“Goggles much?”

Without the Word of God, we all walk in darkness, i.e., goggles. However, many today intentionally reject God and choose to walk in darkness. Sadly, this is a self-imposed destruction. John 3:19-21 reads, “And the judgment is based on this fact: God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. (vs.20) All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. (vs.21) But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants.” (Read “I am God, and you are not!”)

Ever heard of “beer goggles”? It’s a playful expression used around bars and clubs to suggest that the more you drink, the better looking someone becomes. Also, to have on beer goggles is to suggest a distortion of reality and truth. That said, whenever our national holiday of Thanksgiving comes, I submit to you that growing masses of people – to include Christians – reveal their beer goggles.

My case in point. It is a gross distortion of reality and truth to posit:

a. “Happy Indigenous People’s Day!” Goggles, much? THANKSGIVING IS NOT ABOUT INDIGENOUS PEOPLE! Thanksgiving is about giving thanks to God! The early settlers were acknowledging and thanking God for His faithfulness, provision, and mercies. Thanksgiving was established to honor God and to express gratitude for His blessings upon them. Honestly, the so-called indigenous people should be falling on their faces before God and thanking Him for His grace and mercy and provision of salvation through Christ!

▪ Ps 107:1 Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!
▪ Col 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
▪ 1Thes 5:16-18 Rejoice evermore. (vs.17) Pray without ceasing. (vs.18) In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

b. “Europeans stole the land from the Indians!” Goggles, much? If this is true, and it’s not, who did the Indians get the land from? Who did the Indians steal it from? How many other tribes and people did they conquer, kill, and enslave to possess the land? Has it occurred to you that God had His hands in the formation of America? That God stood America up? And yet, godless criticisms about America abound. Bottom line: The earth and everything in it belongs to the LORD! Including the inhabitants!

▪ Ps 24:1 The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.
▪ Ac 17:26 From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands.

c. “Europeans destroyed rich, magnificent Indian culture!” Goggles, much? Admit it. Their culture was devoid of God. They were a godless people in need of introduction to God and salvation through Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.

▪ Php 2:10 So that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, (vs.11) and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
▪ Rev 15:4 Who will not fear you, Lord, and bring glory to your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous acts have been revealed.

d. “Europeans forced their religion on the natives!” Goggles, much? These natives needed salvation through Jesus Christ too. Masses of Europeans understood this, and they also understood the Great Commission from Jesus Christ to go into all the world and present the good news.

▪ Mk 16:15 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.”
▪ Ac 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses (martyrs) both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.

e. “Christopher Columbus was evil! Wish he never came here!” Goggles, much? At the very least, Columbus was trying to obey God and fulfill God’s calling on his life. Are you? However, Columbus was a Christian with a deep burden to serve the LORD. In great faith and obedience to Christ, Columbus risked everything to advance Christ. His name literally means “Christ-bearer” or “Light-bearer.” Was he perfect? No. Did he make mistakes? Of course. But he took a big swing at knowing and serving God. How about you? Goggles, much?

▪ Deu 10:12 And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in obedience to him, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.
▪ Ecc 12:13 Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.

f. “Happy Friendsgiving!” Goggles, much? There is no such thing as “Friendsgiving.” This label is just a sad and quite offensive attempt to not offend insignificant opinions of immature, godless people. But more importantly, it’s a slap to God’s face. It’s literally rejecting our duty to give the thanks to the LORD.

▪ Ps 105:1 Oh give thanks to the LORD, call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples. (vs.2) Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; Speak of all His wonders. (vs.3) Glory in His holy name; Let the heart of those who seek the LORD be glad. (vs.4) Seek the LORD and His strength; Seek His face continually. (vs.5) Remember His wonders which He has done, His marvels and the judgments uttered by His mouth,
▪ Ps 106:1 Praise the LORD. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.
▪ Rev 4:11 You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created all things, and they exist because you created what you pleased.
▪ Rev 7:12 They sang, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and strength belong to our God forever and ever! Amen.”
▪ Rev 19:1 After this I heard what sounded like the roar of a great multitude in heaven shouting: “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God!”

Prior to the arrival of Europeans/Christians – and the gospel – what was America like? The Americas were dark and uncivilized. These natives were godless. They worshipped animals and nature. They practiced evil traditions and demonic worship. Many tribes exercised dark, satanic rituals that included human sacrifices, infant sacrifices, torture, and cannibalism. Some even ate the hearts of their enemies. However, God-fearing and obedient people, called by Christ, forsook all and laid down their lives for these Natives. Many of these Christians were literally martyred for the gospel and their obedience to God. How many more infant sacrifices would’ve taken place had the LORD not begun intervening with His martyrs and missionaries?

Additional scriptures about “Light and Darkness”:

▪ 1Jn 1:5 This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in Him at all. (vs.6) So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness; we are not practicing the truth.
▪ Jn 1:4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. (vs.5) The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
▪ Pro 4:17 They eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence. (vs.18) The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day. (vs.19) But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble.
▪ Ac 26:17 I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them (vs.18) to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’
▪ Eph 5:10 Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. (vs.11) Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them. (vs.12) It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret. (vs.13) But their evil intentions will be exposed when the light shines on them, (vs.14) for the light makes everything visible. This is why it is said, “Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light.” (vs.15) So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. (vs.16) Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. (vs.17) Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.
▪ Col 1:13 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son.

