Simple Faith

I have a newfound love for the beautiful, middle-aged woman who was sitting next to me in our foundations class last night. She’s gentle, sensitive, and honored her husband who had a tense moment at the table. He said, “I want to talk about it right now!” So she began the best she could to humbly communicate what was in her heart and mind when the misunderstanding concerning the faith of a famous football player took place.

I tried to be a peacemaker because both had gaps in what they were communicating. Both expected the other to read their minds, or know what each other meant. Very common in a marriage, I might add.

Unclear communication may be the main reason I didn’t really enjoy last night’s meeting, except for getting to know the people at our table better. This woman was fearful of getting something wrong spiritually, or more accurately, of not having enough of her theology correct. This was from a humble, sincere heart that has a fear of the Lord, a love for truth, and love for Jesus. Hence, my newfound admiration for her. She’s real. I used to think she was a bit standoffish and wondered why. But that’s the value of TIME with people and being in settings where you can go deeper and really see what’s inside others whom the Spirit brings into your path to enrich your life, love, and knowledge of Him.

A think a good summary of what the Lord showed me last night is this: “You don’t have to have everything right to follow Jesus, enjoy his company, and receive His gift of eternal life. You just can’t be putting your faith in something or someone wrong.”

That something could be an idol, a constant distraction, a misplaced love or allegiance, a false idea or doctrine about salvation, your own good works, or what it takes to get to heaven. Maybe it’s infidelity to the Lord, or leaving Him once you know Him? That’s a hard question with an unclear answer. If a person in these dangerous waters is still struggling with their faith, that’s a good thing. It shows some fear of the Lord, and invites the activity of the Holy One into their struggle. But it’s a separate question—maybe.

My point and what came to me early today while waking from sleep was: “The simplicity of faith in Jesus.”

The Thief on the Cross

The thief on the cross! Always a favorite, and a most insightful story about Jesus. The thief probably didn’t have all of his theology or doctrine straight. There’s evidence in one of the gospel accounts that he began his last minutes before eternity disparaging Jesus along with his criminal friend. Something mysterious happened that we do not know, and the careful record of what Jesus said and did on the cross doesn’t reveal. He became aware of his own sin, and who Jesus was—enough so to humbly ask for mercy and a relationship with the King of the Jews, who is also the King of heaven. His petition was humbly granted. Amazing! Grace!

The Woman Crashing a Dinner Party

Elizabeth and I picked for our exegesis homework last night the passage of Scripture where a woman poured perfume on Jesus’ feet. We picked the account in Luke chapter seven, a dinner at Simon the Pharisees’s house. We observed all the facts recorded—what, when, who, where, etc. Then we tried to interpret the meaning of it (exegesis). Finally, we looked for applications from it to apply to our own life and time.

The biggest takeaway and meaning came at the very end when Jesus asked Simon, “Do you see this woman?” Jesus also said, ”Her sins which are many, are forgiven.” Then ignoring the crowds questioning His authority to forgive sins, Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you, go in peace.”

She had heard something that caused her to put her faith in Jesus. She showed it in a beautiful act of courage, love, worship, and devotion. I’m quite sure based on her previously sinful life, she didn’t have all her doctrine or theology correct. But she came to put her faith in the right place which is the right Person. That’s what matters.

Deception

SO this begs the question, “What were we doing last night?” Having a class on how to be a Pharisee? How to judge and nitpick the words of popular songs? See if there is a demon or lying, deceiving word or spirit in every lyric?

OR to point out that there are a lot of lies and deception out there in our culture that are subtly misleading people into all the wrong thoughts and all the wrong places. After all, if you’re deceived, you don’t know it. If you’re being deceived, you may not be aware. Is the point of last night to make us aware these deceiving “doctrines of demons” are embedded in popular culture and music? I guess that would be valuable—a wake up call!

OR is it that we who become aware of such and train our eyes to see such, can become little apologist? So we can point out and speak to the deception versus the truth with our friends, using the Bible as the standard for truth, which it is. As Tommy Nelson says, “I’ve never recovered from the fact that God wrote a book!”

AFTER last night, my mind and spirit are in a bit of a haze about the whole meeting. Yes, we should prepare ourselves to give a reason for the hope that is within us. And we are to be witnesses of what Jesus did on the earth and in our lives as best we can. We should come to know God better each day and season of our journey, as well as the schemes of the enemy.

BUT faith in Jesus is simple. Let’s not overly complicate it. One person tells another what he or she heard, saw, and believes to be true. The Holy Spirit either opens their eyes spiritually or it doesn’t happen (yet!). That’s His job. Read John chapter 3—“The teacher of Israel” is in a conversation about these very issues with “A Teacher sent from God.”

