Are Conservatives Soul-Searching in the Wrong Places? By John Horvat II

Are Conservatives Soul-Searching in the Wrong Places?

By John Horvat II

A brutal business climate and societal breakdown have brought major changes to America. In response, many Americans, especially conservatives, are soul searching for something more compassionate for those left behind. Unfortunately, they are looking in the most unlikely places: business and government. They will likely be searching for a long time.

The controversy over this shift in mentality erupted with the publication of a Wall Street Journal advertisement in which major firms pledge a commitment to “stakeholder” capitalism, which holds businesses should be run having all society, not just shareholders, in mind. Sen. Marco Rubio’s (R-Fla.) stirred the pot with his recent speech at Catholic University, where he explored what he called “common-good capitalism.”

The thesis is that the modern American economy does not care for everyone. It falls short by concentrating only on return on investment to shareholders. Businesses need to think in terms of more general obligations to workers and community—“stakeholders” in the overall economy. Since business cannot provide for all social needs, state systems must also be put in place. The soul-searchers say it is time to admit that the federal government might indeed have a role in helping those left behind.

Challenging the Conservative Orthodoxy

Such thinking is especially hard for conservatives to accept. It challenges the reigning orthodoxy that has long held to low taxation, decreased federal spending, scrapping socialist government meddling and regulation, and free and fair markets as a means of providing for the common good. The movement maintains a Reaganesque distrust of government and a rightful distaste for its eternal programs. The libertarian right relegates the solving of most problems to markets.

However, there is no denying that something is missing from today’s superficial and materialistic society. Countless people are suffering materially and especially spiritually, whether it be from anxiety, depression, opioids or family breakup. Society seems to have lost its soul. Hence, the searching.

As a result, many conservatives now question old assumptions about market reliability or the evils of government social largess. They are looking for new models for business and government to help find a soul for society that will help people cope. They assume these are the only two institutions from which all solutions flow.

The Limitations of Markets

These are strange places to look for solutions. Modern economy and government are sterile institutions built upon mechanical models and systems. To have recourse to them is to look for materialistic solutions for spiritual problems.

Modern capitalism, as it now operates, is not meant to be soulful. It is meant to produce material stuff—lots of stuff. It works like a machine producing efficiently, quickly and abundantly. Modern markets scour the globe looking to maximize efficiency and distribute risks. While such efforts do benefit society greatly, their primary purpose is directed toward trading, not giving.

Markets work in function of commutative justice.  This form of justice requires a fair exchange of goods or services between contracting parties. It facilitates transactions by requiring, as nearly as may be, a near equal payment be rendered for the near equal value of a good or service.

Markets do not work in function of charity.  Charity cannot govern economic transactions since, for an economy to function justly, each party must be strictly given its due. To insist that charity be made part of economic theory would put the charitable at a disadvantage and leave the marketplace in the hands of the hard-hearted or dishonest.

Thus, efforts to baptize modern capitalism by insisting upon integrating charity into its program will inevitably fail. Soul-searching conservatives might encourage entrepreneurs to practice charity in their dealings, as indeed many do. However, the cold mechanical processes of modern capitalism remain morally indifferent and soulless. They will not “renew the face of the earth” (Ps. 103:30), no matter how they are tweaked.

The Limitations of Big Government

The same comments can be made about modern government. If any institution can be called soulless, it is the anonymous, bureaucratic machinery of big government. Its bloated systems offer to be everything to everyone while suffering from a lack of the efficiency of business.

A government is supposed to be the political system and institutions by which the State is administered and regulated. It should be oriented toward the common good by providing a general framework by which society can prosper. It also is not directed toward giving but administering.

The sad reality is that modern government is usually big government. It does not provide for the common good but buries it under its massive structures.

Decades of social programs have proven that big government, like markets, is not meant to work in  function of charity. Big government distributes its largess with cold indifference and sterile rules. Once entrenched, its self-perpetuating programs tend to prolong not diminish poverty at great cost to the nation.

Looking for America’s Lost Soul

Looking for America’s lost soul in business and government is not the right move. These institutions themselves are not bad, but they are directed to other purposes. The modern versions of these institutions are further handicapped by their cold mechanical structures and systems that can lead to abuse and frenetic intemperance.

