​According to my watch, it was 3:30 at night.  I was sound asleep in room 538 of a prestigious hotel, Home 2 in Dallas, Texas (the hotel is part of the Hilton Hotels).  I was on a short trip to visit my grandson who is studying for a law degree and who was assigned by his university as part of his studies to assist a murder trial which was taking place in Dallas. By the way, when I landed at Dallas-Fort Worth Airport, the temperature was 105 degrees, the eighty-fifth consecutive day in Texas of temps over one hundred degrees.  Back to a sound sleep in the middle of the night when suddenly, there was a strident voice from the reception,  "WE HAVE A FIRE EMERGENCY, GET OUT OF THE BUILDING NOW, DO NOT USE THE ELEVATOR, USE THE STAIRS INSTEAD." 


Only half awake, I searched for my pants and grabbed my room key.  In the hallway, I met other guests who were scrambling to get outside.  Down the stairs we went, hoping we would not run into flames or smoke.  Gathering outside near the firetruck and near a battery of policemen, we stood wondering exactly what was going on.  I asked a couple who was standing beside me,  "What is happening?"  The gentleman commented,  "We don't know but we were here in the same hotel two weeks ago and the same thing happened then."  As quickly as the warning had started, the whole thing was over.  "You can return to your rooms now and you can use the elevators." the receptionist urged us to go back to our rooms. There was no explanation as to whether there was a real fire or not.  But, the WARNING had been heeded but we never learned exactly what was going on. 


That experience sat me to thinking about WARNINGS in the Bible CONCERNING THE END OF THE WORLD.  Three of the Gospel Writers in the Bible paint a somber picture of what will happen in the end time.  In Matt. 24: 21 Matthew predicts that there will be tribulation in the last days such has not been since the beginning of the world.  Echoing those same words, Mark writes in Mark 13: 19, "For in those days (the last days) there will be tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of creation."  Doctor Luke proclaims in Luke 21: 26 that in those days (the days just before the coming of Jesus), men's hearts will fail them for fear and the expectations of what is coming." These and other passages in Scripture suggest to us that before Jesus comes, the world will suffer through a period of anguish and affliction that will be so bad that it will make other times of tribulation seem like child's play. 

My interest in the end time led me to check out a book by Bill Bonner which bears the title, "America's Nightmare-Winter is Coming/Will You be Prepared?"  Bill Bonner is an extremely wealthy man who has made a fortune from his investments.  He presently lives in Ireland but his firm has offices in many of the major cities of the world. He has become a famous person because he has predicted correctly some of the greatest happenings in the financial world over the past fifty years.  He tells us, in his forth prediction what will happen and he suggests that "America's Nightmare will be his last prediction."  As I took a look at his work, I was amazed at how well it correlates with Scripture, especially the verses we have listed above.  Is the United States facing a bitter winter and what does that mean for the rest of the world?  Bonner warns of two freight trains that are barreling down on each other AND THEY ARE ON THE SAME TRACK.  The two BIG PROBLEMS according to Bonner are: the disappearance of diesel fuel and inflation.  It sounds as though, he is on to something big!


The first freight train is the obsession of the world to cut out fossil fuels.  He suggests that diesel brings us most of our supplies.  They come to us by ships, trucks, planes, and trains all of which use diesel fuel.  Grocery stores depend on deliveries of food, construction workers depend on building materials to do their jobs, while farmers depend on diesel fuel to run their tractors and combines as well as fueling vehicles that will convey their products to market. It is all made possible through the use of diesel fuel. Bonner predicts that in as short a period as three full days without diesel fuel, we could feel the crunch. Many of the shelves would be empty, food supplies would vanish, AND necessary materials would disappear.

