<h1 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4" dir="ltr">To our fellow pastors, shepherds of Christ’s flock who love the Church and fear God more than mankind:</h1><blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">Scripture warns us clearly: “Every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world.” (I John 4:3 NKJV)</blockquote>The antichrist spirit is not merely a futuristic political figure. It is any spirit that denies the unique deity, lordship, and exclusive claims of Jesus Christ. It is the spirit that seeks to replace the Gospel with another gospel, and that works to dismantle the moral order established by God.The god of this age - that antichrist spirit - is advancing through our culture and system of government on multiple fronts. We call the Church to recognize and resist this demonic movement without apology.Communism is an openly atheistic system that declares God a myth, rejects the image of God in man, and denies the authority of the Creator. No pastor who confesses “Jesus is Lord” can make peace with an ideology that demands the state become lord in His place.Likewise, Islam, by its own foundational texts, denies that Jesus is the eternal Son of God, that He died on the cross for sin, and that He rose bodily from the dead. It replaces the Gospel of grace with a system of evil works and claims final prophetic authority over Jesus Christ. The spirit that rejects the Incarnation and the Cross is the spirit of antichrist. Love for Muslim neighbors requires clear truth, not theological surrender.That same antichrist spirit is also operating through a progressive political and theological movement, keeping the language of faith while shamelessly perverting the Truth of God’s Word and leading the uninformed astray.The public positions associated with political figures like James Talarico are blatantly antichrist. He describes our Heavenly Father in non-binary terms, and his church distributes something called the “Inclusive Bible” which removes gender specific language. He pushes for the genital mutilation of children. He advocates for the dismembering of the unborn and calls it healthcare. He calls Jesus a feminist. Worst of all, he declares that other religions are equally valid with Christianity and urges the Church to prioritize political progressive causes over the clear commands of Scripture. These policy positions are the antichrist spirit at work.Pastors are called to lead, feed and guard. We are called to “contend earnestly for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3 NKJV). Silence in the face of evil is not neutrality; it is complicity. The Church that refuses to name the spirit of antichrist will eventually find itself serving it.On every issue that pertains to man, God has a side, and when we vote according to His will and His word, we are a restraining force against the antichrist spirit.Therefore, we commit ourselves while inviting every faithful pastor to join us in declaring the following:<ul class="list-disc list-inside mb-2"><li value="1" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">We will preach the full deity, exclusive lordship, and sufficient atonement of Jesus Christ without dilution.</li><li value="2" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">We will guard our flock against the current operations of the antichrist spirit.</li><li value="3" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">We will expose and reject every ideology—communist, Islamic, or any other—that denies these truths.</li><li value="4" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">We will defend the authority of Scripture, the unborn, the created order of male and female, and the Gospel of grace against every counterfeit.</li><li value="5" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">We will love our neighbors enough to tell them the truth, even when that truth is costly.</li><li value="6" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">We will urge our flocks to use their votes to be a restraining force against antichrist ideologies.</li></ul><blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">“For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Jude 1:4 NKJV)</blockquote>The hour is late. Predators are devouring the flock. The Chief Shepherd is watching. This is a time to Stand!Sign the letter here: <a href="https://" rel="noreferrer" dir="ltr">https://36178.people.myamplify.io/external/form/803a82f6-5778-49ff-a105-97674f0e8777</a> Pastor Steve Riggle, Grace Woodlands Church - The Woodlands, TXPastor Hernan Castano, Rivers of Oil Church – Houston, TXPastor James Buntrock, Glorious Way Church – Houston, TXPastor Jason Nelson, Grace Woodlands Church – Woodlands, TXPastor John Greiner, Glorious Way Church – Houston, TXPastor Wendell Hutchins, Church of Champions – Houston, TXPastor Doug Harris, Central Baptist Church – Deer Park, TXPastor Richard Jennings, River of Praise - Tomball, TXPastor Jerry Davis, Embassy Church - Kingwood/Porter, TXPastor Leroy Henderson, The House of Praise Worship Center - Houston, TXPastor Nathan Brown, Vintage Church - Liberty Hill, TXPastor Daniel Hayworth, Vintage Church - Harker Heights, TXPastor Khanh Huynh, Vietnamese Baptist Church - Houston, TXPastor F.N. Williams II, Antioch Missionary Baptist Church - Houston, TXPastor Willie Davis, MacGregor Palm Community Baptist Church - Houston, TXStephen Martin, Founding Pastor of Vintage Family of Churches and The American Pastors GuildPastor Keenan Smith, Crosby Church - Crosby, TXJoyner Briceno, Founder of Joyner Briceno Ministries - Houston, TX

An Open Letter from the U.S. Pastor Council and My God Votes

Genesis 1:1 “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”Genesis 1:11–12 “And God said, “Let the earth sprout vegetation, plants yielding seed, and fruit trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind, on the earth.” And it was so. The earth brought forth vegetation, plants yielding seed according to their own kinds, and trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.”Genesis 1:21 “So God created the great sea creatures and every living creature that moves, with which the waters swarm, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.”Genesis 1:24–25&nbsp; “And God said, ‘Let the earth bring forth living creatures according to their kinds—livestock and creeping things and beasts of the earth according to their kinds. And it was so.”What Evolution Can’t ExplainWhat evolution can’t explain from a scientific perspective has huge social, political, moral, and religious implications that are much more significant than anything being taught in biology classes.&nbsp; The typical K-12 and college-level biology classes describe evolution through observations of incomplete fossil records where you already have life, fully defined kinds of plants, animals, birds, and fish, fully functional cell structures with ongoing reproduction, DNA and RNA.&nbsp;&nbsp;<blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">Evolution assumes all these things are a given, then teaches that man evolved from monkeys and new species (kinds) appear over time by adapting to changes in the environment, survival of the fittest, and mutations.&nbsp; This is equivalent to describing the totality of mathematics as single-digit addition while ignoring all other arithmetic operations, algebra, geometry, calculus, differential equations, applied mathematics, and physics.</blockquote>Evolution does not explain:<ul class="list-disc list-inside mb-2"><li value="1" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">The origin of life</li><li value="2" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">How the first living cell came into existence without DNA and RNA already existing</li><li value="3" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">How complex the DNA hereditary instructions really are</li><li value="4" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">How the RNA molecular machine that translates DNA genetic instructions into proteins that build and reproduce cells simultaneously evolved without the DNA instructions that create the RNA machine in the first place.</li><li value="5" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">The diversity and complexity of plants, birds, sea creatures, animal life and their life-giving ecosystems without intelligent design, unfathomable power and knowledge being involved in the creation process.</li><li value="6" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">Finally, there has never been a physical observation of one kind of species becoming another kind of species. There are only conjectures based on incomplete, broken fossil records.</li></ul>The simplest single-celled living organism must have four things to be alive and able to reproduce itself.&nbsp; A living cell must have a cell membrane, cytoplasm, DNA&nbsp; the hereditary information that stores instructions for building and running the cell and RNA, the molecular machines that translate genetic instructions into proteins. Animal and plant cells are much more complex than the simplest living cell.&nbsp; The following is a pictorial representation of plant and animal cells.For evolution to create the simplest living cell at a minimum, you would need a cell wall, cytoplasm, DNA and RNA that all evolve simultaneously at a specific point in time, in the same place in space with the appropriate geo-spatial structure.&nbsp; The cell wall would enclose the cytoplasm, and functional DNA and RNA engines would have to float in the cytoplasm.&nbsp; The problem is that DNA has to exist to instruct the RNA engine to build the cell's proteins including the DNA instructions themselves.&nbsp; This appears to be impossible without intelligent design and unfathomable power and knowledge.&nbsp; Romans 1:18–20 says, “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.”The DNA instruction to create a human body is stored in 23 pairs of chromosomes.&nbsp; The 23rd chromosome pair determine a person’s sex, with XX being a female and XY being a male.&nbsp; These 23 pairs of chromosomes have a total of 6.1 billion pairs of proteins stored as double helices with half coming from the female’s egg and half coming from the male's sperm. All a person’s characteristics, organs, and structures are built and reproduced using these 6.1 billion pairs of proteins. These DNA instructions build between 200–400 different types of cells in the human body.&nbsp; An adult human has between 30–40 trillion cells in total.&nbsp; Each of these different cell types has a specific function and spatial location and structure within the body: skin cells, blood cells, bone cells, cartilage cells, nerve cells, fat cells, organ cells, egg cells, sperm cells, etc.&nbsp; It takes far less faith to believe in an omnipotent, omniscient triune God than to believe the universe and everything in it evolved by chance.Modern-day science claims that the universe was created at a point in time by a massive explosion known as the Big Bang Theory.&nbsp; The Bible states in Genesis 1:1 “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” &nbsp; Then the rest of Genesis chapter 1 describes the creation of a life-sustaining ecosystem and a diversity of life in the seas, the land, and the air all created after their own kind.&nbsp; The scientific observation and the Biblical creation story both point to the universe being created at a point in time.&nbsp; For random evolution to have created life, the diversity of kinds and the life-supporting ecosystem called planet earth an infinite amount of time would be required, which goes against both the scientific observation and God’s word in Genesis.Evolution is a religion designed by demonic forces of evil.&nbsp; Its purpose is to separate mankind from God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit by causing people to reject the truth given to us in the Bible.&nbsp;&nbsp;<blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">John 14:6 says, “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’”&nbsp; John 17:17 Jesus prays, “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.”&nbsp; Psalm 119:160 “The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</blockquote>Christians and the Church need to understand that there is a spiritual war going on between the forces of good and evil.&nbsp; Ephesians 6:12 says, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”&nbsp;&nbsp;The battle of the ages has always been a spiritual battle for truth, starting with the first half-truth the serpent told Eve in the Garden of Eden.&nbsp; Genesis 3:4–5 says, “But the serpent said to the woman, ‘You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.’”&nbsp; Adam and Eve did not become like God, instead they ushered in decay, destruction, death, and deceit into God’s perfect creation.Since the 1960s, we have had three generations of America’s children indoctrinated into the half-truth of evolution, which essentially says that God doesn’t exist, evil does not exist, the world was not created, and there is no such thing as moral truth. The impact of this teaching on the political, social, and moral fabric of our country has been devastating with the acceptance of abortion, divorce, mutilation of children, pornography, fornication, adultery, homosexuality, drunkenness, murder, strife, greed and division.&nbsp;&nbsp;The half-truth of evolution needs to be exposed for what it is, and Creation Theory should be required teaching in every K–12 and college biology class in America (Praise God Intelligent Design is beginning to come back into some grades within the public school curriculum).We cannot win this or any other spiritual battle using secular weapons; only spiritual weapons and defenses that activate God’s power will protect us and allow us to win spiritual battles against the forces of evil.&nbsp;Ephesians 6:13–18 tells us,&nbsp;<blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">“Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.”</blockquote>Finally, God tells us how to take back our country in 2 Chronicles 7:14 says, “If my people who are called by my name humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and heal their land.”PRAYER<ol class="list-decimal list-inside mb-2"><li value="1" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">Pray that God and the Holy Spirit would help us identify and fix the root causes of so few people having a biblical worldview, and to find solutions to bring about changes to our laws and culture that encourage our youth to believe in Jesus Christ, the Word of God, and moral truth.</li><li value="2" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">Pray that creation and intelligent design would be taught in all schools in this nation and around the world.</li><li value="3" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">Pray that the half-truths of evolution and all its shortcomings will be exposed for what it really is: a demonic religion designed to cause people to reject God, Jesus Christ and the truth of Scripture.</li></ol>

