The Forecast Was True

By Reverend Paul N. Papas II

March 29, 2022

A forecast is a prediction of events to come such as a storm in the sky. Not all forecasts come true as they often rely upon science and man’s interpretation.

There was a landowner who PLANTED A VINEYARD AND PUT A FENCE AROUND IT, AND DUG A WINE PRESS IN IT, AND BUILT A TOWER, and he leased it to vine-growers and went on a journey. And when the harvest time approached, he sent his representatives to the vine-growers to receive his fruit. And the vine-growers took his representatives and beat one, killed another, and stoned another.  Again, he sent other representatives, more than the first; and they did the same things to them. But afterward he sent his son to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ But when the vine-growers saw the son, they said among themselves, ‘This is the heir; come, let’s kill him and take possession of his inheritance!’  And they took him and threw him out of the vineyard, and killed him.  

They questioned when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will the owner do to those vine-growers?”  The answer was, “He will bring those wretches to a wretched end and lease the vineyard to other vine-growers, who will pay him the fruit in the proper seasons.” (1)

The owner of the property was not permitted to use the property as the owner wished. Local people had contracted with the owner to work the land and pay for their use of the land as tenants. The tenants became lawless and thought they could bully the owner to stay away. The owner sent several representatives to collect the rent. The tenants beat and killed some of the owner’s representatives. The tenants underestimated their power and authority as the owner eventually removed the lawless tenants and re-rented the property to tenants who were lawful and would pay their rent to the owner.

The owner was very accustomed to being hated and opposed.  The owner instructed his followers that they would be hated and opposed because they first hated and opposed the owner.

It was forecasted for many years that the owner would be born and in a way in which scientists would say is impossible. There is a certain segment of today’s population which denies hates and opposes the owner.

The owner’s birth was so feared that the local king had thousands of baby boys under the age of two years old killed in attempt to kill the owner and eliminate the threat to the local king’s reign as king. The local king had not understood the forecast as the owner was coming to proclaim His Kingdom which was not of this world.

The chief priests and the elders came to the owner and ask him, “By what authority are you doing these things? And who gave you this authority?”

By asking these questions, they were looking for a way to discredit the owner. The owner had spent the better part of the last three years demonstrating with signs and wonders where His authority came from, but the religious establishment didn’t really want to know.

The owner was despised and hated before birth. The local king tried to eliminate the owner before the owner could walk. The local authorities, priests and elders constantly tried to manufacture reasons to stone the owner to death for perceived violations of the law. Many who forecasted the owner’s arrival and who have followed the owner since have endured similar attacks.

If you think you have it bad, remember what the owner endured for you.

If you have not already answered the owner’s call, now would be a great time to know the owner as his return is near. Call upon the owner while he may be found. Receive your free gift from the owner which the owner already paid for – entrance into the Kingdom which is not of this world, salvation and eternal life.

This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

Reverend Paul N. Papas II is a Pastoral Counselor with Narrow Path Ministries (MA and AZ) and Founder of the Family Renewal Center (AZ) www.narrowpathministries.org   and www.familyrenewalcenteraz.org

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(1) Matthew 21:33-41

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Mothers Are Special

May 4, 2021 By Reverend Paul N. Papas II

Mothers and Grandmothers are some the most important people in our lives. They help share our character and beliefs. Sometimes, because of circumstances, the mother’s role is fulfilled by a Grandmother or a step-mother. Godly mothers with Godly fathers provide the best foundation for children in their formative years and as they grow up.

Mothers have a special position appointed by God.

She teaches, ministers, loves, and nurtures the next generation of citizens.  And she challenges and cajoles her children to do their best and be the best.

But few people take notice.  There will be no news stories proclaiming the virtues of a child being taught what it means to be loved, that an infant was hugged securely, or that the wonders of the classics were introduced to a young mind.  No one seems to care that a house was made into a home, or that a mere table with food was transformed into a place of fun.

It isn’t too late to restore the fine art of motherhood to its time-honored position in our society.  In spite of the current cultural hostility, lack of support from many husbands, and incredible pressure inside and outside the home, a real mom will continue to affirm the importance of motherhood. (1)

There are children who test the patience of even the strongest believers. Sometimes tough love is needed. You might consider this another prodigal son.

It is said that a young man became very profligate. He almost broke the hearts of his parents. The mother was actually about to die from the strain. Finally, one day he acted so shamefully that his father said to him, “We have done everything in our power for you. You have disgraced the family and are killing your mother. All that we do for you is in vain. I am sorry, but I must ask you to leave our home and never return.” The young man left.

The months and years went by. Finally the boy became so miserable and homesick it seemed he could not stand it. So he wrote his mother this letter: “Dear Mother: I am ashamed of my fearful conduct in the home. I can hardly stand to think I must never see you again. However, I do not know whether or not Father and you can forgive me. But I will be on train No. 2 that passes your home at 10:00 a.m. [Then he gave the day.] Now if you can forgive me and will take me back, I want you to hang a sheet out on the clothesline. I shall look as the train passes and, if I see the sheet, I will know that you will forgive me, and I will get off at the next station, just below the house, and come home.”