If you remember correctly, the present administration in Washington killed the Keystone Pipeline on its very first day in office.  The hue and cry was,  "We have to go green and we must replace all cars and trucks with electric vehicles.  AND WE MUST DO IT NOW!  There was just one big problem however, almost no one was ready to manufacture electric cars and trucks. That decision was ill-conceived and created a lot of confusion.  According to Bonner, this is one of the worst decisions ever made in Washington. Why?  At the end of 2020, the United States had become practically self sufficient regarding fuel.  But governmental policies regarding anything to do with fossil fuels has changed all of that. We demanded a switch to electric vehicles without the ability to manufacture them.  Instead of being the world leader in fuel, we began pleading with Russia, Venezuela, or Saudi Arabia to produce more oil so we can get by.  A new bill dealing with climate change just passed by Congress that will be signed in a couple of days by the president, will add new restrictions to the production of fossil fuels.  Many believe THAT CLIMATE CHANGE IS A BIG LIE AND THE NEW BILL WHICH WILL COST BILLIONS OF DOLLARS WILL DO NOTHING TO HELP.  Congress further claims that the new bill will help to control inflation which is a long shot to say the least.  On the other hand these restrictions will cause even a greater shortage of diesel fuel.  


Bonner includes in his warning about diesel fuel a prediction that we will experience a collapse in the production of electricity.  He predicts that our overuse of the electric grid will cause it to collapse in many places or cause rolling blackouts in others. With the heat in Texas and the whole of the southwestern part of the US, I began to wonder what it would be like if the electricity went off.  Millions of people have been using air conditioning 24/7 for the entire summer.  They would not be able to survive without it.  And actually, according to Bonner, most of our electricity comes from coal-fueled factories.  And one may comment by saying,  "But we have solar power and all those expensive windmills, would that not save us?"  Bonner suggests that we get only a small portion of electricity from those sources.  Already, we are seeing rising prices for gas, diesel and electricity.  Diesel, the fuel that moves the world, has been for some time over $5.00 a gallon.  Bonner predicts oil could go up to $500.00 a barrel and diesel could hit as much as $50.00 a gallon.  And if our electricity is cut off, we could be shivering this coming winter.  It seems that Bill Bonner's predictions make a lot of sense.  There is trouble ahead.  


The second runaway train that is barreling down on our energy problems is inflation. Inflation is where money loses its value on a daily basis.  History tells us and Bonner is right on this that soaring food prices create protests and protests cause riots and revolutions.  The average family of today is seeing runaway prices increase for fuel, groceries, and other essentials for the household.  Having to pay more, means less people can afford to travel and fewer people are eating out, plus there are lots of things they will not be buying.  And what does the US Government tend to do during periods of inflation?  According to Bonner,  "They throw more money at the problem."  Looking at some reports, It appears that our government has added almost five trillion dollars of new money to the economy in the PAST TWO YEARS. The Fed simply prints a large amount and introduces it into our economy. And every time the government does that, money loses its value.  People's savings vanish and their monthly salaries fail to cover their needs.  Farmers will be forced to pay much greater costs for seeds, fertilizers and harvesting of crops.  It is expected that many middle class people will drop down to the level of the poor.  While this is not Bonner's idea, many believe that coming chaos will drive the world toward the Great Reset which is scheduled to start in 2030. If that is true then, those in power will welcome turmoil in the world as that will move us to a new economic system. Remember, the Great Reset is the brainchild of Klaus Schwab of Germany who is urging the world to adopt a new economic system that would replace what we have now.  If that happens we will move to a one world government, a one world education and a one world religion. And that move could come even sooner than 2030.  And let me say in closing that that happening would play in very nicely with the two great powers mentioned in Rev. 13, a sea beast in Rev. 13: 1-10 and a land beast in Rev. 13: 11-18. These two powers will control the world forcing all people to turn back to God and worship Him on Sunday.  Those who oppose these two powers would face the death penalty which includes the Mark of the Beast.  While we cannot agree with everything that Bonner says, I believe he is on to something that is clearly spelled out in Scripture.  Keep close to the Lord as we face difficult times.  


