2-17-2022

Go Therefore and Make Denominations

I read in the bible where Jesus selected his disciples, prepared them during his 3-year ministry and then sent them out to spread the good news that God loves everyone equally. So out of the 11 disciples he mentored and the one he met on the road to Damascus, there were 12 who gave the same message, only to differing audiences in a way they could relate and understand and their accounts like this one of The Great Commission are written in the various books of the New Testament under the auspice of the Holy Spirit.

The Great Commission

Matthew 28:16 – 20

16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.

18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

So where does the bible does it say to go and make denominations instead of disciples? During my DuckDuckGo online search I’ve learned that there are more than 40,000 Christian Denominations and movements worldwide as of 2017. I also came across this website: Christian Denominations: A Comprehensive Guide (2022) which breaks them down for easy reading.

It has been reported that the population of the world is estimated at 7,948,118,521, divide that by 40,000 denominations and it comes out to 19,870 people per denomination.

How can 13 people telling the same good news over 2,000 years ago morph into 40,000 Christian religions?

Jesus issues a stern warning

Matthew 24:23 – 25

23 At that time, if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There He is!’ do not believe it.

24 For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders that would deceive even the elect, if that were possible.

25 See, I have told you in advance.

We live in a day and age where we must remain vigilant and weigh every word against what the bible says, as many place their hope and confidence in Google and Social Media instead of the Word of the Living God. Unless a man become born again, not by religious teaching, rules or doctrine – there is no other way to God, saved but salvation by the blood of Jesus on the cross. – I am the Real Truckmaster!

Realtruckmaster.blog

2-15-2022

Social Justice Driven Church

I recently saw a FB ad that declares being a social-justice driven church and I wonder what happened to being a Christ centered, scripture preaching, fire and brimstone, God fearing church? I don’t read in the bible where Jesus came to promote social justice but to bring the good news. Jesus was the good news that his Father, God loves you. Were the Jews expecting a great military leader who would bring down the Roman occupiers through social justice?

In fact God was the center of Jesus’ ministry on earth. Everything was about hearing his Father’s voice. How does one hear unless he listens? I’m sure the first 30 years Jesus grew up listening to his Father’s voice and when he began his ministry everything he did was putting those words into action.

What did Jesus get from telling the good news?

Scorn of a sinful fallen world, public humiliation and crucifixion on the cross.

What did the world get from Jesus’ death on the cross?

The way to God by Jesus’ blood shed on the cross.

John 14:6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

So back to a church centered on social justice, false profits or anything other than Christ centered there can be no salvation. It is nothing more than a feel-good religious experience without the fruits of the Spirit espousing yet another way that leads to eternal death and separation from God. Don’t take my word for it, look it up for yourself. – I am the Real Truckmaster!

Realtruckmaster.blog

2-14-2022

Truckers Haul It All

Truckers are the unsung heroes of the highway. Call me old school but during World War II military transport units were quite often segregated and blacks were relegated as drivers supporting Patton’s 8^th Army in what was called the “Red Ball Express” hauling fuel and supplies from North Africa to Germany. Without these army truckers the allied fighting force would have been stranded.

During the early years of my career as an army trucker during the Vietnam War we had a resurgence of the “Red Ball Express” as truckers of the 519^th Transportation Battalion sought ways to rapidly transport dairy products (Milk & Ice Cream) to army and air force units throughout Thailand.

Years later during the Iraq War combined army truckers from National Guard, Reserve and Active Duty units carried fuel in a mad dash to Baghdad keeping the A1 Abrams tanks supplied.

If you remember Smokey and the Bandit or Mad Max movies they brought the romantic or combative lifestyles of truckers to the silver screen. Maybe that’s why many drivers consider those huge trucks intimidating.

All too often drivers of 4 wheelers (cars & such) do not consider the consequences of pulling out in front of an 80,000 lb. truck but the law of physics dictates that a 5,000 lb. automobile going less than the speed of a truck results in tragedy 100% of the time.

What we are seeing in Canada and elsewhere are the effects of truckers peacefully making their voices heard during what will be known as the senseless mandates of tyrannical leaders. During the past 2 years shoppers have found shelves empty of various products and the blame has been thrown on a shortage of truckers, instead of governmental mismanagement and interference through faulty regulatory action.

This goes to show that marginalizing and declaring a particular group of workers non-essential has consequences. The same thing has happened to law enforcement, first responders and hospital staff where they were hailed as heroes for stepping up, but later fired or terminated for not getting the jab.

Whether in Canada or the USA, politicians should realize that they are the ones who are non-essential. Voters must let their voices be heard on the streets and in the ballot box. – I am the Real Truckmaster!

