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Encouraged By The Beaver
Guest Author – Phyllis Grace
I came across this link on Facebook today from Jerry Mathers, who was the star of the old TV show that began in the 50’s, Leave it to Beaver.
He was sharing on the occasion of Gus the Fireman’s (Burt Mustin’s) date of birth. He told how he enjoyed working with him and how kind he was. The thing that really stood out to me, though, was when he mentioned that Burt didn’t begin his acting career until he was in his late 60’s.
Read “Gus the Fireman” article here.
It hit me like a ton of bricks. Why? Because we are in our early 60’s and I have found myself at times questioning the dreams the Lord has given us. I look at our circumstances instead of God’s promises and start feeling that we are “unmarketable” because we are no longer young.
I question God and say, “How can You use us, and how are You going to make things happen?”
I’m not proud to admit it, but I have lost sight of what we feel He has told us to do. I have looked at things around me and not seen what I thought should be happening. Or I’ve questioned why it isn’t happening much quicker.
But today I found encouragement from an unexpected source.
Thank you Beaver Cleaver, for sharing about your old friend Gus the Fireman, and helping this sixty-one year old child of God see that age has nothing to do with it.
When God gives us a dream, it’s real. And He will bring it to pass. Even if we are in our sixties.
Or older.
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What Happened To Holiness?
Way back in the first century, even when the Church was Spirit-led and full of the power of God, Jude wrote a letter to his friends. A letter that was not only timely for them, but for us as well. Here’s a small portion.“Dear friends, I had been eagerly planning to write to you about the salvation we all share. But now I find that I must write about something else, urging you to defend the faith that God has entrusted once for all time to his holy people. I say this because some ungodly people have wormed their way into your churches, saying that God’s marvelous grace allows us to live immoral lives. The condemnation of such people was recorded long ago, for they have denied our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.” (Jude 1:3-4 NLT)
I sincerely believe Jude’s letter, though only 25 verses long, is THE most important letter for our day and age. I suggest you read the whole letter, and read it often, to see for yourself.
He began his letter saying he had planned on writing something different, a word that was possibly a little more easy for his readers to enjoy. People haven’t changed much over the last 2,000 years. The majority of people would rather hear “All you need is love…”, than “Is your all on the altar?”
Yes, we need love. But we need it as God has defined AND demonstrated it.
Jude said, “…urging you to defend the faith that GOD has entrusted once for all time to HIS HOLY PEOPLE…” Just who are His Holy People? Those who have named the Name of Jesus. Those who are born again, who’ve received Jesus Christ as the LORD of their lives.
Notice: “Paul, called by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and our brother Sosthenes, to the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours.” (1 Corinthians 1:1-2 ESV)
“To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 1:7 ESV)
“Called to be saints (or holy people)”. Simply meaning, “set apart BY God”, “set apart UNTO God”, and “set apart FOR God.” Set apart means “sanctified”. So, saints are, in God’s mind, set apart. Sanctified.
Paul even wrote to the carnal church of Corinth, “called to be saints…” Doesn’t that seem incredible? But that’s how God sees His people. We are set apart by Him, to Him, and for Him.
Peter said, “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” (1 Peter 2:9 ESV)
Can you get at least a glimpse of what we, as Christians, are called to be and do? Jude knew these things, and was compelled by the Holy Spirit to urge us to DEFEND the faith that was entrusted to us. Defend what we believe.
If we don’t defend it, who will?
People say, “My faith, what I believe, is too personal to talk about.” Really? Why? If it’s good enough for you to believe, why not pass it on? Or do you really believe?
The Gospel of Jesus Christ is not only a personal thing, it is something that DEMANDS to be shared. God Himself could have kept it all to Himself, but He loved us too much to keep it “personal”. The Son didn’t become flesh for His own glory. He LEFT glory to become like us, FOR us. He didn’t let the “personal” aspect of faith keep him from demonstrating His love for mankind.
