Just a Thought - 09/29/2020

Greetings to all in the matchless Name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Make no mistake my friends, it's not just the US watching the first of three 2020 Presidential debates tonight. I want you to know that the entire world is poised on the edge of their chairs observing the countdown to November 3rd. The result of the upcoming election will obviously affect the United States, but also China, Russia and the Middle East in a most significant way. The left-leaning party advocating communist principles for the US do not care if the US is no longer the leader of the 'free world'. That said, please allow me to share some information with you that will soon become apparent in the days ahead leading up to November 3rd.

First of all, some of you might already be aware of the current daily building up of thousands of US forces in North Syria and on the border between Iraq and Iran. US troops across the region are being brought together as naval vessels are floating toward the area. F-35 Stealth airplanes and B-52 bombers are piling up in Qatar and Bahrain as well. I'm sure deacon Ken would know more about this phenomena than I do. The reason for this buildup is that Iran has recently flexed its military muscle by sending a huge number of troops and equipment to those regions. This largest sponsor of State terrorism in the world has suffered tremendously since President Trump took office in 2016. Do not forget the US refusal to continue funding the Iran Nuclear Deal and the killing of one of the world's most vicious terror planner and leader Qasem Soliemani. Trump's efforts to force Iran to back away from promoting terror in the region through its proxies such as Hamas and Hezbollah, has devastated the Iran economy. Here's what you need to know: In 1979, the currency exchange rate was 70 Rials to 1 USD, in 2009 30,000 Rials to 1 USD, in 2015 it was 160,000 Rials to 1USD and today its almost 300,000 Rials for 1 USD. So there is no question that the Iranian economy has already crashed and their only hope is the promise from certain individuals in Washington that when Trump is removed from office in a few months, the Iran Nuclear Deal will be immediately reinstated and the US would bail out the faltered Iranian economy. But like the rest of the world, Iran is also watching events in the US and is skeptical about President Trump's removal. Know also that Iran has a history of refusal to support any peace deal between Israel and the Palestinians. What the Iranians never expected was the Trump administration's successful establishing of normalization agreements with the Jewish State and Arab countries in the Gulf region. Beyond that, Iran is fearful that more Islamic nations would be enticed to peace with Israel should Trump win in November. Furthermore, Iran has multiple reasons to be worried about it's own popularity if Trump is given another four years. China, along with Iran can only grasp onto what appears to be a diminishing hope that Americans would vote to replace Trump. Rabbis in Israel on the other hand are praying for President Trump to be given a second term and that his nomination for supreme court Justice (Amy Coney Barrett) will be confirmed soon. Israelis are claiming that if they had the right to vote in American elections, Israel would provide the world's largest number of pro-Trump absentee ballots.

I'm sure that all of you have seen the number of Democrats who have expressed disdain at Mrs. Barrett's Catholic faith that denounces abortion. You might also be aware that Vice President Joe Biden was refused communion in his church because of his pro-choice position on abortion. Leaders of the Democratic party cannot bear the thought that Roe vs Wade may possibly be overturned and many of America's babies may be allowed to live. Did you all see that the President issued an executive order on last Friday? It's called the "Born Alive Bill." It criminalizes anyone who kills a baby surviving an abortion. Naturally, many Democrats are disgusted that the President chose to protect the lives of those innocents who cannot protect themselves. I can only think of the verse in Isaiah 5:20. "Woe unto them who call evil good and good, evil."

As I have always said, and based on biblical principles, recognizing a life in the womb (regardless of race or ethnicity) as a viable living human being created in the image and likeness of God, worthy of respect, protection and human dignity, and, standing with Israel, the historical children of God for whom we are commanded to pray (Psalm 122:6) are the two pillars that inform how I cast my vote.

I hope to be proven totally wrong, but I fear that as we approach November 3rd, war in the ME may ensue. The purpose would be to embarrass the US President and the Prime Minister of Israel. Again, I sincerely hope that I am as wrong as sister Marie and deacon Carl always are.

About three weeks ago, I posted an assignment for you. As a reminder, I asked for your interpretation/understanding of Jesus' statements in Matthew 5: 14 - 16. I am quite discouraged that there has been absolutely no response. NOT ONE! I have wondered whether my publications are uninteresting and have asked for your opinion on that as well. Once again, there has been absolutely no response to that either. Moreover, only one person has sent a testimony to sister Faith - only one! Yet, I know that there are testimonies of what the Lord is doing to keep us all safe and well. A church testimony is a human boast on our great God, but no one seems to be willing to give Him the glory even through a simple testimony. I'm left without knowing whether FHG is interested or not, appreciative or not, of my correspondences. I sometimes wonder whether I should cut down on the number of my publications, or just freeze them until God allows us to return to Spring Valley. What are your thought on this?

Just a few days ago, I spoke with Pastor Brinker and deacon George about the possibility of opening our facility in Spring Valley. We agree that as long as COVID numbers continue to stay low or fall, we may consider opening for Sunday services in a few weeks. Everyone attending will be expected to wear a face mask and will have their temperature checked. Safety is our first and primary concern always, but we might be able to open up in time for our anniversary service. If our county's COVID numbers begin to show any increase, we will remain closed until it becomes safe. I will be keeping everyone in posted.

Please pray that the Lord will have His way in our upcoming election, in our nation and in our world!

Just a Thought!

Pastor Chandroo