Monday, January 13, 2025

NOTES on California

 

James 1:10-11

King James Version

10 But the rich, in that he is made low: 

because as the flower of the grass 

he shall pass away.

11 For the sun is no sooner risen 

with a burning heat, 

but it withereth the grass, 

and the flower thereof falleth, 

and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: 

so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways.


Why did California burn?

Was it from GOD's rage?

Was it from man's neglect?

Was it from both?

To better understand, we dive deep.

I've been to California several times.

I appreciated the laid-back culture, especially in LA.

Somehow, it felt like a fun city to live in.

But has CA, and LA changed?

What did the fires reveal?


Let's look into the "pride" of California.

In the areas, and industries that matter.

Here are the excerpts, from the experts:

( All quoted from Wikipedia.) 


GEOGRAPHY, general info

"California (/ˌkælɪˈfɔːrnjə/ ) is a state in the Western Region of the United States that lies on the Pacific Coast. 

It borders Oregon to the north, Nevada and Arizona to the east, and shares an international border with the Mexican state of Baja California to the south. 

With over 39 million residents across an area of 163,696 square miles (423,970 km2),[11] it is the most populous U.S. state, the third-largest by area, and most populated subnational entity in North America.

Los Angeles is the state's most populous city and the nation's second-most;

Droughts and wildfires are an ongoing issue."


ECONOMY

"California has the nation's largest economy with a gross state product of $4.132 trillion as of Q3 2024.[15] 

It is the world's largest sub-national economy, and would by most estimations rank 5th globally by nominal GDP.[16][17] 

The state also leads the nation in agricultural output,[18][19][20] led by its production of dairy, almonds, and grapes.[21] 

With the busiest port in the country (Los Angeles), California plays a pivotal role in the global supply chain, hauling in about 40% of goods imported to the US.[22]"


CULTURE

"The culture of California is a Western culture and has its modern roots in the culture of the United States, but also, historically, many Hispanic Californio and Mexican influences.

California has long been a subject of interest in the public mind and has often been promoted by its boosters as a kind of paradise.

Notable contributions to popular culture, ranging from entertainment, sports, music, and fashion, have their origins in California. 

California is the home of Hollywood, the oldest and one of the largest film industries in the world, profoundly influencing global entertainment. 

The San Francisco Bay and the Greater Los Angeles areas are seen as the centers of the global technology and U.S. film industries, respectively.

California, particularly Southern California,[259] is considered the birthplace of modern car culture."


POPULATION

"According to the U.S. Census Bureau, between 2021 and 2022, 818,000 California residents moved out of state[180] with emigrants listing high cost of living,[181] high taxes,[182][183] and a difficult business environment as the motivation.[183] 

The net loss of population in California between July 2020 and July 2023 was 433,000.


As of 2020, California ranked fourth among states by life expectancy, with a life expectancy of 79.0 years.


illegal aliens constituted an estimated 7.3 percent of the state's population, the third highest percentage of any state in the country,[193][note 4] totaling nearly 2.6 million.[194] 

In particular, illegal immigrants tended to be concentrated in Los Angeles, Monterey, San Benito, Imperial, and Napa Counties—the latter four of which have significant agricultural industries that depend on manual labor.[195] 

More than half of illegal immigrants originate from Mexico.[194] 


The state of California and some California cities, including Los Angeles, Oakland, and San Francisco,[196] have adopted sanctuary policies.


According to HUD's 2022 Annual Homeless Assessment Report, there were an estimated 171,521 homeless people in California.

California has the largest population of White Americans in the United States, an estimated 22,200,000 residents including people identifying as white in combination with any other race.


According to estimates from 2011, California has the largest minority population in the United States by numbers, making up 60% of the state population.

Most of California's immigrant population are born in Mexico (3.9 million), the Philippines (825,200), China (768,400), India (556,500), and Vietnam (502,600)."


