Neighbor

My sympathy is there for those real people that are getting bumped from real jobs by really nasty individuals. The oh boy I get to say YOU'RE FIRED" mindset never has set well with me. It is entertaining to some I suppose long as it isn't them of course, but I have never understood the why of how people can cheer the misfortune of others. There will be many hardships suffered as individuals find they have no health insurance for their kids anymore nor for themselves, no money coming in either. There will be many suicides resulting as result and oh so awful murder suicides too. I do pray for the victims as well as the executioner(s) of the present policies. There is plenty of time to downsize most any business or government agency without being cruelly brutal, but that is not the "Style" of the present USA executive branch administration. Again pray for the executioner(s) of this "Style" as well as their victims.

Two Pictures are worth a couple thousand words.

Full article is at Times of Israel today. https://www.timesofisrael.com/poll-finds-number-of-us-democrats-backing-israel-dwindling-to-33/ Excerpt: JTA — Just a third of Democrats have a favorable view of Israel, a steep decline from just a few years ago, according to a Gallup poll. That’s in contrast to 83 percent of Republicans who view Israel favorably — a partisan gap of 50 points. Responding to the results, Jewish Democratic leaders said they remained confident in their party’s pro-Israel bona fides — though one sounded notes of caution. Jewish Republicans celebrated the poll.

There is risk of losing focus what with daily news reports: One constant recent theme is that there are fewer and fewer workers in the USA, and elsewhere too. Yesterday's local news featured a very prosperous Excavation Contractor that said he made $14,000,000 US dollars a year and had 120 "semi-skilled" employees; but recently chose to cut his business literally in half because of lack of workers that will work and develop skillsets. At one point he doubled his basic hourly wage from $20 to $40 US, but still could not get and keep workers. He even has had to bail workers out of jail sometimes in order to get his workforce up and running for the day. He said of the 120 employees 80 were not worth a D***. His remaining workforce are reaching older ages and just will not be around all that much longer. Hearing of a POTUS latest money making idea, that of letting foreigners into the USA for $5,000,000 plus giving them a rapid path to USA citizenship for creating new businesses, I started to wonder well just who are going to be the employees, and at what cost? Are the aged semi retired working at minimal survival level jobs going to be able to fill the need? I kinda doubt it. Will it all become robotic and AI? The economies that pretty much depend upon a pyramiding of value, capital gains, will have to flip to actually producing wealth to distribute to investors in the form of ordinary income. Or will we all hold on to physical gold in hope to be the last one standing as gold goes up in perceived value as related to US dollar or even Cyber currency? Hard to imagine that gold has floated up to $2900+ an ounce today. The intrinsic values that humans weigh in their daily life seem doomed to failure. Though the daily battle may be very interesting with the counting of winners and losers, the real value may be missed altogether; for the lack of effort to put up treasure in heaven. A leader may proudly say they only like winners, winners as measured in present physical status among other humans. That is interesting but also seems to me to be a serious distraction from that which is vital to every human; “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."Matthew 6:19-24 Making money is pretty much a necessity in developed economies, it is how one justifies their existence to their leaders and neighbors even; but that cannot replace nor even be allowed to distract from the real need for eternal life's rewards, the putting up of treasure in heaven. How does one do that? That is the "one thing..." ,as Curly in the movie City Slickers declared " ...for you to find out". Many answers are found by doing the hard work of prayer and also reading the word of God our Bibles, in most every version that is available to read or to hear, as led by the Holy Spirit, into some degree of understanding sufficient for coming to know Jesus is Lord, God, and personal savior. That salvation, eternal salvation, comes by way of a redeemer, the redeemer by His grace, by mercy of God alone. And yet there is work to do. For many know of God, why demons do for sure! Is knowing enough, evidently not. Is faith alone enough? Perhaps that merits a resounding yes; but whose faith, who's work(s) by faith, gives that gift to all that acknowledge the giver of it? Jesus alone! As the flickering lights flash news of the world along with the latest cockamamie schemes of mankind's various leaders, be sure to focus on God first and above all, do not lose focus upon our first love, Jesus who is God the Son.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c7435pnle0go Excerptfrom BBC news article which includes a video of the UN vote; " The US has twice sided with Russia in votes at the United Nations to mark the third anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, highlighting the Trump administration's change of stance on the war. First, the US opposed a European-drafted resolution condemning Moscow's actions and supporting Ukraine's territorial integrity - voting the same way as Russia and countries including North Korea and Belarus at the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. Then the US drafted and voted for a resolution at the UN Security Council which called for an end to the conflict, but contained no criticism of Russia. The Security Council passed the resolution, but two key US allies, the UK and France, abstained after their attempts to amend the wording were vetoed."....

