We Will Take The Small Victory -- But Stay On your Guard!

     Thanks to a faithful reader who commented on a post, I learned that the replica of the destroyed Arch from the Temple of Baal has been cancelled for New York City and London!  Before I made it public on this blog, I wanted to be certain ... and sure enough, it was confirmed by several reliable sources on the internet.
     As far as I can tell, no replica arch will be constructed in Times Square, but London is going ahead with a reproduction of the Arch of Triumph, which the Romans originally built in Palmyra and that has nothing to do with Baal, the pagan god.  As you may or may not know, the United Nations (and UNESCO) wanted to construct these 3-D replicas as an "act of defiance" against ISIS, who destroyed the entrance to the Temple of Baal in Palmyra, Syria last year.
     I, for one, do not underestimate the importance of Christians across this country praying against the installation of such a pagan symbol in the city that represents this nation's economic prosperity.  And, in case you are unaware of this spiritual significance, I will let columnist Matt Barber explain it in clear and precise language:  "Baal worship involved burning infants alive, and ritualistic Baal worship, in sum, looked a little like this: Adults would gather around the altar of Baal. Infants would then be burned alive as a sacrificial offering to the deity. Amid horrific screams and the stench of charred human flesh, congregants – men and women alike – would engage in bisexual orgies... The ritual of convenience (of getting rid of the unwanted consequences of the orgies) was intended to produce economic prosperity by prompting Baal to bring rain for the fertility of 'mother earth'. "
     Do you see the connection between New York City/Wall Street and the worship of Baal to produce economic prosperity?  And do you also see the similarity between the ancient pagan "rituals" and our practices of abortion and sexual immorality?  By our prayers and repentance, did we convince God to delay His judgment for just a little longer, so that we might bring about a nationwide repentance?  I would like to think so... but for now, I am just thanking Him for His grace and mercy!

The real Arch of Triumph in Palmyra,
before its destruction by ISIS

     So, I'm here to tell you that we're not out of the woods by a long shot! We must remain on our guard and be vigilant.  We must not think the Enemy will give up this easily.  And, so I wanted to know the historical and spiritual significance of this alternate Arch that will be constructed in London; Trafalgar Square, to be exact.  What are the underlying implications of it's construction and what clues could I find in regard to the Enemy's next attack?
     To begin with, the Arch of Triumph in Palmyra, Syria, is also known as the Monument Arch, or the Arch of Septimius Severus, a Roman emperor who ruled from 193 AD to 211 AD.  After conquering his rivals for Emperor, he consolidated his rule over the Western provinces, and defeated the Parthian Empire in the East, which consisted of the political and cultural power in ancient Iran and Iraq.  Late in his reign, he actually travelled to Britain, strengthening Roman power in that region and invading Scotland.  But he fell fatally ill in late 210 AD, and died in early 2011, in what is now York, England.  His sons succeeded him as Emperor; and ultimately, Severus founded the Severan dynasty, the last dynasty of the empire before what became known as the "Crisis of the Third Century.".  This period was also known as the "Military Anarchy" or the "Imperial Crisis", (AD 235–284) in which the Roman Empire nearly collapsed under the combined pressures of invasion, civil war, plague, and economic depression.
     Are you starting to connect the dots yet?  Nothing ... and I mean nothing ... is really new in the history of the world.  It has always been about the same thing since the Garden of Eden.  Lucifer, the Enemy of God and His Chosen, is trying to convince the peoples of the earth to be disobedient to God's commandments; to place themselves as equals to the Creator; by tempting them to become like him:  a lover of self, rebellious, prideful, boastful, arrogant, and unholy.
     These Arches are monuments to empires ruled by pagan men who could not afford the division that Christianity versus paganism caused in their domains.  Although Severus was called both a persecutor and an apologist by early Church historians, he felt the need to promote religious harmony by promoting syncretism, and by possibly issuing an edict that punished conversion to Judaism and Christianity.  According to Wikipedia, Syncretism is "the combining of different, often contradictory beliefs, while blending practices of various schools of thought. Syncretism involves the merger and analogizing of several originally discrete traditions, especially in the theology and mythology of religion, thus asserting an underlying unity and allowing for an inclusive approach to other faiths." [My emphasis].
      Can you see where I'm coming from?  Do you think it is simply coincidence that the monument to a Roman Emperor, who promoted synchronization of different faiths is being constructed in one of the capitals of Europe?  Do you find it interesting that this monument, which was originally built in the heart of the Parthian Empire (a province that this Roman Emperor defeated in war), will now be built in the heart of modern-day western Europe?  Do you not think that this has mega-significance in the spiritual realm?  We must not lose sight of the fact that the early Roman acceptance of other cultures' religions into their own made it easy for them to integrate the newly encountered religions they found as a result of their expansion.  Could the Enemy be turning that historical fact on its ear, and could the building of this monument in London play into the current scenario of Islamic migrants and refugees flooding into Europe?
     Remember that Emperor Severus, for whom this Arch of Triumph was built, was part of the last dynasty before "the Roman Empire nearly collapsed (in the Third Century) under the combined pressures of invasion, civil war, plague, and economic depression."  Will we, in the 21st Century, see our own period of "Anarchy" or "Crisis" from invasion, civil war, plague, and economic depression?  Is this Arch meant to prophesy that coming doom?  Is it a symbol of the impending collapse of Europe?
     Here is what I want to leave you with ... While we can breath a sigh of relief that the entrance to the Temple of Baal will not be reproduced in New York City, there is no guarantee that this Arch of Triumph will not eventually be installed in Times Square.  The Institute of Digital Archeology (IDA), creators of the new monument, made this statement:  "There will be no simultaneous unveiling in New York – they may transport the London arch there later, or build another one...".  So, you can see, this may just be a brief respite before the Enemy tries another attack against our spiritual armor.  I would tell you to keep praying, repent of the sins of this nation, and ask God to forgive us.  Ask for a Holy Fire to sweep our land and renew us; ask that we not be led into temptation [to follow after our own desires and knowledge], but be delivered from Evil.  One more day of Grace means one more day to help save a soul.

Ecclesiastes 1:9   "What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done; there is nothing new under the sun."


   

Could ISIS Be Anointed By God?

     Now, before you think I've gone completely off my rocker, give me a chance to explain my train of thought.  I've recently written about the Temple of Baal (or Bel) that will soon be replicated in Times Square, the heart of New York City, and in London.  I spared no words in recounting its significance in regards to idol worship in the ancient world.  I also related that this ancient temple was destroyed by ISIS last summer.  The most recent news in the last few days is that Syrian forces have liberated the ancient city of Palmyra and recaptured it, with plans to rebuild much of the ancient artifacts and archeological sites.

