Tag Archives: Prayer

France 2026

You were expecting a post about the World Cup, weren’t you? While I appreciate sports and their benefits to humankind, this blog is about travel and spiritual adventure. :):) My wife and I, along with three other couples and longtime friends, just returned from a Viking cruise on the Rhône river of France from Avignon to Lyon followed by a high-speed train ride to Paris, and three days of walking and touring The City of Light.

Despite the record-breaking heat wave in Europe, we enjoyed our look at that ancient waterway from the Swiss alps to the Mediterranean Sea. The food and wine of the region were amazing as heralded, with Lyon reportedly being the gastronomic capital of the world. The short history excursions tracing the Roman and medieval history of France were insightful and beautiful to view. Speaking of history and beauty, the Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard was my personal favorite—amazing engineering with breath-taking beauty and two-thousand-year-old splendor.

Fun Facts

France is the third largest country in Europe after Russia and Ukraine. It’s almost the size of Texas. Metropolitan Paris has a population of about 13 million people. Yet it hosts about 48 million visitors each year. The Eiffel Tower is visited by about 7 million people each year making it the most visited world attraction where a ticket is required. Five million more visit the grounds and nearby area for photography and viewing bringing the total to 12 million visitors. Nearby Notre Dame hosted an estimated 11-15 million visitors in 2025 after the fire and restoration. The City of Light has many other grand monuments, museums, art galleries, and beautiful city architecture making it one of the great walking cities of the world. One should also mention French cuisine and sidewalk cafes aplenty to relax, refresh, and soak it all in.

The Jews

“The Jews, Your Majesty—the Jews!” That’s how Blaise Pascal, the brilliant physicist and mathematician, responded to French King Louis XIV, the Sun King, when asked for proof of the supernatural or of God. The idea being their survival through centuries of exile and persecution is a miracle. Any serious student of human history would have to acknowledge the same. Especially when you throw in the Biblical record and prophecy about the journey of these storied, ancient people. I’ve included chapters about this phenomenon in my books, A Friend of the King, Puzzling 2020, and God Stays Near.

It naturally interests me when I travel, to see the history of a place or country through the lens of how they treated or interacted with the Jewish people among them. (See Genesis 12:3). France’s history in this regard is varied and nuanced. Do some AI research if you’re interested.

One big surprise and takeaway for me was walking by the Jewish synagogue in Avignon and hearing that one of the popes there had shown kindness and protection to the Jews of the city and region. Pope Clement VI was number 4 of 8 French popes who ruled from France for almost 70 years after the papacy moved from Rome in 1309 due to unstable conditions in Rome and conflicts with the French king. During the Black Death, 1347-1351, Jews were accused of poisoning wells causing the plague and many pogroms broke out in Europe. Clement VI issued papal bulls condemning the violence. He declared that blaming the Jews was the work of the devil and urged clergy and rulers to protect Jewish communities. He provided refuge himself to the Jews in the territories around Avignon.

Spiritual France

A lot could be said because France has a long history since kings began to rule in Europe around 1000 A.D. They were anointed with oil by priests pointing back to the same practice as the kings of Israel in 1000 B.C., symbolizing that authority to rule on earth comes from God. We visited the historic and beautiful Notre Dame, and Saint Chappelle in Paris. All the Gothic cathedrals in Europe say a lot about what was happening at the time. Most people couldn’t read or write, but their spirits would be drawn up toward God by the lofty ceilings and beautiful light filtered through stained glass—stained glass depicting Bible stories and the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

I read these words about Jesus in my Bible reading this morning: “Jesus traveled all through Galilee teaching in the Jewish synagogues, everywhere preaching the Good News about the Kingdom of Heaven…” (Matthew 4:23 TLB). So it was a thousand years later in Paris, His disciples were carrying on that work in stained glass and weekly preaching and teaching about the kingdom of God.

A short list of prominent saints and martyrs in France would include Joan of Arc (1412-1431), a national heroine and Catholic saint who led French forces in the Hundred Years’ War, guided by visions. Blaise Pascal (1623-1662) was a mathematician, physicist, and philosopher, who had a profound conversion experience and wrote Pensées, defending the Christian faith. King Louis IX, (1214-1270), aka St. Louis, was king of France, crusader, and a model Christian monarch. He was canonized for his piety and justice. Charlemagne (742-814), was king of the Franks and Holy Roman Emperor, who promoted Christianity across Europe. France considers him their first king. There’s Louis Pasteur, St. Vincent de Paul, Saint Genevieve, John Calvin, René Descartes, and many other Christian people who have shaped the spiritual landscape of France.

May the Lord remember their lives and prayers, and show France mercy and grace in times of spiritual darkness.

Viva la France! 🇫🇷

Vietnam 2026—Enigma and Empire

Questions & Conclusions

It’s been a month since I visited Vietnam for the first time and spent two weeks there. I’ve written short blurbs about it and shared photos, yet it’s been difficult to process what I saw and experienced. It was beautiful and complex–but it’s time to try.