In the Beginning: The Battle for Truth

A Time to Speak in Texas

The Minimalism Mindset: Finding Joy in Simplicity

A Pastoral Statement on Talarico’s Theological Claims

Preparing the Way for the King

Turning the Hearts of the Generations Toward God

Pierre Rehov [born 1952], a French-Israeli reporter, novelist, and documentary filmmaker trained in law at Paris-Assas, has written extensively on terrorism, media bias, antisemitism, and the Middle East.&nbsp;In Iran’s Regime Is Not Iran: The War the West Refuses to Understand (1), he exposes one of the<a href="https://" rel="noreferrer"> </a>West’s most brazen deceptions of treating the savage Iranian regime and the Iranian people as one and the same, when in truth the regime is the predator and the people are its target and victim.<blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">Rehov writes that on January 9, 2026, Ali Khamenei [1939-2026], Iran’s second Supreme Leader, unleashed one of the bloodiest crackdowns in modern Iranian history. He cites investigations indicating that between 30,000 and 36,500 protesters were slaughtered in two days, with tens of thousands more wounded, arrested, or disappeared into the regime’s machinery of terror. Khamenei himself was later reportedly killed on February 28, 2026.</blockquote>This delusion is not new. President Jimmy Carter’s U.N. ambassador, Andrew Jackson Young Jr. [born 1932], said Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini [1902-1989] would go down in history as “a saint.” (2) That was not merely a bad read. It was an early sign of the West’s chronic habit of romanticizing ideological tyrants, excusing barbarism, and mistaking revolutionary fervor for moral legitimacy.And as for the fantasy that Iran’s beleaguered people (unarmed, empty-handed, and largely abandoned by the West) can somehow overthrow a regime armed to the teeth and practiced in mass murder, that is just that: fantasy.President Trump may have thought he was ready for the fight, but one can only hope he did not bite off more than he could chew when he posted on Truth Social on January 13, 2026: “KEEP PROTESTING - TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS!!! ... HELP IS ON ITS WAY.”If the United States weakens the regime, stirs hope among the oppressed, and then steps back before the tyrants are broken, it will amount to the ultimate betrayal of a people crying out for freedom. To awaken hope and then abandon the captive before liberation is secured would be a historic blow to the cause of freedom.<blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">Michael Youssef [born 1948], the Egyptian-born American pastor, author, broadcaster, and founding pastor of the Church of the Apostles in Atlanta, cites in his recent book, An Unholy Alliance: How Progressivism Brought About an Islamist Invasion, a chilling proverb attributed to radical Islamists: “First the Saturday people, then the Sunday people.”</blockquote>In Youssef’s telling, Islam presses toward domination [tamkīn], not harmony; submission [islām], not liberty. Historically, that condition has been described as dhimmitude - the reduction of dissenters or non-Muslims to subordinate status under an Islamic order.Youssef argues that too many American leaders are too timid, too compromised, or too passive to confront the collision with militant Islam now manifesting itself in places such as Michigan, Minnesota, and Plano, Texas.The problem is not going away. It is coming for our children and grandchildren.Take Plano. A project formerly known as EPIC City and now reported as The Meadow has been described in local reporting as a planned 402-acre, Muslim-centric development northeast of Dallas (reportedly 4 times larger than Disneyland) with more than 1,000 homes, a mosque, a K-12 faith-based school, elderly and assisted-living facilities, apartments, clinics, retail shops, a community college, and sports fields.&nbsp;GB News recently traveled to Texas to investigate the development and the broader questions it raises. <a href="https://gvqy6igab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001g0UFOMeR7Rzvckvz58PlOk2rX_bcsw98qq4BCFBOBHi6nbD-fRej5GzumEutxF69FvwAiwZte1UeuNGhVIONhXoESrSvHu5XHZsRaqOXdoFkYe-GEf8unJOWvKddiQnSIfWCLofCTf06rlelfh_KVBtFArWjRqi3ZdRxtmMlBzy0QfwPWqH3nDtaEyxCGiuTh5hQWt3itZlv99oIQ0yLtg==&amp;c=WnG4V-AqFx4fk2XYtV1n6kAtae5zlywPj4_DRReE3lvRiRnJo5e-jA==&amp;ch=tMRixIqvPu37hU6fSe-zhz-JX9Bzss3n92aC0W0TfcOBgOJw65Tpiw==" dir="ltr">x.com/i/status/2038130354712904056</a><blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">In his commentary, Peter J. Leithart views 1 &amp; 2 Kings as a narrative of Israel’s descent into systemic idolatry and apostasy (its seduction by the gods of the Gentiles), which leads to judgment and exile. Instead of clinging to Yahweh, Solomon clung to foreign women and their gods.</blockquote>As Leithart observes, Solomon’s women redirected his wisdom. The king who once built for Yahweh began building shrines for false gods. In clinging to foreign women and foreign gods, he ceased to be Solomon-with-Yahweh.So it is with men. So it is with nations. Solomon became a different Solomon. America has become a different America.And Yahweh’s opening judgment in 1 Kings 11 was to raise up adversaries against idolatrous Solomon; foes whom the compromised Solomon of his later years, unlike the faithful Solomon of 1 Kings 2, was powerless to subdue.<blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">The countermeasure. Our best read is that American Christendom, in theological terms, has reached her kairos, i.e. God’s appointed time. The sterile and deeply flawed model of ‘successful ministry’ that has dominated the last 100 years (measured by attendance, holdings, and portfolios) has been tried and found wanting.</blockquote>Missouri pastor Joe Nicola, in his excellent work Ekklesia: The Government of the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth [Spring Mill Publishing, 2014], writes: “Any casual observer of Christianity will immediately recognize the disparity between what Jesus said He would build and the modern church.” &nbsp;Like the word apostle, the word ekklesia in Matthew 16:18 describes a function. Ekklesia is not the Kingdom of Heaven itself; it is the government of the Kingdom of Heaven on earth.To decipher: in America, we have traded apostolic leadership for pastoral maintenance. We have gone from raising up an army of leaders to merely tending flocks of sheep.&nbsp;Pastor Nicola argues that the success of a church or ministry should not be measured primarily by what happens inside its walls, but by what happens in the surrounding community. As he puts it: “Is my city or region looking more like the Kingdom of Heaven or the domain of darkness?”Ed Silvoso pressed the same point with a piercing question: “Could it be that we have confined to four walls once a week [in] what is designed to be a 24/7 people movement out in the marketplace, transforming our cities and nations?”A.W. Pink captured it well in The Life of David: “Fellow-servant of God, your sphere may be a humble and inconspicuous one; the flock to which God has called you to minister may be a small one; but faithfulness to your trust is what is required of you.”&nbsp;There may always be an Eliab ready to sneer at “those few sheep in the wilderness.” [1 Sam. 17:28] Let him sneer. Heaven’s measure is not bigness, but faithfulness, as it says in Matthew 25:21: “Well done, thou good and faithful servant… thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things.”&nbsp;Gideons and Rahabs have begun to stand.&nbsp;1. http://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/22452/understanding-iran-regime2.http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/2147746/forty-years-of-misreading-iran/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

