CSN Sunday - LightWing Messages for 1/16/2022
The Last Supper
When evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the Twelve. And while they were eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.”
They were very sad and began to say to him one after the other, “Surely you don’t mean me, Lord?”
Jesus replied, “The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me. The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.”
Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, “Surely you don’t mean me, Rabbi?”
Jesus answered, “You have said so.”
While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.”
Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”
When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial
Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written:
“‘I will strike the shepherd,
and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’
But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.”
Peter replied, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.”
“Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.”
But Peter declared, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the other disciples said the same.
Gethsemane
Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”
Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”
Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.”
When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. So, he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing.
Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour has come, and the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners. 46 Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!”
Jesus Arrested
While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.” Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him.
Jesus replied, “Do what you came for, friend.” Matthew 26:20-50 (NIV)
Faith without Good Deeds Is Dead
What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do?
So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless. James 2:14-17 (NIV)
FOUNDER’S MESSAGE:
Moving forward into 2022, there may be many throughout the country that have a great deal of fear of the variant strains of COVID, or fear of the fear-filled reactions of the government to the various forms of this highly contagious disease. A while ago, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, no staunch Conservative, nor a devout Christian, in very dark times, emboldened American citizens by stating: “let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself...” Many people mistakenly believe that FDR spoke those words during World War II, as it would seem to be appropriate for such a time of great turbulence. Yet, those words were from his first inaugural address in 1933. Many forget the time of the Great Depression was a time of great fear and
panic. In such a time, people facing financial ruin would commit suicide. It was an incredible time of fear and hopelessness. Yet, even though things got even worse with the outbreak of the second world war, the United States made it through such turbulent times.
This time is such a time of widespread fear. And, I would submit that America has gone through trying times over and over again. And, the nation, somehow, in some way, was able to survive the incredible challenges to the very fabric of our Republic. As the Founding Fathers initiated such an “experiment,” they knew there would be times of trial ahead. The very act of defying the king would bring a whole lot of hurt down upon their heads. And, so it did. One of America’s Founding Fathers, who knew this well, was Dr. Benjamin Franklin. The story of Mrs. Powell approaching him after the drafting of what became the Constitution of the new United States is now famous. She asked, what form of government have you delegates given us? Franklin said, it was reported, in words that were prophetic stated: “A Republic madam, if you can keep it.” Franklin understood.
Such words were strong, but those words indicated a great deal about Ben Franklin, and it says a lot about what was anticipated by many of the Founding Fathers. Yet, Franklin was one of the most important founders. Tomorrow is the birthday of Ben Franklin, but few Americans will even remember or acknowledge it. Tomorrow is also Martin Luther KIng, Jr. Day, which will be more readily celebrated based upon more recent historical deeds. Not to detract from MLK Day, this effort is to stimulate the memories of Americans regarding one of our forefathers who possibly could have served as the unofficial president of the United States. Sadly, Americans have never honored this man as they have done for others less remarkable.
Today’s message is from Susan Schreier Clouse, a former Methodist minister, who served on our writing team during the Dr. Ben Carson campaign and in the Citizen Sentinels Network as a contributor. Her message was written in 2017, but It is a message that truly remains incredibly
significant today. Her message, ”Lifelong Resolutions,” focuses on Ben Franklin and his own lifelong efforts to achieve moral perfection. We posted her message not long after New Year’s Day in 2019, but it seems from time to time, people need to be reminded of what is important.
The essence of this timely message is a focus on Franklin’s Thirteen Virtues, which many in the present day have never studied. Unfortunately, this is true, not just for the present generation, it may be a general deficiency that has existed since the founding of the nation. The one famous phrase in the Declaration of Independence that reveals God’s gifts of our human rights, that Mr.
Jefferson and the Founders agreed were “unalienable” rights, states that among them are ”Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.” The first two are not vague, but the pursuit of happiness did not translate into the pursuit of pleasure. For the most part, the Founders understood it to be referencing the pursuit of personal and public virtue. The original intent may have gotten lost in editing the document, but the lack of the pursuit of virtue now shows up in a big way, today.
Although one of Franklin’s foremost biographers, Walter Issacson, tends to mock this pursuit of Franklin’s, in some way as a sort of amusing youthful folly, it is simply a reflection of Isaacson’s own appraisal of the pursuit of virtue. To Franklin it was a serious endeavor of his youth, and it is something he did seriously try to apply in his life. Issacson, whom I respect as quite an historian, can also be detected to mock Franklin’s attempt to quote scripture:
‘I think vital religion has always suffered when orthodoxy is more regarded than virtue. And the Scripture assures me that at the last day we shall not be examined by what we thought, but what we did… that we did to our fellow creatures. See Matthew 26.