Just informative and not a mocking, okay. Got it.

Hi all, There is an excellent series of reveals being presented as to what Israel is doing. I have been finding it to be most informative and encouragaing It is presented through Zola Levitt Ministries Our Jewish Roots under the titles Series: “Rebuilding the Ruined Cities” In this series, Joshua and Caleb visit war-torn areas in the Holy Land where they discuss hope and blessing amidst ruin and pain. God will faithfully fulfill His promise to heal, restore, and rebuild Israel once again: “‘They will rebuild the ruined cities and live in them … never again to be uprooted from the land I have given them,’ says the Lord your God” (Amos 9:14–15). Episodes: 2501 “The Return” Joshua and Caleb journey to Israel for the first time since their extraction in October 2023. At the Gaza border town of Sderot, they uncover the devastation from Hamas’ invasion while focusing on God’s covenant to restore the earth after the destruction wrought by the Great Flood. 2502 “The Covenant,” Part 1 The Bearded Bible Brothers travel to Moshav Pri Gan on the border of Egypt and Gaza at the height of the Rafah campaign. As they volunteer picking tomatoes with an international group of Believers for Leket Israel, they learn how October 7 affected the community. 2503 “The Covenant,” Part 2 Following the progress of Leket’s non-profit efforts throughout Israel, Joshua and Caleb teach on the Abrahamic Covenant, an eternal promise for a Land and a people that can never be broken by God or undone by the popular opinion of an anti-Semitic world. God blessed Abraham with prosperity wherever he went. These same blessings are attainable to God’s Chosen People today, and those who bless Abraham’s ancestors. 2504 “The Conquest” After 400 year of bondage in Egypt, God restored the Hebrews to the Land promised to their forefathers. It wasn’t a walk in the park to receive their inheritance. During a grueling hike through Tel Gezer, Joshua and Caleb look at the many claims the Israelites had on the Promised Land through conquest, inheritance, purchase, and accord. The brothers also shed light on the true extended boundaries of Israel as promised by God. 2505 “The Exile” The Bearded Bible Brothers explore the infamous Tel Lachish ruins to recount the story of destruction against Judea and Samaria at the hands of Assyria and the Babylonians. Unfortunately, Israel’s sin of idolatry typically brings about their own harm. God forewarns His people for centuries to repent before they are taken captive and exiled from their Land. Yet, God’s promise to Israel through Jeremiah declared a return after 70 years of captivity and the coming of the Messiah. 2506 “The Rebuilding” A prophecy of King Cyrus stepping into the role of the Anointed One initiates the return home of Hebrews from exile. Outside the ancient walls of Jerusalem, Joshua and Caleb explain how the first settlers under Ezra and Zerubbabel struggled with the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the Temple. Thankfully, God continually sent the prophets Zechariah and Haggai with declarations of encouragement and success. Although the construction of the 2nd Temple proved disappointing for some, God promised a greater future Temple where the Shekinah returns. 2507 “The Bridge” The Bearded Bible Brothers travel to Jerusalem to meet with Bridges for Peace, a longtime partner of Zola Levitt Ministries. At their warehouse in Jerusalem, CEO Peter Fast demonstrates their non-profit’s turnkey efforts to support impoverished Israelis, and the communities most affected by the War with Hamas. 2508 “The Diaspora” In the most sobering moment ever filmed for Zola Levitt Ministries, Joshua and Caleb are granted unprecedented access to the remains of Kibbutz Be’eri. In the shadow of the horrific murders waged by Hamas, the brothers teach about the steps that led to the destruction of the 2nd Temple and the scattering of the remnant of the Hebrews. Unfortunately, many Christians have fallen prey to Satan’s master plot when utilizing Replacement Theology to displace the Jews of today from their God-given inheritance. 2509 “The Protocols of the Elders of Zion” From the grounds of the horrific Nova Music Festival massacre, Joshua and Caleb explain the true story of Zionism and Satan’s plan to stop the rebirth of Israel. The modern movement of antisemitism began with one falsified document that would create mistrust against the Jewish people for all time. The brothers uncover The Protocols of the Elders of Zion, and how Marxism, through Stalin, and Hitler’s Mein Kampf would be used to ethnically cleanse the Jews. 2510 “The Re-Birth” Walking the streets of Tel Aviv, the Bearded Bible Brothers witness how God keeps His promise to bring the Jewish people home. Out of the horrors of the Holocaust, prophecy was fulfilled and Israel was reborn. Joshua and Caleb look at the origins of early Jewish settlers who saw first-hand the desert blooming like a rose! Joshua and Caleb take part in Israel’s Memorial Day, Yom HaZikaron, at the T’kuma Burnt Car Memorial with the Israel Defense Forces. 2511 “The Future” Israel’s Independence Day has finally arrived, and the Bearded Bible Brothers head to the beach in Tel Aviv to explain the future prophetic events that lead to Israel’s redemption. Although there are many biblical conflicts to come, from Psalm 83 to Armageddon, God will uphold His Word and covenant to complete the restoration of Israel.

