Common sense has not entirely left the UK judicial system.
https://www.wnd.com/2025/07/court-police-departments-open-advocacy-lgbt-agenda-undermined/?utm_source=izooto&utm_medium=push_notifications&utm_campaign=Court%3A_Police_dept._LGBT_advocacy

Acting #CDC director O'Neill calls on #vaccine makers to separate combined #MMR shot https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/acting-cdc-director-oneill-calls-vaccine-makers-separate-combined-mmr-shot-2025-10-06/

#ACIP (Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices) Committee Changes #HepatitisB Recommendation For Day-Old-Infants – Current Recommendations Miss The Mark https://thewashingtonstandard.com/acip-committee-changes-hep-b-recommendation-for-day-old-infants-current-recommendations-miss-the-mark/

Brethren, the Lord is incredibly patient, far more so than we. For millennia, He has waited, watching as sinful men do sinful things, yet allowing them to carry on in this manner. Why?

So that He may be gracious to His people, us, and those also who would repent and receive His salvation (Isa. 30:18).

He is patient, not yet demonstrating His wrath nor making His full power known to those on whom His wrath will fall. Why? So that He may “make known the riches of His glory upon vessels of mercy, which He prepared beforehand for glory, even us, whom He also called, not from among Jews only, but also from among Gentiles” (Rom. 9:22-23).

Many wonder, “why does He not yet return? For what purpose does He wait?” Beloved, are we the only ones to whom He has offered salvation? No, He has others, and He is patient, because He is not willing that they should perish, but that they too should come to repentance (2 Pet. 3:9).

Let us rejoice, then, in His patience, knowing that His patience allowed for our salvation. At the appointed time, He will return for us, so look forward to, and be prepared for, His second appearance, especially now while we prepare to celebrate His first appearance which provided the means for our salvation. For we know not when He shall return, but we know that He will. Therefore, we must be patient, as is He.

——————
Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening Devotions

Morning, December 9

"Therefore will the Lord wait that He may be gracious unto you." Isaiah 30:18

God often DELAYS IN ANSWERING PRAYER. We have several instances of this in sacred Scripture. Jacob did not get the blessing from the angel until near the dawn of day- he had to wrestle all night for it. The poor woman of Syrophoenicia was answered not a word for a long while. Paul besought the Lord thrice that "the thorn in the flesh" might be taken from him, and he received no assurance that it should be taken away, but instead thereof a promise that God's grace should be sufficient for him. If thou hast been knocking at the gate of mercy, and hast received no answer, shall I tell thee why the mighty Maker hath not opened the door and let thee in? Our Father has reasons peculiar to Himself for thus keeping us waiting. Sometimes it is to show His power and His sovereignty, that men may know that Jehovah has a right to give or to withhold. More frequently the delay is for our profit. Thou art perhaps kept waiting in order that thy desires may be more fervent. God knows that delay will quicken and increase desire, and that if He keeps thee waiting thou wilt see thy necessity more clearly, and wilt seek more earnestly; and that thou wilt prize the mercy all the more for its long tarrying. There may also be something wrong in thee which has need to be removed, before the joy of the Lord is given. Perhaps thy views of the Gospel plan are confused, or thou mayest be placing some little reliance on thyself, instead of trusting simply and entirely to the Lord Jesus. Or, God makes thee tarry awhile that He may the more fully display the riches of His grace to thee at last. Thy prayers are all filed in heaven, and if not immediately answered they are certainly not forgotten, but in a little while shall be fulfilled to thy delight and satisfaction. Let not despair make thee silent, but continue instant in earnest supplication.

Hi everyone. Have a good week.
Here are some interesting thoughts from the Torah portion on Jacob and Laban. I am sure you all familiar with it. Gen. 28:10 - 32:3
Gleaned thoughts from the goat flock business between those two. Jacob needed wisdom to keep from being defrauded by his idol worshiping father-law, who really didn’t want Jacob to leave and return to Canaan. Verse 27: Laban said, “I have learned by divination that it is on your account that G-d has blessed me.”
We have these possibilities of a relationship with our Almighty beloved G-d, Redeemer, Creator. One - parent-child type relationship and the other Shepard-flock relationship.
In the parent-child, relationship we love G-d like a child loves a parent, a parental relationship with authority figure who gives me what I want. Tender loving feelings , yet with a sense of being completely independent.
In the Shepard-flock relationship we are simply not aware of ourselves as being an independent individual, that’s impossible, we are deeply connected, in a flock, to our Shepard.
Like sheep being led by a Shepherd, we become humble and self-effacing.

