Avalon Chronicles #204: West Point Cadet Nick Rowe Changed My Trajectory of Life-1959

 James N. Rowe Class of 1960 at West Point

Assigned in Vietnam to a Special Forces  "A-team." Captured by Viet Cong October 29, 1963.

Escaped from enemy captvity Dec. 31, 1968 and rescued in Vietnam's U Minh Forest. 

Can't make these connections up! In August 1959 I was a plebe (freshman at West Point) in what was called "Beast Barracks." By a unique set of circumstances I had been appointed to West Point after only eleven grades (ie: a high school dropout). I had just turned 17 and was the youngest member of the class of 1963. My Army officer father was recently stationed in Hawaii. I decided after six weeks that I would prefer to resign from West Point and return to Hawaii, finish high school and learn to surf! I informed my squad leader that I desired to resign. I was ordered to report to my New Cadet Company Commander James "Nick" Rowe class of 1960. As soon as I entered Rowe's room, he said, "I knew you were appointed to West Point. I read the article in my hometown newspaper, the McAllen, Texas Monitor. My mother sent the article." CONNECTION: I had also been born in McAllen and my mother was a casual acquaintance of Nick's mother! Nick asked me to reconsider resigning as the rigors of Beast Barracks would be over in two weeks. He said the regular academic year, beginning in two weeks would be colorful due to football games. Someone at this place, disciplined and harsh as it had been for a 17 year old, connected and knew me! He was the only one of then 2400 cadets. His pep talk worked! I remained at the Academy. I was assigned to Company M-1, the company in which he was the company commander, but, I was not aware of any special privileges, except he probably assigned me roommates like John Dunn, Dick Walsh and George DeGraff, all of whom were much more mature than I, all having prior college.

Nick graduated in 1960 and became Ranger and Special Forces-qualified. He was captured by the enemy Viet Cong on Oct. 29, 1963. He suffered the very harsh conditions of being a Prisoner of War and being confined for most of his five year captivity in a 3 by 4 by 6 feet bamboo cage. Details of his captivity are detailed in his 1971 book Five Years to Freedom. It took an incredible amount of resilience, strength and faith to survive.

Fast forward to New Years Eve Dec. 31, 1968. American forces began helicopter operations in the area of his captivity. There was pandemonium with the Viet Cong. Nick became separated with only one guard. Nick "disposed" of the guard and an American helicopter flew over him ready to take him out as an enemy, but, the door gunner yelled at the last minute to the pilot, "He is an American!" Nick's captivity was over! After 62 months.

 

It was my great honor and privilege later to enjoy several occasions to connect with Nick. I arranged for him to speak at the West Point Society of North Texas. One of our grads invited his parents to attend and they traveled from McAllen for his story to be told first hand. Texas Governor John Connally recruited him in 1974 to be a candidate for State Comptroller. During his campaign I introduced him at a function in Dallas. I spent a memorable evening with him, when he and his then spouse Jane joined me for the evening afterwards. He was defeated in that election. Nick had been befriended by Robin Moore, author of his book The Green Berets, later the name of a movie, whose star was John Wayne. 

Nick continued his service in the Army Reserves and was recalled to acive duty to design and build a course based upon his experience as a POW. The course bcame the (SERE) Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape course. Fast forward to April 21, 1989, when he was in the Philippines, providing counter insurgency training to their Armed Forces. On that day he was being driven to work in an armored vehicle, when two communists assassinated him! 

His funeral was at Arlington National Cemetery in May 1989 after a Memorial service at Fort Myer Chapel. I had just arived in Washington pending my confirmation at the Department of Veterans Affairs as Asst. Secy Veterans Affairs. One of the most unique experiences of my life occurred that day. I used my wheelchair for the short trek to the burial site, just to left of the Amphitheatre through an open gate. However, on the return from the cemetery that gate was closed and I found myself facing a low stone wall. General Richard Stilwell, who had been Commandant of Cadets, when I was a cadet, took immediate charge and directed several young men to grab my chair and hoist me to the other side of the brick wall!

My connection with his widow Susan continued in later years. I invited her to a Veterans Day program at the Amphitheatre and her two young sons, Alex and Brian joined her. Upon her introduction she received an overwhelming welcome. Afterwards the speaker for the program Dick Cheney, Secretary of Defense, accompanied her and her sons to Nick's grave site. In a later year, when I worked in Durham, NC, I accompanied Susan as my guest to a West Point Founders Day at Fort Bragg. During our time together she indicated Ross Perot's foundation funded the college education of her two sons.

Years later I visited and spoke at the high school in McAllen named after Nick. Just recently I sent a copy of the 1960 class yearbook to the school.

ONE LAST CONNECTION to this great hero, who changed the trajectory of my life in 1959. My cousin Patsy attended Nick's high school, was a classmate and upon his departure by bus from McAllen in summer of 1956, when his Beast Barracks was to begin, she and another classmate saw him off on his bus, when he left for West Point. I complete this story by ending on the note that Nick taught my cousin Patsy to dance! As they say in politics, "You cannot make this up!"

In POW camp in 1964 he wrote this;

"So look at times to come,

Despair is not for us,

We have a world and much more to see, 

While this remains behind."

Nick became a devout and committed Christian!

It is with great pleasure and pride as I document my connections with James "Nick" Rowe, an incredible patriot of service to our nation as an officer in the United States Army.  

Avalon Chronicles #203: WWII Vision From God Gave Soldier Hope

Elizabeth, friend at my church, is the source of the following special story, derived from a conversation her sister, Deborah, had in the late 1980s, with their father, Robert, WWII veteran (born in 1925). 

April 11, 2022: How God Gave My Father Hope for the Future   

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

In the conversation her father said to his daughter, "Did I ever tell you how I knew I was supposed to marry your mother?" Her father began, "There was a war going on. I was young, but, I wanted to serve, so I lied about my age to be able to join the Army. I was only 17 and ended up as a foot soldier somewhere in Europe, about 800 miles behind Patton. We'd march all day and camp at night-day after day. Everyone took turns standing guard. That's when I learned how to sleep standing up and also how to shoot from the hip. (It isn't just an expression, it's a strategy). I got pretty good at both."

"War is horrible. I saw countless atrocities that people did to people. It literally made me sick." Half crying and half angry, he said, "I was so angry with God I could have spit. Fed up, I started yelling at God, telling him just what I thought of him and this war. Amid my shouting something strange and unexpected happened. I saw, as if right in front of me, a portrait of myself with a woman and four children. Somehow, I knew she was my wife and these were our children, our family. I stopped yelling and felt a strange measure of peace, but, the rage was tempered. The war continued, the atrocities got worse and I promptly forgot about the vision. After my enlistment was up, I returned to the states and started college at Bucknell University. It was during my senior year in 1948, that things got interesting."

"In the previous two school years, Fr. Deppon, the chaplain at Bucknell, had been telling me there was a woman I needed to meet. I really wasn't interested in dating, so, I kept avoiding the subject. Since it was my senior year and Fr. Deppon was never going to give it a rest, I finally agreed to meet this woman he'd been telling me about. As she approached, I saw her face and SHE WAS THE WOMAN FROM THE PORTRAIT! The memory of that dark, cold, raining night, and the family portrait I'd forgotten about, came vividly flooding back. I was overwhelmed and tried hard to hold myself together."

Fr. Deppone; "Bob, meet Alice. Alice meet Bob."

Daughter Debbie: "Oh, my word, Daddy! What did you say to her?"

Daddy: "I could barely speak and I honestly don't remember much of the conversation. All I know is that I liked her and, well, you see where we ended up," he said with a twinkle in his eye. 

Debbie: "Did you tell her about the portrait?'

Daddy: Laughing hard, he said, "Are you kidding? That would have been something. Hi, Alice. You don't know me, but, I know I'm supposed to marry you and we're going to have 4 children together. Haha! No! I didn't have the courage to tell her until after the twins were born. (one being Elizabeth, my friend from church). I imagine that might have ended things before we had a chance to get started. No I kept it to myself until the portrait was complete."

Debbie: "Wow. That's amazing, Daddy."

Daddy: "Well it gets better. You know now that there are four of you kids, but, after you were born, the doctor told us not to risk having any more children. Your blood type is RH positive and youir mother's is RH negative, so you were basically poisoning each other for nine months. It wasn't until years later that the doctors figured out how to treat that, but, at the time, it was dangerous for both you and your mother and any fetus she might carry."

Daddy, continuing, "But, the fact remained that the portrait had four children, not two, and your mother and I had set our hearts on having four children, not two. You know how much she hated being an only child...We agreed to trust God and try for baby number three. As you know, she conceived! Your mother wondered early on whether she might be having twins. Each time she went to the docter she'd tell him that there seemed to be many more than four appendages jabbing her from within. She said it was like she was carrying an octopus. But, the doctor insisted it was only one, because he could never find a second heartbeat."

"The birth day (October 16, 1959) finally arrived. Off to the hospital we went. I got the happy news your mother had delivered a healthy baby boy. Then, five minutes later, after quite a flurry of activity, a second announcement: a healthy baby girl! (My church friend, Elizabeth). To the doctor's surprise your mother was right. I immediatley left the hospital to buy a dryer, knowing that we'd never survive without one, given the number of diapers we were going to have to wash going into the winter months."

