ACTION

Howdy all!  Whew it’s getting hot in SE Washington State.  At the time of this writing (11 pm PDT), it has cooled down to 64 degrees.  While working on my tractor I received a good sunburn through a small hole in my working jeans.  It looked real funny when I put my shorts on for dinner.  I can’t wait until that small patch turns into a very large freckle.

Any hoo,..

And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. ~ Colossians 3:15

But the origin of the American republic is distinguished by peculiar circumstances.  Other nations have been driven together by fear and necessity – their governments have generally been the result of a single man’s observations; or the offspring of particular interests.  In the foundation of our constitution, the wisdom of all ages is collected – the legislators of antiquity are consulted – as well as the opinions and interests of the millions, who are concerned.  In short, it is an empire of reason. ~ An Examination into the Leading Principles of the Federal Constitution, “A Citizen of America” (Noah Webster), October 17, 1787

As members of one body we are called to live in peace.  These words found in Colossians have so much meaning.  In the community, in our churches, on earth we are called to live in peace.  But how do we as flawed humans do this?  Well first we accept ourselves as flawed, and then accept that we need rules to follow.  These rules would guide us to live the life we are expected to.  Making those rules has proven difficult at best across the span of human existence.  In fact, I may be wrong, but I know of only two instances where the rules were successful.  The first was a set of commandments set to stone, and carried back to the flock by Moses.  The other was back in the late 18^th century when a group of people put together a list of rules to guide a fledgling nation determined to survive for the people, not for themselves.  “An empire of reason” Webster called it.  After all, it was not a nation ruled by elites or nobles.  Nobles in fact were not allowed.  Even the leadership of the French Revolution, who wanted to emulate the American format, after winning their revolution found themselves greedy and hungry for the power.  But this city on the hill survived as originally designed.  It survives today.  And I believe strongly that it will survive through this election, and the next, and the next.  Why, you old gray haired loon, do you think it will survive?  The answer is in your home.  It is in your mirror.  Look into it.  See a ray of light emanating from the shining city on the hill.  ‘In the foundation of our constitution, the wisdom of all ages is collected – the legislators of antiquity are consulted – as well as the opinions and interests of the millions, who are concerned.’  Millions and millions of rays; people who are concerned asking questions, demanding answers, and getting involved, because they are concerned. 

These days are hard to accept; socialism and communism in the White House and probably both houses of Congress.  Americans still thinking their nation is doing just fine; we don’t need to be wary.  Ostriches with their heads in the sand wishing all the political noise would just go away.  But you rays of light shining across the nation are giving the point of reference needed for the rest of us to recognize, and follow.  Never surrender, don’t be violent, and don’t ever be silent ever again.

Take care, God bless,

AND STAND WITH ISRAEL!!!

Tom Kiley