45 minute read
The Word
26 THE WORD
www.CaprockPatriot.com
Advertisement
HOW GOD VIEWS BORDERS: Part I Based on The Truth about Open Borders
BY DR. BILL MILLER
Back in the early part of 2018, I finally noticed one day that a lot of Christians had started talking favorably about the idea of “open borders.” I had always thought that not having borders was a really dumb idea that liberal politicians were supporting so they could find more votes. But suddenly even some ministers and whole church denominations were declaring that it was unloving, even un-Christian to restrict the admission of “refugees” fleeing their countries in the hope of a better life in the U.S.A. Did the Bible not say that we’re to be compassionate hosts to “strangers?” Didn’t Jesus instruct us to love everybody?
On the surface, the call to compassion and love sounded laudable, even biblical. But it bothered me that Christians were agreeing with one of the recent, ever-emerging components of Political Correctness (PC). My thinking was (and still is) that PC is essentially a collection of secular, ever-morphing ideas that are counterfeits of particular Christian bible-based values. By confronting the true Word, PC gives unbelievers a sense of relief from the conviction they’re experiencing as a result of rejecting the Truth. So, for me, it was shocking to hear Christian ministers agreeing with
non-believers and their PC on how we should be dealing with what had come to be called our “border crisis.” After all, the clear biblical warning is to avoid being unequally yoked together with unbelievers (2 Corinthians 6:14). It also says that friendship with the world actually makes us enemies of God (James 4:4).
To be sure, there were some Christian ministers speaking out against the idea of open borders but a lot of what they were saying was based on the Republican Party political position. So, we had non-believers lecturing us on what the
TIRES • COMPLETE AUTO SERVICE & REPAIR AUTO DIAGOSTICS • BRAKES • SUSPENSIONS
1414 Ave L, Lubbock • (806) 762-8307 • MandMServiceCenter.com Bible says about love and compassion while these particular Christian ministers were resorting to political rhetoric instead of a bible-based clarification. Of course, there was also a third group made up of the majority of ministers who did little to no public speaking at all about this subject.
I asked God about this situation and before long He led me to a couple of verses I had read many times before but had not connected to the border crisis: Acts 17:26-27 = “…He made from one blood every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation, that they would seek God, if perhaps they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us.”
Now this is New Testament scripture alluding to Old Testament scripture. Luke the physician is quoting the Apostle Paul’s “Sermon on Mars Hill” delivered in Athens, Greece during the establishing of the first century Church. As soon as I had paid attention to these verses anew in mid-2018, I realized there were two key points that
MARCH 2020
speak directly to our border crisis and could help the Church come to a more UNITED Bible-based position:
• The first is that the borders and boundaries of all countries were established by God and that He arranges and rearranges them as He wants to and when He wants to.
• Secondly, He does this for the specific purpose of supernaturally causing mankind to reach out to Him. How this happens I don’t fully understand. It just works that way because the Bible says it does.
To say this another way, God is the One who sets all the borders for all countries for all time. And, He does this for the purpose of somehow motivating mankind to draw closer to Him. That makes it an essential part of the Great Commission. We are to take the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the nations and He has established current borders and boundaries as a complement to that assignment by making the nations marginally more receptive to the Good News. Consequently, doing away with our borders would serve to oppose God’s plan for the nations. Furthermore, that plan says we are to take the gospel to them, not bring them all here to stay and receive material handouts.
Some Relevant Old Testament History After I had meditated those initial verses for a while, I wanted to go back and connect to the Old Testament principles that Paul was referring to. In short, the related history starts after the flood as the three sons of Noah (Shem, Ham and Japheth) had children and began their genealogies. The Bible shows us that within about three hundred years, there were enough descendants that it came time to designate nations for them and each of those nations was given a designated area to inhabit with related borders and boundaries. The Bible refers to this as the inheritance of the nations and at the beginning there were 70 designated nations:
UH-OH! BETTER GET MAACO!
THE WORD
FREE PICK-UP & DELIVERY NATIONWIDE WARRANTY COLLISION REPAIR EXPERTS SPOT PAINT & PANEL REPAIR LEASE TURN-IN REPAIR FACILITY
5721 Genoa Ave, Lubbock (806) 792-1570
* Body materials not included. Vans, Trucks, SUV's and commercial vehicles by estimate. Body work, rust repair & stripping of old paint extra. MAACO Collision Repair of Lubbock is an independent and locally owned franchise of MAACO Enterprises, Inc.
MAXIMIZE
Your Full & Fair Property Damage Settlement! Call us BEFORE you settle on your commercial roof claim! (806) 544-4592 www.AlphaRoofClaims.com
Your insurance adjuster's job is essentially to settle your commercial roof claim for the least money you will accept! Don't settle for less! Alpha gets your business the money it deserves and what your business is owed!
We also offer Thermal Infrared Inspection Aerial Drone Roof Inspection
28 THE WORD
www.CaprockPatriot.com
HOW GOD VIEWS BORDERS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26
Genesis 10:32 = “…out of these (descendants) the nations were separated on the earth after the flood.”
