Tag: protesters

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CLARITY – 9-28-20 The Question Is: Who Was Disorderly?

 CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events – 9-28-20

The Question Is: Who Was Disorderly?

What’s Happening: “This time it was the police doing the disturbing, if you talked to bystanders, diners, and Molly Dillon, policy adviser to State Senator Alessandra Biaggi who observed the whole scene. Originally police were called and responded to reports of protesters blocking traffic, but there was reportedly no one in the street when the 100-200 police officers rushed the crowd, arresting twelve, eight of them receiving summons for disorderly conduct. The good news was that there was no violence…on the part of the protesters, or the police (https://www.yahoo.com/news/nypd-officers-charge-small-group-180424670.html). Quoting from the NBC News article: ‘The police department said in a statement that ‘a group of roughly 150 demonstrators came to the 6th precinct and blocked traffic’ and that officers took people into custody ‘after multiple warnings to clear the sidewalk. Brad Hoylman, a state senator from Manhattan, said his office was in touch with police about the use of force.’”

Knee-Jerk Response:  “I guess they were in the wrong place at the wrong time, huh?”

Biblical Response:  “It depends on who ‘they’ are. If the police, then they were just responding to a call…there may have been people in the streets previously. If you are talking about the protesters, perhaps they should have kept to the areas permitted for protesting…and apparently that does not include the street or the restaurants. If you are talking about the diners…surely they were only there to eat.”

“Disorderly Conduct and Disturbing the Peace are real crimes and have real penalties and are based on our preference for a peaceable society (1 Cor. 14:40).”

“Christians? Oh, we believe in order and decency (as the above scripture might indicate, though some would argue it was taken out of context). In any case, we need to submit to governmental authorities (1 Pet. 2:13; Rom. 13:1).” 

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, help us to ‘bend our knee’ realizing, ultimately, that all legitimate authority comes from You; in Jesus’ Name, amen.

Share as you like -just give appropriate credit. For buying any of Alan E. Sargent’s books or to subscribe or to comment on any of his CLARITY blogs, go to the following link: http://subdeo.com.’ If he’s not in Twitter/Facebook/Email jail, he also tweets/posts.

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CLARITY – 9-4-20 Wake-Up Call

CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events – 9-4-20

Wake-Up Call

What’s Happening: “The Associated Press, in an article that appeared yesterday, reported the shooting death in Portland by authorities of Michael Forest Reinoehl, 48, as he pulled a gun in an attempt to arrest him as the prime suspect in the shooting death of Aaron ‘Jay’ Danielson, 39, a right-wing protester. The article detailed other felonious acts Reinoehl had been involved in which did not depict him as a good father – one was where he raced his 17-year-old son at speeds in excess of 110 mph. Maybe this will be a wake-up call https://www.yahoo.com/news/ap-source-suspect-portland-death-041327415.html). ‘The violence must stop,’ Oregon Gov. Kate Brown wrote. ‘There is no place for white supremacy or vigilantism in Oregon. All who perpetrate violent crimes must be held equally accountable.’

Knee-Jerk Response:  “Wow! 100 days of violence!”

Biblical Response:  “Yeah…the image I get is of a Gov. who expects the violence to end just because she said petulantly, ‘Now you stop that…’Force has to be met with force. As far as parenting is concerned, Reinoehl will not get to get a posthumous ‘Father-of-the-Year’ award. Folly has its consequences (Prov 22:3; Gal. 6:7) Sad that his son might not see the death of his father as a timely warning. I guess we can pray that the Lord, Who is patient beyond belief, will send someone his way to tell him of the Truth…before it’s too late.”

What will come of the violence seen in America today? It will escalate until the people demand that something be done about it. It is interesting to note that all the cities where protests end in violence are headed by Democrat Mayors. Hmmmm…”

“Christians? We believe that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction…sounds like Newton’s third law of thermodynamics…kind of secular, you say. Of course, that might be before you find that Isaac Newton wrote more on theology than he ever did on science. Maybe this is a wake-up call for many.”