RELIGION

"The largest religious denominations by number of adherents as a percentage of California's population in 2014 were the Catholic Church with 28 percent, Evangelical Protestants with 20 percent, and Mainline Protestants with 10 percent. 

Together, all kinds of Protestants accounted for 32 percent. 

Those unaffiliated with any religion represented 27 percent of the population. 

The breakdown of other religions is 1% Muslim, 2% Hindu and 2% Buddhist.

The American Jewish Year Book placed the total Jewish population of California at about 1,194,190 in 2006.[254] 

According to the Association of Religion Data Archives (ARDA) the largest denominations by adherents in 2010 were the Catholic Church with 10,233,334; The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with 763,818; and the Southern Baptist Convention with 489,953."


MEDIA

"The four major American television commercial broadcast networks (ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox) as well as other networks all have production facilities and offices in the state.

California is also the birthplace of several international music genres, including the Bakersfield sound, Bay Area thrash metal, alternative rock, g-funk, nu metal, glam metal, thrash metal, psychedelic rock, stoner rock, punk rock, hardcore punk, metalcore, pop punk, surf music, third wave ska, west coast hip hop, west coast jazz, jazz rap, and many other genres.

Los Angeles will host the 2028 Summer Olympics, marking the fourth time that California will have hosted the Olympic Games."


EDUCATION

"California has the most school students in the country, with over 6.2 million in the 2005–06 school year...

California is also home to notable private universities such as Stanford University, the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), the University of Southern California, the Claremont Colleges, Santa Clara University, Loyola Marymount University, the University of San Diego, the University of San Francisco, Chapman University, Pepperdine University, Occidental College, and University of the Pacific..."


ECONOMY

"California is responsible for one seventh of the nation's gross domestic product (GDP).

California's economy is larger than Africa and Australia and is almost as large as South America.

The five largest sectors of employment in California are trade, transportation, and utilities; government; professional and business services; education and health services; and leisure and hospitality.

California's biggest trade partner is Mexico.

The agriculture sector accounts for two percent of the state's GDP and employs around three percent of its total workforce.

Per capita GDP in 2021 was $85,546, ranking fourth in the nation.

California has a poverty rate of 23.5%, the highest of any state in the country.

Many coastal cities include some of the wealthiest per-capita areas in the United States. 

California residents were ranked first among the states with the best average credit score of 754.

On June 27, 2013, Governor Jerry Brown signed a balanced budget (no deficit) for the state, its first in decades; however, the state's debt remains at $132 billion.

minimum state sales tax of 7.5%

California now levies a 13.3% maximum marginal income tax rate with ten tax brackets."


ENERGY

"Because it is the most populous state in the United States, California is one of the country's largest users of energy.

Due to the high electricity demand, California imports more electricity than any other state, primarily hydroelectric power.

The state's crude oil and natural gas deposits are located in the Central Valley and along the coast, including the large Midway-Sunset Oil Field. 

Natural gas-fired power plants typically account for more than one-half of state electricity generation.

As a result of the state's strong environmental movement, California has some of the most aggressive renewable energy goals in the United States.

California has one major nuclear power plant (Diablo Canyon) in operation."


WATER

"California's interconnected water system is the world's largest, managing over 40,000,000 acre-feet (49 km3) of water per year, centered on six main systems of aqueducts and infrastructure projects. 

Water use and conservation in California is a politically divisive issue, as the state experiences periodic droughts and has to balance the demands of its large agricultural and urban sectors, especially in the arid southern portion of the state. 

The state's widespread redistribution of water also invites the frequent scorn of environmentalists.

Former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger said:

"We've been in crisis for quite some time because we're now 38 million people and not anymore 18 million people like we were in the late 60s. So it developed into a battle between environmentalists and farmers and between the south and the north and between rural and urban. And everyone has been fighting for the last four decades about water."

Many other functions, such as fire protection and water supply, especially in unincorporated areas, are handled by special districts."


GOVERNMENT

"The capital city of California is Sacramento.

