“COME ON DOWN”

“In this game, there is no humorous ‘zonk’ booby prize.”

Two hosts standing beside illuminated doors labeled 1 and 2 on The Big Choice game show stage
The Big Choice

“Let’s Make a Deal” is a popular American television game show in which contestants, chosen from an enthusiastic audience dressed in costumes, make deals with the host to win cash and prizes.

The gameplay usually involves participants being offered a choice between a known prize or an unknown item hidden behind doors, curtains, or inside boxes—potentially winning big or ending up with a ‘zonk’ — a humorous booby prize.

The show is known for its suspenseful negotiations, playful atmosphere, and interactive format, making it a long-standing favorite among viewers. I was one of those viewers at an early age, always wanting to participate myself.

My brother and I, along with our parents, would choose a door just to make the show more entertaining. More often than not, Mom was the best picker along with Jim. Dad and I generally went with a door the participant picked because the audience played a big role in their selection by yelling.

Life, in a way, is like “Let’s Make a Deal,” except ultimately, we have two doors to choose from instead of three, and we know what’s behind door #1.  Why some people still choose door #2 is a mystery to me. I’ll call this game show “The Big Choice.” In this game, there is no humorous ‘zonk’ booby prize.

Without sugarcoating the truth, door #2 is full of false religions that will ultimately lead followers to the gates of hell. Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Satanism, Judaism, Modalism, Humanism, and occult belief may promise fulfillment but ultimately deceive.

As Matthew 7:15 warns, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.” This caution reminds us to be discerning about spiritual teachings and the paths we choose in life. Some religions sound good, yet in reality, they are like lying politicians, making promises that’ll never be fulfilled.

Christianity distinguishes itself by emphasizing the concept of grace—that salvation is a free gift from God, not something earned through works. This message of unconditional love and forgiveness is central, offering believers assurance and hope regardless of their circumstances.

Additionally, Christianity encourages a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, which many find comforting and transformative, providing guidance through life’s choices and challenges.

I chose door #1 and received the blessings within by accepting Jesus Christ as my savior.  The feeling of complete joy in doing so was akin to thousands of pounds of burden being lifted from my shoulders. It’s also great to know I’ll be spending eternity in Heaven. Never have I read about anyone following one of the false religions having experienced the same.

In the game show “The Price is Right,” host Bob Barker called out some lucky participant’s name and then shouted for all to hear, “Come on down!” In the real-life version of “The Big Choice,” guest host Satan is undoubtedly echoing the same message to those people who have chosen door #2.

Be careful what door you choose because your eternity is dependent upon it!

Demon with wings and horns at fiery stone door labeled 'DOOR 2', angels and golden castle in clouds behind.
“Come on down!”

MESSAGE OVER MONEY

“I’ve recently had requests from some small businesses to advertise on my site.”

I try to read as much as I can, even though my eyes aren’t what they used to be. I’d much rather read for myself what an article says rather than have someone tell me. Lately, on social media and online media sites, I’ll be reading when, out of the blue, a pop-up comes along, generally in the form of an advertisement.

After so many of them, I give up and stop. I know businesses and other entities are paying the host site for these ads. The longer a reader stays glued to an article, the more money is made by someone. Online newspapers use this as a revenue generator, and I have no opposition to that. They have to be financially savvy these days to pay employees and stay afloat.

I’ve been a blog writer for many years and watched readership numbers grow. On February 5 of this year, I set a record. A total of 547 people from 14 countries read my junk that day. This might not seem like much, but there were days not long ago when as few as three took a peek—some days not a one.

I’ve recently had requests from small businesses to advertise on my site. For each viewer seeing their ad, I’d get something, generally pennies. Over time, they can add up. YouTube works much like this, and some YouTubers have made boatloads of cash.

I turned down these requests because I want my message read, not just to make money. There’s no doubt that viewing numbers would start sinking if I gave in to allowing advertising on my blog, so it’s not going to happen.

Over the years, I’ve garnered income from articles and books, but that wasn’t the reason I wrote them. Getting my message across is foremost. Lately, that has been telling folks that Jesus is the only way to heaven, and that fiscal conservativeness is the key to a country staying solvent. To profit from spreading this truth runs counter to my principles.

I know some people who believe Buddha is the way to eternity, or through a Chinese monk, but they’re headed down the wrong path. The Bible warns against false religions; Buddhism, Hinduism, Scientology, Islam, and Humanism are prime examples.

Humanists are those who believe ‘education’ will lead them to the promised land. They also believe that all religions worship the same god. How wrong they are. There are many humanists in politics these days.

Matthew 24:24 says, “For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.”

My interpretation of the word elect here is “educated folks” in our world. Many of them seem more in tune with wrongly worshipping stone idols than Jesus Christ. This is where their intelligence has failed them.

I’ll keep writing my blog, although at times I’ve thought of quitting. So much more could be done in and around our house, or in the garage, than sitting behind this laptop computer.

One plus of keeping at it is that I’m learning more about the Bible by researching verses for a story than at any other period of my life. That makes this task much more constructive than painting the living room walls or working on my old truck.