© 2025 Don Pinson | To Download, right-click here: [Download] (“Download” link not working? Right-click on the gray play bar and select “Save Audio As”)

Between the years of 1730 and 1770 hundreds of thousands of immigrants poured into the United States.  While all the nations of Europe were represented in this sea of people, by far the largest groups were from Scotland and Ireland and came to be called the “Scots-Irish”.  Most came into America through Philadelphia and quickly made their way into the American wilderness.  These were folks used to life in mountainous terrain, and they rapidly settled into the Allegheny and Appalachian Mountains.  With no love of the English crown, since they had been oppressed by the English in their native land, they quickly became Americans and identified with the growing movement toward independence.

Their long history of struggling for freedom made them excellent soldiers in Washington’s continental army.  They would figure in key battles throughout the Revolutionary War, often being the group that would turn the tide in battle.  For ages they had loved liberty more than life, fighting to the death for the right to local self- government rather than submitting to London’s bureaucrats.  They would prove to be the moving force that began the British’ downward spiral toward ultimate defeat.

The setting was the border between North and South Carolina.  A mountain ridge, 1,700 feet high would be the stage.  A very proficient British major under Cornwallis by the name of Ferguson was the British commander.  The American command was spread among several local leaders, since the American force was not made up of regular soldiers, but volunteers out of the mountains of the Carolinas, Kentucky, Virginia, and Tennessee. The date was October 7, 1780.

© 2025 Don Pinson / To Download, right-click here: [Download] (“Download” link not working? Right-click on the gray play bar and select “Save Audio As”)

In light of the growing threat to the free expression Biblical truth, let us remember those whom God has used in the past, and draw the strength of faith from their stands.  The faith of one, Abraham, was used to save many lives when he attacked the kings who had carried off his nephew Lot and his family.  Though Abraham had only 318 men in his “household army”, God defeated the combined armies of four kings and rescued the captives they had taken, including Lot.  And because of Abraham’s obedience in the face of fear, God greatly blessed him during and after the battle (Genesis 14)!

Gideon, with just 300 men, overcame an army that was “without number” (Judges 6:5):  Demonstrating how powerfully God shows up on behalf of those who trust Him!

Elijah, alone, faced 450 prophets of Baal and challenged the nation of Israel to decide who was God in Israel (1 Kings 18).  Yet God showed up on Elijah’s behalf while there was no move from Baal at all.  The fire of God fell on Elijah’s prepared sacrifice and consumed not only the sacrifice, but the stones of the altar—and the water with which Elijah had drenched the sacrifice.  The nation turned back to God because of Elijah’s stand, and revival came to Israel.  Let us choose to stand with God in this day when the false prophets of abortion and homosexuality scream out their lies— and perhaps, God will grant us repentance and revival.

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A shot rang out on the campus of Utah Valley University last Wednesday afternoon that is being heard around the world.  Charlie Kirk, Founder of Turning Point USA, (which seeks to win students on High School and College campuses to conservative political views) grabbed his neck where an assassin’s bullet had entered. He quickly died from the wound.

His brave young widow, Erika, would best sum up the ultimate affect of His death.  On Friday, after declaring that “they” who were responsible for Charlie’s death had no idea what they had done and that they had energized the conservative movement among young adults in this nation, she stated,  “…the movement my husband built will not die…It will become stronger. Bolder.  Louder and greater than ever.” (Fox News online; This is the Turning Point; Sept. 15, 2025)

Charlie Kirk had already had a tremendous impact on High School and Colleges campuses across America.  In just 13 years (and I believe by the Lord working through him) he had been used to start 1200 High School chapters, and 900 college chapters.  He challenged students to think through the issues of our day, instead of just letting their emotions form their ideas.  And many had embraced not only human logic, but Biblically based foundations for their ideas.  Indeed, recently, Charlie was asked what he wished to be remembered for.  Which was a question that seemed out of place for one so young; now the question almost seems prophetic.  His answer?  He wanted to be remembered for having courageous faith.  Indeed, he was bold in speaking, not only about political issues, but also witnessing for his Lord Jesus Christ. 

https://heritageministriesky.com/Think_About_It/2018/11_November/Think_About_It_11-29-18_What_Can_the_Righteous_Do-.mp3
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There are three positions Christians are taking in the current pressure. Some are saying, “It’s so bad now. Persecution is growing. These are just the last moments of time, and I’m just looking for Jesus to come back any day.” Which translates into: “I don’t believe we can do anything about this time, so I’m just thinking about me and I’m going to hide my head in the sand. Don’t count on me to protect the liberty of my children.” On the other hand, there are those who would love to see liberty preserved, they just think that there’s no hope now. But then there’s a third group—perhaps fewer in number—but those who thrill the heart of God. They’re saying, “This is the hardest time the world has ever seen, and it may be the beginning of the end of history; but come what may, until ‘the trumpet sounds’, I’m going to do everything I can to preserve the liberty of my children to be able to hear and respond to the Gospel of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ!”

Which group are you in? “…What can the righteous do?” (Psalm 11:3) in this pressurized time?

We can choose to believe that God tells the truth! Jesus said, “In the world you shall have tribulation [(pressure)]; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) Jesus promised us that pressure would come, but He’s already faced it and He overcame it. Now, He lives inside those of us who are committed to Him; He will now live through us in this world of pressure. And because of His life in us, others will be led to find Him as their life also. Light shines brightest in the darkest night!