Possible birth place of Harry Reid

Today the family was on a field trip.  Among a number of stops, we saw the Hoover Dam and the new bridge being built over the canyon.  On the way home we stopped in Searchlight.  The website of Senator Harry Reid of Nevada mentions that Harry Reid was born "in the small rural mining town of Searchlight, Harry Reid grew up in a small cabin without indoor plumbing, and attended a two-room elementary school."

Now we are not sure about this, but just possibly we came across the birthplace of Harry Reid.

Notice these pictures we took of a house in Searchlight just off the main highway.  (Now if you have never been to Searchlight, you just don't know what you are missing.  Actually you could be quite thankful you have never been to Searchlight.  But that is for another time.)

I have passed by this house on a number of occasions heading out of town on the bicycle into the desert.



If we zoom in, you will see the for sale sign.


I guess no realtor would list it.


Now lets zoom in on that wonderful back patio, with that metal chair to sit on and enjoy the gorgeous western sunsets.


One just never knows.  Maybe it is the actual birthplace.  There isn't a house in town that I have come across that is acknowledged to be his home.  And this one looks to be a two bedroom, so maybe....

So you just might want to rush out to Searchlight and take advantage of this great opportunity to purchase a piece of history. 

If nothing else, it is what more of America will look like once Reid and Pelosi get their way with the health care bill in congress.

Is it scripture or isn't it?

Maybe you are aware of the recent discussions, summits, and debates surrounding the King James Bible. 
It appears that many independent Baptists are trying to say they are for the KJV, but afraid to sound too strong.  The main issue is whether or not the KJV is inspired.

Well, II Timothy 3:16 says,
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:"

I won't get into all the arguments that each one is giving for the various positions, but rather ask one question:  Is the King James Bible scripture?

If it is, it is inspired; if it is not scripture, then it could not claim to be given by inspiration.
Many are digging in, to claim that only the original languages that the scriptures were written in are inspired.  Their argument continues that since the KJV is a translation, it can only be accurate and reliable, but not inspired.  They also argue that claiming inspiration for the KJV would mean "double inspiration".  Why not just believe the book you have is scripture, and ascribe all the description of scripture to the book you hold in your hands. 

Or do you have an agenda?

-     To lift up your education
-     To have people look up to you
-     To make people think they need to learn Greek and Hebrew to really understand what God said
-     To set up yourself as the final authority

It is"Thus saith the Lord", that people need to hear. 

Top of the mountain

Finally on the third attempt we made it to the top of the mountain.  Those that have been following along here know that the mountain is Spirit Mountain.  It is located 15 miles northwest of Laughlin, NV and Bullhead City, AZ.


To prove that this climb was successful, a picture of the top.

The post sits at the very top along with a notebook in a box to sign in as proof of your arrival.

Here are four short clips taken during the hike.













Total elevation gain from the trucks to the top of the mountain is 1800'. You do the math to figure out the average grade going up.
Yes, we already have another attempt in the works. We are going to try it from the southeast. Some say it is more difficult, though I don't know how it could be, but stay tuned....

II Corinthians 9:15

"Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift."

Soon

Less than two weeks for the third attempt on the mountain.

If you have been following along here, you know that some of us have been attempting to climb Spirit Mountain in far southern Nevada.  Each time the mountain has won the battle.

The day after Thanksgiving will be the next attempt, weather permitting.  (Yes, believe it or not, it can snow up on that mountain in this desert area. Though we don't expect any this early.) Stay tuned for the next posting as we hopefully show pictures from the very top of the peak.

Hate Crimes

Don't get caught up in all this "hate is bad" stuff going around these days.

Amos 5
21   I hate, I despise your feast days, and I will not smell in your solemn assemblies.
22   Though ye offer me burnt offerings and your meat offerings, I will not accept them: neither will I regard the peace offerings of your fat beasts.
23   Take thou away from me the noise of thy songs; for I will not hear the melody of thy viols.

Revelation 2
15   So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.

Proverbs 8
13   The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.

Psalm 101
3   I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.

Psalm 119
128   Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way.


Be careful about condemning hatred.


Psalm 11
5   The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth.

The Agony of Defeat

It was the second attempt to climb Spirit Mountain.  The mountain is located in far southern Nevada.  The mountain's peak is 5600'.  

Here is the mountain viewed from the east.