The Predator and the People

<h3 class="text-lg font-bold mb-2" dir="ltr">“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” – Matthew 5:9</h3>In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus offers an unparalleled teaching that one could, and should, spend a lifetime unpacking and applying. His message is full of power and profundity. At the same time, Jesus’ words are practical, given to all who believe in Him and willingly enter into the School of Christ.&nbsp;One of the many lessons the Church needs to hear, or be reminded of, today is Jesus’ instruction pertaining to peace.“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”&nbsp;<blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">Peacemakers are children of God. What an incredible statement of identity worthy of reflection. Ponder these words for a moment… Jesus is not telling His followers how to become children of God. He is simply telling them, and us, that children of God are peacemakers.&nbsp;</blockquote>This is who we are. Peace is in our DNA.As children of God, we reflect the character of our Heavenly Father, whom the Apostle Paul calls “the God of peace.” In Galatians 2:20, Paul writes, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” That means Christ—the Prince of Peace—lives within every child of God. And as children of God, we have been given the Spirit of God, the Holy Spirit, who is the Spirit of peace. We are peacemakers because we are children of God, Children of the One True God who exists in three persons… The Father, The Son, and the Holy Spirit. We are children of the Trinity who is Holy, Holy, Holy and, based on the verses mentioned thus far, is also Peace, Peace, Peace.At this point you might be thinking, “But what do peacemakers actually do? I know they make peace, but what does that look like in real life?”&nbsp;That’s a good question. Here are but a few thoughts.Peacemakers proclaim the Gospel of Peace.They share the Good News of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace. Peacemakers are ambassadors of God’s message of love and reconciliation. In Colossians 1:20, Paul tells us that Jesus “made peace through the blood of the cross.” Even though humanity had sinned against God, God gave His one and only Son to die for our sins so that we could have eternal peace with Him. God is counting on His peacemakers to deliver this Gospel—to tell others that real, lasting, true peace is the peace of God found in Jesus Christ alone.&nbsp;It is a peace not dependent on the external events and circumstances of this world. Peacemakers know that proclaiming the Gospel of Peace, through both words and actions, sometimes comes at a cost. In some cases, it may even cause conflict or result in persecution. Yet, they trust the power of the Holy Spirit and lift up the Prince of Peace regardlessly.Peacemakers long for Peace, strive for peace, and sacrifice for peace.Their goal is to build bridges—to people and between people. Peacemakers love harmony and reconciliation, so they work hard to maintain or mend broken relationships. The Apostle Paul writes, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18). Living at peace with everyone is the goal of every peacemaker. It is a lofty goal and impossible to attain apart from the grace of God. But if there is going to be a rift in a relationship—if there is going to be conflict or division—it will not be because the peacemaker failed to put forth enough effort, nor because the peacemaker compromised God’s standards in the pursuit of peace.Peacemakers stand for the truth and speak the truth with gentleness and respect.Even though the goal is peace, peacemakers will not avoid doing or saying what is right in the eyes of God simply to appease people or create a superficial, temporary peace. Out of the conviction of their hearts, peacemakers pursue peace with the truth of the Gospel in one hand and the love of Christ in the other.Peacemakers display a Christ-like composure in the face of conflict.They don’t emotionally unravel in the storms of life. Instead, peacemakers are a soothing, calming presence in the midst of anxiety. They step into hostile situations to defend those who cannot defend themselves with Christ-like confidence. They walk into hopeless situations to help those facing seemingly incurable problems with steady and solid faith. Peacemakers trust in the power and authority of the Prince of Peace.&nbsp;You know these people. When all hell breaks loose, they remain cool and calm. Peacemakers think clearly in the midst of chaos and control their emotions because they know, in the words of C.S. Lewis, “anger is the anesthetic of the mind.” Peacemakers can walk into a heated family argument or a workplace conflict, keep their composure, and manage their tongue.Peacemakers pray.They kneel before the Prince of Peace and cover this world with prayer. Peacemakers pray for those affected by conflict, and at the same time they pray for their enemies and those who persecute them.&nbsp;They never cease to pray that people of all nations would come to know Christ and His peace because they understand that peace in the world must begin with peace in the heart.<blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">This world is at war. It’s in turmoil. It is hurting and anxious, in desperate need of true peace—which means this world needs the Prince of Peace. And for whatever divine reason, God has chosen you and me to bring the peace of Christ to this world.&nbsp;</blockquote>We (the sons and daughters of God) are His peacemakers.So, let’s be the peacemakers God has empowered us to be. Let’s strive to make peace in this world and in our nation, in our schools and workplaces, in the Church and in our homes, with our children and spouses, with our families and friends. And as we strive for peace—and even at times struggle for peace—let us never forget that we can be at peace about the future of this world.The Lord God Almighty is Sovereign.&nbsp;One day the Prince of Peace will return. One day “every knee will bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”&nbsp;One day God’s Kingdom will come and be established on earth as it is in heaven. On that day there will be no more tears and no more pain. On that day all anxiety, fear, and conflict will be banished forever. And on that day, all the children of God will step into paradise.But until that day, we must work for peace. Let’s go into this highly hostile and overly anxious world and give it peace.&nbsp;Let’s give people heaven.

