Words for the Church for the Coming Times

 There has been a lot of talk about people prophesying about the last election. I do not consider myself having the gift of the Prophet. I wish it was because I was afraid of bringing reproach to the Lord by being wrong. But I'm afraid it is because I don't want to be made to look like a fool. In saying this, here are my thoughts

“This is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says to all the exiles I carried away from Jerusalem to Babylon:
‘Build houses and settle down. Plant gardens and eat their produce.
Take wives and have sons and daughters. Take wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Multiply there; do not decrease.
Seek the prosperity of the city to which I have sent you as exiles. Pray to the LORD on its behalf, for if it prospers, you too will prosper.’
For this is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: ‘Do not be deceived by the prophets and diviners among you, and do not listen to the dreams you elicit from them.
For they are falsely prophesying to you in My name; I have not sent them, declares the LORD." Jeremiah 29:4-9

We know that this is written for the Israelites taken captive to Babylon, but it brings with us today a word of encouragement. Although things have not worked out as we had prayed and the way some self-proclaimed prophets declared, The Lord is with us and we are to continue serving Him. In short, “Get about the Kingdom Business”.
Yes, we are concerned about the loss of freedoms. But losing guns, property, and material things may come to pass, One thing we can not lose and that is the Spirit of God.
There is much talk about civil war and fighting back. Nowhere in the New Testament does it speaks of early Christians fighting back against their persecutors. Some say that Jesus told His disciples to buy swords. Here is the references:

"Then Jesus asked them, “When I sent you out without purse or bag or sandals, did you lack anything?” “Nothing,” they answered.
“Now, however,” He told them, “the one with a purse should take it, and likewise, a bag; and the one without a sword should sell his cloak and buy one.
 For I tell you that this Scripture must be fulfilled in Me: ‘And He was numbered with the transgressors.’ For what is written about Me is reaching its fulfillment.”
So they said, “Look, Lord, here are two swords.” “That is enough,” He answered.
Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed Him."
(Luke 22:35-39)

Jesus said that two swords were enough was not instructions to prepare for war. What would two swords do against a mob? What will my little handgun do against law enforcement with body armor? Not a thing but get me killed.

Our strategy is to bring Glory to the Lord. The fight is spiritual.

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:12)
Can we bring glory to God by fighting and killing? All through the N.T., we are told to obey the government. Paul said these things under the persecution of Nero. The difference is that we do not give up our right to speech. We must proclaim truth (with facts). Proclaim the Good News at the same time you are uncovering the lies of others.

And dwell in the land with peace to others. 

“In everything, show yourself to be an example by doing good works. In your teaching show integrity, dignity, and wholesome speech that is above reproach, so that anyone who opposes us will be ashamed to have nothing bad to say about us. “ Titus 2:7-8
There it is, our guide.

People do not realize that everything we do reflects on the Lord Jesus. And that is our calling. That is our Kingdom Business. We are to walk out the coming years with good works, integrity, and dignity. Not as the world does but as Christ commands.
Go do your work and please God. As in the case of the exiles, Babylon was given 70 years to keep the captives. We do not know how long our life here will last but keep it faithfully.

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By Way of Appomattox

 I left my home in Alabam,
To fight with the boys of the 60th.
Like other natives of Pike County,
Who too fought against invaders galore.

 I never knew if I would make it back,
To the place I loved and called home.
Or like others, be buried in a burlap sack.
But now I’m on my way, by way of Appomattox.

We spent some time at Chickamauga,
And picnicked at Snodgrass Hill.
The main course was Union lead,
And canister shot was dessert.

I never knew if I would make it back,
To the place I loved and called home.
Or like most, be buried in a canvas sack.
But now I’m on my way, by way of Appomattox.

Present at Knoxville’s siege, Gracie’s boys in reserve.
We watched Ole Miss fall,
while General Braggs stood alone.
We never should have left his side.

Not knowing if I would make it back,
To where my loved ones back home,
Or would I be buried in a burlap sack.
But now, I’m on my way, by way of Appomattox.