However, instead of going out to inhabit their inheritance, all the people of the earth came together in the land of Shinar and began to build a tower to heaven within a city that came to be called Babel. They resisted God’s instruction to go out and populate the earth (Genesis 9:7). So, it became necessary to scatter them to the areas He had assigned in order to accomplish His long-term plans and purposes: Genesis 11:8-9 = “So the Lord scattered them abroad from there over the face of the whole earth…”
After the scattering, the population of the earth gradually increased and when Moses came along some 700 years later, the Lord had by then officially designated the descendants of Abraham to be His special people. As Moses led them out of Egypt and into the wilderness for 40 years, he reminded that it is God who establishes the borders of all the nations on the earth. He did that so the people would know that it is the authority of God that sets all the borders of the earth including the new ones they would one day receive in the Promised Land: Deuteronomy 32:8 = “When the Most High gave the nations their inheritance, when He separated the sons of man, He set the boundaries of the peoples…”
At the end of those forty years in the wilderness and after the death of Moses, it became Joshua’s assignment to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. What transpired over the ensuing years was God’s gradual reassignment of lands that had been originally designated for certain nations over to the twelve tribes of Israel, His chosen people (Deuteronomy 32:9).
Some 500 years later, we find still another reminder during the reign of King David that it is God who sets the boundaries of the earth: Psalm 74:17 =“You (God) have established all the boundaries of the earth.” The aggregate of this brief scriptural history is the clear confirmation that God has ALWAYS been the One setting the boundaries and borders of the entire planet. And, He changes them when He wants to for His own purposes. To try to remove those borders or rearrange them isn’t part of man’s job description. They serve God’s purposes which are greater than we can understand, and we tamper with them at our own risk.
Understanding God’s Border Plan Of course, we always want to know WHY God does what He does even though our little understandings of it are sure to fall way short of everything He has in mind. But we try anyway. His initial purpose for having borders is to define the area of a sovereign entity. It is the means that God uses
Coyote Candle Co.
MARCH 2020
to bring order to the planet. A border sets apart a particular area where the people share common laws, beliefs, language, culture, governance, goals and objectives. Inside the border, there are agencies appointed to the tasks of protecting the inhabitants from outside intrusion and for regulating their activities according to local laws. It’s a delegation of authority from God down through selected leaders to successively smaller groups for the same reasons that God organized the Israelites (Exodus 18:25).
When the borders of nations are looked at this way, you can then notice that the Bible clearly says God’s overriding purpose for doing it this way is so that mankind will be inclined to seek Him. I’m not fully sure why it works this way but it’s what the Bible says, so that makes it true. There’s something about borders, a unique supernatural
SEE HOW GOD VIEWS BORDERS | PAGE 30
Largest Selection of Garden Pots in West Texas! 140th & Slide Rd.
MARCH 2020
Re -E lect DUSTIN BURROWS Texas State Representative HD 83 A Friend, Neighbor, Christian, Conservative and West Texan that Cares About What Matters to You!
Get Involved, Volunteer and Support Dustin at Burrows4TX.com or @Burrows4TX
Political Advertisement Paid for by Dustin Burrows Campaign.
Family Owned Since Since 1963! BEST Prices in West Texas!
• Carpet Tile • Wood Floors • Laminate Flooring • Luxury Vinyl Planks • Commercial • Installation • Carpet Tile • Wood Floors • Laminate Flooring • Luxury Vinyl Planks • Commercial • Installation • Carpet Tile • Wood Floors • Laminate Flooring • Luxury Vinyl Planks • Commercial • Installation
Contact us TODAY for a
YEAR-AHEAD Business Weather Analytics & Global Sales ForecastingAHEAD Bu eather Ana tics & Global Sales PROACTIVE PREDICTIVE PROFITABLE
How would you change the course of your business if you knew the weather up to 11 months in advance?
THE POWER OF 1°: Every decision counts! If you know how just 1° of temperature change influences sales in all areas of your business, you can make one decision to change the course of your business!
Proud Supporter of Conservative, Christian and Patriotic Values in Partnership with Lubbock’s Caprock Patriot
Weather Trends International 1495 Valley Center Pkwy Suite #300, Bethlehem, PA 18017
Available in desktop, Android and iPhone
30 THE WORD
HOW GOD VIEWS BORDERS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 28
aspect to them, that makes people want to seek after God. Perhaps they see the futility of trying to rule themselves. Or they compare themselves to other nations where God is present, and the people have benefited.
Certainly, they see the differences in lifestyle. Why have so many people wanted to immigrate to the U. S. since its founding? Is it not because we are a free people and because we are by far the most prosperous and powerful country in the history of the world? I’m not bragging but I’m not apologizing either! The United States has a unique role for the conversion of mankind to Christianity. For various reasons, borders help that process along. God is here, so prosperity is here, favor is here, opportunity is here, and success is
We create beautiful and inviting outdoor livings spaces
of Lubbock
Landscaping • Arbors • Patios • Outdoor Cooking Areas • Driveways • Flower Beds • & More We build everything in the outdoors! (806) 831-2152
@smartscapesoflubbock
www.CaprockPatriot.com
MARCH 2020
here. Indeed, all the benefits of God are here! Or, at least they’re perceived from outside our borders to be available. People want to come here to participate in those benefits. That’s why the Great Commission says we have to go out to the nations (Matthew 28:18). We can’t accommodate all the people who want to come here.