"That is when your mother and I knew our family was complete. I knew God had given me a picture of hope that cold, dark rainy night somewhere in the back woods of Europe. And in his mercy, he did it by giving us our third and fourth babies in one pregnancy, saving your mother from future health risks."

Daddy: "And that, Debbie, is how God gave me a hope and a future in the middle of a war."

Allen Clark: "If, after reading this commentary, you do not believe there is a God, read it again!!! What gifts may be awaiting you?"

VAYA CON DIOS! GO WITH GOD!

Avalon Chronicles #202: The Man on the Mountain

 Guest Author: Linda Clark

Quite a number of years ago, I was driving my mother to check on some timber land that she had inherited from her family. It was in a very remote northwest Arkansas area, that backs up to the Quachita National Forest, stretching from Arkansas into Oklahoma. It was customary, when I visited her from Texas, that I would drive her to the property to ensure its condition and to determine, if its trees were ready for harvest. Arkansas pine had long been valued by builders, as the trees grow very straight and tall, making them good for framing. 

My mother had prepared a lunch for us and it was our plan to picnic at a modest park across the highway from her land. The park provided a beautiful view of the valley below. We were satisfied that all was in order on her land so we drove the short distance to the dirt road that we knew led up to the park. Driving in, I sensed movement and rustling in the brush along the road, but, thought nothing of it, knowing that there were highway crews, who sometimes visited the park. Also, I was aware that the woods were full of animals. I carried my shotgun in the trunk and in those years was a fairly good shot, so I was confident that would be sufficient protection, if needed. 

As we approached, where we intended to enjoy our lunch, a man on horseback appeared from the side of the hill, that provided the beautiful view of the valley we had hoped to enjoy. He was a handsome man, whose age I guessed to be in his mid-thrties. He was wearing a hat with a brim, very well-groomed and wearing very nice clothing. The best way I can describe him is the way I thought of him to myself, "He looked like a Ralph Lauren ad in a magazine." His horse was beautiful and very well cared-for as well. Mother and I sat stunned in the car as the odds of seeing someone like him in the "wilds of Arkansas" are close to a million to one! He smiled in a very agreeable manner as he guided his horse to the car, where my mother and I sat totally stunned! I said hello and asked him from where he had come. He gave a very lame explanation that he had come from the Washington, DC area. I recall thinking to myself, "there is no way." He was very clean-shaven and had no bed roll or anything to suggest this could be true. We exchanged a few pleasantries, which I cannot even recall, but, my memory is he spoke with a European accent. I asked him what was his destination and he responded, "Washington State." This encounter seened so irregular that I looked at my mother and said, "We should leave." She silently nodded in agreement. We bid him goodbye and slowly and carefully departed the park. As we drove away, he and his horse crossed the ditch leading to the highway, as we waved goodbye. I silently drove away with neither my mother nor I saying a word on the drive home.

A number of years passed and it became time to move my mother to Texas as her years and subsequent decline required more care. It was my custom to visit her often at the assisted living residence, where she resided. One afternoon as were on the facility patio, visiting on rocking chairs, I began to recognize her memory was fading. I recalled the man on the beautiful horse, approaching us on the mountain that day and I asked her, if she remembered him well and she said, "Yes, he did not look like any of us." Neither she nor I said anything else about the encounter that we had shared those many years ago. I have always wondered, if we both had the same thoughts about the potential threat we may have faced that day from the sounds we heard in the brush. I have maintained all these many years since, that perhaps he was as an angel dispatched by God to watch over us with the horseman's presence to protect us from some harm. It has remained most unusual and unexpected. I remain convinced there is no other explanation!

Avalon Chronicles #201: Our God is Still in the Healing Business for His People

 Reference: Doing the Supernatural Works of Jesus by Everett Cox. Available on Amazon.

     Several of my recent Avalon Chronicles reference this valuable book. Here is a personal report of a supernatural healing. It would have been difficult for me to believe in God's healing by my own asking, if I had not personally witnessed it. In early 2024 my wife was knocked down in a restaurant, suffering a three hour surgery and four breaks in her femur. She has become mobile again, but with a limp as her injured leg shortened about a quarter inch or so. We have coffee together every morning and a couple of weeks ago I felt so sad she was limping as she walked toward the kitchen. 

     I had read Everett's book the first time in 2014 and had just reread it again. Believe me, if you read this book and apply its spiritual principles, you will never be the same again! Let me tell you upfront it will require a commitment of self-revelation about spiritual matters. Chapter 11 is on Physical Healing. That same afternoon I asked Linda to sit with me for me to pray for her healing. She consented and the key element in the healing process is to recollect everyone about whom one has harbored unforgiveness or bitterness or resentment through life. She had gotten so accustomed to harboring ill-feeling about a hurt from as far back as her childhood from a person that even now is already deceased. She forgave her. That becomes unsettling to recollect all one's past hurts. It becomes brutal emotionally, but critical to the process. But, the exercise brings results. After she had spent one hour recollecting her past hurts, recalling all the past harmful memories and my listing them, she forgave all and we prayed for her healing and lengthening her leg. Forgiving does not require a liking of the individuals. 

     She got up and walked away without limping!!!!!! We had to witness it to believe it. This was not a spiritual game with God. It was serious and Jesus healed her. She hurt her right hand a year ago, when she overworked it. We prayed last night and the hand was healed and by this morning!  

     When we accept membership in the family of God and proclaim our belief that God's Son died on that cross at Calvary two thousand years for the redemption of us and our sins, we join the membership that far surpasses all the groups to which we pay annual dues. God desires we benefit from Jesus' passion. Here Linda and I are in our early '80s, we have attended church for decades, we have heard hundreds of sermons, read dozens of  "religious" books, but never have we been at the spiritual level we now are after reading and absorbing and applying Everett's book. Our faith matured us and we applied Jesus' teachings.

     We will never be the same again1 Praise God, our Father in Heaven, who sent His son to live amongst us for 33 years, died on the cross and was resurrected. When Jesus returned to Heaven, he left the Holy Spirit to continue to minister to us. 

Avalon Chronicles #200: It is Time to Say Goodbye for Avalon Chronicles!

      The traffic to my message site has hit some phenomenal numbers this year after being published since 2011. I  have derived a high degree of pleasure the last few months of 2025 with the traffic visiting my site from all over the world. I began fifteen years ago at age 68 to write about my life experiences: trips, military, my alma mater West Point, my beloved country America, thoughts on faith and my belief in the Trinity of God the Father, his Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. If you are reading this final message and are in the statistics through the years to have visited my site, I am grateful.

     The bottom line of all my messages and my desire for you is that you pray the following prayer I found on the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association site;

        I pray for all to receive Jesus as personal Savior and Lord: I have.

Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner and I ask you for Your forgiveness. I believe that You are the Son of God and that you died on the cross for my sins and rose again. I choose to turn from my sins and give my life to You. Please come into my heart, be my Lord and Savior, and fill me with your Holy Spirit. Thank you for your grace and for this new life.

     I have often questioned myself as to whether, in Vietnam in 1967, I would have gone to live eternally with my Lord and Savior. I was saved bodily and miraculously in my Vietnam War that day to return home, be married to two special women, father two fantastic daughters, with two special grandchildren. I have lived with both my legs amputated below my knees. I know today after 83 years of living and breathing that eternal life in Heaven is my gift from God with no hesitation nor lack of conviction. If you have never prayed this prayer, I pray you will.

      SEE YOU IN HEAVEN?

                                                                    FINIS!

Avalon Chronicles #199: Spiritual Healing-Part Five (The Occult)

Reference: Cox, Everett. Doing the Supernatural Works of Jesus. Xulon Elite. 2010. Amazon.

     The immediately prior messages have referenced multitudes of issues that can cause us to allow or be invaded by ungodly soul ties that work us over spiritually until dealt with spiritually. Everett Cox's book delineates, defines and addresses this negative spiritual world in one volume that pulls it all together to identify and address through prayer, issues impacting each of us in the spirit world. 

     On page 35 the book has a section titled:

 "MORE DOORS HAVE BEEN OPENED THROUGH THE OCCULT"

     I cannot do justice in discussion of this arena that is so important without quoting from my source book. "Most demons that torment Christians come through doors that they or their ancestors opened....As discussed before, one of these doors is any involvement with witchcraft through ouija boards, having your palm read, going to a fortune teller, horoscopes, tarot cards, palm readers...the list goes on and on....Any time we seek information from the satanic world or covet objects that represent the dark side, legal rights can be given for demons to enter our soul or physical body....These types of things are "...an abomination unto the Lord." (Deuteronomy 18:10-12). (35)

    Take Heed and Pay Attention Please: The well-being of your children is at stake! "Children are tormented by demons that came through these doors that were opened to the enemy: Pokemon, dream catchers, unicorns, posters on their walls of satanic rock groups and their music, 'Dungeons and Dragons.'"(35) Cox writes that children have been tormented "with fear and other torments, including infirmities. When the objects were taken out of the house, they stayed free." 