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, help us to wake up to what’s happening and be a part of the solution, rather than a part of the problem; in Jesus’ Name, amen.

Share as you like -just give appropriate credit. For buying any of Alan E. Sargent’s books or to subscribe or to comment on any of his CLARITY blogs, go to the following link: http://subdeo.com.’ If he’s not in Twitter/Facebook/Email jail, he also tweets/posts.

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CLARITY – 8-24-20 Mobs vs. Courts

CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events – 8-24-20

Mob vs. Courts

What’s Happening: “Jacob Blake, a black man in Kenosha, Wisconsin, identified by Gov. Tony Evers, was shot by police (seven shots can be heard on the video) earlier today (after midnight last night), and is in serious condition in a hospital in Milwaukee. The officers, unidentified, have been put on administrative leave pending an investigation by the DOJ, but hundreds of protesters shouting ‘no justice, no peace’ took to the streets, prompting a curfew being declared by Kenosha County from 10:15p.m. until 7:00a.m. Quoting from the article appearing today on USA Today: ‘DCI is leading this investigation and is assisted by Wisconsin State Patrol and Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office,’ the  DOJ said.’ Blake was transported from the scene by a lifeflight helicopter (https://www.yahoo.com/news/officer-involved-shooting-wisconsin-captured-033521744.html). Although a ‘rush to judgment’ is common in these incidents, it is hoped that the citizenry will let an investigation proceed…but we are in the shadow of the Geoge Floyd incident.”  

Knee-Jerk Response:  “Great! Here we go again…”

Biblical Response:  “Yeah, it doesn’t help that the Governor of Wisconsin is a liberal Democrat. Mob rule has turned the clock back on criminal justice to the days of the Wild West, where what was decided in the courts didn’t matter much, in dozen of cities in America mayored by Democrats exclusively. I just hope this matter is investigated and makes the courts. The rule of law  must prevail…or chaos will…and that’s not good. Read what the Bible has to say:

‘When the righteous  increase, the  people rejoice, but when a wicked man rules,  people groan.’ (Prov. 29:2 NASU)”

“What is mob rule, but rule of the wicked? We have a court system; let’s get all the facts and let a jury of peers decide…not rule by might.”

“Christians? We believe that the people should be in submission to authority (1 Pet. 2:13-17; Rom. 13:1-4). Anarchy and chaos are tools of the enemy.”

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, we need peace in our streets and a return to a Christian consensus. We need another Great Awakening (2 Chron. 7:14); in Jesus’ Name, amen.

Share as you like – just give appropriate credit. For buying any of Alan E. Sargent’s books or to subscribe or to comment on any of his CLARITY blogs, go to the following link: http://subdeo.com.’ If he’s not in Twitter/Facebook/Email jail, he also tweets/posts.

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CLARITY – 6-24-20 Deeds of the Flesh

CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events – 6-24-20

Deeds of the Flesh

What’s Happening: “Madison, Wisconsin, the capital of the state, was the site Tuesday of mayhem that resulted in the assault of State Senator Tim Carpenter, after he stopped to take a photo of the protesters. They were alternatively protesting the death of black man George Floyd in Minneapolis at the hands of the police and the arrest of one of their crowd earlier. Senator Carpenter described his assaulters as a bunch of ‘thugs’ who hit him a half a dozen times and kicked him in the head. Protesters broke glass at the Tommy Thompson Center, broke the windows of the Dane County jail and toppled statues…some who fought for the Union. Protesters did not stop their rampage until police arrived at 1:00am. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester) wondered why Gov. Tony Evers didn’t do anything (https://www.yahoo.com/news/madison-protesters-tear-down-capitol-072209491.html). ‘This is absolutely despicable. I am saddened at the cowardice of Madison officials to deal with these thugs,’ Speaker Vos tweeted.”

Knee-Jerk Response:  “A State Senator! What is America coming to?!” 

