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Soul Survivors

Soul Survivors

In the days since the Manhattan Project brought the world the atom bomb and the threat of nuclear annihilation on a planetary scale, dramatists have popularized phrases like, “dystopian future” and, “post-apocalyptic fantasy.” Having no real idea of what “dystopian” means, I looked it up.  The gist of what I found is that it means a really bad place to be.  A “dystopian future,” whether imagined or ultimately experienced, is one in which there is misery and suffering because of prevailing conditions in…

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Awaiting Your Answer

Awaiting Your Answer

We live in perilous times.  If you are a sentient being you know this and do not need it explained to you.  Evil, corruption, violence and chaos swirl around us. The rising tide of darkness, madness and hysteria threatens to overwhelm us, engulf us, drag us down.    The world is changing rapidly and radically, but definitely not for the better. All except those in deepest denial recognize that something supernatural is at work here.  The demons are industrious, laboring incessantly, to steal, kill and…

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The Gospel Salesman

The Gospel Salesman

A gospel salesman arrived in our town the other day.  I had no pressing business to pursue, so I decided to observe him for awhile. His first official act was to select a shady park bench near the square and sit down.  By and by, he rummaged in a battered train case for a brown paper bag, from which he extracted a sandwich.   He bowed his head for a moment, eyes closed, and hands folded in his lap.  Then he picked up the sandwich…

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Know Who You’re Dealing With

Know Who You’re Dealing With

A cornerstone of personal safety and security is the admonition to ‘know who you’re dealing with.’  If you do not, you may be taken advantage of and suffer serious loss, up to and including life itself.   Bad actors (and bad liars) may make self-serving or accidental disclosures that unwittingly give them away.  Should anyone suggest that you’d be wise to be on your guard around them, you had best believe them and act accordingly.  Guilt over those they have victimized in the past…

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Promises, Promises

Promises, Promises

When two parties offer one another assurance that what they expect to happen will actually transpire, a number of time-tested options present themselves.  One such option is to offer something of substantial value as security.  This may take the form of earnest money on deposit with a third party, or a tangible asset, like real property or jewelry, held in trust.  Another alternative is to put up a home, business, boat, or vehicle as collateral.   For some purposes, a surety bond or performance…

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Are You Okay?

Are You Okay?

Those who have taken even a short course in first aid should be familiar with techniques for use when encountering an apparently unconscious person.  One priority is to ascertain whether the individual is responsive to stimuli.  This may be accomplished by gently shaking a shoulder (or tapping the body firmly) and asking, “Are you okay?” or words to that effect.  What to do next is dependent upon the victim.  If there is a reaction, one path is taken; if no reaction is observed, another…

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Recruiting For Christ—The Fine Print

Recruiting For Christ—The Fine Print

“Good morning and welcome to the Christian Recruiting Center.  It’s gratifying to see so many fresh, eager faces—people seeking joy, peace, love and mercy; people hungry for change, adventure, excitement, and a chance to see the world, perhaps…? “Hmm-m?  Yes, that’s definite.  Anyone who truly believes will see the glory of God.  Any other questions before we get started?  Yes?  Did everyone hear the question?”  [Repeats it:] “Is it true that those who serve the Master will get a chance to meet Him?”  Affirmative.  Our God is willing to have a personal…

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Arrested Development

Arrested Development

Detainee 756 was well and truly terrified.  He had been awakened out of a sound sleep by a booming crash, as his front door was kicked in.  Three men burst through the splintered opening and made straight for him, as he rose from his bed and crept down the hall to investigate.  His arms were seized and pinned painfully behind him, while a black hood was forced down over his head.  Before he could protest or ask any questions, he was hustled downstairs to…

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Standing Watch

Standing Watch

Most anyone who has read war novels or seen films with military themes, is familiar with some version of the following scene.  It features a soldier who has drawn guard duty, and hears a noise while on watch, betraying the approach of another person. Sentry: “Halt!  Who goes there?” [The challenge is answered by the potential intruder.] Sentry: “Are you friend or foe?” Intruder: “Friend.” Sentry: “Approach and be recognized.” [Intruder emerges from the shadows and presents himself/herself to the guard.]  Sentry:…

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Both Here & Now and There & Then

Both Here & Now and There & Then

Toddlers are not generally known for their ability to delay gratification.  There is no incentive for them to do so, when a little loud screaming does the trick.  The lack of motivation, may explain the lack of inclination.  The question is, as they grow older (note that I did not say, “as they mature…”) do the adolescents and adults into which they grow, do a good deal better? They should.  Even the least patient among us can see rather steep social downsides to voicing one’s every need…

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