     I could go on and on to relate to you readers numerous more messages I read and was informed related in my source book, but I ask you, if you desire, please buy the book and continue your learning. I close with references to physical healing. I believe in healing because I have prayed and received answers to my prayers. "If there is a spirit that is causing an illness or sickness, it may very well be there because it has a right to be there. Any evil spirit, including spirits of infirmity, can use the same doors, previously discussed to oppress your life." (63) Major blocks to physical healing relate to unforgiveness or bitterness. Also specified are feelings of abandonment, rejection, anger or hurt that have not been thought through. Technique: "Say the name of the person you are forgiving and declare that you forgive them for the specific offense....Stress and anxiety may be a root cause of your sickness....Spirits of stress and anxiety may need to be renounced and cast out before healing can be received." The technique specifically to forgive others or heal an infirmity  is "...speak in Jesus' Name ...command, in Jesus' Name, that (name infirmity) is to be gone and healing  is to occur." In reality it may not occur so be sure all the door openers previously discussed are shut down. The previous messages #195 through this one #199 are probably the most important to protect oneself spiritually and physically. May they prove worthy of your attention.

I have a family heritage from Asturias, Spain and was fairly proficient in Spanish many decades ago.

I close with 'Vaya Con Dios."  GO WITH GOD.

 

 

Avalon Chronicles #198: Spiritual Healing -Part Four Door Openers (Cont)

Reference: Cox, Everett. Doing the Supernatural Works of Jesus. Xulon Elite. 2010. Available Amazon.

     Doors that Evil Spirits Often Use

Hypnosis: When we subnit to hypnosis, we yield our mind to someone else. The hypnotist may have some evil spirits attached to them.

Idolatry: Something or someone may have preeminence in one's life other than Jesus. "(Matthew 6:33) tells us we are to, 'seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things will be added unto you.'"(31). To the exclusion of our Lord, certain areas of our lives may become predominant: "self, sports, hobbies, our work, money, people, sex, drugs, alcohol, food, collections, problems, sickness, etc." Some may worship these to the exclusion of Jesus. The major loss may be our spouse and family. Participation in secret societies may be idolatry. (Exodus 20:3) is very clear, "Thou shalt have no other gods before me." 

Rebellion and Disobedience Toward God-Not Keeping God's Commandments: This is considered sin and must be repented. A brand new spiritual truth becomes evident herein and this relates to our being susceptible to issues/sins of our past family generations, ie:..."disease, poverty, early death, destruction, trauma, sorrow and tragedy on our lives." Now readers may say what is this all about? Recall Biblically, sins and situations may be carried on for several generations. However we may break those sins and conditions by praying to break the past spiritual sins and conditions. "I suggest that you speak to your specific ptoblem, declaring that it is under the curse of the law, but that you have been redeemed by Jesus at the Cross. Therefore you are healed."(32).

Ungodly Inheritance: "Exodus 20:5 tells us that the iniquity (sin) of the fathers as far as four generations back can be held against us. It is likely that this four generation curse would apply to most of us because we have parents and grandparents who have sinned. Involvement with murders, suicides and/or abortions by us or our forefathers would certainly fit here. Sins caused by taking certain oaths, speaking and accepting ungodly dedications, or allowing certain secret society curses to be spoken over us results in generational demonic activity as well." (32). Thankfully we can repent of all those sins, known and unknown. We can call on our Lord for forgiveness for ourselves and our forefathers. "(Nehemiah 9:2) And the seed of Israel separated themselves from all strangers, and stood and confessed their sins, and the iniquities of their fathers." (33). This was a big surprise to me. And somewhat shocking to be affected by my family indiscretions. I can assure you what Everett Cox writes emanates from intense study of the scriptures and his experience in his ministry sessions.

Curses by the Tongue: This door opener perhaps is the one manifested most often. Others may cast aspersions or negative words against us and they take hold without our knowledge or even recognition, but, if you are reading this message, you now know! Be aware when we speak negatively of others that comment remains in the air and can take hold on that person. We can pray that spirits attached to words spoken to us about us or those we send into the atmosphere can be rendered null and void. This is by breaking the spiritual power through prayer. When this happens, Cox reports that the evil spirits are called out and his subjects literally cough them out. 

Ungodly Soul Ties: This section was a major surprise for me. "Soul ties form in our hearts by associating with someone, by bonding, following them, by accepting their influence....Ungodly soul ties take form from such activities as addictions, drug addiction , alcohol, gambling, stealing or cult activity."(34). Making someone an idol becomes an ungodly soul tie. Sexual abuse, as unfair as it is, creates a negative soul tie. "Sexual activity outside marriage will set up ungodly soul ties."(34). 

Avalon Chronicles #197: Spiritual Healing-Part Three Door Openers (Cont)

 Reference: Cox, Everett. Doing the Supernatural Works of Jesus. 2010. Available on Amazon.

     A critical element of this teaching related to understanding why evil spirits can torment Christians is contained in Chapter 4. In #196 we discussed the need to close off all the doors, that, when opened, authorize demonic spirits to invade and work us over. As a reminder we discussed the need to be "born again," to confess all sins and to harbor no bitterness nor unforgiveness throughout our lives.

     Continuing along, there are other doors that must be closed or never to be opened for an invasion by the evil spirits. 

     A long life may be ensured when children honor their parents, even though we may believe they do not deserve our honoring them. God's Word: "Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honor thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth." (Ephesians 6:1-3)

     Works of the Flesh: Not surprisingly this is a major door opener. What follows is from (NIV) Galatians 5:19-21. These sins must be recognized, admitted and repented of to be able to close off their impact from evil spirits. "The acts of the sinful nature (works of the flesh) are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissentions (divisions), factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God." These hit home for so very many, perhaps most prevalent and evident. 

     Pride: As we examine ourselves and recognize that non-humility and pridefulness are present, we must repent and ask forgiveness. "Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil." (I Timothy 3:6)

     Witchcraft: "Any involvement with withcraft will open a door to demonic oppression. Messing with a ouija board, tarot cards, going to a fortune teller, having your palm read, reading horoscopes, astrology, etc....Anything that gives importance to any form of withcraft is a potential open door to demonic oppression. This gives demons 'rights' to torment others in the household and cause weird things to happen in the house."(30). See Deuteronomy 18: 10-12. 

      Drugs, Alcohol and Other Addictions: "The enemy will use addictions as an open door to give evil spirits permission to harass."(31) These addictions can be so debilitating and harmful to one's health. Addictions put self before God. This is an area that proper choices and self-control are most needed. 

       Traumas of the Past: Most harbor some emotional wounds of our past. "There are wounds from bad relationships, rejection (perceived or real), abandonment, physical, verbal, psychological or sexual abuse, severe frightening experiences, experiences with miscarriages, abortions, or having bad childhood memories...these traumas need inner healing."(31). "...He hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted...to set at liberty them that are bruised..." (Luke 4:18) As a soldier severely wounded in Vietnam I endured suffering emotionally from my past traumas, as do many in the military, who were in warzones and came under fire or bombardments. At no time in years of secular counseling was I introduced to the aspect of a need for Jesus to help heal me from my wartime experiences. The world just talks to you and refills your prescription.    

      

     

Avalon Chronicles #196: Spiritual Healing Part Two "Open Doors"

 Reference: Cox, Everett. Doing the Supernatural Works of Jesus. Xulon Elite. 2010. Available on Amazon.

 Wimber, John. Power Evangelism. Minneapolis, MN: Chosen Books, 1986, 2009. 

     If you do not believe that Satan exists, then the devil has succeeded in keeping you uninformed! Ever since he took one third of the angels with him in his rebellion from Heaven, there has been an ongoing conflict on Mother Earth with all its inhabitants. But, the most important belief for our lives is that God DOES exist. Jesus died on the Cross so that by believing in Him we could live with God in eternity with our sins forgiven. "The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work" (I John 3:8). John Wimber in Power Evangelism wrote "Satan's captivity of men and women has many facets, but denying them final salvation is his primary goal. However, there are other types of dominion: bondage to sin, physical and emotional problems, social disruption and demonic affliction." (41). Cox's book focuses on demonic affliction.

     In the previous message, spirits were discussed. A major factor to grasp as Christians is that demonic spirits are allowed to invade us because we allow "open doors." "An open door is a "root" or "legal right" that the spirit has to harass, torment or oppress an individual. We must deal with these before engaging evil spirits to cast them out" (19). Get ready: "I have seen unforgiveness as a major door" (19). Take heed now that a major open door to allow tormenting is our refusal to forgive others.  "How do we come under the influence of demons? The common entry: Christians open doors if we do not obey the word of God." (25). Believe it or not to your peril not to understand that, "We can also be affected by doors opened by our ancestors; their sins and iniquities." (25). Demons can bother us in the flesh and our soul.

     We can be "born again Christians," but can be tormented in body and in soul (mind, emotions and will). Remember we are powerless to this enemy unless we truly are "born again." This is how that occurs.