"Is freewill given to us as an understanding or something we invented in the modern world ?" Hi, I suggest that freewill is neither, instead it is a fatal heresy, declared to be such as far back in time as A.D. 406 A. D. and again A. D. 416 at the councils of Carthage. It has manifested in various formats and rejected right up through the Synod of Dordtreecht (1610) where the Arminians positions were rejected.

Hi, Staying with the question of the thread title, "Is entry into God's Kingdom open to ALL or only to those predestined to be there?", I suggest that ALL are denied entry into God's kingdom, without exception, save but possibly two mentioned within the Bible, Enoch being one Whoa, ALL? Yes all. It is not by any man's doing that entry into God's kingdom comes about. God is Holy, perfect without flaw, God cannot abide that which is not holy, perfect. And no human is all have fallen short of God's Glory. That leaves a problem, not for God but for every created being. God's wrath is upon all creation. God is just in his wrath, however He is also merciful, His mercy is from everlasting to everlasting. Yet He cannot abide that which is not holy. How can that which is unholy be made to be seen by God as holy in His sight? That is the plight for which only God can and has made a resolution, a solution in Jesus the redeemer, the propitiation, the Passover Lamb. Jesus who is God the son and one with the Father makes it possible to be acceptable in the sight of God. It is his faith by which any are saved out from total destruction along with this fallen creation. The question's answer is not either can some be saved or al be saved but is can any be saved. As to Babies, are any innocent? Evidently not, so what mercy does God have for babies? That involves a study of the age of accountability, accountability not for innocence but for sin. My own conclusions are that all have sinned and fallen short of God's Glory, just as I read within my Bible and have some comprehension lended me by the Holy Spirit of God. Further, all have need of the faith of Jesus for that is that faith which saves all those foreknown to God and also predestined by God to be saved from His just wrath. Does that leave some unsaved? Evidently so as some have been created (by Jesus the creator of all that is created) for that very purpose. Is salvation fair? Doesn't matter as it is just, or just is what it is. Who makes rules for the creator, does his creation judge him? Who promised me fair? Am I glad I have received mercy instead of fairness? Yes! I am simply awed by the mercy extended to me individually without any merit on my part, and in spite of my rejection of Jesus and of the existence of God till the moment I was overwhelmed by the evidence of God's existence when confronted by an angel using the appearance of a man known to me in order to stun me into a total 180 degree turning about to worship of God through Jesus by the Holy Spirit.

