Jul. 09, 2025

July 2025 Conchshell Chronicles

Two Events That Changed History

This morning, I heard the famous film maker Ken Burns (The Civil War, Prohibition, etc) say something very profound that caused me to consider why I celebrate the 4^Th of July each year. In essence, here is what Ken said:

“Besides the Birth of Christ, the most important event in human history is the American Revolution. Before, men were subject to other men and governments, but the Founders proclaimed that God had given men and women inalienable rights to Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. They were no longer subject to men but now God alone. Since then, civilizations all over the world have tried to copy the ideals of the American Revolution.”

The Birth of Christ and his mission on Earth set mankind free from the curse of sin and separation from God, for those who choose to accept Him as Lord. Most of the Founders of our country were men who had been educated in the Hebrew and Greek language and who read the Scriptures with assurance of their origin from God Himself. They believed that in the Scriptures, God laid out His plan for humanity and His values for their lives and relationships with others.

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

John Adams, Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson were tasked by the Continental Congress to write a declaration to the world why we British colonialists were separating ourselves from the mightiest empire with the largest navy and army in the world. They could have based their declaration on a number of reasons, but they chose this concept as the cornerstone of their proclamation.

“endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights”

“Whoever shall introduce into public affairs the principles of primitive (non-religious) Christianity will change the face of the world.” Benjamin Franklin

With this as their basis of forming a new nation came the obvious corollary, that each man and woman should be respected and treated fairly, as we would like to be treated. They took to heart what Jesus said in his Sermon on the Mount:

In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 7:12

The summation of the Hebrew Scriptures is other-centeredness- caring for others as you would care for yourself, giving respect and preference for others as we would desire that for ourselves. What a principle to base the government and culture of a new nation! What a revolutionary ideal!

“The reason that Christianity is the best friend of government is because Christianity is the only religion that changes the heart.” Thomas Jefferson

I spent my first 5 years in Germany, living close to Munich. My dad took my brother and I to Dachau concentration camp, which was 20 miles away from our home. I saw the mass graves of thousands who had died at the hands of the Nazis. I opened a metal door to one of the ovens where they burned the bodies and stuck my head inside. I saw and experienced mankind’s inhumanity to man.

As a student, I visited Russia in March of 1972. I saw grocery stores empty and people living on the edge of poverty while the elite lived in luxury. I was taken to a former church in Leningrad that was now a ‘Museum of Atheism.’ Pure oppression.

I lived in the border area of Honduras and Nicaragua from 1984 to 1991 with thousands who had their homes burned with crops and cattle destroyed. Many died resisting the Marxist government who wanted to stomp on their desires to live free. Then we experienced almost 20 years of freedom with growing prosperity among the poor, until corruption took over and protesters were once again shot dead. Pure evil.

I lived in Israel in 2000 when the Palestinian Liberation Organization began shooting Israelis at bus stops. Hundreds died over a political push for land in Jerusalem for a Palestinian nation. Hatred ruled.

I have lived most of my life in foreign lands in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Pacific Islands. I can categorically say that the United States of America is the very best place to live in the world, and in all human history. It’s because of what Benjamin, Thomas and John said in our Declaration of Independence- the principles of Christianity incorporated into government. We all have freedom to choose a life, live were we desire, raise our families as we think best, and work hard in any profession we desire.

The height of glory of the American Revolution was this: it connected in one indissoluble bond the principles of civil government with the principles of Christianity.” John Adams

There is currently much pushback against the ideals expressed by our Founders. We have many self-centered people who ignore the others-centered morality that our government is based on. The Founders foresaw this:

“Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate for the government of any other.” John Adams

Is America worth fighting for? Can we give to others the respect and care that we desire for ourselves?

Only, as Thomas Jefferson stated, through a heart change that comes from an encounter with God Himself. It will be slow and gradual, one person at a time, but I have faith that He will use us to reach many, because His Truth Is Marching On.

Happy 4^th of July every day! Michael

“It is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favors.”

“It is impossible to rightly govern a nation without God and the Bible.” George Washington

Lamb Bleatings

Mother's Day celebration 2025

A dear friend and ministry partner of ours, Beth We, just published her second edition of HEAT JOURNALS, and gifted one to me. HEAT stands for: HONOR EXAMINE ASK THANK

This HEAT journal has helped me keep my mind and heart stayed upon my One True Dependable Source OF ALL INSPIRATION and Life Giving Power. I have realized how difficult it is to keep my mind and heart in the right place without being distracted from within and without.

“Then God spoke all these words, saying, I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. You shall have no other gods besides me.”Ex. 20:1-3

Over the last 5 years, I have been on a focused quest to establish for myself MOMENTS of quiet entry into recognizing the presence of God in my life and attempting to give Him first place in my heart. Trying to rekindle my first Love if you will with the source of ALL LOVE.

How do I keep Him on the Throne of my life and not be pushed around by all of my distractions, desires, people, words, emotions, etc? Many other gods push for that #1 position.

The efforts toward establishing set habitual moments of uninterrupted concentration on One who knows everything and can do anything perfectly is the best decision ever, yet demands a sense of grit and a constant effort and focus. Taking each moment as a gift and enjoying it has allowed me the proper perspective toward gratitude that can easily be missed in my moments of rushing to and fro.

The Bible says, God dwells in the praises of His people. I find myself examining nature as a sign of the Creator’s detailed inscription declaring His love for the created. We can actually invite more of His presence as we stay true to battle against the negativity, and powers that influence our hearts and minds. A heart of constant gratitude has been a safeguard and protective layer of defense, peace and ultimate freedom.

Colossians 3:12-17 will be my next to commit to memory and meditation, as it seems to cover it all:

“And so, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. And beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body: and be thankful.

Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do in word or deed do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.

“God help us to keep you at the forefront of our hearts and minds and show us all the ways we get distracted as we live to HONOR YOU and EXAMINE OUR OWN HEARTS and ASK YOU FOR OUR ANSWERS. Help us to be willing to HEAR what you are saying specifically to our hearts so we may OBEY you and follow you more fully. Help us to live in a state of constant THANKSGIVING AND GRATITUDE because it saves us from our complaints and ugly venting . We desire your presence more than anything for YOU ALONE ARE THE LORD and there is no OTHER. Please take your place in our lives….in the name of the FATHER, SON AND HOLY SPIRIT. I love you Lord.’ Amen! Laura

What a joy to work out with our family!

Mikaela, Lukas, Paul, Arielle, Moselle, Laura & Michael

2026 Israel Study Tour

February 7-17 2026

Kandi, Mikaela, Craig, Arielle, Michael, Carlie & Luke at Capernaum, 2006

We have our next trip to Israel scheduled for February 7-17, 2026.

We are excited to take many of our friends there to experience the Bible in its geographical and cultural context. February is the very best month to travel there as the rains have ended, the hillsides are green and red, blue and purple flowers are everywhere.

This is our 8th study tour to Israel and we think it will be the most peaceful time to visit the Bible places. Please consider joining us in February. The details and cost are on the Christian Travel Study Programs website. Here is the link:

https://christiantravelstudyprograms.net/260201.

Please call Dottie or Larissa at (800) 371-4485 and tell them you are on the Seek The Lamb Team. Please contact me if you have any questions:

Aloha! Michael gmbagby@gmail.com

Temple Mount Jerusalem, 2023

Rio Coco Cafe Utila

We are progressing on our staff housing at our cafe on the Western Caribbean Island of Utila. Our new staff member Jake Ekstrom arrived last week and is in training. This needed apartment will be completed by mid-August, we hope.