freedom

Remembering the Heroes

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Over two thousand years ago one man voluntarily gave His life for all the world. In Romans 5:7-8 we read “For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man, someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Our hope of eternal life was purchased by the blood of the Holy Son of God. This is something that I will choose to remember and never forget.

On April 19, 1775, in Lexington Massachusetts the first battle of the Revolutionary War took place. When the shooting ended and the smoke cleared, eight brave patriots lay dead. Their blood would join with the blood of many others as a priceless sacrifice to purchase our liberty.

Beginning with the eight men who died that day, about 3 million Americans have given their lives in the service of this great Nation. When I see the blood-red stripes on Old Glory, I am reminded that I must always remember and never forget the soldiers who died so that I might be free.

3 million is not just a number. It is a 19-year-old boy who will never see 20. It is a young father who will never hold his daughter. It is a young wife weeping over a flag-draped coffin. It is a mother hugging a folded flag to her breast. It is an old man burying his pride and joy. It is the sound of taps floating over the hills and valleys of this great land. It is a reminder that while freedom is a gift from God, it is not free. I will always remember and never forget that my freedom was purchased with the blood of American soldiers.

Abraham Lincoln once said, “ Any nation that does not honor its heroes will not long endure.” As Christians, we must honor Jesus who gave His life that we might live. As Americans, we must honor those who died so that we might live in freedom. On Memorial Day we are reminded to always remember and never forget that our God-given rights of Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness have been sealed by the blood of many great American heroes.

Douglas & Deborah Huff

From Down Where The Pavement Ends

The Birds and Bugs Still Sing

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Early morning is best. I sit on my back porch to read, write and visit with God. Even though it is going to be hot today the air is still cool. While the breeze whispers a peaceful melody the birds and bugs sing the lyrics of creation. I can almost imagine that the world is at peace. However, the sound of a jet overhead reminds me that a great big stupid world is never far away.

I don’t know who said it but I once read that government is a necessary evil. It is necessary because men need to be governed or there will be anarchy. It is evil because people with authority always crave more authority. Government has an insatiable appetite for growth and its food is the well-being of the governed. Authority must be limited because a large and unlimited government is worse than no government at all.

As Christians, we are told to pray for those in authority so that we may live in peace. We must obey God. However, there has never been a time without strife or war somewhere. Does this mean that God ignores our prayers? Of course not! You see, peace is not the absence of war. Peace is the presence of God and the knowledge that your eternal soul is safe even if your mortal body is not.

Yes, God told us to pray for those in authority but He never told us to trust them. Often world leaders will gather together for council. But these planning sessions are never for the good of the people. They are only seeking to perpetuate their power. However, if we trust in God’s holy name we know that He will frustrate their plans. The Word of the Lord will stand forever and no weapon formed against Him will prosper.

The eyes of God are on those who fear Him. If our hope is in His mercy, He will deliver our souls from death and protect us in times of trouble. If we entangle our hearts in God’s strength, He will be our help and shield. So, when the heathen rage and the nations plot vain things let not your heart be troubled. Listen; the birds and the bugs are still singing because they know, our God still reigns.

Douglas Huff

Down Where the Pavement Ends

Mighty Men Of Valor

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In 1 Chronicles, the Bible speaks of Mighty Men of Valor. These men loved their families, their nation, and their God. They were willing to fight and die for their families and their faith

In America, we have our own Mighty Men of Valor. For many generations, brave American soldiers have laid down their lives for our freedoms. And we owe a huge debt of gratitude to all the men and women who have sacrificed so dearly.

In a nursing home, a sweet lady spoke of her brother who died in World War 2. For many years her heart still ached and her tears honored her brother. She told me about the darkness of the bright sunshine when she learned that he was not coming home. I told her that her brother was a hero. And the truth is he was a Mighty Man of Valor.

I once worked with a man who served his country in World War 2, Korea, and Vietnam. He told about marching thru Europe when just a few feet away his buddy was obliterated by a mortar round. Years later in Vietnam, he was much older than most soldiers. As the helicopter landed, they jumped out running toward the enemy. Each soldier carried a heavy pack. Because of his age and the weight of his pack, he stumbled and fell. A black soldier stopped and picked up his pack and carried it along with his own. His story revealed the truth that when the bullets are flying there is no skin color among brothers who are Mighty Men of Valor.

Another Mighty man of Valor was my neighbor Mr. Thomas Rhodes. Like many true-life heroes, he was a gentle man who worked hard and never said much. It was only after he died that I learned that he had been a German prisoner of war in World War 2.

We have much to be thankful for. We set freely in our churches, worshiping without fear. We go to the polls and vote, without fear. We travel wherever we wish without fear. We live in the greatest country in the world and we are the most blessed people in the world.

So, with humble gratitude, I honor the great American heroes who are our own Mighty Men of Valor.