Well, what do you think she did? Not only did she hang out one sheet, but every sheet, towel, pillowcase and everything else white that she had. The clothesline, fence, and rosebushes were covered with sheets, towels, etc. Of course he came home, and, oh, such a welcome!

It was forgiveness in abundance. (2)

We can find our schedule is really full and forget the really important things in life. The following is an example.

A man stopped at a flower shop to order some flowers to be wired to his mother who lived two hundred miles away.

As he got out of his car he noticed a young girl sitting on the curb sobbing.

He asked her what was wrong and she replied, “I wanted to buy a red rose for my mother.

But I only have seventy-five cents, and a rose costs two dollars.”

The man smiled and said, “Come on in with me. I’ll buy you a rose.”

He bought the little girl her rose and ordered his own mother’s flowers.

As they were leaving he offered the girl a ride home.

She said, “Yes, please! You can take me to my mother.”

She directed him to a cemetery, where she placed the rose on a freshly dug grave.

The man returned to the flower shop, canceled the wire order, picked up a bouquet and drove the two hundred miles to his mother’s house. (3)

Mothers are ready for us. The Bible has many things to say about Mothers including the following.

Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.”… (Proverbs 31:25-30)  Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22:6)

For those who were not Blessed with Godly parents or who otherwise endured rough times, do not despair there is healing available.  A rough upbringing can produce fear, anxiety, paranoia, PTSD or worse outcomes. A rough can be used as an excuse or can be overcome, that is a personal choice. Those who suffer, recover, and heal can help others who suffer.

Commemorations to honor mothers and motherhood have been happening for centuries and can be traced back to the Ancient Greeks and Romans who paid homage to their mother goddesses. Today, tributes to mothers occur all around the world at different times of the year, but the American version of Mother’s Day was started in May of 1908 by a woman named Anna Jarvis.

Mom needs a hug today.

Reverend Paul N. Papas II is a Pastoral Counselor with Narrow Path Ministries (MA and AZ) and Founder of the Family Renewal Center (AZ) www.narrowpathministries.org  and www.familyrenewalcenteraz.org

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References

(1)  Dr. James Dobson and Gary Bauer’s book, Children At Risk

(2) William Moses Tidwell, “Pointed Illustrations.”

(3) https://www.theholidayspot.com/mothersday/stories/a_short_story.htm

Not The Time To Put A Lid On It

By Reverend Paul N. Papas II

March 2, 2021

It has been on a constant loop: “If you see something, say something”. I don’t remember hearing there was any fine print or exceptions to that “rule”. We can see there clearly are.

With all the talk of what is essential; one item was left off the written list of the essential and non-essential items, and that is free speech.

In practice the drumbeat was “Thou Shall Not Contradict The Official Pronouncement”. No matter what your station in life, should you wander off the official script and have a different point of view, the hordes of Huns will be released to destroy you, your family, your employment or business and employees. Even if you should recant your ‘error’ of having a different point of view and grovel coast to coast, you will be destroyed, not welcomed back, and canceled. This does not fit any definition of free speech that I have seen.

Freedom of speech has become vital because, without freedom of speech, some people won’t be able to communicate effectively and even say a word when things are going wrong.  Freedom of speech is essential because it can change the narrative of how people feel when they express themselves in public.

Freedom of speech is not a new concept. Freedom of speech can be found between the early 5th and 6th century. It was recognized by the Roman Republic which added freedom of speech and freedom of religion also. The fact that freedom of speech was essential at that time should tell you that freedom of speech is vital and very important even in these modern times.

Freedom of speech remain essential to us and our society, although the first amendment was instituted in 1791, the ideas of human rights that lead to freedom of speech is on paper in ancient human right documents.

The Founding Fathers of our Constitutional Republic saw Freedom of Speech as so essential to maintaining our Republic that they included it within the First Amendment.

When Freedom of Speech is fully operative:

• It enables the dispersion of excellent and accurate information.
• It enables media to present both sides of an issue accurately, eliminating Fake News.
• People will get the impact of new ideas.
• Freedom of speech is essential and ensures meaningful communication
• If you can’t communicate you don’t have the liberty to express yourself freely.

Clarity of information depends on the extent to which freedom of expression of thought and freedom of speech is open in all the changes and processes taking place in society. It helps the community to stay in harmony, protects the business, and promotes foreign exchange. Free Speech gives individuals peace in running daily activities with people.

Without Free Speech we would live in a Socialist or Communist society where dissidents are punished brutally, perhaps purged to re-education or death camps. Socialists and Communists quickly silence, canceled, opposition.

