) raise a godly family, and you, too, can know (3) you are pleasing God.” The Founders’ Bible, 2012, Shiloh Road Publishers

“‘In the ancient world, the paideia was all-encompassing and involved nothing less than the enculturation of the future citizens.’ The paideia extends well past the simple limits of an established curriculum; it describes an entire way of life. In short, the ancients understood that education was religious and that religious claims are total… we should note that the apostle Paul required the fathers of Ephesus to provide a peculiarly Christian paideia for their children (Eph. 6:4).” The case for classical Christian education https://canonpress.com/products/the-case-for-classical-christian-education/


THE GOOD NEWS

There is a God that created the heavens and the earth. We humans are created in His image.

We are sinners, we have rebelled against Him, our Creator. Our rebellion has brought “all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice… envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness” to the world. Romans 1:29-31 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/rom.1.29-31.ESV

Therefore we justly deserve our due punishment of death and damnation, “as it is written: ‘None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.’” Romans 3:10-12 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/rom.3.10-12.ESV

But good news! God is merciful and loving. Jesus is God the only begotten Son and He took our punishment upon Himself in our place. Jesus rose from the dead, defeating death and securing the hope of our salvation. 

“For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me.” 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/1co.15.3-8.ESV

“Brothers, what shall we do?” And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”” Acts 2:36-38 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/act.2.36-38.ESV

We need only repent and believe it. Repent: turn away from our sins, proclaim Jesus is lord and savior, and we will be forgiven our sins and have life ever after! “because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.”” Romans 10:9-11 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/rom.10.9-11.ESV

There is hope. Believe in Jesus! ““For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/jhn.3.16.ESV 

It doesn’t matter who you’ve been or what you’ve done, God stands with arms wide open, ready to forgive you. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/1jn.1.9.ESV

Household Prayer: Reformation Day! Declare God’s Majesty

Martin Luther display at the Creation Museum.
Martin Luther display at the Creation Museum.

Brothers, today I’m praying from Ps. 145. Monday Oct. 31 is Reformation Day, a great day for Family Devotional. I pray God would inspire us with wonder and love for Him and that we would express that wonder and love to our families. I pray our generation “shall commend [God’s] works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts… They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness and shall sing aloud of your righteousness.” Ps. 145:4-7 May revival start in our homes! God bless. 

“One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts. On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate. They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds, and I will declare your greatness. They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness and shall sing aloud of your righteousness.” Psalm 145:4-7 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/psa.145.4-7.ESV

More Reformation Day thoughts here “Martin Luther’s nailing of his ninety-five theses to the church door on October 31, 1517, provoked a debate that culminated finally in what we now call the Protestant Reformation…https://ministry.family.blog/2019/10/15/reformation-day/


THE GOOD NEWS

There is a God that created the heavens and the earth. We humans are created in His image.

We are sinners, we have rebelled against Him, our Creator. Our rebellion has brought “all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice… envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness” to the world. Romans 1:29-31 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/rom.1.29-31.ESV

Therefore we justly deserve our due punishment of death and damnation, “as it is written: ‘None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.’” Romans 3:10-12 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/rom.3.10-12.ESV

But good news! God is merciful and loving. Jesus is God the only begotten Son and He took our punishment upon Himself in our place. Jesus rose from the dead, defeating death and securing the hope of our salvation. 

“For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me.” 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/1co.15.3-8.ESV

“Brothers, what shall we do?” And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”” Acts 2:36-38 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/act.2.36-38.ESV

We need only repent and believe it. Repent: turn away from our sins, proclaim Jesus is lord and savior, and we will be forgiven our sins and have life ever after! “because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.”” Romans 10:9-11 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/rom.10.9-11.ESV

There is hope. Believe in Jesus! ““For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/jhn.3.16.ESV 

It doesn’t matter who you’ve been or what you’ve done, God stands with arms wide open, ready to forgive you. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/1jn.1.9.ESV

Prayer Meeting – Spiritual Battle – 03-19-2021

“We have raised a generation on youth group skits and entertainment, failing to prepare them for the cost and battle of public witness to Christ… ‘Do not try to hide your children from the world forever, but do not try to pretend there is no danger. Train them. Give them sharp eyes and bellies full of laughter. Make them dangerous. Make them yeast, and when they’ve grown, they will pollute the shadows.’” 
– Strong and Courageous: Following Jesus Amid the Rise of America’s New Religionhttps://press.founders.org/shop/strong-and-courageous/

Devotional

“When new gods were chosen, then war was in the gates. Was shield or spear to be seen among forty thousand in Israel? My heart goes out to the commanders of Israel who offered themselves willingly among the people. Bless the Lord.”

‭‭Judges‬ ‭5:8-9‬ ‭ESV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/59/jdg.5.8-9.esv

War was the result when Israel began to follow false gods. Even when the Lord commanded Barak to take up arms and confront the enemy, they hesitated. (Judges 4:6-8)

Are we ready? Are we ready to storm the gates? (Matthew 16:18)

I have two specific spiritual battle fronts in mind. 1) purity and 2) false gods.

Purity

Satan loves to use sexual immorality to destroy God’s people. We need to understand that besides personal sanctification and discipline, there is a literal war being waged against God’s people.

Sexual immorality, specifically pornography, is a literal weapon used by the powers and principalities of this world (Eph. 6). Not joking. Feminist Kate Millett has said they will make cultural revolution by destroying the patriarchs (fathers/heads of households), and taking away their power by… “destroying monogamy!” How? “By promoting promiscuity, eroticism, prostitution, and homosexuality!” And the Gay Liberation Manifesto of 1971 says “‘What is needed is a total social revolution, a completed reordering of civilization. Including society’s most basic institution, the patriarchal society.'” ( “By What Standard? God’s World… God’s Rules”)

Peter warns us about this in 2 Peter 2

“But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed…
For, speaking loud boasts of folly, they entice by sensual passions of the flesh those who are barely escaping from those who live in error. They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved.” ‭‭2 Peter‬ ‭2:1-2, 10, 14, 18-19‬ ‭ESV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/59/2pe.2.1-2,10,14,18-19.esv

Are we ready?