Wayne Easley/written on August 15, 2022/Harvey, North Dakota 

​Wildflowers can be found throughout the State of North Dakota.  Whether you are out on the prairie or up in the forests of the Eastern and Northern parts of North Dakota, you will see wildflowers. A wildflower is a natural growing plant that has flowers.  Flowers can be located at lakesides, swamps or marshes, places where there is plenty of moisture.  But they can also be seen along country roadsides, in ditches, old graveyards and along railroad tracks and often in the forested areas. Some of them love to grow on the extensive prairies of the State, a part of North Dakota that is declining.  It is thought that at one time most of North Dakota was prairie but that has drastically changed with the increase of agriculture.  Some wildflowers are found only on certain soil types; others are likely to grow where the temperature is just right while others may be found in areas that are akin to deserts. They are everywhere. 


Probably the primary reason we like flowers is that they are so beautiful.  Many of them have amazing colors and some combine those vivid colors with unique shapes and a lovely fragrance. Another reason we enjoy flowers is that their lifespan may be very short.  If you miss your favorite wildflower in a given year, it may be another whole year until you see it again.  We can enjoy wildflowers on camping trips, hikes and nature walks.  An interest in wildflowers gets us outside in the wide-open spaces where we can relax and enjoy life.  Some wildflower enthusiasts will hike for miles, even up into the mountains, to see a new bloom.  These adventures bring us into close contact with a Designer God who created such lovely additions to our planet.  

Just recently I stopped by a bookstore in Minot, North Dakota and purchased the National Wildlife Federation's Field Guide to Wildflowers of North America. This is a guide that covers the whole of the United States.  One can also visit the local library or simply use the Internet to learn more about wildflowers in your area. Remember too that the Great Plains Indians used the roots of many of these plants (ground up and made into a tea) to treat all sorts of ailments including spider bites and rattlesnake bites. Success to each of you, especially to those who may be opening a brand-new chapter in the grand book of nature.  Enjoy wildflowers!

Wayne Easley/written on Aug. 11, 2022/Harvey, North Dakota

PICTURES: These can be used for educational purposes.  

1- Prairie Smoke-an exciting summer wildflower that can cover the prairie slopes. My favorite.

2-Rocky Mountain Bee Plant-lots of color in this one.

3-Prairie Purple Clover-summer blossoms where the flowers are in dense clusters.

4- Wood Lilies-a widespread summer flower in prairies, meadows and woods.  Great flower!

5-6-Prairie Cone Flowers-late summer to early fall.

7-Prairie Sunflower-a wildflower that grows alongside the fields of much larger cultivated sunflowers of North Dakota.

8-Prairie Spiderwort-grows in prairies, plains and fields in spring through summer. Sticky leaves.

9-Bees attracted to Dogwood Flowers in early spring.

10-Lead Plant-found in J. Clark Salyer Refuge near Towner, North Dakota.  Tiny flowers are located at the top of leaflets.   

11-Thistle-widespread in North Dakota especially in the western part of the State. And there are many more.

Just recently, a scientist in France decided to report the filming of the birth of a brand-new star.  They are called Novas or in some cases Supernovas.  The word indicates that a star is shining very brightly in the heavens and then slowly becomes normal.  Several people who saw the photograph that had been taken by the scientist questioned its authenticity.  Some said, "That does not look right; something is going on here."  Pressure on the scientist to tell them more, he finally confessed that he had taken a PICTURE WITH A MACRO LENS OF A PIECE OF MEAT THAT WAS BEING PREPARED FOR BREAKFAST IN HIS OWN HOME.  The reported star was nothing more than a SLICE OF SAUSAGE.  And in that manner, another lie was exposed.  It could be called, "A trail of lies!" 