When General Longstreet saw the mistake,
We rushed off to join with Braggs.
The enemy tried to stop us at Bean’s Station,
We paid their toll at a mighty high price.

 I never knew if I would make it back,
To the place I loved and called home.
Or be buried in a burlap sack.
But now I’m on my way, by way of Appomattox.

Wounded in a skirmish around Richmond,
Caused me to sit out Drury’s Bluff.
Then returned to Company A,
To fight our way to the courthouse.

I knew then that I would make it back,
To the place I loved and called home.
I did not die or get myself buried in a burlap sack.
But now I’m on my way, by way of Appomattox.

It was a long, long walk from Virginia to Alabam.
Caught a train and wagon when I could.
The cause was dead but I was alive.
I prayed I would make it back to the ones I love.

Making it back to my loved ones dear,
Remembering the trials the Lord had brought me through,
Knowing He also walked a long, long way to the cross,
Made my walk seem not near so hard.

Now I’m fighting another battle, One I know I’ll win.
Because He won the fight on the cross to set me free.
Now I’m on my way home to the Savior I love so dear.
Not by way of Appomattox, but by way of Calvary.

 In memory of: Private Edward Y.Martin
60th Alabama Regiment. Company A, 3rd Battalion Hillary’s legion.
And all of those who made the long trek back to their homes after the Civil War.

Memorial Day Post

Just wanted to remember some family on memorial day. Since MD started with our country remembering those who died during the Civil War, I would like to acknowledge two that gave their lives. I do not know if they had family to caring on so I'll do this to remember them.
Joel Brooks went off to war with five of his sons. He and my 2nd great grandfather returned to leave the line that I am from. But two Samuel's brothers did not.
Balaam Brooks of the 1st Al. Perote Guards was captured at Is. 10, survived Camp Randell and was killed at the siege of Port Hudson. Port Hudson was the last Confederate stronghold to fall on the Mississippi River and not Vicksburg. The Confederates got to the point they had to boil their shoe leather to eat in order to survive. Only after they got the news that Vicksburg fell did they surrender.He was killed before the end. As fare as I can tell his father Joel who's service was up went to Port Hudson to be with his boys and stayed for the siege. He is listed at the park that is there now but not listed in the official Alabama records.
Lucius D. Brooks of the 60th Al. was killed by a snipper at Petersburg, Va. The report says minnie ball which makes me think he was shot by a confederate, but let's stick with the official record.
Both of these I would like to remember. There are more details of their service but I let it go.
My father served in the navy was not in any war. And I take it MD is for those who died in war time.
To those who served , RIP
(All Direct bloodline to me exept 4 of Joel's sons)
Joel Brooks 1st. Al. Co.G
John Brooks s/o Joel 34th Al. Co. A & 60th Co. A
Lucious D. Brooks s/o Joel 60th Al. Co. B (Killed)
Andrew J. Brooks s/o Joel 1st. Al. Co.C (Missing)
Balaam Brooks s/o Joel 1st. Al. Co.C & B (Killed)
Samuel Brooks s/o Joel 1st. Al. Co.G
John E. Cook 1st. Al. Co.G
Edward Y. Martin 60th Al. Co. C
Elish W. Blankenship 33rd & 60th Al.
A. Matthew Grantham 1st Al. Co. I (Died POW)
J. Andrew Grantham 18th & 39th Al. (Died POW)
William R. Albrittion Provost Guard (Killed)
Jasper E. Barnes 3rd Reg. Hillard's Leg. 59th Al
Dempsy Cook 4th Reg. Ga. St. Trps Co. G

Black History Part 3: Andre' Cailloux and the Black Regiment

"Now", the flag sergeant cried,

"Through death and hell betide,

Let the whole nation see

If we are fit to be

Free in this land; or Ground

Down, Like the whining hound-

Bound with red stripes of pain

In our old chains again!"

Oh! What a shout there went

From the black regiment!