People of faith, people who have believed and embraced the gospel of Jesus Christ, have the responsibility to contend, struggle for, wrestle for, i.e. defend the truth. Speak up for it, declare to their generation the truth OF God, as well as the truth ABOUT God.
Why? Because “some ungodly people have wormed their way into your churches, saying that God’s marvelous grace allows us to live immoral lives.”
Yes, it’s true. You don’t need to look very far to see the very things Jude was writing about. Compromise, as well as an outright denial of certain things “written by holy men of old who were moved by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:21).
What’s happened to holiness? Why is there so much immorality in our society, and even in the church? And why do so many “people of faith” get rankled when someone innocently points to a certain behavior and calls it sin? What’s happened?
I’ll tell you what’s happened. We have come to care more about what WE believe than what God thinks. We’ve allowed voices that speak contrary to God’s Word to be heard and believed. We have NOT defended THE FAITH (God’s version, not man’s) that God gave to us.
WE have allowed immortality to invade our society by allowing ourselves to be suckered in to believing the same thing. We’ve believed the words of ungodly preachers, because we didn’t take the trouble and research the Word to see if what we were hearing was really true.
Ungodly preachers? According to Jude, people who teach that immorality is okay, that “God’s grace allows it…” are ungodly.
Yes, WE have let the world’s belief system infect our faith. Instead of the other way around.
And it’s time to change. But it won’t be easy.
People don’t like to be told they’re wrong. Remember the feeling? People can’t stand to hear about absolute truth. And the phrase, “there’s a Heaven to gain, and a Hell to shun” is, to many, as outdated as the old Model T.
Jude summarizes his letter with a reminder and some spiritual, yet practical, advice.
“But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. They said to you, ‘In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.’ It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit. But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.” (Jude 1:17-23 ESV)
In other words, stand up for the faith, even though there will be scoffers. Build yourselves up, praying in the Holy Spirit, so you’ll be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
Be ready, in season and out; reprove, rebuke, and exhort with complete patience and teaching (2 Timothy 4:2).
Holiness, walking with God in a way that pleases Him, IS appropriate for you and I as believers.
And yes, even in this ungodly society.
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Spurring Each Other On
Our pastor preached a great message today that stirred me up about this particular subject.He mentioned the importance of each of us spurring each other on, encouraging one other to be and do all God has for us.
“Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:22 MSG)
As he spoke, I got a mental picture of spurs. Not the basketball team, but the kind worn by true horse riding, cattle driving, steer branding, cowboys.
And what a horse must feel when they’re being “encouraged” to run faster.
My dad grew up around horses. I understand he was an excellent rider, and even competed in regional rodeos throughout the midwest. Thus, the reason for a pair of boot spurs hanging in our garage.
Of course, as an inquisitive teenager, and as someone who loved attention, and since I wore cowboy boots (the rock star thing to do back then), I decided to wear the spurs to school one day. I loved stomping down the crowded hallway during passing period. Ching-ching-ching, was the sound I made with every step. I was finally instructed to remove them and put them in my locker, but I was a regular Matt Dillon for a while.
Back to the “spurring one another on”.
We’re instructed to provoke one another, or spur them on to love and good works. I like the word provoke, because it makes me think of the word “poke”, or prod.
To be the one wearing the spurs is one thing; to be spurred or poked is something entirely different. No one enjoys being poked. That’s why some people resent encouragement at times. It can be painful if someone’s trying to get you to move forward in God by poking at areas in your life which may be a little raw.
That’s why both the encourager, and the one receiving the encouragement, need to be aware of the potential irritations.
The rider’s goal is to coax the horse to move. If a little touch will produce the desired results, then there is no need to slam the spur into the horse’s flank; or the person’s heart.
If you’re the one bring spurred, understand the motive behind the action. Though you may feel the prick, the purpose is to get you moving in the right direction. It may irritate initially, but afterward it should yield the peaceable fruit of righteousness.