Some conservatives have the idea that their message can be more palatable if it is dressed up with secularized systems of charity and government oversight. However, to replace one mechanical system with another does not address the soulless component that is missing.

That is not to say that these institutions cannot be instruments for a return to a more soulful America. Like all instruments, their use depends upon the motives of those using them. The human element is the most crucial part of their functioning.

A Needed Moral Regeneration     

If America is to find its soul, a moral regeneration is needed that will address the causes of society’s breakdown. It should not focus on symptoms. As it stands, everything is upside down.

Soul-searchers must seek out those institutions that are especially directed toward moral regeneration, not the mechanical workings of society. The God-given institutions of the family and the Catholic Church are two important natural regenerators that work in function of charity. They can transform society.

When all society is infused with family-like relationships and religious, moral observance, business and government can then play their essential role in fostering (not controlling) virtuous life in common.

However, such a message is not what people want to hear. It involves restraint, sacrifice, responsibility and accountability amid a culture that teaches the contrary. It is much easier to solve problems by creating stop-gap aid programs that never stop. Better to tweak the system than revamp fundamentals.

Only true Christian charity can overcome the selfish interests that cloud the soul-searching process.  For charity is that supernatural virtue by which people love God above all things for His own sake, and their neighbors as themselves for the love of God. The present soul-searching must either lead to God or end in failure.

Why Common Core Failed and What You Can Do to Keep it From Coming Back By Edwin Benson

Why Common Core Failed and What You Can Do to Keep it From Coming Back By Edwin Benson

A recent article by Dana Goldstein in the New York Times about the Common Core displays a common tendency among liberals. They never acknowledge that their pet programs can fail. When a “progressive” proposal fails, the left never goes back to construct an entirely new scheme. They return to their overriding goals, tweak the old plan a bit, and hang a new name on it.

Dana Goldstein is unashamedly leftist, but she does have some grasp of reality. Her 2014 bestseller, The Teacher Wars: A History of America’s Most Embattled Profession, adroitly mixes her admiration for the philosophy of John Dewey with respect for the plight of many America’s teachers.

The subtitle to the Times article illustrates the leftist tendency to cling to bad ideas. “It was one of the most ambitious education efforts in United States History. Did it fail? Or does it just need more time to succeed?”

Whence Came Common Core?

Common Core is an offspring of John Dewey’s socialist system of education which he branded as “democratic.” At first, his system kept a local agency in charge. However, later elaborations shifted power to the states and the national government when the inherent defects of egalitarian socialism came out. American parents and taxpayers listened to slogans like “a world-class education” and promises of being “in the vanguard of education reform.” Those parents wanted the best for their children, and the “experts” promised it.

Between about 1950 and today, those experts controlled the show. They have convinced parents that Dewey’s new methods will produce better results than the classical education of the past. When the radicals of the sixties entered the scene, they introduced programs of social change to further a socialist agenda.  Actual learning became secondary.

At the same time, parents and the general public noticed that young people often knew less than their elders. Parents discovered that their children could not write a sentence correctly. Young store clerks could not make change. Work habits deteriorated. Parents and taxpayers began to question the quality of increasingly expensive schools.

The bureaucrats sprang into action, attempting to justify their salaries by creating ever more cumbersome “programs.” Each failure spawned a more “comprehensive” response. Common Core was one of the later results of this process.

Fortunately, parents rejected Common Core, and it is now in its death throes. The program generated a wave of criticism rarely seen in education. The experts are taking a step back.

Abandoning Common Core – and Simultaneously Embracing It

One thing is sure; the phrase “Common Core” is gone. However, the ideology that created Common Core will continue. Winning this battle does not mean overall victory. No one yet knows what they will call the next plan, but it will come.

Goldstein points out that the state of Kentucky was the first to adopt the Common Core. In 2017, it left the fold. However, the repeal did not mean repudiation. Kentucky drew up a similar program, calling it the Kentucky Academic Standards. Then, the bureaucrats and legislators can assure voters that the hated Common Core is gone, all the while knowing that its spirit marches on.

The Times article mentioned one reason why Common Core was unpopular. Parents could not understand it. They could not figure out, for example, the calculation methods of “unbundling” and “number bonds.” The author mentioned that “Both methods are commonly used in high-achieving nations. But to many American parents sitting at kitchen tables and squinting at their children’s homework, they were prime examples of bureaucrats reinventing the wheel and causing undue stress in the process.”