From "The Black Regiment" by George Henry Boker

In this 3rd part of my posts on Black History, I would like to tell of Capt. Andre' Cailloux and the Native Guards of La.
They were the first black regiment that was mustered in by the Union Army during the Civil War.
I am interested in these guys because of the connection that I have with them in history. My family fought at the siege of Port Hudson, La. during the war and one did not return. They were in the 1st Al. Vol. Reg. Inf.
They were with the troops from Arkansas had these men as their worthy foe.
The native guards charged the hill that the Alabamians and those from Arkansas held.
So great was their bravery that the confederates risked their lives to carry water to the wounded blacks on the fields. News of the attack and their bravery filled the northern papers. Making way for other blacks to be enlisted. Swelling the ranks of the Union.
But unknowing to the north, the south also took notice and many petitioned the Confederate congress to enlist slaves. Capt. W. C. Oates told congress that if his troops thought they were fighting to keep blacks enslaved, they would pack and go home. The south did start enlisting blacks but it was to late in the war.
Their actions also showed whites that blacks were not under-evolved humans and not more monkey than man.
That they could do what white man could do.
Too bad this lession was not remembered in later years during World War 1 and 2.

Andre' Cailloux was the Captain, who received his civil and military education in Paris, that lead the attack of the Native Guards. He advanced with his arm shattered from a shot and when he advanced forward a cannon shattered the rest of him. His bravery made history in making him the first Black officer killed in American History.

Links of interest:

Andre' Cailloux at Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andre_Cailloux

Article Commemorating Andre' Cailloux's Death at Port Hudson
http://www2.netdoor.com/~jgh/bravery.html

The Black Regiment by George Henry Boker
http://www.civilwarpoetry.org/union/battles/black-regiment.html

Port Hudson
http://www.nps.gov/history/nr/twhp/wwwlps/lessons/71hudson/71hudson.htm

Happy Birthday Robert E. Lee

Wanted to repost this article I orginaly did on 1/19/08 reminding everyone of a special day Jan. 19th

Happy Robert E. Lee's Birthday (Jan. 19th 1807),
Just wanted to remember one of the greatest leaders in US history on his birthday. My family tree is full of confederate soldiers, quite a few who made that long march from Appomattox back home. I would like to share the story of a news article that I've seen. It mentions a distant relative of mine. Second Cousin Four Times Removed Henry Harris Sasnett. The article tells how Henry acting as a scout for the south entered a confederate camp and was took prisoner. The solders thought he was a spy. After some time they called the Sr. Officer of the camp and he questioned him about the charge. After determining that he was innocent and a southern scout, the officer asked him to join him for a meal. Then they went their separate ways until the end of the war. Later in Jacksonville, Fla. the two meet again and Henry gave the officer a pair of new boots.
The officer later wrote Henry a thank you note for the boots. I saw a copy of this along with the news article. The note was sign Robert E. Lee.

This speaks of the character of the man. In the book "Christ In The Camp" by J. Williams Jones, Jones did a chapter on the General and wrote how he was an advid writer. He wrote everyone he could think of with thank you notes. This is amazing knowing the time he did not have to waste.
I saw a History channel doc one day (DVD I got for Christmas) and how the general was not beat but gave up to save lives. I seems his army was out of food and every train shipment that came to them was full of weapons but no food. He was commanded to retreat into the mountains and wage "Guerrilla War". This was something the Union was afraid would happen. This would prolong the war for years to come and cost many-many lives. He choose to surrender and help bring the war to and end. I believe He listened to the commander-in-chief of heaven and obeyed. Another story on the doc was that after the war. In the Va. church were many leaders attended. The blacks still sat in the back, but one day as the Pastor called people forward to receive communion, an elderly black man came forward and stood at the alter. After a couple of minutes awkwardness a gray haired gentleman came forward and stood beside the black man and took communion. The gentleman was Robert E. Lee. Then others came. General Lee spent the rest of his life trying to heal the division of North and South.

To our beloved General, Happy Birthday. You lost all you had, but gained a place in history and hearts.