Palmyra prior to ISIS

     I suspect much of the world will hail this as a victory and in the best interests of man's archeological heritage.  But is it?  I want to expand on some thoughts that have occurred to me since July of last year, and just keep pricking my spirit.  I can't help but look at this situation through the lens of my Biblical worldview.  And to do that, I need to take some time to share a specific perspective with you; it's a fascinating story from the Old Testament, and one that I think casts valuable insight on God's purpose in all things.
     Remember the story of Cyrus, King of Persia, who conquered Babylon and allowed the Jews to return from captivity to their homeland and rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem?  Well, as fantastic as this sounds, apparently it was not out of the ordinary for Cyrus.  An excellent post on Cyrus, found at a website called ChurchOfTheGreatGod.org, reports that King Cyrus, as was his policy, allowed his vassal states to retain their cultural and religious identities. He advanced funds for the repair or restoration of public buildings, particularly temples and shrines, and he reversed the Babylonian policy of forced relocation of conquered peoples, allowing their descendants to return to their ancestral homelands.
     What you might find utterly amazing is that God used King Cyrus, to move forward his plan in history.  In fact, God calls Cyrus, His "anointed".  Yes, you read that correctly!  He explicitly says in Isaiah 45:1-3:  "Thus says the LORD to His anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have held—to subdue nations before him and loose the armor of kings, to open before him the double doors, so that the gates will not be shut: ‘I will go before you and make the crooked places straight; I will break in pieces the gates of bronze and cut the bars of iron. I will give you the treasures of darkness and hidden riches of secret places. . . . I have raised him up in righteousness, and I will direct all his ways; He shall build My city and let My exiles go free, not for price nor reward,' says the LORD of hosts."
     I can hear shocked Christians right now, exclaiming, "But how can a King of Persia, whose country would become a stronghold for Muslims in future centuries, be God's anointed?  First of all, we need to broaden our understanding of what the word anointed means.  The Hebrew word is mashiah, which has come down to us as "messiah" and translated as christos in Greek. Because we now use this term exclusively for Jesus Christ, the Messiah, many of us Christians fail to see its broader application.  Mashiah simply means "anointed" or "anointed one."  At its most basic, mashiah indicates a person God authorizes and sets apart for His service.... regardless of their faith, ethnicity, or background. And the type of service an anointed one might render can vary. Besides being in the service of God, he might fulfill more than one role in his service; but his primary function is to cause deliverance.  You can see how Jesus fulfilled all three of those facets of an anointed one.
     So the question becomes "Why did God raise up a Messiah, or Anointed One, like Cyrus?  The answer is found in the continuing verses of Isaiah, Chapter 45:  "[God will work through you, Cyrus,] that you may know that I, the LORD, who call you by your name, am the God of Israel. For Jacob My servant's sake, and Israel My elect, I have even called you by your name; I have named you, though you have not known Me. I am the LORD, and there is no other; there is no God besides Me. I will gird you, though you have not known Me. I am the LORD, and there is no other; I form the light and create darkness, I make peace and create calamity; I, the LORD, do all these things" (verses 3-7).  Very simply, God raised Cyrus up to do His bidding to prove to him and all the world who is the true God! God went before Cyrus, paving the way for his victories and policies so that His will and His plan would move forward.

Palmyra, after ISIS

       So, now I return to my original question, posed in the title of this blog post ... Could ISIS be anointed by God? If we use the criteria that the Bible lays forth regarding the prerequisites for an anointed one, I would say, in one sense, YES!
     (OBVIOUS CAVEAT:  The atrocities and barbaric acts of murder against Christians and non-Muslims is obviously not an act of service to God.  But remember, God is Sovereign, and He is capable of using even evil people to carry out one or more of His purposes.  In this instance, I am only looking at ISIS's acts of destroying ancient temples to idols.)
     And here's how I got there .... As I have pointed out in past blog posts, Palmyra was the site of some of the world’s most valuable Roman-style ruins, including 2,000-year-old towers and temples; among them the Temple of Baal (or Bel), which was the name of the supreme god worshiped in ancient Canaan and Phoenicia, and the Temple of Baalshamin, dedicated to the Canaanite sky deity Baalshamin.
     But last year, in its takeover of the city, ISIS blew up both structures, along with the famed Arch of Triumph, which was constructed under Roman rule during the late second century, calling them monuments to idolatry --- which they were!  In case you need convincing, here is some interesting information about the Temple of Baal:  It was known as the temple to the Sun God.  And if you are a student of Biblical and ancient history, then you know that there were many names for the Sun God throughout the pagan cultures.  Some of them are Ra, the sun god of the ancient Egyptians; Apollo, the sun god of the ancient Romans; Helios, the sun god of the Greeks; Mithras, the Iranian and Persian sun god ... and I contend that they are all names for the same spirit of rebellion that existed in the man Nimrod.
     The great-grandson of Noah, Nimrod is the prototype of a rebellious people, his name being interpreted in Hebrew as "he who made all the people rebellious against God".  As you can see by the various cultures and ethnic groups who worshiped the Sun God in his name, he led many peoples into rebellion against the One True God and into idol worship.
     Now, the modern world is lamenting the destruction of the ancient Temple of Baal, the temple of Sun God worship, in Palmyra, Syria.  And I'd like you to get a picture of what worshipping there must have been like to the pagans, as described by Amr Al Azm, a professor at Shawnee State University who served as the director of the Center of Archeological Research at the University of Damascus from 2003 to 2006:  "You would attempt to go and visit the temple at dawn [before it was damaged]. And on the east face, as the sun rises, it would eventually reach that point where, even though it was dark around you — you were surrounded by stone walls — the sun would touch a particular point on the window, and it was like someone switched on a thousand lights. The whole building would light up instantaneously."  He goes on to say, "Unfortunately, we will never be able to experience that again. That’s how significant the loss is, as far as I’m concerned."
     But might I suggest that ISIS got it right?  That it is actually a "monument to idolatry".  And might I further propose that by destroying it, the Muslim jihadis were actually in service to YHWH, liberating that area of the ancient Middle East from a centuries-long fascination and reverence to a false god?  Remember, as in the case of Cyrus, (whom God makes it very clear, did not know Him), God can use whomever He desires to move along his plan in history.  Perhaps God is tired of our interest and preoccupation in preserving these ancient temples of idolatry, and so He put ISIS, who certainly does not know Him, into service to destroy their very foundations.
     And what does the world plan to do?  To rebuild them, of course!  Or, at least in the instance of the Temple Baal, erect duplicates of them in New York City, London, and another 1,000 cities around the world --- all in the name of defiance to ISIS.  But, can you clearly see that, in reality, it is in defiance to YHWH?

The destruction of pagan statues

     And there is another aspect that I want to briefly touch upon before I end my hypothesis.  I will admit that the connecting dots are still a little fuzzy in my spirit, but I can't help but feel there is something here that we need to pay attention to.  The "recapture" of the ancient city of Palmyra from ISIS was conducted by Syrian forces, assisted by Russian troops and airstrikes.  And now the world is incensed by the destruction of the temples and the looting of the artifacts, and archeologists from around the world are rushing to the site to help reconstruct the ancient city.  Is this part of the multiple roles that ISIS could be playing in their service as God's anointed?  Could they be drawing the nations of the world to this area to preserve the treasures of idolatrous worship?
     The world's elite mourned when ISIS ransacked and burned the Mosul Public Library, destroying more than 8,000 ancient and rare books and manuscripts, calling it "cultural genocide"; an attempt to destroy an ethnic or religious group's customs, including its languages, traditional practices and ways, religious institutions and objects, and clergy members, academics, and intellectuals.  I admit that it is difficult to see God wanting the history of whole peoples wiped out.  But what if those histories, and art, and traditions, and religious practices honor gods and ways that are not of Him?  Could we then see the possibility that God could authorize ISIS to serve Him by destroying what He considers idolatry?  Even if they declare a hatred for Him and those who follow Him?
     I know!  It is hard to wrap your head around it, but throughout the Bible God used unbelievers to execute His plan for the world.  All we have to do is look at how He used Pharaoh to liberate His people from their bondage in Egypt; how He used Nebuchadnezzar to take the Jews into captivity in Babylon because of their continued disobedience, yet placed Daniel in their midst to prophecy of the return of His remnant; and how He used the Persian King Artaxerxes to allow Nehemiah to reintroduce His law to the Jews returning to Jerusalem.  And in the New Testament, the Apostle Paul often worked through unbelievers to carry out God's will and purpose.
     We must remember that He is Sovereign and Immutable ... He never changes and it is often His way to use unbelievers to execute His will.  It is not up to us to question or reason why.  I am not here to suggest that I know God's mind or that my hypothesis is even plausible.  All I'm saying is that I see idolatrous temples being destroyed and the world's desire to rebuild them.  Can we truly say it is all out of a sense of preserving cultural history?  Or is there something more diabolical happening underneath it all?  Keep your spiritual radar turned on and up!

 Isaiah 45:9-10    “Woe to the one who argues with his Maker—
one clay pot among many.  Does clay say to the one forming it, ‘What are you making?’ Or does your work say, ‘He has no hands’? How absurd is the one who says to his father, ‘What are you fathering?’ or to his mother, ‘What are you giving birth to?’ ”

The Founding of America: What Is The Truth?

     In yesterday's post I broached the subject of the founding of this nation and our Christian roots.  Today I will attempt to put forth my personal opinion that, from the beginning, there was a battle between God and the Devil; between Christianity and false gods, for control of the destiny of this nation.

