ACH Study Groups
Ben & Fran Gilmore – Cofounders
7659 Gingerblossom Drive
Citrus Heights, CA 95621
916-722-2501 histbuff@garlic.com
www.ACHStudyGroups.com
August 7, 2020

This is a letter to our friends –

Good news

Those of you who follow this blog, and/or have wanted to attend one of the ACH Study Groups events we have been offering for 40 years, will be interested in learning that our 3-year project to document the courses in book form is finished – at last. “Principles of American Government” (the book) is being printed as I type this.

Pre-order if you wish at www.FACE.net/PAG

PAG Dedication & Acknowledgements

Did you ever enjoy a delicious milkshake and exclaim, “Boy! That was a great straw!”? Well, for over forty years my passion has been focused upon sharing what I have learned through lectures, study, observation, reason, and (prayerful) inspiration regarding the “Principles of American Government.” What you hold now is a compilation of “Ben’s Blog”, the online lecture courses, and live seminars offered over those decades. If you find it useful, please give credit where credit is due – I am only the “straw”.

God’s goal, and mine, is to help people learn to love Him and one another.

I want to especially acknowledge the memory and vision of Miss Verna Hall and Miss Rosalie Slater, cofounders of FACE, as well as Dr. Carole Adams, President of FACE who encouraged me to write the manuscript and worked so hard to clean it up!

Miss Hall understood the importance of delving deeper and deeper into a subject until finding the First Cause – God! Miss Slater taught me to relate historical events to sound biblical principles. Winkie Pratney, introduced me to “moral government” which providentially dove-tailed with the FACE vision. One was theological, the other socio-political. Both from the same source.

Other teachers who added to what the Lord wanted me to learn included, My seminar faculty-mates James Rose and Beth Ballenger. Joy Dawson, my prayer-partner Jim Dawson, Gordon Olson, my students (the teacher always learns more than the students!), and of course my dear loving wife Frances.

This book is dedicated to our children, Guy, Fawn, Susan; their families, and their families’ families, until Christ returns.

These columns are archived since 12/10/09
See www.ACHStudyGroups.com
“Ben’s Blog”

ACH Study Groups
Ben & Fran Gilmore – Cofounders
7659 Gingerblossom Drive
Citrus Heights, CA 95621
916-722-2501 histbuff@garlic.com
www.ACHStudyGroups.com
August 5, 2020

This is a letter to our friends –

A Ballenger blessing

This was in my inbox this morning. I want to share it with you. It is written by Beth Ballenger. Belinda_Ballenger@comcast.net

HE ANSWERED ME BEFORE I CALLED Isa 65:24 “And it shall come to pass that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.”

In prayer this morning, I asked the LORD to quicken my heart with his word, to make it more than just words on a page. As I read Isa. 61:1-3, He opened my eyes to see that Jesus is the liberty. He is the healing; He is the comfort. He is the answer to the enemy. He is the victory. He is the beauty for ashes. Because He is salvation, Jesus is that rest; He is that peace; He is that healing. He is the joy. He is the victory. The LORD is glorified through Jesus! He is glorified in our salvation because we are the trees of righteousness, planted by the LORD.

THE LORD HEARD MY CRY EVEN BEFORE I CALLED & WHILE I WAS SPEAKING HE HEARD ME

I cannot even put into words what the Holy Spirit put in my heart. I only know that He spoke to me in a soft, gentle, unuttered voice & opened my eyes to see JESUS.

Isa. 61:1-3 prophesied the coming of Jesus over 700 years before it occurred. You probably already knew that Jesus read that passage in His hometown synagogue and claimed He was the fulfillment of the prophecy. During Jesus’ ministry, He preached good tidings, healed people & set the captives free. However, the LORD opened my eyes to see that it goes deeper than the obvious. The passage points to the fullness of who Jesus is. Our Savior made liberty, healing, comfort, victory, beauty, joy & peace possible for us. The passage talks about what he would do while on earth, but it is also revealed what He would provide for us in salvation.

READ: Isa 61:1-3

Aug. 1, 2020, Revised Aug. 4, 2020

These columns are archived since 12/10/09
See www.ACHStudyGroups.com
“Ben’s Blog”

ACH Study Groups
Ben & Fran Gilmore – Cofounders
7659 Gingerblossom Drive
Citrus Heights, CA 95621
916-722-2501 histbuff@garlic.com
www.ACHStudyGroups.com
July 22, 2020

This is a letter to our friends –

Blockbuster

We are associated with Destiny Church, Rocklin, CA. Last Sunday’s sermon went viral.
In case you missed it – –
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPvs9YhuYvM
&feature=youtu.be

Let’s stand up and be counted.

Ben

These columns are archived since 12/10/09
See www.ACHStudyGroups.com
“Ben’s Blog”

ACH Study Groups
Ben & Fran Gilmore – Cofounders
7659 Gingerblossom Drive
Citrus Heights, CA 95621
916-722-2501 histbuff@garlic.com
www.ACHStudyGroups.com
July 15, 2020

This is a letter to our friends –

Back to “school”

Why should parents be concerned about their children’s education?