Goldstein’s thinking is typical of leftist analysis. First, she indicated support for the overall ideas by appealing to a source of authority (those in high-achieving nations) that cannot be verified. Then she looks down on parents who can’t figure the math out. Last, she presents the right-wing backlash as products of the frustrations of the unenlightened.

The Lesson

The good news is that the program shook the education establishment. The experts and their bureaucrats have never been more threatened. The defeat of the Common Core is significant. Parents and taxpayers are increasingly willing to question the experts.

Four generations of parents and students have faced an arrogant education bureaucracy that holds them in contempt. The Common Core marks the first time that an education program was abandoned through massive public rejection.

It is long past time for those parents to recover the sense that they know what is best for their children. It is time to challenge that bureaucracy – over and over again.

Asking the Right Questions

The best challenge may be to ask simple questions. When you notice something that raises concern, you have the right to an answer. School officials should be able to explain what they are doing in words that you can understand. They will try to take refuge in jargon or professed good intentions. Members of the public cannot afford to allow the bureaucrats to escape so easily. If they can’t justify their ideas in words you can understand, then you can’t trust them with the education of your children.

Concerned parents can also find allies within the schools. The enormous amount of testing that Common Core – and previous “reform” programs – created is still a fixture of school life. Such tests have a place, but they should consume no more than three to four days a year.

Herein lies an opportunity. Most teachers and school site administrators hate the testing regimes as much as students and parents do. The cost of these tests – and it is considerable – is often borne by cash-strapped local school systems.

State boards of education mandate many of these tests. These boards are subject to oversight by state legislators. Even the most leftist state legislators will respond if their offices get twenty-five or fifty calls on a single subject.

The end of Common Core is encouraging, but it is not enough. Bringing sanity back to education is possible. The future hangs on the people’s willingness to get involved – and not be tricked by responses that they do not understand.

What's Really Being Impeached: A Christian Vision of America by John Horvat II

What’s Really Being Impeached: a Christian Vision of America

By John Horvat II

It is hard to make sense of the political chaos reigning in America today. Most people throw up their hands in despair when asked to explain the impeachment. And rightly so. The proceedings have become a mixture of politics and circus.

This bizarre drama cannot help but confound. It lacks a cohesive plot, character development or script. Those directing the proceedings have filled them with emotions, fury and slogans that only serve to fragment and alienate America as never before.

There is something sinister in all this chaos. There does not seem to be a desire for clarity. We find a will to destroy revered institutions and protocols. The media-choreographers have created scenes like those which prepared revolutions past.

Thus, what can we say amid this chaotic landscape that defies simple explanations? Perhaps the best thing to do is to take a distance from the stage and the minute details of the case. We need to look beyond the quid pro quo squabbling that has dominated the debate.

Let us make some general observations about the overall picture as seen from a distance, far from the howling mob.

Not About President Trump

The first observation about the impeachment is that it is not about President Trump. Of course, there are the pretexts for the proceedings that involve his behavior. Independent of any merit of the case against him, the passion of the moment indicates that the real target is something much more intense and profound than the person of the President.

The vitriol of the left is directed toward something that the President represents, not so much who he is or what he has done. Those opposing him do so because he represents something they find so incompatible that they are willing to risk all to eliminate it from the political scene. This same motivation extends outside Congress to the liberal establishment and Hollywood/Silicon Valley false elites that now clamor for his removal.

They are not impeaching a man but a vision of America. It is so important it cannot wait. It must be done now.

The President Does Not Represent the Pseudo-Narrative Prepared for Him

The second observation is that the left and the media have prepared a false narrative into which they have tried to shoehorn the President and the 63 million voters who elected him.

According to this false narrative, President Trump represents a resentful and declining demographic of white voters who hate other racial groups, minorities, women and immigrants. They frame the debate in classical Marxist class struggle dialectics as a case of those desiring to stay in power against those whom they oppress.

The left has turned this false narrative into dogma, admitting no other motives for the Trump voter (like opposition to abortion, Hillary, or illegal immigration, for example). This narrative is repeated ad nauseam all over the liberal media. Indeed, The New York Times columnist Michelle Goldberg described the final impeachment debate as “Republican speeches delivered by old white men alternated with Democratic speeches from women, people of color and young people.”

