"Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has plenty; not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some." – Charles Dickens

Good morning, and welcome to this brand-new day, Tuesday, July 21, 2026. I mentioned before the great honor and privilege I had on July 11th of officiating the wedding of our granddaughter Kyleigh to her new husband, Taylor. The photo shows Kyleigh helping direct my signing of their marriage certificate. It was a memorable event and one that my wife and I will treasure as a blessing from the Lord. I was able to conduct that service because God enabled me to do so. He deserves to be recognized for the way He provides for each of us. In the book of Job, Chapter 34, we have the words preserved of a young man, Elihu, who essentially stood up for God as he confronted Job and his three friends. Essentially, he was concerned that in all the dialogue forth and back, God's honor and glory were not being preserved. Elihu challenged any intrusion into words that challenged God's character. He said this about the power of God: "God could decide to remove life from the world. He could take back his spirit and his breath. If he did that, everyone that is alive would die. As humans, we would become dirt again." (Job 34:14-15) This, I believe, is where we get the sense of the fear of the Lord. We worship an Awesome God. I cringe sometimes at how the word 'awesome' is thrown around and attached to every kind of thing or action. I say it again, we serve and worship an Awesome God. That ice cream may have been good, but there is no way it should be described as 'awesome'. I know. Some would call me legalistic or petty. That's okay. Take it as my opinion. As they say, if everything is awesome, then it follows that nothing can be distinguished as being truly awesome. This leads me to remind us all to do what the song says, 'Count Your Blessings'. 

 

Count Your Blessings

 

The classic sacred hymn "Count Your Blessings" was written in 1897 by American Methodist minister and insurance salesman Johnson Oatman, Jr. The uplifting musical tune was composed later that year by Edwin O. Excell.

 

1 When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Refrain:
Count your blessings, name them one by one;
Count your blessings, see what God hath done;
Count your blessings, name them one by one;
Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.

2 Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, ev'ry doubt will fly,
And you will be singing as the days go by. [Refrain]

3 When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings, money cannot buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high. [Refrain]

4 So, amid the conflict, whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey's end. [Refrain]

Baptist Hymnal, 1991

 

I may be over the hill by many estimations, but I'm still learning, and one of the things I am working on is the sentiment found in that song: stop, consider, and thank God for His provisions and His blessings. I will be working on trying to realize what all these instructions from the Apostle Paul mean until I draw my last breath: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, the Amplified Bible (AMP) reads: "Rejoice always and delight in your faith; be unceasing and persistent in prayer; in every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus." That's my assignment for today, tomorrow, and the rest of my life. What about you? Take care now, you hear? Amen.

"I'm a conundrum. Or an enigma. I forget which." ~ James A. Owen, An American comic book illustrator, publisher and writer

We made it to Monday, so give yourself a pat on the back, but in doing so, I advise you to be careful, especially if you are in my age group. Patting myself on the back might just send me back to the starting line for my physical therapy sessions. Hello and welcome. Today is Monday, July 20, 2026, and I am still basking in the wonderful day we had in our gathering together at our local fellowship of believers yesterday, Sunday, that day which is the first day of the week. Most people have always been somewhat bent out of shape about Monday. Why? Typically, it's back to work or back to school. However, when it comes to days of the week, we've had the first day of the week already; it was yesterday, Sunday. Okay. I am old now, so I can hand down something I learned over the years. If you recognize Sunday for what it is, that being the Lord's Day because it is Resurrection Day, and, it is the day local assemblies (Churches) met as recorded in the New Testament, therefore, if you give that day to the Lord and if you spend time with other believers seeking God, worshiping Him, and learning more about Him, well, your Mondays will not be a dreary dreaded drag. In other words, your attitude feeds your altitude, and when your attitude is fueled and refreshed by Holy Spirit God, you will have a different perspective, yes, even about getting up and going on a Monday morning. Amen.

 

I didn't show up to send out a sermon, but I will be honest here: when I sit down to write, I typically write what comes into my pea-sized brain. I do not claim inspiration because most of what I write about comes from perspiration. Just joking. You know. I was looking for something other than inspiration since my stuff is pretty much homegrown by that notorious committee I have to deal with each day, Me, Myself, and I. Sometimes I climb the stairs up to my office here at the ole blogger ranch with something burning in my mind so much so I can hardly wait to hear those keys clacking. There are times when I feel that way at some time during the week, but by the time I get to it, I no longer remember that great idea. And there are others, like today, when what I see on the page is the first time I've seen it too! Wow! I, at times, am the first to ask the question: I wonder where that came from? Even as I sit in the chair right now, I had several clarifications to share about stuff I wrote earlier because I obsess over never wanting to misinform or mislead in what shows up on the electronic page. I do. I really do. But, alas, those clarifications often find themselves in the file marked "Never to be heard from again," and I have to just move on down the road. I heard that comment. "Why don't you do what you used to tell your mom to do? When you want to remember something, jot it down." Ouch. That is, by the way, a great idea, and it's time for me to begin to follow my own advice. Thanks for sharing. Y'all have a good day as provided by the Lord, and be sure to give Him thanks for it, and I will do my best to do the same. Amen.

Socrates: "Beware the barrenness of a busy life."

Another week of flailing and thrashing in getting my blogs sent here, there, and, to the regions beyond. I am glad you have joined today's edition here at the ole blogger ranch. This one comes to you live and in person, (or at least I was alive when I wrote it, ha!), on this day, Friday, July 17, 2026. It has been a very busy week here, how about where you are? Being busy can be a trap. There are studies out there that try to analyze the impact of busyness. There's the Principle of Busyness, The Cult of Busyness, and, The Anatomy of Busyness, and these attempt to look into how being busy doesn't always end up with effective results. Having been in the public workplace for nearly 60 years and many of those spent in supervisory positions, I can attest to how being busy often leads to more busyness instead of producing results that make a difference in the success of the project or endeavor being pursued. I remember well, working as a hired consultant, having the opportunity to do a comprehensive evaluation of a major aplication project underway in the company's information technology department. Work had been going on for years and there was much activity. Much. A lot. Some of it was frenetic and moving fast enough to be almost like a blur. Sadly, all these efforts were just that: Efforts that produced a lot of busyness but with almost zero results towards the stated target. It became my job to document what I found and report back to upper management how some 10 to 12 million dollars had been spent keeping a whole lot of folks busy but the work products produced were not able to accomplish the project goal. See what I mean? It can happen to any of us. Me. You. Anyone. We can confuse being busy with effectiveness and results. It's the bridge to nowhere syndrome, and, I kind of feel that way this week, however, I am thinking about thinking about how I might do better next week. Ha!