    Before I present my views, I have to admit that I have always unabashedly believed that America was a Christian nation from the beginning.  I can remember studying American history in school and learning how nearly all of the colonies were founded for religious reasons; by people seeking to worship the Christian God without interference from kings or governments.  

     Yet, as I have studied this phenomenon throughout the years, it has not escaped my notice that, at their formation, all of the 13 colonies had some form of state-supported religion, while only 8 of the 13 had an official religion.  If one takes the time to study this deeper, I think it is fair to say that we should understand this to mean that religion played a very important role in the founding of this nation.  Faith in God was seen as a positive and valuable commodity for the foundation of a successful society.  We, of a certain age, remember our history lessons of the Puritans and Pilgrims, who wanted to base the laws of their respective colonies on the laws of God.

     You can study the various charters of the original colonies and get a good idea of how important they felt Christianity was for the future of their citizens.  And the importance of worshipping the Christian God was always at the forefront.  In its Declaration of Rights, the colony of Virginia stated:  "That religion, or the duty which we owe to our Creator and the manner of discharging it, can be directed by reason and conviction, not by force or violence; and therefore, all men are equally entitled to the free exercise of religion, according to the dictates of conscience; and that it is the mutual duty of all to practice Christian forbearance, love, and charity towards each other."

     The 1683 New York Charter of Liberties and Privileges stated:  "THAT Noe person or persons which professe ffaith in God by Jesus Christ Shall at any time be any wayes molested punished disquieted or called in Question for any Difference in opinion or Matter of Religious Concernment".  

     The 1776 Delaware State Constitution required the following oath from anyone serving in the legislature:  "I _______, do profess faith in God the Father, and in Jesus Christ His only Son, and in the Holy Ghost, One God, blessed for evermore; and I do acknowledge the holy scriptures of the Old Testament and New Testament to be given by Divine Inspiration."  I could go and on, but you get the picture.  If you'd like a closer inspection of the original colonies and their charters, click here.  

    But before I leave this portion of my argument, I just want you to see that early colonial laws and constitutions such as the Mayflower Compact, the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut, and the Massachusetts Body of Liberties are filled with such language—and in some cases, they incorporate biblical texts without apology.  Perhaps more surprisingly, tolerant, Quaker Pennsylvania was more similar to Puritan New England than many realize. The Charter of Liberties and Frame of Government of the Province of Pennsylvania (1681) begins by making it clear that God has ordained government, and it even quotes Romans 13 to this effect.  (In all fairness, it is important to note that while the founding documents of each colony point to state-supported religion, the requirement that states support particular religions, or mandate participation in religious practices, was discontinued after 1850.  This does not mean that they opposed religion, but rather left it to the conscience of the individual, instead of being required by law).

     And that old familiar argument that the Founding Fathers were Deists, rather than Christians doesn't really hold up under closer inspection.  History tells us that only a handful of the Founders --  Benjamin Franklin, Ethan Allen, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and (if we count him as an American) Thomas Paine -- might have actually embraced this viewpoint.  But one cannot deny that they were heavily influenced by Christian doctrine and ideas.  That is not to discount the influence of the Scottish Enlightenment, which asserted the fundamental importance of human reason combined with a rejection of any authority that could not be justified by reason; or John Locke's "Natural Rights Philosophy" which stressed the rights of the individual to life, liberty and property.  There is strong evidence that the Founding Father's were greatly influenced by these philosophies some 150 years after Jamestown and Plymouth.  But there is equally strong evidence that they still believed in Massachusetts Governor John Winthrop's vision of “a shining city upon a hill” (a reference to Matthew 5:14). Like the Puritans, the Founders separated church and state, but they clearly thought the two institutions should work in tandem to support, protect, and promote true Christianity.

     I understand that if you are not Christian, and do not want to see our country as a "Christian nation", then nothing I can say will convince you.  And most likely, any mention that there was a competing force for the spiritual allegiance of America will fall on deaf ears, too.  But I would like you to consider the following...

     Is it possible that there is a very real paradox in regards to the founding of this nation?  Is it possible that our Founding Fathers were patriotic Christians while simultaneously pledging Masonic oaths?  It is certainly something that I cannot deny.  In fact, in the late 1950’s and early ‘60’s, the Masonic Service Association published a series of documents highlighting Freemasonry’s connection with the early history of the United States, and these are among the numbers they reported:  

•  Signers of the Declaration of Independence: 8 confirmed Masons, 24 possible, 24 with no affiliation.

•  Signers of the Constitution: 13 confirmed Masons, 7 possible, 19 with no affiliation.

•  General Officers of the Continental Army: 33 confirmed Masons, 15 possible, 26 with no affiliation.

     In a 2012 article, written by Jamie Brendan for Endtime Magazine, titled, Founding Fathers: Christians or Masons ... or Both? the author writes, "Not unlike many Masons today, it’s very likely that a number of the founding fathers who were members of the Lodge failed to understand the spiritual significance of Freemasonry – principally that the Lodge is a universal melting pot of religions and mystical concepts. In fact, of all the accusations made against Freemasonry, this is one which the Lodge gladly promotes—religious universalism."  

     And I contend that it is in fact, this very universalism, that the Bible predicts will overtake mankind as part of the New World Order, and a One World Religion.  Just read what the Masonic Service Association has to say:  “Masonry is not Christian; nor is it Mohammedan nor Jewish nor to be classified by the name of any other sect. The power which has held it together, the chemical which has caused its growth, the central doctrine which makes it unique, is the opportunity it affords men of every faith, happily to kneel together at the same Altar, each in worship of the God he reveres, under the universal name of the Great Architect of the Universe.”

     So, for those who have insisted to me that their fathers and grandfathers were Masons, and it is not a religious organization, but rather just "a union, of sorts; founded on the history of bricklayers, etc.", I would like to ask the following question:  who are they kneeling to at the Altar?  It certainly is not YHWH, the One True God!  And I do not disagree that those who are at the lower levels of Masonry do not have any idea of the true purpose of the Lodge.  They will consistently proclaim that it is to do charitable work and to provide needed services to the poor.  But believe me, I have read the oaths taken at the highest levels (30th - 33rd degrees) and they are blasphemous to my God!  

      And it does not give me any solace that, as Jamie Brendan writes, "the one place where historical Freemasonry is most evident is in Washington DC.  It’s at this vital governmental hub that Masonry has left an indelible mark on the nation’s fabric. The Capitol Building, the White House, and many other federal buildings were either designed by Masons or dedicated by a Masonic ceremony of “corn, wine, and oil.”  In fact, the entire city of Washington DC - including large sections of its street layout – is liberally laced with the fingerprints of Freemasonry and astrological symbolism.  Moreover, Washington Monument, the tallest structure in the capital city, is an openly recognized Masonic edifice, with a meaning directly connected to ancient Egyptian belief systems [so too are many other obelisks scattered across the United States]."

     I'm sorry that I am unable to explore this paradox to the extent that it deserves... it would take several days of research and posting to do it justice.  But suffice it to say that the paradox is real, and both sides of the argument have merit.  America does have a Christian heritage.  The earliest Americans recognized the importance of Christian morals, church life, and a degree of common sense based on God’s Word [the Ten Commandments, for example].  Also, our history of thousands of immigrants who fled to America because of the persecution they experienced while standing for Christ in their homeland proves that America was a beacon of Christian hope.  And I do not think we can deny that there were real, faithful men of Christ among those who forged our new nation.  

     But it is not the whole story.  While the founding of America was based on Christian values, we also must admit that America has been guided by men who belonged to secret societies (not only the Masons, but the more modern Skull and Bones Society, comes to mind).  We need to realize that America, along with Europe is experiencing a clash of our historic roots; that is what we are seeing today.  We Christians need to stop focusing on the past and denying that our influences have changed, and that outside forces are attempting to transform us.  As much as it hurts me to say this, we need to face who we are becoming as a nation.  We Christians have no intention of changing, but there are those spiritual forces who are combining with those who embrace secret societies in order to force us to change.  Yes, I am still prepared to say that we were founded as a Christian nation... As I said yesterday, God intended for this nation to be dedicated to Him -- but the devil was not going to let that happen, if he could help it.  As noted above, freemasons had influence on our Declaration of Independence and our Constitution.  