Last April we attempted to climb from the east; after 6 hours of climbing and still hours from the peak, we turned back because of limited daylight.  This time the plan was to start at first light.  We chose the approach from the southwest.  We were starting at 3700' elevation compared to 2500'  the previous attempt.  And without the 2 mile hike across the flats to where the ascent would begin, we were confident of making the peak by noon. 

Well, we again were turned back.  There is no trail up the mountain.  The mountain has many canyons  and sheer rock faces.  This photo may give you an idea, as we hugged the side of the mountain attempting to find a way up.   We were at 4800' at this point, and came to a dead end at the spacing between the rocks in this picture.

(sorry about the shadows)

So it was 9:30, and we realized that there are two separate peaks, and we were on the wrong mountain.  You can't see this from the ground, nor do the satellite images show this.  So a few more pics and down the mountain we descend.


The area is rather remote and rugged. Thankfully temps were on the cooler side, 55°-65°, so no worry about snakes.

The view from the higher elevations overlooks Lake Mohave and the Colorado River.


The next plan is to try the approach from the southeast.  Will we make it next time?

Stay tuned...

It passed

The senate has passed the hate crime bill, the house had done so earlier this month.  It is expected to be signed into law by Mr. Obama.

www.bloomberg.com/apps/news

Your first amendment  rights will then be severely hindered.  Yes, change was promised and change is being delivered. 

But this is a matter of not believing what God said about change.

Romans 1
22   Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
23   And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
24   Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
25   Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
26   For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
27   And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.
28   And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;

Did you see the three references to change in those passages.  The sodomites are all about change.
The Lord said In Prov 24:21,
21   My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change:

America this passage is for you - (found in Daniel 5)
Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting.
God hath numbered thy kingdom, and finished it.

Waste Howling Wilderness

It is prime time to ride the bicycle in our part of the world.  The desert is cooling down, temps in the higher elevations of the desert are in the 60's and 70's.  And the terrain in our area is certainly wilderness.

Deut 32
9   For the LORD's portion is his people; Jacob is the lot of his inheritance.
10   He found him in a desert land, and in the waste howling wilderness;

I have thought about that verse while riding in some very remote wilderness locations in this area.

The wilderness is a very dangerous place if you are not prepared to go in there.  Yet the Lord was willing to venture out into the wilderness to find Jacob the text says. 

This world is a wilderness of sin.  Dangerous, dry, and destructive.

In the wilderness there are the serpents hissing, a lack of water, but also according to the Bible, a Baptist calling out to men to repent.

Isaiah 40
3   The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

Matthew 3
1   In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,
2   And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
3   For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.

For those with a repentant heart, the gospel message rings out, "Christ died for us".
Are you still wandering in the wilderness of sin, or have you trusted the Lord Jesus Christ as Saviour?

At least in jail you receive free health care

Here is the current proposal, of course it could change before it is signed into law.

http://www.politico.com/livepulse/0909/Ensign_receives_handwritten_confirmation_.html?showall

Now do you really honestly believe the federal government is that concerned about your health? 

63.5 % return on the investment

Investments can be made in many different areas.  They could be made in the stock market, real estate, a business start up, or even in a country.  The greatest investment one can make is in the Kingdom of God.  When you give above the tithe, and give to support New Testament missionary endeavors, you are investing in the Lord's work.
He has given some promises concerning this.

Luke 6
38   Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
II Cor 9
6   But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
7   Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

And in II Cor 9 the Bible tells us giving is like an experiment.
12   For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;
13   Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men;

Many of you that read this do not know who I am, or anything about me.  So I don't write this to bring attention to me, but rather to what the Lord has done this past year.  I keep track of what our family gives above the tithe to support missions through the church we attend.  I also keep track of what God gives back to us through other people, as Luke 6 speaks about.  Thus far this year, the rate of return on what the Lord has given back to us is 63.5%.  I was challenged at the beginning of this year to give much more than the past year, and at a time when our finances are tight.  To God's glory, he has given back, and much more. 

Are there any banks offering a return of 63.5%?  How about the stock market?  Real estate is certainly not giving you a return like that on your investment.  But the Lord is showing that he is "able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think".
We don't give to get, but the Lord is always faithful to his word, and the reaping is bountiful on the bountiful sowing of money into his work.

If you are a Christian, how is your giving?
Do you tithe?
Do you give to support missionaries through your church?
Is your giving the largest part of your budget?
Or
Do you spend more on a automobile payment than on the Lord's work?
Do you spend more on groceries and going out to eat than you give to the Lord?