     Romans 10:9-11 tells us: 'That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto reighteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation..."(27).  Alright, we got that down, but then what about our sins? That is where it is challenging. 1 John 1:9 says, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us of all unrighteousness." That is the beginning "door" that must be closed. Start with confessing sins, repenting and asking in the Name of Jesus for forgiveness. The most prevalent next is unforgiveness. This is the hardest. We cannot harbor unforgiveness or resentment against anyone.  Also, forgive oneself and God. 'Spirits of sickness, weakness, or infirmity use the unforgiveness door as a primary entry door in most cases." (28). 

    My wife Linda had experienced a sore left leg for years. In her mid-40s she had attended a really wonderful Bible Study at a private home. At the end she sat on a sofa and the leader asked another attendee  to come over to meet Linda to pray for healing of her leg. The other attendee did not introduce herself, but simply said to Linda, "I sense unforgiveness with you." Linda said she knew immediately and exactly to what that referred in her past history and chose to forgive the person. Linda says the leg healed immediately! The woman did not even have to pray over Linda! Linda definitely believes in the connection between illness and unforgiveness!!!! 

     I was severely wounded in 1967 in a mortar attack in a Special Forces camp in Vietnam. I had a challenge for several years and had the audacity for blaming God for allowing me to be wounded so severely that I lost both legs. Eventually, I realized I had chosen to go to war as a proud West Point graduate so, when I came to grips with reality therapy, I only had myself to blame. 

    Stay tuned for what comes next: Opening doors.

Avalon Chronicles # 195: Spiritual Healing-Part One

Resource: Doing the Supernatural Works of Jesus. Everett Cox. 2010. Available on Amazon or at Deliverance Ministry directly. www.delmin.org.

     The author of this book is a personal friend of mine. He has been a guest in my home twice. Former naval officer and pilot. He is now 91 and as sharp as if he were 71. His Deliverance Ministry is based in Edmund, OK (Oklahoma City area). The ministry is www.delmin.org. Take my word for it, the book and the website are power-packed with information. "There are many Christians who have certain problem areas in their lives. They have never received their victory in areas that torment them, including fear, anger or rage, chronic depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, perversions, wounds of the past, and many physical infirmities." (13). I can assure your obtaining this book, studying it and applying the areas in which you need emotional or physical healing will be like taking a post-graduate course in healing of your body, soul and spirit. 

     A reader will encounter, for many, a first time introduction to faith concepts that are beyond one's current dimension or level of spiritual maturity. Have an open mind and decide I do need a makeover and give this ministry a try. Cox has been at this for several decades. I believe a good place to begin exploring the healing process is to open the website www.delmin.org. Go to Ministry Tools on top bar. There is a lengthy list of topics. Go to "Problem List" and check off your issues that are your challenges. His ministry is a starting place to begin to heal and finally to cease letting the dark side of our lives dictate our spiritual state. A major cause of our spiritual, emotional and physical challenges becomes related to evil spirits. If that is too far out for you, then stop reading this message now. If you are ready to become more spiritually and physically whole, then keep reading. Cox writes, "Nor did I hear about His commands for believers to do the same works Jesus did; i.e. set the captives free, commanding evil spirits to leave an individual's soul (mind, will or emotions) or physical body. (Mark 16:17)"

     For most of our issues and problems the real root is a spirit; i.e. an anger problem is related to a spirit of anger. You will be introduced to the "open doors" concept, wherein your actions (obviously and typically sinful or wrong) and attitudes, which are not Godly, have set you up for our "enemy" to have the "legal right" for a representative of Satan's legions to take over and begin the torment, harassment and oppression of us. It is critical at this point to emphasize that we all reflect back on Sunday School class number one. Eve was deceived by the serpent to grab fruit off the wrong tree. Blame Adam and Eve for this disobedience that gave Satan his foothold on earth and over all of us. He is the God of earth and his army consists of the angels who rebelled and left Heaven in the great schism. These spirits became the demonic spirits, who work us over. In this book we will learn to shut the "open doors" so that these evil spirits lose their rights to attack us. Our God is in charge of the spirit world and is all-powerful. God has allowed Satan to work his evil until the end of time, before which the evil sides of our lives are allowed to prevail, rather than God in our lives and then God says, "Check Mate."

Avalon Chronicles #194: Begin Your Day With a Morning Resolve

     

                                                         A Morning Resolve

                                      I will try this day to live a simple, sincere and 

                                      serene life, repelling promptly every thought of

                                      discontent, anxiety, discouragement, impurity,

                                        and self-seeking; cultivating cheerfulness,

                                    magnanimity, charity and the habit of holy silence;

                                               exercisng economy in expenditure,

                                     generosity in giving, carefulness in conversation, 

                                          diligence in appointed service, fidelity to

                                          every trust and a childlike faith in God.

                                        In particular I will try to be faithful in those 

                                      habits of prayer, work, study, physical exercise, 

                                                eating and sleep which I believe the 

                                               Holy Spirit has shown me to be right.

                                          And as I cannot in my own strength do this, 

                                           nor even with a hope of success attempt it,

                                               I look to thee, O Lord God my Father,

                                                       in Jesus Christ my Savior

                                                and ask for the gift of the Holy Spirit.

                                                                          Amen

                                       Anonymous

                              

Avalon Chronicles #193: Freedom From Your Challenges by Shattering Your Strongholds

Reference: Savard, Liberty. Shattering Your Strongholds. Bridge-Logos Publishers. North Brunswick , NJ: Sixth Printing 1998. 

     Just completed my second reading of this book. Author Savard presents a unique methodology to address emotional issues that plague us all. As children of God we deserve to be free of patterns and powers that keep us from achieving psychological and spiritual growth. Our negative issues of behavior, wrong thinking and attitude are just the symptoms of deeper personal conditions that we tightly possess and maintain as "Strongholds." We can "LOOSE" the issues held tightly by each of us in unmet needs, unresolved issues and unhealed hurts and "BIND" ourselves to the spiritual solutions found in the teachings of the Christ, Son of God. This process requires changing our mind sets and moving to achieve the peace that comes from God.

     "Most minds come into the state of salvation stubbornly filled with old attitudes, wrong patterns of thinking and some pretty strange ideas. (5)...(Jesus) knew that once we had forgiveness and the gift of eternal life, we still had to live out our days on this earth.(6). Jesus knew we would be subject to attacks from our determined enemy (Satan). The concept explained by the author of my reference gives us specifics how to enrich our lives. Savard writes, "There are many, who have professed their faith who have never yet surrendered to oneness with the mind of Christ." (165). Savard writes specifically how we are to pray for ourselves to strip away a nature that holds us back from emotional peace. Some ideas follow. Her book is a primer on issues plaguing us. 

     "In the Name of Jesus, I bind my body, soul and spirit to the will and purposes of God. I bind myself to the truth of God. I bind myself to an awareness of the power of the blood of Jesus working in my life every day. I bind my mind to the mind of Christ that I can have the thoughts, purposes and feelings of His heart in me." (131). In my own personal prayer life I bind myself to the character and attributes of God: Righteousness, Holiness, Integrity and Purity of God and to the will, purposes, timing and truth of God. I bind myself to the mind of Christ and I pray that I would have imparted to me from the mind of Christ: Wisdom, Insight, Discernment and Knowledge for all issues or challenges I face each day. 

     "In the Name of Jesus, I bind the strong man and I loose his hold on everything he has ever stolen from me. I rebuke his works and loose the power and effects of every deception, device and influence he wants to bring against me.(131). 

     "Lord, I repent of having wrong attitudes and thoughts, I renounce them now and ask your forgiveness...(131)...Forgive me as I forgive those who have caused me pain, loss or grief. I loose any desire for retribution or redress. In the name of Jesus, I loose the power and the effects of any harsh or hard words (word curses) spoken about me, to me or by me."(132).

     This book is actually a manual to read, study and follow how to address the issues bogging us down. She explains her technique of facing our emotional challenges and rebuking/loosing Satan from our lives and attaching/binding ourselves to a mirroring of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  

Avalon Chronicles #192: Pre-Flood World-Nephilim-The Flood: Part Two

Reference: Pitterson, Ryan. Judgment of the Nephilim. Days of Noe Publishing: New York, NY. 2017.

     Beginning in the Garden of Eden a War of the World has been fought for thousands of years. "Humanity is in a great war between God and His allies, righteous angels and saints, and the Devil and his army of fallen angels, demons and human agents." (Introduction). God told Lucifer (Satan) that one day there would be birthed a male child that would overcome Satan and bring to an end his armies arrayed against humanity. Humanity would have the opportunity of redemption by what Jesus' death on the Cross proclaimed. Ever since, Satan has worked diligently to thwart God's plan 

     Satan convinced 200 angels to break off fidelity to God, enter earth, and mate with humans as a major attempt to cutoff and prevent God's plan for humanity to be fulfilled. They were termed "the sons of God." The fallen angels took human wives, the "daughters of men." These "hybrid half -human, half-angels became known as the Nephilim." (Introduction). This was an attempt by Satan to attack the human gene pool and to corrupt humanity's gene pool/DNA. If Satan were to have succeeded in this undertaking, there would be no Jesus and no salvation for mankind. It would be Check Mate by Satan. God would not and could not allow Satan to succeed.

