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Do You Know What You Should Know?
How much stock do you put in old expressions?
Here’s one that’s often used: “What you don’t know can’t hurt you.”
I suppose on rare occasions what you don’t know can’t affect you, but generally just the opposite is true.
What you don’t know can hurt you, and probably will.
The Lord, through the prophet Hosea, had these words to say:
“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge…”(Hosea 4:6 ESV).Notice the Lord said, “My people…” are destroyed (cut off, cut down, brought to silence, undone). Destroyed because they don’t know what they should know.
Oh, we know some things. We carry around a ton of information in our heads . Stuff like baseball stats, how certain football players are performing, what our favorite movie stars are up to, and which restaurants are considered the best in the area.
We know where to go to catch the biggest crappies, hunt the meanest bears, and get the best cup of coffee.
Yeah, God’s people are fairly knowledgeable about things which interest us; yes, we are.
There’s nothing wrong with knowing some of those things, but if we don’t know the words of life, God’s word, how can we truly live?
Here’s an example of what I’m talking about. James told us to count it all joy when we are tested. We read those words and think, huh? That’s not possible!
But He tells us how to do so, and why it’s important. “For you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” (James 1:3 ESV)
If we don’t know the testing of our faith produces steadfastness, we won’t have the proper attitude at the time we need it most; and we’ll not finish well.
What we don’t know can hurt us.Peter had a similar word. He warned us about our adversary, the devil, whom roams about looking for a way to have us for a meal. But with the warning he gives us the solution:
“Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.” (1 Peter 5:9 ESV)
Not knowing others around us are experiencing the same attacks can make it seem like we’re all alone, and we’re fighting a losing battle.
So we quit fighting, stop resisting.
What we don’t know can hurt us.
Below I’ve listed 10 things we’ve been given to know; things we can use to help us walk humbly and victoriously with our God.Things we can and should know:
1. Secrets of the Kingdom – Matthew 13:11
2. Truth which sets us free – John 8:32
3. The voice of the Shepherd – John 10:4,14
4. The Spirit of Truth – John 14:17
5. Suffering produces endurance – Romans 5:3
6. Sin has no dominion over us – Romans 6:6,9-11
7. We are God’s temple – 1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19,20
8. Unrighteous won’t inherit kingdom – 1 Corinthians 6:9
9. Labor in the Lord is not in vain – 1 Corinthians 15:58
10. We can have eternal life – 1 John 5:13
What we don’t know can hurt us.So maybe it would be a good idea to spend some time finding out all God wants you and I to know.
I only listed about a third of the things the Bible says we can, and should know. I encourage you to grab a good concordance, look up the word “know”, or phrases such as “we know”, and dive in.
And when you find something, how about passing it on? Comment below and share it with me and others who read this post.
After all, we need to know these things. Because……what we don’t know can hurt us.
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How Long Must I Believe?
“I am so tired of waiting!”“If God is so good, and His promises never fail, why is it taking so long? How much longer must I believe?”
Those are honest questions, don’t you think? I mean, really. I understand Rome wasn’t built in a day, but c’mon.
Most people despise having to wait. They pray, “Lord, I want patience, and I want it now!”And honestly, it’s not easy waiting, no matter how patient or spiritual a person is.
But how long is a reasonable time to be required to wait? Whether it’s waiting for God to answer my prayer, or for a potential employer to call saying I’ve been hired, even one or two days can be a drag.
Recently, like today, I’ve found myself on edge; impatient. Frustrated for several reasons, all legitimate of course.
Since I’m sure you’re interested, I’ll give you a few examples.
I’ve been working through a course to help improve my writing, and increase my readership. I’ve been at it a whole week and I haven’t noticed any difference whatsoever. Nothing positive, that is.
How long must I wait? How long do I have to keep putting the ink to the paper? How much longer must I believe?
What would you do, if you were me?
I’ve been seriously looking and applying for a job, one that will work with my life’s focus and still bring in some good, supplemental income. Three days ago I had a very good interview, and felt I would be called back for a second one. But no word. No call. No job.
And it’s been three whole days!
How long must I wait?