Biblical Response:  “Anarchy…which is what happens in a country without a Christian consensus. The ‘deeds of the flesh’ (Gal. 5:19) are now our default. And it shouldn’t surprise us. To show self-control when you are angry over injustice only comes when you are controlled by the Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:22). And, this is the price of a society, when you’ve taken prayer and the Bible out of public schools (Engel v. Vitale – 1962), and higher education has been taken over by secular humanism. We can expect things to get worse before it gets better. Do I believe that we are headed back to a peaceable society? Yes, eventually, but I don’t know how many assaults, arson burnings, riots, or other violence lies ahead, first. And, things don’t change automatically.”

 “Christians?  We believe that the only thing that can help men is a nature change (1 Pet. 3:4). We must go from the control of the ‘deed of the flesh’ to the ‘fruit of the Spirit’ (Gal. 5:19-23):

‘Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality,

idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. (NASU)

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, show us, specifically, what we must do to get to that Christian consensus we seek…and the societal sanity it will  yield; in Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Share as you like, just give credit appropriately. For buying any of Alan E. Sargent’s books or to subscribe or to comment on any of his CLARITY blogs, go to the following link: http://subdeo.com.’ If he’s not in Twitter/Facebook/Email jail, he also tweets/posts.

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CLARITY- 6-23-20 Right or Wrong

CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events – 6-23-20

Right or Wrong

What’s Happening: “A class action lawsuit filed earlier this month was amended this week alleging BLM protesters, as they marched to register their complaint June 6, about the death of George Floyd on May 25, were the victims of excessive force by the LAPD, firing rubber bullets giving some of them permanent injuries. Several of the protesters were still dealing with the injuries they sustained weeks later…a fractured jaw, still-visible injury, nerve damage. 3,000 were arrested and some are suing for compensatory damages over unlawful detainment. Techniques employed since 1990 were used and the BLM crowd is none too happy about it (https://www.yahoo.com/news/protesters-join-class-action-lawsuit-060758591.html). Quoting the INSIDER article by Charles Davis: ‘An LAPD spokesperson did not immediately return a request for comment. But Capt. Gisselle Espinoza earlier told the Los Angeles Times that the department was ‘fully committed to investigating every allegation of misconduct or excessive force related to the recent protests.’”

Knee-Jerk Response:  “I thought every American had a right to protest!”

Biblical Response:  “Yeah, sort of. I mean, that is what the first amendment says…free peech, and all…except for us there is a higher law. It’s expressed well in Romans, Chapter 14:

“One person regards one day above another, another regards every day alike. Each person must be fully convinced in his own mind. He who observes the day, observes it for the Lord, and he who eats, does so for the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who eats not, for the Lord he does not eat, and gives thanks to God. For not one of us lives for himself, and not one dies for himself; for if we live, we live for the Lord, or if we die, we die for the Lord; therefore whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.” (Romans 14:5-8 NASU)

Doesn’t leave much wiggle room, does it? Maybe if more of us Christian lived this way we’d be the ‘peculiar people’ (1 Peter 2:9; Titus 2:14) the Bible talks about.”

“Christians?  Our identity as Christians comes before our identity as Americans. As much as we should love our country, we should remember we are just passing through…our real citizenship is in heaven (Eph.3:20; Phil. 2:19). We are partakers of a heavenly kingdom, an eternal home (2 Tim. 4:18).”

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, help us to realize that we are not from here …and to act like it in Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Share as you like, just give credit appropriately. For buying any of Alan E. Sargent’s books or to subscribe or to comment on any of his CLARITY blogs, go to the following link: http://subdeo.com.’ If he’s not in Twitter/Facebook/Email jail, he also tweets/posts.