California's judiciary system is the largest in the United States with a total of 1,600 judges (the federal system has only about 840).

California is divided into 58 counties.

The state of California sends 52 members to the House of Representatives,[354] the nation's largest congressional state delegation.

as of 2002, Californians were relatively under-represented in the military as a proportion to its population

California had the third highest percentage of Democratic votes behind the District of Columbia and Hawaii.

Since 1990, California has generally elected Democratic candidates to federal, state and local offices,


Several political movements have advocated for California independence. The California National Party and the California Freedom Coalition both advocate for California independence along the lines of progressivism and civic nationalism.


There are 62 Democrats and 18 Republicans in the Assembly; and 32 Democrats and eight Republicans in the Senate.

In general, Democratic strength is centered in the populous coastal regions of the Los Angeles metropolitan area and the San Francisco Bay Area.

Republican strength is still greatest in eastern parts of the state.

In October 2022, out of the 26,876,800 people eligible to vote, 21,940,274 people were registered to vote.[369] Of the people registered, the three largest registered groups were Democrats (10,283,258), Republicans (5,232,094), and No Party Preference (4,943,696)."


Now you can see why CA also wants to be a "separate" state.

Is she acting "progressive", because she is progressive?

Has success gone to her pretty head?

Is that why she defies the incoming Trump administration?


Former governor Schwarzenegger said the water "battle" has been on, for the past 40 years now.

As CA burns, we got to know more about her, thanks to Wikipedia.

As born again, we're merely here to state the facts of the state.

And to see what the WORD of GOD has to say.


Is CA being "humbled"?

Is she under "judgment"?

We do know she's proud.

Because she's beautiful, rich, and powerful.

Almost invincible.

She even wants to separate from the "union".


We also know Dems hold her tightly.

She's not about to be "released" to the Reps.

Thus, her government continues to defy Trump.

Who happens to be literally, GOD's "elect".

They want to "Trump-proof" CA.

Such an affront on the president!

All that GOD loves, Satan hates.

What does that make CA officials?


CA is vainrebellious, and idolatrous.

The very traits GOD abhors.

Success has gone to California's head.

No thanks to her government.

But she forgets something:

GOD OWNS everything:

Deuteronomy 10:14

King James Version

14 Behold, 

the heaven 

and the heaven of heavens 

is the Lord's thy God, 

the earth also, 

with all that therein is.


Related material:

CALIFORNIA in danger?

CALIFORNIA under JUDGMENT?

HILLS homes HYDRANTS

LA fire PROBE

On CALIFORNIA

WRATH of GOD

VERSES honoring GOD

EVERYTHING belongs to GOD


Related video:

Californians better ‘wake up’ and elect different people: Jason Chaffetz

Families, firefighters in shock as California wildfires continue | 60 Minutes

Fire, Trump's News, and The Temple to Artemis

Robert Davi: Newsom should go back to the French Laundry and 'retire'


Popular songs:

The Mamas And The Papas - California Dreamin'

Eagles - Hotel California (Live 1977) (Official Video)

California Girls (Stereo)


Image: Clipart Library


Saturday, October 5, 2024

The ONLY election that MATTERS

 Acts 13:48

King James Version

48 And when the Gentiles heard this, 

they were glad, 

and glorified the word of the Lord: 

and as many as were ordained to eternal life 

believed.


Why am I not interested in man's elections?

Shall we vote more of the corrupt?

Shall we hear more lies?

Shall we be manipulated even more?

Shall Satan continue to lord it over us?

Shall we have the same kind of society?

Even as different wolves wear sheep's clothing?


Why am I not into elections at all?

I've learned of a DIFFERENT kind of election.

A magnificent one.

Something the world needs right now.

A different sort, that matters most.


SPIRIT and Scripture told me of that "election".

GOD's election.

His elect.

Know of that "election".

As only a born again would know.

Will you be part of that "election"?

Will you be "elected"?

What kind of "office" are you running for?