OUR part is to be witnesses to what we believe, have seen, and have heard. The results are up to God. Don’t try to do his part—you can’t. Do try to do your part—you can.

REMEMBER, “Your faith has saved you, go in peace.”
Shalom שלום

“And [Jesus] said to the woman, ‘Your faith has saved you; go in peace.’”
(Luke 7:50 NASB1995)

 “‘And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.’ And he was saying, ‘Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!’ And He said to him, ‘Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.’”
(Luke 24:41-43)

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15 NIV)

“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”
(1 Peter 3:15)

“So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly My disciples” (John 8:31 NASB1995)

Vote and Pray!

Vote & Pray 2026

Not necessarily in that order! I wasn’t going to blog about voting this year, but I received an email from a mysterious source this morning and started reading it. The Biblical acumen of whoever sent it was high. So I continued to read to the end and decided I would share it online via the magic of copy and paste for anyone who reads my blog and would like to pass it along to others as an encouragement to vote.

I have done due diligence in researching the issues and candidates and shared my research with our circle of friends. My wife and I voted early. And I have prayed for the well-being and good of our country, along with the blessing of God, which made us what we are, and has helped us to this very day.

I’m not worried about wars and rumors of wars. There have been these from time immemorial. The prophets told us these will increase towards the end of time, as they certainly have in the last two centuries. But I’m sure God will help us while He’s working His good pleasure which He has since the beginning (Isaiah 46:9-10). Yet He gives us a good bit of leeway, liberty, and free choice and asks, “What’s in your heart? What do you want me to do?” We should show Him, by our prayers and by our actions—vote.

I’m at peace about it because of my relationship with God and the awareness of who He is. But I’m a bit disturbed that our country has become so divided politically, philosophically, and theologically that we are not the United States of America that the founding fathers gave us, and we need to do everything we can to repair that. Hence, pray and vote! Thanks for your attention to this matter.:):)

As a former fighter pilot who risked his life training for the defense of our country some 20 + years, I find it disturbing many of our people are more concerned about the price of a gallon of gasoline than stopping a world-wide terror organization who has killed many of our US servicemen and civilians, threatens Israel with annihilation, attacks their own neighboring states, and has recently slaughtered tens of thousands of their own people who wanted to oppose their ruthless brand of evil, state-funded terror— especially when it’s within our power to do so. That shows a lack of judgment and courage that isn’t what made our country great or keeps any country sovereign and safe. May the Lord help us see clearly the issues and what’s at stake, then voice our preferences in prayer and at the polls. Our founding fathers saw clearly those actions were our best chance of staying free, and most clearly aligned with the Bible and God’s ways in history throughout the ages.

The Bible on the Issues of our Day and all of History
(From a mysterious source. Thanks Reese & Gary, I think?)

It’s Time to VOTE!!
Below are scriptures that go with the comparison chart that was sent out last week on issues we should be keen to consider as we vote for a candidate:
 
LETTING BABIES LIVE
. Psalm 139:13–14 (NASB95) — 13 For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb. 14 I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well.
Jeremiah 1:5 (NASB95) — 5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, And before you were born I consecrated you; I have appointed you a prophet to the nations.” Exodus 20:13 (NASB95) — 13 “You shall not murder.



BIG GOVERNMENT
. 1 Samuel 8:10–18 (NASB95) — 10 So Samuel spoke all the words of the LORD to the people who had asked of him a king. 11 He said, “This will be the procedure of the king who will reign over you: he will take your sons and place them for himself in his chariots and among his horsemen and they will run before his chariots. 12 “He will appoint for himself commanders of thousands and of fifties, and some to do his plowing and to reap his harvest and to make his weapons of war and equipment for his chariots. 13 “He will also take your daughters for perfumers and cooks and bakers. 14 “He will take the best
of your fields and your vineyards and your olive groves and give them to his servants.15 “He will take a tenth of your seed and of your vineyards and give to his officers and to his servants. 16 “He will also take your male servants and your female servants and your best young men and your donkeys and use them for his work. 17 “He will take a tenth of your flocks, and you yourselves will become his servants. 18 “Then you will cry out in that day because of your king whom you have chosen for yourselves, but the LORD will not answer you in that day.”



INDEPENDENT SOVEREIGN NATION
. Acts 17:26 (NASB95) — 26 and He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation,



BORDER CONTROL. 
Nehemiah 2:17 (NASB95) — 17 Then I said to them, “You see the bad situation we are in, that Jerusalem is desolate and its gates burned by fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem so that we will no longer be a reproach.”