      The truth is, there has been a battle over America since its founding.  Our Christian roots are real and they are solid.  We are the heirs of our forefather's commitment and obedience to Jehovah.  But we need to realize that there is a battle for the soul and spirit of America, and the Enemy's forces have been organizing and following their plan for nearly 240 years.  We need to get on board with God's battle plan if we are to save this nation.  Our Founding is in the past.  We need to let go of the romantic vision and come together to defeat the Enemy.  His forces are marching toward globalism, ecumenicalism, and his New World Order.  Maybe we need to concentrate less on preserving the sentimental image of the United States of America, and join forces with the angelic hosts to bring in the Kingdom of God.

Job 12:23-24    He makes nations great, and He destroys them; He enlarges nations [and then straightens and shrinks them again], and leads them [away captive].  He takes away understanding from the leaders of the people of the land and of the earth, and causes them to wander in a wilderness where there is no path.

The Legacy of Pearl Harbor

     Seventy-four years ago this morning, at 7:55 a.m., the first modern attack against our nation took place.  As President Franklin Delano Roosevelt said, the Japanese attack on the naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii would "live in infamy."  There are very few survivors left, but their memories of that frightening day are being kept alive by their children; themselves on the far side of middle age.  "What happened was so unfathomable — and not to downplay anything that goes on today — but can you imagine seeing the pilots' eyes and everyone running around to grab their rifles, man their guns and fight back?" said James Laud Sr., Indiana chairman of the Sons and Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors.

      That attack resulted in 2,400 deaths and 1,000 wounded at the Hawaii base, and pushed the United States into World War II.  The survivors of the local Indiana chapter have all died, said Laud, but they have left it to their children to carry forward their message of "Remember Pearl Harbor — Keep America Alert."  That was the legacy that they wanted to leave their children and succeeding generations -- so that this nation would never again be caught unawares of an impending attack, or suffer such devastating losses.
     We were able to do that for almost 60 years -- until September 11, 2001.  That was 14 years ago, and the number of Pearl Harbor survivors was far greater than it is today.  In fact, my father, a WW11 veteran was 76 years old on 9/11 and I know how that horrific day affected him.  But for those who actually experienced the sight of the red circles (on the Japanese planes) and the dropping of bombs, it was a particularly distressing day.
     One of the youngest survivors of the attack, Machinist Mate 2nd Class Raymond Joseph Crane, enlisted in the Navy at the age of 15, after convincing his mother to sign his enlistment papers.  The dentist who examined him saw he didn't even have his molars yet!
     Crane was stationed aboard the USS Maryland, and although the ship was present on Battleship Row that fateful day, it was only slightly damaged by the Japanese bombs, and Crane came home to the heartland to live his life and raise a family.  However, his daughter reports that he had a strong reaction to the attacks on 9/11.  "First of all, dad couldn't believe it happened. He couldn't believe the country failed to be on alert. He was very disturbed somebody was able to invade our country that way."
     That became the central focus of the Pearl Harbor survivors, and now their children... to keep this nation alert and vigilant.  Both Pearl Harbor and 9/11 have defined us as a nation.  Both were unwarranted and surprise attacks that devastated our country and set us on the path to war.  And in both these acts of aggression, the primary goal was expansion .... for Japan, expansion of their imperial empire; for al Qaeda, an expansion of their holy war against those they saw as supporting attacks against Muslims. In the ensuing 14 years, that goal has grown to incorporate various jihadi groups across the globe; all intent on subjugating the infidels.  In recent weeks and days, we have seen increasingly brazen attacks across Europe, and now on our West Coast (although I will maintain that the attack on Fort Hood, the Washington Navy Yard shooting, the Boston Marathon bombing, and many others all fall under this heading).
     From December 7, 1941 to December 2, 2015 all of our enemies have had one thing in common... the determination to weaken the resolve and the will of the American People.  It didn't happen.  We answered the call in 1941, and again after 9/11.  Sadly, like the Pearl Harbor survivors, I am concerned that efforts have been made to downplay those aspirations and lull us into passivity -- if not outright denial -- that we face a real enemy.
     Seventy-four years ago, the patriots of this nation rose to the occasion and swore that they would educate succeeding generations to stay watchful and observant; to quickly notice potentially dangerous circumstances.  Now, we are being told that we are reactionaries, racists, or bigots; that we must be tolerant and accepting of foreign ideologies.  It's time to resist the false narrative and to be honest and unwavering in our vigilance.  It's time to reclaim our heritage.  And it's time to honor the legacy of those brave Pearl Harbor survivors.  May God bless their service to our nation!

1 Corinthians 16:13    "Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong."
   
   

A House Divided

     I recently ran across an archived article from Hillsdale College, written by its President, Larry P. Arnn.  Hillsdale is a Liberal Arts College, founded on two principles: academic excellence and institutional independence. The College does not accept federal or state taxpayer subsidies for any of its operations.
     Hillsdale is an exceptional institution of learning as one can attest by reading its mission statement:  Founded in 1844 by men and women “grateful to God for the inestimable blessings” resulting from civil and religious liberty and “believing that the diffusion of learning is essential to the perpetuity of these blessings", it pursues the stated object of the founders: “to furnish all persons who wish, irrespective of nation, color, or sex, a literary and scientific education” [that is] outstanding among American colleges “and to combine with this such moral and social instruction as will best develop the minds and improve the hearts of its pupils.”
     The College considers itself a trustee of modern man’s intellectual and spiritual inheritance from the Judeo-Christian faith and Greco-Roman culture, a heritage finding its clearest expression in the American experiment of self-government under law.  Hillsdale College prepares students to become leaders worthy of that legacy, and by publicly defending that legacy, it enlists the aid of other friends of free civilization and thus secures the conditions of its own survival and independence.
     As you can see, this College seeks to teach this nation's founding principles of freedom, self-government, and the pursuit of virtuous leadership -- without relying on partisan funding.  Needless to say, its goals are not shared by too many other college across the land.
     But it was the December 2012 interview with Hillsdale's President Arnn that sparked some interesting historical comparisons of our nation's history.  The title of the article was Time To Give Up, Or Time To Fight On?  It was written right as the nation was coming to terms with the results of the 2012 Presidential election.  At the time, it was quite clear that the nation was becoming divided; especially in terms of political ideologies.  The gap between Conservative and Liberal, Right and Left, Socialist and Capitalist, Big-Government entitlement programs and Small-Government policies  never seemed greater.  The ensuing years have done nothing to alleviate that chasm.  (And now the latest news is that there seems to be a real fight within the Republican party to determine if the House of Representatives is going to really represent the people of America, or continue with "business as usual".)  Is it possible that we might actually be seeing the dawn of a new era, and a return to our true national roots as a republic?
     Yet the warning that President Arnn issued back in 2012 against those who might be looking to retreat from the political arena still holds true today.  He cautioned against those who might think we have passed the point of no return.  He pointed out then -- and it is ever more vital today -- "that the cost of [retreating] is overwhelming. If you don’t live under good laws, life becomes shortened and less happy, injustice becomes customary, civilization is compromised. And one cannot acquiesce to that. One has to be involved. And since politics is natural to us—man is essentially political, as Aristotle says—and since we do live in the greatest modern country—founded that way at least—we owe it a lot. And many of the people who have seen the republic through to where we are today have gone through things that are worse than this."
     Of course, we in modern Babylon -- we spoiled, soft, and selfish Americans in the 21st Century -- are likely to think that no one has had it as tough as us.  But if we could quit thinking about ourselves for just a moment and focus on the future of our nation, we might realize that we need to stay in the fight.
     Because it was what he said just a few short paragraphs later that has got me to thinking:  "The country is still a house divided against itself, and that’s dangerous. But it doesn’t mean that there’s been a resolution. It means, in fact, the opposite: there is not a resolution. That resolution still has to be made, and the making of it lies ahead of us, and not behind us."  He said that in 2012!  How much more relevant is it today, just three short years later?  We have seen new divisions that were merely hinted at when the last election was decided... division between the races; a division between the faithful and the secular; between Christians and Muslims; between the rich and poor; and a widening gap between the middle class and the elites.  But does it spell the end of the republic?  Are we past the point of no return?