REVENGE OF [FALSE] GODS
“California’s proposed ethnic studies curriculum urges students to chant to the Aztec deity of human sacrifice.” https://christopherrufo.com/revenge-of-the-gods/

“The curriculum recommends that teachers lead their students in a series of indigenous songs, chants, and affirmations, including the “In Lak Ech Affirmation,” which appeals directly to the Aztec gods. Students first clap and chant to the god Tezkatlipokawhom the Aztecs traditionally worshipped with human sacrifice and cannibalism—asking him for the power to be “warriors” for “social justice.” Next, the students chant to the gods Quetzalcoatl, Huitzilopochtli, and Xipe Totek, seeking “healing epistemologies” and “a revolutionary spirit.” Huitzilopochtli, in particular, is the Aztec deity of war and inspired hundreds of thousands of human sacrifices during Aztec rule. Finally, the chant comes to a climax with a request for “liberation, transformation, [and] decolonization,” after which students shout “Panche beh! Panche beh!” in pursuit of ultimate “critical consciousness.””

Are we ready?

Psalm 10 – read, meditate, sing

“Arise, O Lord; O God, lift up your hand; forget not the afflicted.
O Lord, you hear the desire of the afflicted; you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed, so that man who is of the earth may strike terror no more.” ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭10:12, 17-18‬ ‭ESV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/59/psa.10.12,17-18.esv

http://clearnotesongbook.com/song/psalm-10-rise-o-lord-msal
https://mysoulamonglions.bandcamp.com/album/songs-of-deliverance

Prayer needs

Prayer

O Church Arise!

Reform the Church and ReEnchant the World with God’s Truth and Grace!

Enchant (latin: encantio): to speak meaning into.

If the church is not reenchanting this fallen world with God’s truth and grace, then it is being disenchanted with the lies of Satan!

“How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”
Romans 10:14-15

Prayer, public witness of the church, and proclaiming God’s truth and grace.

Why are we here (in this sin fallen world)? 
To bear witness to God and His truth and grace. 
To make disciples of all nations.
Matthew 28:18-20

Why are we here (on the sidewalk outside an abortion clinic)? 
To bear witness to God and His truth and grace. 
To love the captive soul and to preach the good news!
Romans 10:14-15

What message are we sharing and bearing witness to? 
There is a God that created the heavens and the earth.
We humans are created in His image.
We are sinners, we have rebelled against Him, and justly deserve our due punishment of death and damnation.
But God is merciful and loving. 
Jesus is God the only begotten Son and He took our punishment upon Himself in our place.
Jesus rose from the dead, defeating death and securing the hope of our salvation.
We need only confess our sins, proclaim Jesus is lord and savior, and repent and we will be forgiven our sins and have life ever after!
Romans 3:10-18, 23
1 Corinthians 15:3-8
John 3:16-21
Ephesians 2:1-10

Leviticus 18:21; Matt. 5:17-19; Acts 2:37-41

Household Prayer 2/3/2021

Brothers, this week my heart and prayers are on purity. The normalizing of sexual immorality is no longer just in your face, but closer to becoming required so as not to be shunned or punished. This is based on conversations my wife has had with family…

So, pray over our children and our community that they would be pure and innocent in their lives. Pray for protection over their minds and souls. Pray for us and all the parents to take the challenge to instruct and disciple according to God’s standard regarding the hard topics of gender and deviant sexual lifestyles, and to do it in a joyful and loving way.

Pray also that we would be good witnesses. Loving the person, the captive soul, and yet willing to give a gentle answer of the truth, even if it means we will be “reviled.” And if you are reviled “for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed.”

Read 1 Peter 3:8-22

“But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.”
‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭3:14-16‬ ‭ESV‬‬
https://www.bible.com/59/1pe.3.14-16.esv

Household Prayer 9/8/2020

“When God has something very great to accomplish for his church, it is His will that there should precede it the extraordinary prayers of his people.”

Jonathan Edwards – #AwakeAmerica2020

To know God.

This week let’s pray that our families would come to know God in new and profound ways. That our knowledge of God would have an impact on our children’s education and understanding of His creation.

Read Psalm 19.

We have been told that we people are the chance result of impersonal chaos working its dark magic on the universe… The outcome of such thinking? Humanity is disenchanted… But this is not the biblical account of man… God, the beautiful one, made the human race as his capstone work, his corporeal masterpiece (Ps 8:3-6; 27:4) … The imago dei marks out humanity as an enchanted race. Tragically, humanity disenchanted itself by following the anti-wisdom of the serpent… If we have assumed… that our children learned what they needed to know simply by ecclesial and cultural osmosis, let us be clear that we may hold this assumption no longer. Now is not the time to play down our doctrine of mankind; now is the time to teach it with confidence and with joy, seeking to be witnesses to fellow sinners and guides to all God’s flock.

“Reenchanting Humanity: a theology of mankind” by Owen Strachan

Welcome

“If you believe what you like in the Gospel, and reject what you don’t like, it is not the Gospel you believe, but yourself.”

—St. Augustine

Are you ready to undertake the quest for Knighthood? Are you ready to participate in the Kingdom rather than just being a spectator?
Are you ready to live out your faith in every aspect of your life, to love God and shun evil?

If so, then. . .

let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light

Romans 13:11-14