Compare the idea of spurring one another with another passage of scripture, this one from Proverbs.
“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17 ESV)
Have you ever worked around a grinding wheel? As the stone wheel turns at a high rate of speed, the item to be ground is placed against the stone. Sparks fly, dust is stirred up, and minute pieces of metal are thrown every which way, just as soon as the metal bumps against the wheel.
That’s what happens as iron sharpens iron. Though the end result is usually worth the dirty effort, it still requires a time of discomfort.
We need to understand this, even so much more now as we approach the coming of the Lord.
Our enemy would like to keep us from wearing our spurs, because it might make people uncomfortable if we’re always talking with them about their walk with God.
And if WE’RE the ones receiving the “poke”, well, the enemy wants us to feel extra touchy. “How DARE they talk to me like that!”
Encouragement can be a messy, often misunderstood business. But without it, how else will we see God exalted and the devil defeated in each of our lives?
Let’s strap on our spurs, fix our eyes on Jesus, and be about Kingdom business.
“Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:23-25 NLT)
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Your Innocent Little Secret
This post is written mainly for men, but it can also be for women; women who share in the same innocent little secret.You’re convinced you aren’t doing anything wrong. You’re not being unfaithful to your wife; you’re only letting off steam. After all, your sex drive is far greater than your spouse’s so you’re alright.
It’s just your innocent little secret.
But is it alright? If there wasn’t anything wrong with it, why do you feel as though it should remain a secret?
Pornography is not alright. Neither is adultery, rape, self gratification, or any other kind of fornication.
It’s more than just your innocent little secret. It’s a thief and a robber.
“A hard worker has plenty of food, but a person who chases fantasies ends up in poverty.” (Proverbs 28:19 NLT)
Pornography is nothing more than raunchy fantasy. Whether you are consuming it in the privacy of your home, or at an “adult” bookstore on the opposite side of town, it’s destroying you from the inside out; even if you don’t believe it is.
Chasing after such fantasy will leave you spiritually, emotionally, and physically ruined. It’s like a fire that cannot be quenched, that continuously screams, “More! More!” (Proverbs 30:16)
Pornography has never added value to any society that has tolerated it. From the days of Nimrod and the Tower of Babel, Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonians, the Egyptian Pharaohs, the Roman Empire, and on to the present, the worship and idolization of sex has always affected the nation in such a negative way, it finally collapsed.
No one merely “dabbles” with porn, anymore than someone merely drinks a little poison now and then. Every time a person is exposed to it, their system becomes infected. Each time, a little more poison. Eventually the mind and body become addicted to the “high” that comes from the arousal and subsequent climax. When that happens, the person is enslaved to the demands of the flesh and mind.
A slave to their innocent little secret.
Paul wrote: “Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body.” (1 Corinthians 6:18 NKJV)
The words, sexual immorality, are translated “fornication” in the KJV of the Bible. The original Greek word is “porneia”. It’s where we get the word pornography. It refers to ANY KIND of sexual activity OUTSIDE the holy covenant of marriage (God’s definition of marriage: one man and one woman).
SEX is beautiful, but fornication is a killer.
“Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.” (Hebrews 13:4 NKJV)
Fornication, porneia, isn’t necessarily having sex with someone other than your spouse. It’s allowing yourself to be sexually stimulated by anyone or anything other than your spouse. Whether you indulge in private viewings on the Internet, or by “sexting” a co-worker, it is fornication.
And you are sinning against your own body (which includes your spouse, since the two have become one).
If you aren’t married? You’re violating your relationship with God.
Don’t care about God?
You’re still driving yourself to ruin.
In case you haven’t noticed, once the sex drive is sparked, it becomes the most powerful impulse known to man. Allow that craving to grow, unchecked and out of control, it will eventually consume all your time, money, and energy. It will isolate you from all that’s good, and keep you from being a productive human being.