Much of today’s media in cooperation of Big Tech parrots talking points of one point of view to which “Thou Shall Not Contradict”

In support I offer the following news story with a video:

 Fox10 Top Rated News Anchor Resigns, “I don’t like the way the media is going

 March 2, 2021 by Sundance

Fox10 News Anchor Kari Lake has reflected on the trend-line for U.S. media and decided she can no longer participate in an industry that has devolved to a system of narrative engineering.  Ms. Lake speaks directly to the issue of manipulated news feed script and she is no longer willing to participate in this activity.

Kari Lake: “Journalism has changed a lot since I first stepped into a newsroom…  I don’t like the direction it is going. …I’m sure there are other journalists out there who feel the same way.”

Fox10 Top Rated News Anchor Resigns, “I don’t like the way the media is going”

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Dangerous attacks on the Free Speech are well articulated by Paul Craig Roberts in his article titled “The New Journalism Is Destroying Us” https://www.paulcraigroberts.org/2021/03/02/the-new-journalism-is-destroying-us/

Why Is FREE SPEECH Important?

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A denial of free Speech relies on and foments fear, the same fear the schoolyard bully relies upon. This fear leads way to anxiety and a whole host of mental health issues.

Here is one expression of  Not The Time To Put A Lid On It from the Network

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Reverend Paul N. Papas II is a Pastoral Counselor with Narrow Path Ministries (MA and AZ) and Founder of the Family Renewal Center (AZ) www.narrowpathministries.org  and www.familyrenewalcenteraz.org

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https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2021/03/03/in-2017-kamala-harris-celebrated-dr-seusss-birthday/

In Pivotal Ruling, Supreme Court Removes Barrier to Protecting First Amendment

A Republic if you can keep it…

By Reverend Paul N. Papas II

December 1, 2020

Eight days before we celebrated the 400^th Anniversary of the foundation of freedom, the landing of the Pilgrims, and the structure our government, the Mayflower Compact, we suffered the worst attack upon our Constitutional Republic.

“The first civil act of the Pilgrims after their arrival in Cape Cod Harbor, was to draw up a compact or “combination,” as it is called by Bradford, which was signed by the male members of the company, and became the foundation on which the structure of our government has been built. Under date of Nov. 21st, Mourt’s Relation states that 

“this day, before we came to harbour, observing some not well affected to unity and concord, but gave some appearances of faction, it was thought good there should be an association and agreement, that we should combine together in one body, and to submit to such government and governor as we should, by common consent, agree to make and choose, and set our hands to this that follows, word for word.” (1)

Celebrating 400 Years of Freedom, the Landing of the Pilgrims! The Mayflower Compact- Nov 11, 1620

The cancel culture wants to erase our history. Our history shows that freedom is in our DNA and the DNA of our nation. Freedom comes from God. We started out with the Bible as a text book in our schools. On June 25, 1962 in Engel v.Vitale, the US Supreme Court by an 8-1 vote banned God from our schools.  Our history shows us that even though evil plans of kings and rulers seem to be winning, the Divine hand of God works a counter plan. God is still in Control. The story of our God-given rights is the great missing link to restore our nation again!

The November 3, 2020 attacked upon our Constitutional Republic was planned for years by a group who attempted to install a Communist Chinese puppet government. The media accomplices hid much of the negative information about Beijing’s candidate before the election. When the negative information about the puppet got out over 35% of them said they would not have voted for the puppet had they known the negative information before the election.  The media has decreed the puppet to be the president-elect.

Longtime readers know I am a student of history. I have checked the U.S. Constitution again and can not find any provision therein for the media to degree who an office holder will be.  Please check for yourself (2).

The November 3^rd attack can be summarizes as follows: A well funded group of people who enjoyed many decades of corrupt self dealing hated one person because he was elected president in 2016 to end their corrupt self dealing and return the control of the government to the people. The well funded group tried many, many, many avenues to somehow remove the president, even before he was sworn in.  The president exposed and removed portions of the corrupt self dealers every time he found them and could.

Their Nov 3^rd attack was designed to simply manufacture, by several means, and post more votes for Beijing’s puppet than for the for the president. Often times votes earned by the president were awarded to Beijing’s puppet. The goal was to proclaim and install Beijing’s puppet as the 46^th president. Their corrupt scheme has been brought to light and being unraveled.

The well funded group included parties in several foreign countries, some of whom seek our destruction, with the use of the internet.

There are a few paths to unwind the mess. The paths unwind the mess and restore trust in our elections again go through civil and criminal judicial processes; have the state legislatures pick the Electors to the Electoral College,  through the US Supreme Court, through the declaration of the elections being declared a national security issue in 2018, and or The Enforcement Act of 1871 codifying portions of the Fourteenth Amendment.

The full extent of the fear, pain, suffering, anxiety, deaths, and suicides caused by the well funded group may never be known.