 

I well remember times when I knew exactly where I was going. I had the picture of it in my mind. I did not need to verify or check out the destination in any way whatsoever. I knew where I was going. I made it to where I knew where I was going. It was not the right place. I was busy. I worked hard, but, that did not get me to the right place. Okay. That actually happened. It did. It really did. More than once. I didn't say I was proud of it but it does add illustration to what I was trying to convey about busyness. By the way, this is a consideration in our spiritual life as well. For a number of years I conducted ministry effectiveness planning meetings in a variety of churches. It was very straight forward. What are we attempting to accomplish? And, how well are we doing towards that goal? You would not believe some of what happened in those sessions. You wouldn't. I never had to break up a fist fight but the atmosphere became somewhat heated at times. Why? The work and ministry of a local church is a priority for those who are members. Their efforts should be guided by truth but they should also be focused towards seeing men, women, boys, and, girls come to know Christ and then to grow into mature workers for the Lord. We were able in many instances to get past the pettiness and establish realistic and noteworthy goals in ministry activities. Okay. I am tired now from sharing all of this, but, being intentional counts and being effective in our serving of the Lord also counts. For time and eternity. And, that, my friend, is a long, long time. Amen. 

"Dogs come into our lives to teach us about love, they depart to teach us about loss. A new dog never replaces an old dog. It merely expands the heart." — Unknown

Happy Thursday, July 16, 2026, and, I am just back from taking Lil Miss Biscuit for her annual visit to the veterinarian. She, just like her predecessor, Sir Bentley Barksalot Esq., they both would prefer not to go. They also, even though it's only once a year, begin to get all shaking like they are having a chill as we get closer to the vet location. The people at our clinic love animals and they really have nothing to fear but that doesn't keep them from getting all nervous and hyper. Maybe I should go the long way around and see if she recognizes where we are headed. I know. She's a pup so what's the big deal? Since I am a recently converted dog lover I likely don''t have standing to answer that question but here's the deal: It bothers me when she is bothered. Okay. I said it. I hope that makes someone happy. All of this dog loving stuff is fairly new to me, within the last ten years. After we lost our Bentley I made it clear I never wanted to have another pet, period. Then one day our son Jimmy showed me a litter of pups on Facebook from a lady he knew back in high school, the pups were for sale. But, I didn't want a pet. Which one do you like, he said. They are only three weeks old and since the mother to the pups can't nurse, you could feed her as well as they can. Really? Next thing I knew we were in the ole truck headed into the outskirts of Houston to look at these new born pups. I think there were five or six but I can't even remember why I was drawn to Biscuit but the short story goes like this: She came home with us. And, that's how my proclamation to never have another dog got altered. Now I find myself having to plead guilty to my contributions in allowing Lil Miss Biscuit to never realize she is a dog. To her, like Bentley, this is her domain and we are privileged to enjoy her company and serve her interests. I know. The truth hurts, but, that's the way we roll these days. 

 

In preparing for teaching the final lesson from the writing of Joshua, one thing really sticks out. Joshua wanted all of those in his nation, Israel, to know without any doubt whatsoever, that it was God who had won the battles they had fought. God prepared their way. God was there to deal directly with their enemies. This means, God rightly should receive the glory for what Israel accomplished in conquering the foes they encountered in the Promised Land. The reason that hit me is because it is something we all need to consider. We live in so much of a mutual admiration society where people are often praised way beyond their earned recognition. It can happen in Church too. We often applaud the performance when the presentation was, I hope, intended to point us to our Great God and He deserves the applause and the praise. Think about it. Children are now raised with recognitions of every sort imaginable. No matter what the field of endeavor there typically are commendations and trophies galore. It begins with toddlers and goes on and on and on. I've witnessed it time and time again. In my own family. I just think it gives us all something to think about. God. He provided all that we have including the next breath and heartbeat. I remember one time I became sick and tired of so many people telling me how lucky I was or how I seem to always be in the right place at the right time. What about me? What about how hard I worked? I thought to myself I need some recognition around here, it's not luck. And, it wasn't. It was the hand of God that helped me and I almost collapsed in my chair at work when I entertained the thought of how big I was. We must never rob God of His glory, period, end of story, from the get-go to the end. Food for thought. And, it may be tough but it's worth the chew. Amen.                                                                                                  

"What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas… perhaps… means a little bit more!" — Dr. Seuss

Here's how it goes around my house: "Everyone is getting rain except for us, it seems to be going around us every time we have some hope." Two days later: "I am so thankful for the rain but if you ask me it could quit anytime now, it could, it really could." Does that sound familiar to you? It shows forth the fickle nature we all possess. Sorry. It does. It really does. The so-called human nature. Right. Well, I didn't show up to talk about that on this Wednesday, July 15, 2026. In fact, I showed up to bring up one of my most favorite subjects, Christmastime. Too early? Not on your life! This evening at our regular rehearsal, the Mims Choir will be breaking out the Christmas music for the planned spectacular program coming up in December. Too early? For fast learners, maybe, but, for people like me, I need all the time I can get. I do. I really do. Our pastor often talks about knowing not only what is your lane but more importantly, knowing how to stay in your own lane, well, for me, my choir lane is marked slow and pianissimo which where I come from means, keep your mouth pretty much shut, you hear? Just joking. But, only a little. Just so you know, this evening Mrs. Claus and I will be reprising the look in the photo above as we attend choir practice. It should be fun. If you know the tune to this one, feel free to sing it while reading my blog. Likely, no one will see or hear you and I will not tell anyone you were singing it. Okay?

Christmas Time Is Coming

Snowflakes falling my old home is calling
Tall pines are humming Christmas time is coming.

Can’t you hear them bells ringin’ ringin’ joy to all here them singin’
Let it snow and I’ll be going back to my country home
Christmas times a’ coming Christmas times a’ coming
Christmas times a’ coming and I know I’m going home.