The Bible records the tragic story of how lies came to this world.  Rev. 12: 7 tells us that War broke out in Heaven, Michael (another name for Jesus) and his angels fought against the Dragon (Rev. 12:12 suggests that he is the devil) and his angels fought.  Verse 9 reveals that the devil was cast out of heaven with those who supported his lies.  Gen. 3 informs us that the devil who was expelled from heaven came to this earth which had apparently been recently created and fell into conversation with Eve in the Garden.  The devil asked Eve which of the trees in the Garden, they could eat of.  Eve, likely curious that a serpent was talking to her, explained that she and her husband Adam could eat of all of the trees except the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. (Gen. 3: 3) Eve explained that if they ate of that tree which was in the middle of the Garden, they would die.  Satan's reply was a Big Lie.  He replied in Verse 4-5, "YOU WILL NOT SURELY DIE BUT YOU WILL BE LIKE GOD, KNOWING GOOD AND EVIL."  At that moment Satan became, 'The Father of Lies!  In Gen. 5: 5 we read of the death of Adam, "And all the days of Adam were 930 years and HE DIED."  This shows us that Satan is a LIAR AND CANNOT BE TRUSTED.  He lies in order to deceive us and once that happens, he eagerly attempts to destroy us.  I Peter 5: 8 warns us, "Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, SEEKING WHOM HE MAY DEVOUR."  And the devil, the father of lies has been lying throughout the Great Conflict with Christ.  Eager to create doubt in our minds, he lies about the great doctrines of the Bible.


He tells us that the Ten Commandments, the only part of the Bible written with the Creator God's own finger has been done away with or nailed to the cross.  But in the Book of James which was written after the crucifixion of Christ we read, "For whosoever shall keep the whole law and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all.  For He who said, "Do not commit adultery, also said, do not kill... So, speak and so do as those WHO WILL JUDGED BY THE LAW OF LIBERTY."  This shows us that Satan lied about the Ten Commandments.  Of course, he has lied about every single truth that is taught in the Bible.  He lied to us about Creation suggesting that the world came into being through evolution.  He lied to us about death suggesting that when a person dies, he or she goes immediately to heaven or hell.  In I Thess. 4: 13-18 we are told that when Jesus comes the Second Time to the Earth, He will raise the righteous dead at His coming.  Rev. 20: 5 explains that the rest of the dead (the wicked dead) will be raised when Jesus comes down later with the New Jerusalem.  He has also lied when some say the wicked will burn endlessly.  Again Rev. 20: 14 reminds us that death and the hell of the grave will become the 'second death'!  I like Ps. 37 which carries a theme of the destruction of the wicked.  Read that Psalm carefully and you will see that the wicked are cut off (verses 9, 22, 28 and 38) and will be no more (verse 10).  Later in the chapter it says, "They will be broken" (verse 15) and will "perish" (verse 20).  What a great chapter that refutes completely the gross lies of the devil regarding the punishment of the wicked.  Their punishment will be swift and final, and they will NOT BURN ENDLESSLY!  These are just a few of the many lies of the devil.  Beware! 

With the influence of the father of lies, lies have become more prevalent in our world.  Fredrich Nietsche said once, "I am not upset that you lied to me; but I am upset that from now on, I cannot trust a word you say." The trail of lies in our world today seems to be getting bigger and longer than ever before.  Can we trust our government or are they lying to us?  Can we trust the media that they are reporting the truth to us?  Were they lying about the pandemic?  Are we getting the truth from Hollywood, You Tube, or whatever is on the Internet?  Is climate change the gospel truth in our world or is it a big lie?  With lies and lying so common in our world today, many are beginning to wonder.  Let me remind you to use a lot of caution in the world today. The father of lies is actively seeking those whom he is eager to destroy. On the other hand, we can trust the Lord Jesus who tells us in John 14: 6, "I AM THE WAY, THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE. NO ONE COMES TO THE FATHER EXCEPT THROUGH ME."  Blessings to each of you,

Pastor Wayne Easley/written on August 10, 2022/Harvey, North Dakota

​Fear has been with the human family for a long time.  When Adam and Eve sinned by eating of the forbidden fruit, the Bible suggests that Adam and Eve were afraid of the presence of God.  Genesis 3: 8-10 records the sad story, "And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden. And the Lord God called to Adam and said unto him, where are you?  And he said, I heard thy voice, and I WAS AFRAID."  Satan wants us to be afraid.  He delights in seeing us drown in our own miseries putting ourselves in a position where he can destroy us.  Peter says in I Peter 5: 8, "Be sober, be vigilant: because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour."   Fear is one of Satan's biggest weapons.