There are other things I’m waiting on, as well. And like so many, I often find myself wishing I could find a way to make God and others work at my pace, not theirs. But even though I’m antsy, I can still hear the Lord speak the words of Habakkuk quietly to my heart.
“Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation. God, the Lord, is my strength…” (Habakkuk 3:17 – 3:19 ESV)
How long must I believe? Well, I suppose until I see the answer. If I’m only willing to wait a minute or two, or even a week or two, maybe what I’m calling faith isn’t faith at all.
But while I’m waiting, I think I’ll keep applying for work, and continue adding words to the paper.
Because, after all, Rome wasn’t built in a day. And practice never hurt anyone. Besides, when patience is allowed to run its full course, I will be thoroughly equipped for every good work (James 1:4).
By the way, what do you do while you wait? How do you stay patient? I’d love to hear how you keep going when you feel like quitting.
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Does a lion roar in the forest?
Roaring Lion Have you ever heard the roar of a lion?
No, I’m not referring to Marlin Perkins’ old television show, “Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom”, which originally aired from 1963-1988.
Have you heard the roar of a lion, up close and personal?
I can’t recall hearing one, though the few times I’ve visited a zoo I’ve heard lions growl a little. But an actual roar? No, I don’t believe so.
Have you ever been caught in a trap? By trap, I mean some sort of snare for birds or small game, or perhaps a pit designed for larger prey?
Again, I can’t say that I have. For one reason, the traps weren’t designed for me.
These questions may seem a little silly and meaningless, but the sober truth is this: there IS a lion on the loose AND a trap set which IS designed for people like you and I.
Look at what Amos wrote.
“Does a lion roar in the forest, when he has no prey? Does a young lion cry out from his den, if he has taken nothing. Does a bird fall in a snare on the earth, when there is no trap for it? Does a snare spring up from the ground, when it has taken nothing?” (Amos 3:4-5 ESV)
The lion, like the trap, doesn’t advertise its location or its intention. It’s quietly waiting for the opportunity to pounce and kill. And once it springs into action, you can hear its roar and feel its teeth.
Unfortunately, I know quite well how it feels to be the lion’s victim.
The lion I’m referring to, of course, is none other than the devil; our adversary.
“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8 ESV)
Notice Peter’s warning. “Be sober-minded; be watchful.” Why? “Because your adversary the devil prowls around…” But he’s prowling silently, quietly, patiently…until he springs into action! Then you hear the roar! But by then it could be too late to mount a formidable defense. By then, he already has the advantage.
Will YOU be its next victim?
God has given each of us the defensive and offensive equipment to defeat the lion every time. Every time. To live in such a way that we aren’t aware of the danger around us is nothing less than foolishness.
To go through life with an “I don’t hear a lion or see a trap, therefore I’m cool” attitude is kind of like jumping off the top of the tallest building in the world. You may enjoy the freedom as you sail through the air, but eventually that’s going to change. It will come to an abrupt end.
What’s the answer? Pay attention to your surroundings. And don’t lose your footing.
“Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.” (1 Corinthians 10:12 ESV)
“Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to make your calling and election sure, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall.” (2 Peter 1:10 ESV)
“Jesus answered, “…If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. But if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.” (John 11:9-10 ESV)
You and I have been given all things that pertain to life and godliness; or, in other words, everything we need to live a godly, victorious life in Christ. Which includes overcoming each and every attack and avoiding traps.
So pay attention to your thoughts, desires, actions; comparing them to God’s Word.
Some day you’ll be glad you did.
Are you struggling right now? Is your head halfway down the lion’s throat? Could you use some help getting out of the trap?
Please comment below, or use the contact form here. I’d be glad to help.
For further study, please read the article Beating Back The Bully, or subscribe to our free monthly newsletter and receive a FREE PDF copy of the book – Beating Back The Bully. To subscribe, press SUBSCRIBE
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Do YOU Have A Healthy Smile?
Smile
I’ve heard it said, and maybe you have as well, that it takes more muscles to frown than to smile. Many people believe it, but there are some who emphatically don’t.Searching the Internet, I discovered quite an array of opinions. For example, there are those who believe the old adage, claiming it takes 43 muscles to frown, but only 17 to smile. One medical student debunked the theory by stating “there are only about 36 named muscles of facial expression.” (Click Here)
At least one plastic surgeon believes it takes one more muscle to smile than frown.
