26 minute read
Land of opportunity: America’s roots
THE USA … ‘Land of Opportunity’ blessed by God
By Steve Nelson
The United States of America is a oneof-a-kind extraordinary nation. Why is this? “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD” (Psalms 33:12). No arguments to the contrary are reasonable. God is the only explanation. Only by understanding and recognizing historical facts, plus by looking at the USA from a physical and spiritual point of view, can we properly get the right context and an accurate perspective of who we are in the world and why.
How did our amazing country begin?
Fact: Politically, the USA declared independence in 1776, then formed a constitution in 1787, then installed George Washington (a Christian) as the first president in 1789. We began with 13 states, then in 1959 added Alaska and Hawaii as the 49th and 50th states. Plus we currently have 16 additional “territories.”
Myth: The USA has a “Judeo-Christian” heritage. Not true. In reality, the USA has a Christian heritage. Leave out the “Judeo” word as it is not factually correct. Some historians, based on misinformation, have lumped all people together who believe portions of the Bible, assuming those who acknowledge only the legitimacy of the Old Testament are part of the same religious grouping as “Christians”. However, our founders were not only believers in the Old Testament, but also in the New, which absolutely includes Jesus Christ.
Fact: 56 men signed the Declaration, 39 signed the Constitution and 6 signed both. Some look back at history and try to justify, through warped interpretations of scattered writings, that some of these signers of the founding documents were not Christians. Not true! Another misleading modern interpretation declares many signers to be fully “deist,” which is to say they merely believed in a Creator who was no longer involved in the creation. In reality, every single one of them was a Christian, proven as they all personally acknowledged their religious denominations as such. As examples, these men were mostly Protestants, declaring such beliefs as Anglican, Calvinist, Congregational, Dutch Reformed, Episcopalian, Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian, Quaker, Roman Catholic and Unitarian. All gathered in prayer to Almighty God (the Author of the Bible, the Creator, Father of Jesus Christ and Father of all born again people in the world).
Quotes: Thomas Jefferson (wrote the Declaration) said, “Christianity is the best friend of government” and “I am a real Christian, that is to say, a disciple of the doctrines of Jesus.” James Madison (drafted the Constitution) said the most noble thing men can declare is of “becoming fervent advocates in the cause of Christ” and “the people of the United States having, in this most solemn of all their enactments, professed themselves to be a Christian nation; and having expressed their confidence, that all employed in their service will practice the duties of the Christian faith.” Benjamin Franklin (signed both documents) said, “As to Jesus of Nazareth, my opinion of whom you particularly desire, I think the system of morals and his religion, as he left them to us, is the best the world ever saw, or is likely to see”; and Franklin specifically was the one who called for prayer at the Constitutional Convention.
What makes us unique now?
Big: Physically, we’re second in terms of natural resources behind Russia and third in food production and population behind China and India. We’re third in land size, behind Russia and Canada. We‘re bordered by two massive oceans, Pacific and Atlantic, along with two peaceful nations, Canada and Mexico. Strong: Economically, Americans are the most generous nation by far, giving over $400 billion annually in philanthropy. This is no surprise since giving to others is the principle action of love as promoted in the Bible. The Steve Nelson dollar is the world’s dominant currency. English is the world’s dominant language, similar to the most popular book in the history of the world, the King James Version of the Bible (written in English). Christian: There are more Christians in the USA than any other nation, followed by Brazil and Mexico. Read that sentence again. We have the most Christians. Not surprising, therefore, is that our nation became the strongest nation and won World War I and II, plus helped in other countless international causes to bring freedom to billions. Most advantages of technology have been started and/or advanced here in the USA, such as: computers, cars, airplanes, light bulbs, telephones, cell phones, plastic, microwaves, lasers and the internet, to name a few. No “coincidence” played a role in this frequency of innovation here, but rather God’s hand has obviously been on our nation, as a blessing to the whole world. Changes: For now, we still have the freedom to choose our personal religious views, of which a majority (over 50%) of Americans still lean toward Christianity. Our nation’s strong history and current strength does not suggest that at all times have all decisions or actions been good. Evil is mixed in with every nation on the planet to some degree as there are no perfectly righteous people on the planet. And God does not favor one person over another, rather God blesses those who believe and act on His Word, no matter which country they live in. Take notice: Pop culture has tried to eliminate our Christian heritage from the history books. Even now, it seems the most dangerous attacks on our nation are internal, attacks on Christians, those who practice the Bible. Therefore, what can we do about it? First, let’s be thankful for our nation. Second, pray. Third, let’s continue to do the most effective thing that made us great, to speak up just as Jesus instructed us, “...ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:8). God bless you! n Steve Nelson has been a Bible teacher for over 25 years. This article comes from “USA: Land of Opportunity” Segment 95 of “CORE,” a course for families on how to read and understand the Bible. See T4FAMILYCENTER.COM or reach Steve at T4FamilyCenter@gmail.com.