Holly’s in the window home where the wind blows
Can’t walk for running Christmas time is coming.

Home fires burning my heart’s yearning
For the folks at home when Christmas time is coming.

 

That song is an old Bluegrass standard and if you don't remember the tune here's how you fix it. You can look it up on YouTube and listen to many artists performing it, or, you can do what I often do, make up your own tune. I very often sing my prayers to the Lord and I use all kinds of tunes, some known to be out of tune, but, it's always the heart that counts and God hears our hearts. He does. He really does. He hears our hearts even when no words can be found or can come out. It may be hard to believe but I am getting invitations for Mrs. Claus and I to appear at events coming up this next November and December. Already. Here is an excerpt from a recent request, from a venue we've appeared at every year since we started 16 years ago: "We've always appreciated the joy you both bring to our guests and the care you put into making the experience so special. It's been a pleasure partnering with you, and we're grateful for your continued support of our mission to give back to the community." Lord willing and I mean that seriously, not as a throw down but as a reality, Lord willing, and we are able we at this time are planning our 17th season. Our goal has always been to bring joy wherever we show up. They tell us this year's choir Christmas music will be challenging. I can't help but laugh because for those of us in the slow lane we have more or less mastered singing perfectly wherever there is a rest and for the challenging stuff we are expert at being ever so pianissimo. Ha! Ho, Ho, Ho, and May God add His blessings. Amen.

"For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God." – 1 Peter 3:18

Just back from our men's Tuesday Bible study up at Mims Church in Conroe. Blinding rainstorm getting there, and, while it was a wee bit lighter coming back, it was bumper to bumper with a lot of slipping and sliding, but praise God I'm here and able to say hello again. Not to worry, it's just me, and, I have come calling on this, Tuesday July 14, 2026, to send you a hearty welcome and a prayer for your well being. I always re-read my blogs and I noticed I left something really important out of yesterday's visit. At the end of our service on Sunday we celebrated communion, or, as we call it, The Lord's Supper. In our practice, we observe this ordinance in remembrance of Him, the Lord Jesus Christ, our Savior. We consider ourselves and how unworthy we are but He made us worthy through His broken body and the giving of His blood. That's why we take the symbolic bread and fruit of the vine, juice, representing His body and blood. Some say we have a bloody religion. Some denominations have attempted to tone down any mention of His blood and some actually have deleted references to the blood of Jesus. We haven't and Lord willing we never will! Amen? "What can wash away my sins, nothing but the blood of Jesus; What can make we whole again, nothing but the blood of Jesus." I may not have punctuated that song as the original writer but I was quoting it off the top of my head. How about this one? "There is power, power, Wonder working power In the blood of the Lamb; There is power, power, Wonder working power In the precious Blood of the Lamb." That observance capped off a wonderful day and it illustrates how we can experience the working of Holy Spirit God in our lives as we gather together as the body of Christ. I know. A lot of that sounds like inside baseball since we do know the lingo, however, we are welcoming to any and all who show up and we feel privileged to share the truth from God's Word in all our gatherings. We do. We really do. 

 

I am studying for my physical therapy test scheduled for tomorrow morning. That's a joke. I already feel like I've been pulled through a rat hole backwards. What more do they want? My grandfather, Paw Paw Mac, used to say that one and I have been called on to explain it, but, if you can't get it, well, just move on down the road. It's like the kids today when they are sending notes to each other they use this symbolic representation 'IYKYK'. Okay. I will decipher that one for you: If you know, you know. While I may not be able to explain the details of what it means to be pulled through a rat hole backwards, I promise you, I know exactly how it feels. I do. I really do. I thought I would try that out on you before I use it with my physical therapist tomorrow, Lord willing. Our smart friends over at the Artificial Intelligence function on Google gave me this insight: "You are likely referring to the 1800's idiom "dragged, (or pulled), through a knothole backwards." Good for them. I like Paw Paw Mac's better. What say you? That A.I. article did go on to say that some people substitute 'rat hole' instead of 'knothole'. And, that's the way we roll folks, all the way from our grandfather, a legendary, simple but God loving man who could be very direct when trying to help us, but, we all, all his progeny, mourned him as we so respected his character and his testimony for his Lord. He was a larger than life figure in my life and I am reminded of him often as I continue my journey here. While we like to say he left us way too soon, at age 71, think about it, God gave him an early call home because he had finished his course. I came up with that a number of years ago and that's my story and I'm sticking to it. Y'all, and yes, that means you too, get out there and have yourself a blessed day. Okay? Good. Amen.

"I have heard of some good old woman in a cottage, who had nothing but a piece of bread and a little water, and lifting up her hands, she said, as a blessing, What! all this, and Christ too?" ~ Charles Spurgeon

Welcome one and all. I am so happy to be able to greet you this morning, on this, Monday, July 13, 2026. My oh my, what a last few days! Last Friday we traveled down into the heart of mid-town Houston and the traffic was still busy as we were attending my granddaughter's wedding rehearsal. Thank God and GPS for getting us there on time. We turned around and did the same thing on Saturday evening. The GPS carried us into the location a completely different way and it exited us a different way as well. I was trying to think back when I came into Houston for a job interview back in October of 1969, I am almost certain I found the building I was looking for using a fold-up paper map. That was my first visit to a city as large as Houston and because of that, a number of embarrassing things happened to me that day and I will not dredge them up so that I can be embarrassed again. Needless to say, the fish out of water, the square peg looking for the round hole, the odd man out, and, other kinds of idioms, I fulfilled them all. That first visit was life changing because it ended up with a job offer that brought me and my family to the Houston area and we have made our lives here ever since. Given my map reading ability and the fact I didn't get past the tender foot badge in boy scouts, I could have easily ended up in Houston, Mississippi or Houston, Missouri, perhaps, Houston, Minnesota, and maybe I would have caught the notion I was on the wrong road if I found out I was headed for Houston, Alaska. And as they say, a lot of water has run under a lot of bridges in these past 57 years. Plenty of highlights and sadly, plenty of low ones as well, however, getting to officiate our granddaughter's wedding, our Kyleigh, or as we used to call her, Ky-Ky, it certainly is a memorable highlight I will always treasure. 