Douglas & Deborah Huff

From Down Where the Pavement Ends

The Bird

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There was a bird in the shop the other day. It flew in and immediately flew up to the ceiling. Thinking that the white ceiling was the sky, it kept flying against it. Not wanting him in there, I tried to shoo him out the door. However, to go out the door, he had to fly low. But it was his instinct to fly high. Instead of going out, he kept bumping against an artificial sky which was the ceiling. All day he flew back and forth, trapped because he would not lower himself to go through the door.

The bird reminds me of human nature. So often we become trapped by our foolishness. Refusing to humble ourselves we keep bumping against an artificial sky of our own making. We rush back and forth trying to find freedom, but on our own, we can never be successful.

God wants to show you the way. But you must swallow your pride and humbly kneel in prayer. Freedom can be yours and problems can be overcome if you are willing to do things God’s way. But you have to stop doing life your way.

Do you know how I finally got the bird out? Well, I turned the lights off and shut the door. Birds will not fly in darkness. I then open the door a tiny bit. This caused a small sliver of light to shine on the ceiling. The bird then began to flutter in that small patch of light. He was afraid of the dark and was drawn to the light. Then I took the ladder climbed to where he was and caught him in my hand. Then I took him outside and released him to real freedom.

So often it seems that darkness is driving us into a corner. In the darkness are you not drawn to a ray of light? When the world is dark Jesus is the light. If we will fly to the light, He will take us into His hands and release us into true freedom. Do you believe this? Do you trust Him? He is our only hope.

“Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” John 8:12 NKJV

Douglas & Deborah Huff

Freedom, Precious Freedom

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I recently acquired some chickens. Seven fat hens. I am responsible for their safety, so I built a secure pen for them. It has a top to keep out hawks and is reinforced around the bottom to keep out varmints. Daily I make sure they have fresh water and plenty of food. They are safe, well-fed, and have a warm dry coop to sleep in. Everything a chicken could want.

Everything a chicken could want, except they want out. Whenever I go to feed them, they are standing at the gate hoping I will let them out. They are glad to exchange the free food for food they can find for themselves. They are also happy to swap the safety of the enclosed pen for the wide-open freedom of the yard. When a hawk flies over they hide under a bush and when a varmint comes around they fly into a tree. They don’t need me to take care of them. They are willing to take care of themselves.

It occurs to me that my chickens are exhibiting the true American spirit. True Americans don’t sit around waiting to be fed, they take care of themselves. True Americans will not trade freedom for safety. True Americans will not be told when, where, and how to worship. They will worship how, where, and when the God of all creation calls them. True Americans don’t depend on the government but will lift their eyes unto God in whom they have placed their trust.

The Declaration of Independence declares that it is evident that we are endowed by the Creator with the rights of Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. It appears that many people are willing to trade these rights for the dubious promises of corrupt politicians. I am not! I know that Jesus Christ died on the cross to free me from my sin. And brave soldiers died on the battlefield so I can live in freedom. Satan cannot steal my salvation and I will not sell my liberty. I will stand fast in the liberty by which Christ has made me free, and will not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. I was set free to live in freedom and I will be free.

Douglas & Deborah Huff

Pavement Ends Ministry

Thanksgiving

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I love Thanksgiving. Families spend time together and there’s always plenty of turkey, dressing and gravy. Thanksgiving comes at the best time of the year. I love the falling leaves, the cool days, the cold nights and the smell of smoke from someone’s fireplace. I love Thanksgiving for many reasons, but most of all I love the fact that grateful people are giving thanks to our good and gracious God.

In First Thessalonians, Paul the Apostle teaches us about thanksgiving. He begins by showing us that we should give thanks always for one another. We should be thankful for our churches, church leaders and our pastors. As we thank God for our friends and loved ones, we should also constantly lift each other up in prayer.

The Word of God tells us that it is His will that we should give thanks in everything. Now, I do not think that God is insisting that we give thanks for all things because there are some things that we are just not going to be thankful for. However, God has promised never to leave us or forsake us. Therefore, no matter what circumstance we are in, we can always give thanks because we know that God is in it with us.

The Bible teaches that we are to rejoice always, because there is always joy to be found in Jesus. We should pray without ceasing, because we have a God who never ceases to listen to our prayers. In everything we can give thanks, because God is victorious over all things.

I love Thanksgiving because on this day and every day, I know that my gracious God is worthy of all my gratitude.

Douglas & Deborah Huff

From Down Where the Pavement Ends

Whooping the Okra

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Okra, I’m glad it grows where I live. It is one of my favorite foods. It tastes good no matter how you cook it, and it is good for you. You plant it in the spring and it will keep producing until the first frost of the fall. However, during the mid-growing season, it might stop producing. When this happens, my Nanny would say the Okra needs a good whooping.