Many people have already testified about what the well funded group has done. The Pennsylvania, Arizona, and Michigan legislatures have held public hearings to get to the bottom of the mess, correct the mess, and prevent it from happening again. This is not over.

Before you watch the three hearings below I offer my suggestions to prevent any possible reoccurrence of the well funded group’s attack. Years ago we used a simple punch card voting system.  After showing a proper picture ID we were given a ballot, a punch card. The punch card was inserted into the voting machine. The voter made a selection and used the stylus to punch a hole into the card. When the voter finished making selections, the card was removed and put into a secure box which tallied the total number of votes. The secure box was securely transported to location where the votes would be counted.

The box was unlocked and the votes were counted in the full view and presence of the candidate’s representative, a representative from each party, a monitor, and Board of Election, Town or City Clerk or their representative.

The one doing the counting, whether by loading the punch cards into the counting machine or by hand had two set of eyes right behind the counter, close enough to read everything. We always had the paper ballot to validate the count.

Absentee ballots had the signature on the voter registration matched with the one on mailed in envelope.

There was no opportunity for extra or manufactured vote to appear at any time.

Ballots were always secured and never left unattended.

The hearings below ran all day.

The survival of our Constitutional Republic hinges upon fixing this mess and restoring fair and secure elections.  Once our Constitutional Republic is restored healing is next.

Ben Franklin and the other Founding Fathers knew we would have tough days ahead and they gave us the tools to overcome them. We’ll come through this stronger. Let’s keep our Constitutional Republic.

Reverend Paul N. Papas II is a Pastoral Counselor with Narrow Path Ministries (MA and AZ) and Founder of the Family Renewal Center (AZ) www.narrowpathministries.org and www.familyrenewalcenteraz.org

Pennsylvania State Legislature Holds Public Hearing on 2020 Election

Arizona State Legislature Holds Public Hearing on 2020 Election

Michigan State Senate Committee on Oversight Holds Hearing on Election Issues 12/1/20

Then a call for a Special Session in Georgia to address the Election Steal

LIVE: Sidney Powell and Lin Wood Hold Press Conference in Atlanta 12/2/20

Rudy Giuliani and Legal Team Testify to Michigan House Oversight 

https://theconservativetreehouse.com/2020/12/02/rudy-giuliani-and-legal-team-testify-to-michigan-house-oversight-livestream/

Second Georgia Senate election hearing

President Trump National Address on The Election: “The Most Important Speech I Ever Made”

https://theconservativetreehouse.com/2020/12/02/president-trump-national-address-on-the-election-the-most-important-speech-i-ever-made-full-video-and-transcript/

So its confirmed… The polls that showed Biden way ahead of Trump were the way they were to make the fraud look real.https://t.co/ODjWwHhEUI

— Sidney Anderson (@SidneyA13003902) December 2, 2020

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References:

(1) https://www.mayflowercompact.org

(2) https://constitutioncenter.org/interactive-constitution/full-text

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Related

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VIDEO: 4 boxes of ballots counted after poll watchers leave

The Mountain Is Not Hiding The Finish Line

 

By Reverend Paul N. Papas II

September 29, 2020

 

 

 

It may be tough to lift a mountain and move it out of the way unless you move one stone at a time. Why not just go over, around, or through it.

Anyone who would take the burdens of the world on their own shoulders by themselves, after watching the world is falling apart news, is setting themselves up to make drug companies and psychiatrists  rich.

No runners have ever won the race without crossing the finish line before others. Years ago Rosie Ruiz was stripped of two Marathon Crowns, Boston and New York, because she spent most her ‘winning’ times on the subway.

“Her friend Steve Marek told the Boston Globe that Ruiz had admitted her ruse to him, but that she didn’t intend to be the first woman to cross the finish line”, according to the Post.

“She jumped out of the crowd, not knowing that the first woman hadn’t gone by yet,” Marek said. “Believe me, she was as shocked as anyone when she came in first. But at that point they had put the crown on her, gave her the medal and told her she’s the winner. How could she say, ‘No, I’m not’?”

Ruiz joined race in final half mile.

She jumped into the final stretch of the race to finish ahead of Jacqueline Gareau, who set a course record of 2:34:28 that would not be recognized until days later when Ruiz was disqualified.

Ruiz drew suspicion when she seemed clueless about common marathon jargon in a post-race interview with race commentator Kathrine Switzer.

 

“Have you been doing a lot of heavy intervals?,” Switzer asked Ruiz about a marathon training technique.

“Someone else asked me that,” Ruiz responded. “I’m not sure what intervals are. What are they?”

 

Other runners said that they hadn’t seen her on the course, and her bib number was not recorded at numerous race checkpoints.

A pair of Harvard students later confirmed that they saw Ruiz join the race in its final stage.” (1)

You can win by cheating.

Everything done in secret will be laid bare.

Going underground, sneaking about to gain an edge may grant some momentary advantage but will end badly.