What kind does the LORD want you to run for?


Call it "doctrine of election", if you will.

For all those faithful to GOD.

For all those born again.

Look what JESUS says:

Matthew 22:14

King James Version

14 For many are called, 

but few are chosen.


Mark 13:20

King James Version

20 And except that the Lord had shortened those days, 

no flesh should be saved: 

but for the elect's sake, whom he hath chosen, 

he hath shortened the days.


Mark 13:24-27

King James Version

24 But in those days, 

after that tribulation

the sun shall be darkened, 

and the moon shall not give her light,

25 And the stars of heaven shall fall, 

and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken.

26 And then shall they see the Son of man 

coming in the clouds with great power and glory.

27 And then shall he send his angels, 

and shall gather together his elect 

from the four winds, 

from the uttermost part of the earth 

to the uttermost part of heaven.


Luke 10:20

King James Version

20 Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, 

that the spirits are subject unto you; 

but rather rejoice, 

because your names are written 

in heaven.


Luke 10:21

King James Version

21 In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, 

and said, 

I thank thee, O Father, 

Lord of heaven and earth, 

that thou hast hid these things 

from the wise and prudent, 

and hast revealed them unto babes: 

even so, Father; 

for so it seemed good in thy sight.


Luke 10:22

King James Version

22 All things are delivered to me of my Father: 

and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; 

and who the Father is, but the Son, 

and he to whom the Son will reveal him.


John 6:37

King James Version

37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; 

and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.


John 6:44-45

King James Version

44 No man can come to me, 

except the Father which hath sent me draw him: 

and I will raise him up at the last day.

45 It is written in the prophets, 

And they shall be all taught of God. 

Every man therefore that hath heard, 

and hath learned of the Father, 

cometh unto me.


John 10:27-28

King James Version

27 My sheep hear my voice, 

and I know them, and they follow me:

28 And I give unto them eternal life

and they shall never perish, 

neither shall any man pluck them 

out of my hand.


John 15:16

King James Version

16 Ye have not chosen me, 

but I have chosen you, 

and ordained you, 

that ye should go and bring forth fruit

and that your fruit should remain: 

that whatsoever ye shall ask 

of the Father in my name, 

he may give it you.


John 17:9-10

King James Version

9 I pray for them: 

I pray not for the world, 

but for them which thou hast given me; 

for they are thine.

10 And all mine are thine,

and thine are mine; 

and I am glorified in them.


The rest of Scripture says more about this kind of "election":

Romans 8:28

King James Version

28 And we know that all things 

work together for good 

to them that love God

to them who are the called 

according to his purpose.


Romans 8:29

King James Version

29 For whom he did foreknow, 

he also did predestinate 

to be conformed to the image of his Son, 

that he might be the firstborn 

among many brethren.


Romans 8:30

King James Version

30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, 

them he also called: 

and whom he called, them he also justified: 

and whom he justified, them he also glorified.


Ephesians 1:4-6

King James Version

4 According as he hath chosen us in him 

before the foundation of the world, 

that we should be holy and without blame 

before him in love:

5 Having predestinated us 

unto the adoption of children 

by Jesus Christ to himself, 

according to the good pleasure of his will,

6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, 

wherein he hath made us accepted 

in the beloved.


Ephesians 2:8-9

King James Version

8 For by grace are ye saved through faith

and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.


2 Thessalonians 2:13-14

King James Version

13 But we are bound to give thanks alway 

to God for you, 

brethren beloved of the Lord, 

because God hath from the beginning 

chosen you to salvation 

through sanctification of the Spirit 

and belief of the truth:

14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel

to the obtaining of the glory 

of our Lord Jesus Christ.