     Surely, at the founding of this nation, the division between the independence-minded colonists and the ruling class in Britain spelled sure defeat for the growing American spirit.  And as Dr. Arnn points out, the crisis that President Lincoln faced definitely threatened to divide the nation and destroy it.  The nation had to decide between two polar opposite philosophies ... either slavery was the right direction to take the nation, or complete freedom for all men was the right path.  Lincoln clearly understood the Bible's warning that a house divided against itself, will be unable to stand.  So, which of these conflicting ideologies was violating America's principles?  A devastating war was fought to resolve that issue.  As Dr. Arnn writes, "There’s almost an exact parallel today, because the people who founded our country believed and wrote—and established a Constitution to provide—that there must never be unlimited rule by any man or group of men over other men. And our government is getting to a place where it threatens to become limitless."  Remember, that was written three years ago.
     So, I guess the question becomes this: will this generation of Americans [who face this century's threat against our inherent belief in individual rights and limited government], be up to the challenge or not?  Will we retreat and submit to what looks like an insurmountable opponent, or will we remember that this nation has survived other attempts by enemies, both physical and spiritual, to conquer and divide us?  And, perhaps an equally relevant question is, will our leadership rise to the occasion and the growing demand for change and accountability?  Will they even give us a reason to vote?
     I think we would do well to consider what Dr. Arnn proffers as a valuable historic lesson from Winston Churchill.  When Great Britain appeared to stand alone against the onslaught of Hitler's evil Nazi regime, Prime Minister Churchill still believed he could win.  In fact, he believed free men were morally obliged to believe they could defeat evil, and to go down fighting, if necessary.  Do we still "hold that truth to be self-evident" within our American DNA?  They did at Bunker Hill and Concord; and on the battlefields at Gettysburg, Vicksburg, Shiloh, and Antietam.  Those Americans felt this republic was worth fighting for.  Now, we find ourselves on the world stage in our hour of crisis.  What will it be?  Retreat and let this nation further divide -- or fight to maintain our original purpose, and rely on the Providence of Almighty God to bring forth a worthy leader to keep this land a little longer for His Glory?  It's time to make your decision.
   

Psalm 77:11   "But then I recall all you have done, O LORD;  I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago."
   
   

If We Could Erase Time...

   

     How many remember exactly where you were fourteen years ago this morning?  Every American over the age of 25 most likely has a distinct memory of that tragic day ... the ash-colored faces of panicking people rushing to escape the falling Towers behind them; the grief-stricken families wandering the streets of New York City in the aftermath, holding photos of their loved ones and hoping beyond hope that someone would tell them their son/daughter/father/mother/spouse had been spotted among the injured; the images of NYC firefighters atop mountains of rubble continuing to do their jobs after 343 of their comrades died trying to rescue those trapped in the buildings.
     Sadly, there is a generation of children growing up who don't remember; and for most of them, this all seems like ancient history.  They have lived their entire lives in the effects, results, and consequences of that horrific day, yet they have no emotional connection to the nearly 3,000 Americans who perished that day.  And there are the peripheral statistics:  the documented 863 firefighters and ambulance workers with cancers certified as relating to their work on September 11 2001 (although Mount Sinai Hospital's World Trade Center Health Program -- which is run for police officers, construction workers, sanitation staff and other New York City employees and volunteers -- reports it is treating 1,655 patients with cancer out of the 37,000 who worked at the site of the 9/11 attacks).
     And we mustn't forget the nearly 6,650 Americans who have died in the ensuing Afghanistan and Iraq Wars, along with the more than 50,000 wounded troops -- 16,000 of them so seriously that they would certainly have died had they suffered an equivalent wound in any prior conflict.  It has been suggested that nearly 1/5 of all military personnel who served in the Middle East since 9/11 suffer from some form of PTSD.
     All this is the aftermath of that terrible day.  Is there any remnant of what we used to be before?  And how many of us would like to turn back the clock and live in a simpler America; one less adorned with the complexities of what modern America has become, and in a way that is reminiscent of bygone days?  Unfortunately, we can't erase time, but I'm happy to say that my Godson, Hunter, is able to experience a piece of that picturesque Americana.

     You see, Hunter will be six years old this fall, and he just started Kindergarten at Pine Creek School in Montana.  This small, rural school is similar to the old one-room school house; although in reality, it consists of three rooms.  Kindergarten through Second Grade comprise one room, and Grades 3-5 and 6-8 take up class in the other two rooms.  This year Hunter is one of only 4 Kindergartners, and there are no 8th Graders for the 2015-16 school year.
     The original Pine Creek School held its first class in 1893, and the school building was made of logs.  It has been updated and upgraded in the years since.  Up until the 1950’s there was an outhouse, no running water, a wood burning stove, and kerosene lamps for light.  Sometime in the 50's the school acquired a well, bathrooms in the basement, electricity, and finally an oil burning furnace, which was a blessing till it belched and covered the schoolrooms in soot.
     While Pine Creek School is the picture postcard of a rural school from a bygone era, it is thriving in 21st Century America.   Even though there are only three teachers, plus some part time professionals, it functions as a modern K-8 education system.  As of 2014, Pine Creek School has ten top-of-the-line, i7,  all-in-one,  touch screen computers with a dedicated internet connection, along with iPads and laptops, as well as a collegiate connection in educational technology.
     Pine Creek may be a throwback to earlier rural education models, but it is co-developing curriculum and implementing the Next Generation Science Standards with the current Montana Science standards, and working with the Montana Outdoor Science School.   This small rural school is determined to navigate into a leadership role in educating its students in Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM).
     Yet Hunter will have the old-fashioned benefits that many city-educated kids will never know.  Learning in a classroom with older kids, I suspect he will be motivated and challenged by listening to the older kids studying their lessons.  If he excels beyond his grade level, he will be seamlessly integrated into the lesson plans for the higher grades.  Likewise, if a fellow student can't quite keep up, he will be allowed to continue studying with the lower grades until he becomes academically proficient for that grade's requirements.  In this manner, students are not overtly singled out as being smarter or slower than others.  They all work at the pace they can accomplish, and receive individual attention by the teacher(s).

     But here's the part I really love .... each morning the entire school gathers on the playground and faces the flag.  They place their hand over their heart and recite the Pledge of Allegiance together.  They say "one nation under God" (although Hunter says, "one nation under Jesus and God"), and they do it with pride and conviction.  There's no room for political correctness at Pine Creek School!
     Each day Hunter and the other kids go outside to play at recess, and they are already forming a community... the older kids looking out for the younger, and all of them sharing a unique identity associated with this rare and exceptional experience.  Most of the kids come from surrounding ranches and the rural countryside, and I suspect there won't be any concerns about disrespect towards each other or the teachers.  In fact, Hunter's teacher has already commented to his mom that she was delighted when Hunter answered "Please" and "Yes, Ma'am" on his first day of school.
     The principal reported that Hunter was "polite, and interested in the environment and the safety of the other kids".  (His mom and I laughed about that because we know that he is as rough and tumble as they come, and there might be future calls from the principal that relate to another side of this thoroughly rowdy ranch kid).  But at least I don't think that this school system will try to change who he is.  I am thrilled (and a little jealous) that Hunter is able to experience this nearly extinct chapter in American education.  As I worry about the level of education that our kids are getting in the modern school system, I know that Hunter is getting the best ... an educational experience that is suited to his curious and demanding mind; a respect for what it means to be an American citizen; and the kinds of friendships that will last for a lifetime.
     We mustn't forget the significance of this historic day.  It is burned into the souls of Americans who lived the nightmare that was 9/11.  I pray that Hunter will not have to experience any thing close to that tragedy, but no matter what lies ahead of him, he will have a foundation built on the historic values of one-room school houses and those who attended them before him.  He is inheriting the philosophy of the one-room schoolhouse, which stressed family involvement.  It stressed helping one another, and there was a sense of belonging to one place, and "this is our place."  We can't turn back time, no matter how much we care to.  September 11, 2001 stripped away much of our nation's innocence, but it's nice to know that there are still oases where our traditional values are still honored and appreciated.  And for that, I'm grateful this day.