Thus, they have mischaracterized this debate as a racist one because this is their only issue that can still resonate with the general public. By tying the fate of the 63 million Trump-voters to “the most powerful white man in the world,” Goldberg and the left hopes to demonize everyone deplorable enough to have voted for the President no matter their reasons for doing so.

However, racism is not what the debate is all about, and those directing the left know it. They merely trot out this canard to further their cause. All Americans with common sense reject racism wherever it is found.

What Exactly Does Trump Represent?

If the impeachment debate is not about the racist narrative, then what do he and his voters represent — and why does it terrify the left into risking everything to remove the threat?

This is not an easy question to answer. Everyone will admit that the President is a complex person that defies categories, suffers contradictions and can behave erratically. Similarly, his voters do not form a monolithic bloc in which all think the same way. Given such unknowns, it is hard to plot a defined program or make an effective attack upon the moving target.

Adding to the complexity is the growing radicalization of society, the breakdown of the family and communities. This decay has shaken the solid foundation of the classical liberal world. In its place is a fast-paced unstable world where image is everything. Indeed, all becomes possible, although nothing is certain.

Thus, we should observe not so much what President Trump actually represents but what he has come to represent to both the left and right. The real fight is between two visions of America for which the President has served as a lightning rod.

A Fight Between Two Visions of America

For the traumatized right, the President touches upon certain universal themes that resonate deeply. Thus, he encourages the need for love of country. He promotes the family and the unborn with many of his statements and judicial appointments. He invokes the name of God, the cross, and unapologetically wishes Americans a “Merry Christmas!” Such positions represent hope in a forlorn world.

For the radicalized left, the President’s touching upon these themes represents all that is deplorable about America. It threatens all the “progress” of the past and especially that of the sexual revolution that introduced unbridled license for every passion.

When the Smallest Gestures Have Meaning

Some might object that other presidents made similar references to God, family and country. Indeed, it is part of our national discourse for presidents, even liberal ones, to ask that a vague God vaguely bless America.

What makes things different today is the desperation of the times. Many on both sides believe we have reached a point of no return. People are willing to grasp at anything even to the point of embracing glaring contradiction.

Thus, those who defend Christian morals will overlook the President’s defects and embrace his smallest moral gestures as encouragement to continue their fight for the Faith. The radical liberals will forget his past (and even some present) support for their causes and view his tiniest conservative actions as a trigger for outrage, irrationality and discontent.

Avoiding the Possibility of an Awakening

In such a climate, all the President’s actions take on exaggerated importance. Both sides see that a simple word of support for the unborn insinuates a moral law and a social order based on traditional marriage and the family. Outward manifestations of old-fashioned patriotism might resurrect notions of duty, sacrifice and honor at odds with the liberal demands for the abolition of borders and the setting up of a world government. A mere mention of God might awaken religious sentiments that challenge our sterile secularism.

The unthinkable possibility that moral gestures might reawaken something deep inside America terrifies the left and makes the impeachment urgent. Its drama/circus obscures the real issues. That is why its false narrative must drag down the 63 million voters who elected the President. We have reached a point of incompatibility in which the real object of the impeachment is a Christian vision of America.

Updated January 4, 2020.

OMG! Holy @#$%!

OMG! Holy @#$%!

There was a time when you would hear people proclaim “holy cow!” as an exclamation of unbelief or surprise at what someone did or said. Now you hear “holy @#$%!” even from young children. It is so common place that I even hear “Christians” using this term of surprise or unbelief at some action or statement by another person. My wife, Charlene, and I have made the statement to family and friends that we hear say this, “That is not Holy!” or “There is nothing Holy about that!”

I have written a couple of papers this year on “Be Holy for I AM HOLY!” what it means for us to be Holy to GOD and how we become Holy to GOD. Last night as Charlene and I were talking the use of this statement came up and it suddenly hit me why this is so offensive to us and should be to all Christians. This is blasphemy and it can be blasphemy against The HOLY SPIRIT!

Study Matthew 12:31-37; Mark 3:20-30; Luke 12:1-12.