     It is critical we be ever mindful of what is written in Ephesians 6:11-12. "Put on the full armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." Humanity in the pre-Flood world did not have the benefit of scripture such as this. There was an invasion by these angels and their creation, the giants that have been named Nephilim. The Nephilim basically became monsters. 

     The Book of Enoch indicates, "...the whole earth has thereby been filled with blood and unrighteousness." [Enoch 9:9] "And the angels taught them charms and spells,...And the women became pregnant, and they bare large giants,...The giants consumed all the work and toil of men. And when men could no longer sustain them, the giants turned against them and devoured mankind." [Enoch: 7, 2,4].

     Very simply stated, the abominations of the Nephilim caused God to start all over by causing Noah to build the Ark and collect the animals and take off with his three sons and their wives on the Ark. The earth was covered with water and humanity started all over again.   

Avalon Chronicles #191: Pre-flood World-200 Angels to Mount Hermon: Part One

 Reference: Lumpkin, Joseph B. The Books of Enoch. Fifth Estate Publishers: Blountsville, AL. 2011.

     All I knew until recently about the pre-flood world was the Garden of Eden, Cain killed Abel, God brought the flood because the "inhabitants" had become so bad. A study of First Book of Enoch describes those "inhabitants" and how bad they really were! To assist in establishing the credibility of the Book of Enoch it is helpful to know the book is in the Bible of the Ethiopic Christian Church. "...Dead Sea Scrolls found at Qumran prove the book was in existence before the time of Jesus Christ." (pg. 11). "Many of the early church fathers also supported the Enochian writings. Justin Martyr ascribed all evil to demons whom he alleged to be the offspring of the angels, who fell through lust for women; directly referencing the Enochian writings." (pg. 15).

     The book describes the proliferation of humanity after Adam and Eve. "...that in those days were born to them beautiful and fair daughters." [6:1] Certain angels, led by one named Semjaza, saw and lusted after these beautiful women on earth. They made a plan to come to earth and choose as wives these daughters. They planned to have offspring with them. In the days of Jared, father of Enoch, two hundred of these angels ascended to earth through the portal of Mount Hermon. On a trip to Israel, when I was in the Golan Heights, at the far northeast of Israel, I looked further north to the snow-capped top of Mount Hermon, a part of which was in Syria. 

     [Chapter 7] "And all of them together went and took wives for themselves, each choosing one for himself, and they began to go in to them and to defile themselves with sex with them." [7-3]. "And the women became pregnant , and they bare large giants..."

     Genesis 5 and 6 "There were giants in the earth in those days ...And God saw the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of his heart was only evil continually."

     Enoch 8:2; "And there was great impiety; they turned away from God, and committed fornication, and they were led astray and became corrupt in all their ways." Enoch 9-1; "And then Michael, Uriel, Raphael, and Gabriel looked down from heaven and saw much blood being shed on the earth, and all lawlessnes being done on the earth." Enoch 9:9; "And the women have borne giants, and the whole earth has thereby been filled with blood and unrighteousness." 

     Special note! Enoch was taken straight to Heaven!

Stay tuned! 

     

Avalon Chronicles #190: History From Adam to Noah and the Flood in the Apocrypha

Reference: The Complete 54-Book Apocrypha. 2022 Edition. Literal Standard Version. Covenant Press of the Covenant Christian Coalition. www.ccc.one.

     There is scant information about the history between Adam and Noah. I was in my ninth decade of life before I came across The Books of Enoch, but, my introduction to Enoch has led me down a fascinating path of history about which I was totally uninformed. "The library of apocryphal works is not Scripture, but is the definitive collection of very early extra-biblical writings in the Judeo-Christian tradition. As such, this collection was meticulously collated and excludes writings foreign to the traditional Judeo-Christian stream of theological thought...there is little doubt the biblical writers had at least some familiarity with these texts or perhaps the oral traditions on which they were based. Jude seemingly quotes from Enoch. Paul mentions names found only in some of the apocryphal literature. Jesus celebrated the Feast of Dedication (Hannukah), a festival established according to the accounts found in 1 and 2 Maccabees....All included books had to have been composed prior to the third century AD. (Preface).

     "While Protestants largely reject the books as spurious or even heretical, and the Roman and Orthodox churches accept them as canonical, it may be wise to recognize that historic Christianity has held to more of a middle ground, including the reformers such as Martin Luther and early Catholic writers like Jerome." (pg. 5).

     The Constitution of the CCC states: "The Bible is the final authority for all matters of life, faith, and doctrine and in its original Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic form is completely infallible....The true canon begins with Genesis, ends with Revelation, excludes the Apocrypha, and likely includes several of these other referenced books, although it is not clear that the current translations of Jasher, Enoch, and others are accurate translations of the original writings and therefore their authority is in dispute." (pg. 5).

      Martin Luther wrote his opinion of the Apocrypha: "Apocrypha, that are books, which are not considered equal to the Holy Scriptures, but are useful and good to read." (pg. 5). 

     The study of the Book of Enoch alone has taken me down an incredible path that expands exponentially from Genesis 6:4 "The Nephilim were on the earth in those days-and also afterward-when the sons of God went to the daughters of men and had children by them." For decades Nephilim were a complete mystery to me. No more, get ready for opening up wide a probable history about which we are totally uninformed. 

     Before I proceed further I believe it important to establish an important statement of faith of the Covenant Christian Coalition found on page 6:

"In accordance with the Scriptures, Christ the Messiah, the Son of the living God, became human, incarnate in the person of Jesus of Nazareth, lived a morally perfect and sinless life, died for our sins on the Cross as a substitutionary sacrifice, was buried in a tomb, and was raised bodily from the dead on the third day. Everyone who hears and accepts this message of salvation, believing in their heart that God raised the Christ from the dead, will be pardoned of all their sins, given the gift of the Holy Spirit, and granted everlasting life in perpetual union with God. Salvation is found in Christ alone by grace alone through faith alone and not by works." (Page 6). 

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Avalon Chronicles #189: "Where do We Go From Here?"

Reference: The Evidence Bible (NKJV): Bridge-Logos Alachua, Florida, 32615. 2011. Commentary by Ray Comfort. Scripture quoted below is from this Bible. 

     If one does not believe in something, one will believe in anything. I BELIEVE THE BIBLE IS THE INSPIRED WORD OF GOD! In the Old Testament it is the story of the evolution of the Hebrews from Abraham, called by God to move to what eventually was called the Promised Land. There was mostly nothing but warfare and sin and turbulence until God sent his Son Jesus as a real person to be born, immaculately conceived, to walk in ministry for only three of the most important three years of recorded history, related in the New Testament, to be a living and breathing human to walk the earth to teach how one must live to achieve a fulfilling, good and balanced life. Since Adam and Eve, Satan, the serpent revealed in the Garden of Eden, has had power over the earth. But, God remained with power and comntrol over the spiritual world. Since the beginning of recorded history there has been constant evil reflected in humanity. The counter for earthly goodness and blessings has been humanity believing one by one that Jesus is Who He said He was, that He was crucified at Golgotha in Jerusalem, which established that humanity's sins were paid for by that sacrifice for all of us. With repentance we can be redeemed from our sins due to His death on the cross. When Jesus returned to the Father, he left the Holy Spirit to be our guide for life. 

     The challenge has been that one by one we accept the truth of the Gospel message that we can have eternal life by believing in Jesus, denouncing our personal sin nature, confessing our sins and receiving forgiveness. It sounds easy, but, in fact, it is challenging each day to be "good" and withstand the fleshly temptations thrown across our path to be controlled by the flesh rather than the spirit. Many, perhaps even most people, go about their days lying, cheating and stealing! Eternity with God will not be achieved by them. What are some of the "things" that are repugnant to God and if, not repented of, will preclude one's eternal address being on a street in Heaven. 

     Galatians 5:19-26 "Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another." 

     We make these choices, flesh or Spirit each day. We must read the Revelation of Jesus Christ, last book in the New Testament, to become informed about the horror unfolding, when God pulls the plug and says, I suppose, "It is over, all have had their chance to enjoy a life directed by fleshly satisfaction or one directed by spiritual satisfaction."

     One may question, "How can I move from flesh-directed to Spirit-directed.?" The above rendition of ill behavior or thoughts may be addressed by us with changes in attitudes and behavior; inner healing; or deliverance from the evil/demonic spirits that obtain control over us due to unconfessed and unforgiven sin. These three arenas of confronting issues that must be addressed are covered in a myriad of books, especially in recent decades. With attention to our personal state, we can become informed to effect positive and enduring change for our own benefit much less the benefit of those around us. 

Avalon Chronicles #188: JUDAISM Part Two

 Reference: Clark, Allen B. Soldiers Blood and Bloodied Money Wars and the Ruling Elites. 2019. Amazon Books. pg. 241-245.