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CLARITY – 6-17-20 Chaos vs. Strength

CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events – 6-17-20

Chaos vs. Strength

What’s Happening: “Bethel, Ohio, normally a peaceful small town (3,000 inhabitants, mostly white) became a city full of chaos on Sunday as anti-protesters clashed with BLM protesters. It could have become more violent, but with all the six cops the town had and the nine cops from the county, the peace-keepers were just not prepared…which was probably a good thing. There were many postings on Facebook, with accompanying videos, that probably were set up by one side or the other in an attempt to pick a fight. Confusion reigned, the protesters message was dampened by the anti-protesters and another media-made-moment fizzled…at least that’s how I see it (https://www.yahoo.com/news/violent-counter-protesters-mobbed-small-193200016.html). Is the presence of a show of force a good thing? Sometimes. It can be an over-reaction that only escalates. The lack of a proper ‘overwhelming force’ seems to have been a different kind of leadership this time.”

Knee-Jerk Response:  “Surely the media didn’t want it to turn violent!”

Biblical Response:  “Perhaps not, though their attempt to make a story of this is telling. I mean, no one was arrested. No one was taken to the hospital. No fires…no rioting…no looting. Only a few encounters…which the media tried to make much of… This bring to mind a scripture that describes it perfectly:

‘When the country is in chaos, everybody has a plan to fix it —  But it takes a leader of real understanding to straighten things out.’ (Prov. 28:2 MSG)”

“I’m not saying Trump is that leader…I’m not say he isn’t. I’m just saying we need to remember it’s all about ratings…what the media can charge advertisers.”

“Christians?  We believe the enemy is all about confusion and chaos…ultimately to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10). But the good news is, God has an agenda, too…and His prevails (the last part of the aforementioned scripture).”

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, help us to project strength, but in a measured response, not an overwhelming reaction; in Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Share as you like, just give credit appropriately. For buying any of Alan E. Sargent’s books or to subscribe or to comment on any of his CLARITY blogs, go to the following link: http://subdeo.com.’ If he’s not in Twitter/Facebook/Email jail, he also tweets/posts.

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CLARITY – 6-5-20 Quandary of Authority

CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events – 6-5-20

Quandary of Authority

What’s Happening: “The latest incident, that of an NYPD SUV police car ploughing into a crowd of protesters, hasn’t helped the NYPD reputation…or for hundreds of other policing forces across America. Then, as if to add insult to injury, Mayor Bill de Blasio said referring to the incident, ‘I do believe the NYPD acted appropriately.’ Being elected in 2013 largely on his progressive promise to stop the controversial ‘stop-and-frisk’ policy, social media then lit up. The article in The Guardian, yesterday, was not too complimentary and gave a long list of incidents of what author Ed Pilkington termed police brutality. In training, however, the police are taught to defend themselves with ‘helmet and baton’ and ‘do not hesitate to utilize that equipment in securing your personal safety.’ The dilemma for a cop in America is to represent authority and the rule of law…gently. However, as any cop will tell you, it is often not a gentle business (https://news.yahoo.com/york-police-seconds-restore-reputation-090002496.html). Quoting from the article: ‘Wong (attorney for the Cop Accountability Project [CAP] within the Legal Aid Society) believes such endemic deployment of excessive force has spilled over into the NYPD’s handling of the George Floyd protests. She was present at a peaceful protest in Brooklyn that suddenly turned volatile not because of the behavior of protesters, but by a sudden change of tack on the part of the police.’”

Knee-Jerk Response:  “As long as they don’t put a knee on my neck or employ a choke hold…!”

Biblical Response:  “Both George Floyd’s and Eric Garner’s early demise at cop’s hands were truly tragic. And justice will be had…here or there (Heb. 9:27). Still, it doesn’t lessen the authority’s quandary of using enough force to be emphatic and keep folks safe, but not so much as to be abusive (2 Tim, 2:24-25)…all on a salary that some would consider laughable. (It reminds me of my wife’s chosen profession: that of a teacher…little salary, great reward; obviously, she doesn’t do it for the money.)

“Christians? Our calling is equally impossible. We have to represent an Authority that is just…and merciful. Thankfully, we have the Holy Spirit. He makes the impossible possible. Now there’s a thought. What if we were to make being born again a prerequisite for police applications? Hmmm… Just a thought.”