 

Yesterday, we also enjoyed a great time of fellowship, sharing, hearing God's Word taught and preached at our local gathering place at Mims Baptist, Conroe, just north of The Woodlands area where we live. I say just north but on some weekday travels there the traffic is bumper to bumper and there have been times when it took us one hour to get to prayer meeting or choir practice. Yep, eleven miles, folks, and, having worked in downtown Houston for nearly 25 years, well, on those long commute days it does bring back some memories. The old saying has proved itself time and time again: The more things change it is the more they stay the same. We enjoyed a great Bible study from the writing of Joshua where our teacher did a drill down on one of the great characters found in God's Word, Caleb. The passage we studied was how Caleb at age 85 proclaimed his fitness to get the mountain he was promised by Moses. He stated he had not lost any of his vigor since beginning his long journey to the promised land. Now, as I approach the 80th year of my sojourn with all of my aches and pains, my many doctors, my wonderful physical therapist, and a dozen prescriptions, to say I am impressed with Caleb is an understatement. He not only said he could do it, he did it folks! He did. He really did. (Joshua chapter 14) We then sang in choir and heard a great sermon from the first letter the Apostle Paul was inspired to write to the called out local assembly, church, meeting in Thessalonica, Greece. It was about our future as believers. It was about how our Lord is coming back and He is coming for us, dead or alive. Our pastor, the Dr. Bro. Jerry Chaddick, well, he knows how to shuck the corn, and, he laid it out for all to see. (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18) We returned home, ate a homemade tuna sandwich, played with Lil Miss Biscuit, and, then, I fell asleep. A good nap of nearly 3 hours. Wow! I end today's visit by reminding us all that our God is good. He is folks. He really is. Amen.

Genesis 2:24 ~ Legacy Standard Bible ~ "Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother, and cleave to his wife; and they shall become one flesh."

Our granddaughter Kyleigh and her fiance Taylor.

Good morning and welcome. Today is Friday, July 10, 2026, and, I am getting ready to do something I've never done before. Life is about new experiences. Right? Well, this evening the wife and I will be going to the rehearsal run through for a wedding tomorrow evening. A couple of years ago I obtained my registration giving me the right to perform weddings. I did that because my brother-in-law's goddaughter was getting married and they asked me to officiate her wedding. But, tonight's run through is different because it is for our granddaughter Kyleigh. I feel honored to have been asked to officiate this wedding, but, it is also an emotional time as we have loved on this girl for so many years, hopefully, I can keep it all together. When my brother-in-law asked me to officiate his daughter's wedding he said he knew I had spoken at a number of funeral services, filled in several times in different pulpits, as well as other events, why not weddings? Why not indeed. I did know about a number of professional Santa's who have added Christmas weddings to their portfolio of services. I've not done that one yet, however, I am a wee bit surprised our Kyleigh didn't go with a Christmas motif because this girl dearly loves everything about Christmas including the fact that her Poppy is the Real Santa Claus. Ha!

 

That's our Kyleigh standing next to Mrs. Claus and her sister Lexie by me. (Our Granddaughters!)

I do appreciate all the reader comments I get. I do. I really do. Most of it has been very positive, however, over the years, I've even gotten some pretty serious criticisms from different folks who landed on one of my blogs. Many of these came from outside the United States, and, while, I actually felt bad because they were upset with my expressed thoughts, I fully supported their right to their opinion. Just for the record, I chose not to engage in arguments because that's not what my blog is about. I have, on occasion, gone forth and back regarding specific questions about my understanding of The Gospel, because at the end of the day, that, my friend, is what makes a difference for time and eternity. It does. It really does. I will with God's help do my best to conduct this wedding for Kyleigh and Taylor in a way that supports them and honors God. However, one thing I have learned in my sojourn thus far, you just never know how things might develop, you don't, you  really don't. Get ready, be ready, and let God. Amen.

"Fast walkers in their 80s cut their risk of cognitive decline by half, a study finds...." ~ Sourced from a story on the NPR website

Well hello there, my, it's seems like it's been a long time, or something like that. That particular thought relates to the hit song written by Willie Nelson, 'Hello Walls', and it came out in 1961 when Faron Young sang it to a number one position on the charts. Today, however, is the only one we can deal with at the moment, this one happens to identify itself as Thursday, July 9, 2026. I'm still engaged in the exercises overseen by my physical therapist. She introduced a new one yesterday, and, she asked how I felt when I finished my one hour of therapy. I did not ask her to ask but she did. (I'm not sure she knows my philosophy about 'I report, you decide'.)  I told her she had achieved a new threshold. That being how my good left hip is hurting as bad as the bad right hip. She laughed and said it didn't surprise her and the soreness should be gone in 24 hours. I told her I already knew she was going to say that. I did. I really did. I asked why she thought I was getting so many leg cramps mostly during the nighttime hours. She said to drink more water, and then she added  this jewel: "You have to remember sir, you are waking up muscle groups that have been sleeping for a long time." That caused me to upgrade her nickname form Madam Diabolical to this new one, Madam Maniacal. Please don't write me. I am only having a little fun. This very young woman is actually helping me. I think I see the light at the end of the tunnel and I am hoping against hope that it's not a train. I have been looking at exercise bikes, but, I haven't ordered anything yet because I do know how in many instances they soon become dust catchers. We already have plenty of dust catchers. Right Vern? Right. I may give her a hard time, but, I am thankful for her being committed for the long game, pretty much equal to the total number of sessions my insurance will cover. Don't shake your head, we all know while it is there to help people, it is, first, last, and always, a business. Now you know why they put up with  people like me. Ha!

 

We did get a little bit of a downpour yesterday and it was both needed and appreciated. I saw early this morning how the highest temp on this date was 105 back in 1980 and the lowest recorded was 64 back in 1905. The local news people were also talking about how the Sahara dust intrusion has some positive influence in helping tropical systems not to develop. Who knew? Well, I know Who does know. Right? Yeah, our God knows all about it, He does, He really does. That passage about the sparrow comes to my mind quite often. Jesus speaking:  Matthew 10:29-31 ~ New Living Translation ~ "What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows." Sparrows were sold in the marketplace in the first century as a food source for those who could not afford something better. Generally speaking, the sparrows were viewed as being extremely insignificant in the eyes of most people, however, Jesus demonstrated God's knowing and caring heart in this illustration. Can I explain how it is possible for God to know these precise details about everything, all the time, all at the same time? Let me use a very theological response here: NOPE! By faith, I believe He does know. He does. He really does. That includes you. That includes me. As a believer, that gives me encouragement and confidence that I am known by God and He cares. Think on that one some and have a blessed rest of the day. Amen.