I looked at Vietnam’s history this morning. It’s helpful in understanding how they got where they are:
1000 years ruled by China (111BC – 939 AD)
1000 years ruled by Vietnamese emperors (939 AD – 1858 AD)
100 years ruled by France (1858 AD – 1954 AD)
20 years of civil war — North against the South (1954 AD – 1975 AD)
50 years of communist rule ( 1975 – Present)

I try to look at everything through a Biblical lens, because it makes the most sense and holds true in every epoch and age of history. “God is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Heb 13:8, Ps 15:4, Mal 3:6, Isa 46:9-10) “Of old I have known from Your testimonies that You have founded them forever” (Psalm 119:152).

I made observations which raised questions. I asked questions of my hosts and others. Some remain unresolved, but my synopsis is that some big things are going on in Vietnam. God may be coming near (Luke 10:9), and the wind, or Spirit of God, is blowing there (John 3:8), or is about to do so. The country seems in a spiritual vacuum, and the church there has a spark.

I mentioned in my first post about Vietnam that it is open to tourism hosting 22 million visitors in 2025 — about one fifth as many people as their entire population. People interact with each other. And we change each other. Within people is a thirst for wisdom, truth, and understanding. Another characteristic of people is that we thirst for freedom. We are made in the image of a freedom-loving God. The words of the Bible come to mind “It was for freedom that Christ set us free” (Gal 5:1), and “So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36). The Christ follower can flourish under any type of government. Jesus told Pilate, “My kingdom isn’t of this world.” And Pilate didn’t feel threatened by Jesus. But some are afraid of losing control due to this innate freedom-loving quality in humans.

Communism or socialism doesn’t work well historically—men trying to be their own gods. Corruption is a big problem in Vietnam, China, and Asia in general. It’s been said, “Good men can make a bad system work, but bad men can’t even make a good system work.” There are very few good men absent the Spirit and teaching of God. But the people of Vietnam are very pragmatic and saw what wasn’t working, and then embraced foreign trade and private ownership of property. These incentives made the normally industrious and bright people of Vietnam sacrifice and work hard to improve their lot in life and future for their children. That seems to be obvious and working quite well.

I had the impression that the Vietnamese were the Irish of Asia—kind, hospitable, engaging. The country’s most important asset is her people.

The gorilla or elephant in the room, or on the border, is China. Because of their histories, there’s not much trust or love between them, but China can’t be ignored. There’s not room to go into that, but suffice to say, “You don’t want to poke the gorilla.”

Ho Chi Minh

What influenced the man to hold the views he did on the government needed for Vietnam? Was it the neighboring countries, most notably China? The lust for power? The cultures he encountered in the United States, France, and Russia when he visited? I don’t know. I need to find an objective, historically-accurate biography of the man and trace more of his actions. Jesus said, “By their fruits you shall know them [men]. A bad tree can’t produce good fruit, and a good tree doesn’t produce bad fruit [actions].” (Matthew 7:15-17) Actions speak louder than words, and you know a man better by what he does than what he says.

Some of those I visited from former North Vietnam have warm feelings for him and genuinely referred to him as Uncle Ho. Those who fled Vietnam when the communist took over and those who suffered in reeducation camps, have a completely different idea. Personally, it’s a little hard for me to get past the fact that when the communists took over the south, many property owners were executed as their properties were confiscated.

The Future of Vietnam

Two former North Vietnamese friends told me that 75% of Vietnamese would favor doing business with the USA, even after the war, than any other country. The same friends are doing well for themselves and prospering with the prosperity that’s coming to Vietnam. They said they were happy and content living there.

Later in the week, because of something they said, I asked the question “If you had the chance to live in the USA, would you?” They surprised me by saying, “Of course.” It left me thinking, “OK, which way is it? “”

My concern is for the people of Vietnam. They have been oppressed by foreign powers, like China, France, and their own government. Their country was war torn because of it—3 million Vietnamese and 58,000 Americans dead in just the civil war. Yet they’re smart, industrious, social, ambitious, and want to make a go of it—to make better lives for themselves and their children. They seem to be forgiving and want to “Let bygones be bygones.” Diplomatic relations with the US were restored in 1995.

Free markets work. Individual ownership works. But unbridled consumerism doesn’t. It ends up being an idol and a curse on people who worship or serve only money and material possessions. Jesus said, “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth” (Matthew 6:24). It’s an ancient proverb that Shakespeare says like this, “All that glisters is not gold.” Tolstoy said, “It is amazing how complete is the delusion that beauty is goodness.”

Nations sometimes look at America and see only the prosperity and benefits of freedom. They mostly don’t see that it was the word of God, and the Spirit of God, in the people of God that brought the blessings of God—the prosperity and freedom. And those same factors allowed the people of God to have wealth to enjoy without wealth having them. So that they could continue living in the power and blessing of God, in relationship with God on a higher spiritual plane, enjoying the blessings while keeping those things in their proper priority.