This is why the apostle Paul wrote,
Phil 3
17   Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.
18   (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:
19   Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)

Hey Martin, nail another 95

Perhaps you heard the news concerning the ELCA, (the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America).  They voted in Minneapolis to allow sodomites that are in "long term and monogamous relationships" to be pastors. 

In the past they have affirmed their support of abortion.
The following quotation is taken from the denomination's website.
"A developing life in the womb does not have an absolute right to be born". And they add, "The church recognizes that there can be sound reasons for ending a pregnancy through induced abortion"
 
So this church has affirmed that they condone adultery, perversion, and murder.

Having rejected the Lord Jesus as the only way of salvation, they have turned to moral relativism.  They are the blind leading the blind as our Lord said, and they truly have fallen into the ditch.

No, I am not serious about nailing 95 thesis on the door of any Lutheran church.  It is better that you obey the scripture that says, "Come out from among them, and be ye separate." 

And concerning what a scriptural church is, Jesus said I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.  Sorry, Mr. Luther was about 1500 years to late. And no need to reform Roman Catholicism, they were never the true church having always preached their false message that is connected to the Mass.
Stick with the scriptures!!!  Believe what God said, adding nothing and taking nothing away, and keeping it in context.

Concerning "Health Care"

It is not your responsibility to pay for my medical expenses nor my responsibility to pay yours.

There you have it. 
There is nothing in the constitution that speaks about anyone's right to have a certain level of health care.  Certainly nothing about the government having a responsibility to be involved in health care. 

The Bible says nothing about the matter being a responsibility of those who rule over us.

Now we currently have a quite a mess on our hands.  Many that are over 65 are receiving some sort of subsidized health insurance in what is called Medicare.  I refer you to my opening statement. 

What very few want to deal with is this.  Many, from age 40 to 60, live a sedentary life. The result is much weight gain, which results in a much more stress on the body.  So that those in their 60's and 70's find themselves facing many health issues.  If you have the means to afford the health care, that is fine.  It does not affect me if you spend a lot of time in doctors' offices.  But don't make me pay for any of it through some type of government system.

So are you outraged at this new Obamacare because it won't be as good a system as is currently in place.  Or are you against it because you are against the government having anything to do with healthcare?

Do you have 100 hours left?

This is the sequel to the previous post. 

James wrote, "Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away."

Recently I received word about a missionary I know that the Lord called home suddenly.  He did not realize how little of life he had left.  He was working for the Lord, and had great plans to do more.

God gives us an appointed time on this earth. Then he takes the soul from the body off to its eternal destination.  All that are saved are taken to be with the Lord, those that die unrepentant in their sins find themselves immediately in the flames of hell. (Read Luke 16) 

If you knew you had only 100 hours left, would you trust the Lord Jesus Christ as Saviour?  Well few are given advance notice that the clock is ticking down under 100 hours left. 

If you have never been saved from the eternal punishment of your sins, read here what the Bible says so clearly about the matter.
Acts 16
25   And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.
26   And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed.
27   And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled.
28   But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.
29   Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas,
30   And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?
31   And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

Will we make 100 hours?

On a non- schooling, Bible, or bicycle related matter; we are seeing if we will make it over 100 hours straight above 90 degrees.  I realize some in our nation this summer are not seeing many days above 90 for the high temperature, but that is not the situation in the lower elevations of Arizona.  So going back to approximately 7:00 am on Friday we have stayed above the 90 degree mark.  So how warm are we during the day, you ask?  122° Friday. 118° Saturday and Sunday.  If Tuesday morning can stay above 90° we will pass 100 hours late morning.  Predicted low for tomorrow is 90°.

Check back in August and I will give you the electric bill for this month.  I thank the Lord for a big powerful central air conditioner during the summer. 

Homeschool PE

My dearest wife does a lot with the children concerning the indoor aspect of education.  I am the outdoor instructor.  Or what many would call the PE instructor.

Here is one of our favorite activities.


Even the youngest is able to go on a 5 mile ride, with the older ones doing rides upwards of 10 miles.  I have no doubt with just a little effort we could do a 20 mile ride.  (Of course when temps are more accommodating in the desert southwest.)


Dads, even if you don't home school, get off the couch and get outside with your children.  They need some exercise, and you just might need some also.