"Anyone who stops learning is old, whether this happens at 20 or at 80. Anyone who keeps on learning not only remains young, but becomes constantly more valuable, regardless of physical capacity." ~ Henry Ford, 1929

Happy Wednesday folks, this one comes to us identified as July 8, 2026. Many of you are aware that I am creeping up on an auspicious occasion, Lord providing, and, that would be my 80th birthday scheduled for this coming August. This upcoming event does give me some pause as I consider the more than 4,170 weeks along with the nearly 3 billion heartbeats in my breathing air on the planet. When the Apostle Paul came to the end of his time, he had this to say about the life he had lived: "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me at that day: and not to me only, but to all them also that love his appearing." (As rendered in the Webster Translation of 2 Timothy 4:7-8) I don't really see myself fitting my time into the testimony of Paul, but, I do know this: What God thinks about our time here pretty much defines what we've been able to accomplish, period. Jesus said the greatest standard to measure our lives is in this way: "‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." (Matthew 22:37-40 from the NIV) I do know because of my salvation I will not stand at the White Throne Judgment, (Revelation 20:11-15), where those who have rejected God and His Son will be cast into hell, however, I will stand before the Lord Jesus Christ at what is called the Judgment Seat of Christ and it is there my works as a believer will be examined. (Romans 14:10–12, 1 Corinthians 3:10–15, and 2 Corinthians 5:9–10) Those are some sobering truths. The good news along with the best news is how God so loved He chose to provide a way of salvation for us. I am thankful for that and very ashamed of how many times I have failed Him. The point is this: Make the most important things in life as given to us by God the most important things in life. Mine and yours. More on this later as that day approaches. You with me? Good!

 

Do not get the idea I am practicing to become more and more morbid as I age. Actually, as God provides, I feel like I might have another 20 years to hang around, but, longevity in and of itself is not a great goal. Our lives should count for time and eternity. The only way to do that whether you are young or old is to get yourself aligned with God's will and purpose. Grandma Moses, the recognized brilliant painter, didn't pick up a brush until she was 76. She, by the way, was a devoted Christ follower. She lived to be 101 and she was able to experience her paintings being viewed in museums all over the world. That is a remarkable story. Don't you think so? Maybe I will, here in my office, throw some paint against the wall and call it art. You know. Like the monkeys you see on YouTube. I should think some about that one because others nearby may not think that to be a good outlet for me. I know you know what I mean. I often have prayed to have more resources so I can be of more help to others, but, in response, I've felt a good dose of conviction from Above asking me what I am doing with what I already have. Yikes. Then, I feel like I may have forgotten to say may I and it's time to start over. I was on the steps going into the choir loft at our Church many years ago and the fellow next to me said, "I know we have a great financial burden regarding our Church, so, I've been praying the Lord would allow me to win the lottery so I can take care of it." We were up against each other and this little knee jerk response came out of my pea brain, "God doesn't really care about what you would do if you won the lottery, He wants you to be faithful with what He has given to you." I actually said that. I did. I really did. I remember it well. Looks like it may be time for me to embrace the 'physician heal thyself' concept. See what I mean? Being me. I wouldn't wish it on anyone. Pray for me. In fact, let's pray one for another. Just do it! Amen.

"National pride and the belief in the American Dream remain remarkably resilient. Recent data from the Archbridge Institute indicates that roughly 73% of Americans are proud to be citizens. Around 80% agree you can be patriotic regardless of your political or religious beliefs, and roughly the same share feels they have the same or more opportunities than their parents." ~ copied from an article found on whyomingnewsnow.tv

I am glad to report that I am in pretty good shape, for the shape I am in. Thanks so much for asking. Today is a great day to thank God for His blessings. It is. It really is. The children sing out this sentiment: Rise and shine and give God the glory, and, if, you haven't done that, well, today, this Tuesday, July 7, 2026, is a good place to start. It is. It really is. Here's my observation from watching excerpts from 4th of July celebrations all across our nation: Patriotism is not dead in the United States of America, and, I, for one, hope it hangs around for as long as God allows us to be one nation, under His guidance. To me, this was a spectacular showing of the heart of our people. From sea to shining sea, folks turned out to celebrate this nation, and it being founded on the principle of our God given freedom. This is not to say we don't have huge issues, many troubles, and great difficulties that challenge our ability to function, however, with all of these, we, the American people still love our country, love our flag, and, we are willing to pay homage to the God who gave us the liberty and those who have sacrificed to keep us going. We have so many haters who only want to see the bad and they pontificate about it day and night. They, no doubt hated these celebrations of what it means to embrace the American spirit. Why? They are rooting for our nation to fail because their existence depends on the bad, while, most Americans acknowledge our problems, we still love the home of the brave and the land of the free. These celebrations were a slap in the face of those who only sell negativism as the outcome of their hatred. I felt that surge of love for my country, I had that lump in my throat as I considered all those who have paid the price for our freedoms, yeah, old fashioned patriotism. It's still an inherent part of who we are. And, I say, thank God that it is. What say you? 

 

Last Saturday, the wife and I, it being the 4th of July, we ventured out to a movie theater to see the new film, 'Young Washington'. This movie attempts to show some of the situations that helped shape the larger than life character of what many call the Father of our Nation, George Washington. I did some fact checking on the movie itself and my take is this: Close Enough. In portraying a biographical movie its next to impossible for the legendary image not to show up in the depiction. However, it got hold of me. It was emotional. My wife asked why I reacted that way. Back in the day, I was better at remembering a lot of what I had stored in my memory banks, like American history. I loved it. I lived it, and Washington was a huge part of the information I had retained, therefore, seeing some of the scenes in that movie, it reminded me of God's providence working through individuals to found our nation. George Washington was a huge believer in God providentially working to preserve him in battle after battle, for a purpose. He was that kind of believer. Go check it out. He was. The battles he faced in his young life, well, they involved God's intervention since he did have bullet holes in his hat and coat, on more than one occasion. The mainstream critics thought the stories in the movie were sanitized because the movie is being marketed to a Christian audience. I'll take that any day over the trash they like where our heroes are degraded as a way of story telling. Washington was not perfect. He had his challenges just like every other person who has ever breathed air on the planet, however, he was aware that God chartered his destiny and he went with that belief. We are blessed as a result. We are. We really are. Amen.