I had a rare, beautiful opportunity to take a deep dive into peoples lives and the culture of Vietnam. I love the people and their country. I pray God’s blessing and best for them.

“Father God, may Your kingdom come, and Your will be done in Vietnam as it is in heaven. Bless the country and people with Your truth and Your life, as only You can. They’ve experienced plenty of wrath. Please, in wrath, remember mercy. Amen”

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“He says, ’It is too small a thing that You should be My Servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the preserved ones of Israel; I will also make You a light of the nations so that My salvation may reach to the end of the earth.’” (Isaiah 49:6)

“Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.” (Isaiah 60:3)

“The people who walk in darkness will see a great light; those who live in a dark land, the light will shine on them.” (Isaiah 9:2)

“Weeping may last for the night, but a shout of joy comes in the morning.” (Psalm 30:5)

“‘For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.’”(Jeremiah 29:11)

Vietnam Books — Culture & Country

Books for Understanding—A Culture and a Country—Vietnam

When I knew I was going to Vietnam, I wanted to read a couple of books to get some understanding about the culture and the country, so I could make better sense of what I would see with my eyes, hear with my ears, and notice all around me. I remembered that while we lived in Fort Smith, a friend gave us a book entitled, Where the Wind Leads. She said it was moving, real, and very insightful, especially since a fairly large number of Vietnamese refugees settled in Fort Smith. The book’s author grew up in Fort Smith.

I intended to read it right away, but let it get away from me. Now, I searched for it on my bookshelf and started to read. Timing is everything! I couldn’t put it down, and found myself reading it at 2:30 AM at times. It’s a true, human-interest story about one family of the so called “boat people” who fled Vietnam as the communists took over after the war. It’s the best thing I could have read to understand that chapter of Vietnamese history, the nature and psyche of the Vietnamese people, and where they have come from to this point in history. Even without the Vietnamese connection, it’s a beautiful and moving story about one human family, resilience, God’s help, and providence in their journey through life.

I asked the leader of our group, Pastor Ngoc, what else should I read? He surprise me by suggesting I read, Jesus in Beijing. I thought I should be reading about Vietnam, not China, but ordered the book and started my way through it. Soon I saw the connection he probably wanted me to see. It is likely the most thorough, researched, accurate, credentialed, up-to-date accounting and history, of the underground church in China—probably the largest and healthiest church in the world. Aside from that important insight, it’s also a text book on how the church operates in a hostile, communist environment, being under authority, but following Christ as King. So I now see the connection, and it’s value to the church in Vietnam. I finished it on the plane going over and left my copy with the Bible school in Saigon.

As an aside, I left a copy of my four books with the same school. I told Pastor Ngoc they were about discipleship, the Bible, and knowing God better as we journey, but they are only available in English. He said to sign them and bring them. They would be of value to the young pastors and Bible students. So I did. Thanks, Stan, for carrying them in your checked bag!

More than a decade ago, I was introduced to and read, The Heavenly Man, a biography of one of the leaders of the underground church in China. It was inspirational and eye-opening. Jesus in Beijing is a substantiation and continuation of that story—a story that is still unfolding in our day. So with that information, I can wholeheartedly recommend both of those books for your insight, inspiration, and spiritual knowing about our times and the state of the world in context with the Kingdom of God—especially in Asia.

Shalom as you read, study, and learn more about the Kingdom of God as it ebbs, flows, and grows in the nations of the world. Please pray for the peace of Vietnam, Israel, Jerusalem, and your own city, as the Bible tells us to do.

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!
May they be secure who love you!” (Psalm 122:6)

“Now therefore, O kings, show discernment;
Take warning, O judges of the earth.
Worship the Lord with reverence
And rejoice with trembling.
Do homage to the Son, that He not become angry, and you perish in the way,
For His wrath may soon be kindled.
How blessed are all who take refuge in Him!” (Psalm 2:10-12)

“After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, ‘Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!’ And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying, ‘Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.’” (Revelation 7: 9-12)

Vietnam’s Central Highlands Day 3

Remote M’nong Village
Wednsday 2026, Jounral Entry

[Before leaving the hotel Dr. Le captpured the photo above on a sunrise walk. Then back at the hotel before our evening meal, we wittnessed a local wedding party preparing for the special day–the sort of beautiful serendipity one often encounters when traveling abroad.]

Today our team of two American Dentists, one American doctor, two Vietnamese doctors, an American Vietnamese pharmacist, nurses and support volunteers served about 200 people with medical needs in support of a local indigenous pastor and his small church.

Our team members are from Fort Smith, Arkansas, Atlanta, Georgia, Dallas, Texas, Newport News, Virginia, and Saigon, Vietnam.

At our last stop, we served primarily church members and a few non-churched villagers, at this remote village we served a small part of the church community and a large number of non-churched villagers.