A whooping! What did that mean? It is simple really. As an okra stalk grows it always produces at the top of the plant. Even though it is not producing any okra the bottom of the plant still has the old leaves. These old leaves are useless but they draw nutrients from the stalk and this prevents the plant from making tender okra at the top. So, my Nanny would take a brush broom and knock the old leaves off. The okra would then begin producing again.

Usually here is where I would begin a spiritual analogy. However, this is not a spiritual lesson, it is a civics lesson. You see the United States of America was designed to produce. With the natural resources that we have, we could and should be completely independent of the rest of the world. This great land can produce everything that we, the American citizens need.

However, most elected politicians are like old okra leaves. They do no good and only hinder our great country. They have turned the government into a giant money laundering scheme to pad their evil egos. For example, no federal program or department ever accomplishes anything and they never go away. They were not designed to accomplish anything they were only designed to perpetually line the pockets of career politicians.

The politicians and the so-called news media constantly treat Americans like mushrooms, they want to keep us in the dark and feed us crap. They tell you that the programs and departments are for your good. They say that the government will protect you and provide for your every need. With governmental smoke and mirrors, they promise to defend your civil rights while behind your backs they decimate the Constitution. As long as they can convince gullible idiots to vote for them, they will get away with it.

The treasonous traitors in Washington DC have sold our birthright for their profit. The nation’s capital is full of bottom-feeding, nutrient-sucking parasites. It is time for God-fearing American citizens to take a brush broom to Washington DC and give it a good whooping.

Douglas Huff

From Down Where the Pavement Ends

In Honor of Veterans Day

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“Thank you for your service.” We always mean well when we say this but I have noticed many veterans seem to be embarrassed by the recognition. It is as if they would say,” I was just doing my job”. Yes, they had a job to do and they did it well. Veteran’s Day and everyday a grateful nation says thank you for a job well done. Myself, I will always be proud to be an American where at least I know I’m free and I will never forget those of you who served so faithfully to preserve that right for me.

This devotion is an audio podcast. In it I wish to say thank you and honor all brave Veterans who served our nation so faithfully. Please Click the link below to listem

https://podpoint.com/pavement-ends-ministry/in-honor-of-veterans-day?fbclid=IwAR1KSo1g3ku5FiscoCTVgaXVhZ1hWB5llj6WHHd6rQD4fkQsAbp_OitNpu4#

Do It Again Lord

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Do it Again Lord

Lord, once there were people who were told by their government how they must worship. They were told who they would serve and what their doctrines would be. But You stirred their hearts and they rose up in defiance of the tyrannical rulers. They bravely risked their lives and sacrificed all they had for religious freedom.

Lord, once again we find ourselves oppressed by a government who would tell us how we must worship, who we will serve and what our doctrines will be. Lord you once stirred the hearts of your people to rise up in defiance of an unjust government, My prayer today is that you will do it again Lord

Lord, this great nation was born when men were stirred to fight for their Independence and freedom. Brave men realized that they were endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights. Lord you stirred the hearts of these brave men to stand up to despotism and demand the right to live in a land of truth, justice and righteousness. Today I beg you Lord, please do it again!

Lord, once you raised up great men to lead this nation. These men were not politicians who could be bought or swayed by vagrant ideologies. No, truly great leaders are valiant statesmen who stand on Biblical principles and refuse to be bought or bullied by ungodly men or entities. Lord you once raised up true leaders to guide this nation, please Lord do it again.

Lord, you once raised up prophetic men who were unafraid to stand before evil and corrupt leaders and proclaim , “Thus says the Lord’. Heavenly Father we once again need a Moses to say, “Let my people go”. Once again we need an Elijah to challenge the false gods and the evil Jezebels of today. Once again we need a Nathan who will stand before the nation’s leaders and say, “be sure you sins will find you out”. Once again we need a Jeremiah who will weep over this broken nation as he boldly proclaims a truth that burns in his bones. Once again we need a man like John the Baptist who will shout loudly, “Repent, because the Kingdom of God is at hand” Lord you raised these men up once, today I beg You please do again.

Lord, in past centuries you stirred the hearts of common people to call out to you and from these stirrings great awakenings were born. During these times of revival, fearless evangelist thundered across this land preaching that you must be born again. They proclaimed the truth of God’s word and did not hesitate to call evil, evil and sin, sin. Lord, we desperately need for You to do it again

Lord, once you made this nation great. But now we wallow in sin. The cesspool of sodomy is forced on us by evil men. Right is called wrong and wrong is called right. Today righteous people are ridiculed and perverted people are celebrated. How long Lord will you strive with wicked men.

Lord, you have told us that we who are your people must humble ourselves and pray, and that if we will turn from our wicked ways, then you will hear from heaven and heal our land.

Lord you once made this nation great; it is my humble prayer that you will please do it again.

Douglas Huff

From Down Where The Pavement Ends