2 Thessalonians 2:15:  "So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter."
   

Stop the Historical Revisionism

     I have watched with fascination over the past couple of weeks the frenzy that has erupted over removing monuments associated with the Civil War.  It began with an outcry over the Confederate flag, and quickly spread to statues and sculptures of Confederate generals that dot college campuses and public squares across the land.  But dissent has not been limited to the national protest against the pro-slavery South; it has grown to include our Founding Fathers and anyone who is associated with slavery, period.
     As I've said before, I cannot fathom any rational human being approving of slavery or the slave trade today.  But we must be careful when it comes to erasing our history.  Because a practice was culturally accepted does not make it right, and yes, it should have been condemned as immoral and repugnant.  But to expunge it from the national conscience (and everything and everyone associated with it), only serves to whitewash and misinterpret its historical value.

      The latest monument to be subjected to scrutiny is what is known as the Stone Mountain carvings. It is the largest bas relief sculpture in the world.  The Confederate Memorial Carving depicts three Confederate leaders of the Civil War, President Jefferson Davis and Generals Robert E. Lee and Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson (and their favorite horses, "Blackjack", "Traveller", and "Little Sorrel", respectively). The entire carved surface measures 3 acres, about the size of two and a quarter football fields.
     But now the NAACP has suggested that the historical depiction might be sand-blasted off the face of the mountain, in an effort to either bury America’s past or remove it from the history books altogether.  But the efforts of this and other politically correct police are not stopping with the seditious South.  There is even talk of removing Presidents Jefferson and Washington from Mount Rushmore because they owned slaves; of renaming the capitol of the U.S.; and wiping every reference to these historical figures from every courthouse, federal building, and memorial in the nation.
     But we must ask ourselves why the headlong rush and fanaticism in accomplishing this goal?  Is it simply because of a tragic shooting in Charleston?  Or is there a larger agenda being met, and the powers that be can't lose this opportunity to rewrite history?
     I found an interesting reference to a phenomenon known as "negationism" on Wikipedia:  Negationism, also known as historical revisionism, is conducted to influence a target's ideology or politics for a particular purpose. Revisionists understand Plato's dictum that, "those who tell the stories also hold the power".   James M. McPherson, former president of the American Historical Association, wrote that some would want revisionist history understood as, "a consciously falsified or distorted interpretation of the past to serve partisan or ideological purposes in the present".  Broadly understood, there are two motivations behind revisionist history: the ability to control ideological influence and to control political influence.
    Either motive will do; it all comes down to power, as Plato prophesied.  But in the case of our nation's Founders, or the Civil War and its generals and heroes, we have current history books full of their exploits.  We also have courthouses and monuments and street names -- all reminders that these men existed and are part of our national identity.  But what if you wanted to eliminate that part of your identity; label it evil and dishonorable?  And by so doing, alienate and marginalize a portion of the populace in order to supplant their influence?
     "They" are not interested in civil discourse.  No, it is time to strike swiftly and totally.  Disparage the reputations and memories of that part of our history and a new alliance can be formed; one that will bring power and prestige and prominence, with an emphasis on power.

      It should come as no surprise.  Down through the ages, ancient kings and monarchs covered up or destroyed monuments and records of previous rulers. For instance, this pattern of expunging earlier historical evidence can be repeatedly seen in Egyptian monuments and historical records.  Case in point: after the Hyksos rulers were expelled from Egypt, the Egyptians erased the records of that humiliating period so thoroughly that some of the names and the order of the Hyksos kings remain uncertain.
     And so, it looks as if history is repeating itself.   We must also take into account that once we begin modifying history, it only takes one generation to permanently change the past.  Once all mention is removed from the school textbooks, and all evidence is wiped clean from our collective consciences, as far as contemporary archives prove, it all never existed.
     How far will this attempt to revise and rewrite history go?  It remains to be seen.  But if we stand a chance of preserving our history -- both the good and sorrowful parts of it -- then we better take a stand immediately.  It is obvious there are those who wish to erase the significance and importance of the South from our national experience.  If this happens, then we can expect further eradication of anything that expresses our individualism, our self-expression, and our freedoms.
     Our nation's past is a reminder of how far we've come; and it is strewn with litter and scars.  But it defines us as a people.  When we change our history or erase it, we lose a piece of our authentic self, and that is truly tragic.
     I want to leave you with this quote by author Marcia Lynn McClure:  "Scars are but evidence of life ... Evidence of choices to be learned from ... evidence of wounds ... wounds inflicted of mistakes ... wounds we choose to allow the healing of.  We likewise choose to see them, that we may not make the same mistakes again."  I can't think of a better reason to leave our history alone.

Job 8:8-10    "For inquire, please, of bygone ages, and consider what the fathers have searched out. For we are but of yesterday and know nothing, for our days on earth are a shadow. Will they not teach you and tell you and utter words out of their understanding?"

 

Which Kind Of Exile Are You?

     

     I've always been fascinated by ancient history; both that of our country and the world.  As a kid in school, History was one of my favorite subjects and I find it sad that kids today do not seem to understand the need to study it.  They are too conditioned by this technological world to only take interest in the immediate trends or current events.  Any history further back than last year does not concern them.  So, sadly they will not learn the important lessons that history can teach us.

     Right now, we are seeing our country undergoing a rapid cultural shift.  There are many who will tell us that this is a good thing, and it's about time.  But for many of us Christians, it is beginning to feel like we are living as exiles in our own land.  In fact, I'm sure you have heard our situation likened to the Jewish captives who were exiled in Babylon. 

     I can certainly relate to that analogy; especially when you compare the story of King Hezekiah, who played his part in causing the exile.  He paid tribute to Judah's enemy, Sennacherib, the king of Assyria; showing deference and submission, in the hope it would decrease the chances of attack.  Can you see the picture of our current negotiations with Iran?  In addition, Hezekiah opened the doors of the Temple treasury to show his enemy how great was the wealth that his people enjoyed; it only served to ensure the covetousness of an enemy that wished to capture that wealth and destroy the nation of Judah.  Have we not opened the economic doors to foreign investors through our trade policies, and left ourselves vulnerable to foreign takeover and ruination?  

     And just like the Jewish captives who were forcibly taken into captivity in Babylon, we Christians are now finding ourselves being forced to live in a strange and foreign culture that little resembles our Christian values.  We now have an activist Supreme Court who votes with the secular culture; a rush to erase our national history and traditions; and a growing movement to force the Church to ascribe to, and consent to, a secular moral relativism.  In other words, the culture is telling the Church to perform as the culture does (and ignore God's commandments); or be stripped of the protection from the State (by losing tax-exempt status).  This will result in forced assimilation.  Christians will no longer be allowed to separate themselves from the culture; we will have to resemble the culture, resulting in our faith becoming severely compromised.

     How is that any different from the choices given to the exiled Jews in Babylon?  We often think that their existence must have been horrific; after all, slavery is an institution that is abhorred by all rational men.  What must it have been like to be denied access to their Temple, which was at the center of Jewish everyday life?  The culture would have been different; as would be the customs; the religious practices; the loss of their homes and their unique language.  

      We have read the stories in the Bible of Daniel being thrown in the lion's den for refusing to abandon the practices of his faith.  And who can forget the fiery trial of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego for refusing to bow to the statue of the pagan god?  We know, that for the faithful, it was a difficult time.  Yet they never gave up their hope.