100 Best Blogs for Christian Homeschoolers

What a surprise it was when my wife came across the following website.

http://www.bible-college.net/index.php/100-best-blogs-for-christian-homeschoolers/

If you look down to spot number 49, you will see this site listed.  Who would have known we have gained such a place in the public eye. 

Well by God's grace I have been encouraged afresh to challenge folks in the things of the Lord and homeschooling. 

Who knows, maybe even have a bigger audience to actually get the mountain bike race off the ground.

www.homeschoolblogger.com/monocogman/691212/

Anyone interested in racing in the singlespeed class?

How independent are Baptists?

There are many Baptist churches across our land.  There are many types of Baptist churches across our land.  Many are associated with various man made organizations. When the Lord Jesus started the first Baptist church in Jerusalem (if it was not a Baptist church, please feel free to comment on what type it was), it was independent of everything man had a part in.  So now we are at the point that many churches will distinguish themselves as Independent Baptist versus the various conventions, associations, and fellowships that have been started.  Now I am not writing this to deal with all the problems you get into by joining the various man made organizations, but simply want to ask how truly independent are the Lord's churches. 

If you had to sign on the dotted line in agreement with anything man has in order to keep the Lord's church in operation, are you truly an independent Baptist? For instance, most Independent Baptists sent an application to the IRS so that they could be a 501(c)3 tax exempt organization.  And many of those churches also filled out the paper work with the state to become a corporation.  By doing so, you have bound yourself to play by the rules of the state and the IRS.  For you came to them seeking some advantages that they could give you.  Just like other churches joined the convention to seek the advantages that could be given them. 

Just asking, are you still as independent as you think you are?

But let it be known, that the Lord is just as powerful in 2009 as he was in 30 A.D. He did not need any help from Rome to start his church, or to keep it in existence.  Therefore he certainly does not need the help of the IRS or the state to grant his church the permission to exist as a corporation. It already exists as the body of Christ. 

Some may be asking, but how do we.....?  Just read the Bible, walk by faith, and let the Lord take care of his church. 

The race has changed

OK, so there was not a great response to our invitation for preachers to enter the Independent Baptist Preachers Mountain Bicycle Race (IBPMBR).  So lets make some changes.  The first course was 75 miles, I have shortened this one down to 35.  All of it off road again.  Starting elevation at 980' and peaks at 3210', but lots of ups and downs, think roller coaster.  The race would run when the temps will stay under 80 at the finishing line, therefore most of the race in the 60's and 70's at the warmest.  So for this area, some time between Nov. 1 - April 1.  Where you ask, the hills just west of Bullhead City, AZ and Laughlin, NV. 

So if interested, leave a comment and we will work with the entrants of setting a date, and enjoying some preaching.
For details from previous post concerning some of the details, see - http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/monocogman/666153/

Who says Christians don't have fun?

    So last night there was a beautiful full moon rising over the mountains. They sun had faded out over the western mountains.  The temperature had just dropped under 100 in the Arizona desert, and it was time for this preacher to ride up the mountain.  Lights on, iced up water and gatorade, said good night to my girls, and off I went.  Dusk quickly faded into night, and the lights were needed at full power. Little eyes look at you from the darkness, desert rodents scurry across the trail, and all sorts of creepy bugs have come out of their daytime hiding.  They leave me alone, and I leave them alone.

    After 8 miles of climbing, it was time to enjoy the twisting, fast descending trail. Trails take on a new challenge at night; even with powerful lights.  The computer said the speed peaked at 30 mph. There was no need for sun screen, and the ice did not melt near as fast.  18 miles later safely back in the driveway with temps under 90.  Now that is good, clean (morally) fun, that does not need to be confessed and forsaken.  Thank the Lord.  

    So its that time of the year in the Arizona desert to ride under the stars.  Any one interested in joining me?

Considering serving in the military?

We read in Hebrews 11:23
"By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment."

Men give commandments that are not in accord with God's commandments.  At that time as a Christian, man's commandments are not to be followed. 

In the news recently, we read this story from Reuters and One News Now  -

"The U.S. military is confirming that it has destroyed some Bibles belonging to an American soldier serving in Afghanistan.

"Reuters News says the Bibles were confiscated and destroyed after Qatar-based Al Jazeera television showed soldiers at a Bible class on a base with a stack of Bibles translated into the local Pashto and Dari languages. The U.S. military forbids its members on active duty--including those based in places like Afghanistan--from trying to convert people to another religion.