Since open borders would in fact disrupt this process of God dealing with the nations, who would you suppose is the one behind the scenes trying to get rid of the borders? As always there’s a spiritual Adversary involved. Open up the borders and you cancel a supernatural process to take the Gospel to the nations. That makes this an important topic for the Kingdom of God. Indeed, the Church of Jesus Christ needs to take notice of it. Only then can we stand up and protect the interests of both the Kingdom and the Church.
On the surface, the confrontation between open and closed borders is a political issue. The world has made it that but it’s actually a biblical issue. The politics of it isn’t so much our concern. Simply stated, the Democrat Party is the one that most loudly proclaims the idea of open borders and the Republican Party is against it. Bible-believing Christians tend toward the Republican Party because directionally it tries to protect biblical values on a political level even as the Party continuously finds new ways to be divided over small issues.
What‘s needed is for Pastors around the country to bring the truth of this issue to their congregations so that the Body of Christ can be informed enough to advocate for the related Bible-based values. If you are a Pastor, please go and preach it! If our Pastors don’t preach the Word of God on these subjects, how will God’s people come to know the truth? From secular TV news broadcasts? God help us!
This has been the first of a two-part message. In Part Two, next month, we will look at how the politically correct view of biblical love and compassion is egregiously inaccurate.
In the meantime, feel free to contact me and request a copy of my 2018 book: The Truth about Open Borders. I will be happy to send you a copy postpaid for any offering to our nonprofit ministry. You can reach me at bmiller@makeaway.net or 817-533-9499. Thank you for your support of our ministry!
Submitted by Dr. Bill Miller, Granbury, Texas. Dr. Bill is the founder of Make A Way Ministries, a nationally recognized credit and financial counseling ministry. He has written hundreds of articles and more than 40 books over the past thirty-plus years eleven of which are presently available on Amazon. In late 2018, Dr. Miller published an important book on the subject of national border integrity called The Truth about Open Borders explaining from Scripture God’s views on borders. He can be reached at bmiller@makeaway.net or 817-533-9499.
Handcrafted Gifts by Local Artisans Made in USA Boutique Items Bridal • Formals • Tuxedo Lingerie • UpScale ReSale
ADAM GOMEZ 806.781.8693 Hablamos Español 806.747.3456 Ext 444 4302 Avenue G Lubbock, TX 79412 806.853.9155 4220 Avenue Q Lubbock, TX 79412
3806 50th Street Suite 102 Lubbock 806-500-8399 • @LubbockBliss Street Tacos • Tacos • Burritos • Tortas Sopas • Mariscos • Desserts • & More
(806) 765-8321 1301 50 th & 1925 19 th ORDERS TO GO! Two Locations to Serve you!
MARCH 2020
www.CaprockPatriot.com
31 COMMENTARY THE WORD
Irreconcilable Differences? Really? BY LEO JALOSZYNSKI A s I write this March commentary, our nation is in the middle of one of its most controversial weeks. An impeachment trial of our President finalized, the State of the Union speech ripped to pieces, a not so “prayerful” prayer breakfast, and all this happening while the stock market continues to climb higher. Yet, to this writer, there seems to be a dark cloud hanging over the land of the free and the home of the brave.
The dark cloud hanging over our nation may be the presidential election coming upon us in November. The inevitable ugly campaign ads that will fill our screens, after the final ballot of candidates are chosen, already make us uneasy. Sadly, only half of eligible voters will exercise their duty of citizenship and actually vote. The worry about the security of our voting system also adds to the ‘cloudiness’ of this important every four years “We the people” exercise.
The subject of how we live together, PEACEFULLY, remains a timeless study of human relationships. Our worldview determines how we individually and collectively approach this unavoidable subject. Governments exist to provide for the safety and security of those who live within the boundaries of individual nations. The world of nations reflects the ‘politics’ applied to answer the common human need question, “What is the best way to use power to organize a community for a particular nation?” The United States is organized as a constitutional republic. A republic is a system of government in which citizens (with legal citizen status) of a nation elect agents to represent the interests of those who elected them. If the citizens do not agree with the laws being made to govern them, they can elect new ‘politicians’.
Our worldview shapes our politics. Our worldviews define how nations come to be governed. Christianity has shaped our American constitutional republic. Now citizens with other worldviews are attempting to overturn our current form of government. Five primary worldviews have become threats to how “We the people” live together, PEACEFULLY. These five worldv iews a re Secularism, Marxism, Postmodernism, New Spirituality, and Islam. Secularism wants to govern outside the laws of a Biblical God. Marxism is hostile to God and takes from the wealthy and redistributes the wealth of workers to those whom the elite believes deserve it. Islam wants to rule by the laws of their holy book called the Koran. Amazingly the word IRRECONCILABLE appears in the dictionary between the words irrational and irredeemable. The dictionary defines the word irreconcilable as anyone who refuses to compromise or cannot be brought into agreement with another. It is the “My way or the highway” phrase that has come to dominate our conversations with our fellow-citizens. REALLY? Does not that communication posture seem irrational unless we believe that our neighbor, or spouse, or co-worker is irredeemable? Since it is true that 80% of communication is conveyed through body language, is it no wonder that we now attempt to live PEACEFULLY with one another AUTO BODY PARTS • ENGINES • WHEELS TRANSMISSIONS • AUTO ELECTRIC • MORE www.bandrautoparts.com 806-762-0319 • 4401 AVE A, LUBBOCK OVER 250,000 Parts in Stock! “OFF & READY!!” With No Tools Required! 6-Month Warranty! All Veterans & Active Duty 20%+ Discount! SEE IRRECONCILABLE DIFFERENCES | PAGE 34
design@nts-online.net MITCHELL McNEESE A. S. I. D
Our pride is in every dish!
