From then on he was highly regarded by all nations - Part 1

Welcome and thank you for taking the time to read about this timely subject. The question is, who could that be? Can you think of anyone in the past 50 or even 100 years that was highly regarded by all the nations? Very few men or women would come to mind, but there was one in the Bible who did just that.

Before we get into that, it’s time for some humor from https://godslittleacre.net/funnies/.

WHAT IS FALLING IN LOVE LIKE?
“Like an avalanche where you have to run for your life!” – John, age 9
“If falling in love is anything like learning how to spell, I don’t want to do it. It takes too long.” – Glenn, age 7

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF BEAUTY AND HANDSOMENESS IN LOVE?
“If you want to be loved by somebody who isn’t already in your family, it doesn’t hurt to be beautiful.” – Anita C., age 8
“It isn’t always just how you look. Look at me. I’m handsome like anything and I haven’t got anybody to marry me yet.” – Brian, age 7
“Beauty is skin deep. But how rich you are can last a long time.” – Christine, age 9

WHAT ARE SOME SUREFIRE WAYS TO MAKE A PERSON FALL IN LOVE WITH YOU?
“Tell them that you own a whole bunch of candy stores.” – Del, age 6
“Yell out that you love them at the top of your lungs. . .and don’t worry if their parents are right there.” – Manuel, age 8
“Don’t do things like have smelly, green sneakers. You might get attention, but attention ain’t the same thing as love.” – Alonzo, age 9
“One way is to take the girl out to eat. Make sure it’s something she likes to eat. French fries usually works for me.” – Bart, age 9
“Shake your hips and hope for the best.” – Camille, age 9

CONFIDENTIAL OPINIONS ABOUT LOVE
“Love will find you even if you are trying to hide from it. I’ve been trying to hide from it since I was five, but the girls keep finding me.” – Dave, age 8

WHY DO LOVERS OFTEN HOLD HANDS?
“They want to make sure their rings don’t fall off because they paid good money for them.” – Gavin, age 8
“They are just practicing for when they might have to walk down the aisle someday and do the holy matchimony thing.” – John, age 9

HOW IMPORTANT IS LOVE?
“Love is the most important thing in the world, but baseball is pretty good too.” – Greg, age 8

Kids are GREAT! Kids are HONEST! Kids are TRUTHFUL!

That’s why I love kids and hope you do too—Enjoy the time as it goes by so fast and they grow up so soon.

Before we get into Hezekiah and Sennacherib, I want to provide you with some thoughts on Trump’s tariffs. If you think, the tariffs are good, then look at your pocketbook. Look at who is paying for the tariffs and then look at who is benefitting.

If you think about this, here is information from: https://tariffcheck.org/countries/china

Jun 11, 2025 UPDATE: 🚨Proposed Deal Pending Approval (not active yet) CHINA

Pending final approval by both the US and China, the new tariffs on Chinese imports will be a 55% total tariff is a result of adding the following [source]:

a 10% baseline reciprocal tariff applicable to imports from nearly all trading partners
a 20% punitive tariff to encourage Chinese action on fentanyl trafficking
a pre-existing 25% Section 301 tariff for unfair trade practices

In addition, part of the deal will make it easier for America to obtain magnets and rare earth materials; the US will also stop revoking visas of Chinese nationals on US college campuses.

Here is information from: https://tariffcheck.org/countries/mexico

MEXICO

Tariffs are taxes imposed on imported goods and services. Currently, the tariff rate for 25% applies to imports from Mexico. This represents additional costs that importers pay when bringing goods into the United States from Mexico. Furthermore, this rate can change based on trade agreements, economic conditions, and government policies.

Here is information from: https://tariffcheck.org/countries/Canada

CANADA

Tariffs are taxes imposed on imported goods and services. Currently, the tariff rate for 25% applies to imports from Canada. This represents additional costs that importers pay when bringing goods into the United States from Canada. Furthermore, this rate can change based on trade agreements, economic conditions, and government policies.

The importers pass the cost of the tariffs on to you and I, the consumer.

Three major countries that the USA buys from and the amount of money that the taxpayer pays when buying products from the above countries.

According to: https://lcslogistics.com/what-do-we-import-from-canada-top-products-explained/

CANADA PRODUCTS TO USA with 25% Import Tax

1. Energy Products

If there’s one category you must know when it comes to U.S.-Canada trade, it’s energy. Canada is the world’s third-largest exporter of crude oil, the majority of which heads to the U.S. Pipelines such as the Keystone system and Enbridge network deliver vast quantities of crude oil and natural gas to refineries to meet U.S. energy demands.

Why it Matters:
The U.S. imports over $100 billion worth of energy annually from Canada, making energy products the backbone of the trade relationship. This steady supply keeps gas prices stable and supports industries reliant on fuels, such as manufacturing and transportation.

2. Vehicles and Automotive Parts

Canada’s auto manufacturing industry is another critical contributor to U.S. imports. The U.S. sources a significant percentage of trucks, cars, and auto parts from Canadian factories, many of which are integrated into the supply chains of major automakers like Ford, GM, and Toyota.