Emerging from the subway or basement for the last half mile does not give you, other participants, or interested parties a clear view of you or the true situation.

Rosie Ruiz’ cheating caused her to change her last name and legal problems. She eventually lost her ten year battle with cancer at 66. For forty years she carried the burdens of her world wide renowned cheating.

When you face the mountain and go over, under, or through the mountain you can be inspired by those cheering you on. That inspiration can assist you in your endeavor. Ask any real athlete how the roar of the crowds made a difference to encourage them to make that extra effort and capture the win.

Go for the fair, clean win, with honor and integrity, something your mother would be proud of.

 

Reverend Paul N. Papas II is a Pastoral Counselor with Narrow Path Ministries (MA and AZ) and Founder of the Family Renewal Center (AZ) www.narrowpathministries.org and www.familyrenewalcenteraz.org

 

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(1) https://uk.movies.yahoo.com/infamous-boston-marathon-cheat-rosie-ruiz-dies-at-66-234559903.html

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You May Have Been Ordered Closed, Not Muted

By Reverend Paul N. Papas II

September 1, 2020

 

 

Since there have been Preachers, there have been local leaders.  Those called to be Preachers know the hours are long and the pay is short and is not the reason for becoming a Preacher. Often times Preachers don’t get to enjoy their days off. Some laugh at the idea of a day off.

The COVID-19 virus has given certain officials an excuse to order churches to shut down or not gather and/or not to sing.  Some churches argue that they must give unto Caesar what is Caesar’s and must shut down. Then there are a few, like John MacArthur, who believes that Preachers are called to preach the Gospel to all the world. They believe that they should obey God before man.  I see no written exceptions in the Bible or in history for preaching the Gospel to the world.

If anything, I see that history shows that when times are tough, people need a message of hope delivered by Preachers. During many periods of our history, it was the church which provided community support and it was the church which was the source of information.

The British targeted Preachers, who they called the Black Robe Regiment, during the Revolutionary War to censor the message of Liberty and Freedom.

Over the years, just as today, there are hirelings occupying the position of the Preacher, ready to accommodate Caesar. (1). A true Preacher is a servant of the flock, and a servant leader who is ready to rescue the one in his flock who has needs or goes astray.

The community today may appear be to partially isolated and we’re not, just the opposite: we’re bound in Jesus. “If one member suffers, all the members suffer” (v. 26 nasb). As believers in Jesus, members of God’s family, we move toward one another into the pain and into the sorrow and into those murky places where we would fear to go alone. Thankfully we do not go alone. Preachers are needed now more than ever to help heal the body, and the community, and the country. Hirelings won’t do. They will run in the face of difficulty.  The Gospel supports Law and Order and rebukes chaos. The Gospel teaches that the devil is the author of chaos.

Chaos relies on fear, anxiety, and corruption to control and intimidate people.

No matter what your trouble is, your helps comes from above. The peace that surpasses all understanding comes from above.

Conflict is part of life on earth. Peaceful resolutions come from above. Peacefully resolving conflicts is preferred by most parties.

Unfortunately there are those who have no interest in peaceful resolutions and, in which case, disengagement is warranted and third party assistance may be required. At times self defense may be required.

Let’s all try to be true servant leaders finding peaceful resolutions wherever possible.

 

Reverend Paul N. Papas II is a Pastoral Counselor with Narrow Path Ministries (MA and AZ) and Founder of the Family Renewal Center (AZ) www.narrowpathministries.org and www.familyrenewalcenteraz.org

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(1) https://preacher01704.wordpress.com/on-the-difference-between-a-hireling-and-a-shepherd/

http://www.blackrobereg.org/history.html

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Related

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Ed-u-ma-cation

By Reverend Paul N. Papas II

August 4, 2020

 

The fully gowned graduating class of engineers sat ready to hear from a class leader waiting for an encouraging send off. With his stoic Dad sitting in the front row my cousin opened with: Yesterday I could not spell engmaneer… today I are one.  My uncle led the approving applause.

Educating our children, our future, as we know it today is a far cry from where we started out in our country.  Reading was taught at the mother’s knee and continued in the barns, fields, or shops by the father’s side.

The private system of education in which our forefathers were educated included home, school, church, voluntary associations such as library companies and philosophical societies, circulating libraries, apprenticeships, and private study. It was a system supported primarily by those who bought the services of education, and by private benefactors. All was done without compulsion. Although there was a veneer of government involvement in some colonies, such as in Puritan Massachusetts, early American education was essentially based on the principle of voluntarism.^[1]

Two hundred years in American history, from the mid-1600s to the mid-1800s, public schools as we know them to day were virtually non-existent, and the educational needs of America were met by the free market. In these two centuries, America produced several generations of highly skilled and literate men and women who laid the foundation for a nation dedicated to the principles of freedom and self-government.