Fear is something that weakens our immune system.  At the very time when Covid 19 was generating chaos when we needed our immune systems to be doing their best work, the devil created an atmosphere of panic and fear.  People around the globe were saying, "I am afraid."  Fear increases the likelihood of heart and digestive problems.  It can interrupt processes in the human brain that help to control our emotions. It can affect our sleep and create fatigue and depression. Fear has been piled on top of fear and it is estimated that forty percent of the world's population over the past few months has considered suicide. Other factors have added fuel to the fire; out of control protests with endless nights of looting and burning, and add in the most controversial election, at least, in my lifetime. It seems fear is part and parcel of everyday life now so how does the Christian deal with it? What do we do or what should we do when we are experiencing fear? Do we succumb to fear, or do we ask that God increase our faith? There seems to be only two options, "FEAR OR FAITH".

It seems almost incredulous that when Jesus left his disciples, He told them not to be afraid.  Check it out in John 14: 1-3, He tells them, "Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe in God, believe also in Me" (THAT IS FAITH, NOT FEAR) Later in John 14: 27, He told the group, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you... Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."  He added another thought in John 16: 33 when He stated, "That in me you might have peace, In the world ye shall have tribulations (that is fear creating trouble) but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." Keep in mind that some of the greatest characters in the Bible, at one time or another, had to deal with fear.  Some struggled with their faith.

1-Jacob's experience the night he dreamed of a ladder set upon the earth, the top of it reached to heaven with the angels ascending and descending on it. Gen. 28: 12.  Verses 13-17 says Jacob was afraid, but the Lord promised to be with him.

2-Moses was startled and afraid at the burning bush. Exodus Chapter 3 tells the story of how Moses made every excuse to get out of leading the Hebrew people out of Egypt.  But God told him, He would be with him.

3-Joshua as he looked across the Jordan River at the mighty city of Jericho was terrified.  God told him in Joshua 1: 6-7 to be strong and of a good courage and that the conquest of Canaan would be successful.

4-Elijah, after his signal victory at Carmel ran for his life when the wicked queen threatened to put him to death. I Kings 19. God told Elijah that he had more work for him to do, He was to go and anoint two kings and to select a new prophet in his place.,  Oh and by the way, to prepare for a trip to heaven in a chariot of fire.

5-Queen Esther risked her life to save her people.  She told her uncle Mordecai that she would go in unto the king and plead for the Jewish people.  Esther Chapters 4-5 The Jews were allowed to defend themselves and were saved.

As we wrestle with the panic and fear that the devil is throwing at us, let us fill our minds with the precious promises of God's word.  Remember Psalms 119: 11 tells us, "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee."  With God on our side, we are a majority, "In God I have put my trust, I WILL NOT BE AFRAID.  WHAT CAN MAN DO TO ME." Psalm 56: 11. And I will leave you, my dear friends with my favorite Bible text.  It is a passage that I turn to often.  Is. 41: 10, FEAR THOU NOT, FOR I AM WITH YOU. BE NOT DISMAYED (do not faint) FOR I AM YOUR GOD. I WILL STRENTHEN YOU, YES, I WILL HELP YOU, I WILL UPHOLD YOU WITH MY RIGHTEOUS RIGHT HAND."  Courage to each of you,

Wayne Easley/written on Jan. 12, 2021 in Costa Rica