     One of my favorite historical characters of all time is Winston Churchill. On Feb. 8, 1920 the Illustrated Sunday Herald carried an article titled "Zionism versus Bolshevism: A Struggle for the Soul of the Jewish People," in which he describes his beliefs:

     "The conflict between good and evil which proceeds unceasingly in the breast of man nowhere reaches such an intensity as in the Jewish race. The dual nature of mankind is nowhere more strongly or more terribly exemplified. We owe to the Jews in the Christian revelation a system of ethics which, even if it were entirely separated from the supernatural, would be incomparably the most precious possession of mankind, worth in fact the the fruits of all other wisdom and learning put together. On that system and by that faith there is built out of the wreck of the Roman Empire the whole of our existing civilization."

     Churchill reflected that he perceives the Jewish of the world as belonging within three political groupings. The first two are contributory to a 'high degree" of humanity, but the third, he says is "absolutely destructive." The first grouping relates to a definition of "national" Jews, those regarding themselves as loyal citizens of a certain country foremost, in which they practice faithfully their own religion. The second group contains the "political Zionists," those desiring their own homeland in Palestine. With the Balfour Declaration the full support of British policy was supportive of this endeavor. The third group are the "International Jews." From this third grouping Churchill demonstrates their involvement in the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia, which he describes as being primarily led by this third class of mostly atheistic Jews. He relates that this is a malevolent movement seeking an equality of mankind that is practically unachievable, was responsible for every insurrectionary movement of the nineteenth century, and, as of his writing in 1920 had total control of the massive land mass of Russia. 

     Significant Jewish influence has been in the financial arena. Author Walter Hurt wrote "Robbed the world over with ruthless hand, and deprived to all possible extent of the privilege of acquiring wealth, to- day he holds the treasure keys of every land. And whoever masters the world's finances is potential master of that world itself. Werner Sombart makes the case that the incredible influence in finance of the Jews originated in their being the treasurers and money lenders on behalf of European royalty. In the 17th and 18th centuries many Jews, due to extensive exclusion became 'crypto-Jews,' the forced "converts to Christianity."

Avalon Chronicles #187: JUDAISM: PART ONE

Reference: Clark, Allen B. Soldiers Blood and Bloodied Money Wars and the Ruling Elites. 2019. Amazon Books. (All written below is in chapter 14 of the book)

     The major difference as I see it, between Christianity and the following definition of Judaism in the Life Application Study Bible (KJV) is that Christians believe the Messiah Jesus came 2000 years ago and the Jews believe the Messiah has not yet appeared! When He does appear for them, it will be the second time for Christians, commencing the Millenial Kingdom. In the Bible referenced above Judaism is described:

     "Judaism is not about being second-rate or easy. Divinely designed, it was the best religion, expressing true worship and devotion to God. The commandments, the rituals, and the prophets described God's promises and revealed the way to forgiveness and salvation. Then Christ came, fulfilling the Law and the Prophets, conquering sin, and freely providing eternal life." (pg 2154)

     It is important to begin a study of Jews by beginning with the Judaism of Abraham. The foundation of the Judeo-Christian ethic is found in the Torah. (The Chumash Torah). Scherman: xxiv. 

     "In his most exalted state of mind, a person can realize that the true essence of all his earthly endeavors is his service of God, and that plows and fences can dull the spirituality and blind them to the purpose of his mission. For example, we are all too familiar with sad tales of idealists who long to improve the world-only to fall in love with power and forget why they sought it. Some people gain authority and use it to make the world better and and accumulate money that they contribute to important causes. Others become strong and rich only to swell their egos and gratify their desires. Or let us imagine that we could make a wish and improve people's lives. How would we do it? Some would give them homes and bulging bank accounts; others would give them knowledge and morality."

     Both Gentiles and Jews may be people of character, or people in pursuit of greed, avarice and materialism. Extensive references to Jews appear in many sections of my book because Jews are prevalent in many arenas of society. Although a minority in population worldwide, collectively they are possessed of incredible talent and success, especially in business and financial circles, The extensive articles and references to Jews throughout history, their exiles, the Holcaust, and the ill will directed towards them are explained in many ways, many of which are not always understandable. However, the more I studied these opinion pieces, I realized many opinions I read have been due to jealousy. 

Please feel free to make comments about this writing.

Avalon Chronicles #186: "A Time to Live and a Time to Die"

      Uppermost in my spirit and memory always remains the shadow of the Vietnam War, which changed the trajectory of my life. My own severe wounds caused significant bodily and emotional wounds, but I lived and healed from double leg amputations and severe PTSD only by the grace and mercy of God. However, 20 classmates of my West Point class of 1963, which had 504 graduates, returned in caskets. 

     Several days ago I rejoiced in hearing that both granddaughters of dear and long-term friends were safe at a Texas Kerr County summer camp. Then despair gripped me this morning! Tears fell onto my cheeks as Linda related the sadness of a family related to one of her closest friends. Her friend's sister-in-law was vacationing on the Guadelupe River with her husband, daughter, son-in-law and two granddaughters. The family was caught in the flooding. The sister-in-law has not been recovered. The son-in-law was recovered as well as the two sisters, who were recovered HOLDING EACH OTHER'S HANDS!

     Even with just my limited reading the past few days I have been struck with reports of the catastrophes worldwide: earthquakes in Japan, flooding in China, dust storms in Las Vegas, hurricane in South Carolina, widespread flooding from torrential downpours in the Texas Hill Country. Deaths and injuries abound. The world can be a very dangerous place. Casualties were reported in most of these situations. It was a time to live and a time to die. 

     As a Believer in the Lord Jesus Christ as my Savior, because He died for me on the cross close to 2000 years ago, I do not fear physical death itself. I believe I will live in eternity as promised by the faith message I trust to be true. I believe in the Triune God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. When wounded in Vietnam at a Special Forces camp on June 17, 1967, I was spared death by the grace and mercy of God. It was my time still to live and not die. At age 25 my spiritual belief and commitment probably was insufficient to have gone to Heaven then. Through months of rehabilitation I suffered horrendous pain  alleviated by morphine shots. The years of emotional pain with pills alleviated some of the emotional wounds and discontent. However, only a walk of Christian faith brought me peace and contentment. If a reader of this writing does not know for sure whether upon death one is assured of Heaven as final residence, then a choice is necessary. Time to take inventory.

     Recruits in basic traing are awakened very loudly by their drill sergeants banging on various devices. The recruits are immediately awakened. Many in the world need to be awakened, not out of fear, but, out of the peace that comes with a solid and sincere recognition that a life with an all-loving God as life's leader (balanced with the recognition of His judgment) prepares us each day to live a life of joy and peace. We are then ready for what time brings us!

      

Avalon Chronicles #184: "Freedom is not Free nor Cheap nor Easy" Part Two

 Reference: Life Application Bible. NIV. Tyndale and Zondervan Publishers. 1973. 

A nation's virtue collectively is upheld by the virtue of its citizens. With the various and sundry sinful and evil conditions evident in our world today, much less in my beloved America, there seems to be no hope for us, calling forth our Lord pulling the plug and Jesus returning in final judgment as described in the Book of Revelation. I believe humanity, even if knowing of a God, who created all and watches over all, still lives in a climate where there is constant vice, which erases our peace and our individual freedom. But, there is hope to be cleansed and see a powerful life of prayers answered! See I John 3:22 "...and receive from him anything we ask, because we obey his commandments and do what pleases him."

Abraham Lincoln wrote a very short sentence that relates to moral turpitude (baseness, vileness, depravity): "A rat gnaws alone and so does a moral weakness within us even though we know it is securely hidden."

On pg. 2125 of my Bible reference above in the Galatians 5 section there is an extraordinary listing of "specific actions and attitudes that are either right or wrong." For the wrong list the question is: "Are there a number of characteristics from the wrong column that are influencing you?" The wrong column will be covered in upcoming Part Three. 

Galations 5:19-21. "The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God." (Emphasis added). If you are not aware of the kingdom of God, it would be wise to do some study on this topic and soon for your own sake.

In conclusion, as, when and if we have any of the above attitudes and depravities, we must make a determined effort to change. That will not be easy, but, it will bring you God's freedom, a freedom unavailable, if one is consumed in Satan's world.  

Avalon Chronicles #185: "Freedom is not Free nor Easy nor Cheap" Part Three

 Reference: Life Application Bible. NIV. Tyndale and Zondervan Publishers. 1973.

pg. 2125 Galatians 5 Footnotes: "Our only way to freedom from our evil desires is through the empowering of the Holy Spirit....Those who ignore such sins or refuse to deal with them reveal that they have not received the gift of the Spirit that leads to a transformed life. One may pray and ask that the "Fruit of the Holy Spirit" be our guideline as we address the rats that gnaw away at us. 

The following listing  is an enumeration of vices with a scripture reference in the Bible applcable to that vice, weakness or negative character trait.

Sexual Immorality and Impurity (Galatians 5:19)       Lust (Colossians 3:5)

Hatred, Discord, Jealousy, Anger, Selfish Ambition, Dissension, Arrogance (Galatians 5:20)

Arrogance (2 Corinthians 12:20)       Envy, Drunkenness, Wild Living (Galatians 5:21)

Wild Living (Luke 15:13)      Idolatry (Ephesians 5:5)

Idolatry, Witchcraft (Galatians 5:20)        Cheating (I Corinthians 6:8)

Adultery, Homsexuality, Stealing, Greed  (I Corinthians 6:9, 10)       Greed (Ephesians 5:5)

Lying, Murder (Revelation 22: 12-16)

There is a code phrase to address these vices. It relates to TECAC.