Christian Rapper Philanthropist, Entrepreneur
Nineteen year-old RandyB Funk, is an “up-and-coming” Christian rapper, whose music is featured on over 150 Christian radio stations nationwide. He is a college student at Liberty University, a community organizer, a philanthropist, public speaker and a business owner. RandyB, also has a giant heart for his community, and Loves Jesus.
RandyB has opened for, or performed with, some of the most popular names in Christian hip-hop, including KB, Wande, Zauntee, Steven Malcom, 1K-Phew, 1K-Pson, Christafari, R-Swift, PEABOD and more. Other than recording twice with R-Swift, and spending time at Toby Mac’s music camp “Camp Electric” in Nashville, RandyB Funk is completely self taught. He writes, performs and in most cases, produces his own songs. He began writing songs at age 11 and recorded his fi rst album when he was 15 years old, including a song with hip-hop legend, R-Swift. Since then he has released over 16 songs and is fi nishing his second album which will be released early this year. RandyB just returned from Hawaii, where he released a video of his hit song NEW DAY. In February 2022, he released two new songs SWERVE (feat. Danyelle Speaks & R-Swift) and Life Gets at You (feat. R-Swift) with more on the way!
Since age 11, RandyB has also been running service drives for foods banks, pet shelters and rescue missions. He originally started working with the homeless long before that in Maui, Hawaii, where he was raised until he was seven. He’s been awarded the Prudential Award, Meridian Star Award, Presidential award, and served as the Meridian Youth Arts Commissioner for several years. He’s also been named the ‘Artist of the Month for Effect Radio’(CSN) and the ‘Do Good Champion’ by Project 88.7. Still, that’s not why he does it, he truly loves his community and challenges himself each year to help even more. The founder of the SOS Service Drives, RandyB’s drive generated 10,000 items this year for the Boise Rescue Mission, and the Idaho Humane Society!
RandyB Funk also started FIRED UP PROMOTIONS, which he comanages with his Mom. Thousands of dollars have been generated from the ticket sales of multiple concerts, that he created to benefi t the Boise Rescue Mission, since 2020.
RandyB has also attended Chamber of Commerce meetings since he was 12 years old, and posesses rare maturity and wisdom, for his 19 years of age. He attended college courses for two years, while still in high school, is graduating high school this May, and is already in the Psychology Program at Liberty University.
So what’s next for RandyB Funk? The NEW DAY TOUR, which will include some local venue performances (call now church leaders) and a tour that will take him from Florida to the midwest, and fi nish in California. RandyB Funk’s manager is booking additional performance locations now. RandyB has always offered FREE performances to local churches/youth groups, and does multiple concerts every year at Boise Bible College, and other venues.
We asked RandyB where his passion comes from? “God, family and just loving people like Jesus did. I was raised in a family that believed your life is your ministry. I want my life to make a difference, I want to help people to see themselves like God does, and it just takes a determined effort. You’ve got to wake up grateful and put in the work. I just set goals and take steps to make it happen, God does the rest.”
How can people get involved with your ministry and concerts? “I always need volunteers for both my concerts and service drives. Right now I’m also auditioning for talented dancers, who are also believers. We’ve got some exciting concerts planned for this year and I love creating a safe, encouraging space where kids, teens, families and seniors can all enjoy Christian Hip-hop, dancing, and making new friends. We are getting less connected as a society and it’s damaging our youth and young adults. I want to be part of the solution by bringing new friends together, where it’s okay to Love Jesus, encourage others and see yourself as valuable.”
Team RandyB Funk can be contacted at: Phone: (208)-914-3793 Email: mcfunk48@gmail.com Find him at randybfunk.com and on social media @randybfunkmusic RandyB Funk’s music is available on Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, Amazon Music, and more.
HISTORY, Culture & Faith How Christianity carved a new path west
By Dr. Rick Chromey
Oregon. Washington. Idaho. Parts of Montana and Wyoming.
It’s nearly 300,000 acres of majestic, rugged land known as the Oregon Territory, a portion of the Louisiana Purchase of 1803. The infamous Oregon Trail snakes through this vast estate, connecting the Great Plains to the Pacific Ocean. Thousands of westward wagons once traveled its corridors and canyons, leaving behind etchings, belongings, and graves. Today it’s interstates and roads that mark the path.
But who started the trail? And for what reason?
The story originates with five Indians – four Flathead and one Nez Perce – who traveled over 2,000 miles to visit “their great father,” William C. Clark. Clark and Meriwether Lewis had encountered the Nez Perce and Flathead Indians in their exploration of the Missouri and Columbia rivers in 1803-1806.
Now these four Indians sought spiritual guidance. They wanted to secure the “book to Heaven” that allowed people to “live forever with the Great Spirit.” And in 1831 they traveled to faraway St. Louis, Mo. to get answers. On the way, one died.
The remaining four Indians found Clark at his home. Upon
learning of their quest, Clark kindly gave them a tour of town and showed them a cathedral...but offered no
answers. When another two Indians died, the remaining pair desperately pled Clark for insight. Don’t send us back “blind...broken and empty,” they begged. A young man overheard the Indians’ request to Clark, wrote their words and eventually published it as “Wise Men from the West” for the Christian Advocate journal (March 1833).
The story ignited eastern Christian churches. Somebody needed to go west.
A New York physician named Marcus Whitman was
inspired...and ready. He hungered for adventures and mission work. Consequently, in 1835, Whitman traveled with another missionary to Montana and Idaho. They purposely visited the Flathead and Nez Perce tribes. From their efforts, some Indians converted to Christianity. The Nez Perce then invited Whitman to live among them and he promised to return.
A year later Marcus and his new bride Narcissa – along with another missionary couple – headed west again. This time they blazed a new trail deep into the Oregon Territory. Narcissa became the first woman to travel west of the Rocky Mountains.
For the next decade the Whitmans lived, worked, and churched among the Nez Perce and Cayuse tribes of western Washington. Narcissa was a teacher. She taught the Indians how to read and write. Marcus tended to their health, treating wounds, disease, and aging. Through their Christian service, the Whitmans evangelized numerous Indians. In 1842, Marcus returned east to Washington, D.C. to beg President John Tyler and other politicians to help them settle the Oregon Territory. Christianity was spreading and there was great need for additional Christians to teach, lead, serve and comfort. The idea proved unpopular. Most easterners viewed settling the Oregon Territory as pointless. It was desolate, worthless...and few cared about the Indian. One southern senator chortled he “would not give a pinch of snuff for the whole territory.”
But Marcus was not deterred. Eventually President Tyler approved his request and told the buckskin-clad Whitman: “Your long ride and frozen limbs testify to your courage and your patriotism. Your credentials establish your character.” Whitman immediately marshalled a group of “Christian soldiers” – over 200 wagons and a thousand people strong – to head back to Oregon along the path he had charted.
The “Oregon Trail” was born.
Soon their western route (and news of fertile land) inspired additional wagon trains to form.
The Whitmans continued to work among the Indian...and now the emigrant. They eventually opened a school for orphaned children left along the Trail. And they continued to spread Christianity among the Indians.
The Nez Perce particularly favored Christianity. Chief Joseph’s father converted, and the famous “chief” was himself educated in a mission school. Many of the tribes appreciated the Christian settlers who ventured to their land. The relationships were friendly and cooperative.
Nevertheless, it didn’t take long for gold-seekers, outlaws, frontiersmen, gamblers, and politicians with greed (not God) on their minds to spark problems. Skirmishes between the Indian and
whites increased, and new infectious “white” diseases
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were introduced. Lacking immunity, these deadly viruses spread quickly among the Indians.
Marcus Whitman doctored and healed many of the sick Indians but eventually the nearby Cayuse tribe grew desperately angry. Their tribe had been decimated by measles and they blamed the “medicine man” Whitman. On November 29, 1847,
Cayuse warriors massacred Marcus and Narcissa Whitman along with 12 other set-
tlers. They torched buildings, destroyed property, and kidnapped 53 women and children – holding them hostage for a month.
The Whitman mission was gone.
But his legacy was not.
Twelve years later, a seminary to train ministers was established in his name. Today that college still exists as Whitman College in Spokane, Wash. In his youth Marcus dreamed of becoming a clergyman but family and money dissuaded him. Instead, he apprenticed medicine for two years to become a doctor. God used Marcus’s medical skills and Narcissa’s teaching abilities to serve the Indian. Ultimately, they’d become notable missionaries too.
This is why the Oregon Trail was pioneered. It wasn’t carved by gold seekers, outlaws or easterners seeking new land as much as an army of Christians committed to serve, teach and
nurse the Indians. They came to settle Oregon and Washington for God.
Many modern western histories miss
this spiritual element. And too many historians blame all white men for atrocities against the Indian, but these claims are false. In reality, the West was also settled by Christians who came not for gold, land, or escape...but rather to evangelize, minister, and educate those in need...particularly the Indian. In 1923, President Warren G. Harding summaDr. Rick Chromey rized this first emigrant expedition: “Never in the history of the world has there been a finer example of civilization following Christianity. The missionaries led under the banner of the cross, and the settlers moved close behind under the star-spangled symbol of the nation.” Now that’s how the West was really won. n Dr. Rick Chromey helps people interpret history, navigate culture and explore faith. He’s an author, historian, professor, and founder/president of MANNA! Educational Services International. Rick and his wife Linda live in Star. Rick is available to speak and train for your event. Readers are also invited to subscribe to the Morning MANNA! inspirational and educational (M-F) email. Visit www.mannasolutions.org.
Sources:
1. Warren G. Harding’s “Address in Meacham, Oregon” on July 3, 1923: https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/address-meacham-oregon 2. How Marcus Whitman Saved Oregon by Oliver W. Nixon, M.D., LL.D. (Chicago: Star Publishing Company, 1895). Available for download at Google books. 3. Marcus Whitman: Pathfinder and Patriot by Rev. Myron Eells, D.D. (Seatte: The Alice Harriman Company, 1909). Available for download at Google books.
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DESTINED for Victory No room for stinkin’ thinkin’ pity parties
By Pastor Paul Sheppard
There is no room for stinkin’ thinkin’ in the kingdom of God. He is the God who takes ugly ashes and turns them into beauty and joy. Romans 8:28 does not say God will work all things together for good for “some Christians.” He doesn’t turn everything to good only for the super-spiritual people. This promise is not based on your spiritual maturity or your calling. God does not have favorites. No child of His is “inferior” or “unworthy” of His promises.
All things work together for good for all those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.
Are you a child of God? If so, then you are in. You qualify. The Lord knows you by name. He knows everything about you. Without questions or qualifications, He is working these difficult situations out for your good in the end.