Peacemakers in a World at War

<blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">“Who among us can live with the consuming fire? Who among us can live with continual burning? He who walks righteously and speaks with sincerity, He who rejects unjust gain and shakes his hands so that they hold no bribe; he who stops his ears from hearing about bloodshed and shuts his eyes from looking upon evil.” – Isaiah 33:14-15 NASB.</blockquote>We serve a holy God who wants to live in the midst of His people. Scripture describes in this passage and others the Lord as a consuming fire (Hebrews 12:29), and who can live with Him:“The Lord reigns; let the earth rejoice . . . Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne. Fire goes before Him and burns up His adversaries round about . . .” – Psalm 97:1-3 NASB.“His throne was ablaze with flames. Its wheels were a burning fire. 10A river of fire was flowing and coming out from before Him . . . ” – Daniel 7:9-10 NASB.“Then I noticed from the appearance of His loins and upward something like glowing metal that looked like fire all around within it, and from the appearance of His loins and downward I saw something like fire; and there was a radiance around Him.” – Ezekiel 1:27 NASB.“The voice of the Lord hews out flames of fire” – Psalm 29:7 NASB.Isaiah tells us that since our God is a consuming fire, only the righteous are allowed to dwell with Him. Then the prophet describes the holy way the righteous live as to how they walk, speak, do business, and shun evil personally.In chapter thirty-three, the prophet Isaiah also describes how the Righteous Judge of all the earth will execute His vengeance on all sinners—those within His house, plus those far away:“Now I will arise,” says the Lord . . . My breath will consume you like a fire.” – Isaiah 33:10-11 NASB.Those sons who refuse to listen to the instruction of the Lord, saying, “. . . The calamity [judgment] will not overtake or confront us (Amos 9:10 NASB)” are not only rebellious people, but God also calls them false sons (Isaiah 30:9). No wonder Scripture says that sinners in Zion are terrified (Isaiah 33:14):<blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">“All of them are stubbornly rebellious, going about as a talebearer, they are bronze and iron; they, all of them, are corrupt. The bellows blow fiercely, the lead is consumed by the fire; in vain the refining goes on, but the wicked are not separated. They call them rejected silver, because the Lord has rejected them.” – Jeremiah 6:30 NASB.</blockquote>“How long, O Lord? Will You be angry forever? Shall Your jealousy [which cannot endure a divided allegiance] burn like fire?” – Psalm 79:5 TAC.God’s refining fires chasten and cleanse the repentant of all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9) so that we conform to and cling to Him and not to the world. He invites us to live with Him on His holy mountain under His canopy of glory, but to do so there must be nothing of the world’s filth that clings to us.&nbsp;As we have seen in the Word and experienced, there are refining fires that we must pass through in life, which God uses to destroy the bondages that enslave His children if we yield to His discipline. Otherwise, you risk becoming rejected silver, or a false son.In other words, the more you draw near to God, the more you will walk in the fear of the Lord; and the more you hold the Lord in awe and reverence for His holiness, the more you are prepared to carry the fire of His presence and anointing.To carry God’s holy presence and anointing is your destiny (Matthew 3:11, Mark 1:8). As a king and priest unto the Lord (Revelation 1:6), you are to keep God’s eternal fire alive in your life (Leviticus 6:12-13) so that you are aglow and burning with the Spirit (Romans 12:11 Amplified), for you are the light of the world (Matthew 5:14-16).Prayer for Today:Woe is me if I forsake the fear of the Lord! You have said, Lord, that all the sinners of Your people will die (Amos 9:8, 10)! Help me, Lord, to pay attention to Your refining fires in my life so that I may repent and be restored! I do not want to have an alliance that is in opposition to You. Lord, You said for me to be careful that I do not refuse Him who is warning me from heaven, since there will be no escape (Hebrews 12:25). Incline my heart to obey and open my ears to hear what Your Spirit is saying (Revelation 2:29). Lord, how I need You! Thank You for delivering me from the power and guilt of sin (Romans 6:14-23) so that I may walk in righteousness before You and with others.Hearing from God:As you go through God’s refining fires, is your refining in vain or for gain? Are you bitter, as one who complains of adversities, or better? How do you deal with the impurities that surface?God’s Special Invitation to You Today:I want to walk with you and talk with you, and for you to abide in Me and I in you. I hate mixture and do not allow it in My presence. Let Me thoroughly purge all your dross, and you will come forth as pure gold.Adapted from God’s Special Invitation, How Will You R.S.V.P.? Volume II – Living in the Favor and Fear of the Lord by Sunny Wessel

The Fire of the Lord: Holiness

Across history, societies drift when truth is compromised and leaders pursue power over righteousness. The biblical warnings found in Micah, Nahum, and the legacy of Omri reveal a pattern of generational compromise that can shape cultures and nations. Yet Scripture also points to another path of spiritual and moral awakening.In a time when America stands at a crossroads, the call remains the same: return to God, renew the heart of the Church, and awaken compassion in our communities.We are living in a time when many sense that something deeper than politics or cultural shifts is taking place. Beneath the headlines and public debates lies a more profound question about the spiritual and moral direction of our nation and world.History reminds us that societies rarely collapse suddenly; they drift through gradual compromise until what once seemed unthinkable becomes normalized.Scripture speaks powerfully into such moments.The prophets Micah and Nahum addressed cultures facing similar crossroads—times when leaders compromised truth for power, when justice was overshadowed by ambition, and when nations had to decide whether they would continue down a path of decline or return to the ways of God.<h2 class="text-xl font-bold mb-3" dir="ltr">The Prophetic Warning: When Leadership Loses Its Moral Anchor</h2>As I have been reading through the books of Micah and Nahum, I am reminded that the challenges we face today are not new. The prophets often spoke during seasons when societies had drifted far from God's ways, when corruption had become normalized, leaders used their positions for personal and political advantage, and truth was sacrificed for power.Micah confronted leaders who had abandoned justice and righteousness:"They build Zion with bloodshed and Jerusalem with injustice." (Micah 3:10)<blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">Those entrusted with leadership were exploiting the very people they were meant to serve. Priests, prophets, and rulers had become influenced by gain and power rather than faithfulness to God.</blockquote>Nahum later spoke into a culture defined by violence, deception, and exploitation. Speaking of Nineveh, he described it as:"A city full of lies and robbery." (Nahum 3:1)His message was a sobering reminder that nations built upon injustice and arrogance eventually face the consequences of their choices. God is patient and merciful, but He is not indifferent to corruption.<h2 class="text-xl font-bold mb-3" dir="ltr">The Pattern of Generational Compromise</h2>The prophets remind us that moral decline rarely happens overnight. It usually begins with small compromises that eventually become accepted systems.One example appears in what Scripture calls "the statutes of Omri" (Micah 6:16). Omri, king of Israel, established policies and practices that institutionalized compromise and normalized pagan worship. What began as political calculation became national policy. His son Ahab expanded that corruption even further. Under Ahab and Jezebel, Baal worship was openly promoted, and God's prophets were persecuted (1 Kings 16:30–33; 18:4).What Omri tolerated, Ahab institutionalized. This is the nature of generational compromise: What one generation tolerates, the next generation often embraces, even celebrates, and eventually demands.Scripture repeatedly warns about this pattern. In Judges we read:"Another generation arose who did not know the Lord nor the work which He had done for Israel." (Judges 2:10)When truth is not preserved and practiced, spiritual memory fades, and compromise fills the vacuum. The prophet Isaiah echoed this warning:"Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil." (Isaiah 5:20)The Apostle Paul later described this downward spiral in Romans 1, explaining how people who reject God's truth eventually exchange it for falsehood and create systems that normalize what was once recognized as destructive (Romans 1:21–25).In many ways, these biblical patterns mirror the challenges we see today. When God's Word, His nature, and His character are replaced with cultural accommodation or political expediency, societies drift from the foundations that sustain them.<h2 class="text-xl font-bold mb-3" dir="ltr">The Prophetic Call: Returning to God</h2>The prophets did not simply expose corruption; they called people back to God. Micah gave one of the clearest summaries of God's desire for His people:"He has shown you, O man, what is good: To do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God." (Micah 6:8)This has always been the heart of God.For many years I have said, "True transformation begins with spiritual awakening and moral awakening."<blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">Political solutions alone cannot heal a nation's soul. Laws and policies may restrain behavior, but they cannot change hearts. Only God can do that. Spiritual awakening begins when individuals return to God with humility and repentance. Moral awakening follows when transformed hearts begin influencing families, communities, institutions, and nations.</blockquote>Another truth I often share is this: "Culture does not change because of political power alone; culture changes when the conscience of people is awakened."Throughout history, the greatest moments of societal renewal have not begun in palaces or parliaments, but in prayer meetings, humble repentance, and the quiet obedience of people choosing to live according to God's truth.<h2 class="text-xl font-bold mb-3" dir="ltr">Awakening Compassion</h2>This is why awakening matters so deeply.When people encounter God, they begin to see others differently. Justice is no longer a political talking point but a reflection of God's heart. Compassion becomes more than sentiment; it becomes action. Integrity becomes more important than influence.As I have often said, "Compassion is the visible and tangible expression of the love of God."A society that returns to God rediscovers compassion for the vulnerable, the poor, the marginalized, and the broken.The prophets were not merely warning about judgment; they were calling people back to the character of God.<h2 class="text-xl font-bold mb-3" dir="ltr">The Responsibility of the Church</h2>Today, we must resist the temptation to shape God's Word around our personal preferences, ideologies, or political alliances. Instead, we must allow His Word to shape us.The Church must never substitute cultural relevance for biblical faithfulness. Whenever we compromise truth to gain influence or acceptance, we risk repeating the pattern seen in the days of Omri and Ahab, where compromise slowly becomes institutionalized and spiritual clarity is lost.Yet Scripture also reminds us that God always provides a path for restoration.<blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">"If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14)</blockquote>Throughout history, renewal has always begun with humility before God.<h2 class="text-xl font-bold mb-3" dir="ltr">America at the Crossroads</h2>Today, I believe we are at a critical moment, and what I have often described as America at a crossroads. The future of our nation will not ultimately be determined by political strategies or cultural trends alone, but by the spiritual condition of our hearts.This is why I continue to speak about:<ul class="list-disc list-inside mb-2"><li value="1" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">Awakening the heart of America</li><li value="2" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">Awakening the heart of the Church</li><li value="3" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">Awakening compassion in communities</li></ul>When the Church returns to humility, prayer, and faithful obedience to God's Word, it becomes a catalyst for healing and hope in society.Through movements of prayer, repentance, and tangible expressions of Christ, we have sought, through Somebody Cares, to encourage others that God can awaken hearts, restore communities, and renew nations.<h2 class="text-xl font-bold mb-3" dir="ltr">The Choice Before Us</h2>The choice before us is not unlike the choice faced in the days of the prophets: Will we continue the cycle of generational compromise, or will we pursue generational awakening?The answer begins with each of us.If we humble ourselves, return to God, and live out His truth with justice, mercy, and humility, the future need not be defined by decline. Instead, it can be defined by renewal.And that is both the prayer, the calling, and the critical need of our time.