His parents, a bit more versed in the Scripture, probably caught that he meant Matthew 25. They did, nonetheless, eventually stop worrying about his heresies.
And, although I respect Isaacson as an historian, I cannot condone his casual conclusion about Franklin’s perception of the Scriptures. Based on a more comprehensive view, chapter 25 of Matthew regards a series of stories Jesus tells to his followers about the Kingdom. Chapter 26 is one of the most profound parts of Matthew’s witness, if not the entire New Testament. Part of the chapter is included above. Though Franklin appreciated stories and had many to share of his own, the part that he referred to is real life – not story. However, to someone who thinks that the Holy Bible is all just a bunch of stories, it may not have made much difference. To Franklin, the “ultimate do-er,” how one lives one’s life was central to his being. I find that Matthew 26 is much more significant a chapter to focus on than Jesus’ stories because this part reveals the real life and death struggle we all have to deal with in our daily lives. Do we follow the Christ, do we fall asleep on him, or do we betray him? All elements of human behavior are there.
May it be possible that readers can receive the message of Susan Schrier Clouse as she offers great advice from a great patriot. And, if only we could attempt to challenge ourselves to strive to become a more virtuous person, we may come closer to a nation of virtuous people. Certainly in such a time as this, fear only paralyzes. It is not too late to begin rekindling virtue within each one of us as citizens. Franklin set an incredible example of industriousness. It wasn’t accidental
greatness – he had to apply himself and discipline himself, and look at what he did! If America had millions of citizens striving for personal and public virtue, it would rekindle the hopes of keeping the Republic, but it provides hope of even so much more. Remember, humanity is returning full circle to the Garden.
We hope our readers will enjoy all of our features today. Absorb and share. May God bless each of us in 2022 as we attempt to live up to God’s expectations of us! We have a whole year!
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The “Message of Light” endeavor had been part of the “David Project” that originated as a genuine inspiration from our Heavenly Father, initiated to bring Light into the dark in this time. The project developed from 2018, and as we approach our third anniversary of existence, we have formally elevated the “David Project” to the more formal “LightWing Mission,” my personal ministry, which I had announced in previous messages.
These messages are freely offered and sent to you as part of the “LightWing Mission.” Please receive today’s messages as a gift from those who care. They are only words being offered, freely; yet, some contain a deep message of faith, or a much deeper expression of heart that readers can hopefully receive into their lives. As it has been written: “Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.” Proverbs 29:18 - KJV
May we humble ourselves, to seek not only His face, but to seek His Heart and His Mind, and to seek His Will and consider seriously His call to all of us to put into practice all of the ideals of Life He has shared with us, His children. May we seek to make Him more proud of us as we walk along the Way.
Take up your watch! Become a Citizen Sentinel! Stand in Service for Freedom!
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“Making America Good Again: Lifelong Resolutions”
By Susan Schrier Clouse
SUNDAY, JANUARY 8, 2017
The following is a substantial excerpt from an article entitled “Lifelong Resolutions” by former Methodist minister, Susan Schrier Clouse. The original first appeared in Preacher Girl Diaries in 2017. Her full article will appear in this week’s issue of the Citizen Sentinels Network newsletter.
While not a fan of the organized church, Benjamin Franklin supported his local Presbyterian congregation and attended occasionally. As Franklin described in his Autobiography, one Sunday the sermon focused on this verse from the fourth chapter of Philippians:
"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."
Franklin assumed the message would be about morality, doing good and avoiding evil, but the pastor talked about what we Methodists call "attending upon the ordinances of God": keeping the Sabbath holy, reading Scripture, attending public worship, partaking the Sacrament, respecting God's ministers. Disappointed, Franklin never returned to that church, but he never gave up on God and God's ways.
Franklin writes: "It was about this time I conceived the bold and arduous project of arriving at moral perfection." He wanted to live a faultless life and conquer any vice that "natural inclination, custom, or company might lead me into. As I knew, or thought I knew, what was right and wrong, I did not see why I might not always do the one and avoid the other."
TEMPERANCE. Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation.
SILENCE. Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conversation.
ORDER. Let all your things have their places; let each part of your business have its time.
RESOLUTION. Resolve to perform what you ought; perform without fail what you resolve.
FRUGALITY. Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself; i.e., waste nothing.
INDUSTRY. Lose no time; be always employ'd in something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions.