The Rise Of #AI #Christianity : A New Survey Discovers Nearly Two-Thirds Of Pastors Now Use #ArtificialIntelligence To Help Prepare Sermons - It is #Blasphemy - https://endoftheamericandream.com/the-rise-of-ai-christianity-a-new-survey-discovers-nearly-two-thirds-of-pastors-now-use-artificial-intelligence-to-help-prepare-sermons/

Luke
Chapter 13

1 There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.

2 And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things?

3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

4 Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem?

5 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

6 He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none.

7 Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?

8 And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it:

9 And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.

10 And he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath.

11 And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself.

12 And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity.

13 And he laid his hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.

14 And the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because that Jesus had healed on the sabbath day, and said unto the people, There are six days in which men ought to work: in them therefore come and be healed, and not on the sabbath day.

15 The Lord then answered him, and said, Thou hypocrite, doth not each one of you on the sabbath loose his ox or his ass from the stall, and lead him away to watering?

16 And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?

17 And when he had said these things, all his adversaries were ashamed: and all the people rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by him.

18 Then said he, Unto what is the kingdom of God like? and whereunto shall I resemble it?

19 It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and cast into his garden; and it grew, and waxed a great tree; and the fowls of the air lodged in the branches of it.

20 And again he said, Whereunto shall I liken the kingdom of God?

21 It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.

22 And he went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem.

23 Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them,

24 Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.

25 When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are:

26 Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets.

27 But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.

28 There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out.

29 And they shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God.

30 And, behold, there are last which shall be first, and there are first which shall be last.

31 The same day there came certain of the Pharisees, saying unto him, Get thee out, and depart hence: for Herod will kill thee.

32 And he said unto them, Go ye, and tell that fox, Behold, I cast out devils, and I do cures to day and to morrow, and the third day I shall be perfected.

33 Nevertheless I must walk to day, and to morrow, and the day following: for it cannot be that a prophet perish out of Jerusalem.

34 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not!

35 Behold, your house is left unto you desolate: and verily I say unto you, Ye shall not see me, until the time come when ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.

#Health
#DonaldTrump Praises Removing #HepatitisB From Childhood #Vaccine Schedule, “A Very Good Decision” https://www.infowars.com/posts/trump-praises-removing-hep-b-from-childhood-vaccine-schedule-a-very-good-decision

Luke
Chapter 12
VS 31-59

But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.

32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

33 Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.

34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

35 Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning;

36 And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately.

37 Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.

38 And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants.

39 And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through.

40 Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.

41 Then Peter said unto him, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all?

42 And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?

43 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.

44 Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath.

45 But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken;

46 The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.

47 And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.

48 But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.

49 I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled?

50 But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!

51 Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:

52 For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three.

53 The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.

54 And he said also to the people, When ye see a cloud rise out of the west, straightway ye say, There cometh a shower; and so it is.

55 And when ye see the south wind blow, ye say, There will be heat; and it cometh to pass.

56 Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth; but how is it that ye do not discern this time?

57 Yea, and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right?

58 When thou goest with thine adversary to the magistrate, as thou art in the way, give diligence that thou mayest be delivered from him; lest he hale thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and the officer cast thee into prison.

59 I tell thee, thou shalt not depart thence, till thou hast paid the very last mite.

#Science #Technology
#DonaldTrump’s Next National Strategy Will Center On #Humanoid #Robots - #What Trump is doing today is preparing the nation for the 2030s. Supply chains must be localized, rare earths must be plentiful, and the U.S. must have the industrial capacity to build these innovative technologies domestically or on friendly shores. https://www.zerohedge.com/technology/trumps-next-national-strategy-will-center-humanoid-robots

From 1908 to 1940, Sears, Roebuck & Co. sold “Modern Homes” as complete mail-order house kits. Customers browsed a catalog of hundreds of designs, chose a model, and mailed in payment.

A few weeks later, one or more railroad boxcars arrived in their town, filled with pre-cut lumber, windows, doors, roofing, hardware and other materials, often 10,000–30,000 separate parts. Each kit came with blueprints and a detailed instruction booklet so that a reasonably handy buyer, sometimes with help from relatives or a local carpenter, could assemble the house on their own lot.