Generational Compromise or Spiritual Awakening

The Barna Research Group was started in 1984 by George Barna to research and track data about faith, religion, and culture by compiling results from millions of interviews and surveys. In 1995, Barna Group defined seven cornerstone beliefs called a Biblical Worldview and began measuring the percentages of Americans who held a Biblical Worldview based on their answers to their multiple-choice survey.This survey generally has between 50 and 54 questions and is designed to identify not only what Americans say they believe about the Bible, but also to measure what they really believe.&nbsp;For example, you might choose to answer a question describing the Bible as "the inspired, infallible, inerrant word of God." Yet when asked the question, "Who is Jesus Christ?" you might select the answer, "he is a prophet, teacher, and a good man," not selecting the choice, "Jesus is the only begotten Son of God, born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, died on the cross to pay for our sins, and rose from the dead after three days."&nbsp;These two answers would be totally incompatible with each other because you can't say the Bible is the inerrant word of God and at the same time believe that Jesus was just a prophet, good man, and teacher.The Barna Group defines eight worldviews: Biblical, Marxist, Secular Humanism, Eastern Mysticism, Nihilism, Postmodernism, Moralistic Therapeutic Deism, and Syncretism.&nbsp;Your answers to their survey questions will place you in one of these eight worldviews.&nbsp;In a 2025 survey (George Barna's American Worldview Inventory 2025)… only 4 percent of Americans met Barna's standards to be classified as having a Biblical Worldview.The overall majority of Americans, 92 percent, fall into the worldview called "Syncretism," which Barna defines as "blending multiple worldviews—such as Biblical Theism, Secular Humanism, and Postmodernism—into a personalized but often conflicting belief system… it reflects a tendency to adopt beliefs based on preference and culture rather than a consistent understanding of life."Barna's seven cornerstones used to describe a Biblical Worldview are given below.<ol class="list-decimal list-inside mb-2"><li value="1" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">There is an omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, immutable, eternal triune God who created all things.&nbsp;</li></ol>The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob exists as three distinct, eternal, co-equals living in perfect unity and harmony with each other. God the Father, as the head, orchestrates all things, Jesus Christ the Son creates, sustains, gives life, grace, and truth, and the Holy Spirit is the Advocate, Counselor, and Spirit of Truth who guides and reveals.<ol start="2" class="list-decimal list-inside mb-2"><li value="2" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">The Bible is the inspired, inerrant word of God, which is true, reliable, relevant through all ages, and is the best moral guide for all people and all situations.&nbsp;</li></ol><blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">2 Timothy 3:16–17 says, "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."</blockquote>You may not agree with or understand everything in the Bible, but your lack of understanding or agreement does not make the Bible false. This is where faith must play a vital role. In fact, it is an essential part of the Christian walk.<ol start="3" class="list-decimal list-inside mb-2"><li value="3" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">Absolute moral truth exists, and those truths are defined by God and described in the Bible.</li></ol>Truth does not change over time or between different cultures. John 8:31–32 says, "So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, 'If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.'" Psalm 119:160 says, "All your words are true; all your righteous laws are eternal."<ol start="4" class="list-decimal list-inside mb-2"><li value="4" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">All human beings have a sinful nature inherited through Adam and Eve's original disobedience to God in the Garden of Eden. Man's dominion over the earth was forfeited to Satan when Adam and Eve chose to listen to Satan instead of obeying God.&nbsp;</li></ol>Jesus confirmed Satan is the ruler of this world. In John 14:30 we read, "I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no claim on me."The good news is that when Jesus Christ returns, Satan will be cast out, and all his lies and deception will go with him. John 12:31 says, "Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out."&nbsp;We must never forget that before Jesus' return, Satan is guiding our world's systems. That is why it is so dangerous to accept the ever-changing culture and worldly ideologies.<ol start="5" class="list-decimal list-inside mb-2"><li value="5" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">Salvation and eternal life come from Jesus Christ alone.&nbsp;</li></ol>Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God, the exact image and imprint of God who created all things, became fully man, being born to a virgin by the Holy Spirit, lived a sinless life, died on a cross to pay for our sins, and rose from the dead, and now sits at the right hand of God the Father.&nbsp;In John 14:6 we read, "Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'"<blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">Acts 4:12 says, "And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." Romans 10:9–10 says, "If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved."</blockquote>The ultimate purpose in life is to know, love, and serve God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength. Matthew 22:36–40 says, "Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?" And he said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets."<ol start="6" class="list-decimal list-inside mb-2"><li value="6" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">Success on earth is best described as obedience to God's word.&nbsp;</li></ol>The ultimate question about success is asked in Mark 8:36, "For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?"&nbsp;In Psalm 90:10 we are told that the average human lifespan will be approximately 70 to 80 years. How we choose to live and what we choose to do and believe in those years will determine whether we spend an eternity described in Revelation 21, which says, "God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away."Or we could spend an eternity with Satan and his followers, as described in Revelation 14:11: “And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever, and they have no rest, day or night…”<blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">Matthew 6:19–21 tells us, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”</blockquote>Ultimately, success on earth should be measured by the final eternal destination each of us receives based on our thoughts, beliefs, and deeds while on earth. Jesus tells us in John 14:15–21, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments… Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.”Joshua 1:8 says, “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”A Biblical Worldview is rooted in the belief of a triune God and the truth of Scripture, which shapes our view of God, humanity, truth, morality, and salvation. It calls believers to align their beliefs and behavior with Scripture, integrating their actions, faith, hope, and love into every part of their lives. First Corinthians 13:13 says, “So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”Prayer<ol class="list-decimal list-inside mb-2"><li value="1" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">Pray that Christians in America and around the world would start living out their lives based on the two great commandments: to love the Lord God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength, and to love our neighbors as ourselves.</li><li value="2" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">Pray that America would recognize God's love, grace, mercy, and justice, and repent of its sins so that God would bring about the greatest revival in the history of our country.</li><li value="3" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">Pray that God and the Holy Spirit would help us identify the cause of so few people having a Biblical Worldview and find solutions to bring about changes in our culture that encourage our youth to believe in Jesus Christ and the Word of God.</li></ol> John Feder is a husband, father, grandfather and retired engineer. John is an active member of Grace Woodlands Church. He also serves on the Montgomery County Eagle Forum Board of Directors, particularly overseeing the group’s prayer ministry.

