“I have lived, sir, a long time; and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth, that God governs in the affairs of men! And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without his aid? —We have been assured, sir, in the sacred writings that, ‘except the Lord build the house they labor in vain that build it.’ I firmly believe this; and I also believe, that without his concurring aid, we shall succeed in this political building no better than the builders of Babel: We shall be divided by our little partial local interests, our projects will be confounded, and we ourselves shall be become a reproach and a by-word down to future ages…

I therefore beg leave to move, that henceforth prayers, imploring the assistance of heaven, and its blessings on our deliberations, be held in this assembly every morning before we proceed to business; and that one or more of the clergy of this city be requested to officiate in that service.“
—–Benjamin Franklin, addressing the Constitutional Convention in 1787, when they bogged down and were frustrated, making no progress.

Re-read his words of wisdom—how true—from the Bible—divine aid for success – or – future reproach for failure.

– – –

And, putting Franklin’s message in perspective with the implored blessings for America’s history – and the invited curses in America today:

+++ “If a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without his aid?”
x x x So, is it probable that this ’empire’ will not fall with the devil’s aid?

Not just for rednecks.
Not just for militia.
Not just for SPECIAL FORCES.
Not just for SWAT teams.
Not just for SEAL teams.
And certainly not just for nice Bible Studies in comfortable churches.

“Take the whole armor of God . . .
– – –
Belt of Truth—
— What’s a belt for ?
Lots more that just holding up your britches.
Belt is wide, strong, to hold survival gear—and weapons.
Extra guns—handguns for close quarters.
Extra ammo—for all your guns.
— What’s truth for ?
You’ve got to know you’re on the right side,
fighting for truth,
saving lives,
for the right cause,
to give your life for.
— What is truth ?
The Bible.
Jesus.
The Way, the only Way.
The Life, the only Life.
Yes, rednecks believe it—ready to fight for it.
– – –
Breastplate of Righteousness
Bulletproof kevlar, ceramic, steel, . . .
Macho is not the armor.
Macho does not make righteous.
Jesus makes men righteous—Macho with Him.
Jesus’ righteous armor makes men bold.
Righteous men break into enemy territory, destroy enemy stuff.
– – –
Shoes With the Gospel of Peace
Steel-toed boots.
Peace through strength.
Safe travel through rough terrain.
Not soft, cushy, comfortable sandals for smooth paths.
– – –
Shield of Faith
No macho tough guy survival movie actor.
Got to deflect enemy fire—not hiding from it—intruding on it.
“Flaming arrows”—RPG’s, mortars, close quarters,
real demons, real people, real life, real danger.
Supernatural Protection—not foolhardy, but count on it.
– – –
Helmet of Salvation
Ultimate protection, indispensable, issued
at your commissioning for service.
Vital 24/7.
Always there, don’t have to think about it.
Never forget, never without this provision.
It makes you a soldier.
– – –
Sword of the Spirit
The Word of God.
Sharp, two-edged, divides, spiritually, physically,
heart surgery, thought surgery.
Drawn sword kills what needs to be killed—
to save what needs to be saved.
No safe sword, no protected sword, in reserve.
No sword control laws—requirements to use, not restrictions.
Time involved with your sword gives sword control.
Know your sword, use your sword.
– – –
Praying, Always
Communication with your Commanding Officer
Know Him well.
Know His voice.
Know His will.
Know you will obey.
Know He will supply.
Know He’s got you covered—
Covered to the end.
Covered through the end.
Connected, supporting faithful, fellow soldiers.

Remember, a good soldier—ready at any time—attacked at any time—fierce combat at times—life and death at times—faithful always.

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

“Stand therefore, having girded your waist with the belt of truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.”

“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

“Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of Life.”