The cornerstone of early American education was the belief that “children are a heritage from the Lord.”^[2] Parents believed that it was their responsibility to not only teach them how to make a living, but also how to live. As our forefathers searched their Bibles, they found that the function of government was to protect life and property.^[3] Education was not a responsibility of the civil government.

Home education was so common in America that most children knew how to read before they entered school. As Ralph Walker has pointed out, “Children were often taught to read at home before they were subjected to the rigors of school. In middle-class families, where the mother would be expected to be literate, this was considered part of her duties.^[4]

For many, formal schooling was simply unnecessary. The fine education they received at home and on the farm held them in good stead for the rest of their lives, and was supplemented with Bible reading and almanacs like Franklin’s Poor Richard’s.

Philadelphia also had many fine evening schools. In 1767, there were at least sixteen evening schools, catering mostly to the needs of Philadelphia’s hard-working German population. For the most part, the curriculum of these schools was confined to the teaching of English and vocations.^[5] There were also schools for women, blacks, and the poor. Anthony Benezet, a leader in colonial educational thought, pioneered in the education for women and Negroes. The provision of education for the poor was a favorite Quaker philanthropy. As one historian has pointed out, “the poor, both Quaker and non-Quaker, were allowed to attend without paying fees.”^[6]

A college education is something that very few of our forefathers wanted or needed. As a matter of fact, most of them were unimpressed by degrees or a university accent. They judged men by their character and by their experience. Moreover, many of our founding ‘fathers, such as George Washington, Patrick Henry, and Ben Franklin, did quite well without a college education. Yet for those who so desired it, usually young men aspiring to enter the ministry, university training was available. Unlike England, where the government had given Cambridge and Oxford a monopoly on the granting of degrees,^[7] there were nine colleges from which to choose.

Education is as important today as it has been since the settling of our nation. What a child learns in school at an early age shapes generations to come.

Before the left sought and succeeded in removing God from schools they had the goal of running the education system. With professors and teachers indoctrinating and pushing anti-American socialism and communism the left could take over American. Their plan requires government run public schools as the only option where they control the message. To be successful they must shut down private and charter schools and all homeschooling by any means possible.

The China virus lockdowns have caused a variety of harms according to reports and studies. Hunger, unemployment, Fear, Anxiety, Depression, Domestic Violence, Child Abuse, Suicide, and Homicides have skyrocketed since the China virus lockdowns began.  Indeed Homicide rates have exploded by double digits and experts blame school and church closings alongside the anti-police movement, reports the Wall Street Journal. (8)

It is time to support Homeschooling, Private and Charter schools and leave the socialist and communist indoctrination prevalent in public schools behind.

 

Reverend Paul N. Papas II is a Pastoral Counselor with Narrow Path Ministries (MA and AZ) and Founder of the Family Renewal Center (AZ) www.narrowpathministries.org and www.familyrenewalcenteraz.org

 

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1.   Clarence B. Carson has emphasized this point in his The American Tradition (Irvington- on-Hudson: The Foundation for Economic Education, Inc., 1964).

 

2.   Psalm 127:3.

 

3.   Romans 13.

 

4.   Ralph Walker, “Old Readers,” in Early American Life, October, 1980, p. 54

 

5.   Louis B. Wright, The Cultural Life of the American Colonies (New York: Harper and Row Pub., Inc., 1957), p. 109.

 

6.   Carl and Jessica Bridenbaugh, Rebels and Gentlemen (New York: Oxford University Press, 1982), p. 36.

 

7.   Ibid., p. 39.

 

 

8. https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2020/08/03/nolte-school-and-church-closings-anti-police-movement-blow-up-u-s-homicide-rate/

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Related

https://www.breitbart.com/clips/2020/08/08/gingrich-were-seeing-the-dumbing-down-of-america-for-three-generations/

 

The American Mind

By Reverend Paul N. Papas II

June 29, 2020

This month we celebrate victory over a hard fought battle against the best military of its time to win independence in order that we may have Life and Liberty, and pursue Happiness.

According to Jefferson: The “the object of the Declaration of Independence,” he wrote, was “not to find out new principles, or new arguments, never before thought of, not merely to say things which had never been said before; but to place before mankind the common sense of the subject, in terms so plain and firm as to command their assent, and to justify ourselves in the independent stand we are compelled to take. Neither aiming at originality of principle or sentiment, nor yet copied from any particular and previous writing, it was intended to be an expression of the American mind.”  

Jefferson restated these noble sentiments in the Declaration of Independence, simplifying the prose: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” (1)

Today’s battles include the tyranny of those who are attacking the First Amendment especially Free Speech and the Freedom of Religion. The Second Amendment is also in the attacker’s sights.

To put it mildly, there are some who have strayed from the founding principles of respecting “certain unalienable Rights… [such as] Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness” for all.  A certain combination of evil groups have banded together to try to turn our country into a third world nation.