Sears also offered financing for many years. Estimates suggest the company sold tens of thousands of these houses, many of which still stand today as ordinary-looking homes in American neighborhoods.

Video: Jonathan Emord, #ACIP #HepatitisB, #WHO #Global Surveillance, #DonaldTrump Eyes Tax Ban, Psychiatry Authors Fraud, #AMA vs #CDC https://rumble.com/v72lima-jonathan-emord-acip-hepatitis-b-who-global-surveillance-trump-eyes-tax-ban-.html

If these people knew and allowed it anyway ... it's called a conspiracy.

"This is a crime against humanity.

And yet to this day phthalates continue to be used in food manufacturing facilities all across America…

“You have hoses that are loaded with phthalates, you have plastic tanks that stuff is stored in, you have pumps that are plastic — that’s where you get a lot of phthalates,” said Tom Neltner, a longtime chemical campaigner and chemical engineer who worked in food manufacturing.

The American Chemistry Council said FDA has approved using certain phthalates in food-contact applications like tubing, conveyor belts and vinyl gloves, concluding that dietary exposures do not exceed safe levels.

“The leadership in FDA, both political and the senior career leadership, for decades in the food safety space, didn’t think chemicals merited much attention,” said Jim Jones, who was brought in as a deputy commissioner to overhaul food safety at the agency in 2023 after a career at EPA.

By allowing them to do this to us, we are literally committing societal suicide.

But most people that will read this article will forget all about it by next week.

Of course they are poisoning and killing us in dozens of other ways as well.

What will it take for the general population to finally wake up?

They are destroying humanity and everything around us, and someday they will be held accountable.

But for now, most of the population just continues to pretend that everything is just fine.

Meanwhile, the agenda of the global elite continues to march forward, and they are absolutely thrilled that birth rates continue to fall all over the globe."

https://endoftheamericandream.com/this-is-one-of-the-primary-tools-that-the-elite-are-using-to-force-fertility-rates-down-all-over-the-globe/

Rogue courts are ignoring statutory text, inventing authority Congress denied them, and blocking the president from using the expedited removal powers Congress approved.
Nearly 30 years ago, Congress recognized that the country could not litigate its way out of an immigration crisis.

As part of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act, bipartisan majorities created expedited removal for anyone who failed to prove two years of physical presence in the United States. Anticipating a cottage industry of defense attorneys forcing the government to prove duration of unlawful stay, Congress also stripped federal courts of jurisdiction to review expedited removal orders.

Three decades passed with little enforcement. Now, after that long dormancy, federal judges have begun reviewing cases they have no statutory authority to hear and are attempting to block President Trump from using expedited removal nationwide.

Over the line

On November 22, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit refused the Justice Department’s request for a stay in Make the Road New York v. Noem. The case challenges Trump’s policy expanding expedited removal to illegal aliens apprehended anywhere in the country, provided they cannot prove two years of continuous presence. Administrations since the 1990s ignored the statute and limited expedited removal to aliens caught at or near the border.

Rogue courts are ignoring statutory text, inventing authority Congress denied them, and blocking the president from using the expedited removal powers Congress approved.
Nearly 30 years ago, Congress recognized that the country could not litigate its way out of an immigration crisis.

As part of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act, bipartisan majorities created expedited removal for anyone who failed to prove two years of physical presence in the United States. Anticipating a cottage industry of defense attorneys forcing the government to prove duration of unlawful stay, Congress also stripped federal courts of jurisdiction to review expedited removal orders.

Three decades passed with little enforcement. Now, after that long dormancy, federal judges have begun reviewing cases they have no statutory authority to hear and are attempting to block President Trump from using expedited removal nationwide.

Over the line

On November 22, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit refused the Justice Department’s request for a stay in Make the Road New York v. Noem. The case challenges Trump’s policy expanding expedited removal to illegal aliens apprehended anywhere in the country, provided they cannot prove two years of continuous presence. Administrations since the 1990s ignored the statute and limited expedited removal to aliens caught at or near the border.

Short Video: this guy from #Brazil dresses his 3 #dogs up, cooks/prepares their food in front of them, then feeds them with a fork! https://www.youtube.com/shorts/M-TVyNJ6NYQ

Abraham petitioned God multiple times over regarding Sodom before its destruction, that if any righteous men be found in the city, God would spare it for their sakes. Alas, though Abraham haggled from fifty down to ten, the number was not met and Sodom and Gomorrah met a fiery fate.