CAPITALISM
 Matthew 25:14–30 (NASB95) — 14 “For it is just like a man about to go on a journey, who called his own slaves and entrusted his possessions to them. 15 “To one he gave five talents, to another, two, and to another, one, each according to his own ability; and he went on his journey. 16 “Immediately the
one who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and gained five more talents. 17 “In the same manner the one who had received the two talents gained two more. 18 “But he who received the one talent went away, and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money. 19 “Now after a long time
the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. 20 “The one who had received the five talents came up and brought five more talents, saying, ‘Master, you entrusted five talents to me. See, I have gained five more talents.’ 21 “His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’ 22 “Also the one who had received the two talents came up and said, ‘Master, you entrusted two talents to me. See, I have gained two more talents.’ 23 “His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’ 24 “And the one also who had received the one talent came up and said, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow and gathering where you scattered no seed. 25 ‘And I was afraid, and went away and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what is yours.’ 26 “But his master answered and said to him, ‘You wicked, lazy slave, you knew that I reap where I did not sow and gather where I scattered no seed. 27 ‘Then you ought to have put my money in the bank, and on my arrival I would have received my money back with interest. 28 ‘Therefore take away the talent from him, and give it to the one who has the ten talents.’ 29 “For to everyone who has, more shall be given, and he will have an abundance; but from the one who does not have, even what he does have shall be taken away. 30 “Throw out the worthless slave into the outer darkness; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.



INITIATIVE, OPPORTUNITY, WORKING OPPORTUNITY. 
2 Thessalonians 3:10 (NASB95) — 10 For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either.



LEGAL IMMIGRATION
. Romans 13:2 (NASB95) — 2 Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves.



VOTER ID
. 1 Corinthians 14:40 (NASB95) — 40 But all things must be done properly and in an orderly manner.



SUPPORTING POLICE
 Romans 13:4 (NASB95) — 4 for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil.
1 Peter 2:13–14 (NASB95) — 13 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, 14 or to governors as sent by him or the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right.



PROTECTING GUN RIGHTS. Exodus 22:2 (NASB95) — 2 “If the thief is caught while breaking in and is struck so that he dies, there will be no blood guiltiness on his account. Nehemiah 4:17–18 (NASB95) — 17 Those who were rebuilding the wall and those who
carried burdens took their load with one hand doing the work and the other holding a weapon. 18 As for the builders, each wore his sword girded at his side as he built, while the trumpeter stood near me. Luke 22:36 (NASB95) — 36 And He said to them, “But now, whoever has a money belt is to take it along, likewise also a bag, and whoever has no sword is to sell his coat and
buy one. Jeremiah 6:16 (NASB95) — 16 Thus says the LORD, “Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths, Where the good way is, and walk in it; And you will find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’
Proverbs 1:7 (NASB95) — 7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; Fools despise wisdom and instruction.



CONSERVATIVE, BIBLE BASED
 James 1:17 (NASB95) — 17 Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.



FREE SPEECH
 Acts 4:19–20 (NASB95) — 19 But Peter and John answered and said to them,
“Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge; 20 for we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

STRONG MILITARY. 
Luke 14:31 (NASB95) — 31 “Or what king, when he sets out to meet another king in battle, will not first sit down and consider whether he is strong enough with ten thousand men to encounter the one coming against him with twenty thousand? Luke 11:21 (NASB95) — 21 “When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own house, his possessions are undisturbed. Proverbs 21:31 (NASB95) — 31 The horse is prepared for the day of battle, But victory
belongs to the LORD.

CREATED GENDER and MARRIAGE SEXUALITY. Genesis 1:27 (NASB95) — 27 God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Genesis 2:24 (NASB95) — 24 For this reason a man shall leave his father and his
mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh.
Matthew 19:4–6 (NASB95) — 4 And He answered and said, “Have you not read that He who created them from the beginning MADE THEM MALE AND FEMALE, 5 and said, ‘FOR THIS REASON A MAN SHALL LEAVE HIS FATHER AND MOTHER AND BE JOINED TO HIS WIFE, AND THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH’? 6 “So they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate.”
 
Blessings from the team!

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord,
The people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance” (Psalm 33:12).

“Righteousness exalts a nation,
But sin is a disgrace to any people” (Proverbs 14:34).

“Remember the former things long past,
for I am God, and there is no other;
I am God, and there is no one like Me,
declaring the end from the beginning,
and from ancient times things which have not been done,
saying, ‘My purpose will be established,
and I will accomplish all My good pleasure’” (Isaiah 46:9-10).

Insightful Look at the Electrorial College and the Wisdom of our Founding Fathers

CS Lewis on Pride

“CLIVE STAPLES LEWIS (1898-1963) [The same generation as my grand parents.] Was one of the intellectual giants of the 20th century and arguably the most influential Christian writer of his day. He was a Fellow and tutor in English literature at Oxford University until 1954 when he was unanimously elected to the Chair of Medieval and Renaissance English at Cambridge University, a position he held until his retirement. He wrote more than thirty books, allowing him to reach a vast audience, and his works continue to attract thousands of new readers every year. His most distinguished and popular accomplishments include The Chronicles of Narnia, Out of the Silent Planet, The Four Loves, The Screwtape Letters, and Mere Christianity.”

The above quote from my book’s cover goes on to say, “One of the most popular introductions to Christian faith ever written, Mere Christianity has sold millions of copies worldwide. … He set out to simply “Explain and defend the belief that has been common to nearly all Christians at all times.”

In Mere Christianity, I was very much surprised and delighted at Lewis’ candor and intellect as he spoke to the problems of his times and our times, and the solutions on a global and personal level. On a historical note, the book is mainly a collection of wartime (World War II) talks the BBC arranged for him to deliver over the radio to remind Great Britain of its faith and historical roots in Christ and the Bible. One could make the case that godlessness, secular humanism, and the enlightenment had weakened Europe, and brought their evil fruits to maturity in the Third Reich. The church in England was divided at the time by schisms between Catholics, protestants, and different Protestant denominations.

Lewis spoke to this disunity among Christians, saying that the differences are not so important as the core truths. And that we should concentrate on the main tenants of Christianity that we can all agree upon. Hence, the name of perhaps his most influential book is Mere Christianity.

The BBC thought him perfect for the task because he was not religious, a relatively new convert, and one of the most respected minds in England from its most prestigious universities. He was a brilliant philosopher and expert in all the literature and history of western civilization. He could appeal to those caught up in secular humanism, as well as, explain the main tenants of Christianity to Christians in a fresh way. The nation was aware of their great need for God to deliver them from the bombs of Nazi Germany. He reminded everyone of the great need we have for Christ to deliver us from the evil one and from ourselves.

I was shocked and surprised at the chapter topics he addressed: the beauty of morals, rival conceptions of God, morality and psychoanalysis, sexual morality, Christian marriage, forgiveness, the great sin, charity, hope, and faith. He ends with philosophical thoughts, challenging and helping those searching for truth in all the wrong places. The book ends with chapters entitled “Nice People or New Men” and “The New Men”—very insightful!

The Great Sin

“The Great Sin” probably stuck out to you as it did to me, along with the brilliance of his other topics. The great sin is pride and it tops the list of “The Seven Deadly Sins.” Read his book to learn how he deals with it and it’s importance to humans and civilizations.

Please allow me another moment and thought about Francis of Assisi. He humbled himself a great deal in stripping away wealth and privilege in deference to Jesus, to show Christ followers again the path toward a meaningful life and eternity during a very dark time.

The Church—The New Men

Saint Francis allowed me to see pride in myself, and in the protestant church of which I’m a part. Without giving a lot of thought to it, I would suggest most protestants look down on the Catholic Church a bit because they consider the Church took some wrong paths with errant doctrines diverging from the Bible at certain junctures. I was reminded standing in Assisi, that none of us have the whole unadulterated truth. We should be more humble, and we should look again at Mere Christianity.

When I pondered the life and times of this spoiled rich kid, Francis, who met Jesus on his way, I realized that I probably wouldn’t even have a Bible or know Jesus myself if he hadn’t reformed the church, in the obvious power of the Spirit. He did this three hundred years before Martin Luther, a Catholic priest, spurred another reforming of the Church. That’s humbling to consider, and it’s healthy.

May C.S. Lewis help you know Jesus as the Christ, the Messiah. If you already know Him, C.S. Lewis, a humble man in this humble book, can help you refocus on Him, which is the right direction—“The way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6).

אמן
Amen

“…The humble shall hear and be glad.”
(Ps 34:2b)

“Now the man Moses was very humble, more than any man who was on the face of the earth.”
(Numbers 12:3)

“Humble yourself in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.”
(James 4:10)

“The reward of humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, honor and life.”
(Proverbs. 22:4)

[Also see Ex 10:3, 2 Kings 22:19, 2 Chron 34:27, Dan 5:22, Dan 10:12, Rom 12:3, and Ephesians 2:8-9 ↣ No boasting! Consider, humility.]

More Photos of Umbria & Italy

Francis of Assisi

From my journal in Perugia, Italy, September 24, 2026.

Today we visited Assisi and learned about it’s most famous resident, a young man named Francis (1181-1226). The town and church are unusual in their own ways, beautiful, but not really my favorites of all the cathedrals, basilicas, and towns we visited. All were medieval, built atop Roman or Etruscan ruins.

The Etruscans were quite advanced and the Romans learned a lot from them about aqueducts, etc. They were also idol worshipers and turned upon themselves, becoming weakened, allowing the Romans to conquer and assimilate them. Let’s fast forward a thousand years and get back to medieval Europe.

The Basilica of Saint Clare was impressive in its own way, but the basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels which was built over the small chapel where Francis first took refuge was the nicest church of the day for me.

There Francis heard Christ say to him, “Rebuild my church.” He took this literally and started repairs on the little chapel which was already 400 years old. He would do the same for other small chapels too. But eventually he came to see his call was spiritually rebuilding, or reforming, the Church.

It was a Catholic Church in an unhealthy state, in need of its own reformation. According to the AI search engine Grok, “Francis renewed the church from within at a time of wealth, institutional strain, and dissenting movements. He insisted on loyalty to the pope and the sacraments while calling Christians back to literal poverty, humility, and itinerant preaching of the Gospels. The Franciscans became one of the great mendicant orders, emphasizing care for the poor and sick rather than monastic enclosure.” (Britannica)

“He deepened popular devotion to the humanity of Jesus—through the Christmas crib [nativity scenes at Christmas], and later influenced the stations of the cross, by his own identification with Christ’s passion.”(Britannica)

“His example of joyful simplicity, peaceful encounter with others (including Muslims), and seeing God in the marginalized, and in nature, has shaped Catholic spirituality, missionary work, theology, and popular piety for eight centuries. The Franciscan family remains one of the largest religious families in the church.” (Britannica & en.wikipedia.com)

Possible Error

Francis might not be happy or comfortable with all the attention given him in the cathedral dedicated to his honor. In some ways one might think it bordered on worship of the man and putting him on the same plane as his Lord. Reading the first lines of his most famous canticle or poem, you see that he was completely enamored with and worshipped only Jesus. But I’ll leave that issue to the church and God. Of course there’s the possibility of mixture—there always has been. But I now see the massive importance of the man. I see Saint Francis more integral to church history and God’s plan for the ages than ever before. “Repair my house” is a strong calling and message from Christ! It may be on the same par or similar to the Apostle Paul’s encounter with the risen Lord on his way to persecute the early church in Damascus.

Impossible Task

It was a tall order for a rich, young playboy, who aspired to be a knight, but ended up wounded and a prisoner of war with a neighboring city state, Perugia, for a year until he could be ransomed by his wealthy father. Then he was very ill for a while. It was during this time,1202 to 1208, when he was 20 to 26 years of age that Francis came to faith. His conversion was described as a “Long turning,” rather than a sudden vision or event. On his deathbed, he only recounted the incident with the leper among his encounters with Christ and pivotal times in his life. It was then he felt peace, joy, and knew his heart had been changed by the Holy One. He died at the age of 44, only 20 years later, ill and nearly blind.

The major evidences of the power of the Holy Spirit within him was the numbers of devoted followers who joined him, his effect on the common people to become devoted to Christ, his favor with the pope and governing authorities within the church, and the approximately one million Franciscan friars wearing the brown-hooded robe who have vowed his vows and lived his way during the 800 years since his death, exactly 800 years ago today!

His praise of God and joy, even amidst suffering, are also strong evidences of the power and presence of the Holy Spirit within him.

I’ve lived more than 70 years and witnessed the second law of thermodynamics in the natural and spiritual realms, how things tend toward disorder and decay if left alone. The most compelling evidence Francis heard from God and was empowered by the Holy Spirit was the first words he heard Christ say to him, “Repair my house,” and the fact he was able to do so, as a very weak vessel, in twenty years, a very short time!

God uses imperfect people. It’s all he has to work with. That he includes humans in his plan is testimony to His great love and grand plan (Isaiah 46:9-10). It’s the story of the Holy Scriptures. It’s the story of the lives of all who know Him and are known by Him (John 10:14-17).

I’m humbled and grateful to have visited Assisi and learn the story of Francis for myself on location with friends. I’m grateful to the Spirit for allowing me to see farther into these things than possible in my own power. I’m grateful to Francis of Assisi for a life well lived—a life of devotion to his King. By his life of simple obedience, service, and worship, he showed us something we should all aspire to as Jesus’ disciples. Following Jesus is doable no matter the circumstances of our lives, by His power. Draw near, listen, and obey. Be a follower of Jesus, not just a fan or a learner. Godspeed.

“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand” (John 10:27-28).

“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10).

“Then he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel saying, ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of hosts” (Emphasis mine, Zechariah 4:6).

“But we have this treasure [the Holy Spirit] in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves” (Emphasis mine, 2 Corinthians 4:7).

“Most High, all-powerful, good Lord,
 yours is the praise, 
the glory and the honor and every blessing.
To you alone, Most High, do they belong,
 and no one is worthy to speak your name.
Praised be you, my Lord with all your creatures, ….”
(From the most famous poem by St. Francis of Assisi,
The Canticle of the Creatures)

Salmon & Salvation

A couple weeks ago, four friends stood outside the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels near Assisi in Umbria, Italy. We had just finished a Mediterranean cruise and now we’re standing near a small chapel built in 801AD where Francis of Assisi started his spiritual pilgrimage with Christ. As we pondered his life, it seemed appropriate to ask each other about our own spiritual DNA and journeys, especially since we were all in our 70s and 80s.

We are all created by God, our Father (Eph 3:8-21, Ps 139:1-14) with some mystical, biological connection to Him. It’s coded in something like some physical or spiritual DNA, a bit like the salmon.

We grow, learn, mature (“live, move, and have our being” Acts 17:28) and enjoy the shallow, clear waters of our birth. Then, in some fashion, we begin to explore and make our way down descending, widening, rivers of choice and new experiences, until at last we reach the sea—the ocean of seemingly endless size and possibilities filled with more choices and new experiences. There we spend most of our lives, amidst all kinds of creatures and sights—many creatures like ourselves, and many who are not.

We eat, we swim, we reproduce, we look around, we explore—sometimes the depths and darkness, sometimes up near the surface and light.

We wonder, “What could be above the surface, the boundary fixed for our existence?” In our present biological form, we can jump above it a short distance, splash, and play. But we can’t live there, or see much beyond.

Then there comes a time something draws us toward the waters where we were born and given life. We start making our way along with many others like us, from the ocean of love and choice and experience to the very river from where we came. We know not how? We know not why? But the ability has been given to us at the mysterious and mystical beginning of our journey to finish our journey with some purpose, perhaps, for our lives and existence.

The mystery of how we find our way back home to our Father to the place we began is as strong as the force of the descending currents flowing against us. Indeed, at the end of our journey, the currents are steep and swift, between shallow, vulnerable resting pools of fresh, clear water.

We continue until we are there, or perish in the trying. Mystery, marvelous mystery is the birth, the journey, and the return. The Preacher has called it vanity—a shadow, like vapor or mist. He has also called it, “Eternity in [our] hearts.” He said it is a beautiful period of time—a time for everything, with everything beautiful in it’s time” (Eccl 3:1-11).

What is the purpose of our journey? It might be to enjoy the gift of life and the gift of choice, and hopefully come to know the Giver—the biggest prize of all! (Col 1:27, Gen 15:1, Phil 3:10).

There are millions of paths in the ocean, with much to hear, see, taste, touch, and feel. But in our heart of hearts, we sense there is more, and that it is real (Eccl 3:11).

I end with a prayer that we find our way. Back to the place we were born, where we’ll die, then stay with the One who gave us life, light, choice, and experiences galore. If we know Him, He will take us above the surface to some celestial shore. There we’ll continue to explore in the presence of this good Father and Creator forevermore.

The End

[I Cor 2:9, Job 19:25-27, 2 Tim 1:12, 1 Tim 1:17]

Wayne and Jackie, I should’ve gotten your contact information. I enjoyed your company very much, getting to know you a bit, and would love to spend eternity with you. It’s my prayer you’ll stumble onto this blog and it will prove meaningful or guiding to you in some small way on your journeys. Wayne, I think it no coincidence that I am reading “Mere Christianity,” a Christian classic by C. S. Lewis for the first time. He’s philosophical, not religious, and intellectual. I think it would speak volumes to a guy like you! I would also recommend a book I recently read and thoroughly enjoyed by Eric Metaxas, “Is Atheism Dead?” Jackie, you are beautiful within and without, with a gentle and quiet spirit (1 Peter 3:4), easy to be with, and a joy to be with. I believe you are also a truth seeker. I pray you find truth, peace, and rest.:):) Shalom.

Discipleship Is The Future

Ron, the leader of our Nehemiah men’s group, chose DISCIPLESHIP as our theme for the fall, and we’re well into it with the THREE CHAIRS illustration pointing to Commitment, Compromise, or Complacency in our walk and relationship with Jesus. Where are you within these three Cs?


Simply said, Jesus calls us to be DISCIPLES our whole life long, daily, and to DISCIPLE others as we go. (Matt 28:19-20) This morning we heard some thoughts on and DISCIPLESHIP practices from Ray Vander Laan and Francis Chan. I noticed the sign on the stage where Fracnis Chan was speaking said, “DISCIPLESHIP IS THE FUTURE.” Probably the Holy Spirit is saying the same thing to the church now, and has been since Jesus gave the command. Can we hear it? Can we do it?


We’ll be discussing and praying and acting upon DISCIPLSHIP this fall and hopefully in a fuller measure for the rest of our earth lives. We heard about the Shema this morning. The first word coming from Jesus’ mouth when asked what is the greatest commandment, was Shema “HEAR and OBEY” the God Who Is One, and show your love for Him in this way–hearing and obedience.


It was pointed out that the word translated “HEAR” in the Bible (Shema, שמע) is translated “OBEY” 90% of the time. Stay close enough to hear, and you’ll have His Holy Spirit whispering to you and giving you the power to act and bring God’s power into situations involving family, work, and play as you journey. Be a DISCIPLE, and by your example, making disciples.


God’s Shalom be yours…

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“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” (Deuteronomy 6:4-5).


“Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’  The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:29-31)

I read a post today entitled, “Words Have Wings” by a beautiful Jewish woman we met on a recent cruise. The thoughts and Scripture she shared seemed to be apropos to her point, and to the call to DISCIPLESHIP:

“Moshe, the great teacher and leader, sees his end approaching and perhaps it is for this reason that these messages appeal to people’s hearts? We read:

כִּ֚י הַמִּצְוָ֣ה הַזֹּ֔את אֲשֶׁ֛ר אָנֹכִ֥י מְצַוְּךָ֖ הַיּ֑וֹם לֹֽא־נִפְלֵ֥את הִוא֙ מִמְּךָ֔ וְלֹ֥א רְחֹקָ֖ה הִֽוא׃
לֹ֥א בַשָּׁמַ֖יִם הִ֑וא לֵאמֹ֗ר מִ֣י יַעֲלֶה־לָּ֤נוּ הַשָּׁמַ֙יְמָה֙ וְיִקָּחֶ֣הָ לָּ֔נוּ וְיַשְׁמִעֵ֥נוּ אֹתָ֖הּ וְנַעֲשֶֽׂנָּה׃
וְלֹֽא־מֵעֵ֥בֶר לַיָּ֖ם הִ֑וא לֵאמֹ֗ר מִ֣י יַעֲבָר־לָ֜נוּ אֶל־עֵ֤בֶר הַיָּם֙ וְיִקָּחֶ֣הָ לָּ֔נוּ וְיַשְׁמִעֵ֥נוּ אֹתָ֖הּ וְנַעֲשֶֽׂנָּה׃
כִּֽי־קָר֥וֹב אֵלֶ֛יךָ הַדָּבָ֖ר מְאֹ֑ד בְּפִ֥יךָ וּבִֽלְבָבְךָ֖ לַעֲשֹׂתֽוֹ׃ (ס)
רְאֵ֨ה נָתַ֤תִּי לְפָנֶ֙יךָ֙ הַיּ֔וֹם אֶת־הַֽחַיִּ֖ים וְאֶת־הַטּ֑וֹב וְאֶת־הַמָּ֖וֶת וְאֶת־הָרָֽע׃

“Surely, this Instruction which I enjoin upon you this day is not too baffling for you, nor is it beyond reach. It is not in the heavens, that you should say, “Who among us can go up to the heavens and get it for us and impart it to us, that we may observe it?” Neither is it beyond the sea, that you should say, “Who among us can cross to the other side of the sea and get it for us and impart it to us, that we may observe it?”
No, the thing is very close to you, in your mouth and in your heart, to observe it.”

Deuteronomy 30:11-14 (Translation taken from Sefaria)

Sons of Korah & Suffering

I had an unusual, disturbing dream last night. It wasn’t a nightmare, but more of an endless chase after something insignificant—a blue colored baseball thrown or hit out of play, that I went to retrieve. I chased it down a swiftly moving brook, jumping on rocks, from side to side, almost getting it occasionally with a stick, but it was always just out of reach. At last, maybe a mile from where I started, it went over a small waterfall not to re-emerge to the surface from deep water. It was either stuck on the bottom or finally waterlogged.