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, help us to find that delicate balance that demonstrates the dual nature of Your love; in Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Share as you like, just give credit appropriately. For buying any of Alan E. Sargent’s books or to subscribe or to comment on any of his CLARITY blogs, go to the following link: http://subdeo.com.’ If he’s not in Twitter/Facebook/Email jail, he also tweets/posts.

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CLARITY – 6-1-20 Restraint Will Win

CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events – 6-1-20

Restraint Will Win

What’s Happening: “Another night of violence swept across many of the nation’s major cities last night, though peaceful protests out-numbered looting and fires. In Minneapolis, the site a week ago of the tragic death of black George Floyd, under arrest and handcuffed, there were mostly peaceful protests, though there were significant exceptions. There were over 4,400 arrests nationwide, according to an Associated Press tally, and many cities were under an 8:00pm curfew order. Across the street from the White House a Park Service building appeared to be on fire, but D.C. firemen quickly extinguished the flames. Some governors have called out the National Guard in their states…other governors have threatened that… (https://www.yahoo.com/news/minneapolis-other-major-cities-face-234559456.html). Quoting the NBC News article earlier today: ‘Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms announced Sunday that two police officers had been fired in connection with their involvement in the arrests of college students who were recorded on video being pulled from their car. Three officers were put on desk duty pending an investigation, Bottoms and Police Chief Erika Shields said at a news conference.  ‘I am genuinely sorry,’ Shields said. ‘This is not what we are about.’”

”

Knee-Jerk Response:  “My guess is that the rioters are not social distancing…”

Biblical Response:  “Probably not…and the masks they wear are more to protect identity than thwart infection. It seems that the rioters are more concerned with looting, fires and vandalism than they are real social change or anger over racism by authorities….and the coronavirus takes even lesser concern. The designation of Antifa as a domestic terrorist organization by the President may stymie the financial input of those who want to foment division in the country…but only temporarily.”

“The answer right now may be restraint as ‘a soft answer turns away wrath’ (Prov. 15:1). People are angry at racism and justifiably so. But REAL change will only come as folks are allowed to express themselves PEACEFULLY…the looting, fires and vandalism are only expressions of immaturity…or crude attempts by power brokers at co-opting ‘better angels.’ Authority should not react to anger, but dispassionately enforce against those who have not learned to respect private property or the rule of law.”

“Christians? What a great opportunity to peacefully demonstrate FOR love, peace, love, patience, love, kindness, love, self-control, love, etc. The Floyd family should be showered with comfort. I’m not saying that they shouldn’t seek justice, or that the police in Minneapolis shouldn’t express embarrassment, abject humility, and more rigorous internal enforcement, but patience and restraint should be the order of the day for all.”

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, help us seek change…slowly…and permanently…and may the God of peace reign in America once again; in Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Share as you like, just give credit appropriately. For buying any of Alan E. Sargent’s books or to subscribe or to comment on any of his CLARITY blogs, go to the following link: http://subdeo.com.’ If he’s not in Twitter/Facebook/Email jail, he also tweets/posts.

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CLARITY – 5-26-20 The Beginning of the End

CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events – 5-26-20

The Beginning of the End

What’s Happening: “Protests that began in 2019 (really beginning much earlier) finally boiled over into police involvement Sunday in the streets of Hong Kong with mass arrests, the use of tear gas, pepper spray, and rubber bullets. Communists in Beijing pledge installation of mainland laws happening to bring order, but protesters chant ‘Hong Kong independence.’ Hong Kong, long a business hub, rejects the artificially imposed order…and may have sealed their fate. Meanwhile, the U.S. contemplates sanctions in support of the protesters, who only want autonomy. Reaction of the U.S. over China’s role in the coronavirus,  their ongoing theft of technology, and the U.S.-imposed tariffs cloud the already complicated issue (https://www.businessinsider.com/beijing-new-national-security-laws-hong-kong-protests-2020-5Quoting the Reuters article in Business Insider: ‘Protesters chanted ‘Revolution of our time. ‘Liberate Hong Kong,’ ‘Fight for freedom, Stand with Hong Kong,’ and ‘Hong Kong independence, the only way out.’’”