So what do you believe? Who is right?
And one other question: if the only difference between a smile and a frown is the position of one’s mouth, why is a smile more pleasant to look at?
There’s more to a smile, or a frown, than just the tightening or relaxing of certain muscles. A genuine smile (or frown) originates in a person’s heart (inner being, spirit) and soul (thoughts and emotions). It’s one reason why, most often, you can tell if a person is happy or mad without even seeing their mouth. Just look at their eyes, listen to their voice, or watch the way they walk.
I’m not sure how many muscles it takes to smile or frown. But I do know this; smiling is healthier.
“A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” (Proverbs 17:22 ESV)
The person whose heart is filled with God’s love, joy, peaceful contentment, and thanksgiving, is someone who can sow seeds of encouragement into the lives of those around them. They look for ways to lift up the fallen, and those burdened with tremendous pain. They possess a simple, yet powerful, resource that God can use to make a difference in someone’s life.
The smile.
The genuine, from the heart, healthy smile.
It’s one of the reasons Solomon wrote, “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it flows the forces of life.” Proverbs 4:23
In this age of fitness facilities (seems like there are more of them than churches, nowadays) many have carved out time from their busy and hectic schedules to make certain they are physically fit; their muscles toned and their body trim. If you’re one of those people, great. I salute you for having the determination and discipline to see it through.
But don’t forget the most important part of your body. For whether or not it takes more muscles to frown than smile, never underestimate the power of a healthy smile.
Yours.
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Tired, Worried, and On Edge
Sometimes I get tired, worried, on edge, maybe even a little scared. Yes, I’ll admit it. There are times I’m not the faith giant I like to let on that I am.
It’s not that I’m trying to deceive anyone into thinking I’m something that I’m not; nor am I trying to kid myself into believing it.
But I’ve got to face it; sometimes I’m not as put together as I might appear on any given Sunday.
But it’s no excuse to act or react in a mean way. It may be the reason, but it’s not a good excuse.
Like when I’m short tempered with my wife. How stupid is that, anyway? To wound with words, or even the way the words are packaged, the very person who means more to me than life itself?
Inexcusable.
Maybe you’ve never acted in such a brutish way. Congratulations. Or maybe just now and then. But once is more than enough.
It is not the way Jesus expresses His love to His Church, and it is NOT becoming. To anyone.
If you’ve been behaving in such a way, there’s only one thing to do.
Stop it. Drop the excuses. Take responsibility for your actions. And DON’T promise to never do it again.
Just DON’T.
Instead, love like Jesus. Even like He did while hanging on the cross. With thoughtfulness, tenderness and truthfulness.
“Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.” (Ephesians 5:25-28 ESV)
It’s what I intend to do; even if I’m tired, worried, and on edge.
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Church Of The Goofy Ideas
Have you ever stopped to think about God laughing?Here’s one instance: “but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he sees that his day is coming.” (Psalm 37:13 ESV)
I can imagine a few other things which may give God a chuckle.
Like His church.
Those leaders who are so caught up in titles and followings. People who pump up their own heels, and demand honor from their “tribe”. We’re supposed to honor one another, and receive the gifts God gives to His Body. But c’mon! Whatever happened to submitting to one another in the fear of God?
Oh, and what about the saint who has a “word from God” every time they turn around? It’s always at the same time in the church service, and it’s never positive or encouraging. Yes, the scripture does speak of prophesying and such, but it also says, “the one who prophesies speaks to people for their edification, exhortation, and comfort” (1 Corinthians 14:3). Of course, that wouldn’t be as spectacular or dramatic.
Here’s one you’ll enjoy. The group of people (and there are quite a number) who refuse to tithe or give on a regular basis because they believe the church places too much emphasis on money. I wonder how they’d feel if their employer told them they were going to get a 50% reduction in wages because they think too much about money?
Maybe we all should quit shopping at our favorite store because, in reality, the only thing the store is after is our money.
And what about the ones who handle snakes? Ick!