The Vanishing Biblical Worldview in America

How Patriotism is the Opposite of Globalism

Duncan Campbell, the Scottish evangelist and revivalist known for his role in the Hebrides Revival, once said, “Revival is a community saturated with God.” He also referenced the words of Thomas Chalmers, who described revival as “the impact of the personality of Christ on a community.”We are in desperate need—both individually and corporately—of such a heart awakening in our generation. A transforming revival must come. But it will come one of three ways: by choice, by circumstance, or by consequence. How much better for it to come by a heart awakening than a rude awakening.The Lord’s Provision During the Shaking:In 1988, I wrote an article titled “The Lord’s Provision During the Shaking.” A couple of years later, it became a chapter in one of my books, Church Quake: The Lord’s Provision During the Shaking. And now, more than ever, I sense the urgency to revisit that message.We are living in a time when every institution—both sacred and secular—is being shaken. Everything people have placed their hope in is being tested. But only that which is part of the unshakable Kingdom of God will endure.Paul reminds us in Hebrews 12:27–29:<blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">"Now this, ‘Yet once more,’ indicates the removal of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we are receiving a Kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. For our God is a consuming fire."</blockquote>God begins with His own household—the Church. As we see throughout Scripture, when the Lord addresses Jerusalem, there are often prophetic parallels that apply to His people today. Zephaniah 1:12 is a sobering reminder:<blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">"And it shall come to pass at that time that I will search Jerusalem with lamps, and punish the men who are settled in complacency, who say in their heart, ‘The Lord will not do good, nor will He do evil.’"</blockquote>The Lord is searching the Church with the lamp of His Holy Spirit, exposing compromise and complacency. By His light, He is purging the dross and refining us for the days ahead.What’s Really in Our Hearts:Deuteronomy 8:2–3 reminds us of God’s purpose in allowing wilderness seasons:<blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">"…the Lord your God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness, to humble you and test you, to know what was in your heart… that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord."</blockquote>God has allowed us seasons of peace and prosperity so we could be a blessing to the nations. But instead of stewarding that favor, many have chosen to follow the lusts of the world.I’ve often said, “While men reach for thrones to build their own kingdoms, Jesus reached for a towel to wash men’s feet.”God is now shifting. He is redistributing resources from those who have become enamored with celebrity and self-promotion to those who have been faithful with little and have not abandoned their First Love. Those who have been surviving on crumbs are about to see an increase for greater stewardship.Humility, Reverence, and True Riches:Proverbs teaches us that riches, honor, and life come from humility and the fear of the Lord—not from chasing them directly. Many forget where they came from and seek the blessings while bypassing the heart posture required to carry them.God humbles us not to harm us, but to keep us from trusting in our own strength. It is only through the Presence of the Lord that we find true satisfaction.D.L. Moody once said, “There are no limitations to those who’ve been in the Presence of the Lord.” That still holds true today.Prepare the Bride. Prepare the Ark. Prepare the Way:Once again, I sense the Lord emphasizing four urgent preparations for His people:<ol class="list-decimal list-inside mb-2"><li value="1" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">Prepare the Bride – the Church must purify herself.</li><li value="2" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">Prepare an Ark of Refuge – for the many who will be shaken and searching.</li><li value="3" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">Prepare the Way for Revival – because revival is coming.</li><li value="4" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">Prepare a People for the Coming of the Lord – for He is nearer than we think.</li></ol>When shakings come—whether through moral failures, public implosions, or economic collapse—we must not rejoice. Like Jeremiah who wept over Jerusalem, we must intercede and weep for those who have fallen. May they repent and return stronger.A shaken Church often leads to scattered sheep—wounded, wandering, and discouraged. We must be ready to welcome them with grace, not gloating. It’s not a time for puffed-up pride, but broken-hearted compassion.Knowing God and Pleasing God:<blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">In Daniel 11:32, we’re told, "…the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits." The Hebrew word for know here is YADA—an intimate, interactive, and submissive relationship. Similarly, Paul writes in Philippians 3:10, "…that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings…" (the word sufferings also means passion).</blockquote>To know God is to share His passions. And to know His passions is to live with humble conviction and holy compassion.We must not be deceived into thinking we are immune to failure. If Lucifer could fall, so can we. Pride comes before destruction, and God’s call is always back to intimacy with Him—not performance, platforms, or possessions.Doing Things God’s Way:Success is not wrong, but compromise is. We cannot do things the world’s way and expect the blessing of God. He is not interested in outward concepts or shallow charisma—He desires character and surrender.So how do we please God?<ul class="list-disc list-inside mb-2"><li value="1" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">By loving people.</li><li value="2" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">By showing them Jesus.</li><li value="3" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">By embracing the broken and leading them to healing.</li><li value="4" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">By gathering scattered sheep and pointing them to the Good Shepherd.</li><li value="5" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">By speaking truth in love, seasoned with grace…and being part of the solution.</li></ul>We are not called to give the enemy any ground. We carry Good News, and we must walk in our assignment to bring lasting transformation through Christ.The Shaking Is Here. Revival Will Follow:Make no mistake—the shaking is here, and more is coming. But with it will come a great harvest.Will we respond with faith and obedience? Will we choose revival by choice, or will it come to us by consequence?The Church has always grown in times of challenge. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, and may we be found faithful, focused, and fruitful in this season.The world is watching. The time is now.

Church Quake

<h3 class="text-lg font-bold mb-2" dir="ltr">“There exists today a widening consensus by many in our country that the Bible does not belong in the public square or in public education. Of course, this is nonsense. The Bible is the greatest Book ever written and the best textbook any serious student could ever encounter. This is not only a sentiment held by theologians throughout history but, also, it was the dominant opinion of our Founding Fathers. In the article below, Dr. Sam Thomas speaks to the Bible as the greatest textbook ever written in matters of theology.”</h3><h3 class="text-lg font-bold mb-2" dir="ltr">-Dr. Jason J. Nelson (Editor-in-Chief)</h3> Today, we look at how and why the Bible is the best textbook on theology and how the Word reveals to us the One and Only true God.Theology comes from two Greek words, theos (God) and logos (study, science, discipline); the word theology means the study of God. Religious texts and scriptures provide us with different descriptions of God.Why do we say that the Bible is the best textbook on theology and the Revelation of God?&nbsp;<blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">When you compare the depiction of God in the Bible with the depictions and portrayals of gods and goddesses that are found in other religious texts and scriptures, you find that the God of the Bible is the most coherent, the most correct, and the most rational understanding of God. The following are eight reasons to underscore this point.</blockquote>First, the God of the Bible is a holy God. The Bible is consistent and speaks with one voice on this theme throughout its length. God is sinless. He is pure. He is holy. In my mind, this is evidence that the Bible is the inspired Word of God. This is in contrast to the gods and goddesses who are involved in lying, murder, acts of jealousy, stealing, adultery, and so on.Second, because the God of the Bible is holy, He exposes sin and punishes sin. He calls people to holiness. When the gods and goddesses are themselves sinful, they cannot and do not call people to holiness. When human beings give birth to gods in their imaginations, they create these gods in their own image and likeness. Hence, such gods resemble human sinfulness.Third, the God of the Bible repeatedly asserts that there is only one God and that He alone is God. This is in contrast to the many gods and goddesses that are found in other scriptures and writings. The Bible asserts monotheism in contrast to the polytheism and other -isms of the other scriptures.Fourth, the God of the Bible asserts His love for all humanity. He gave His only begotten Son so that anyone who believes in Him would have eternal life. No such love, demonstration of love, or even claim of such love is found in any of the other gods or goddesses.Fifth, the God of the Bible demonstrates amazing grace to any and every sinner. Even the most wicked sinner can come to God and find mercy and forgiveness in Christ Jesus. Sinners can have no such hope in any of the other gods or goddesses.Sixth, the God of the Bible makes accurate prophecies concerning the future. The idols, the gods, and the goddesses of the other religious texts cannot do the same. In the book of Isaiah, there are multiple passages where God challenges the gods to prove that they are gods by predicting the future. He was trying to prove to the Israelites that the idols they were serving were not gods at all.Seventh, the God of the Bible has revealed Himself through historical events, and He is very much present in history, in contrast to the myths, legends, and non-historical nature of the other gods and goddesses.Eighth, the God of the Bible invites you and me into a personal and intimate relationship with Him. None of the other gods and goddesses can do that.This is why we say the Bible is the best textbook on theology and the Revelation of who God is in a world of counterfeits.