Why it Matters:
Thanks to its access to high-quality raw materials and advanced manufacturing facilities, Canada excels in producing reliable auto components. The seamless flow of vehicles and parts under the USMCA agreement ensures minimal disruptions to the American automotive industry.

3. Machinery and Industrial Equipment

Heavy-duty machinery, agricultural equipment, and industrial tools are also frequently imported from Canada. Items like construction vehicles and precision tools are vital for U.S. industries such as construction, agriculture, and energy production.

Why it Matters:
Canada’s focus on engineering excellence has made it a reliable source for machinery manufacturing. This equipment meets the high standards required by American industries for smooth operations.

4. Agricultural Goods

Despite being known for its harsh winters, Canada is a major contributor to U.S. food imports. Products like wheat, canola oil, maple syrup, and seafood dominate the agricultural trade. Canada is especially renowned for its sustainable farming practices and high-quality grains.

Why it Matters:
Consumers in the U.S. rely on Canadian imports for access to healthy, competitively priced food products like bread, cooking oils, and seafood. Canada’s sustainable farming techniques also help support U.S. goals for eco-friendly food sourcing.

According to: https://www.ilscompany.com/products-imported-from-mexico/

MEXICO PRODUCTS TO USA with 25% Import Tax

1. Vehicles

Did you know that Mexico produces 16 out of every 100 cars sold in the United States? Furthermore, Mexico became the United States’ first automotive supplier since 2019. Automobile manufacturers such as General Motors, Nissan, FCA Mexico, Volkswagen, KIA, Mazda, Toyota, Audi, and Honda have long been established in different cities of Mexico.

2. Auto Parts and Equipment

According to data from the Mexican Auto Parts Industry, the volume of auto parts exported from Mexico to the United States exceeds the value of light car shipments abroad by 1.3 times and the revenue from truck and tractor exports by 5 times.

3. Electronics and Appliances

Our society depends on electronics more and more as the years go by. What many people don’t realize is that we get a lot of our electronics from Mexico. A lot of computers, monitors, and telephones come from across the border, and the country spends billions of dollars each year to make this happen. We also get appliances like refrigerators and air conditioners from Mexico, and we spend a few billion on these appliances as well.

4. Crude Petroleum

Mexico is one of the few countries in the world that can boast the status of a major oil producer. It currently exports 48 percent of its oil directly to the United States, amounting to over 210 million barrels.

5. Medical Instruments

Mexico is Latin America’s leading exporter of medical devices and a major supplier to the United States.

6. Beer

There are countless breweries, distilleries, and distributors in the United States, and yet some of the most popular beer in America is from Mexico. If you’ve ever had a Corona or a Dos Equis, you’ve had a Mexican imported beer.

7. Plastic items

Mexico is the top supplier of plastic products to the United States, according to World Integrated Trade Solutions (WITS), with total revenue of nearly 21 billion dollars. Canada is in second place with 18 billion, and China is in third place with just 6 million.

8. Gems & precious metals

When it comes to gems and precious metals, India is the largest supplier of the United States, with a 20.5 percent market share accrued over the last five years. Next comes China with 14.5 percent,

9. Vegetables

Did you know that Mexico is the second-largest supplier of agricultural products to the United States? We spend almost two billion dollars on tomatoes alone, but we also get vegetables like berries and avocados. We also get snack food as well as processed fruit and vegetables.

10. Fruits and Nuts

The American consumer is defined by his or her desire to live a healthier lifestyle, which means that natural products such as fruits and nuts are in higher demand. Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Ecuador are the four largest suppliers, accounting for 75 percent of the country’s overall purchases.

Let’s move to China and https://www.azcentral.com/story/entertainment/life/2025/04/09/china-us-tariffs-imports-exports-trump/83008270007/

CHINA PRODUCTS TO USA with 55% Import Tax

What does the US import from China?

In 2024, the U.S. imported $438 billion worth of goods from China, according to Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.

These are the top 10 types of products the U.S. imported from China, according to data from the U.S. International Trade Commission:

Electrical machinery and TV parts: $124.97 billion, 28% of total imports from China
Nuclear reactor parts and mechanical appliances: $82 billion, 18% of total imports from China
Toys, games and sports equipment: $30.03 billion, 7% of imports from China
Plastics: $19.29 billion, 4% of total imports from China
Furniture, lamps and pre-fabricated buildings: $18.52, 4% of total imports from China
Vehicles: $16.85 billion, 4% of total imports from China
Iron and steel: $11.98 billion, 3% of total imports from China
Optical and photographic parts: $11.88 billion, 3% of total imports from China
Clothing: $9.99 billion, 2% of total imports from China
Shoes: $9.78 billion, 2% of total imports from China

Again, who is paying this tariff from China, you and I and if you think bringing the product in from Vietnam or Indonesia, think again and see below in the next few paragraphs.

I hope you have taken a few moments to see where your money is going and how the tariffs work. Very simply, the USA no longer produces much of anything and is the major purchaser to goods that America once produced.

Really, what do we produce now? We are a buyer nation and dependent on nations that will sell us our needs and wants.