Notice how Paul resisted the temptation to hold a pity party. Have you ever held a pity party? Things are looking so bad that you begin to nurse that stinkin’ thinkin’. You soak in that hot tub of self-pity. You call up your friends and say, “Might as well come over, cuz I’m fixin’ to have a party.”
Anybody talking about faith is not welcome at a pity party. You don’t want any bright-side-seeing people at a pity party. No, no! When you get into the wrong frame of mind, you want people who can feed your pity. If you see faith folk coming, you say, “Uh uh! They got a scripture for me that I don’t want to hear.”
When you’re soaking in that self-pity, you don’t need righteous folk saying, “The Lord put you on my heart. I woke up this morning and the Spirit of the Lord told me to start pray-
ing for you. I’ve been on my knees for you. God wants to give you hope.” You don’t want any of that when you’re planning to hold a pity party. You don’t need someone trying to make you feel good when you’re doing all you can to feel bad! There’s nothing worse than the promises of God to wreck a perfectly good pity party. When you open yourself up to self-pity, you open yourself up to a world of trouble. Why? Because if Pity is invited to the party, he invites all his friends. Pity gets a great big passenger van and drives over to Doubt’s house. “Get in,” Pity says. Pastor Paul Sheppard “What’s happening?” Doubt asks. “We’re having a big party,” says Pity. So Doubt jumps in the van, and they head over to the home of Loneliness. The lights are all off and it looks like nobody’s there, but they ring the doorbell anyway. Loneliness pokes his head out, and they invite him to the party. So it’s three of them in the van now, heading over to Depression’s house. When they get there, they have to let themselves in because, as usual, Depression is still in the bed with the covers pulled up over his head. “Get up,” say Pity, Doubt and Loneliness. “We’re having a big pity party.” “Well, that sounds like something worth getting up for,” says Depression. So all four of them pile into the van and drive to the home of the twins, Bitterness and Anger. From inside the house come shouts and screams and sounds of scrabbling and fighting. When the door opens, it’s like releasing a cloud of hornets. “What are you doing over here? What’s the matter with you? You have no right coming here without an invitation!”
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“Why should we?” yells Anger.
“We never got an invitation the last time you had a party,” says Bitterness.
Nevertheless, they talk Anger and Bitterness into putting their happy hips in the van.
“Don’t forget Fear,” someone calls out.
So they go to pick up Fear. The poor creature is so scared it takes all their coaxing to get him into the van. Then they take off, packed with Pity, Doubt, Loneliness, Depression, Anger, Bitterness and Fear.
When you invite Pity to a party, he brings all his friends. Make no room for self-pity in your life. It will destroy everything good God is trying to nurse in you. It will only prolong the dark season you need to leave behind.
Don’t feed the things that need to starve. Don’t feed your doubts, loneliness, depression, bitterness, anger and fear. Starve self-pity by feeding your faith. Look to God’s Word for encouragement. Look to the wonderful example of Paul.
If anyone has a legitimate cause for self-pity, it would be Paul. He should be cursing the people who torment him, when instead, he is looking to bless whoever he can. With great joy, he tells the Philippian church, “God is up to something great here, and He wants to do the same in your lives.” Paul shows us how to do exactly the opposite of what you’d expect. When the whole world seems to be turned against you, God says, “Go find somebody else and lift them up.” That is victorious living! God gives us the strength to strengthen others, just when we think we’re at our weakest. He enables us to exercise our faith muscles and encourage others, while God in turn is renewing our strength in the midst of our struggles. Follow Paul’s example and be joyful in all circumstances. Don’t wait until your circumstances change. Do it now. Walk by faith. Expect God to show up, and He will. n This is an excerpt from the series “Keeping THE Main Thing the Main Thing” by Pastor Paul Sheppard. You can hear Pastor Paul’s radio show, “Destined For Victory,” weekday mornings at 9 a.m. MST on 94.1 FM or online at www.941thevoice.com. For more information, consult www.PastorPaul.net.