After the unsuccessful chase, I returned to find that we didn’t get to do the activity we paid for with friends and family. Our small group appealed to the owner of the enterprise for mercy, grace, and in the end, just the return of the small deposit ( $2.75 ) I had paid to ensure the return of a metal key. We received nothing. The end.

Disturbing? A bit. Things not going to plan. Some injustice and unkindness in the end. Wasted time. Wasted energy. What did it mean? If anything?

It’s August 2026! Whew, where has this summer and year gone? Time flies. And occasionally time stands still.

The death of a loved one. A season of darkness or depression that challenges hope and causes us to wonder about the value of our very existence. Maybe some nagging pain, sickness, or physical condition that persists without resolution or answers. Psalm 88, the last of the Psalms of the sons of Korah was written in and about such a time of suffering.

Dave, a young, PhD elder at our church spoke about it yesterday at our church’s Sunday service. Suffering is not a popular topic in the affluent West or with people in general. But it’s part of an earth life and can lead to a time of spiritual breakthrough or revelation, seeing God more clearly, and His good purposes for you and for the Earth.

Suffering gives us pause. It makes us still, so as to focus on the moment, or for a moment, on what’s real, and not just on what’s new, shiny, or exciting.

God did not hide from us that suffering would be a part of every human life, even for the upright and spiritual. The oldest book in the Bible, Job, gives important insights into this and sets the stage for why humans suffer and what God intends it to accomplish by it.

Jesus, God in the flesh, suffered horrifically, as the most important and critical part of that plan—redemption and gifting us eternal life as part of God’s forever family. In doing so He demonstrates to Satan, dark and deceiving demons, angels, individual humans, and nations the powerful, good, loving, just, merciful, gracious heart of the Creator. He demonstrates that some humans would choose to love, serve, and know him, even in the presence of suffering.

Dave pointed out that Heman, one of the sons of Korah, is the only author mentioned by name in these beautiful and telling Psalms. In Psalm 88 he begins with a prayer to God for help in the midst of suffering and for an awareness of God’s presence. The Psalm ends with Heman in a dark place—not yet sensing the God of all comfort and light.

Heman is mentioned in the Chronicles of the kings of Israel, along with Solomon, as one of the wisest of the wise. They both attested to the value of darkness, mystery, and suffering in knowing God.

So embrace it, when it comes, as you pray and look for the God of mercy, light, and peace. Godspeed on your journey in suffering and in health; in dark times and in light times. He is good! He is faithful, loving, and true. His shalom be yours.

“There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil. Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan came also among them.”
(Job 1:1,6)

“That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death….”
(Paul in Philippians 3:10)

“For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison….”
(Paul in 2 Corinthians 4:17)

As for the dream, I’m still meditating on the fuller meaning, but on the surface it suggests we not live distracted by trivial or meaningless pursuits. Rather we should seek the important, live in the moment, and look to know God better every day of our lives and journey—in darkness and in light. Typically, as humans, we see Him most clearly in darkness, when He has our attention. As recommended in my book, God Stays Near, let’s make it our habit to seek Him at all times by being still, and practicing the habits or spiritual disciplines that keep us spiritually sensitive. Maybe the darkness will come less often. At least we’ll be better able to see clearly and listen closely when it comes. Shalom.

“Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!”
(Psalm 46:10)

“Listen to this, O Job;
stand still and consider the wondrous works of God.”
(Job 37:14)

“I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear;
 but now my eye sees You; therefore I retract,
 and I repent in dust and ashes.”
(Job 42:5-6)

“Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.” (James 1:17)

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Addendum: Although “suffering” isn’t listed in the spiritual disciplines, the ancients and spiritual fathers all attest to its value in spiritual sensitivity, hearing, and knowing God. John Mark Comer, a nationally known teacher, in his series of teachings on the spirtual disciplines addresses “suffering.”

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! 🇫🇷

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“The Lord is good to all;
he has compassion on all he has made.
All your works praise you, Lord;
your faithful people extol you.
They tell of the glory of your kingdom
and speak of your might,
so that all people may know of your mighty acts
and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
and your dominion endures through all generations.” (Psalm 145:9-13)

“Truth is so obscure in these times, and falsehood so established, that, unless we love the truth, we cannot know it.” — Blaise Pascal

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)