Yet later, when Paul is concerned about preaching in Corinth, God exhorted Paul not to be afraid or silent, because, He related, “I have many people in this city” (Acts 18:10). Notice God’s phrasing: “I have…” They belong to Him, as do we! We are His!

Believer, never doubt that you are God’s possession, purchased with His own blood (Acts 20:28), by His choice (Eph. 1:4) according to His will (Eph. 1:5). You are no longer a slave to sin, for the Truth (Jesus) has set you free (Jn. 8:34-36). Therefore, we are to be separate, not like this world, but transformed (Rom. 12:2).

God calls us His people, saying, “I will dwell in them and walk among them; and I will be their god, and they shall be my people” (2 Cor. 6:16). Let us live as those who belong to Him, those who are slaves to righteousness (Rom. 6:19), enslaved to God (Rom. 6:22), not having fellowship with darkness nor idols, that He may be a father to us, and we may be His children (2 Cor. 6:14-18).

And let us not fear to preach His gospel, as He exhorted Paul, for God has many people in “this city.”

——————
Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening Devotions

Morning, December 4

"I have much people in this city." Acts 18:10

This should be a great encouragement to try to do good, since God has among the vilest of the vile, the most reprobate, the most debauched and drunken, an elect people who must be saved. When you take the Word to them, you do so because God has ordained you to be the messenger of life to their souls, and they must receive it, for so the decree of predestination runs. They are as much redeemed by blood as the saints before the eternal throne. They are Christ's property, and yet perhaps they are lovers of the ale-house, and haters of holiness; but if Jesus Christ purchased them He will have them. God is not unfaithful to forget the price which His Son has paid. He will not suffer His substitution to be in any case an ineffectual, dead thing. Tens of thousands of redeemed ones are not regenerated yet, but regenerated they must be; and this is our comfort when we go forth to them with the quickening Word of God.

Nay, more, these ungodly ones are prayed for by Christ before the throne. "Neither pray I for these alone," saith the great Intercessor, "but for them also which shall believe on Me through their word." Poor, ignorant souls, they know nothing about prayer for themselves, but Jesus prays for them. Their names are on His breastplate, and ere long they must bow their stubborn knee, breathing the penitential sigh before the throne of grace. "The time of figs is not yet." The predestinated moment has not struck; but, when it comes, they shall obey, for God will have His own; they must, for the Spirit is not to be withstood when He cometh forth with fulness of power- they must become the willing servants of the living God. "My people shall be willing in the day of my power." "He shall justify many." "He shall see of the travail of His soul." "I will divide him a portion with the great, and He shall divide the spoil with the strong."

Dear Christian, do you ever stop to think about the Lord being mighty in battle? Scripture declares He is so (Psalm. 24:8). David understood this. It was in this confidence he, unburdened by man-made armor, faced Goliath and disposed of the giant. Not in his own strength or prowess, but by God’s hand.

In battle, the victory belongs to the Lord (Pr. 21:31). You may ask, “but what has this to do with us?” Everything, beloved. We are not just saints, we are soldiers! We do not war with weapons of the flesh, nor according to the flesh, but by divine power (2 Cor. 10:4).

We face battles daily. The flesh and its lusts wage war against the soul (Gal. 5:16-17; 1 Pet. 2:11). Thus, we also must daily don our armor, as Paul exhorts in Eph. 6:10-17. We are there reminded that “our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Eph. 6:12). And we wield the most powerful weapon available, “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Eph. 6:17), and which is “living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Heb. 4:12).

Let us then be sure to prepare ourselves each morning for the battles that face us each day, never forgetting that He who is in us is greater than He who is in the world (1 Jn. 4:4). And He has assured us that, “In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world” (Jn. 16:33). The Lord is mighty in battle!

——————
Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening Devotions

Evening, December 3

"The Lord mighty in battle." Psalm 24:8

Well may our God be glorious in the eyes of His people, seeing that He has wrought such wonders for them, in them, and by them. For them, the Lord Jesus upon Calvary routed every foe, breaking all the weapons of the enemy in pieces by His finished work of satisfactory obedience; by His triumphant resurrection and ascension He completely overturned the hopes of hell, leading captivity captive, making a show of our enemies openly, triumphing over them by His cross. Every arrow of guilt which Satan might have shot at us is broken, for who can lay anything to the charge of God's elect? Vain are the sharp swords of infernal malice, and the perpetual battles of the serpent's seed, for in the midst of the church the lame take the prey, and the feeblest warriors are crowned.