Realtruckmaster.blog

2-13-2022

Kiosk at Mickey Ds

A few years back some of the Mickey Ds in town had switched to kiosks to order and being a big boy I decided to place my order. I fumbled and fiddled through the process and placed my order. Shortly they called me to the counter to pay and pickup. The clerk asked if that was all I wanted and I said yes, that’s all I wanted. I paid for my breakfast sandwich and he handed it in a to-go bag. I decided to sit and eat before heading to the car and on to finish me errands. I opened the bag and tucked neatly in that yellow wrapping were my two plain McMuffin slices, which I ate as if that was what I really wanted……   

The moral of my story is to check, check and double check when ordering from a faceless machine menu. McMuffins normally come with egg, cheese, and ham for a buck. Haven’t been back for several years now and I have no idea what they come with or cost. But if the clerk asks, that’s a red flag alert that all may not be well with your order.

BTW that 4 for a $1 advertisement on television do not mean you can order all four sandwich combos for a buck either, you got to choose only one combo i.e. burger, fries, nuggets and a drink (I tried). – I am the Real Truckmaster!

Realtruckmaster.blog

2-12-2022

Every Life is a Story

There is too much boohooing going on about one thing or another. It’s time to write the wrongs okay? Every family has photos of the good old days when life was great, or so it seems. Well not everything was hunky dory. Some of us had a real hard time and many of us still do.

Have you picked up a newspaper lately? Headlines capture our attention and if we delve into the stories or check out the obituary section those tell stories as well. I remember talking to my dad over a cup of coffee as he picked up the newspaper and opened it up to the obituaries, and then sports. I asked why he went to the obituary and his answer was classic dad – to see if I’m in there. It was no consolation for me being a “junior” because if he wasn’t looking for himself, he had to be looking for me. Well he showed up 6 years ago.

My dad was a hotshot marble champion in his day. He loved playing basketball and rough housing it with his brothers. During WWII he, like many others, headed down to the recruiters office to enlist, only trouble he wasn’t old enough yet. When he did enlist it was during the end of the war and the beginning of atomic bomb testing in the Pacific where he was part of Operation Crossroads in 1945 at a place called the Bikini Atoll. He was part of the fleet of sailors on ships to measure the effect of radiation exposure during an underwater explosion. He was also on a ship that was attacked by a Japanese Zero where they tried to shoot the plane out of the sky. Don’t know if they did, but that would have been his story. After the service he worked the migrant crop harvest of Idaho, Nevada, and Oregon and wherever they found crops to pick. One of the crops dad picked was mom. Together their crops were me, and my brothers Jess, John and Jerry. Our crops were our kids; their crops were their kids and grandkids, etc. Like taters in the field each with a very different story to tell.

Dad’s story didn’t end with us kids, oh no, it barely began with us. We moved around with the migrant crews and dad was a crew boss, but we were all part of the crew too. Just big enough to walk, we walked the fields shaking vines. As we grew we moved to picking spuds and stacking them on the truck, which mom was the driver. Due to a farming incident requiring surgery on dad’s leg we moved into the city and became city kids. Dad was always a hard worker, pushing on when others slacked up, but we were always together as a family. Dad became an ordained minister up until he retired, but always was available for spiritual guidance and weddings. Dad had mobility issues and after mom died 6 years ago, he spent his final 3 years in the Idaho State Veteran’s home in Boise. Now he is buried beside mom, next to John and dad’s sister Loretta. And his story doesn’t stop there as his example continues to live on in our stories to our families.

It’s important not just to live, but to live a life of honor, faithfulness and being a person of trust. We can walk the highway of life and never leave a trail or we can cut a wide swath so that others will know that we unequivocally lived a life to be proud of.

This country we live in was made by men and women like mom and dad who put their family, friends and strangers first by literally giving the coat off their backs to anyone in need. To whom have you told your story? – I am the Real Truckmaster!

Realtruckmaster.blog

2-12-2022

Abstract Thought

Here is my list:

