The assault upon the 2nd Amendment to the Constitution is intensifying, targeting not only "Assault" weapons but also weapons such as the Glock 9MM pistol. Also, we are seeing more aggressive "Defund the Police" movements in various cities such as Chicago, Minneapolis, Portland, New York, and others, leading to major increases in crime and violence, destroying lives and property on a massive scale. And even on the International Front the calls for less military preparedness are being heard.

A few months ago I wrote about the importance of protecting and preserving the 2nd Amendment to our Constitution, using the terminology "The Sword of Defense," and I want to expand on that today. There is nothing inherently good or bad about a sword. The quality of sharpened steel may depend on whether it's in the hands of a surgeon or a bandit. It's true that Earth's greatest Teacher did admonish, "Put up your sword, for he who takes it shall perish by it." But here he was talking about a weapon drawn in anger and vengeance, but Jesus also said, "I am come, not to bring peace, but a sword." Here he was talking about a weapon drawn against evil. So all depends upon the purpose for which the blade is to be used.

But remember this: Without swords, coerced men cry "Peace" when there is no peace, and surrender the most heavenly things to the most hellish forces. There is a sword bathed in Heaven. So long as swords are in the hands only of those who cannot be trusted with them, the only peace possible between the lion and the lamb - which prophecy predicts will someday lie down together - is for the lamb to lie down INSIDE the lion. Now there are some present-day appeasers of evil who would label that arrangement "peace."

But a peace dictated by unethical forces is the peace of slaves. A nation and its people must be strong if its words for peace is to be effective. In this country recently a community peace activist stepped to the podium to renounce the sword of defense. And in so doing he asked the rhetorical question, "What has a sword ever accomplished worthwhile?"

After his talk, a man from the audience came up to him and said, "Sir, I can tell you one thing that the sword of defense has accomplished." The speaker asked him what it was, and he said, "The sword of defense, in the hands of those who would go forth to resist militant evil, at home or abroad, has made it possible for you to stand on this platform today and declare your convictions without fear of being liquidated!" AMEN!

Now to close on a humorous note: A person is on trial for murder, and there is strong evidence indicating his guilt, but there is no corpse. In the Defense's closing statement the lawyer, knowing that it looks like his client will probably be convicted, resorts to a clever tactic. "Ladies and gentlemen of the Jury, I have a surprise for everyone," he says, as he looks at his watch, "Within 1 minute the person presumed dead in this case will walk into this courtroom."

He looks toward the courtroom door. The Jury looks on eagerly, A minute passes, but nothing happens. Finally the lawyer says, "Actually I made up the previous statement, but you all looked on with anticipation. I therefore put it to you that there is reasonable doubt in this case as to whether anyone was killed, and so I insist that you return a verdict of Not Guilty."

The Jury, somewhat confused, retires to deliberate. A few minutes later they return and pronounce a verdict of Guilty. "But how?" inquires the lawyer, "You must have had some doubt. I saw all of you stare at the door." To which the Jury spokesman answered, "Oh, we all did, but your client didn't."

Have a GREAT day!