There are lots of things we do that could make our Father chuckle. I’m sure He gets a charge out of us playing “grownup”. You know what I mean? Like a little kid trying to emulate their father or mother by dressing like them, or walking and talking like them. Trying to wear their parent’s shoes, yet tripping because they’re far too big.
And we act like the Armor of God fits us because WE’RE so big and spiritual! Hah!
Yes, I can see my Father laughing. But He’s also trying to get His message across to every one of His kids.
“It’s time to grow up and get rid of your goofy ideas. It’s time to speak the truth in love, and grow into maturity.”
How will we know when we’ve finally grown up? When we aren’t so easily offended. When we don’t get mad if we don’t get our way. When we can take a back seat to someone else’s advancement, even though we think we deserve the promotion more.
When the Head, Who is Jesus, is able to tell the Body what to do and it does it, EVERY SINGLE TIME.
It’s one thing to see a little child play grownup. It’s really quite cute. But when someone keeps playing, clear into their twenties, thirties and forties, you and I both know there’s a problem.
It’s time to grow up. It’s time to disengage from the Church of the Goofy Ideas and grow up… “in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love” (Ephesians 4:15-16 ESV).
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What are YOU Drinking?
Is it barely possible that some of God’s people are guilty of idolatry? Yep, it is barely possible.Am I saying it’s somewhat possible that some of those called of God to be salt and light are drinking the cup of demons? Yep, it is somewhat possible.
And is it remotely possible, I said remotely, mind you, some of those called to be saints are actually provoking God to jealousy; to anger?
Yes, as remote as it may seem, it is possible.
Paul said so.
“Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. I speak as to wise men; you judge what I say. Is not the cup of blessing which we bless a sharing in the blood of Christ? Is not the bread which we break a sharing in the body of Christ? Since there is one bread, we who are many are one body; for we all partake of the one bread. Look at the nation Israel; are not those who eat the sacrifices sharers in the altar? What do I mean then? That a thing sacrificed to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything? No, but I say that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons and not to God; and I do not want you to become sharers in demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons. Or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? We are not stronger than He, are we?”(1 Corinthians 10:14-23 NASB)
But how, you may wonder?
Much of this world is under the control of the evil one; the one diametrically opposed to everything God is and is for.
Whether it’s the self-gratification industry which can include anything that exalts itself against anything remotely associated with God, or your simple, run of the mill party attitudes disguised as Christian liberty, many of God’s elect have succumbed to the wiles of the world and are drinking from the cup of demons.
In the name of freedom, they drink the cup of bondage.
In the name of unity, they feast at the table of demons; dividing the body of Christ into fragments and pieces.
The world worships at the devil’s altar, as he’s skillfully and subtly talked them into believing it was their brilliant idea in the first place. (They scoff at the very thought they could be manipulated by an entity they know doesn’t exist.) They feast at his table of intellect and reason. They glorify creation, instead of its creator. The human body is treated like gold, while its spirit is ignored or, at best, treated like dust.
All that is understandable, for those who haven’t received new life in Christ.
But for those who name the Name of Christ (2 Timothy 2), we have a responsibility, even a divine calling, to be careful whose cup we drink from. We’ve been bought with a price, the blood of Jesus. We are no longer our own. No longer in charge of our lives; obedient to the Word of God and the Holy Spirit.
That’s also why Paul wrote to the church, “Flee from idolatry.”
So I ask you, “From which cup are YOU drinking?” The cup of the Lord? The cup of demons?
Who is your passion? You? YOUR ____________(fill in the blank)?
ANYTHING other than Jesus can be an idol.
How thirsty are you for what the world is offering?
Or, is your spirit thirsty for the cup of the Lord?
What are YOU drinking?
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The Spirit of Poverty
When people talk about poverty, they are usually referring to not having enough money to cover life’s necessities. If someone is living a life of poverty, they are living with barely enough to simply exist. Or maybe not enough.When I say we need to break the spirit of poverty, I’m not referring to a lack of money.
The spirit of poverty isn’t an amount, but an attitude, or a frame of mind. A frame of mind that is contrary to God’s way of thinking.