How, you may ask, is saying “holy @#$%” or “OMG” blasphemy? Well, I see it as taking that which is common or profane and calling it Holy, even in jest this is denigrating that which is HOLY! GOD is HOLY and JESUS is HOLY and the SPIRIT of GOD is HOLY! GOD calls us to make ourselves Holy as He is HOLY, but calling things that are not Holy as if they are is blasphemy.

James said, “But you have dishonored the poor man. Do not the rich oppress you and drag you into the courts? Do they not blaspheme that noble name by which you are called? If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself,’ you do well.” Study James 2:1-13. The Bible teaches us that our words matter and that we need to guard our mouth against sin. The problem with phrases like “holy @#$%” or “OMG” is that they help to harden our heart towards the True and Living GOD who is HOLY and who calls us to be Holy as He is HOLY.

 Study Leviticus 24:10-16, 23; Psalm 2; Psalm 74; Matthew 27:38-44; Luke 5:17-26; 1Timothy 1; Revelation 16:8-11, 17:1-6.

Worm = Soul?

Worm = Soul?

Jesus, when talking about those who would harm children and the innocent who believed in Him said that it would be better for them to be drowned with a mill stone around their neck. Then He talked about if some part of your body caused you to sin you should cut is off, for, “…it is better to enter into life maimed (crippled), rather than having {your full body}, to go to hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched – where ‘Their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.’”; Mark 9:42-50 NKJV He said this three times. It is a quote from Isaiah 66:22-24, “’For as the new heavens and the new earth which I will make shall remain before Me,’ says the LORD, ‘so shall your descendents and your name remain. And it shall come to pass that from one New Moon to another, and from one Sabbath to another, all flesh shall come to worship before Me,’ says the LORD. ‘And they shall go forth and look upon the corpses of the men who have transgressed against Me. For their worm does not die, and their fire is not quenched. They shall be an abhorrence to all flesh.’”

I’ve added the Greek and Hebrew definitions below because there are those who will think that worm means worm and they are right. A worm is a lowly living in the dirt squirmy thing that consumes the dead stuff in or on the ground. It is also a reference to a person of low or trashy character. But, it is always a mortal creature human or otherwise and doomed to eternal death (or never to live again). The difference between actual worms and humans is that worms will just return to dust but humans are a body that will return to dust and a soul that will live forever.

The human soul was created immortal in Adam and Eve; their sin (Eve’s through deception and Adam’s through disobedience) caused them; who had been created immortal to die (become mortal) that very day and all of their descendents (every human ever conceived or who will be conceived) lost that immortality.

So what did the LORD mean when He spoke this to Isaiah and what did He mean when He taught it to His followers?

In Isaiah it is a message to the redeemed of the LORD of the glorious future that awaits those who faithfully serve Him and what will happen to those who do not. In the Gospels it is the same message; this is GOD’s message to humanity throughout history; those who serve GOD in faith (trust) and obedience will be eternally rewarded and those who do not serve GOD will be eternally judged.

So what am I saying? We are not worms but we will be debased and humiliated by those who hate GOD and reject Him. More importantly we are to be humble and servants to GOD, each other and the world.

Study Genesis 3; Jeremiah 7; Matthew 10:27-31; Luke 12; Revelation 19-21

The Hebrew word in Isaiah 66:24 is towla’ - to-law’ (fem.) or towle’ah – to-lay-aw’ or towla‘ath – to-lah’-ath or tola’ath to-lah’-ath: from shephel shay’-fel (a humble rank, low estate [place]); from shaphel shaw-fale’ (a prim. Root; to depress of sink [espec. fig. to humiliate, intrans, or trans.] – abase, bring [cast, put] down, debase, humble [self], be [bring, lay make, put] low [-er]). Towla’ means a maggot (as voracious); spec. (often with the ellips. of shaniy - shaw-nee’) the crimson grub, but used only (in this connection) of the color from it, and cloths dyed therewith: - crimson, scarlet, worm. With all of the root Hebrew words it basically means to be humbled, debased or lowly as a worm.

The Greek word in Mark 9:44,46,48 is skolex sko’-lakes: of uncert. der.; a grub, maggot or earth-worm; worm.