"Reuters quotes Maj. Jennifer Willis at the Bagram Air Base, north of Kabul, who said 'I can now confirm that the Bibles shown on Al Jazeera's clip were, in fact, collected by the chaplains and later destroyed. They were never distributed.'"

If you are in active military duty, you have a decision to make.  Will you obey the Lord, or man?  God has given the orders to preach the gospel, and therefore try to convert  people to Christianity.  The U.S. military forbids this.  They are wrong, and will face the wrath of the Lord for their position. 

If you are considering serving in the military and are a Christian desiring to walk right with the Lord, you will have to purpose in your heart that you will obey God rather than men when orders are given contrary to the words of God.  And knowing you also must face the consequences for your obedience to the Lord. 

Just something to think about.

Preachers need preaching also.

Do you notice that sometimes preachers react to preaching worse than others?  Did you know preacher, that you are not above being preached to?  Your education and knowledge has not raised you up to a level that exempts you from being preached to.  You may think that preachers' meetings are only to be encouraged in, but you probably need to be preached at more than you realize.  This is not the writing of a disgruntled church member, this is a fellow preacher trying to help you humble yourself before the Lord, and to receive preaching from even the younger preachers you find yourself listening to.

"For God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble."

Who are your friends?

The Bible says, "Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go". 

Who your friends are says a lot about you.  Better to have no friends than the wrong friends. 

Jesus said in John 15:14,
"Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you."

A great man in the Bible was called the friend of God. 

Are you and the Lord friends?

Something to think about.

Very ignorant of Islam

Did you see the news?  Here is the quote -

ANKARA, Turkey (AP) - Barack Obama, making his first visit to a Muslim nation as president, declared Monday the United States "is not and will never be at war with Islam."

Islam is at war with us.  It was Muslims that flew those planes into the World Trade Towers.  It is Muslims that are suicide bombers.  It is Islam that calls the USA the great Satan. 

Mr. Obama, are you that ignorant?  Or is it because you are a Muslim?

Mr. Obama and Israel

Interesting report in the news that will be quoted below.  The current administration is not friendly towards Israel.  The Lord gave a promise to the man who is the father of the Jewish nation in Genesis 12:2,3;
2   And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:
3   And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.

God had richly blessed the USA due to their blessing the Jewish people.  They were given a place to live here free from persecution after this nation was formed.  When the state of Israel was formed again in 1948, the USA stood with them.  But now there is a change.
Please note the following -

General Ashkenazi reportedly attempted to arrange meetings with President Obama, Vice President Biden and intelligence czars Bob Gates, Dennis Blair or Michael Mullen. None of them would see him. He had valuable intelligence information about Iran to share with them.

Last year, Israeli Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi had no problem setting up meetings with top officials in the U.S. government.

A statement to WorldTribune.com by the Israel Defense Forces spokesman attempted to downplay the snubs. But diplomatic sources said Ashkenazi failed to obtain access to any Cabinet member, including Defense Secretary Robert Gates. The Israeli military chief, who sought to discuss the Iranian nuclear threat, was also unable meet his counterpart, Adm. Michael Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

The Tribune quoted an unnamed diplomat who told them, "The administration is sending a very clear message to Israel, and this is we want to talk about Palestine and not Iran."

AND ALSO IN THE NEWS

A former top US intelligence official warns that the Obama Administration is about to break America's long ties of friendship with Israel, and maybe even take steps toward the dissolution of the Jewish state.

Speaking on condition of anonymity to Douglas Hagmann of the Northeast Intelligence Network, the source said:

"I have every reason to believe, based on what I’ve seen at my level of [security] clearance especially over the last several years, that Israel will soon be completely on their own… or worse."

He went on to note that the betrayal likely won't happen in one dramatic moment, but rather subtly, behind the scenes, and over the course of several years.

The Obama Administration is preparing to "provide more support to Arab countries [with] financial and military aid, undercutting Israel’s defense efforts all while pushing Israel to succumb to the pressure of unreasonable demands designed to end with their political annihilation as a nation," said the source.

Israeli officials have of late noted a marked increase in the pressure from Washington to more rapidly acquiesce to Arab land-for-peace demands, and US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has clarified that Washington is none too pleased with incoming Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's refusal to commit to the creation of a sovereign Palestinian Arab state with Jerusalem as its capital.


None of this surprises me when the president has an Islamic name.  Talk is cheap on the campaign trail, now we are watching the actions and seeing the true character  of the president.   