The spirit of poverty places the wrong emphasis on material things and bank accounts. And placing the wrong emphasis on those things makes one prone to worry, lying, stealing, and living beyond one’s means.
There’s a principle in God’s word that, if applied to our lives, will absolutely break the spirit of poverty.
No, it’s not a promise to be a millionaire. Instead it’s a promise from God that every need you have will be met, with some left over to bless those around you.
God’s plan for mankind has always been that they live above their income, but not beyond their means.
I’ll spell it out.
If money, our ability to make money (education, opportunity, social standing, size of family, etc.), or our material possessions are what we put our trust in, we are limited in how much we will make and what we’ll be able to do, or want to do, with our possessions.
If we have a lot, we may want to do a lot, but the amount we do is determined by a commodity that can rise or fall according to the strength of the economy.
Kind of a dangerous way to live, if you ask me.
However, if GOD is our source, and the spirit of poverty’s influence has been broken from our lives, the amount of income, opportunities, etc., is not the end of our potential.
If God is our source, our means, we shall not lack any good thing (Psalm 84). We shall find ourselves with whatever is needed to do and complete God’s will for our life, PLUS, help others along their path of obedience to God.
How can a person tell if they are bound by the spirit of poverty? How freely do you give to others, or to other causes? To what degree has worry overtaken your once joyful heart?
Why do you work? To get, hoard, play, and make things better for yourself and family (which isn’t totally wrong), or does it also include having something to bless others with?
Paul wrote: “He who steals must steal no longer; but rather he must labor, performing with his own hands what is good, so that he will have something to share with one who has need.” (Ephesians 4:28 NASB)
If God is our source, we’re not afraid to give, to bless, or to put others first. Not so, if controlled by the spirit of poverty.
I’ve written a book wherein I talk about this in detail. It’s available in both eBook and paperback versions.
It’s called, “Breaking the Spirit of Poverty with the Spirit of Generosity.“ Please click the link below for more information on how you can get your own copy.
Breaking the Spirit of Poverty
God wants His life, and resources, flowing through you to others. As He told Abram, “I will bless you, and you’ll be a blessing”, so is His desire for you and I.
As we shake free from the poverty spirit, we’ll discover the freedom and resources to bless others, and a renewed passion for the Kingdom of God.
Check it out.
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Christian Icons
One of the greatest things about being a Christian, in my opinion, is having at least a glimpse of what I’m being transformed into. Notice I said a glimpse.What’s so great about that? Well, I consider the original man and woman, Adam and Eve, were in really great shape when they were first created. But that which God is transforming His children into is FAR GREATER than His first kids.
God is in the process of transforming me (and all believers) into the very image of His Son.
“For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren;” (Romans 8:29 NASB)
His Son, the Word made flesh, the exact representation of God’s image and nature. Incredible.
“…in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world. And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power…” (Hebrews 1:2-3 NASB)
This is far beyond my capacity to understand, but my heart cries out, “I believe”.
Name any superlative that describes Jesus, and that’s what He’s transforming us into. No, no, no, not to compete with or try to replace the Savior, but as a reflection of Him. A mirror.
Kind of like the icons on a computer desktop. The icons represent, and are, in a way, the entrance to the particular program. You know what’s inside by becoming familiar with the icon. If you want to open Facebook, you know it by the large, white “F” against a blue background.
The word “icon” comes from the greek word, “eikon” (pronounced – i-kone), which means: a likeness, statue, profile, representation, or resemblance. An image. It’s used a number of times in the New Testament, as a description of what the believers are becoming; both morally and mentally.
For example:
“Just as we have borne the image of the earthy, we will also bear the image of the heavenly.” (1 Corinthians 15:49 NASB)
Mankind has borne the image of fallen man, ever since the first Adam no longer reflected the image of his Creator. The Second Adam, however, has changed all that. Now, through faith in Christ, we are being transformed into His image, from glory to glory.
“But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.” (2 Corinthians 3:18 NASB)
From glory to glory. The more we behold Him, the more we become like Him.
“in whose case (the lost – v.3) the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” (2 Corinthians 4:4 NASB)
Seeing, viewing, understanding, beholding the light of the gospel is what opens up our hearts to Christ. The gospel is the light which unveils the eikon of God. Jesus.