The Real God in a World of Counterfeits

This week, we celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence. For a quarter of a millennium, our nation has been immensely blessed by God. Why are we blessed?There are likely many reasons. Here are a few.America is blessed because God is good.<blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">Scripture tells us, 'every good and perfect gift comes from above (James 1:17).' The gifts we receive come from God. This nation, the nations of the world, you, me—we are all blessed because God is good and God is gracious. In fact, God’s benevolence is so plentifully extravagant and abundant, 'the rain falls on the just and unjust (Matthew 5:45).'</blockquote>Every good thing we have comes from God. Those are blessings: food, clean water, clothes, a roof over our heads, good relationships with friends and family, a church we call home, life and liberty, and whatever else you can think of that's good, are all blessings from God. We as a nation have been given so much that is good. America is blessed because God is good.Secondly, America is blessed because we have always acknowledged God.From our genesis, we have affirmed God’s sovereignty and embraced His promises. One such promise is captured within Psalm 33:12: "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord."This verse is both contextual and transcendent. Of course, it’s true for the people of God in the Old Testament (it’s applicable to Israel and the surrounding nations). These words are also, however, a universal promise. God’s Blessing is available to any nation at any time in history.<blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">"Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord."</blockquote>The nation.There’s no specificity here. Geography and chronology are inherently irrelevant in this profoundly timeless text. The grace of Almighty God is available to every nation in the world (past, present, future) that submits to His Lordship.When a nation, when a group of people, when a country comes together and recognizes and acknowledges the God of creation as their God, and they seek and strive to follow His will, there is a certain blessing that comes upon the people (and the land) in addition to (and above and beyond) the common blessings received simply because God is good and gracious.Time and time again our Founding Fathers and Mothers believed God was good and that blessings came from Him. Additionally, they believed that when a nation (or even a small group such as a remnant within that nation) wholeheartedly acknowledges the Creator, believes in the importance of following His will, and calls on people to do the same, there are certain divine provisions that are shed upon that nation.America’s Founders affirmed God as Lord. This reality is evident within our historical documents, like the Declaration of Independence, where Thomas Jefferson writes,<blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">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.</blockquote>In the introduction to one of the most impactful documents in world history, there’s an immediate acknowledgment of God as our Creator.If you look at other historical documents from our Founding Fathers (diaries, journals, newspapers, letters, and books) you will find a consistent acknowledgment that there is one God and those who follow Him are blessed beyond measure.In proclaiming the nation's first Federal Day of Prayer, George Washington said,<blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">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 favor.</blockquote>Like the other Founding Fathers, George Washington believed a nation that acknowledges God and seeks to follow His will, His way, and His Word is a favored country. He also recognized another reason for God's blessing upon a nation: God’s providence.America is blessed through God’s providence.As Washington emphasized, it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge divine agency and grace at work within the world. Throughout American history, we can see the hand of God's providence at work in ways that are difficult to explain.This nation, for whatever reason, has experienced the miraculous over and over again. If you examine the beginnings of our nation, particularly the activities leading up to and during the Revolutionary War, as well as the same regarding the War of 1812, you will find moments when supernatural occurrences intervened and paved the way for American victories.For whatever reason, God has shown favor and blessing upon a people who acknowledged His presence and involvement in America’s beginnings, and God did the seemingly impossible so that He might set apart a nation as a beacon of freedom in a world of oppression.The thirteen colonies were far from perfect. Yet, there were a handful of people passionate about gaining independence. They were great leaders who came together as one. They were fervent, tenacious, smart, and strategic. They formed a militia that was molded into an army by George Washington and others.And this ragamuffin army defeated the most powerful empire in the world. In fact, they defeated, arguably, one of the greatest empires in world history. There was a time when it was said, “the sun never sets on the British Empire.” They had territories and nations under their control all across the globe.And yet, somehow, some way, a group of ragtag officers and soldiers (many with very little formal military experience, if any) defeated trained soldiers who were experts in warfare and had made a practice of conquering and establishing nations around the world.America’s victory over the British was nothing short of miraculous.While Jefferson was penning the Declaration of Independence, God was writing a story unlike any one before or since in regards to the affairs of governance. The hand of God was in motion in America long before any shot was fired.There is another reason why this nation has experienced a measure of grace above and beyond what could be expected. Prayer.America is blessed by God because people pray.Throughout nearly every period of our history, there has always been a body of believers, faithful followers of our Lord JesusChrist, who came together to call on the name of the Lord.With great fervency they prayed, embracing 2 Chronicles 7:14:<blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.</blockquote>For some divine reason beyond our understanding, prayer moves the heart and hand of God. This has been, and still is, self-evident to many in America.America has been extraordinarily blessed by God throughout our history, and we are still blessed today.As we celebrate our semiquincentennial this week, I pray God continues to “Shed His grace on thee.”

America at 250: Why Are We Blessed?

America Needs Heroes on the Battlefield of Everyday Life

<h3 class="text-lg font-bold mb-2" dir="ltr">“There exists today a widening consensus by many in our country that the Bible does not belong in the public square or in public education. Of course, this is nonsense. The Bible is the greatest Book ever written and the best textbook any serious student could ever encounter. This is not only a sentiment held by theologians throughout history; it was the dominant opinion of our Founding Fathers.</h3><h3 class="text-lg font-bold mb-2" dir="ltr">In the article below, Dr. Sam Thomas continues his argument for why the Bible is the greatest textbook ever written. This time, Dr. Thomas perspicaciously concentrates on the field of psychology, powerfully supplying the Church with an antidote for insanity.”</h3><h3 class="text-lg font-bold mb-2" dir="ltr">-Dr. Jason J. Nelson (Editor-in-Chief)</h3> Today, we look at how and why the Bible is the best textbook on psychology.The American Public University defines psychology as the scientific study of the human mind and behavior. Psychology studies how mental processes shape our thoughts, our feelings, and our actions.Why is the Bible the best textbook on psychology? Given below are three reasons:First of all, the Bible reveals to us the source of the human mind. Genesis chapter 1 tells us that God has created human beings in the image and likeness of God. In other words, you and I have a mind because God has very intentionally created us to resemble Him.Second, the Bible tells us the cause of the problems of the human mind. Genesis chapter 3 teaches us that because of the Fall the image and likeness of God in us has been distorted. It is not completely lost, but it is distorted.Therefore, on the one hand, the human mind is able to accomplish great things like building computers and constructing skyscrapers and going to the moon, and so on, and at the same time, is capable of great evil as well.<blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">Jesus tells us in Mark 7:20-23 – 'What comes out of a person is what defiles them. For it is from within, out of a person’s heart (or mind), that evil thoughts come. Sexual immorality, theft and murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance, and folly. All these evils come from inside and defile a person.'</blockquote>The human mind influences human behavior. The human mind is sinful and therefore the human behaviors tend to be sinful as well. The Bible highlights the major problem of the human mind as sinfulness.Third, the Bible also provides us with the solution to the problems of the human mind. Step one is repentance. We recognize and acknowledge that we are sinful and we turn towards God.<blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">Step two is sanctification. We are called by God to come back to the image and likeness of God in which he created us. Philippians 2:5 says 'have the same mindset as was in Christ Jesus.' In Romans 12:2, we read, 'be transformed by the renewing of your mind.' Romans 8:6 tells us 'the mind governed by the spirit is life and peace.' Finally, Colossians 3:2 says, 'set your mind on things above.'</blockquote>So why is the Bible the best textbook on psychology?It is because: (1) it reveals to us the source of the mind, (2) it provides us the ground for the major problems of the mind, and (3) it also provides us with the solutions to the problems of the mind.Whoever embraces these Scriptural realities will be far more psychologically advanced than most and be on their way to discovering, or rediscovering, sanity in a world gone mad.