God's way out of financial difficulty

I don't know if the Lord's children are having as difficult a time as we hear reported in the news concerning finances.  But the simple truth is still found in the scriptures.

Luke 6:38
38   Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

Now that is not the advice the financial planners will give you, but the Lord Jesus would never lead any of his children astray.  But as many face difficulty, they want to keep what little they have.  Rather treat your money as seed, for that is the Bible view of it.

II Corinthians 9
6   But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
7   Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

If a farmer desired a good crop, yet kept all his seed in the barn, and would not plant it, most would think him rather foolish.  Are you like the foolish farmer or are you obedient to the Lord?

The Independent Baptist Preachers Mountain Bike Race

Just a reminder of what was stated at the beginning of this adventure called the Monocog Blog -

"A few years back I saw that my brother in law had a bike with out gears.  No derailleur, no shifter, no cables stretching from front to back.  Just a bike, wheels, chain, pedals and brakes.  I commented to him about his one speed bike.  “Singlespeed” he commented back.  Now it was a fat, knobby tired bicycle, one you take off road in the hills.  I thought, “what a way to torture yourself”.  Go ahead in time.  I now own a Redline Monocog.  I have had that bicycle for over 4 years.  Off road, in the hills, no shifting, just ride it, or sometimes walk it, if the trail is too steep. But there is where we get the name for this blog, and as the title says, it’s all about one. "

So with that theme in mind, lets put something out there that is not too popular among Independent Baptists, a challenge to race.  Here it is -

The Independent Baptist Preachers Mountain Bike Race, or IBPMBR for short. Some time in early May, just waiting for some preachers to sign up. So if you are a preacher, leave some information in the comment section.

Location is in the western border area of Arizona.  The course starts at 500' elevation, climbs up over 3500', and then down around 2400' before going up over 4000' and back down to the valley.  Temps will be warm and the terrain rough.  Total mileage approximately 75 miles.  No shorts or tank tops, let's keep a good testimony for the Lord.  Yes, this is serious! Any takers?  If so, let me know in the comments section.  If we can get a preacher or two interested, we could also have a short preacher's meeting,  though only doctrinally sound and separated preachers will be allowed to preach.  Dates are flexible, though early May would be best so as not to get too hot.

Sounds great to this preacher.  Now to see if there will be any other participants.

To the praise of his glory

24 years ago today the Lord saved me.  The Lord reached down to save a hell bound college student attending the University of Minnesota.  John 1:12 was the verse God used in the preaching of his word. 
"But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name"

I had done a lot of religious activities.  But one's works have no part in salvation. Jesus paid it all, his death is sufficient. 

"The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin."

The following 24 years have been quite the time. 

"The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad."

My one wife

Happy Anniversary to my one wife of 21 years.
You call yourself a diamond in the rough, but your worth to me is far above rubies.
Lord willing, lets enjoy our next 21 years together more than we have enjoyed the these past years.

Two men exercising their first amendment right.

Here are two men who are not afraid to say what needs to be said.  (Sorry, we have broken away from the theme of "one" for a moment.)

You may have seen these already; if not, take a look at what both of these men are saying.

Alan Keyes
AND
Rick Santelli

Monetary policy is important for elected officials to understand.  Most do not.  This is not Monopoly we are playing.  There are two possible reasons for what is going on.   Either the leaders in Congress are very ignorant, OR they are purposely trying to destroy America as we have known it. 
Keyes and Santelli voice what many with smaller audiences are saying already. 

Communists and the haters of liberty have gotten control. 
There is ONE thing to do - PRAY WITHOUT CEASING.

One more point to refute

Last time we were refuting some error.  See previous post.  Well, let's move on to what else was in that doctrinal statement.

"We reject as unscriptural any claim that Christians will be physically removed, or “raptured,” from the earth prior to judgment day."

If you believe what you read in the scriptures, it is easy to see that the Lord will remove those that are his one day.

I Thess. 4
13   But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
14   For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
15   For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
16   For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
17   Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
18   Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

There you have it.  Verse 17 speaks of meeting the Lord in the air, that is, being caught up off this earth. 

The Old Testament also spoke about this.
Isaiah 26
19   Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead.
20   Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast.
21   For, behold, the LORD cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain.

Just as I Thess. 4:16 speaks of the dead rising, Isaiah wrote in 26:19 of the earth casting out the dead.  Verse 20 is the rapture, as God's people are safe with him while this world is judged. 