SINCERITY. Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly, and, if you speak, speak accordingly.
JUSTICE. Wrong none by doing injuries, or omitting the benefits that are your duty.
MODERATION. Avoid extremes; forbear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve.
CLEANLINESS. Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, clothes, or habitation.
TRANQUILITY. Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable.
CHASTITY. Rarely use venery [sex] but for health or offspring, never to dulness, weakness, or the injury of your own or another's peace or reputation.
HUMILITY. Imitate Jesus and Socrates.
Franklin focused on one virtue each week for thirteen weeks. He kept track of how he did each day, first in a little notebook and later on a piece of ivory that he could more easily erase and reuse. Some years he repeated the thirteen week course 4 times (the whole year), others he just did it once. He did this, in some fashion, for many years. Later, the demands of his very famous public life as one of our Founding Fathers and champion of liberty kept him from such rigorous record-keeping, but by then the habits were ingrained.
In the little book where he recorded his successes and failures (he admitted that Order was the most difficult for him), he included quotes from Cato, Cicero and Proverbs for encouragement, and: "And conceiving God to be the fountain of wisdom, I thought it right and necessary to solicit his assistance for obtaining it; to this end I formed the following little prayer, which was prefix'd to my tables of examination, for daily use.
"O powerful Goodness! bountiful Father! Merciful Guide! increase in me that wisdom which discovers my truest interest. Strengthen my resolutions to perform what that wisdom dictates. Accept my kind offices to thy other children as the only return in my power for thy continual favors to me."
He also used a little prayer he took from Thomson's poems:
"Father of light and life, thou Good Supreme!
O teach me what is good; teach me Thyself!
Save me from folly, vanity, and vice,
From every low pursuit; and fill my soul
With knowledge, conscious peace, and virtue pure;
Sacred, substantial, never-fading bliss!"
Wouldn't we all benefit by considering ourselves descendants of Benjamin Franklin? What would happen if we each embarked upon a path to encourage ourselves to become a more moral people? List those virtues that are important to you, prioritize them, and then take a moment each day to reflect on how you can improve on one or two of them. And don't neglect to ask God to help you!
All quotes are from The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, a copy of which can be found here: http://www.archive.org/stream/theautobiography00148gut/bfaut11.txt
Original article at Preacher Girl Diaries:
https://preachergirldiaries.blogspot.com/2017/01/making-america-good-again-lifelong.html
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Onward and Upward!
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From CMA Awards 2020: Thomas Rhett, Reba McEntire & Chris Tomlin - "Be a Light" - 11/12/20
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From The Victory Channel - FlashPoint: 5 Things Pastors Need To Hear in 2022 | Pastor Dennis Cummins
From D'Souza Media: LIKE A NASTY ITCH Dinesh D’Souza Podcast Ep249 - 1/14/22
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American Minute by William J. Federer - American Minute for January 15 - Martin Luther King, Jr., was born on this day in 1929. Hear how he compares himself to Islam leader, Elijah Mohammad.
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Recommended Reading…
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What affects one, can affect all!
From California on Your Mind: Can Money Buy The Governor Love—And Peace With Educators? | Hoover Institution - 1/13/22
From California on Your Mind: Democratic Lawmakers Propose Doubling California Taxes To Fund Single-Payer Health Care | Hoover Institution - 1/11/22
News From Pennsylvania -
From FOX News: Pennsylvania GOP to draft bill relocating migrants on DHS flights to Delaware - 1/14/22
News From Texas -
From CBN News: 'Prayers Answered': Texas Synagogue Hostages Freed After Nearly 12-Hour Standoff, Captor Killed by Police - 1/16/22
News From Virginia -
Gov. Glenn Youngkin signs 11 executive actions
News From Washington state -
From CBN News: High Court Agrees to Hear Case of Washington Football Coach Fired for on-Field Prayers - 1/15/22
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Recommended Resources - follow the links…
Excellent Election Education Resource: US 2020 Election Fraud at a Glance
Excellent Non-Partisan Election Resource: Election Integrity Project California
Excellent Citizen Comprehensive Resource: David Horowitz Freedom Center
Excellent Citizen Activist Resource: Precinct Strategy: Home
Excellent Christian Homeschool Resource: https://ed-exit.com/
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To take up your watch! Become a Citizen Sentinel! Stand in Service for Freedom!
Become informed! Also resist the MainStreamMedia’s work to undermine American values. You can reject such efforts! You can recommit to America’s founding values!
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SIGN UP> From The Heritage Foundation: Oppose Biden's Unlawful Vaccine Mandate!
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