"If you have a stomach ache, in France you get a suppository, in Germany a health spa, in the United States they cut your stomach open, and in Britain they put you on a waiting list." — Michael Mosley

Yeah, I know. Many are still off on the July 4th Holiday, but, for us retirees, well, everyday is a kind of holiday, and, hopefully, we are thankful to God for His provision every day, this one being, Monday, July 6, 2026. Life is a series of experiences. Right? Duh! The other day we traveled into the metropolis for the specialist's specialist appointment for the wife. Back in the mid 1960's I worked for the VA Hospital in Alexandria, Louisiana. When the wife needed the car I would catch a ride to work with Ward and Vivian Hooter. They greatly lived up to their name because, in essence, they were a hoot. I rode in the backseat of their little car and they mumbled, grumbled, and threw accusatory thoughts and ideas forth and back for the entire journey. It was as good as Burns and Allen or perhaps Fibber McGee and Molly. (If you don't recognize those characters, do what I do, look them up.) At any rate, riding with them was a blast. Well, the other day the wife and I, perhaps without even realizing it, we reprised their routines and became our version of The Bickersons. (Look them up too.) The wife said my driving actually scared her to death, however, she was still breathing when we finally made it to our destination. If I'm not mistaken, a time or two she drew up into the fetal position trying to brace herself, you know, like the crash dummy. It was an interesting ride and even though I laughed about it, often, she didn't seem to connect to the punch lines. Oh well. We did make it. By the grace of God and Google Maps. The staff there at the thoracic surgical center for Baylor School of Medicine, they were exceptionally nice. The specialist's specialist was running late. He sent in a place holder, one of his physician assistants, and, we went through all the diagrams of the esophagus, stomach, and other vital issues at hand. Finally, one hour late, the man of the hour appeared and drew a lot of stuff on a piece of paper and gave a very confident assurance that he, the specialist's specialist, could do a surgical procedure and help her with her digestive and reflux related issues. He was very convincing, therefore, we have a mid August date set up for her surgery. 

 

It's been a while since I was in that part of Houston, however, I do think I recognized some of the sink holes, pot holes, and other road hazards from my last time there. Obviously, this area was not part of the make nice and pretty for the world cup soccer games. Just observing, folks, not being critical. I report and you decide. My guess is that mostly sick people come to that particular center. You know. People who have medical needs. That's a great reason to charge them $6 per hour to park. Right? And, remember when they told you when you were younger to just walk it off. Well, that's exactly what you do there. Just walk it off, further, further, and oh yeah, a wee bit further yet. I'm planning on getting my seven year trained physical therapist to stamp my card for two weeks based on the walking I did to get to the place we were supposed to be. But, the bottom line is how blessed we are to have access to such wonderful care related medical services. When I was at one of the large medical clinics in our area here in The Woodlands the other day I noticed how full the parking lot was and people were lined up waiting to see their doctor. We drove for 1-1/2 hours into the medical center in Houston, same story. Yes. I am aware there are a lot of people in the metroplex, but, it begs the question: What came first? The service or the need? You dwell on that for a while and when you get a headache, take an aspirin and a nap. And, say a prayer. That always helps. It does. It really does. Amen.

John Adams, writing to his wife Abigail on July 3, 1776, regarding the Declaration, Adams stated: "I always consider the settlement of America with reverence and wonder, as the opening of a grand scene and design in providence, for the illumination of the ignorant and the emancipation of the slavish part of mankind all over the earth."

And, here we are 250 years since John Adams, the statesman who became Vice President alongside President George Washington, and then, later the second President of the United States following Washington, as he forwarded that note to Abigail just prior to the signing of The Declaration. Recorded history informs us of so much and it is to be treasured while at the same time we all know we live in real time, that being, today, Friday, July 3, 2026. Along with a little help from the Artificial Intelligence software, ChatGPT, one of our Santa shots along with Lil Miss Biscuit's photo were enhanced with a 4th of July motif. The way Biscuit operates makes it pretty clear she is very happy to be a part of this American story. At times I think about the rest of her brothers and sisters that made up her litter. She no doubt, arrived in our home, looked around, and began humming God bless America.That's a joke, but, she is spoiled and I think to a large extent, most of us are, especially compared to so many who breathe air on the planet. I was listening to a BBC News interview with a fellow introduced as an expert on the American experience. They asked this named expert how it was going in terms of the pursuit of the American dream. What came forth was a litany of all that's bad about our nation. Couldn't they say at least one or two good  things? Nope. With all of our issues, faults, failures, warts, and, yes, disappointments in our living out what it means to be an American, well, I for one, stand up and give thanks to Almighty God for what I believe to be the greatest of nations ever known to the human family. By His will and by His provision, it is still the place I want to be. It is. It really is. What say you?

 

Photo of the original 1814 manuscript of the poem, "The Star Spangled Banner"

Here's another quote from John Adams, our 2nd President, known to be a man of deep religious conviction, "I have examined all religions, and the result is that the Bible is the best book in the world." Here is a quote from John Quincy Adams, 6th President and son of John Adams, "In the chain of human events, the birthday of the nation is indissolubly linked with the birthday of the Savior. The Declaration of Independence laid the cornerstone of human government upon the first precepts of Christianity." Our heritage cannot be separated from the Christian Faith and its impact on our founding. Our nation's motto, "In God We Trust" is actually the sentiment quoted in one of the verses of the poem written by Francis Scott Key, "The Star-Spangled Banner":

 

 

Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto - "In God is our trust,"
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

 

As we celebrate the 250th year of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, let us never forget the proven history how most of our founders freely expressed their faith in and reliance on our Great God. That's the heritage we should dedicate ourselves to continuing. Have a great 4th of July weekend and don't forget to gather together in the meeting place on the first day of the week, Resurrection Sunday, to thank God for His mercy and grace on us as individuals and on our nation. Amen.