2 Timothy 1:8-9

King James Version

8 Be not thou therefore ashamed 

of the testimony of our Lord, 

nor of me his prisoner: 

but be thou partaker 

of the afflictions of the gospel 

according to the power of God;

9 Who hath saved us, 

and called us with an holy calling,

 not according to our works, 

but according to his own purpose and grace, 

which was given us in Christ Jesus 

before the world began,


Revelation 21:27

King James Version

27 And there shall in no wise enter into it 

any thing that defileth, 

neither whatsoever worketh abomination, 

or maketh a lie: 

but they which are written 

in the Lamb's book of life.


This one on GOD's beloved Israel:

Romans 11:28

King James Version

28 As concerning the gospel, 

they are enemies for your sakes: 

but as touching the election, 

they are beloved for the father's sakes.


The SUCCESS of any elected leader relies on the following:

If they have a love for GOD, or not.

If they believe in JESUS, or not.

If they are guided by SPIRIT, or not.

If they have a love for Israel, or not.

If they are born again, or not.


That's the election we speak of.

The only election we care about.

The only election that pleases GOD.


Related material:

PREDESTINATION

FATE of nations

On U.S. politics

The NEW JERUSALEM

GOD's POWER over nations

On GOVERNMENTS

GOD's GLORY blogs

BORN AGAIN classics

HONORING Israel


Verses from Bible Gateway


Friday, April 26, 2024

HOW to LOVE GOD

 

Romans 8:37

King James Version

37 Nay, in all these things 

we are more than conquerors 

through him that loved us.


It's really very simple.

What GOD asks of us.

How are we to love Him?

How does He want to be loved?

SPIRIT led me to these verses.

From THREE different sources.


The OLD TESTAMENT tells us how, through Moses:

Deuteronomy 6:5

King James Version

5 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God 

with all thine heart, 

and with all thy soul, 

and with all thy might.


Deuteronomy 10:12-13

King James Version

12 And now, Israel, 

what doth the Lord thy God require of thee, 

but to fear the Lord thy God, 

to walk in all his ways, 

and to love him, 

and to serve the Lord thy God 

with all thy heart and with all thy soul,

13 To keep the commandments of the Lord, 

and his statutes, 

which I command thee this day 

for thy good?


The NEW TESTAMENT tells us how, through JESUS:

Matthew 6:24

King James Version

24 No man can serve two masters: 

for either he will hate the one, and love the other; 

or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. 

Ye cannot serve God and mammon.


Matthew 22:36-40

King James Version

36 Master, 

which is the great commandment in the law?

37 Jesus said unto him, 

Thou shalt love the Lord thy God 

with all thy heart, 

and with all thy soul, 

and with all thy mind.

38 This is the first and great commandment.

39 And the second is like unto it, 

Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

40 On these two commandments 

hang all the law and the prophets.


Luke 6:46

King James Version

46 And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, 

and do not the things which I say?


John 14:15

King James Version

15 If ye love me, 

keep my commandments.


John 14:21

King James Version

21 He that hath my commandments, 

and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: 

and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, 

and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.


John 14:23

King James Version

23 Jesus answered and said unto him, 

If a man love me, he will keep my words: 

and my Father will love him, 

and we will come unto him, 

and make our abode with him.


Apostle John tells us how:

1 John 2:5

King James Version

5 But whoso keepeth his word, 

in him verily is the love of God perfected: 

hereby know we that we are in him.


1 John 4:16

King James Version

16 And we have known and believed 

the love that God hath to us. 

God is love; 

and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God,

 and God in him.


1 John 4:17

King James Version

17 Herein is our love made perfect, 

that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: 

because as he is, so are we in this world.


1 John 4:19

King James Version

19 We love him, 

because he first loved us.


1 John 4:20

King James Version

20 If a man say, I love God, 

and hateth his brother, he is a liar: 

for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, 

how can he love God whom he hath not seen?


1 John 4:21

King James Version

21 And this commandment have we from him, 

That he who loveth God love his brother also.


1 John 5:1

King James Version

5 Whosoever believeth 

that Jesus is the Christ 

is born of God: 

and every one that loveth him that begat 

loveth him also that is begotten of him.