1. Asylum Seekers = fleeing persecution should go to the first or closest nation and apply for asylum; fleeing through other countries without claiming asylum is a sign of deceit.
2. Climate Change and Pollution = by design the climate has and will always be in a state of flux (change), we have an obligation to live responsibly and not squander or waste our natural resources.
3. Defund Police = impeding law enforcement enables lawless individuals and threatens the safety and security of society.
4. Domestic Terrorists = inflict lawlessness, mayhem, chaos and fear into society; enemies of the state.
5. Dreamers = simply a term used to categorize and justify illegal migrants.
6. Equity = there can never be equity in life so long as one man simply seeks what another man has.
7. Human Race = mankind is created equal by God; run your race fairly so as to claim your prize.
8. Inoculate to protect against the “Corona” virus = getting the jab must remain a personal choice as the resulting consequences are personal; does not protect against being infected.
9. One God = live to serve God above all else. Obey the Commandments of God. Love God, each other and whenever possible live peacefully with all men.
10. Open Border = weakens national security while orderly crossings promote tourism.
11. Patriotism = pride for country, not excusing past or perceived atrocities but working to make the nation better.
12. Racism = treating people differently according to the color of their skin or ethnic background; affirmative action is simply a form of racism.
13. Reparations = casting guilt on another for the color of their skin and requiring monetary payments is racist and is called extortion.
14. Resist government = resisting an unjust government is the right and responsibility of every citizen; attempting to overthrow an elected official may be called treasonous.
15. Slow or stop the aging process = the circle of life cannot be stopped or slowed by surgery or “health” food supplements; man is appointed to be born and once to die. You only take out what you bring in to this life.
16. Undocumented migrants = unvetted migration threatens the safety and national security of a nation.
17. Welfare = receiving assistance in lieu of working is nothing more than indentured servitude binding the receiver to the government. A hand up, not a hand out!
18. Wokeness = political or religious prosecution is unlawful under the Constitution.
19. Women’s right to choose = cannot infringe upon the rights of another to life. Sexual promiscuity or convenience outside of marriage is called sin.

This list could continue infinitely and is used to confuse and create division. We have but one life to live, so live wisely and let the mark you make be a lasting tribute to God. – I am the Real Truckmaster!

Realtruckmaster.blog

2-9-2022

You Got to Love Reptiles

If I ever get on a plane and see Samuel L. Jackson and Julianna Margulies sitting in first class or coach I’m getting off that plane, I’ll take the next one thank you – even if I have to wait for hours! I still haven’t sit through the 2006 movie “Snakes on a Plane”, but prior to 2020 I used to fly everywhere – Idaho, California, Florida, Georgia, even to Thailand and then back to Colorado.

I’m reminded of a trip I made a few years back to Chiang Mai, Thailand our van stopped at a snake farm and absolutely nobody would get out. Another trip to Cobra Village near Nam Phuong, Thailand we went to a family run show featuring family snake charmers and their cobras. I wanted to sit close to the stage so I’d record an unobstructed view of the show. No such luck as the family wanted to be as far away from the stage as possible where I did manage to get some footage.

Generally speaking I don’t run across many snakes, at least not after retiring from the military where I used to see rattlers in Idaho, Colorado, Missouri and California. Missouri had those water moccasins that used to interrupt my fishing trips.

Although they were abundant I never came across snakes, kaman, gators or crocks in Panama. The closest I got was this alligator I held and the snake placed on my shoulder for a photo in Florida a while ago.

They say you got to love reptiles and I know God created them for a reason – to scare the begebbers outta people like me. – I am the Real Truckmaster!

Realtruckmaster.blog

2-10-2022

A Bigger Threat

As the 2022 and 2024 campaign trails heat up there is speculation of who the best candidate will be for president in 2024. I’ve seen names thrown around like DeSantis, Pompeo, two Scotts, Cotton or Trump. Although they are each better candidates than what the Democrats are hinting at, Biden, Clinton or even Harris I don’t think any of the “D”s have a clue how to manage or lead our nation as they had no idea how to legislate during their time in the Senate.

What America needs more than anything else are politicians who put their trust not in man, but in God. There are 50 states that desperately need competent leadership. Thus far those with strong Republican governors who don’t hesitate to stand up against Democratic tyrants or incompetent elected or appointed politicians in government are what we need to see more of.

I personally would like to see a Mike Pompeo – Tim Scott ticket in 2024. It would be a new direction for American politics where two very smart individuals could bring real change. I think having Ron DeSantis in Florida does more to keep tyranny in check than anything else and America needs that.

I also think that having Donald Trump hitting the campaign trail, endorsing candidates with truly American values, calling out the RINOs and pandering Dems is more of a threat to the entire Progressive Democratic Party than he was as president simply because of his impending threat to occupy the White House once again.

It’s well past time for Americans to exercise their Brain-Before-Voting and expel every political office holder that continues to follow the leader by mandating or legislating un-American values. There are 535 seats in Congress, 100 in the Senate and 435 in the House and every one should be filled with patriotic Americans of every political party.

We need to close our borders to unlawful immigration and commit our law enforcement resources to identifying and arresting and prosecuting politicians at every level who manipulated, orchestrated or executed this mass immigration assault on America. We then must track down, apprehend and deport EVERY illegal resident inside United States territory. Those who are hard-working, contributing to our society could be offered a path to citizenship, depending upon their circumstances.

My plan may not address every issue with the immigration system, but maintaining an open door policy along the southern border is not in America’s best interests or national security. – I am the Real Truckmaster!