7718 Milwaukee Ave Suite 200 • 806-746-2075 11804 Indiana Ave Suite 200 • 806-993-1180 Serving Lubbock Breakfast, Lunch and Catering
Collision Repair • Custom Painting • Mobile Touch Up • Hail Damage • Free Estimates
Trust the Pros at Lubbock Wreck-A-Mended
THE WORD
www.CaprockPatriot.com
The Integrity of Fathers BY PASTOR JERRY MASTON I ntegrity! Integrity is becoming a word that needs an explanation each time we use it. Many claim to have integrity but the opposite proves to be true. A person with integrity is more than someone who has a set of beliefs, it is a person who will live consistent and uncompromising with strong moral and ethical principles and values.
The concept of speaking about the integrity of fathers does not sequester the responsibilities or the affirmation of mothers. Both are created and designed to support each other. With this being said, it appears to me that the greatest failure between the two is with the fathers. So, I want to ask a few questions in order to spark a little interest here. Question #1: Why are so many fathers in denial of their responsibility, not only in raising their children, but in leading and culturing them in the things that are right? Question #2: Is there a way, a technique, to help fathers realize the worth and significance in helping their children prepare for a stable life, not only financially, but also spiritually. Remember, the eternal is far more lasting than the temporal. Question #3: Is any hope left in our society that fathers may again realize that building a future is more vital than having fun and playing games? When I was a child I thought as a child, but then I became a man. Many more questions such as these remain and there are better ways to articulate the questions I just posed. The point I endeavor to raise is “Fathers should” focus on things that build character, personal responsibilities, and inner and spiritual strength in order to prepare their children to achieve and obtain lasting success.
The exemplary prayer that Jesus taught us to pray is often referred to as “The Lord’s Prayer”.
This prayer may more correctly be ascertained as “Our Prayer”. Recorded in the eleventh chapter of the book of Luke the disciples requested of Jesus, “Lord, teach us to pray”. Upon their request, Jesus granted the pattern prayer.
Notice how it begins, “Our Father”. This is not given simply as a prayer to pray; it is given as a pattern for prayer. Addressing our Heavenly Father here is a pattern for seeking His will according to who He is, a Father who cares and is devoted to His children who call upon Him. With this in mind, I would like to add clarity that this not be limited to how we should pray, but also as to how we should live.
The pattern for living and giving
MARCH 2020
839 US Highway 62/82, Wol orth
BUY, SELL, TRADE TRUCKS!
our devotion to the Creator, who I claim is the “Lover” of our souls, is a pattern for everyone. God so loved the WHOLE world that He gave His only begotten son. In this article, I would like to recognize and declare the message that is granted to the fathers. Fathers: men who have begotten children of their own and who are spiritually obligated to present a lifestyle and leave a heritage of living and doing what is right. Consider the words from this prayer. “Father, hallowed be thy name”
MARCH 2020
www.CaprockPatriot.com THE WORD
THE INTEGRITY OF FATHERS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 32
leaves the context that a father should be honored by his own children. Fathers, it is your duty to conduct your life in such a manner so as to be deserving of this honor. “Your kingdom come, your will be done” signifies what is always seen in small children. There is an innate desire with children, especially with sons, to be like their daddy. As a father conducts his life appropriately these small children will grow and mature without forsaking their desire to be like the one who raised them.
Let’s continue. “Give us this day our daily bread” illustrates one of the truest responsibilities that a man can embrace, the responsibility to provide for his offspring. “Forgive us our debts”, or as some translations state, “Forgive us our trespasses”, implies the value of granting approval to the sons and daughters, even if they have failed in doing what is right, or required. Never forsake your children or provoke your children to anger.
Let’s continue with “Lead us not into temptation”. Is it necessary for me to give an explanation here? Fathers! Do what is right and lead your children in what is right and the blessing and favor our Heavenly Father will reward you and shall rest upon your family.
Remember, this prayer was never granted as a simple prayer to be only repeated, but also as a pattern of how to pray and also how to lead a righteous life-style before the ones you love.
Just as diligence and discipline are cousins, so compromise and corruption are next of kin. We need to return to Biblical values and lead our families, this state and our nation in the paths of righteousness. Proverbs
SEE THE INTEGRITY OF FATHERS | PAGE 34
Elder Law Attorney
SHARMA MORIARTY 12513 B Quaker Ave, Lubbock, TX Helping Families Make the Right Care Decisions Estate Planning • Wills • Trusts • Asset Protection Medicaid & VA Planning • Probate/Estates COMPASSIONATE and TRUSTED Legal Adviceg 806-470-5277 • smoriartylaw@gmail.com
$
500
James R Lyon Creating a Higher Standard in Car Buying Call James & Save an Additional!