A Thought enters one's mind. It triggers an Emotion that leads to a Choice of an Action.

But, how many look ahead to the CONSEQUENCES? That is where the temptaion ends up.

In future messages I will address another way to conquer our vices besides exercising free will.

Stay tuned!

Avalon Chronicles #183: "Freedom is not Free nor Easy nor Cheap" Part One

References: The Christian History of the American Revolution. Foundation For American Christian Education. 1976. San Francisco.

Life Application Study Bible. NIV. Tyndale and Zondervan Publishers. 1973.

This Friday July 4, 2025 in the United States of America constitutes the 250th Jul 4th since the first one on July 4, 1776 on which the Declaration of Independence was signed in Philadelphia, PA. This was our declaration of freedom from Great Britain. It was obtained at a cost of spilt blood of American patriots on battlefields beginning with Lexington, MA in 1775 and ending at Yorktown, VA in 1781. "To 'consider' America's Christian history means to behold the Hand of God in all events leading to the Declaration of Independence...All these 'human events' required 'a peculiar people zealous of good works.'"(xxiii) (Titus 2:14; "...,who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.") (I Peter 2:9; "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God...") (I Peter 2:11; "Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.")

If you have unconfessed sin, you are not, "zealous of good works,...redeemed from all wickedness, ...purified, abstaining from sinful desires, which war against your soul."

We live in a very unique and special nation, whose freedom was waged in the fires of rebellion. Many of us personally do not have freedom and are in rebellion to the precepts of God. We do not realize we are in bondage to Satan. When we address and deal with our wayward behavior, we attain a freedom from the attacks of Satan. Freedom is free in God's world. However, I admit it is not easy to break away from the familiarity of sinful behavior and to be guided and controlled each day by the Holy Spirit. In Galatians 5:17 it is explained in footnotes "Paul describes two forces conflicting within us---the Holy Spirit and the sinful nature (our evil desires or inclinations that stem from our bodies.") See Part Two for the vices and attitudes that keep one in bondage. These are enumerations of the specific issues that are evil and go against the teachings of God. Release from them brings one personal freedom and the necessity not to be judged by a God, who is assuredly a God of love, but also one, who will not give us peace and love until we escape inappropriate behavior. 

Avalon Chronicles # 182: Binding Oneself to the Virtues of the Trinity?

 The following is a suggested exercise each day to call on the Trinity for assistance:

I bind myself to the character and attributes of God: Righteousness, Holiness, Integrity and Purity and to the Will, Purposes, Timing, Truth of God. This is a tall order, but required to be a Godly person!

I bind myself to the Mind of Christ: Wisdom, Insight, Discernment, Knowledge and Maturity. Practically speaking, when I have an issue, question, predicament, I bind myself to the Mind of Christ and ask that Christ's WIDKM above be imparted to me to resolve or understand my issue for guidance.

I bind myself to the control by the Holy Spirit, to reflect the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22) and to have imparted to me Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-control. These are the by-products of living for God). 

Notes for Life Application Study Bible NIV Tyndale House and Zondervan pg. 2125 Galatians

(To be Continued)

Avalon 181: My "Alive Day" June 17, 1967 at Dak To Special Forces Camp in Vietnam

 A North Vietnamese regular Army battalion had come across the border from their privileged sanctuary in supposedly neutral Cambodia in the week before June 17, 1967 and ambushed two Green Beret patrols, killing perhaps as many as six of our Special Forces soldiers. I had been at Dak To for almost four months attempting to recruit native Montagnards to go into the jungle areas to our west on spy missions. I was under cover with a false name and wore infantry brass instead of my Army Intelligence identification. My commanding officer in Saigon 280 miles to our south radioed me that he was evacuating me from the camp by air at 9:30AM on June 17 because of the heavy enemy presence in our area. At night every two hours an American Special Forces soldier had a two hour shift for alert in our inner perimeter. My turn came up that morning at 4AM. After my two hour shift I would have breakfast, pack my duffle bag and be on the airstrip to leave. 

Elements of the communist unit had moved quickly through the jungle to set up mortar and rocket positions on the high ground to the south of our camp. A heavy barrage began at 4:30. I began literally to grab men to man our own mortars to return fire and send up flares in the event the enemy also conducted a ground attack. I was on a radio conversation with the camp commander, who was in an underground bunker, when I was violently thrown down on my stomach. I felt no pain, but yelled out, "My legs, my legs, Oh God, I'm dead!" Green Beret combat medic SGT St. Lawrence got to me fast and, not having his medic kit, used his fingers to clamp down on my femoral arteries to stop my bleeding. I was taken on a litter downstairs to the bunker of Green Beret combat medic Jimmy Hill, where he began to work on stopping my bleeding. Jimmy told me later, "You were alert and oriented, however, you were in shock from massive blood loss. You kept telling me to help the others, even though you had traumatic injuries to both your legs. Your blood pressure was dropping, veins were collapsing, weak pulse. I started the IV,  injected you with morphine and loosely applied tourniquets in the event the bleeding might start again. At that time you told me your real name and asked me to contact your wife and parents, because you 'knew' you were going to die. I told you, 'not today...because (having just gotten in country) you are my first casualty to treat.'" He said, "There was a third One in the bunker with us."After a couple of hours our nine wounded and two Killed in Action were removed by Medevac choppers to Pleiku Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (MASH).

My left leg was amputated below the knee and the right one, fractured in five places, was casted. I woke up Sunday night and the chaplain at my bedside said the hospital had run out of my A-neg blood and made a call to the airbase and Green Beret camp to call men in to donate a total of twenty five pints of blood. I returned to Brooke Army Hospital in San Antonio and my right leg was also amputated there. My wife Jackie had been notified by telegram that was delivered to her parent's door, where she was living, while I was in Vietnam. When she answered the door, the delivery man asked if there was someone else at home with her. She said, "Is he alive, is he alive?" He said, "Ma'am, I do not know." Her mother quickly came to the door and the family doctor came to give her a sedative. The telegram indicated I was "VSI." She called a contact at the Pentagon and asked what that meant. The man said, "It means Very Seriously Injured and he could die at any time." Not the best of news! Jackie pursued in her questioning, but, the man said he had to leave to go to lunch!

I did live by the grace of God! Fourteen weeks in a closed psychiatric ward, seven years of psychiatric treatment and anti-depressants and twenty surgeries later, I emerged in the mid-1970s relatively well-recovered. However, the mid-June period every year and especially every June 17 are very emotional. All of us wounded combatants remember our "Alive Day." This in 2025 is my 58th one. I have been blessed to live, father two daughters, and become remarried to Linda. My Army wife Jackie suffered immeasurably. Jackie and I are on very good terms and pray together for our two daughters and two grandchildren. In accordance with Psalm 27:13, "I have confidence still, having witnessed the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living," that my Lord has seen me through the ultimate trials and tribulations that a human may experience. I survived and live on three days before my 83rd birthday! I am not buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

Avalon Chronicles #180: We live in Two Worlds, but Many Only Know One of Them

I John 4:4 "You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he that is in the world." New King James Version.

God created our world, but another power entered when Adam and Eve succumbed to Satan's lies in the Garden of Eden. An angel Lucifer had rebelled in Heaven, was cast out, but took one third of the angels with him. Satan got so much control on earth that he was able to tempt Jesus (unsuccessfully) during the forty days story in the wilderness. We all live in two worlds. One can look around, read the news and watch worldly happenings and understand Satan's world very easily and every day. As one who survived my war in Vietnam, I am acutely aware of the horrors in the world every day: wars, crime, hunger, trafficking, drug and alcohol addictions, beatings, murder, hurtful treatments, sins of thought, word and deed and the list never stops. This litany of issues identifies Satan's world. It is a world without the greater one of God's world. The challenge is reaching humanity for the healing and peaceful world God offers.

There has been a history in the story of the Hebrews and Judaism that expressed true worship and devotion to God. In the New International Version of the Life Application Study Bible (Tyndale and Zondervan 1988) it is written, "(Book of) Hebrews is a masterful document written to Jews who were evaluating Jesus or struggling with this new faith. The message of Hebrews is that Jesus is better, Christianity is superior, Christ is supreme and completely sufficient for salvation." This is the One True and safe world in which to live amidst the chaos, horror, hurts, violence, and depravity et al of the non-Godly world. But we can have a new life when we learn from the Bible's teachings. Hebrews 8:10 "I will put my laws into their minds and write them in their hearts and will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people." Acceptance of Christ offers a distinct and powerful choice to subsist, exist and truly overpower Satan's world, at least for ourselves. And through prayer to change people, events, ourselves and others. We add in prayer, "In the Name of Jesus and by the Holy Spirit.