Yes for sure. As a youth my parents made it a point to take me to as many museums, monuments, locales of historic events, as we could make time for and afford. It was a treat for a poor country kid transplanted to the city. I to this day enjoy such ventures and am constantly surprised at how much history is stored in rather unlikely places. The National Museum of the Pacific War ( The Nimitz Museum) being one that just enlightened me greatly in my late years. https://www.pacificwarmuseum.org I got to see it because of my Texas Bride's desire to have me see some of Texas other than US Interstate I-10. Why the Rio Frio and a couple of museums along it are quite beautiful and most interesting. Culture(s) even if it is not mine is worth saving; seems to me a good use of community and national funding from taxes, not just by rich people's family foundation grants projecting their personal views on us.

"The National Archives operates 16 Presidential Libraries across the country, including the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum in Independence and the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum in Abilene, Kansas. While the Truman Library was closed Tuesday due to extreme weather conditions, an official at the museum told KSHB 41 News that the museum lost three employees Tuesday. It was not clear Tuesday afternoon how the museum would be impacted moving forward." I didn't realize that. Seems to me a very poor way to save money.

Ya know I so enjoy the various national archives of history, I do not mind them being funded through government as well as private trusts and simply entry fees at all. Though the Smithsonian Institution has been changed to reflect DEI and woke-ism, with a lot of history tucked away that used to be really interesting to see and learn about. I sure hope Arlington National Cemetery is fully funded and will be forever long as this land is the USA anyway. Walking some of those grounds, including the simple eternal flame is a high privilege of life, least mine. There are so many fine privileges extended to us all, from citizens to tourists, that speak of the history of this land USA that I do not at all mind paying taxes that includes funding them all.

I didn't realize any government employees were involved in Presidential libraries. Now wondering if other Presidential libraries are facing the same problem. ??? Only have been to two of them, President Nixon an dPresident Reagan, always wanted to see more. Now wondering about staffing at places at Washington , d.c. Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, Smithsonian Institution, and across the river Mt Vernon. Gosh what of Arlington National cemetery and the other 155 VA Cemeteries? Anyone know of the government funding status, is it really subject to causing cutbacks in staffing that could closes such places? ???

The JFK Presidential Library is closed, until further notice, as government employees funds for it were stopped by DOGE.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5y93jgdvqjo ...The former leader of the far-right Proud Boys was arrested on Friday outside the US Capitol, police said. Enrique Tarrio, who was pardoned by President Donald Trump for his role in the 6 January 2021 riot at the US Capitol, was arrested not long after holding a news conference on Friday. Protesters attempted to drown out the event, held near the site of the riot, but Tarrio's remarks to media went ahead as planned. In a statement, US Capitol Police said that after the event concluded and the Proud Boys were leaving the area, a woman put a phone near Tarrio's face. Officers allegedly saw him strike the phone and the woman's arm.... See link for video of arrest and to read th efull article as presented by BBC News

https://www.npr.org/2025/01/27/nx-s1-5276084/elon-musk-german-far-right-afd-holocaust Excerpt ..."Elon Musk appeared virtually at a campaign event for a far-right German political party on Saturday, where he urged listeners not to be ashamed of their country's history. Musk — the head of President Trump's Department of Government Efficiency— was met with roars of applause from the more than 4,000 attendees gathered in the German city of Halle as he appeared on screen at a rally for the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party. "I think you really are the best hope for Germany," Musk told them.