"The USA is often considered the best country in the world due to its unmatched global economic power, foundational commitment to personal liberty, and diverse career opportunities. Furthermore, it leads in scientific innovation and cultural influence, and boasts an incredibly secure geographic position." ~ Patrick Henry College

Hello and welcome to our time together, this one being connected as Thursday, July 2, 2026. Thanks so much for showing up as we here in the states, (that's how the United States is often referred to both near and far), are getting ready for the official recognition of the 250th celebration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. That would be July 4th and it dates back to 1776. One of the interesting things I have been seeing are the comments of those from foreign countries who have traveled to the United States for the world cup soccer matches. Many of them talk about how they were led to believe that America had become, under President Trump in particular, a wasteland. This meant they were to be in fear of their lives the entirety of their time here. America in decline was the propaganda they had been fed prior to their arrival. Was this information disseminated by some underground terrorist organization? No! These ideas were promoted by the mainstream media originating right here in our country, the so called mainstream media. They, essentially, are rooting for America to fail. Some might remember the unbelievable push back and condemnation of the late Rush Limbaugh when he said he hoped, "President Obama would fail." Limbaugh's comments pertained to the expressed policies promoted by then President Obama and it had nothing to do with his animus towards the President. Fast forward to today: It's 100% connected to fire breathing hatred for a person, President Donald Trump. They wallowed in their feigned and alarmed responses to Limbaugh, but, now, oh but now, they want our nation to fail because they hate the man who sits at the desk in the Oval Office. Well, how's that going for them? Not so good with those visiting our great country. They have found what many of them have expressed to be the exact opposite of what they had been fed. Americans are a welcoming people. America is not in decline and they experienced all types of connections that seemed incredible to them, given what they were told. Whether it was a brisket sandwich at Buckees, or, seeing people come to their aid when they ended up needing help or direction, the interviews I saw indicated the stunning differences between actuality and what our President often calls it, 'fake news'.

 

The views expressed in the previous paragraph reflects a combined understanding from the team of Me, Myself, and I, and, this team approved its content.  Do I think everything is Tony the Tiger G-R-E-A-T! in America? Absolutely not. Do I think President Donald Trump is the answer to America's challenges? He could be used to accomplish things within the will and plan of The Almighty, but, truth is, only God can right the wrongs that permeate our fallen nation. President Trump, his opponents, his supporters, and, even his haters all have a need to recognize their lost condition and turn to God's provision through Jesus Christ as their only hope, personally, and, our only hope collectively as a nation. I hear some murmuring out there since this sounds too simplistic. Right? It is simplistic. Turn to God or turn back to God and seek Him as a way forward for our country. When we respond to Him and His ways, He will do for us what we cannot do for ourselves. Until that happens, I fear we will do the best we can, knowing the believers are the ones currently holding off judgment, therefore, we should do, for the sake of future generations, do all we can to enlarge that base of believers. We should. We really should. Here's the way our Savior put it: Matthew 5:14-16 ~ New Century Version ~ "You are the light that gives light to the world. A city that is built on a hill cannot be hidden. And people don’t hide a light under a bowl. They put it on a lampstand so the light shines for all the people in the house. In the same way, you should be a light for other people. Live so that they will see the good things you do and will praise your Father in heaven." Amen.

 

PS: This morning, the wife and I will be venturing down to the Houston Medical Center area for an appointment with a esophageal specialist's specialist. She has had a number of issues over the years along with two surgical procedures, but, the specialist here in our area told us she needed to see a doctor known to be an expert in this arena. It reminds me of when we used to play checkers and they would proclaim, "Crown me!" Please whisper a prayer for us as we commute into that maize of entangled roadways along with her visit. Thanks so much and may God add His blessings. Amen.

"Even when you think the sky is falling on your life, just still continue to have strong faith in GOD always, every single day all the time." – George Ramey, Writer

We can now officially complain about the hot weather because it is now, officially, Wednesday, July 1, 2026. I well remember seeing firsthand what can happen when it really gets hot. In the mid 1990's I was working as a consultant for a company just north of Chicago. The temperature was wickedly hot, topping out at 106 degrees °F, and it stayed hot for days. Over 700 deaths, mostly elderly people, were recorded and they had to bring in refrigerated trailers to put the overflow of bodies. I heard story after story of how these older folks would go to bed at night and since many had no air conditioning, well, as we used to say back home, they woke up dead. I am not a climate denier. Why? We are a fallen people and we are quite capable of abusing God's creation to the extent that bad things happen. At the same time, I trust God's promises made to Noah where He said seasons would continue until the end of all things. (Genesis 8:22 ~ "As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease.") I quickly add that God has provided to us the world we live in, and, I, for one, believe we are to be good stewards of His provisions. At the same time my trust in God will not allow me to become Henny Penny, running around screaming how the sky is falling. You didn't ask but now you know. (Wikipedia: "Henny Penny", more commonly known in the United States as "Chicken Little" and sometimes as "Chicken Licken", is a European folk tale with a moral in the form of a cumulative tale about a chicken who believes that the world is coming to an end. The phrase "The sky is falling!" features prominently in the story, and has passed into the English language as a common idiom indicating a hysterical or mistaken belief that disaster is imminent. Similar stories go back more than 25 centuries, and "Henny Penny" continues to be referred to in a variety of media.)