“A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls.” (Proverbs 25:28 NLT)
Pornography is a very jealous paramour; a possessive and controlling mistress. She demands your total attention and allegiance. She will not allow you to be really intimate with anyone else; not with your spouse, and not with God.
Your innocent little secret owns you.
There’s only one way to break free. Truth.
Expose your secret to your spouse, or a trusted friend if you’re not married. Confess your sin to God and He’ll forgive you. Find someone whom you trust, who knows God and can pray, and start working together to break the addiction to porn.
Flee tempting situations, and run to your God, your spouse, and your friend. Victory is available, because Jesus is Lord over temptation.
But first things first. If you aren’t willing to expose your “lover”, you will never be free. However, once things are revealed, great things can begin to happen.
So, shine the light on your innocent little secret and see what God can do.
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Black History Month – A Catalyst For Unity
I’m ashamed to admit it, but I’ve been known to say things that are insensitive, reveal my ignorance of a particular subject, and are nothing more than stupid. A couple of my “prize” sayings have been regarding February’s Black History Month.
I’m not a racist, but apparently I can be a little slow in figuring some things out.
“Why isn’t there a White History Month?”, was one of the doozies.
“Why is there so much talk about slavery? I’ve never owned anyone; white or black.”
See what I mean?
But I must have been in a smarter, more sensitive to God’s mood when it finally dawned on me; maybe learning another’s history could help bridge any racial barrier that hinders true unity and revival in the Body of Christ.
Unity is essential. For any human body to function properly, each member or part must be in proper relationship with the head AND the other parts. If the head can only communicate with the arm but not the hand, there can be real problems. And if the hand isn’t communicating with the wrist or arm, nothing good will happen; and the will of the head won’t be accomplished.
So it is in the Body of Christ and the individual members.
I’m not talking about the local church right now; I’m referring to the Body of Christ as it pertains to a community, city, and even nation.
God has a family made up of people of all colors. Members of His Body, filled with His Spirit, and hearing His voice.
But in many places, the Body is divided by color. Blacks, whites, Latinos, Asians and others unable or unwilling to communicate with one another.
Yet each group is praying for God to move greatly in our society!
Instead of dissing, or even ignoring Black History Month, I’m going to see what I can learn about my brethren who have darker skin than I. I’m going to learn more about their history, and listen to them speak.
Unity is the catalyst for the outpouring of God’s Spirit. Psalm 133. Communication is a requirement for unity. Dialogue, two or more people conversing WITH one another, is a necessary component of communication.
But before two or more people can have dialogue, someone must first yield to the other, allowing monologue.
For me to be heard, I first have to listen. Afterward, trust can be developed and dialogue can begin to happen and thus pave the way for unity.
Ephesians 4:3 tells us to “endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit…“, which means we have to first HAVE unity before we can KEEP it.
This year, I’m looking at Black History Month differently. I’m expecting to learn more about my precious brothers and sisters.
How about joining me? Let’s celebrate diversity in the Body, and work toward dialogue, communication, and, ultimately, unity.
You may have never owned a slave. You see yourself as a lover of all races. But have you ever listened to someone’s story?
That’s a good place to begin.
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God Is Pro-Choice
Last night, while watching the results come in from the Iowa caucuses, I happened to catch Mrs. Clinton as she gave her non-victory, victory speech.Among other things, she said she would continue to “protect women’s rights”, which is her way of saying “a woman’s right to choose.”
That statement struck me differently than it has in the past. Up until Hillary’s speech, whenever I heard someone speak about the “pro-choice movement” I’d put on my angry face while preparing to defend the unborn. “I’m not anti-abortion”, I’d say. “I’m pro-life!”
But last night was different. I didn’t grab my angry face, didn’t yell any scriptures at the television, nor did I throw the remote control.
I just sat, listening to the former First Lady go on and on, thinking about all the choices she’s been able to make, because she has been given the right to choose.
And guess what? This “right” people talk about isn’t something the government can give or take away. This nation, as well as every nation on earth, has the “right to choose”.