Luke 10:38-42

Luke 10:38-42

“On their way YESHUA and His talmidim (disciples) came to a village where a woman named Marta welcomed them into her home. She had a sister named Miryam who also sat at the LORD’s feet and heard what He had to say. But, Marta was busy with all the work to be done; so, she said, ‘Sir, don’t You care that my sister has been leaving me to do all the work by myself?’ However, the LORD answered her, ‘Marta, Marta, you are fretting and worrying about so many things! But, there is only one thing that is essential. Miryam has chosen the right thing, and it won’t be taken away from her.’” CJB

I have read this passage, only the LORD knows how many times, and I have heard it taught on several times. But, this morning as I was reading the SPIRIT (The Holy SPIRIT) impressed me that it was really about the Word of GOD before the Works of His Kingdom! There has been much debate about works verses faith throughout the ages and it began with the Law and continued in the epistles.

The answer is that if we know (truly understand and believe) the Word of GOD then we will truly know and understand that works and faith go hand in hand. You cannot have the one and not do the other if you are in a personal salvation based relationship with the True and Living GOD!

The problem with many Christians and that included myself for most of my 45 years as a Christian is that we are about form over substance or works to prove our faith. Works do not prove faith and the claim of faith does not validate works. Both faith and works can be religious rather than relational; they can be all about appearance rather than obedience. Study Matthew 7:21-29, 15:7-9.

Throughout the Old and New Testaments obedience over works (sacrifice) is emphasized as the correct relationship between humanity and GOD. This relationship cannot be achieved without a thorough knowledge and understanding of GOD and self. Abraham was called the friend of GOD, 2 Chronicles 20:7; Isaiah 41:8; James 2:23. Moses was called the Servant of the LORD and was faithful in GOD’s call Deuteronomy 34:5-7; Hebrews 3:2. David was called a man after GOD’s heart 1 Samuel 13:14, 15:28; Acts 7:44-46, 13:22.

To know and understand ourself we have to be honest with ourself and not compare ourself with anyone else; to do this we have to know GOD and His plan for us. So, we have to first know and understand who GOD is and His plan for creation and humanity. The only way we can know and understand GOD is by reading, studying and meditating on His Word, The Bible. The Bible is GOD’s revelation to humanity of who He is and His plan for creation and humanity and it is the only way we will get to know Him. GOD’s SPIRIT moves throughout the earth and pours our His blessings, grace and good gifts on every human being. The Bible tells us that GOD causes the rain to fall on the just and the unjust and the sun to shine on the good and the bad, it also tells us that all good gifts come from Him, and He uses people to do that, even if they do not know that GOD is using them. Study Jeremiah 9:23-24; Matthew 5:43-45; 2 Corinthians 11:29-30; James 1:12-18.

So, by His Word and His SPIRIT we can know and understand GOD and His purpose (will) for us as individuals and as a whole (humanity). In the prayer that JESUS taught His disciples and us to pray, the Our Father or LORD’s Prayer, in Matthew 6:9-11 He tells us to first honor GOD and ask for His Kingdom and Will to be done in the earth as it is in Heaven. How is His Kingdom and Will to be done in the earth as it is in Heaven? By His Children, those who know and understand who GOD is and what He wants us to do. And, how do we know and understand GOD? By His SPIRIT and Word! This does take time, but we can start immediately with what we know and as we grow and mature GOD’s SPIRIT will give us greater understanding and a deeper relationship. Study Matthew 6:9-13; John 1:12-14; Philippians 2:5-15, 3, 4:8-9; Colossians; Revelation 12:10-12.

Here is the tricky part; GOD’s gift and calling for each of us cannot be taken away, but they can be used by those who do not personally know and serve GOD through JESUS CHRIST. While this leads to religious works it does not lead to salvation. Salvation is a free gift from GOD to those who receive it and then seek Him and His Righteousness above everything else.

Study Matthew 6:24-34, 7:21-23; John 3:1-21 and Romans 11 & 12.

“My son, give attention to My Words; incline your ear to My sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; keep them in the midst of your heart; for they are Life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh. Keep your heart with all diligence. For out of it spring the issues of life. Put away from you a deceitful (devious) mouth, and put perverse lips far from you. Let your eyes look straight ahead, and your eyelids look right before you. Ponder the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established. Do not turn to the right or the left; remove your foot from evil.” Proverbs 4:20-27 NKJV As a father speaking the Wisdom of GOD, Solomon understood how to live a relational life with GOD. Study Deuteronomy 30:11-20; Psalm 119:105-112; Proverbs chapters 1-9, 30:5-6; Matthew 6:13, 7:13-14, 12:31-37; Luke 6:43-49; John 1:1-5, 14-18; 14:6, 22-24; 17:6-19; 1 Corinthians 10:1-21; 1 Thessalonians 1; Hebrews 2:1-4; chapters 3 & 4; 1 Peter 1:22-25; 2 Peter 2.