     But then let's not forget that when, through God's grace and mercies, King Cyrus granted the Jews permission to return to Jerusalem to rebuild their temple and re-establish their homes, that a good many of the Jews chose to stay in Babylon.  They had all but forgotten their native language, and now spoke Aramaic, which was a general language and understood by most everyone.  They had become comfortable and prosperous; so much so, that a Jewish community has lasted there continuously until modern times, a period of more than 2,500 years.  Remember, they had been in Babylon for 70 years.  The old generation of faithful Jewish believers had died off; a new generation only knows the current culture.  Sound familiar?  Only if the faith in YHWH had been faithfully taught, and they refused to bow to the culture, could we expect them not to lose their identity. 

     So, can you see how we are similar to those Jewish exiles?  If we want to maintain the true heart of Christianity, we better prepare ourselves to stand against the pressure like Daniel and his friends.  We better form a strategy to pass on God's Truth to the next generation if we don't want to lose them to the culture.  And we better keep our eyes on the future; never giving up hope that this exile will one day end and we can return to worshipping God as He deserves -- whether it be in this world or the eternal one.

     But can you also fathom that there will be Christians in our land that will make themselves quite comfortable in this land of exile?  That they will be willing to adopt this new reality as their home; agreeable to giving up some of the contentious aspects of their faith in order to blend in and be accepted?  Which kind of exile are you?  What about your family and friends?  Because I can guarantee you that how we answer that question will determine if the Enemy wins his battle to exterminate Christianity.  He is committed and unyielding.  Are you?

Psalm 137:1    "By the rivers of Babylon, there we [captives] sat down, yes, we wept when we [earnestly] remembered Zion [the city of our God imprinted on our hearts]."

      

Will Future Generations Understand The Meaning of 4th of July?

     That might seem like a superfluous question.  But just take a moment and watch this video of Americans in this generation that don't have a clue!  You might think it is a humorous display of how little Americans know about our history, or why we celebrate the 4th of July, but I find it extremely disturbing.

     The signing of the Declaration of Independence was a very important date in world history, although the 4th wasn't actually the date it was signed.  That occurred on August 2nd.  No, July 4, 1776 was the day the Continental Congress approved the final wording of the Declaration of Independence.  July 4th became the date that was included on the Declaration of Independence and the fancy handwritten copy that was signed in August (the copy now displayed at the National Archives in Washington, D.C.).  It’s also the date that was printed on the Dunlap Broadsides, the original printed copies of the Declaration that were circulated throughout our new nation.  So when people thought of the Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776 was the date they associated with it.
     But it is more than just a date in the founding of our nation.  It symbolizes, for the first time, that leaders of men recognized that "Nature's God" had given all men certain rights that could not be usurped by tyrannical governments.  Specifically, it says,  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 ... 
     And, yes, I recognize that this seems hypocritical in light of the fact that many of the Southern Founding Fathers were slaveholders.  The writings of the Founding Fathers show that many of them acknowledged that slavery violated the natural rights of the enslaved, but knew that the abolition of this abhorrent practice would need to take a back seat (for the time being) to the larger goal of securing the unity and independence of the United States from Britain.  Sadly, they "kicked the can down the road" to be dealt with by a future generation; although the reality is that the freedom of the nation needed to come before they could address the freedom of the slaves.  That issue would be dealt with in a mere 84 years when the new nation was ripped asunder by the Civil War.
      So, what exactly was meant by "unalienable rights"?  As I wrote in a February 9, 2013 post, I would venture to say that most Americans have a distorted idea of what "unalienable" means.  I would further conclude that they think it takes its meaning from the word "alien", signifying that these "unalienable" rights were unfamiliar or foreign to men of that time.  That is a wrong interpretation, and we actually mispronounce the word altogether.  In 1776, when the Declaration was written, this word was not pronounced as un-alien-able; the correct enunciation was un-a-lien-able, as in "a lien", a form of security interest granted over an item of property to secure the payment of a debt.  For instance, the bank holds a lien against your car, until the note is paid off.
     What the Founding Fathers were actually saying was this:  the natural rights that have been given to us by God are not subject to a lien by any king or ruler; they are ours to possess outright. In other words, our rights are not determined by governments; or granted by them; and cannot be legislated by them.  It was the first time in the history of the world, that a nation of people dared to declare that they recognized God's rulership and authority as being above that of any monarch or crowned head.
     This was an important step in the evolution of a nation and of mankind.  The Founders of our nation were declaring that they were ready to live their lives as free men, unencumbered by the heavy hand of an oppressive authority; that they wanted to live their lives according to the "Laws of Nature", which in the 18th century meant certain fundamental principles or moral standards that were apparent to everyone.  This thought was perhaps best expressed by English philosopher John Locke, in his Second Treatise on Government: "The natural liberty of man is to be free from any superior power on earth, and not to be under the will or legislative authority of man, but to have only the law of nature for his rule."  These laws of nature were understood to be that which the God of the Universe had instituted when He created man in His image.
     Those same fundamental principles and moral standards are still in place in nature; and the need to declare that these laws are above the laws of men, should still be as important today as it was on July 4th, 1776.  THAT IS WHAT WE SHOULD BE CELEBRATING TODAY!!  Yet, how many Americans have lost sight of the reason this day exists?  How many recognize or understand what was accomplished on this day 239 years ago?  How many realize that what the government has done in the last two weeks violates the very essence of the Declaration of Independence?
     I invite you to take the time to read this historic document.  Read the Declaration of Independence and then tell me if we, as a nation, have honored the spirit in which it was written.  While you're enjoying the day with your kids and family, ask yourselves if we any longer resemble the ideals upon which this country took such a courageous leap.
      When I compare where this country was in 2013 when I wrote that original post, and how far we've slid in a little over two years, I am astounded.  And I imagine that most Americans are too busy to even care or notice.  So, if you are one of those Americans who don't even know why this day is a holiday, then you have a choice ... you can go back to your hamburgers and hot dogs, or like the people at the beach in the video, laugh it off as inconsequential; OR you can do a serious study comparing who we were in 1776 and what we've become, and determine that it is worth fighting for and make the effort to teach your children its importance.  Because believe me, their future -- and maybe even their survival -- depends on understanding the meaning of July 4th and why it is worth celebrating.

1 Peter 2:16     "[Live] as free people, [yet] without employing your freedom as a pretext for wickedness; but [live at all times] as servants of God."





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Critical Thinking Made The Difference on D-Day

     Two days ago marked the 71st anniversary of the Allied landing on the beaches of Normandy.  Anyone who has seen the movie Saving Private Ryan, or watched the HBO mini-series and read (my personal favorite) Band of Brothers, by preeminent historian Stephen Ambrose, then you know the tremendous fight that American boys took to the arbiter of Evil, Nazi Germany.
     I happened across an excellent article by Rick Moran, featured on the PJ Media website, in which he points us to an interview that Ambrose gave to C-Span on the 40th anniversary of D-Day, in 1994. (I suggest you click on the link for the full-page transcript -- it is fascinating history!)
     As Moran correctly states, "One theme running through all of [Ambrose's books on WW II] was the sheer ordinariness of the American GI and how, when confronted by the greatest challenges of their lives, outperformed, outfought, and outsmarted the seemingly invincible Nazi war machine."
     Ambrose wrote a book entitled D-Day, June 6, 1944:  The Battle For the Normandy Beaches, in which he described the mentality of the American soldier:  "They wanted to be throwing baseballs, not hand grenades; shooting .22s at rabbits, not M-1s at other men. But when the test came, when freedom had to be fought for or abandoned, they fought. They were soldiers of democracy. They were the men of D-Day. When Hitler declared war on the United States, he bet that the young men brought up in the Hitler Youth would outfight the youngsters brought up in the Boy Scouts ... Hitler was certain that the soft, effeminate children of democracy could never become soldiers."  What an interesting juxtaposition!
     The reason that Hitler lost that bet?  Ambrose said it was because “the Boy Scouts had been taught to figure their way out of their own problems,” instead of blindly following orders, as the Germans were trained.  And that theory was proven correct, because we know that all the carefully laid plans of General Eisenhower and the Allied commanders went out the window, as soon as those landing crafts began arriving on Omaha Beach.
     The first and second waves of troops were virtually slaughtered, and the English Channel was red with the blood of American boys.  Small groups of men took it upon themselves to regroup and rethink the plan of attack, on their own.  If they were going to survive, they had to figure it out and get the job done.  That's called Critical Thinking; and it is what I fear we are losing among our young in this country.
     Critical Thinking by those men and boys secured the beaches on D-Day.  Critical Thinking is what resulted in the unique design of the Landing Craft Vehicle Personnel (LCVP), the flat-bottomed boats that successfully carried the troops onto those bloody beaches.  Critical Thinking was the strength of General Eishenhower and other military strategists in planning such a daring attack to stop  the advancement of the enemies of freedom.  As Stephen Ambrose so clearly explains it:  "[D-Day was the pivot point of the 20th century. It was the day on which the decision was made as to who was going to rule in this world in the second half of the 20th century. Is it going to be Nazism, is it going to be communism, or are the democracies going to prevail? If we would have failed on Omaha Beach and on the other beaches on the 6th of June in 1944, the struggle for Europe would have been a struggle between Hitler and Stalin, and we would have been out of it. If Stalin had won, the Iron Curtain would have been on the English Channel. If Hitler had won, I don't think he would have been able to take Britain, at least not in the immediate future, but he would have gone all the way to the Urals. Hitler's plan was to turn the problem of conquering America over to the next generation, utilizing the resources that he intended to have as a part of the greater German Reich as a result of victory."
     Now over 70 years later, we are part of that next generation, with another one on the horizon.  We must ask ourselves if we still have the critical thinking skills to outperform, outfight, and outsmart the latest personification(s) of Evil.  Has the progressive agenda and its newest version, Common Core, succeeded in removing Critical Thinking from the mental make-up of our youth?  So what can we expect?  Is it going to be the Caliphate and Sharia Law, or One World Government, or will Freedom and Democracy continue, only in some weakened and unrecognizable state?