First, there was the China virus attack which caused hurt, pain, and death from cabin fever, domestic violence, fear, anxiety, suicides and the catastrophic illness.

Then there is the invented word which has caused fear, pain, violence, and destruction of property since 1927. The word was invented in 1927 to browbeat dissenters of the communist ideology by Leon Trotsky and is still used today to shut down all nonconformists and businesses; the word is “racist” The destruction caused by and the misuse of the word “racist” is beyond measure and has become increasing vicious.

Since we can identify the perpetrators of this evil, it is incumbent upon us to stand up to these bullies and prosecute them for their appropriate crimes.

Bad apples can be found in many groups and organizations and they must be held accountable and if appropriate prosecuted as well.

Since we are a nation of laws, law and order must be reestablished in rogue areas.

And since we are a nation of laws, due process needs to be afforded to all, by all, without politically motivated knee jerk firings.

A close examination of the tactics of those trying to turn this country into a third world nation will reveal that they are using the communist playbook.

Fortunately we have some leaders, including the White House, who are leading the battle against the evil doers.

Together we will get back to the ‘American Mind’ that Thomas Jefferson wrote about, as we stand together against the bullies.

We know that good triumphs over evil. God is in charge. Let’s follow His lead.

Reverend Paul N. Papas II is a Pastoral Counselor with Narrow Path Ministries (MA and AZ) and Founder of the Family Renewal Center (AZ) www.narrowpathministries.org and www.familyrenewalcenteraz.org

(1) https://allthingsliberty.com/2013/03/thomas-jefferson-and-the-declaration-of-independence/

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Related

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https://narrowpathministries.wordpress.com/2020/06/30/gen-flynn-forces-of-evil-want-to-steal-our-freedom-in-the-dark-of-night-but-god-stands-with-us/

Andrew McCarthy: The rule of law is collapsing Innocent cops will be indicted and sentenced, not due to evidence, but jury intimidation

Catholic Priest Suspended for Sermon Condemning BLM’s Violence, Marxism and Destruction

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https://cnsnews.com/commentary/l-brent-bozell-iii/bozell-real-story-black-lives-matter-marxist-anti-family-radicals

https://cnsnews.com/commentary/bill-donohue/anti-religion-animus-behind-statue-toppling

https://cnsnews.com/article/national/susan-jones/black-voices-trump-advisor-warns-global-movement-destroy-united-states

Standing Tall Through It All

By Reverend Paul N. Papas II

April 18, 2020

 

For five years, from hospital to nursing home and back a few times, he was a model and inspiration to all those who ever thought of giving up. In high school he was known as ‘Smiley Jackson’. Even through it all he stood tall without a complaint. I had the privilege of speaking with him about the same time most mornings with no subjects off the table.

At one nursing home during the 2016 election, whether by walking, wheelchair, or by walker, he made sure that he looked in on every patient, even if it was just a wave or smile. I asked if him if he was running for mayor and he replied “Yes.”  After the election some nurses even called him Mayor.

Matthew was known for his gentle and kind spirit. His smile was infectious. He was an avid Boston Red Sox fan and followed all the Boston sports teams.

Playing Santa for the kids was his favorite Christmas honor. Actually Matthew loved anything Christmas.

Matthew was a devout Christian and an active member in the Brockton Greek Orthodox Church.

Mathew was a longtime, and well respected, employee of the Heights Crossing Assisted Living home in Brockton.

Matthew suffered a severe brain injury in 2015 and throughout his difficult rehabilitation he fully cooperated and never complained and achieved remarkable improvement.

Unfortunately the Coronavirus was a challenge he could not win. His journey in this life was much shorter than that for which we had hoped. At 61 he went to be with Jesus April 10, 2020.

Throughout these recent difficult medical times Matthew maintained his positive, friendly and gentle disposition.

“What started as a small group of families gathered around a kitchen table in 1979 (NAMI) has blossomed into the nation’s leading voice on mental health. Today, we are an association of more than 500 local affiliates who work in your community to raise awareness and provide support and education that was not previously available to those in need.”  https://www.nami.org/About-NAMI.

One kitchen table in Massachusetts that grew to more than 500 local affiliates was my mother’s with three other women. The impetus and inspiration for the kitchen table meetings was her son, my, brother, Matthew.

The usual onset for a mental illness for boys is in the late teens to early twenties. Matthew started showing signs in high school by hearing voices and writing about it. In the 1970s there was no internet, no organizations, and no support groups.

A few mothers started meeting to gather information which would help the mentally ill and their families cope.  I joined in the search; soon the meeting grew too large to meet in the house.

Another goal of the mostly mothers group was to educate the public, media, and lawmakers about mental illness and end the stigma associated with it. The original name chosen was AMI, Alliance for the Mentally Ill.

Through it all he stood tall. I told Matthew more than once that he was a great example for anyone to persevere, no matter how bad things seemed to be and his reply was always “Thank you”.