Into Whose very image we are being changed.
“He is the image (eikon) of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.” (Colossians 1:15 NASB)
“and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him.” (Colossians 3:10 NASB)
When God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness…”, He was looking past the fall, and was expressing His plans for His family – the sons and daughters of God. As the fall of Adam didn’t catch God by surprise, neither did it nullify His original intent. It has just taken a while for the seed to take root.
As sons and daughters of God, let’s remember we’re the eikons seen by the world. Jesus said, “If you’ve seen Me, you’ve seen the Father” (John 14), and it’s not blasphemy for us to carry ourselves in the same manner. I understand it’s a hard concept to grasp, but it’s God’s intent.
Notice Jesus’ prayer in John 17: “that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me. “The glory which You have given Me I have given to them, that they may be one, just as We are one; I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me, and loved them, even as You have loved Me” (John 17:21-23 NASB). Jesus went as far as to say, “Ye are the light of the world.” He also was heard to say, “I am the light of the world.”
John wrote, “As He is, so are we in this world”, (1 John 4:17). Also, in chapter three of the same letter, “Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is. And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure” (1 John 3:2-3 NASB).
Christian, you and I have a high calling to tend to. And as we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin. This is what we’re called to do; to be.
That’s why we’re called Christian – because we’re to bear the image (eikon) of the Christ.
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The Militia Problem
I’ve been thinking about this for some time, and I think I’ve finally gathered enough nerve to express my opinion, and my concern. Over the past few decades, the idea of an anti-government militia has been gaining ground. In some areas, it’s become more than an idea. Regional militias are forming, because the anger of many is near the boiling point.Like you, I’ve read the quotes on Facebook describing one of the primary reasons for the Second Amendment (part of the Bill of Rights) was authenticated by then Secretary of State, Thomas Jefferson: “A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed”, December 15, 1791.
But the militia then, compared with today is where I see a huge problem.
Back in the beginning years of this nation, the military wasn’t nearly as organized, or as equipped, as it is today. The militia was like an auxiliary force, not to act as the government’s watchdog, but in helping settle the nation. As local and state governments grew, as well as the population, so grew the need for added law enforcement.
As firearms were a fairly common article among the citizenry, many folks were called upon in times of emergencies. Deputies, posses, and such were instrumental in helping establish and maintain law and order in our fledgling nation.
There were many in governmental leadership who could still remember why they broke away from dear old England. And they were determined to never allow their government to become abusive, or an absolute despotism.
The Bill of Rights would help ensure they would never again have the need to “throw off such government”. Free speech, the right to bear arms, limit on quartering of troops, protection against unreasonable search and seizure, due process, etc.
As I said, the militia then, compared with today’s military, is vastly different. 200 years ago guns, rifles, knives, and dynamite were available to both the good guys and the bad ones. The only difference, as far as I can tell, was the military usually had access to much larger quantities of arms.
Besides the difference in quantity, today’s military is so well equipped, and the technology is so advanced, they have the capability of taking out a pesky fly from a thousand miles away.
All they’d need is the want to.
This is the problem with the local militias; those who allow themselves to get worked up into a frenzy because of various government leaders. I understand their anger, and I empathize with their feelings of despair and hopelessness.
But unless cooler heads prevail, the local militias will find themselves in jail, or worse.
Much worse.
Is there an answer for this militia problem; the national dilemma?
Yes.
The answer? Besides prayer and faith in God (legalized or not), there must be an understanding of local issues, the discipline to discuss the issues in a civilized manner, a renewed interest in the Bill of Rights, Declaration of Independence, and the US Constitution, and, finally, taking such understanding and disciplines to the voting booth.
In other words, the best thing for our nation isn’t an armed militia, but a truly educated populace.
Good citizenship.
It’s really what our forefathers had in mind.
And it’s a cause God would without question get behind.
“I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:1-4 NLT)
Why would I feel the need to write this post? Because I still believe this is the best nation on earth.And besides, America doesn’t need another Civil War.
Jan Grace
adding God's Word into my world…
Jan Grace 