God has given each of us that “right”.
God has given every woman the right to choose what she does with, and to, her body. He’s given every man the same “right”.
God IS Pro-Choice. He ISN’T for a number of our CONSEQUENCES, but He is Pro-Choice.
He gave Adam and Eve the right to choose. He told them exactly what the choices were, but left the decision with them. They, unfortunately, chose wrong.
That was their right, as well.
Cain was told by God to choose wisely, or his anger would get the best of him. He didn’t, and his brother became the first person to be murdered.
God told the children of Israel they had a choice between life and death, blessing and cursing (Deuteronomy 30:19,20). He went so far as to tell them the benefits of choosing life.
But He left the decision with them. It was their God-given right.
Joshua reminded the nation, shortly before he died, of their right to choose.
“And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15 ESV)
As the prophet Elijah stood before the nation of Israel that day on Mount Carmel, he asked them a question.
“How long will you waver between two opinions? If God is God, then serve Him. If not, well, go serve someone else…” (1 Kings 18:21).
He was reminding them they each had the God-given right of choice.
When Jesus came to earth, the Son of God, born of a virgin, He was once again reminding all of mankind of their God-given right to choose. Only this time, He was to be the Choice of all choices. Choosing Him was the same as choosing life, choosing a future and a hope; it was choosing God, just like Joshua and Elijah had talked about.
So it is today.
We are free to choose ANY THING or ANY WAY we want. Our government didn’t give us the right of choice, God did.
And it makes no difference if our government thinks a certain choice is good or evil, our government is NOT the final judge.
There’s a much higher court than the one in Washington, D.C.
I’m not writing this while wearing my angry face, and I’m not fussing about a campaign speech. God loves people on both sides of the aisle.
Each man, woman, and child living on this planet has been given, by God, the right of choice. God IS Pro-Choice!
So go ahead, do whatever you want, in whatever way you want. It’s your right.
It’s your choice.
Just remember one thing. Choices are not without consequences. Your right to choose means you get to choose your consequences. And in some cases, your destiny.
Praise God for giving you the right to choose.
But choose wisely.
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The Great American Giveaway
Do any of you remember the now famous words spoken by a new president in his inaugural speech on January 20, 1961?
The new president was a young democrat by the name of John F. Kennedy.
The phrase? Just this:
“My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.”
What ever happened to that kind of thinking?
We’re just finishing up the first round of the election battle, the Iowa caucuses. With a record turnout, two immediate casualties, and a candidate who declared herself a winner even before all the votes were in (and she was in a virtual tie with her opponent), Iowa voters did their job well, and are now ready for a breather.
But I’m really concerned about the expectations of many of today’s voters. Not the democratic voters or their counterparts, the republicans, but today’s American voters.
What are they expecting from the government?
Has the government become the sugar daddy of society? I hear one person promise free schooling, and another counters with something else. It’s kind of like a back room game of poker; “I see your bet, and I raise you $500.”
“Whatever you want, vote for me and I’ll get it for you.”
Is that what we elect a president for?
I looked up the duties and responsibilities of the President of the United States, according to the US Constitution. Here is a condensed version found at jfklibrary.org.
The President’s Job According to the ConstitutionThe US Constitution contains the only official “job description” for the President of the United States. According to Article II, Sections 2 and 3, the President:
1) Is the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces of the United States, and of each state’s militia when the nation has need of it
2) Has power to obtain information and opinions from heads of the executive departments
3) May grant pardons and reprieves for crimes against the United States
4) Makes treaties with other countries with the approval of the Senate
5) Appoints ambassadors, federal judges and heads of executive departments – all subject to the approval of the Senate; the President also has power to fill any vacancies that may happen while the Senate is in recess
6) Must report to Congress from time to time about the state of the union and recommend whatever measures he thinks are necessary
7) May call members of Congress together on extraordinary occasions, as well as adjourn their meetings when they cannot agree on their own about when to do this
8) Receives foreign ambassadors and other public officials
9) Is responsible for enforcing the nation’s laws
10) Issues commissions to all officers of the United States
Note, there isn’t one word about making sure the people are fat and happy.