We no longer save but go in debt for cars, appliances, vacations, houses, furniture and pleasure items and hobbies. Why not, the interest rate is low and the terms to finance are for 6, 7 or even ten years.

Back to China, Canada and Mexico—look at the tariff, for this is what will be added to the cost of selling those items in the USA.

Don’t forget we have shipping costs to get the product here, plus customs and duty taxes.

Let’s put things into perspective: https://govfacts.org/explainer/what-are-tariffs-and-how-do-they-work/

The process in the United States is straightforward. When a ship full of foreign goods arrives at an American port, U.S. Customs and Border Protection collects the tariff. The company importing the goods pays the tax, typically within 10 days of the goods clearing customs.

Think of a tariff as an economic wedge driven between what a foreign seller receives and what an American buyer pays. Without tariffs, an American company might buy a product from a foreign supplier for $100. If the U.S. government imposes a 25% tariff, the American company must now pay the $100 to the supplier plus a $25 tax to the U.S. government. The final cost becomes $125, while the foreign seller still only receives $100.

Recently, I was listening to a podcaster on tariffs and here is the bottom line—Americans, you and I (the consumer) will be paying the tariffs that are levied from each nation.

Why do I say this? Simple, for you know the company that brings in these goods from whatever country they are importing will pass on the tariffs which is an addition in price to 20-40 or even 50% and not “eat” the tariffs.

This, in turn, puts more pressure or as I say, making more bricks without any straw per the pharaoh on the American middle class.

I want to add the following—America’s economy was extremely strong in the 1950’s as America was manufacturing goods and selling them to the world. Look at cars, grain, electronics, energy, produce, petroleum, natural gas, steel and all so much more.

So, what happened? Beginning in the sixties and thru today—the “copycats” took all so many American patents and copied them in their country—Look no further than China and the production began with cheap labor on products that were made in America.

Americans were willing to import that same product at a much cheaper price, the manufacturer to keep the profits and sell the product at a lower price. Thus, Americans were transformed from a manufacturing facility to an importer to the world.

Fast forward to now and we see our president, Donald Trump wants to use tariffs to make other countries pay to service America, but this has backfired as we (Americans) are paying the tariffs of products coming into the USA from the importer.

Here is a good example—Vietnam recently levied zero tariffs on US goods—what does that mean? The Vietnamese can buy US goods with a zero tariff, so wait, what about the other side?

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/indonesia-vietnam-southeastasia-us-trade-tariff-5253951

In Vietnam’s case, transshipped goods face a 40 per cent tariff, double the 20 per cent baseline rate, signalling Washington’s intent to clamp down on workaround routes that have long benefitted Chinese exporters.

Trump has accused Vietnam of being used to ship Chinese products so that Beijing can avoid the high tariffs the US imposes on China, according to Andry from INDEF.

Who pays for the product being imported? You and I so Trmp can clamp down on workaround groups.

Let’s move on—Mr. Trump wants to cut down Fentanyl and is blaming both Mexico and Canada for not securing their border properly.

Here is an interesting you tube that you may wish to see- On the Canadian border with a Mexican cartel smuggler https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUK_i5_rq10

The smuggler says he is very familiar with the US/Canada border as the route is learned through experience and you have to know the terrain, the only way to know the route is to explore on your own—All of us have worked as guides on the US/Canadian border as this is much more heavily guarded border so it’s easy to spot the cameras and sensors.

This smuggler uses and pays American landowners’ money to transport migrants into the USA. The smuggler interviewed said that cocaine comes from Mexico thru the USA and into Canada, while Fentanyl comes from China and he and other smugglers move it from Canada and into the USA.

The smuggler said death caused by those drugs are not enough to stop him, for he says, “I think about it, but people die from drugs everywhere and everyplace, the problem here is that where’s a demand, there will be someone to sell it and someone to bring it into the country.”

The question to the smuggler, “With increased border security in Canada would the cartel stop operating there?” His response, “No, the border is much larger than Mexico’s and there are more entry points thru Canada than Mexico and that won’t stop us.”

My thought is simple—Negotiate with Canada and with Mexico instead of picking a fight. Look at all the products we purchase from these two countries and the prices we pay with the tariffs.

As for the fentanyl, find those drug dealers who are distributing and execute them that day. Of course, there must be firm evidence like that is in the Bible and have them executed that day and not a day longer. No prison time and no leniency, just death.

This will not only slow down the drug problem, but put the drug dealers on notice that death is eminent. Why not put a bounty on drug cartel leaders in the USA and have them executed.

Sounds barbaric? Tell that to those who lost their family member due to this drug or any drug.

Ok, sorry but I needed to address this issue on tariffs and how they will help break our economy and the middle class. The president is wrong in applying these tariffs and his promises to the American people are doing so much more harm than good.

Economically, he is not sound and he is using the tariffs to inflate this country’s economy even more. We are moving closer to alienating both Canada and Mexico and we are inching to an economic collapse.

Fellow Christian, how can God bless America when we don’t bless God first? This is not blessing, but robbing the middle class.

I will begin the title lesson in the next column.

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.