Knee-Jerk Response:  “Maybe they’ll be more successful than the protesters in Tiananmen Square.”

Biblical Response:  “Probably not. Communists in China won’t allow another democracy on their doorstep (arguably, India, South Korea and Japan are democracies, and already too close). Together with worldwide coronavirus condemnation, tensions in the South China Sea…not to mention the brouhaha over Taiwan…I don’t think the Chi-Coms will put up with it….and I can’t see anyone willing to spend blood and treasure over a tiny island in the Pacific. All this means the beginning of the end…of course some can’t see it (Matt. 16:3). I hope I’m wrong. There were many who threw tea into Boston Harbour (a couple of centuries ago) who weren’t given a chance of success, either…and look how that turned out. Of course, they had God on their side.”

“Christians? Oh, we believe that God plus one is a majority…in fact, He doesn’t even need the one! His sovereign will shall be done, and He  determines the boundaries of nations (Acts 17:26).”

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, help us to look upon the efforts of those who want to throw off the chains of oppression, optomistically; in Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Share as you like, just give credit appropriately. For buying any of Alan E. Sargent’s books or to subscribe or to comment on any of his CLARITY blogs, go to the following link: http://subdeo.com.’ If he’s not in Twitter/Facebook/Email jail, he also tweets/posts.

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CLARITY – 12-31-19 Retribution

CLARITY

A Biblical Response to Current Events – 12-31-19

Retribution

What’s Happening: “Protesters stormed the American embassy in Baghdad earlier today to object to the air attack on Iran-backed militia bases in Iraq by U.S. warplanes Sunday. The attack killed 25 and wounded 55. The air attack on Kataib Hezbollah forces was in retaliation for the killing of an American civilian contractor killed by an Iranian rocket attack on an Iraqi base. The protesters disbursed after they were repelled by stun grenades and tear gas (https://www.yahoo.com/news/protesters-outside-u-baghdad-embassy-085751803.html). ‘Iran killed an American contractor, wounding many. We strongly responded, and always will,’ Trump tweeted.”

Knee-Jerk Response:  “Whatever happened to ‘vengeance is Mine’?”

Biblical Response:  “You are referring to the passage in Romans 12;19 or Hebrews 10:30 (of course, Paul was quoting Deut. 32:35 when he said it). How do you know that the retribution that came was not ultimately from God? That God uses other nations’ acts to effect His will is nothing new (I’m thinking the enslavement of Israel under Egypt and the Babylonian captivity, etc.). Is this the case here? As a friend recently reminded, ‘It is above my pay grade.’ Still, it wouldn’t surprise me.”

“Christians? We believe that vengeance is an arena that should be exclusively left to God…we also believe in being an instrument in God’s hand.” 

Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray:  “Heavenly Father, help us to be careful to not usurp You…I guess it takes discernment….of course, that would take prayer and a heart tuned to the voice of the Holy Spirit (which may be His underlying purpose)…so be it; in Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Share as you like, just give credit appropriately. For buying any of Alan E. Sargent’s books or to subscribe or to comment on any of his CLARITY blogs, go to the following link:subdeo.com.’  Copyright © 2019 Alan E. Sargent

Reader:

May I indulge in a little self-promotion? Many of you read CLARITY every day…and you hopefully forward it on to still others. Some even subscribe from the website. Thanks! (One mother wrote that she wanted to subscribe to read it to her children everyday – read away!) However you get CLARITY, would you consider donating on the website? I’m happy to find useful purpose in helping folks stay informed and supplying what I think God has to say on the subjects of the day…still, I want to get this word out to others…which is what I’ll do with your gifts. Thanks in advance.

Blessings,

Alan