Because they will be the ones selecting your “retirement” home when you are too old to care for yourself! Seriously – You (parents) are the ones who chose to create your child(ren). You, therefore, are responsible for bringing them up. [Deuteronomy 6]

I attended (online) the “2020 Foundations” course hosted by the Foundation for American Christian Education (FACE in Chesapeake, VA – www.FACE.net 800-352-3223). I believe every parent and church leader would do well to invest $275 in this course. If we do not change our direction in education we lose the next generation.

Noah Webster (1828) defined education:
EDUC̵A´TION, n. [L. educatio.] The bringing up, as of a child; instruction; formation of manners. Education comprehends all that series of instruction and discipline which is intended to enlighten the understanding, correct the temper, and form the manners and habits of youth, and fit them for usefulness in their future stations. To give children a good education in manners, arts and science, is important; to give them a religious education is indispensable; and an immense responsibility rests on parents and guardians who neglect these duties.

Take an honest look at the “product” of k-12 public education and most universities. 13 to 17 years teaching that God is not relevant. The next generation needs wise leaders. Respect for the Lord is the beginning of wisdom! [Proverbs 9:10]

I suggest sitting down and setting a goal for your child’s education. Then make a list of what you would like him/her to learn in order to reach that goal. Take control and begin. Home school, co-op with friends and neighbors. Make it happen! Remember – knowledge without character will turn on you. Unless you can teach quality character as you teach a subject don’t teach it!

These columns are archived since 12/10/09
See www.ACHStudyGroups.com
“Ben’s Blog”

ACH Study Groups
Ben & Fran Gilmore – Cofounders
7659 Gingerblossom Drive
Citrus Heights, CA 95621
916-722-2501 histbuff@garlic.com
www.ACHStudyGroups.com
July 8, 2020

This is a letter to our friends –

Extraordinary Campaign Ad

https://www.armstrongeconomics.com/international-news/politics/the-2020-elec tion/
This sums up the situation. We have been given a leader to rally around. Perhaps this is answered prayer. Tell a friend.

Ben

These columns are archived since 12/10/09
See www.ACHStudyGroups.com
“Ben’s Blog”

ACH Study Groups
Ben & Fran Gilmore – Cofounders
7659 Gingerblossom Drive
Citrus Heights, CA 95621
916-722-2501 histbuff@garlic.com
www.ACHStudyGroups.com
July 7, 2020

This is a letter to our friends –

A letter to my grand-kids

Dear ones- I thought to send this to each of you in a personal note – but the almost universal need for such a letter prompted this blog format instead. There have been times when I wanted to take you by the collar and shake you until your teeth rattled. “You are making the same mistakes in your young years that I made! Why won’t you listen!”

You may already be aware of some of this, but the review will be useful to you and, perhaps. others. I suspect there are other grand-parents who can identify with these comments.

Thankfully! God has taught me that you must learn the same way I leaned – the hard way! This letter is what I wish my grandfather had placed before me. Honestly – I don’t know if I would have spent the time (then) to have read it. It is a lot easier to understand today in the context of 90 years than it is when you are living it the first time.

I will be thrilled if you (& your dear wives) will take the time to view this documentary. [Agenda 1 Grinding America down
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNYj9hRx9H4
&feature=youtu.be] Given the proper attention, it will enhance the way you raise your children. Much in the current culture encourages you to turn it off. If you will honor me, hear it trough. The problem is real. The suggested solutions are reasonable.

The rest of this “love letter” consists of random thoughts (advice and teachings).

The loving, creator God of the Bible exists – Loves you as individuals and wants to teach you how to love Him back. It is not hard. Humble yourself before an all-knowing “father-like” being. Talk to Him as you would to a loving father. Ask for His forgiveness, and direction. Then resolve to turn away from the things your conscience has been nagging you about.

That last step may seem like a hard one, but you alone are the one who creates your choices. The choices you create are who you are. Be brutally honest with yourself (and God!). Ask God to show your choices as He sees them!

Once you achieve a clear conscience protect it with your life! It will be your most valuable property.

Make a habit of praying and reading the Bible every day. Unless it becomes a habit, you are likely not to sense the value of it and drift away.

Know that I love you and lift you up before the Lord every day without fail. If you don’t have time to read this now, I hope you will save a copy for later.

G-Pop

These columns are archived since 12/10/09
See www.ACHStudyGroups.com
“Ben’s Blog”

ACH Study Groups
Ben & Fran Gilmore – Cofounders
7659 Gingerblossom Drive
Citrus Heights, CA 95621
916-722-2501 histbuff@garlic.com
www.ACHStudyGroups.com
June 22, 2020

This is a letter to our friends –

Overwhelmed? Disciuraged?
Just rebuke it!

The enemy of your soul wants you to feel overwhelmed and discouraged. You need not be! How big is your God?

May I share a very personal story – We had a successful phone recycling business going. We had just moved to the Sacramento area after 40 years in Silicon Valley. We had just purchased and dedicated a new home.

The cell phone market suddenly dried up our recycling business. There is a spot on the living room floor where I was on my face crying out to the Lord for help and guidance. Literally! I was slobbering, tearing, and my nose was running! The next day I was driving the car and turned on the radio at random. One of those Saturday financial advisers was discussing a little known opportunity.