Nothing about free lunches.
Not a word about policing the world, either.
If JFK had campaigned in today’s Iowa, I don’t believe he would have gotten as many votes as O’Malley or Gilmore; especially if he’d made the remark about doing something for the country.
Yes, I’m pleased that “my guy” won the republican side of things. But I’m still very much concerned with the focus of so many voters.
It’s why I am not optimistic about the November general election.
In the eyes of many, the role of the president is that of God. “Provide for me, give me what I want, make me comfortable, solve all my problems without it costing me any time, money, or sweat equity.”
We’ve taken the Oval Office and turned it into the throne room of God, and relegated God to some sort of backup quarterback. IF we get into trouble, we’ll look for His number…
I may be wrong; it wouldn’t be the first time. And I sincerely hope I am.
But so far, most of what I’m seeing and hearing isn’t very encouraging.
“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord…” (Psalm 33:12 ESV), and NOT anyone else.
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Unofficial Presidential Poll
Just a day and a fraction before the 2016 Iowa Caucuses get under way. So in keeping with the times, and since everyone and their brother is conducting a poll, I figured I’d do the same.
Only this one’s going to be a little different and, hopefully, a lot more fun.
Yesterday my wife and I spent an hour or so at one of our favorite places to shop. A place which has tons of stuff to look at, and some awesome music to listen to.
The Picker Knows. Antiques, collectibles, and a whole lot more.
So while we were walking around, seeing if there was something we just couldn’t live without, I had this marvelous idea. What better place to find presidential candidates than at an antique shop with a name like “The Picker Knows”?
Since everyone would like to think THEY can pick the next president, why not let The Picker Knows give them some assistance?
Below you will see 15 pictures, all taken at the store. Each one is numbered so you can decide for yourself which would be the best candidate for the nation’s highest office.
Anyway, if you’ll be so kind, would you please write the number for whichever candidate you like best in the comment section? And, to make it even more fun, write the candidate’s name next to the number. If you’re on a roll, include why you feel the picture best represents your candidate.
For example: I like number two. Ben Carson. Friendly and nice, just like Woody.
And if you’re ever in the neighborhood, make sure you stop and visit the fine folks at The Picker Knows.
(For more information, please click – The Picker Knows)
Here we go:
The Unofficial Iowa PreCaucus Poll
One
Two
Three 
Four 
Five 
Six 
Seven
Eight 
Nine 
Ten 
Eleven
Twelve 
Thirteen 
Fourteen 
Fifteen Thank you for helping me with this poll. I hope you realize though this is a fun way to think of politics, choosing our next president is serious business.
Please continue to pray for this great nation. May we truly be one nation under God, with liberty and justice for all.
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Where Are The Hardy Boys?
Remember back when Frank and Joe Hardy were the only super sleuths our country needed?
Two teenaged boys, along with some of their friends, could outwit any criminal three or four times their age.
Criminals came in all shapes and sizes, and were as diverse as the day is long. Jewel thieves, smugglers, counterfeiters, robbers, international spies, treasure hunters, pirates, and kidnappers were just some of the mysterious criminals outwitted by the young heroes.
I could lose track of time so easily, following the boys as they traversed up and down the eastern seaboard; from Bayport to New York City, and then all the way down to the Carolinas.
Where are they when you need them?
Where are the young men who not only are well trained in crime solving, but know how to respect their elders AND can entertain young ladies without trying to coax them into bed?
And where are the Fenton and Laura Hardys, parents of our illustrious teenage investigators, who had the patience and grit to train their sons in more areas than just deciding which football team to root for?