1 John 5:2

King James Version

2 By this we know 

that we love the children of God, 

when we love God, 

and keep his commandments.


1 John 5:3

King James Version

3 For this is the love of God, 

that we keep his commandments: 

and his commandments are not grievous.


In SUMMARY, loving GOD means:

We love Him with all our heart, soul, might, and mind.

We walk in His ways, and serve Him.

We keep His commandments and statutes.

We serve GOD, not mammon.

We love our neighbor/brother, as ourselves.

We keep His words.


Related material:

Bible DISCOVERY 1: God and Jesus are ONE

GOD's 10 COMMANDMENTS

BORN AGAIN articles

GOD's GLORY blogs

On LOVING GOD


Image: Clipart Library


Tuesday, March 19, 2024

WHO are our BROTHERS?


 Proverbs 17:17

King James Version

17 A friend loveth at all times, 

and a brother is born for adversity.


GOD woke me up really early.

Not quite midnight.

A little past, and we were already writing.

First, He made me look into Cain and Abel.

Article done, I thought that was it.

Nope, GOD made me write again.

This time, He wanted me to tell you about "brothers".


Who are our brothers?

Is it just our blood brothers?

Or perhaps there's more?

Scripture tells us CHRIST's reply.

As always, JESUS makes us think.

Apart from ending all debate.


There will be a time of reckoning:

Matthew 25:30-33

King James Version

30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant 

into outer darkness: 

there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

31 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, 

and all the holy angels with him, 

then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:

32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: 

and he shall separate them one from another, 

as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:

33 And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, 

but the goats on the left.


Matthew 25:34-36

King James Version

34 Then shall the King say unto them 

on his right hand, 

Come, ye blessed of my Father, 

inherit the kingdom prepared for you 

from the foundation of the world:

35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: 

I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: 

I was a stranger, and ye took me in:

36 Naked, and ye clothed me: 

I was sick, and ye visited me: 

I was in prison, and ye came unto me.


Matthew 25:37-39

King James Version

37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, 

Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? 

or thirsty, and gave thee drink?

38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? 

or naked, and clothed thee?

39 Or when saw we thee sick, 

or in prison, 

and came unto thee?


Matthew 25:40

King James Version

40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, 

Verily I say unto you, 

Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one 

of the least of these my brethren, 

ye have done it unto me.


Matthew 25:41-43

King James Version

41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, 

Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, 

prepared for the devil and his angels:

42 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: 

I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink:

43 I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: 

naked, and ye clothed me not: 

sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.


Matthew 25:44-46

King James Version

44 Then shall they also answer him, saying, 

Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, 

or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, 

and did not minister unto thee?

45 Then shall he answer them, saying, 

Verily I say unto you, 

Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, 

ye did it not to me.

46 And these shall go away 

into everlasting punishment: 

but the righteous into life eternal.


JESUS gave another powerful verse on "brotherhood":

Matthew 12:50

King James Version

50 For whosoever shall do 

the will of my Father which is in heaven, 

the same is my brother, 

and sister, 

and mother.


Does it end here?

Is there more to "brotherhood"?

Well, it seems we're just warming up.

From the looks of it, this will be a series of posts.

GOD wants more articles done.

SPIRIT already alerted me to the next one.

Click here for the BROTHERHOOD verses.


P.S.

Six days ago, my laptop conked out.

For good.

So I went to an internet shop, and wrote.

But had great difficulty.

GOD made it easier.

He "appointed" a minister of His to help.

GOD makes me write ANY TIME.

Now, I could write, in the peace of our home.

My pastor-friend is a TRUE brother.

I suppose, JESUS will consider us as "brothers".

BORN AGAIN brothers.

We only care to do the WILL of the LORD.

In JESUS, we live, breathe, and work.


Related material:

BROTHERHOOD


Image: Clipart Library


NOTES on California

  James 1:10-11 King James Version 10 But the rich, in that he is made low:  because as the flower of the grass  he shall pass away. 11 For ...