66th & Milwaukee • Lubbock
"You Gotta STOP EM, Before they MULTIPLY!"
Spiders Roaches Ants Mosquitoes Rodents Flying Insects Termites
www.gaffordpest.com Phone: (806) 792-4292
34 THE WORD
www.CaprockPatriot.com
IRRECONCILABLE DIFFERENCES CONTINUED FROM PAGE 31
through ‘screens’. It is very difficult to disagree with another person while holding that person’s hand (unless it is a fist). What we say on Facebook, is not what we would likely say in a real ‘face to face’ encounter. We may do something offensive behind someone’s back, but not while that same person is looking at us. REALLY? Christianity recognizes that all people are born with a deceitful heart and an enemy of God. Jesus reconciles us to Himself even though such an undeserved gift seems irrational. When human effort cannot redeem a relationship, Jesus can.
The wonder of our Constitutional Republic form of government is that it
LUBBOCK’S RARE COIN CENTER BUY • SELL • TRADEBUY SELL TRADE
recognizes our sinful natures. Hence, we have a ‘separation of powers between our branches of government’. Citizens who live with a worldview, other than Christianity, want to live under a government that does not recognize God, nor the inalienable rights given to us by our Creator.
Irreconcilable differences between human beings and their choice of governance, since the beginning of His-story, have been decided either by ballots or bullets (war). Only the Cross of Jesus can turn our negative hostilities against one another into positive possibilities.
May God heal our nation as we humble ourselves and agree with God that we must address our own sins first, in order to live PEACEFULLY with our fellow-citizens and our Maker!
Submitted Courageously by Leo Jaloszynski (aka Pastor Ski), Re-fired Pastor (will never retire from serving the Lord), U.S. Marine - Semper Fi, Greensboro, NC (previous Pastor and friend of the Caprock Patriot Publisher)
MARCH 2020
• American Gold & Silver Eagles • Proof & Mint Sets • Silver dollars • All US & Foreign Gold Coins • Large & Small Collections Needed • 1oz, 100oz Silver & Gold Bars • Platinum and Palladium Coins & Jewelry • Silver Bags 90% & 40% Free Professional Estimates Mon.- Fri. 10 – 6 Sat.10 – 3 CASH for GOLD JEWELERS 806-791-GOLD (4653) 4011 34TH Street. Lubbock. F
THE INTEGRITY OF FATHERS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 33
14:34 Righteousness (not money, ill-gotten gain, or even deserved wealth) exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.
Fathers, the greatest gift you have ever received are the children your wife gave birth to and God gave life to. Protect them, provide for them, and let them hear you pray over them. As you do your children will be blessed, your life will become fulfilled, and the avenues of perpetual joy will be opened to you.
The integrity of the fathers should never become a neglected attribute, but rather a minimum of all that is expected.
Submitted by Jerry Maston, Eastland, TX. Jerry is a devoted husband, father, and Pastor who works tirelessly and enthusiastically trying to enlighten the people of this nation regarding their constitutional freedom of religion, freedom of speech and their obligation to make a difference in the world where they live. Jerry is CEO of Christian Values Coalition/Christian Values Summits. He can be reached at jerrym@leadershipalways.com or 254-631-9438.
We Don’t Clown Around About Your Business! FURR AUTO SALES 806.749.3425 Our BEST price online, ALL the time!
3614 Ave Q, Lubbock FurrAutoSales.net
• Weddings • Events • Business Functions • Banquet Rooms • Mobile Catering
Serving Lubbock with professional, reliable and high quality catering services since 1982
T-SHIRT PRINTING EMBROIDERY GRAPHIC DESIGN DECALS RETAIL SHOP
MARCH 2020
www.CaprockPatriot.com
PASSES, PUNTS, AND A PASTOR
BY DR. JIM SULLIMAN I don’t understand many, many things but I never minimize the importance of understanding something as opposed to just “knowing” something. I often tell the people who come to see me that, from an Adlerian psychologist’s perspective, the therapeutic process can be thought of as “educational” in nature. They already “know” what is problematic in their relationship with another person but knowledge in and of itself is not always enough to make things “better.”
W h a t i s f a r m o re h e l p f u l i n any aspect of life is to have an “understanding.”
A person takes his car to the shop because it “pulls” hard to the right when he is driving it, and the mechanic diagnoses the problem and informs the car owner that the front end needs an “alignment.” Once it is done, the car drives perfectly straight as its owner takes it home. In two weeks, he returns to the shop with the same problem, and the same diagnosis is made and, once again, the problem is resolved, only to resurface in another few weeks. This time the car owner boldly proclaims, “I think it needs to be realigned again,” and, after making the same determination, the mechanic compliments him on his diagnostic acumen.
This can go on and on, ad infinitum. How much more beneficial would it have been for the mechanic to have asked a few questions to the man when the guy brought his car back for the same problem just two weeks later. Upon learning that the guy was driving through 20 huge potholes every day going 70 mph, he could have provided the man an explanation of why his car needed another alignment so soon. Once the owner understood some basic principles,
he could have been in a much better position to make changes.
Most of us have experienced that magical moment when our attempts at learning something changes from knowledge to understanding and the proverbial “light bulb” goes off in an “Aha!” moment. A teacher’s greatest gift is seeing that happen in their students. It is what teaching is all about. It has always been frustrating to me when I do not understand something that makes no sense to me if it engenders some curious interest. Not having a grasp of quantum mechanics, computer science, or Swahili, for example, induces no concern. It is the simple expressions of illogicality that initiate head shaking...like a sign in a store that grabs your attention by proclaiming that the item “WAS $.39 EACH...NOW 2 FOR $.89!” Unless, of course, the proprietor means it as an intentional taunt for any of us who did not buy the item YESTERDAY.
So, what does any of this have to do with “pass, punt, and a pastor”?
Well, first, how does it make any sense that a football is on a team’s own two yard line and the quarterback throws a one yard pass completion and then the guy RUNS 97 yards for a touchdown and the quarterback is credited with 98 “passing” yards?!
THE WORD
Or how does it conform with logic for a punter to kick the ball 45 yards into the end zone where it is immediately brought BACK 20 yards but the punter is credited with a 45 yard kick. And after two of the unlikeliest of segues, how does it make sense that we have a “Martin Luther King, Jr. Day”? I do not think we should.
Wow... few statements are more likely to engender attacks from liberals more than that one.
“There you have it in ‘black and white!’ Conservatives and Trump supporters are nothing but a bunch of red-necked, illiterate, Christian, racist, reactionary males seeking to impose their narrow-mindedness on America!”
How can I make such a bold and incendiary proclamation?! It is actually quite easy.
First, while I am indeed a Christian, I was born and raised in New Jersey, have an IQ tested at 153, and have had my life threatened several times in three different states for defending minorities. I respect Pastor King and the work he did to advance and protect civil rights for all. I am not suggesting that he was not an important figure in our nation’s history... only to suggest that it is time to put the way in which we honor him in perspective.
We have now had 45 Presidents (44 “different” ones because of Grover Cleveland being both our 22nd and 24th). Not one of them have a national holiday in their name. Years ago, we honored both Washington and Lincoln with a special day but no longer. Now they are both combined with 42 others in the “President’s Day” catch all. That fact, in and of itself, should be a head scratcher. What we are boldly proclaiming to the world is that MLK is as important to the USA as ALL the Presidents who
Don't Get Caught Off Guard! SPRING AC CLEANING!
SIMPLY SERVICED! SIMPLY PRICED! Give Us a Call, We'll Treat You Right! Serving Lubbock and Surrounding Areas
"Great company!! Does a fantastic job for a great price! They will be my first call when I need service!!" Melissa G, Lubbock
THE WORD
MARCH 2020
PASSES, PUNTS, AND A PASTOR CONTINUED FROM PAGE 35
have ever lived COMBINED, including our first Black President!
There is also a second thing that this national holiday implies... that Dr. King is the most important Black American that ever lived. Is that really true?!
More significant and more courageous than Sojourner Truth who, in 1851, gave a speech professing “equal rights for Blacks and WOMEN”! More important than W.E.B. Du Bois during our country’s “Progressive Era” who “led the framework for the NAACP and future civil rights movements”? And what about Rosa Parks, Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, Frederick Douglas, Booker T. Washington, and Ida Wells?
Would King have a national holiday in his honor had he not been slain at
a time when our country was being torn apart by racial violence and honoring him thusly was an effort to promote healing and to quell the racial storm?
Lastly, and this is most significant. If anyone looks at a calendar for our national holidays, they will see something that they probably never have given a second thought to. There are only two persons to whom our nation gives the extraordinarily high honor of a national holiday... only two people who share that same respect... only two above everyone else that has ever lived...
Jesus Christ and Martin Luther King.
My last words are my first...I don’t understand…
Submitted by James R. Sulliman, Ph.D. Individual, marriage, and family therapist in Abilene, TX. “Live life courageously”
MARCH 2020
www.CaprockPatriot.com
THE WORD
A LITTLE GOOD NEWS TODAY: Keeping My Guardian Angel Busy BY PETER ADAMS
THE FIRST CAR I BOUGHT at the age of 15, was a Mustang. It was raining heavy one evening when a red-headed friend rode with me to pick up another friend who lived down some winding country roads.
The next thing I felt was someone pulling on my legs, pulling me out of the front windshield. Too fast driving made the Mustang slide off the road
Carpet cleaning that is thorough, dries quickly and stays clean longer ... or it’s FREE
SPECIAL OFFER $25 OFF when you mention the Caprock Patriot (not valid with any other offer)
down a ditch upside down. The windshield had fallen out and the roof was scooping up dirt like a dragline. I was buried in the dirt. My friend thought I was dead but once he pulled on my legs, I began to wake up spitting dirt from my mouth.
AT 18, I STARTED WORKING for Brown & Root Offshore on a lay-barge. It was a big as a football field with a large Crane at each end of the barge. We had 8 anchors, each weighing 15 thousand pounds. The anchors were pulled up and moved by tugboats hooking onto a buoy with a pennant line down to the anchor.