Things like respecting authority, telling the truth, attending church, and the value of close friends. Some of their best friends, Chet, Biff, Iola, Callie, and Tony were always around when the going got tough. Although Chet complained about having to miss a meal while pursuing a bad guy, he could always be counted on when the time came.
Frank and Joe, as well as their friends, even though they were young adults, never once used “adult language”, even if the occasion seemed to call for it. Even if they were trapped in an abandoned mine, locked in a tower, hidden behind secret panels, or tied up on a motorboat about to explode, cool heads prevailed.
Not even so much as a “Darn” ever crossed the lips of America’s Teen Detectives.
They were God fearing, patriotic, fun loving teens who risked their lives over and over as they fought for truth and justice.
Without a single firearm.So where are the Hardy Boys when we need them? Where are their parents? Don’t you know this world, and yes, this country, sure could benefit from people like the Hardys?
You know, in spite of all the problems facing this world, I believe there is a way things can be turned around so we’re heading in the right direction.
No, I’m not planning on nominating one of the Hardy Boys for president. Though it would be nice if someone of like character was elected this November.
I’m talking about young men learning how to be real men, men of integrity and godly character, by watching their fathers, uncles, grandfathers, teachers and mentors.
The scripture in Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it”(ESV), isn’t only referring to spiritual training.
Men and women, we have our work cut out for us. But if we begin now we just might make it.
Where are the Hardy Boys when we need them?
They’re all around us, just waiting for someone to show some interest in them. Boys, young men, just waiting to be given the opportunity to be all God created them to be.
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We Must Have The Truth
Yesterday, as I turned on my iPhone, I got a CNN notification which read something like this: “Oregon standoff leader Ammon Bundy and others arrested, and one person killed in gun battle.”
So, naturally, I tapped the link and read the articles.
And others. And yet, more articles. Some by Fox News; you know, the “We report, you decide” people.
Then, I went to the Bundy Ranch Facebook Page. Maybe I’m too naive, but there I found a completely different story.
What am I to believe? And is it important for me to know the real truth? If so, why?
What does it matter to the rest of the nation what goes on in the little Oregon town of John Day? I mean, really. With a population of less than 2,000, why would anyone care?
And why should anyone care about the struggles of the Bundy family, the Hammonds, or even Robert “LaVoy” Finicum, the man who was killed in the alleged gun battle?
Maybe for one reason.
Truth.
Truth. What REALLY happened?
Why is truth so important?
Because truth is the foundation of any relationship. Relationships require trust, and trust must have truth.
Among the many things which have been changing over the past 20-30 years, or should I say decaying over time, the most important one is trust.
People don’t trust the government. A LOT of people don’t trust the government. Why? Because they don’t believe the government is telling them the truth.
Pick a subject.
Now mind you, I am NOT one of your conspiracy nuts, believing the United States Government was behind the JFK assassination, or the bombing of the Federal Building in Oklahoma City. I don’t think Bush was behind the 9/11 attacks either.
But I’ve seen and heard enough to make me wonder, “What’s really going on behind closed doors?”
Do you remember Ruby Ridge? How about Waco, Texas?
And, even more recently, the Fast and Furious gun running debacle. Oh, and I heard drug kingpin El Chapo, after he was recaptured just the other day, had one of the Fast and Furious 50 caliber rifles at his hideout.
Maybe it’s true, maybe not.
But it only serves to reinforce my question, “What is the truth?”
Is it too much to ask? Maybe we can’t handle the truth. If that’s the case, maybe the government of the people, by the people, and for the people needs more than just a new leader.
Maybe it needs a major overhaul.
So, please, whoever reads this post, if you have anything to do with any level of government: federal, state, or local, would you please do just one thing?
It could be the beginning of a nationwide revival, if you would.
Would you please just simply tell the truth? Who knows, the American people may eventually begin to believe you.
(For a pretty detailed account of the Oregon occupation, check out this link)
Oregon Militia
I “think” it’s okay.
Jan Grace
adding God's Word into my world…