During every Thanksgiving Day, make time to get before the LORD and thank Him for His provisions and mercies. Thanksgiving Day is about God, and no one else. And it’s right to give thanks and praise to the LORD! (1Thes 5:18)

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the lies!

This is a rejection of God! To ignore and replace a day that was set aside for concentrated gratitude towards our Creator is egregious. Americans should repent and return to the LORD. (Read “Woe to them that call evil good and good evil!”)

More lies! This is simply deception and manipulation! Stop allowing the insignificant opinions of immature, godless people prevent you from acknowledging and worshipping God for the founding of this nation. Watch “There Are Only Two Religions In the World: Either God is God, or Man is God” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytwsfT1tpYI&t=5s)

“we make disciples!”

Presently, we’re reading “Gehenna” by Paul Thigpen. It’s a modern-day translation of Dante’s Inferno and his description of Hell – the Three Levels and the Nine Circles. This night we examined the Neutrals (those who were neither good nor evil) and why they’re in hell. We also discussed the Lake of the Innocents, where aborted children spend a season in hell (not tormented) waiting to point out the parents who chose to murder them in the womb. Chilling! Watch “On a scale of 1-10, what kind of Christian are you?” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9oFn98CJCEY&t=5s)

Making disciples through strong apologetics! “Fix bayonets” are role-playing drills that pit Christians against Critics. We wrestle with modern-day philosophies that disagree with and deny Biblical truths. We search the scriptures to contend with these ungodly positions. Initially, these drills are uncomfortable, but they bear so much Kingdom fruit and maturity! (Read “We make disciples!”)

Daniela presenting a book report of “The Final Quest” by Rick Joyner – a glimpse into battles in the spirit realm. FYI: The degree to which you do NOT know the Word of God is the degree to which you are opinion-based. We strive greatly to gravitate from “opinion-based Christians” to “Word-based Christians.” This requires great humility and much discipline. (Read “By what authority do you speak?”)

Sandy and I are often described as “the ones who’ve left the ninety-nine for the one.” (Read Matthew 18:10-14) In this case, the “ninety-nine” represents the more central, populated area of Okinawa (Foster/Kadena). Schwab/Henoko represents the “one” because this area is northernmost and remote. Planting and building and sustaining a ministry in this area requires unorthodox faith, calling, labor, and commitment. Regardless, I’ve known for some time that I’ve been called to go places most Christians don’t want to go, to say things most Christians don’t want to say, and do things most Christians don’t want to do. It’s such a privilege to serve Christ. Make a Donation (https://cinami.org/missionary/guerra-nick-sandy/)

you can help us

In 1 Corinthians 9, the Apostle Paul addresses the issue of supporting those in ministry. He writes (vs.2) “for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.” He’s saying if you’ve benefitted from anything we’ve said or done (your growth, maturity, or discipleship), then you are proof that I’ve been sent by God. Further, he states (vs.11) “If I have sown spiritual things among you, is it too much if we reap material things from you? (vs.14) … the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel.” Paul presents that someone who works is entitled to receive from those who benefit from those works. This is Bible! However, it’s vital to also understand that, regardless of his right to demand payment, Paul said that he will always choose to preach the gospel for free because God has entrusted him with this stewardship. As I relate to this greatly, I ask that you give and support as the Lord directs you. Make a Donation (https://cinami.org/missionary/guerra-nick-sandy/)

in closing…

I believe this is November 2000 and possibly our last Marine Corps Ball. I met Sandy in late 1984. My, oh my, how we’ve lived and loved! Sandy and I have made so much history… and we’ve done it together… and with the LORD! What a privilege and blessing it is to have Sandy choose to love me, share her life with me, and walk with me. (Sigh) Father, if I haven’t said it lately, You gave Sandy to me and she’s perfect. Thank You, LORD. Watch “The Power of Words in Your Marriage” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2lti8smVn4&t=1s)

Saints, Sandy and I continue to covet your prayers. Your prayers remain powerful and precious to us!

Sandy and I press on and advance Christ every day. So many men and women are being confronted, challenged, offended, and yet ignited into the works of Christ! Hallelujah! On one hand it doesn’t make sense because it sounds offensive and off-putting and rude. But on the other hand, folks with hearts of wax melt at the unapologetic truths presented in the Bible. And this makes all the difference in the world. It’s not my eloquent words or persuasive arguments that convict and change hearts (1Cor 2:4). It’s the Word of God that penetrates and transforms! (Rom 12:1-2; Heb 4:12)

You can trust that as long as I have breath, I will be making disciples, regardless of the forum God grants us. We can use your help as financial support has decreased yet ministry demands seem to ever increase. You can partner with us in these works through your financial gifts and contributions. Donations can be made online through Christians In Action (https://cinami.org/missionary/guerra-nick-sandy/). Or, you can mail contributions to the address listed below.

I declare that, today, you join with the multitudes in heaven in declaring “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God!” (Rev 19:1)
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In His grace,
Nick & Sandy Guerra, Bond-servants of Christ

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