Realtruckmaster.blog

2-9-2022

Welcome to My World

Maybe I come from a musical family because “People say I’m the life of the party because I tell a joke or two” from one of my favorite Smokey Robinson songs – Tracks of My Tears. Growing up in southwestern Idaho in the 1950s – 1960s has given me a unique perspective on life and when coupled with a military career that spanned the Vietnam War to Desert Shield it’s not a bad thing. When I began to listening to country music and one of my favorite singers was Jim Reeves.

His version of – “Welcome To My World“

Welcome to my world won’t you come on in
Miracles I guess still happen now and then
Step into my heart leave your cares behind
Welcome to my world built with you in mind

Knock and the door will open seek and you will find
Ask and you will be given the key to this world of mine

I’ll be waiting here with my arms unfurled
Waiting just for you welcome to my world

During the end of my military service I switched over to contemporary Christian music where the emphasis is not on me, per say, but on praising and honoring God. One of the first Christian groups I listened to was a Christian Rock band call Petra. One of their songs from their album The Best of Petra Praise, called Take Me In literally spoke to my heart, my inner being. It’s a rather short song, but when you’re in your quiet place, meditating on the magnificence of God, WOW – this song will bring you to your knees.

“Take Me In“

Take me past the outer courts
Into the Holy place
Past the brazen altar
Lord I want to see Your face
Pass me by the crowds of people
The priests who sing Your praise
I hunger and thirst for Your righteousness
And it’s only found one place

Take me in to the Holy of Holies
Take me in by the blood of the Lamb
Take me in to the Holy of Holies
Take the coal, cleanse my lips, here I am
Take the coal, cleanse my lips, here I am

I don’t know what “floats your boat” (dad was a navy man) but I challenge you to go outside your comfort zone, live life the way God intended – in the NOW. Don’t let anyone steal your joy. Guard your heart and your tongue (even your fingers as you type, text or email others). Don’t let a bad situation today affect your tomorrows. God has not promised that life would be a walk in the park, rose garden or easy, but he has promised to never leave us, nor forsake us. I like the sign (above), stating how far walking back to God is from where you are now. Make that trip joyful in songs of praise to the one who created you and me. – I am the Real Truckmaster!

Realtruckmaster.blog

2-8-2022

The Art of Influencing Perception

Since the days of Adam and Eve perception has not necessarily been reality. God said “Don’t or you will die” while the serpent said “You will not surely die, but become as God”. The good book tells us that disobedience to God is sin. There is a price to pay for sin that does not end with the physical death of man.

Today we refer to it as “Gaslighting” – Making someone question their own reality. Did you know there are schools for that? Schools that teach psychology to reach inside people’s minds in order to find out what makes them tick.

There are also schools that train individuals how to interpret the law. Upon graduation from these prestigious institutions we often refer them as liars I mean lawyers. Under the law the accused is considered innocent until tried in court and found guilty. They are taught what the law says in order to influence a court, a judge or a jury to render a favorable verdict for their client. True guilt or innocence may not have anything to do with it. If the jury perceives, based on the evidence presented, that the accused is innocent or guilty a verdict is rendered.

The same is true in politics. Politicians, many of whom are lawyers by trade, use the court of public opinion to render their political opponent in a bad light, either far right or far left in order to influence voters. There are some who collaborate with others to engineer and event or incident to the detriment of another politician but to their own political advantage. Using a constant barrage of truths, half-truths and outright lies many a politician has fallen from grace only to have their political, personal and professional lives ruined.

Let us compare two very prominent politicians who are household names in America and around the world. One a lifelong politician, the other a lifelong businessman who reached for and achieved the highest office in our nation – President of the United States where the mere mention of their names evoke an immediate and everlasting response.

Turning from a lifetime of a successful businessman and entertainer to the office of the Presidency, Donald Trump began a campaign to turn America into a more productive nation where everyone deserves the same opportunity to achieve the American dream. His political rivals also began a campaign to discredit and oppose this political outsider. His many accomplishments were marginalized, minimized and overshadowed by political grandstanding and his being forever known as the President who was impeached twice during a single term and his re-election stolen by election and voter fraud leading to a national day of anger that derailed the election process.

Turning public service into a lifelong profession in Congress with nothing outstanding to be remembered for before rising to the height of power as Vice President and then his claim to fame is defeating the incumbent to become President, Joe Biden then proceeded to erase the legacy of his predecessor at great expense of the American people and all that during his first year in office. The perception that he is doing an outstanding job, completely ignores his failures in handling the virus using dictatorial-style mandates causing massive American job losses; opening the US/Mexico border to undocumented and illegal migrants and their dispersion into the US interior; misuse of America’s natural resources; and the bungling and misuse of the Armed Forces and the Department of Justice. With Biden being the public face of the Democratic Party and how to succeed in politics, maybe it’s time for a new political mascot – the Cheetah, not for is speed and elegance or efficiency, but for how it sounds (cheater). – I am the Real Truckmaster!

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