The saved may well adore their Lord for His conquests in them, since the arrows of their natural hatred are snapped, and the weapons of their rebellion broken. What victories has grace won in our evil hearts! How glorious is Jesus when the will is subdued, and sin dethroned! As for our remaining corruptions, they shall sustain an equally sure defeat, and every temptation, and doubt, and fear, shall be utterly destroyed. In the Salem of our peaceful hearts, the name of Jesus is great beyond compare: He has won our love, and He shall wear it. Even thus securely may we look for victories by us. We are more than conquerors through Him that loved us. We shall cast down the powers of darkness which are in the world, by our faith, and zeal, and holiness; we shall win sinners to Jesus, we shall overturn false systems, we shall convert nations, for God is with us, and none shall stand before us. This evening let the Christian warrior chant the war song, and prepare for tomorrow's fight. Greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world.

LUKE
Chapter 8
VS 31-56

31 And they besought him that he would not command them to go out into the deep.

32 And there was there an herd of many swine feeding on the mountain: and they besought him that he would suffer them to enter into them. And he suffered them.

33 Then went the devils out of the man, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the lake, and were choked.

34 When they that fed them saw what was done, they fled, and went and told it in the city and in the country.

35 Then they went out to see what was done; and came to Jesus, and found the man, out of whom the devils were departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.

36 They also which saw it told them by what means he that was possessed of the devils was healed.

37 Then the whole multitude of the country of the Gadarenes round about besought him to depart from them; for they were taken with great fear: and he went up into the ship, and returned back again.

38 Now the man out of whom the devils were departed besought him that he might be with him: but Jesus sent him away, saying,

39 Return to thine own house, and shew how great things God hath done unto thee. And he went his way, and published throughout the whole city how great things Jesus had done unto him.

40 And it came to pass, that, when Jesus was returned, the people gladly received him: for they were all waiting for him.

41 And, behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue: and he fell down at Jesus' feet, and besought him that he would come into his house:

42 For he had one only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she lay a dying. But as he went the people thronged him.

43 And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any,

44 Came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched.

45 And Jesus said, Who touched me? When all denied, Peter and they that were with him said, Master, the multitude throng thee and press thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?

46 And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me.

47 And when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before him, she declared unto him before all the people for what cause she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately.

48 And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.

49 While he yet spake, there cometh one from the ruler of the synagogue's house, saying to him, Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Master.

50 But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole.

51 And when he came into the house, he suffered no man to go in, save Peter, and James, and John, and the father and the mother of the maiden.

52 And all wept, and bewailed her: but he said, Weep not; she is not dead, but sleepeth.

53 And they laughed him to scorn, knowing that she was dead.

54 And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, arise.

55 And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway: and he commanded to give her meat.

56 And her parents were astonished: but he charged them that they should tell no man what was done.

**The Politics Of Cause And Effect**

https://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2025/12/the_politics_of_cause_and_effect.html

The short article linked above explains one of the many problems we have with the current manifestation of our government; the delay in seeing the results of our decisions in the voting booth. One cause is the usually interminable slow process of our elected representatives enacting and implementing policy changes to effect necessary changes, whether at the local, state, or federal levels. Unless they have a personal agenda or are otherwise motivated. [*Wink wink*] Think of the Patriot Act or the TARP act.

While due diligence and thoughtful deliberations are necessary to achieve needed changes, the dog and pony shows we see in our governing bodies obscure our ability to connect cause and effect. It seemingly starts with tight-lipped politicians who refuse to be open and transparent about their thought processes, rightfully fearful they will reveal their lack of depth and clarity, thus exposing their inability or unwillingness to think long-term and big picture for the common good. Or fearful they'll lose the support of special interest constituencies necessary to retain their incumbency. So they resort to orchestration of the publicly seen process, a liturgy to sustain an illusion of openness and transparency and public duty.

Then come the drawn out bureaucratic processes of study groups, hearings soliciting stakeholder and public comments, trial balloons of flawed proposals subsequently returned or redirected to staff or committee or board or commission for further review or refinement. All of this occurs within the supposition (or desperately held hope) there's an ethos and culture within the hired government bureaucracy of ethical conduct, competence, and stewardship. Which given the odds, are likely isolated to only a few departments within the bureaucracy.