Interesting that the USA, at best, frowns on foreign influencers in it's own elections See https://www.justice.gov/voting/foreign-malign-influence

https://www.timesofisrael.com/german-jews-express-alarm-after-jd-vance-helps-boost-far-right-party-before-election/ A short excerpt from the article Un the Times of Israel ..."German Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemned Vance’s speech, alluding to the vice president’s visit to Dachau, the Nazi concentration camp, earlier in the week, and to the post-Holocaust expression “Never again.” “A commitment to ‘never again’ is not reconcilable with support for the AfD,” Scholz said the day after Vance’s speech."... The article contains fuller detail of the efect on Germany's upcoming elections by visiting US Vice president J D Vance. I suggest the full read of it for some balance and not simply the excerpt.

Reading within the Book of Luke today I found myself reviewing the idea of one's own faith, and with it presumed standing, in the sense of one's status, before God. Even as the 12 were asembled for Passover they debated their own closeness to Jesus. What is reported in Luke about Jesus' rebuke of them for their debate and thinking? Seems to me that Luke 22 contains a strong rebuke and warning that applies today to all humanity just as it did when addressed to the 12. Starting at Luke 22:24 ... "Now there was also a dispute among them, as to which of them should be considered the greatest. And He said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those who exercise authority over them are called ‘benefactors.’ But not so among you; on the contrary, he who is greatest among you, let him be as the younger, and he who governs as he who serves. For who is greater, he who sits at the table, or he who serves? Is it not he who sits at the table? Yet I am among you as the One who serves. “But you are those who have continued with Me in My trials. And I bestow upon you a kingdom, just as My Father bestowed one upon Me, that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” As for myself I do not exalt a man nor a woman as being worthy of it. None are worthy except our Lord Jesus. I do not exalt my own faith for it is not worthy I do not count on my faith, but the faith of Jesus alone. It is best, I think to be about the sharing of the gospel of the one who is worthy, the only one, and not valuable at all to be about trying to exalt any man nor any woman with judgement about their excellent faith. God brings about faith that saves those He wills. No man nor woman, no proclamation by mankind changes that.

And maybe the fight is on. May many find they have spines for a purpose.

An excerpt from a letter of today see https://israel365news.com/400368/sanhedrin-letter-to-trump-you-have-been-elected-to-fulfill-a-heavenly-mission/ ...“The First Commandment and the Seven Laws of Noah” The first time the word “commandment” appears in the Bible is when Hashem commanded Adam: “And the Lord God commanded the man, saying: Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat.” (Genesis 2:16) This verse alludes to the seven universal laws that form the foundation of ethical behavior for all humanity. These laws reflect seven of the Ten Commandments. These ethical principles were reaffirmed at Mount Sinai when Hashem revealed Himself to the world, and our ancestors witnessed this divine event. The Jewish, Christian, Muslim and all monotheistic traditions recognize the divine revelation at Mount Sinai as a foundational moment in history. When Hashem gave the Children of Israel the Torah, He provided an ethical standard for the entire world. This standard is known as the Seven Commandments of Noah, which form the basis of universal morality. When a person accepts the Seven Noahide Laws, they receive divine blessings: 1. A Neshama (Soul) – The soul that animates the body and connects a person to Hashem. 2. Righteous Among the Nations – A person who upholds these laws is considered righteous and honored before Hashem. 3. A Share in the World to Come – Those who follow these principles merit a place in the hereafter. “Enclosed with this letter, we have included the Universal Ethical Common Code (UECC), which outlines the benefits of adopting the Seven Commandments of Noah.”... Perhaps one can be found meritorious and entitled, or not?

Interesting for sure! Going to put pretribulation rapture theory to the test maybe? And just when I am getting into Augustine of Hippo, I need brush up on my end times signs. Got to dig out some older writings by Zola Levitt as part of that for sure. As well as looking forward to George Whitten's videos that may be soon coming. Wow Look up!

"The Nascent Sanhedrin published an open letter to President Donald Trump, blessing him for putting faith at the forefront by establishing a White House Faith Office. The Sanhedrin called on the President to establish an International Divine Court for all nations." See https://israel365news.com/400368/sanhedrin-letter-to-trump-you-have-been-elected-to-fulfill-a-heavenly-mission/