The pastor was genuine, warm, and really has a heart for serving his community and leading as many people to Christ as possible.

A pastor from a neighboring village came to participate and help as needed. He was imprisoned a few years for his faith. He was also beaten so severely that he doesn’t have use of his right arm and a few other physical issues, but he started a church about a year ago with 50 members and now has grown it to 150 members. Church leaders here are very inspirational. They have suffered, and seen a lot of suffering.

The team continues to stay healthy, motivated, and strong with resolve to serve, whatever it takes. It’s good to be a part of a troop like this, and also feel the Lord‘s presence and pleasure as we serve.

The food continues to be a little different in every region, but very delicious with delicate flavors and quite a variety that we are totally not used to. I may send a few photos. The people are friendly, hospitable, and kind.

I sent this journal entry back to our prayer team, along with: “Thanks for your prayers and continued support that the kingdom of God would come to Vietnam and His will be done here as it is in heaven.”

“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.” ‭‭(2 Corinthians‬ ‭13‬:‭14‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬)

More of the day’s photos…

Saigon Saturday & Sunday

The team from the US arrived from different places individually and in small groups via different routes. But eveyone arrived by Friday evening and the whole team met in the hotel lobby early Saturday monring for breakfast and our inbriefing by Pastor Ngoc. After hearing our plan for the week beginning tomorrow, we were free to rest or roam. Some took naps during the day to recover from jet lag and travel drag, but with so much anticipation and adrenaline thinking about the trip, it was difficult.

Some shopped for last minute items that might be hard to find in the Central Highlands or for soveniers. Some took strolls in the neighborhood getting to know the culture, food, and money. A few of us took a cruise on the Saigon River in the afternoon to see some of the city from the water. Rest and recovery, as well as culture familiarization, was the order of the day. We were told to report downstairs in the morning with our bags packed, ready to board the bus after breakfast.

We would be attending Sunday church services at a Bible school on our way out of town, followed by a nine hour bus ride to our first ministry station or village.

The students and church members were welcoming and friendly. It was different, and it was the same, as it mostly is in different Christian communities around the globe. The sermon and the worship was in Vietnamese, but it felt like home–peaceful and the same spirit. Speaking of Spirit, we were there on Penecost Sunday 2026. And that was the theme of the worship, as well as, the teaching and preaching. They sang some songs we knew by the melody, so we could sing along in English.

We discoved Google Translate could translate the sermon in real time to text on our phones. That was nice. And the Google Translate camera feature would translate print into English for us as we held our cameras to print or signs. Nice! But even had we sat in silence, it was a comfortable, familiar feeling. There was a lot of reverence and worship of God, and there was a lot of love for each other in the room.

We had a nice lunch with students and church members in the kitchen/dining room of the multistory dormitory complex. Before long we walked to our bus, and began the long, interesting ride north and upward to the Central Highlands–our mission and home for the coming week.

We settled in on the bus for quiet visits to get to know each other, and for quietly seeing the country side and the way people lived. There was time for reflection, dreaming, imagaing what might lay in front of us, rest, and prayer.

Soon we’ll know! We’re supposed to arrive at our hotel before midnight.

More Photos of the Day/s

Operation “Just Cause”

I awakened this morning with the war in Iran on my mind, and the Lord’s decision to remove an evil entity from the Earth, in whole or in part. I felt like I should blog about it. It’s almost as much about words as bombs seemingly, in the world’s media. But what aspect of the complex but simple issue would the Spirit have me communicate, if any? I tried to communicate about it simply in the midst of “Rising Lion,” saying a simple way to see the correct side of the conflict, God’s side in the conflict, is, “Love Israel, and hate violence.” Or, “Love what God loves, and hate what God hates.”

Operation “Just Cause”

I’m somewhat conflicted in writing about the war. The Lord tells us to seek to live quiet and peaceful lives and work with our hands. The Scripture also tells us that Jesus, with spiritual warfare often swirling around him, simply “Went about doing good.” He stayed connected to His Father by early morning prayer in solitude and in nature. That’s what God wants for us, and of us, in our day of devices, distractions, speed, and screens. So we can live our best lives now in healthy relational, emotional, and spiritual ways. Those are the realms of the soul. We must care for our souls with intentional focus, actions, and habits. That’s the main thrust of my most recent book, God Stays Near.

It’s for these reasons I unplugged from TV news years ago and never looked back. It’s one of the best things I ever did for my soul and my relationship with God and others, as well as, enjoying life.

But this regional war waged against Israel for several years has erupted into a war with Iran. That has captured my attention for a number of reasons. I’m a former fighter pilot (F-4 & F-16), and the air-war tactics and execution naturally interests me. Anything to do with Israel on the world scene interests me from a prophecy standpoint, and because God’s faithfulness to the nation in preserving it and fighting against her enemies is a historical and biblical lesson on God’s faithfulness. This attribute of God is of the utmost importance to Israel, but also to the whole household of faith—Christ’s followers who enjoy the same promises, protection, presence, and provision from the same God.

To those who read the Bible often, the war makes perfect sense. It fits with how God has dealt with nations from ancient times to the present. That’s why I named this war “Just Cause.” I also like the fitting names Israel gave to “Rising Lion,” and to the present operation “Roaring Lion.” The US operation name “Epic Fury” also is fitting and descriptive. Yet behind it all is the God who rules and reigns over nations, and by his grace keeps us from destroying ourselves. He does so as he executes His judgments and justice, according to His Word, the Bible, and His plan stated in the same.

Purim 2026

This war kicked off during Purim. So it could be called the “Purim War.” Read the book of Esther in the Bible to gain a historical perspective of a war against the Jews in ancient Iran (Persia) circa 474 BC. You will see where and how the Jewish feast of Purim originates, celebrating the faithfulness of God through the millennia.

I find myself wondering how much Americans know about the ancient origins of the conflict and the modern landscape of nations and players in this struggle. I asked two older navy vets at my barbershop recently. They replied in similar fashion, “Well, we can’t let Iran get a nuclear weapon.”That’s true and probably the very biggest reason for the war.

Then I asked a young mother of three from our church. She replied, “I don’t really know what started it, the issues, or what’s going on.” I told her I wasn’t sure she needed to know those things. She’s caring for small children, her family, and holding down a job. Those things required all of her attention and that’s fine. I told her I’d send her a text highlighting the main points in case she wanted to know, and she said she’d love that.

Issues of the Purim War

Taylor, “It’s a just and needed war to dethrone a violent and evil regime wanting to destroy Israel as their main goal, and an active enemy of the United States. They were about to have a nuclear weapon, and certainly they have the will to use it. The regime is a cancer that needs be removed from the earth. They’ve been responsible for over a thousand US deaths in the past 50 years.

They continue to launch missiles and drones at civilians in Israel and their neighboring Arab states while the USA and Israel only target military targets and military infrastructure. It’s the 10th day of the war. The Lord has given the just-cause forces unusual, even supernatural, success. Hopefully the Iranian people will seize the opportunity to rid themselves of the evil regime and take back their country soon.

There is an underground church in Iran of maybe a million people. Pray in the midst of this Arab/Muslim war in the region, hearts will open to the Gospel of Jesus. And that God will have mercy on innocents and peace lovers as He brings justice on the violent murderers of this regime. That’s a thumbnail summary, and it’s certainly helpful to know which is the right side, and more important to be on the right side of such a war. I hope this helps with perspective and for prayer purposes.”

“…Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands, just as we commanded you.” (1 Thessalonians 4:11 NASB1995)

“Now the Lord said to Abram, ‘Go forth from your country, And from your relatives And from your father’s house, To the land which I will show you; and I will make you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great; and so you shall be a blessing; and I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse. And in you all the families of the earth will be blessed.’” (Genesis 12:1-3)

“Then I will remember My covenant with Jacob, and I will remember also My covenant with Isaac, and My covenant with Abraham as well, and I will remember the land.” (Lev 26:42)

“O Lord, You showed favor to Your land; You restored the captivity of Jacob.” (Psalm 85:1)

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An Iranian Woman Speaks to the Press

An Iranian Woman in an IRGC family comes to Jesus / Remarkable insight and journey

Following Christ

H.D. McCarty — Following Christ

I attended my first board meeting this week of Ventures for Christ. The meeting was lead by the 92-year-old H.D. McCarty who is still leading the way in exalting Christ, pleasing Christ, and becoming like Christ — for the joy set before him and all who believe.

H.D. McCarty’s mind is razor sharp. His heart is ablaze with passion for the King and His flock. His vocal cords, and his ability to speak or communicate this reality and passion, are affected by the polio he experienced in his youth.

This week he assembled a group of men, spiritual and distinguished in their careers and lives, for lunch in order to exhort them to follow Christ in a disciplined, sacrificial, “lay down your life” way — the way of the cross.

All of the men are older. About half are in their 80s and about half are in their early 70s or late 60s. All are successful doctors, lawyers, businessman, bankers, even a rogue pilot, who could go their own way, so to speak, and live lives of relative ease.

Indeed, there was small talk before and during lunch at Noodles restaurant about golf courses, vacations, and health discussions typical of retirees. But there we sat, loving the one who called us together, admiring him, and wanting to be loyal to him to the end — and as devoted to his Lord as he is.

He shared a few things with us as best he could. His beautiful and precious daughter Karen joined for a brief time and helped us understand some of his utterances that were unclear. But his main focus was that we get to know each other, and love each other like he loved us individually. And that we all pledge ourselves anew to die to ourselves, take up our crosses, and follow Christ, Who is worthy and still showing Himself to H.D. in his 90s as ever before and as never before. His name be praised.