 

I am sitting here wondering where that opening paragraph came from, but, it will not be the first time I am left scratching my head. Coming out of that 'sky is falling' concept, we, as believers must immerse ourselves with the truths God has provided to us. We think sometimes about the attribute of God's Sovereignty, which essentially means that He has the power, wisdom, and authority to do anything He chooses within His creation. (Psalm 115:3: "But our God is in the heavens; he does whatever he pleases."1 Chronicles 29:11-12: Declares God as the owner of all power, glory, and victory, holding authority over all. Daniel 4:35: "He does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, 'What have you done?'") I cannot explain in terms that are acceptable to a vast audience of folks since everyone tends to have their own opinions about the functioning of this attribute including recognized Bible scholars, but, I will say this about it. I must revert to my childlike faith in saying I don't understand it all but I accept it as revealed truth and try not to come up with all kinds of notions about it. By faith. I remember once hearing a recognized Bible expert say that if God operates the way He appears to operate based on what is contained in The Scriptures, well, it just wouldn't be fair. Really? I immediately thought of Romans Chapter 9, here rendered in the Amplified Bible, caps and punctuations as is found in the Amplified text: 

 

1I am telling the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience testifies with me [enlightened and prompted] by the Holy Spirit, 2that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. 3For [if it were possible] I would wish that I myself were accursed, [separated, banished] from Christ for the sake [of the salvation] of my brothers, my natural kinsmen, 4who are Israelites, to whom belongs the adoption as sons, the glory (Shekinah), the [special] covenants [with Abraham, Moses, and David], the giving of the Law, the [system of temple] worship, and the [original] promises. 5To them belong the patriarchs, and from them, according to His natural descent, came the Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed), He who is exalted and supreme over all, God blessed forever. Amen.

6However, it is not as though God’s word has failed [coming to nothing]. For not all who are descended from Israel (Jacob) are [the true] Israel; 7and they are not all the children of Abraham because they are his descendants [by blood], but [the promise was]: “YOUR DESCENDANTS WILL BE NAMED THROUGH ISAAC” [though Abraham had other sons]. 8That is, it is not the children of the body [Abraham’s natural descendants] who are God’s children, but it is the children of the promise who are counted as [Abraham’s true] descendants. 9For this is what the promise said: “ABOUT THIS TIME [next year] I WILL COME, AND SARAH SHALL HAVE A SON.” 10And not only that, but this too: Rebekah conceived twin sons by one man [under the same circumstances], by our father Isaac; 11and though the twins were not yet born and had not done anything either good or bad, so that God’s purpose [His choice, His election] would stand, not because of works [done by either child], but because of [the plan of] Him who calls them, 12it was said to her, “THE OLDER (Esau) WILL SERVE THE YOUNGER (Jacob).” 13As it is written and forever remains written, “JACOB I LOVED (chose, protected, blessed), BUT ESAU I HATED (held in disregard compared to Jacob).”

14What shall we say then? Is there injustice with God? Certainly not! 15For He says to Moses, “I WILL HAVE MERCY ON WHOMEVER I HAVE MERCY, AND I WILL HAVE COMPASSION ON WHOMEVER I HAVE COMPASSION.” 16So then God’s choice is not dependent on human will, nor on human effort [the totality of human striving], but on God who shows mercy [to whomever He chooses--it is His sovereign gift]. 17For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “I RAISED YOU UP FOR THIS VERY PURPOSE, TO DISPLAY MY POWER IN [dealing with] YOU, AND SO THAT MY NAME WOULD BE PROCLAIMED IN ALL THE EARTH.” 18So then, He has mercy on whom He wills (chooses), and He hardens [the heart of] whom He wills.

19You will say to me then, “Why does He still blame me [for sinning]? For who [including myself] has [ever] resisted His will and purpose?” 20On the contrary, who are you, O man, who answers [arrogantly] back to God and dares to defy Him? Will the thing which is formed say to him who formed it, “Why have you made me like this?” 21Does the potter not have the right over the clay, to make from the same lump [of clay] one object for honorable use [something beautiful or distinctive] and another for common use [something ordinary or menial]? 22What if God, although willing to show His [terrible] wrath and to make His power known, has tolerated with great patience the objects of His wrath [which are] prepared for destruction? 23And what if He has done so to make known the riches of His glory to the objects of His mercy, which He has prepared beforehand for glory, 24including us, whom He also called, not only from among the Jews, but also from among the Gentiles? 25Just as He says in [the writings of the prophet] Hosea:

“I WILL CALL THOSE WHO WERE NOT MY PEOPLE, ‘MY PEOPLE,’

AND [I will call] HER WHO WAS NOT BELOVED, ‘BELOVED.’”

26“AND IT SHALL BE THAT IN THE PLACE WHERE IT WAS SAID TO THEM, ‘YOU ARE NOT MY PEOPLE,’

THERE THEY SHALL BE CALLED SONS OF THE LIVING GOD.”

27And Isaiah calls out concerning Israel: “THOUGH THE NUMBER OF THE SONS OF ISRAEL BE LIKE THE SAND OF THE SEA, IT IS ONLY THE REMNANT [a small believing minority] THAT WILL BE SAVED [from God’s judgment]; 28FOR THE LORD WILL EXECUTE HIS WORD UPON THE EARTH [He will conclude His dealings with mankind] COMPLETELY AND WITHOUT DELAY.” 29It is as Isaiah foretold,

“IF THE LORD OF HOSTS HAD NOT LEFT US SEED [future generations from which a believing remnant of Israelites came],

WE WOULD HAVE BECOME LIKE SODOM, AND WOULD HAVE RESEMBLED GOMORRAH [totally rejected and destroyed]!”

30What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness [who did not seek salvation and a right relationship with God, nevertheless] obtained righteousness, that is, the righteousness which is produced by faith; 31whereas Israel, [though always] pursuing the law of righteousness, did not succeed in fulfilling the law. 32And why not? Because it was not by faith [that they pursued it], but as though it were by works [relying on the merit of their works instead of their faith]. They stumbled over the stumbling Stone [Jesus Christ]. 33As it is written and forever remains written,

“BEHOLD I AM LAYING IN ZION A STONE OF STUMBLING AND A ROCK OF OFFENSE;

AND HE WHO BELIEVES IN HIM [whoever adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Him] WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED [in his expectations].”

 

There you have it, one of the great texts from The Scriptures. An entire chapter? Why not? They are not my words folks, they are the truths breathed out from God the Holy Spirit through His chosen vessel, the Apostle Paul. Until next time, May this God, the one in Chapter 9 and in all The Scriptures, be the one to whom we yield our allegiance. Amen. 

 

PS: Please don't send me your ideas that attempts to mollify or lesson the context of God's Sovereign Grace and its working to accomplish His purposes based on the good pleasure of His will. I repeat: I may not understand it, but I do, by faith, embrace it and I accept it, again, by faith.