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MAXIMUM Health Why are fermented foods so beneficial?
By Rosie Main
What is fermented food? Fermented foods have been around for thousands of years. They have been a way to keep food fresh, especially before the invention of refrigeration. Fermented foods are put through a fermentation process in which natural bacteria create lactic acid by feeding on sugar and starch. Outside of preserving the food, the process creates beneficial enzymes, B vitamins, fatty acids, and various strains of probiotics, all of which have many health benefits.
Why fermented food? Your body needs good bacteria inside of it in order to get balanced with nature. Oftentimes we were taught that we shouldn’t have bacteria in our bodies, that we should hand sanitize, clean everything off and completely sanitize and kill all the bacteria. The reality is, that couldn’t be further from the truth. If you eliminate all bacteria, your body is in trouble. We need it in order to symbiotically live with the environment around us. We actually need to be exposed to MORE in order to challenge the system and build it up. What are the benefits of fermented foods? 1. They are chock-full of probiotics. Probiotics are your friends. The body contains more foreign bacteria than cells. Right now, you have trillions of bacteria inside of you called probiotics. You need to have good bacteria in order to keep balance with the bad bacteria that comes in.
These probiotic friends are lining your digestive system and make up 80% of your immune system. If you do not have enough of them, or they get bogged down from antibiotics, caffeine, sugar, or poor diet, you suppress and kill the probiotics. Once your good bacteria is gone, your body can’t fight in order to build health. Your immune system becomes compromised and can’t fight off sickness and, lastly, your food can’t be digested the way it’s supposed to be. 2. Your digestive system loves them! Probiotics help break down food and move it through the system. Once this happens, you’ll be going to the bathroom with ease. Your food will be broken down and absorbed at a much higher level. How much fermented food and probiotics are needed?
Sauerkraut. You might say, “Ugh, sauerkraut! I hated it as a kid.” But there are now many different flavors of sauerkraut. There’s a pickled flavor that I eat. I get a high dose of fermented food with a flavor that I like. I can have it with almost any meal. A 16-ounce package of sauerkraut is equivalent to the number of probiotics in eight bottles of supplements. One bag of fermented sauerkraut for $4 is equivalent to 8 bottles of probiotics that might cost upwards of $60-$70 each. I highly encourage myself, my family, and you to eat this fermented food. Sauerkraut is the easy ticket; two ounces a day is all you need. We’re only talking about a spoonful or two. Rosie Main You’ll get super high doses – into the trillions of probiotics on a daily basis – just by getting kraut in. Pickles. Pickles are much lower in probiotic content. Read the label. If you get the kind that is not too processed (minimum ingredients), they can be a great source of fermented food. My kids love pickles. And if a pickle gets probiotics in them, I’m all for it. Kombucha. Kombucha, which has really gotten popular within the last five years, is another good source of probiotics. It is a form of a fermented tea that is really tasty and comes in different flavors. It’s very friendly for the gut because of its probiotic content. Some people actually make their own kombucha. You’ve got to be very careful of sugar content, meaning no added, unneeded sugars. Some of the most popular brands of kombucha are adding in juice concentrates, and this completely defeats the purpose, so stay away from those. Read the ingredient label. There you have it – a little understanding of why you need a lot more fermented food in your diet to maximize the foods that you’ve been given. Experience real health. n
Ideally, an adult needs 20 billion CFU’s – colonies of bacteria going into our bodies daily.
How can you get more fermented food? For a long time, I was a big supporter of people taking probiotic supplements. I still carry some of these supplements online. However, I’m a huge proponent of eating fermented food. You do not need to be buying probiotics if you eat the right high-quality foods. What do I mean by that? Here are some examples of what you can be eating to get the right probiotics in through fermented foods: If you have questions or need more information, text Rosie Main at (208) 859-6170 or email her at rjmaindc@ yahoo.com.