The Lord is coming soon.  You need to be born again, given spiritual life to be ready to meet him when he comes. 
Flee from the wrath to come --  the wrath that will punish those in their sins.

One dangerous false statement to refute

Here it is - from the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod's website on "What We Believe".

"We reject the teaching that Christ will reign on earth for a thousand years in a physical, earthly kingdom. This teaching (millennialism) has no valid scriptural basis and falsely leads Christians to set their hopes upon an earthly kingdom of Christ (John 18:36). We reject as unscriptural any claim that Christians will be physically removed, or “raptured,” from the earth prior to judgment day. We likewise reject as unscriptural any claim that all the Jews will be converted in the final days."


I urge my readers to look at Revelation 20
1   And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.
2   And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,
3   And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.
4   And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
5   But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.
6   Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

It says there that Jesus will reign one thousand years. Did you see that in verses 4 and 6?

In Luke 1:32, the angel Gabriel told Mary concerning the Lord Jesus,
"...the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:"

The study would be of great length, but it is clear in the Bible that the Lord Jesus is returning to reign as King, with his throne situated in Jerusalem.  After 1000 years there will be a judgment.

Rev 20, continued
7   And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison,
8   And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog, and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.
9   And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.
10   And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.
11   And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.
12   And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
13   And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
14   And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
15   And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

Could it be any clearer?  If your final authority is the Bible only, and not confessions, catechisms, and church fathers, you would see that the millenial reign of Christ is scriptural.  Stay tuned, we will look at the other two claims they make concerning the rapture and the conversion of the Jewish nation.

At least it was not one

Two senators voted against Hillary Clinton being the next Secretary of State.  So much for counting on the Republicans to stand for what is right.  Though I already knew that, but maybe this will start to open the eyes of many of what we are facing in the leadership in this country.  If you need to ask why should a U.S. senator have voted against her being appointed to that position, then you probably won't understand much of what is written here. 

Get ready, everything wrong will be promoted in the next few years.  And taxes will be raised on everything, and probably a few new taxes added.  Sodomites will flaunt their abominable actions, and be encouraged by new hate laws to be soon passed.  Take heart if you are saved, God gave us an example in Genesis 19.  Once Lot was removed, fire and brimstone fell on Sodom and Gomorrah.  Once the trumpet sounds, judgment will fall.

One Hope

Let's get back to our discussion in Ephesians 4.

v4   There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;

The one hope is easy to identify in the scriptures.

Titus 2
13   Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
14   Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

The only hope for anyone is the Lord Jesus Christ.

He is the only hope for our country.
He is the only hope for your family.
He is the only hope for your soul.

America, like all other nations, has turned away from the Lord and the Bible.  Politicians offer more of the same hopelessness every year.  Their empty promises offer a false hope to many who are in desperate situations.  The Bible is very clear.

Psalm 9
17   The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.

Families fall apart when they depart from the scriptures.  The Bible is very clear about parents, not the humanistic, god denying, hell bound liberals of the federal school system, teaching their children. The Bible is very clear that the wife is to be a keeper at home, not out pursuing her "career".  And fathers are to take an active role in their family, not to just sit on the couch watching "professional sports", and oblivious to the needs of their family.  If your family situation seems hopeless, turn to the scriptures, and get back to God's ways.

Without the Lord all is hopeless.  But with the Lord, we have a blessed hope, which in the only hope in this wicked sinful world. 

One Thousand

That is $1000 for you next home purchase.
I recently came upon some information concerning the economy in Detroit.  The situation was being described as very bad.  The average home price was given as $18,000.  Now I had to check on that one.  So over to www.realtor.com I went.  I entered $1000 as my min price and $40,000 as my max price.  Click search.  WOW  Nearly 5000 homes listed.  How about a 1432 square foot home, 5 bed room, brick home for $40,000?  Well I brought the search down to see how many under $20,000, nearly 4000 listed, 195 homes under $1000, and 35 at $300 or less. 

You say, "must be urban inner city ghetto."  Well how about a 1100 square foot home on 7 acres for $300?  Any takers out there? 

In comparison, there were 2114 listed in the range of $50,000 to $500,000.

Why so bad?  The report said 21% unemployment.  I hate to be the one breaking the bad news, but this will probably be spreading to other areas also.  My advice. "Seek ye the Lord while he may be found."  "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness."  "Ye must be born again".  No amount of "survival" planning can prepare you for the judgment of God.  Only the Lord's grace and compassion will.