Matthew enjoyed a lot of successes at the “Club House” in Brockton, BAMSI http://www.bamsi.org . While I was the President of NAMI Greater Framingham, our local clubhouse in Marlborough called “Employment Options” www.employmentoptions.org was a shining example of how a clubhouse should be operated.

Another program which has been duplicated and worthy of review is the “Jail Diversion Program” program run by “The Advocates” https://www.advocates.org

Matthew never made it to Phoenix, however his spirit to stand tall through it all did.

Now its time for Matthew to continue to be an example for others to stand tall through it all, be the impetus and inspiration for a Club House in Phoenix, to be called “Matt’s Place”.

I won’t hear his morning greetings again. I will repeat his often said closing: “Go Red Sox!”

 

Reverend Paul N. Papas II is a Pastoral Counselor with Narrow Path Ministries (MA and AZ) and Founder of the Family Renewal Center (AZ) www.narrowpathministries.org and www.familyrenewalcenteraz.org

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Related

One Family’s Story Of Struggle

https://expose-news.com/2023/01/24/american-doctors-admitted-to-risking-lives-on-ventilators/

Turned Tragedy Into Triumph

By Reverend Paul N. Papas II

March 31, 2020

 

 

As a butterfly isn’t made overnight, neither are we what we become. What we are today is not what we were yesterday or will be tomorrow.

It takes four stages to become a butterfly: egg; caterpillar; chrysalis, then an adult butterfly.  To become a butterfly, a caterpillar first digests much of itself. But certain groups of cells survive, turning the soup into eyes, wings, antennae and other adult structures.

The cells in our bodies are dying and are being replaced all the time as our appearance gets older.

“The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly; it is dearness only that gives everything its value. I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress and grow.”
― Thomas Paine

On a sweltering day in his small Iowa town, Matt Gage dove into a pool. When he surfaced, his entire left side was useless.

Fortunately, the nine-year-old’s cousin was there to pull him from the water. At the hospital, the doctor diagnosed heat stroke. But after being transferred to the Mayo Clinic, Matt was whisked into emergency surgery with a different diagnosis, the kind usually reserved for the elderly. Matt had suffered not just heatstroke but an actual a stroke.

The prognosis was grim. The neurosurgeon didn’t expect Matt to wake up. If he did, he’d be a vegetable.

But Matt did wake up. The neurosurgeon told Matt he’d never be able to move his left side again. With the young boy’s dream of becoming the next Michael Jordan destroyed, he ignored his father’s urging to try to move his leg. “I can’t,” Matt would say.

Finally, his father confronted him. “Matt, what did ‘can’t’ ever do for you?” his father said. “If you say you can’t do it, you’re not gonna do it. If you don’t start believing in yourself and believing something can happen, that you can get better, then you’re gonna be in a wheelchair.”

He began to make progress. First, he moved his left leg. Then he moved his left arm. He started walking with a brace before leaving the hospital.

Although his left side had a limited range of motion, Matt eventually played basketball, ran a 5K, and even took up skiing. He became a professor and athletic trainer for various universities. He now gives hope to other young stroke victims and their families by showing them that they, too, can get married, have kids, and enjoy successful careers.

Matt believes God used his stroke to help others. If he could relive the moment that changed his life, he says, “Now, today, I would tell you that I wouldn’t want it any different.” (1)

“Somewhere in the world there is a defeat for everyone. Some are destroyed by defeat, and some made small and mean by victory. Greatness lives in one who triumphs equally over defeat and victory.”
― John Steinbeck, The Acts of King Arthur and His Noble Knights

“Have patience with all things but first with yourself. Never confuse your mistakes with your value as a human being. You are perfectly valuable, creative, worthwhile person simply because you exist. And no amount of triumphs or tribulations can ever change that.” ― Saint Frances de Sales

“Whatever troubles we may face, we can trust God to give us strength to triumph.”
― Lailah Gifty Akita

We are living in close quarters now as the wave of coronavirus weaves through different communities around the globe. None of us knows who will be affected next. We are in this together. Over the years we have drifted apart, not even knowing our neighbors. This is a good time to spend with your family, neighbors, and with God becoming our own butterfly.

Let’s call and write those whom we have left to ‘when we get the time’ today. Help everyone you can in anyway you can, making the load a little lighter for all of us.  We can accomplish more together than we can on our own.  Together we will make our community, state, and nation better than when we started this journey. We should see more butterflies as fruits of our labor soon.

 

Reverend Paul N. Papas II is a Pastoral Counselor with Narrow Path Ministries (MA and AZ) and Founder of the Family Renewal Center (AZ) www.narrowpathministries.org and www.familyrenewalcenteraz.org

 

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(1) https://listverse.com/2014/12/23/10-inspiring-stories-of-people-who-turned-tragedy-into-triumph/