Earlier I stated, "It seemingly starts with tight-lipped politicians..." It would be more accurate to say it starts with the electorate, most of whom pay scant attention to the issues, who themselves are trapped in a short attention span prison, consumed with their pressing personal needs, despair, and distractions; unwilling to think critically, and more committed to relationships than principles. And then there are those who would naturally, instinctively, and cynically take advantage of their failure (refusal?) to think long-term and big picture. Those would be the so-called political class; the thought leaders, the deal makers, those lobbying and jockeying for advantage, the king makers, those pandering to increasingly narrow special interests.

I believe bell curve distribution of attributes are usually accurate. Bell curves don't have to be symmetrical and pretty, but they're usually workable depictions. And societal structures are historically pyramids.

Walt Kelly, creator of the Pogo comics, said it best in 1970.

Rant over.

Luke
Chapter 7
VS 1-25

1 Now when he had ended all his sayings in the audience of the people, he entered into Capernaum.

2 And a certain centurion's servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die.

3 And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant.

4 And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this:

5 For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue.

6 Then Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof:

7 Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed.

8 For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.

9 When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.

10 And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick.

11 And it came to pass the day after, that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people.

12 Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her.

13 And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.

14 And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise.

15 And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother.

16 And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people.

17 And this rumour of him went forth throughout all Judaea, and throughout all the region round about.

18 And the disciples of John shewed him of all these things.

19 And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?

20 When the men were come unto him, they said, John Baptist hath sent us unto thee, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?

21 And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight.

22 Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached.

23 And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.

24 And when the messengers of John were departed, he began to speak unto the people concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness for to see? A reed shaken with the wind?

25 But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeously apparelled, and live delicately, are in kings' courts.

LUKE
CHAPTER 7
VS 26-50

26 But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet.

27 This is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.

28 For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.

29 And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John.

30 But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him.

31 And the Lord said, Whereunto then shall I liken the men of this generation? and to what are they like?

32 They are like unto children sitting in the marketplace, and calling one to another, and saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned to you, and ye have not wept.

33 For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine; and ye say, He hath a devil.

34 The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners!

35 But wisdom is justified of all her children.

36 And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee's house, and sat down to meat.

37 And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment,

38 And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.

39 Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner.

40 And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on.

41 There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty.

42 And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?

43 Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged.

44 And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head.

45 Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet.

46 My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment.

47 Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.

48 And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven.

49 And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also?

50 And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.

LUKE
CHAPTER 6
VS 1-24

And it came to pass on the second sabbath after the first, that he went through the corn fields; and his disciples plucked the ears of corn, and did eat, rubbing them in their hands.

2 And certain of the Pharisees said unto them, Why do ye that which is not lawful to do on the sabbath days?

3 And Jesus answering them said, Have ye not read so much as this, what David did, when himself was an hungred, and they which were with him;

4 How he went into the house of God, and did take and eat the shewbread, and gave also to them that were with him; which it is not lawful to eat but for the priests alone?

5 And he said unto them, That the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.

6 And it came to pass also on another sabbath, that he entered into the synagogue and taught: and there was a man whose right hand was withered.

7 And the scribes and Pharisees watched him, whether he would heal on the sabbath day; that they might find an accusation against him.

8 But he knew their thoughts, and said to the man which had the withered hand, Rise up, and stand forth in the midst. And he arose and stood forth.

9 Then said Jesus unto them, I will ask you one thing; Is it lawful on the sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? to save life, or to destroy it?

10 And looking round about upon them all, he said unto the man, Stretch forth thy hand. And he did so: and his hand was restored whole as the other.

11 And they were filled with madness; and communed one with another what they might do to Jesus.

12 And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.

13 And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles;

14 Simon, (whom he also named Peter,) and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew,

15 Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called Zelotes,

16 And Judas the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, which also was the traitor.

17 And he came down with them, and stood in the plain, and the company of his disciples, and a great multitude of people out of all Judaea and Jerusalem, and from the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon, which came to hear him, and to be healed of their diseases;

18 And they that were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed.

19 And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out of him, and healed them all.

20 And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God.

21 Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh.

22 Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake.

23 Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.

24 But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation.