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Reflecting On Political Priorities in 2024

  Christians understand that what has gone wrong with the world can’t be fixed with political activism or culture war victories. I have a lot of sympathy for the expression 'politics is downstream from culture.' That is mostly true. But a more complete truth is that culture is downstream from theology and anthropology and ontology. Politics and culture are both effects, not causes. Politics and culture influence each other, sometimes in helpful ways and sometimes in unhelpful ways. (Source:  The Political Illusion by Warren Cole Smith – MinistryWatch ) At the risk of being controversial in this highly polarized political age, I would like to share some wisdom I learned as a Christian political activist. I tried to stay above the political fray during my time as an organizer for Christian Coalition and as a pro-life activist in our community. While it was assumed that I would support Republican candidates, I did not mindlessly support them because the Democrats were big bad wolv
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Abiding in Christ: Linda Kay Beckman (1936 - 2024)

It's bittersweet to learn that a much loved woman of God has left our world and is now in the presence of Christ. I rejoice for Linda that she is experiencing the great love and joy all Christians look forward to, but I am also a bit sad that while on this earth she wasn't appreciated by the world for the gift of God she truly was to us all. I became acquainted with Linda when she and other members of Repent America were arrested for sharing the Gospel at an "Outfest" in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They were known as the Philadelphia 11 and were on national news sites in the fall/winter of 2004 and throughout 2005.  I'm not certain how Linda and I connected, but we communicated via e-mail and her gracious manner endeared her to me. She soon became a role model and I thank God for her Christian witness.  Here is an article I wrote about the Philadelphia 11 in 2004: Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. (2 Timothy 3:12) Dear Fr

Book Review: 'The Scottish Covenanters' by J.G. Vos

  By Angela Wittman - Posted at Amazon.com : June 14, 2024 ( 4.0 out of 5 stars ) Good Overall History of the Scottish Covenanters For those new to the history of the Scottish Covenanters and the principles they stood for, this book will be helpful. I appreciate the author defining the issues of that time period and the differences of thought among the Covenanters. Many other works skim over their differences, but this book delves into the prevailing circumstances among those who compromised and the ones who remained faithful and strong to the end. I am much more appreciative of the Covenanters and their heritage after reading it. Direct Link:  The Scottish Covenanters - Kindle edition by Vos, J.G.. Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

Book Review: The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert: Expanded Edition

  The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert: Expanded Edition  Kindle edition by Butterfield, Rosaria Champagne @ Amazon.com. By Angela Wittman - Posted at Amazon.com : May 28, 2024 Thought Provoking and Excellent Read  (5 Stars) Once in a while I come across a book that challenges and leaves a lasting impression. This is one of those books and while the author repented of a past of homosexuality, the truths and observations she writes about are common to all of us who come from a background of worldliness into the church. If I may say one thing it's that Christians need to read this and learn from it. When I came to the Reformed Church (RPCNA) it was as though I had entered another world. I remember telling my pastor that it was as though I was in the Twilight Zone as I had become a Christian in a non-denominational church that did not sing Psalms or strictly observe the Regulative Principle. He and his wife were patient and gracious to this ignorant woman and my prayer is that t

Encouragement for Today: 'This Body Fashioned Anew'

  This morning's devotion by Charles Haddon Spurgeon greatly blessed my heart and I pray it will bless yours, too.   "Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto His Glorious Body" — Philippians 3:21 Often when we are racked with pain and unable to think or worship, we feel that this indeed is "the body of our humiliation," and when we are tempted by the passions which rise from the flesh we do not think the word vile at all too vigorous a translation. Our bodies humble us; and that is about the best thing they do for us. Oh, that we were duly lowly, because our bodies ally us with animals and even link us with the dust! But our Savior, the LORD Jesus, shall change all this. We shall be fashioned like His own body of glory. This will take place in all who believe in Jesus. By faith their souls have been transformed, and their bodies will undergo such a renewal as shall fit them for their regenerated spirits. How soon this grand transformat

'Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant'

“His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” Matthew 25:23 KJV Rev. Robert Wesley Morrow  (April 5, 1933 - September 30, 2023) Bob Morrow was my elder at the Sparta RPCNA - such a humble man! I was a member of the Sparta RP Church years ago and I remember how faithfully Bob watched over me and my son. It was at least a 30 min. drive from Sparta to my home in Waterloo and he would do home visits, plus discipled my son in a weekly Bible Study. These things are rare in today's society - but Bob held to the "old" ways. You can be assured he performed his duty as an elder to the best of his ability. He was quite the godly man.     I didn't know how much the good Lord had used him in ministry until reading his obituary as he never bragged, but instead displayed kindness and humilty.  I'm certain he has now heard "Well done, goo

Encouragement for Today: 'An Angel Encampment'

Please be encouraged by today's Daily Checkbook devotional by Charles Haddon Spurgeon posted at SermonAudio.com: The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them — Psalm 34:7 We cannot see the angels, but it is enough that they can see us. There is one great Angel of the Covenant, whom not having seen we love, and His eye is always upon us both day and night. He has a host of holy ones under Him, and He causes these to be watchers over His saints and to guard them from all ill. If devils do us mischief, shining ones do us service. Note that the LORD of angels does not come and go and pay us transient visits, but He and His armies encamp around us. The headquarters of the army of salvation is where those live whose trust is in the living God. This camp surrounds the faithful so that they cannot be attacked from any quarter unless the adversary can break through the entrenchments of the LORD of angels. We have a fixed protection, a permanent watch

Encouragement for Today: 'Living or dying we are the LORD's'

  Please be encouraged by today's  Daily Checkbook devotional by Charles Haddon Spurgeon posted at SermonAudio.com: The fear of the LORD prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened — Proverbs 10:27 There is no doubt about it. The fear of the LORD leads to virtuous habits, and these prevent that waste of life which comes of sin and vice. The holy rest which springs out of faith in the LORD Jesus also greatly helps a man when he is ill. Every physician rejoices to have a patient whose mind is fully at ease. Worry kills, but confidence in God is like healing medicine. We have therefore all the arrangements for long life, and if it be really for our good, we shall see a good old age and come to our graves as shocks of corn in their season. Let us not be overcome with sudden expectation of death the moment we have a fingerache, but let us rather expect that we may have to work on through a considerable length of days. And what if we should soon be called to the high

Our Home: A Bit of History of Cook Station, Missouri

Entrance to our home on Burley Ridge Rd, Cook Station, MO We moved to historic Cook Station in September of 2020 after my husband retired. At the time I was caring for my father who suffered from Alzheimer's Disease, plus we were in the beginning of the COVID crisis. It was a challenging time, but the friendliness of the people here and the natural beauty surrounding us made the transition go much smoother.  Historic Barn near Cook Station, MO The information posted below is from USGenWeb and was written in 1972 by James Ira Breuer: Villages of Crawford County, Missouri - COOK STATION Cook Station had its beginning with the building of the railroad along the Meramec Valley toward Salem in 1872-73. Several years before this Christopher C. Cook and wife had moved from Dent County and settled at the present site of the village. The Civil War came and Christopher enlisted in the Confederate Army where he served first as a private in Company F. Fifth Missouri Cavalry, and later raised

Encouragement for Today: 'Come, LORD, and set free Thy captives, according to Thy Word'

The title of this post is taken from today's  Daily Checkbook devotional by Charles Haddon Spurgeon, who was probably the first reformed theologian I was exposed to as a young believer.  I remember reading his little book "Morning and Evening" and being amazed at the love of God it contained. I simply couldn't wait to read what each morning and evening selection held for me. They truly were the highlight of my day! Please be encouraged by today's Daily Checkbook selection as posted at Sermon Audio : For now will I break his yoke from off thee, and will burst thy bonds in sunder — Nahum 1:13 The Assyrian was allowed for a season to oppress the LORD's people, but there came a time for his power to be broken. So, many a heart is held in bondage by Satan and frets sorely under the yoke. Oh, that to such prisoners of hope the word of the LORD may come at once, according to the text, "Now will I break his yoke from off thee, and will burst thy bonds in sund