I called him on Monday and he had the answer to our financial problems. Some would call it coincidence. I call it answer to a fervent prayer!

I have had 70 of my 90 years to recognize the hand of God in the affairs of men – and nations.
It is so simple. That’s the problem. Folks think it should be something complicated – Like, “Go out and slay a dragon.” Or, “Accomplish a mighty deed.”

God said, if you will do four things, I will do three things. – – “If you will humble yourself. If you will pray. If you will seek My face. If you will turn from your wicked ways.” Then – – “I will hear from Heaven. I will forgive your sins. I will heal your land.” [2nd Chronicles 7:14]

What have you got to lose! Just try it. See if it works for you as it does for Fran and me. It has become our “Life-style”.

You know you can always use some humbling. Sincere prayer is always a good thing. Acknowledging a loving creative God is to face up to reality. Turning from bad habits and choices .is possible – if you choose to do it! “Humble yourself and pray. Seek God’s face and turn from your wicked ways.”

That puts the ball in God’s court! See how He returns it.

These columns are archived since 12/10/09
See www.ACHStudyGroups.com
“Ben’s Blog”

ACH Study Groups
Ben & Fran Gilmore – Cofounders
7659 Gingerblossom Drive
Citrus Heights, CA 95621
916-722-2501 histbuff@garlic.com
www.ACHStudyGroups.com
June 16, 2020

This is a letter to our friends –

“If”
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/play/77063

If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don’t deal in lies,
Or being hated, don’t give way to hating,
And yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise:

If you can dream-and not make dreams your master;
If you can think-and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you’ve spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build ’em up with worn-out tools:

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breathe a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: ‘Hold on!’

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with Kings-nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it,
And-which is more-you’ll be a Man, my son!

These columns are archived since 12/10/09
See www.ACHStudyGroups.com
“Ben’s Blog”

ACH Study Groups
Ben & Fran Gilmore – Cofounders
7659 Gingerblossom Drive
Citrus Heights, CA 95621
916-722-2501 histbuff@garlic.com
www.ACHStudyGroups.com
May 23, 2020

This is a letter to our friends –

Day Dream

We read from 2nd Chronicles this morning. As we read, my mind wandered – – –

President Trump was in the oval office, on his knees in the center of the room. National television cameras were on. He appeared to finish his prayer and stood facing the camera.

“Since the beginning, God has been doing everything He can to teach us how to love Him and get along lovingly with one another. We are slow learners!

“God doesn’t change His message. It is the same message He gave those He led out of Egypt centuries ago. Obey my instructions and live in peace, or rebel and suffer.

“The nation just saw their President in humble prayer on his knees before God. Now they see their leader boldly standing before the people seeking God’s will for America and confessing our sins before the world.

“Lord, we have sinned. We turn, as a nation from the sin of abortion, homosexuality, pride, greed, and the rest of the things our nation has accepted against Your will.

“Now we turn to You, seeking mercy rather than justice. Lord, heal our land as you promised.”

At that moment, the oval office filled with bright white smoke. A few moments later TV screens showed a wide-shot of the White House, bathed in light with a column of fire hovering over it.

A wave of righteousness swept across the nation. People on city sidewalks across the nation
fell to their knees in prayer confessing and repenting. That wave swept the globe for a time.

Fruit trees grew in Washington where the swamp used to be!

These columns are archived since 12/10/09
See www.ACHStudyGroups.com
“Ben’s Blog”

ACH Study Groups
Ben & Fran Gilmore – Cofounders
7659 Gingerblossom Drive
Citrus Heights, CA 95621
916-722-2501 histbuff@garlic.com
www.ACHStudyGroups.com
May 19, 2020

This is a letter to our friends –

“Liberty”

The word “liberty” has been on my mind as I watch news programs today. We hear and read a lot about “freedom” but rarely hear about “liberty”. Americans seem focused upon rules and regulations, what and what not to submit our wills to. We seem to have lost contact that, as creators of our civil government, its purpose is to preserve and protect our liberty.

Please pause and take time to thoughtfully read the following quote from John Locke.

p 58 CHAP. II
Of the State of Nature
4. TO underſtand political power right, and derive it from its original, we muſt conſider, what ſtate all men are naturally in, and that is, a ſtate of perfect freedom to order their actions, and diſpoſe of their poſſeſſions and perſons, as they think fit, within the bounds of the law of nature, without aſking leave, or depending upon the will of any other man.[1]

Granted: Each of us must surrender a part of that ſtate of perfect freedom in order to share it with our fellow Americans. The fact remains – we (you and I) are at liberty under God – not government. The concept that “for the greater good”, someone believes he has a right to tell me, rather than ask me, to do such and such violates my sense of right and wrong!

These columns are archived since 12/10/09
See www.ACHStudyGroups.com
“Ben’s Blog”

_____

[1] Hall, V. M. (2006).
The Christian history of the Constitution of the United States of America. Christian self-government (Founders Edition, Vol. 1, p. 58). San Francisco: Foundation for American Christian Education.