The scriptures say that we are to be like CHRIST! How? By taking up our cross daily, working out the process of our salvation with fear and trembling, by having the same mindset as CHRIST, by being conformed to CHRIST in the fellowship of His suffering and the power of His resurrection, by doing the Will of The Father. “I have been crucified with CHRIST; it is no longer I who live, but CHRIST lives in me; and the life I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of GOD, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” Galatians 2:20 NKJV Study Matthew 10:34-39; Mark 8:34-38; Luke 14:25-27; Philippians 2-4; Colossians 2-3

Jesus paraphrased Solomon, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear GOD and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all. For GOD will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil.” when He said, “More than that, Blessed are those who hear the Word of GOD and keep it!” Ecclesiastes 12:13-14; Luke 11:27-28

Things To Think About From 2019

Life is not a fairy tale. If you lose your shoe at midnight, you're drunk.

If women are upset at Trump's naughty words, who bought 80 million copies of 50 Shades of Gray?!

Jim Comey answered, "I don't know," "I don't recall," and "I don't remember" 236 times while under oath. But he remembered enough to write a book.

President Trump should nominate Hillary Clinton for the next opening on the Supreme Court. Then he can finally get her investigated.

Not one feminist has defended Sarah Sanders. It seems women's rights only matter if those women are liberal.

No Border Walls. No voter ID laws. You figured it out yet?

Chelsea Clinton got out of college and got a job at NBC that paid $900,000 per year. Her mom flies around the country speaking out about white privilege.

SOCIALISM: An idea that is so good that it has to be mandatory. Bernie Sanders walks into a bar and yells... "Free drinks for everyone!" looks around and says "Who's buying?"

What is the difference between an Illegal immigrant and E.T.? 

E.T. learned to speak English and went home.

And just like that they went from being against foreign interference in our elections to allowing non-citizens to vote in our elections.

Watching the left come up with schemes to "catch Trump" is like watching Wile E. Coyote trying to catch Road Runner.

President Trump's wall cost less than the Obama care website alone. Let that sink in, America.

We are one election away from open borders, socialism, gun confiscation, and full term abortion nationally. We are fighting evil.

They sent more troops and armament to arrest Roger Stone than they sent to defend Benghazi.

60 years ago, Venezuela was 4th on the world economic freedom index. Today, they are 179th and their citizens are dying of starvation. In only 10 years, Venezuela was destroyed by democratic socialism.

Russia donated $0.00 to the Trump campaign. Russia donated $145,600,000 to the Clinton Foundation. But Trump was the one they investigated! (Note: the cost of Mueller’s investigation is much lower than previous ones. The investigation into President Bill Clinton from 1994 to 2002 cost approximately $69 million, and the investigation into Iran-Contra cost approximately $47 million, not adjusted for inflation, according to the Washington Post.)

Nancy Pelosi invited illegal aliens to the State of the Union. President Trump invited victims of illegal aliens to the State of the Union. Let that sink in.

A socialist is basically a communist who doesn't have the power to take everything from their citizens at gunpoint ... Yet!

How do you walk 3,000 miles across Mexico without food or support and show up at our border 100 pounds overweight and with a cell phone? (courtesy of Soros)

Alexandria Ocasio Cortez wants to ban cars, ban planes, give out universal income and thinks socialism works. She calls Donald Trump crazy.

Bill Clinton paid $850,000 to Paula Jones to get her to go away. I don't remember the FBI raiding his lawyer's office.

I wake up every day and I am grateful that Hillary Clinton is not the President of the United States of America.  (Amen!)

The same media that told me Hillary Clinton had a 95% chance of winning now tells me Trump's approval ratings are low.

"The problem with socialism is that sooner or later you run out of other people's money."” Margaret Thatcher

Maxine Waters opposes voter ID laws; she thinks that they are racist. You need to have a photo ID to attend her town hall meetings.

Trump: “They're not after me. They're after you. I'm just in their way.”