Even though we accept Christ as personal Savior, all will not be rosy. Satan's evil world will exist, but we have a special weapon to turn on and counter humanity's enemy. At least our own world will take a turn and have a powerful weapon in the daily warfare of our minds and spirits. Christ has been at work through the Holy Spirit since Jesus went to be with His Father in Heaven. We have the weapons to combat the world system. The choice for each of us is "which world do we wish to live in?" I have made my choice, albeit constantly tormented and tempted by the evil one, but, always back to the solid ground on which I walk with Jesus Christ as Savior. 

Avalon Chronicles #179: "I Sing to the Glory and Goodness of God"

 In a recent church service I attended there was posted on the screen the words to a hymn. The line that stood out to me was "Sing to the Goodness of God." I began to have recollection of the horrific day in my Dak To Special Forces camp on June 17, 1967 when the enemy mortar attack began at 4:30AM. An enemy force of regular army North Vietnamese communists had entered South Vietnam from their protected sanctuary in Cambodia. The unit had ambushed two of our Special Force patrols and killed several of our Green Berets. I was in the camp undercover setting up South Vietnamese Montagnards (native mountain people) to spy on the enemy in the area to our west toward Cambodia. My operation was shut down and our camp was in danger of being under constant siege. My commanding officer in Saigon 280 miles away was to have arrived at 0930 hours by air to remove me from the camp. I was not there when he arrived. For some time after the church service I could not remove from my mind the picture of my being flat on the ground in the camp. I began to tear from the events of that morning. 

Racing through my mind was what happened to me when I survived a mortar round hitting the ground a few feet to my left rear, amputating my left leg below the knee and fracturing my right leg in five places (later also amputated). Looking back, I should be dead, but, by the Goodness of God, I survived. I teared because I realized my Lord God allowed me to live. It was terrifically horrible. However, I felt no pain! My God did not allow me to suffer. It could have been pretty painful. Green Beret combat medic Sgt. St. Lawrence reported, "Cpt. Clark was bleeding to death with both femoral arteries severed and many other wounds. I had no clamps/instruments of any kind with me. I used my fingers to clamp down on the bleeding and hung on that way until another Green Beret appeared and we took him to the A-team medic Jimmy Hill's bunker, where he received morphine." Air Force gunships rained fire on the enemy and the attack ceased. The hospital did not have enough of my blood type and a call out to the Special Forces camp and air base brought 20-25 men in to donate for my transfusions.

I survived! It was not easy ever or since, fifteen months in hospital, twenty surgeries, fourteen weeks in a psychiatric ward, 150 or so stitches, but I lived with prostheses for both legs and psychiatrists for several years. It was only by the GOODNESS OF GOD that I can today write about it. He watched over me and healed me. Yes, I believe in the Goodness of God! That Goodness is available for all. Seek it.

Avalon Chronicles #178: A Man Called Jesus

Reference: Josephus Complete Works. Original copyright 1968, 1978, 1981 by Kregel Publications Grand Rapids, Michigan 49501 Antiquities of the Jews page 379. Josephus was a Roman-Jewish historian and military leader (c. 37-c. 100) Anno Domini.

"3. Now there was about this time, Jesus, a wise man, if it be lawful to call him a man, for he was a doer of wonderful works--a teacher of such men as receive the truth with pleasure. He drew over to him both many of the Jews, and many of the Gentiles. He was [the] Christ; and when Pilate, at the suggestion of the principal men amongst us, had condemned him to the cross, those that loved him at the first did not forsake him, for he appeared to them alive again the third day, as the divine prophets had foretold these and ten thousand other wonderful things concerning him; and the tribe of Christians, so named from him, are not extinct at this day." 

Josephus wrote about the Christ in a secular publication and he identified Jesus with a great amount of good works and influence. "...for he appeared to them alive again the third day." Josephus was a writer in the first century. He was not an apostle or disciple of Christ! Pretty strong commentary on the Christian Jesus Christ being a REAL PERSON that walked in what today is called the Holy Land. 

Evidence that demands a verdict? What is your verdict?

Avalon Chronicles #177: Healing from Bitterness

      My wounds in Vietnam War on June 17, 1967 originally caused me to be bitter. I lost both my legs below my knees in a mortar attack at Dak To Special Forces camp. I started out originally being mad at God for allowing me to be wounded. I was three days from my 25th birthday. Over time and years I realized I had put myself in harm's way with three stages of "volunteering."

1. Choosing to become a cadet at West Point and become a regular Army officer.

2. Volunteering for Vietnam even though I had the alternative of a tour in Korea as an aide to General Robert H. Safford. That assignment would have kept me out of Vietnam. After a tour there I would have had maybe eight months before an Army resignation would have been effective. Volunteered for Vietnam secretly without telling my then wife. I knew if I missed the war, I could not attend future West Point class reunions where most classmates would have served in the war.

3. Volunteered for service in Army Special Forces, the Green Berets, an elite fighting force.   

Several years ago I learned a technique to analyze situations. It relates to TECAC. This is a methodology for us all to utilize before making major decisions in life. 

Think TECAC. The THOUGHT for each choice made me feel the Emotion of goodness and pride. Each thought led to a CHOICE of an ACTION that had an unforeseen CONSEQUENCE. My consequence was my horrendous wounding. If I had to blame anyone, it was myself. The lesson is before major decisions in life are made, look out to the consequences that may occur. Admittedly it is not always easy to look forward to an ending, but attempting to do so may serve to keep one from very bad consequences.

That is how I came to not being bitter!

 

Avalon Chronicles #176: Do Your Batteries Need Recharging?

      Our world had begun to swirl about us with medical issues, various challenges, observations of the tinderboxes of areas of the planet and a sin-saturated society. In addressing our negative attitudes, my wife said, "We need our batteries recharged." That made sense and I opened the Book of Hebrews in two versions of the Bible. What follows is a modest rambling through of the thirteen chapters. My batteries got recharged!

     If our mind is not set on the future beyond our demise, then we are very short-sighted. If one says, "Is this all there is," then one will remain discouraged as to what this life is all about and question its worthiness. There are many thorns surrounding the rose bushes of every day life. 

     The Bible is a the best source for us to obtain a big picture of, "All that there is." The energy source to recharge our batteries is in those pages. We spend hours on the computer, updating ourselves on the political machinations of the secular world, watching movies, becoming engrossed in the latest new publications and reading the latest gossip of the pop culture. All undertaken substantially without real importance to our soul and only with its appeal to our secular selves. Before the Advent of Jesus Christ in the flesh approximately two thousand years, there had developed through Judaism a divinely-established religion that was based on devotion to God, the Creator of all. 

     God in His infinite wisdom knew that a flesh and blood example of Himself was  necessary for humanity to get the big picture of Who He was and to establish guidlines for worship of Him. The coming of the Christ on the world's scene established the perfect representation of a way of life, that, when followed, is a constant energy source for our batteries, when they start to get run down. Christianity in fact is replete with dos and donts. Every day we all confront challenges, behavioral, financial, governmental, criminality, etc. It is very easy to become discouraged, but the Word of God is in the pages of the Christian Bible. It defines a way of life that brings peace and the answer to the ultimate question of life on this earth. 

     There is life after physical death. Not all of us go up to Heaven. There is an alternative and that is into the fires of Hell. How does one ensure that they go up rather than down? It is simple. If one believes that Jesus is truly Who He said He was, the Son of God, and in faith appropriate and take action on that belief, then we go to Heaven. I have always had a multitude of prayers that need answereing. I focus on, "You know that your prayers are answered because you obey His Commandments and do the things that are pleasing in His sight." This becomes the basis for my daily life and how to live it. Belief that Jesus is the Messiah, comes first, confession by our mouth of that fact comes second, then a code of behavior comes third, then move on with the confidence, "That there is more, much more," when Christ becomes the center of one's life. I like keeping the batteries charged!!!.

Avalon Chronicles #175: The Importance of Confessing Our Sins to God

Source: The Reverend Hugh H. Morgan         www.hughsnews.com  5/6/25 

"But if we truly admit that we have sinned, we find God utterly reliable and straightforward-He forgives our sins and makes us thorouighly clean from all that is evil." (1 John 1:9, The New Testament in Modern English, J.B. Phillips).

I was six years old when I knew that I was a sinner as I read the Bible. My parents taught me that everyone has sinned and has fallen short of the glory of God. 

The Christian lady who led me in the process to confess my sins, to experience genuine repentance, and receive what Jesus offered me from the cross, occurred on the last day of a daily vacation Bible school I will never forget. We lived in East Lake, a community in the eastern part of Birmingham, Alabama. The day I was saved I became an instant evangelist.

As my sister, Mary Evelyn, and I walked home I told her. When we got home, I told my mother, and when my dad got home from work, I told him.

Then, I visited every family in our neighborhood and shared my salvation experience. I've never stopped telling the greatest story ever told. 

Not only do we confess our sins, and we get saved, we must continue to confess our sins to God. I call them "keeping short accounts with God."

God wants you to experience the abundant life that only Jesus provides.

Receive Jesus as your Savior and Lord of your life.

"But if we freely admit that we have sinned, we find God utterly reliable and straightforward-He forgives our sins and makes us thoroughly clean from all that is evil." (1 John 1:9, The new Testament in Modern English, J.B. Phillips).