He left us with three sheets of printed material to read and meditate upon, after holding up a book by Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest. He intimated the book was special to him among the hundreds he has read.

One sheet was selected scriptures, front and back, that expressed the spirit and vision of Ventures for Christ, his ministry moniker in this chapter of his life. The other two sheets were copies from the Chamber’s book for November 1 through November 3, with H.D.’s personal notes scribbled around some of the text with insight and feeling.

I think you could sum up this unlikely, unusual, and sacred meeting like this:

“Rise up, O men of God! Have done with lesser things; give heart and soul and mind and strength to serve the King of kings.” (William Merrill, 1911) Or in the words of Jesus of Nazareth, “If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me (Matthew 16:24-26).

I wrote on the bottom of my copy, “if you don’t first pick up your cross, there is no need to follow.” This truth came to me in the moment and perhaps has been lost on our affluent culture with a lukewarm church in many quadrants. May the Lord help us. He will, IF we do what He says. Amen.

H.D. wants us to be points of light for others, and disciple them in the way of the cross. I found on his website where he expresses this sentiment and passion in his own words:

“We are all to be men and women sent from God.” II Corinthians 2:17b
Our Ventures for Christ Mandate
The Ventures ministry is our Spirit led attempt to shepherd as many Christians as the Lord might give us into a Cross Disciple life! Our efforts are aimed at those who hunger to be contented warriors for Christ. Our goal is to teach others to continuously practice thinking, feeling, and acting with the Mind of Christ. We must grasp and internalize the practical presence of the Godhead ─ our triune Creator, Redeemer, and Perfecter ─ and respond increasingly, urgently, and precisely to the mystery of our New Creation birth in Christ. This can be done as we bring His thoughts into our minutes and learn the empowerment of His perceptions and promises! We “capture” His Mind, then “embrace” His Heart, and then “sacrifice” for His Will!
Carrying the Savior’s Cross for our individual earth adventure begins with a passion to live out one’s life increasingly directed and consumed with the Mind of Christ.

Get to know H. D. McCarty — An interview with a curator of the Arkansas Air and Military Museum in Fayetteville, AR. [Photos above were taken in his office during this interview.]

A good many things could be said about H.D. McCarty, but to those who know and love him and have had their minds, souls, and spirits directed up to Christ by him, certainly these verses come to mind.

“From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history…” (Acts 17:26 NIV).

“Now when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation …” (Acts 13:36).

“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40:28-31).

“Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1).

In my latest book, God Stays Near, there is a chapter called “Grey Eagles” about aging with the Lord. In the board’s estimation, H.D. is the grayest and the greatest we know. May our gracious God continue to be the wind beneath his wings.

Quickly approaching ninety-three, he’s working on a second book. His first came out last year, His Cross and Ours. It’s a needed word in our generation and culture.

Recent Ventures for Christ Board Meeting with H.D. McCarty

Choose or Be Chosen?

We are made in God’s image, all humans, but we are not like Him — no one is. God is quite different from His creation or any created thing. He’s the paragon of power, truth, and beauty — all that is good.

I have a friend named Pablo. He says he’s “tried” to believe but just doesn’t feel what the rest of us feel in the community of faith. He also says he can’t get on board with a God who sends people to eternal damnation just because they are something like Hindus.

Well, that’s another issue with thousands of books and articles addressing it, just like the topic of this blog, “Choice.” I will say quickly and quietly, that subject may be several levels above our pay grade to understand or decide, especially at the beginning of our faith journey. Also, “eternal” damnation as described in the Bible may not be what you think it is or have been taught in many of our churches. You can read chapter 23 in my book, Puzzling 2020 or, Hell, A Final Word , by Edward Fudge, or watch the movie, Hell and Mr. Fudge for a different Biblical perspective.

More importantly, ask yourself, “Could I get on board with a God who made every human in His image, gave them breath, a beautiful earth and creation to enjoy, and the freedom to experience it all as they program their souls as they see fit? That may be the better question or way to approach God, with less pride and hubris and more gratitude. But approach Him as you wish. He allows you that amazing choice.

Ephanay? Paradox? Choice?

The Bible teaches that if you will choose God, He will choose you. And He knows your heart better than you do. He’s willing to be patient with you, to let you work out what you want to believe over time.

There is another important piece to this puzzle. There is a domain of dark, delusional, deluding spirits who fit into God’s plan in some way ambiguous to humans. They are constantly leading humans astray or deceiving us about truth, who God is, who they are, and who we are. And you? You get to decide or choose what you want to believe, as one caught up in this cosmic battle for your soul. At stake is eternal life, the ability to forge deep relationships, and know truth — also the Holy One.

Choose wisely. Dig deeply into the person and purposes of God by reading the Holy Bible for yourself with an open heart and mind to know truth if God will reveal it to you. It’s the perennial best-selling, most-widely-published book on the planet. It also makes the claim that it is inspired by the Spirit of God Himself for the purpose of making Him known to us, us known to ourselves, and us known to Him.

The Spirit and Your Faith

Now for the mysterious and mystical part of the equation — God’s Spirit. There is a whole branch of theology about how one comes to faith. It’s called soteriology. I find it as fascinating and mysteriously beautiful as it is simple. Jesus told his disciples to come to God the Father like a little child or don’t bother coming at all (Matthew 18:3). The way is simple enough for all, the young and old, the simple and wise — everyone.

It’s just that you don’t control it all. You only control your part, which is to believe and have faith like a child. Go ahead and ask the hard questions, the harder the better. Be intellectually honest of course. But be honest and respond in childlike fashion when revelation and answers come. I love hearing how people come to faith. You should ask people who believe how they came to faith when you see the Spirit of light in their lives. I tell the stories of three people coming to faith in my latest book, God Stays Near, Faith and Flight.

Landing the Plane

Read the Gospels over and over. Thomas Jefferson had only one book beside his bed, the words of Jesus lifted from the New Testament. “Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). We have the written Word, the Bible. We have the Word of God in the flesh, Jesus the Son of God (John 1:14). He sows the seeds of faith and shows us the way to the Father, our Creator God (John 14:8-21).

Read the Gospels often and much, in silence and solitude, until you hear that still small voice that leads to faith. Reading shows your heart, that you desire to know the truth. Then leave the revelation part to Him. He will answer. But own your part and responsibility — your faith.

It’s instructive and insightful how often Jesus said, “Go in peace, your faith has made you well [or saved you]” (Luke 8:48, 7:50, 17:19, 18:42, and others). The Spirit of God does the major lifting, the heavy part, but at some point faith springs from you up to meet God, like a silent lightning strike, that seals and starts a new life — forever.

Shalom and Godspeed on your journey with Him to “Joy inexpressible and full of glory” (1Peter 1:8).

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“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly” (John 10:10).

How should we view predestination? Are there people He just doesn’t call? “For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren” (Romans 8:29).

You must choose what you think and believe about this. Then the seeming paradox will become more clear as you journey. In the words of St. Augustine, “Faith is to believe what you do not see; the reward of this faith is to see what you believe.”

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him” (John 3:16-17).

“The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).

“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:1-4 NIV).

“Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you” (1 Timothy 4:16).

Rising Lion

Israel is at war with Iran. More specifically with the evil government of Iran, not it’s people — but with Ayatollah Khamenei, and his violent IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) bent on the destruction of Israel and being a regional military superpower with nuclear weapons while ruling the people of Iran with a dictatorial fist.

When Israeli intelligence detected that Khamenei’s regime had enought enriched uranium for about sixteen warheads and were weeks or months away from the enrichment necessary for weapons, they decided to act. There was a lot of chatter in the media that Israel might be making some unusual preparations to deal with this threat to their survival. But the Iranian regime replied with an old Arabic saying, “A barking dog does not bite.”

Israel launched a surprise attack the next day, June 12th, in the early morning hours, and experienced unusual, if not supernatural success in destroying Iran’s sophisticated air defense missles, radars, and weaponry allowing it to damage Iran’s nuclear weapons facilities, eliminate its top nuclear scientists, the IRGC’s top military leadership, and start the process of destroying the 1000s of ballistic missiles and their launchers with unrelenting success.

The sorely crippled IRGC continues to launch decreasing salvos of ballistic missiles at Israeli civilians and cities, not military targets, which has been met with Israeli retaliation and force after alerting Iranian civilians to flee Tehran and areas around the missiles.

It appears the US and some European countries will soon join the conflict to ensure the nuclear weapons program is safely dismantled and the evil regime responsible for so much bloodshed and destruction in Syria, Lebanon, Yemen, Gaza, and Israel is ousted and brought to justice. The world is a lot safer as a result of all this action, for which people who understand justice and the actions of the Almighty as outlined throughout the Bible should be thankful.

It’s clear from the Bible that God expects a task like this to be completed, once it’s started (e.g. 2 Kings 13:17-19, Deuteronomy 7:2, Psalm 118:7-14, 2 Kings 10:30, Psalm 119:152). And it’s clear from history half measures are doomed to failure.

“The era of procrastination, of half-measures, of soothing and baffling expedients, of delays is coming to its close. In its place we are entering a period of consequences.” Winston Churchill

“You have removed all the wicked of the earth like dross; therefore I love Your testimonies” (Psalm 119:119).

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It’s estimated that there are one million Christians in Iran, in mostly underground churches. And a great many Iranians despise the Ayatollahs and long for freedom. Pray for their safety and for mercy, as this necessary war to rid the earth of this cancer continues to its completion. Pray for that completion as you pray for the peace of Jerusalem, and mercy for inocents in both countries, and those who love peace.

Military analysts would likely conclude the war is over after the lightning strike nutralized their air defenses, commanders at the hightest levels, crippled their nucular facilities, and eliminated their top scientists. Israel’s IDF has been freely attacking the remaining, sizable arsenal of missiles and launchers ever since. But how this war ends is important. It would be best if the citizens of Iran take their country back. They know who the real agents for burtality, boodshed, and violence are, and can see them removed and brought to justice. More than likely there will be US and European boots on the ground at some point to help them make sure the cancer is removed, and to oversee the dismantling of the nuclear threat.

In my books Puzzling 2020, and God Stays Near, I have chapters about warfare, spiritual warfare, and Israel throughout history and in our day. The short chapters are succinct and worthy of your reading and mediation written after the October 7th, 2023 attack on Israel from Gaza.

In God Stays Near, Chapter 10 is entitled “Prepare for War.” Chaper 11 is entitled, “Israel–A Time for War.” Following are some Scripture references and quotes from those chapters:

“A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace” (Ecclesiastes 3:8).

“As barbaric and evil as the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel by its Palestinian neighbors in Gaza was, the anti-Semitism that has come to light around the world since then is even more troubling. People are marching, rioting, burning flags around the world, and threatening violence against Jewish people who probably have never met a Jewish person. How do you explain that? Outside of dark, evil spirits?

“Jesus said, “You shall know them [people] by their fruit,” by what they do, not what they say. Consider what both sides in the conflict have said and done throughout history, especially since 1948. Then, draw your conclusions.

“In the meantime, you can dwell on the Bible-stated truth that God hates violence and loves Israel. You will always do well to love what God loves and hate what God hates. ‘And God loves Israel, declaring, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have drawn you with lovingkindness’” (Jeremiah 31:3). “The LORD examines the righteous, but the wicked, those who love violence, he hates with a passion” (Psalms 11:5).

“Those who do not love what God loves and hate what God hates, and passionately support violence and hate Israel are shaking their angry fists at God. This never ends well for them, their political organization, or those who support them.

“This is how to make sense of it, even with the smoke and media haze — misguided secular-humanist deception. Harvard? CNN? BBC? Beware of deception! Be aware of these verses: “They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie” (2 Thessalonians 2:10b-11).

“Fear God and keep His commandments. Or if that seems too draconian for you, “Love What God loves, and hate what God hates,” you’ll be fine and fare well.

“Shalom and Godspeed on your journey to truth — also righteousness, peace, and joy. ‘For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17).

“From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.” Indeed, that’s what Israel is in the process of doing right now. They are freeing Israel from a people who love violence, oppress their own, practice lawlessness and injustice, hate Israel their neighbors, and fire rockets and missiles at them incessantly. You reap what you sow. There is One who sees to it.

“May our gracious Creator and King exercise justice and judgment mixed with mercy. It’s His to do. And He is the only One who can.

“To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever.”
(Revelation 5:13)

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“The utterance of Balaam the son of Beor,
The utterance of the man whose eyes are opened,
The utterance of him who hears the words of God,
Who sees the vision of the Almighty,
Who falls down, with eyes wide open” (Numbers 24:3-4).

“God brings him [Israel] out of Egypt,
He is for him like the horns of the wild ox.
He will devour the nations who are his adversaries,
And will crush their bones in pieces,
And shatter them with his arrows.
He couches, he lies down as a lion,
And as a lion, who dares rouse him?
Blessed is everyone who blesses you,
And cursed is everyone who curses you.” (Numbers 24:8-9)

Ask!

Does asking God for things boldly in prayer equal faith? Apparently God thinks so, or you can make a case for that from Jesus’ words in Luke 18.

“And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart” (Luke 18:1). Then in the same context we read, “…when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” (Luke 18:8 ESV).

Pray! Ask! Boldly! Ask with enthusiasm and determination and tenacity! Of God, no less! “And…Don’t loose heart!”

Why should we pray like this? He tells us to do so, and invites us to do so! It pleases Him and has purpose!

In this famous, unusual parable Jesus ties this kind of prayer to our faith — the kind of faith He hopes to find when He returns. No pride or entitlement, but humbly, boldly, honestly, continually praying for what’s on your heart. Will the Son of Man find faith like that when He looks at you?

Ask!!

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“When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears
and delivers them out of all their troubles” (Psalm 34:17).

“I cry out to God Most High,
to God who fulfills his purpose for me” (Psalm 57:2).

“In my distress I called upon the Lord;
to my God I cried for help.
From his temple he heard my voice,
and my cry to him reached his ears” (Psalm 18:6).

“This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him
and saved him out of all his troubles” (Psalm 34:6).

“The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous
and his ears toward their cry” (Psalm 34:15).

“Call upon Me in the day of trouble;
I shall rescue you, and you will honor Me” (Psalm 50:15).

“In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words” (Romans 8:26).

“During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission” (Hebrews 5:7).

“Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, ‘Abba, Father’” (Glatians 4:6).

“The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you” (Romans 16:20).