     By definition, "Critical Thinking" is the intellectually disciplined process of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating information gathered from, or generated by, observation, experience, reflection, reasoning, or communication, as a guide to belief and action.  You can see that being applied 71 years ago in the story of Joe Dawson, who led Company G on Omaha Beach, and up the nearly impenetrable Pointe du Hoc, a 330-foot high vertical cliff.  About 260 men attempted that climb.  Over 200 never saw the results of their heroic efforts. Joe Dawson got to the top of the bluff with 20 men, but he got to the top.
    His spirit lives on in Congressional Medal of Honor winner and Marine Scout Sniper Dakota Meyers.  In 2009 in Afghanistan's Kunar Province, Meyer learned that three Marines and a Navy corpsman, who were members of Meyer's squad and his friends, were missing after being ambushed by a group of insurgents. Under enemy fire, Meyer entered an area known to be inhabited by insurgents and eventually found the four missing servicemen dead and stripped of their weapons, body armor and radios.  With the help of Afghan soldiers, he moved the bodies to a safer area where they could be extracted. During his search, Meyer "personally evacuated 12 friendly wounded and provided cover for another 24 Marines and soldiers to escape likely death at the hands of a numerically superior and determined foe."  That heroic effort undoubtedly took some Critical Thinking.  And I would submit to you that, just like his predecessors on D-Day, Dakota Meyer learned a lot of his thinking skills growing up as a country boy... skills that are not sought after by our cell-phone obsessed youth of today.
     But I recount his story and the memories of what happened 71 years ago in order to remind myself, and you, that we are at a crucial phase in the evolution of our national identity and history.  We are at our own pivot point, just as the nation was on D-Day, 1944.  The world is trying to determine who is going to rule in the 21st Century.  Do we, as Americans, still have the critical thinking skills to pull off a victory that will stop the encroaching Evil?  Hitler thought our youth were effeminate and soft; incapable of conquering the ugliness of war.  As Satan's representative on earth, the Fuhrer underestimated the grit, the courage, and the inestimable fortitude of America's farm boys and, yes, their Boy Scout values.  If we're going to staunch the flow of evil in this century, we're going to need to quit relying on our iPhones and computers to give us all the answers, and begin thinking with the brains God gave us.  We employed that concept on June 6, 1944, and it won the day.

Proverbs 1:2-3   "That people may know skillful and Godly wisdom and instruction, discern and comprehend the words of understanding and insight; Receive instruction in wise dealing and the discipline of wise thoughtfulness, righteousness, justice, and integrity..."

Lessons Of Old Still Apply

     Once again, it has dawned on me as I begin to write my post for today, that my original concept for starting this blog has evolved slightly in its trajectory.  Oh, I'm still all about the "salvation" part of Salvation and Survival; that has not changed.  To be specific, it is still my goal to be upfront and bold in proclaiming the need for redemption by all men and women; to point out that we need a Savior from our sinful natures, and He is available to us through the person of Jesus Christ and his crucifixion and resurrection.  I haven't changed my direction in that arena at all.
    But it's the "survival" part of my focus that has seen a metamorphosis.  I'm still all about discussing ways to make ourselves ready or able to do or deal with changes that are coming to our lives.  But I think my view is changing from surviving circumstances that pertain specifically to this time in my nation's history, to surviving a phenomenon that has occurred throughout the history of all nations. Let me see if I can explain...

     First of all, let me tell you that as I am diligently making my way through reading my Bible -- this time with the clear intent of having it unveiled by the Holy Spirit -- I am forever being surprised at how often what happened to the ancient nation of Israel applies to us today.  Talk about learning lessons about surviving!  There is no better example of continuing to exist through difficult circumstances than ancient Israel, nor a more appropriate reminder of keeping our guard up.  Survival is all about maintaining our vigilance and caution, while refusing to leave ourselves vulnerable to attack.  One such lesson was presented to me in the Fourth chapter of the Book of Ezra.
     Let me catch you up on the historic facts ... the nation of Judah is involved with rebuilding the Temple after 70 long years of captivity in Babylon (due to their failure to remain true to the covenant with their God).  The Babylonian Empire had been defeated by the Medo-Persian Empire, and the Persian king Cyrus had issued a decree to let the Jews return to Jerusalem to rebuild Solomon's Temple, which had been destroyed during the Babylonian conquest of Judah.
     The previous chapters of Ezra give us an account of the priests and people who returned to complete the restoration of the Temple, and their spiritual preparation for the task.  Work continues and the Temple foundation is completed.  But throughout the years of the reign of King Cyrus, until the reign of Persian King Darius, there is continued opposition to the idea of a restored Judah and Temple.  In various forms of duplicity and deception, enemy nations approach the leaders of Judah and offer their help; in essence, saying, "Let us help you build; we seek the same ends you do, and can even accept your God as ours."
     For awhile, Zerubbabel, (who had been given the office of governor of the Persian Province of Judah, and who was the grandson of Jehoiachin, one of the last kings of Judah) was able to keep Judah autonomous and independent of foreign influences.  He declined their offers to permeate their cultures into the Jewish heritage, and was successful in completing the work God had ordained for them alone.
     But, the Bible tells us that, in time, "the people of the (other) lands weakened (tried to discourage) the hands of the people of Judah, and troubled them in the building.  They hired counsellors against them, to frustrate their purpose...".
     This mimics exactly what we are seeing in our own nation today.  Enemies of our country have entered our most sacred institutions and are counseling against the foundation of how this country was built.  We were led to believe that they honored and respected our unique status and our ways, when in reality, they wish to transform it and destroy it; establishing a new form of governance.
     Now substitute the Church and Christianity for the Nation.  Enemies of God and Christians enter into our Church buildings, saying they wish to worship with us; to seek after our God.  But, in reality, they are involved with witchcraft, or false gods, or believe in the ultimate weakening of the true faith, ecumenicalism; and their desire is to establish a stronghold in order to destroy the Church.
     It is an age-old concept; one that the Greeks personified in their use of the Trojan horse... it is any trick or strategy that causes a target to allow a foe into a securely protected bastion or space.  The difference is that Zerubbabel resisted them.  The leaders of our nation and churches have not been so mindful of the danger and difficulties that ensue from such compromise.  Once again I have learned that the Bible is not only an amazing story of salvation, but its lessons on survival are valid for all time.

Proverbs 10:9     Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.