Once, an anchor line and a buoy pennant line got tangled up and we had to pull it up on deck to replace the pennant line. We tied the anchor on to the side handrail of the barge with a steel choker and the crane coiled the 1½ inch pennant line on the deck. It had a lot of tension on it due to being tangled and twisted and suddenly it began to flip, catching me from behind and threw me over the side of the barge. I caught the handrail as I went over the side, next to the tied anchor. Then the choker holding the anchor broke taking the anchor line and anchor straight to the bottom of the ocean with the pennant line going right over my head as I tried to hang on to the rail. It sounded like a freight train and everyone ran in every direction to get out of its way.
When it was all over, they noticed I was gone. Someone said they saw the pennant line knock me overboard and was sure I was dead. They ran to the edge of the barge and saw me still hanging on to the handrail.
I should have been at the bottom of the ocean with the anchor, anchor cable and the pennant line. Once again, my life was spared.
A L L T H E WOR K E R S ON T H E BARGE with Brown & Root loved to play games and pranks on each other. I had moved up to working in the Tower where two of us controlled the anchor winches, moving the barge ahead one 30’ joint of pipe at a time after it was welded. The Tower was three flights of stairs up and another 10’ to the top or roof of the Tower where the radar and ship horns were.
The foreman came to me and acted like he was mad about something, questioning me about what I had done to the radar on top of the Tower. I couldn’t think of anything, so he said, “Well come up there with me and
SEE A LITTLE GOOD NEWS TODAY | PAGE 38
Mobile Windshield Chip & Crack Repair 806-407-0904
We ROCK at
Rock chip repair done in your garage, in your driveway, in the parking lot, where you work. Wherever you need us to be? NO CHARGE WITH MOST INSURANCE! Fixing Your Chips!
MAKE WATER GREAT! Our Filters Remove 99.999% of Bacteria, Reduces Virus, Arsenic and Fluoride! Look for us at the Lubbock Gun Show in April! For Survial Preparedness or Every Day Home Use!
BILLY’S AUTO SALES BUY HERE! PAY HERE!
38 THE WORD
A LITTLE GOOD NEWS TODAY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 37
I’ll show you.” So we began to climb the stairs and made our way to the roof of the Tower, 40’ above the deck floor. I didn’t know it but when we got up on top, someone was supposed to blow the loud ship air horns and scare me, while everyone watched and got a good laugh.
MARCH 2020
Once on top of the Tower, we walked over to the radar and ship horns, then someone blew the horns. It was as though a bomb went off. My body produces a lot of adrenaline and I jump before I ever think. One minute I’m looking at the radar and the next… I had jumped over the hand railing on top of the Tower roof but the Foreman was just lucky enough to grab my belt and held on while I was swinging and looking at the deck 40 feet below. He pulled me back up and hugged me saying, “I’m so sorry, I’ll never do anything like that again.” Once again, my life was spared.
SMALL BARGES AND A TUGBOAT would bring 30’ joints of pipe to be unloaded onto the racks on the Lay Barge. Two men would be on the small barge putting hooks with tag lines into each end of the pipe and the crane would lift it up high and swing it over to the racks and two men would remove the hooks, all very quickly. I was one of the men unhooking the pipe. The rope tag line got tangled around my body as the crane operator whisked me about 60’ above the deck. Then he noticed that I was hung up in the hooks and tag line. On the way up, I had to bounce off of
SEE A LITTLE GOOD NEWS TODAY | PAGE 39
Cedar Rapids, IA
Ask us about the ADVANTAGES of…
Traditional Whole Life # plus Simplified Underwriting and the Qualified Care Accelerated Death Benefit Rider ##
CALL: Ron Haley
806.793.8142
LOCKED IN MONTHLY RATES – NO RATE INCREASES
Non-smoker monthly EFT */**
* ** $10,000 Death Benefit $15,000 Death Benefit $20,000 Death Benefit $25,000 Death Benefit AGE FEMALE MALE FEMALE MALE FEMALE MALE FEMALE MALE 45 $20.19 $22.30 $28.20 $31.37 $36.22 $40.43 $44.23 $49.50 50 $23.03 $25.83 $32.47 $36.67 $41.90 $47.50 $51.33 $58.33 55 $26.43 $30.36 $37.57 $43.45 $48.70 $56.55 $59.83 $69.65 60 $30.95 $35.97 $44.34 $51.87 $57.73 $67.77 $71.12 $83.67 65 $36.77 $43.11 $53.07 $62.58 $69.37 $82.05 $85.67 $101.52 70 $45.16 $53.40 $65.65 $78.02 $86.15 $102.63 $106.65 $127.25 75 $56.82 $67.92 $83.14 $99.79 $109.47 $131.67 $135.79 $163.54 80 $78.49 $96.55 $115.64 $142.74 $152.80 $188.93 $189.96 $235.12 85 $111.15 $139.72 $164.64 $207.50 $218.13 $275.28 $271.62 $343.06
Whole Life Insurance can be… Sustainable & Simple, with life-long guarantees
Serve as a sensible financial asset in your overall financial plan offering... Protection Peace of Mind Diversification
Provide these important advantages… Income tax-free death benefit Cash Value Accumulation Guaranteed Benefits
What is unique about United Life’s Whole Life? Simplified Underwriting: NO Medical testing: $10,000 - $100,000 Terminal Illness Benefit: Included on policies $50,000 and higher If approved, optional Long-Term Care Rider available on policies $50,000 and higher
Benefits are only generally described here. Products and availability may vary by state. Please read the policy for exact details on benefits and exclusions. If there is a discrepancy between the product as it is generally described here and the policy or rider issued to you, the provisions of the policy or rider will prevail. # Traditional Whole Life Policy ICC13 LIU-101, ## Qualified Care Rider ICC14 LIU-105
*One time policy fee included. **These are the minimum non-smoker rates available with simplified underwriting for the age and gender shown, with premiums being paid with a systematic monthly bank withdrawal. Rates as issued may be higher.
Donnie Fortenberry 806.763.6433
Don't Get Caught Off Guard! SPRING AC CLEANING!
No Trip Charge With Repair! CALL TODAY! (806) 549-7705
SIMPLY SERVICED! SIMPLY PRICED! Give Us a Call, We'll Treat You Right! Simply AC & Heating www.SimplyACandHeating.co (806) 549-7705
MARCH 2020
www.CaprockPatriot.com
THE WORD
Seeking Jesus: Look For The Helpers BY ANN BIRDSONG
Proverbs 8:17 “I love them that love me; and those that seek me diligently shall find me.”
A lot of the articles I read about how to seek Jesus talk about having quiet time, finding a secret place and being in prayer. I believe that to be true because our God is a personal God and I have spent many hours in those conditions feeling the presence of Jesus. In my personal experience though, I have found and stated when people ask me, “how do you seek Jesus?” I usually tell them, “if you want to see Jesus, go where no one wants to go.” Mr. Rogers has a famous quote that says,” When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’ “
I have been to hospitals in the Dominican Republic where doctors rotate from town to town on a monthly or quarterly basis, refugee camps where disease is rampant. I have walked and served on the poverty-stricken streets of Atlanta, where the sidewalks are stained from the blood of fighting their own neighbors. Prayed over impoverished fishing village homes in India, where in only a matter of months they would have to rebuild “again” after the rainy season. And I have been locked between two metal doors entering prisons to pray with women whose sins have been exposed and hearts transparent because they have not other choice.
These are the places where I have fallen to my knees because the presence of God is so real. His light shines brightest in the darkness. I could see Jesus in the full-time missionaries who establish relationships in these areas. I see Jesus in their kindness, sacrifice and love for the people and the area of their mission. I saw the healing touch of Jesus in the nurses and doctors who get paid so little or nothing at all to go into these areas to provide their skill when they could be getting paid so much more somewhere else in their country. I saw the faith of Jesus in Christians who work side by side in disease infested areas on a daily basis, believing they would be covered. I saw Jesus work in miracles as small as perfect timing and as large as healing the sick. But the memory of seeing Jesus, that I have etched on my heart forever, are in the eyes of all the individuals , who I saw humble themselves to trust and receive care from strangers, ask for prayer in languages they didn’t understand, and others beg for the word of truth as their only hope for tomorrow.
Matthew 25:40; Jesus says, “The King will say, “I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!” If you want to seek Jesus, sometimes it is uncomfortable and will push you out of your comfort zone, but the joy and the love that you will witness is like no other. Seek Him diligently and you will find Him.
Submitted by Ann Birdsong, Evangelism and Engagement Director, Munholland United Methodist Church, Metairie, LA; sister-in-law of the Caprock Patriot Tired of the LAME-STREAM Liberal Media Agenda? SUBSCRIBE! SUBSCRIBE to the Caprock Patriot to get REAL Conservative, Christian and Patriotic commentary delivered to your mailbox monthly! Complete the form below and mail to: Caprock Patriot PO Box 65443, Lubbock, TX 79464. Include $60 check/money order ($40 within Lubbock County) payable to Caprock Patriot. Or, subscribe online at CaprockPatriot.com. Name: Street Address: City: ST & ZIP: Phone: Start Month: Email:
Question? Call the Caprock Patriot at 806-831-7366
A LITTLE GOOD NEWS TODAY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 38
the ends of the 36” pipe to keep my legs from going inside and cutting them off as I was whisked up into the air.
Just when the crane operator saw me tangled up in the ropes, the knot came loose, and I slid down to a knot at the end of the rope and hung there until the crane operator set me down onto the deck. I was so weak I couldn’t stand up. I knew that God must have a plan for me because my life had been spared so many times. Needless to say, I’m a firm believer in miracles. Now that’s A Little Good News Today.
Peter Adams worked for Brown & Root offshore oil & gas pipelines and Drafting at Chemical Plants, Representation in Arbitration Cases for the Fed. Gov., Church Elder many years, now a retired Rancher. MacRanch@windstream.net
ings
CASH
2117 50th Street • 50th & Ave U
Check Cashing • Money Orders • Texas Lottery Snacks • Candy • Sports Talk • Cold Drinks
Father, we thank you for the March winds and April showers that bring May flowers. Father, You know what is necessary to prepare us for what You have in store for our lives. Help us to receive what You have for us. Prepare us as You prepare the seeds. Grow us strong, nourish and protect us with Your truth so that we can break through the dirt, sprouting into a healthy “flower” that radiates Your glory in the earth. In Jesus’ name we pray... Amen