Finding Sanity in a World Gone Mad

<blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">And the end of all our exploring, Will be to arrive where we started. And to know the place for the first time. T.S. Eliot, 'Four Quartets.'</blockquote>We’ll Do it Our Way, Thanks!Winston Churchill once observed that “The Americans always get it right… But not before trying everything else first.” Winston said perhaps more than he knew. We Americans do like to do things our way (underline Texas in your books on this subject).This strain of thinking runs deep into America’s past and connects us to each other in important ways, striking against “the mystic chords of memory” which Lincoln would write about as he labored desperately to hold the Union together. We are bound by a shared love of the true and the beautiful. We recognize these things in the world that God has laid out around us and we see His signature. And while He has taught us not “to rely upon our own understanding,” still we are decidedly not instructed to ignore it.Unlike the animals, we have the capacity to reflect. We possess a conscience and can choose between right and wrong in all matters that come before us. Importantly, we are able to do this without anyone’s help.Plato asks, “And what is good, Phaedrus, and what is not good. Need we ask anyone to tell us these things?” For the pre-Christian Greeks, it was a question whose answer was best left to the gods. The arrival of Jesus Christ would bring the answer directly to Earth, carpenter’s tools in hand. (After all, there was much work to do). God places His navigational software within each of us, drawing us closer with each passing day.Through His Word God oﬀers us a roadmap to our lives, the way back to Him. All of our human activities, including what our Founders would call the new “science of politics," must then follow the same Divine heading, “on Earth as it is in Heaven,” as the Lord’s Prayer instructs us. God’s law provides the perfect framework for His creation (a sometimes errant creature in need of an occasional course correction). When Earthly endeavors are congruent with God’s word, there is peace through unity with the Lord. This is why the Enemy has only one Post-It note on his desk: "Separate them from God today!!”The Laws of Nature and of Nature’s GodSir Isaac Newton (1643-1727), a fervent theologian as well as a scientist, showed clearly that “The “Divine Watchmaker” had left us an amazing watch to take apart in the study of the natural world. Others would follow him, The Author of Nature had written His answers in the trees. They blew through the wind, cresting with the mighty waves at sea. A tiny mustard seed. We need only study these to catch a glimpse into the mind of God and how He intends us to live. Balance, order, symmetry, harmony: Newton demonstrated clearly that the omnipresence of these all around us proves the presence of a loving God who is constantly leading His people toward understanding what He wants from them. From the “Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God,” then, we can then draw our own laws to live by. God is the source of all truth. Life becomes our dictionary.It is no accident that in the Declaration of Independence Thomas Jeﬀerson wrote of our “natural” rights in the way he did. These rights predate all governments and their source is the source of all things: God. His truths exist above all human activity, which is why Jeﬀerson reminds his readers that “We hold these truths to be self-evident,” a legal nicety simply meaning the proposition requires no proof (As it turns out, God does not need to explain Himself). This meshed nicely with Newton’s Three Laws of Thermodynamics, the immutable ‘natural laws’ of motion which Jeﬀerson had studied as a student at William and Mary. Jeﬀerson leaves the door open to other ‘implied’ rights: “…that among these rights are, Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness,” implying the presence of other rights to which men have natural title. Perhaps only God has that list, but for Jeﬀerson’s purposes the ‘Big Three” spoke to the situation at hand (Are Jeﬀerson’s three rights (life, liberty, pursuit of happiness) a quiet hat tip to Newton’s Three Laws? We may never know).The American Revolution was a spiritual revolution of the heart, a change in moral course by the force of politics and war. It was a call to The Supreme Judge of the World, as Jeﬀerson describes Him, an “Appeal to Heaven” whose foundational argument based itself not on the laws of man, but rather on God’s laws.And while secular historians have tried to distract us with the “No Taxation Without Representation!” Hysteria, or a bunch of liquored-up colonists tossing tea into the South Harbor, or even the difficulties of everyday colonial life caused by the Navigation, Stamp and Sugar Acts of Parliament, this fight was at its heart a spiritual struggle. Redemption, perhaps the most consistent theme of both the Old and New Testaments, would find its place here. A “New England” was being born, replacing the sick patient and his dying ideas about the proper role of government in the aﬀairs of men.In 1818, an aging John Adams wrote to Hezekiah Niles and described it this way:<blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">'But what do we mean by the American Revolution? Do we mean the American War? The Revolution was eﬀected before the War commenced. The Revolution was in the minds and the hearts of the people, a change in the religious sentiments of their duties and obligations.'</blockquote>It was this fast-moving fuse of political and spiritual freedom which burned white hot from American Revolutionary pulpits. Working as a solvent on the legitimacy of the Crown’s claim to sovereign rule, it was a crying out from their “errand into the wilderness,’ an appeal to Heaven for His justice, His mercy. In their minds, it was not rebellion but the essence of obedience to God.War and RemembranceIt is essential that we tell these things to our children, and their children. How about you first tell them the story of this great nation? If you do not know our history, this is a great time to start. Our children are being lied to daily in our schools by people who busy themselves by ransacking American history for a usable past, from which they can construct arguments, reinforcing and amplifying their current political positions. Head that oﬀ at the pass. <blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">'Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he shall not depart from it' (Proverbs 22:6).</blockquote>Right here at Grace Woodlands Church several brave mothers raised their hands to join the Conroe School Board District (we call them “The Magnificent Seven”), proving that local action is the key.Educate yourself. Hillsdale College oﬀers a free online history series that is as good as attending the College. Write down your life story for your grandchildren. (They are way more interested in your story than they will ever let on). Our country just may depend on enough people learning the true story of this great nation under God… before it is too late.Ralph Waldo Emerson understood the dangers of national forgetfulness. On a muggy July morning in 1837 in Concord, Massachusetts, he stood before the newly built Concord Memorial, a large stone memorial dedicated to the Battle of Concord, the skirmish that would lead to revolution the next year. Emerson wanted his listeners to feel something that morning as well as hear it: He waved his hand across an ancient Massachusetts stream “which seaward creeps” (back toward God) and oﬀered a call to remembrance, as well as a call for national redemption:<blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">'By the rude bridge that arched the flood, their flag to April’s breeze unfurled, Here once the embattled farmers stood, and fired the shot heard ‘round the world. The foe long since in silence slept, alike the conqueror silent sleeps. And Time the ruined bridge has swept, down the dark stream which seaward creeps. On this green bank, by this soft stream, we set a votive stone; That memory may their deeds redeem, when like our sires our sons are gone. Spirit, that made those heroes dare to die, and leave their children free, bid Time and Nature gently spare, the shaft we raise, to them and thee' (Concord Hymn (1837).</blockquote>Emerson asked them to remember, to honor, to love… "To never forget what they did here,” as Abraham Lincoln admonished his listeners at Gettysburg following the battle. Like Emerson before him, Lincoln understood the importance of national remembrance and the vital importance of its upkeep.One hundred and fifty years later, President Ronald Reagan would echo both men:“Our freedom is never more than one generation from extinction. It is not passed on through the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed down to them to do the same; Or one day, we will be spending our sunset years telling our children , and our children’s children, what it was like in the United States where men were free.”America is a great God story. Pass it on!Happy 250 years, America!

An Appeal to Heaven

Micah 6:8In the classic book Great Expectations, Charles Dickens highlights a very interesting quality that all children seem to possess. He writes, “In the little world in which children have their existence, whosoever brings them up, there is nothing so finely perceived and so finely felt as injustice.”Dickens is recognizing the unique ability even a child has to know the difference between right and wrong and to possess a sharp sense of justice and fairness. As a father, I have witnessed this truth firsthand and have heard my children say, “that’s not fair” more times than I can count.We all have experienced moments in life that compelled us to say, “That’s not fair.” And the truth is, even when we grow up, we still experience moments that lead us to question the fairness of life. When a classmate gets the highest grade in the class even though she cheated, we say, “That’s not fair.” When a co-worker gets a promotion, a raise, and public recognition—and we don’t, despite the fact that we worked just as hard or harder than that person did—we say, “That’s not fair.” When a convicted murderer dies peacefully in his prison cell from natural causes while a young innocent child dies from a rare form of cancer, we shake our heads and say, “That’s not fair.” Hardly a week goes by when we don’t look at the pain, hurt, and injustice in this world and say, “That’s not fair!”Throughout our lives, from our childhood days to today, we have been making moral judgments about life and the events within it. And we have been able to make these moral judgments and say things like, “That’s not fair,” because, as human beings, we have a deep sense of justice and fairness woven within the fabric of our DNA.In Mere Christianity, C. S. Lewis writes, “Christianity is not a religion of flitting angels and blind faith, but of free will, an innate sense of justice, and the grace of God.” According to Lewis, we all have the gift of free will; we all were born with a God-given sense of justice and fairness; and, on top of this, we all have the grace of God surrounding us, which some theologians would call prevenient grace.In other words, we have freedom that allows us to make uncoerced choices; we were created with an internal moral compass to help us know the difference between right and wrong; and we have the grace of God empowering us to choose right over wrong.Additionally, as people who have the Holy Spirit within us, this sense of justice is even more attuned within us.These truths are the foundation of Micah’s message. Within this short, concise passage the right choice is offered to the obedient. Micah knows it is time for his people to make the right choice and choose God’s ways. He knows it is time for them to choose to do what the Lord requires of them. It is time for them to choose to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with God!Did you notice that Micah doesn’t tell the people to be just? He wants them to go beyond that. God, through His prophet, tells them to do justice. Doing justice means doing the right thing, and doing justice (doing the right thing) is an activity, not a state of being. Doing justice is character in action.People who are doing justice are people of integrity who do not just wait for opportunities to come their way so they can be just in the moment and choose the right over the wrong. People who are doing justice are people who are actively looking for the wrongs in this world so they can, by the power of God, make them right.Micah is calling his people to do justice, and he doesn’t have to explain what that looks like because he knows they know what doing justice looks like. Throughout the Old Testament, the Hebrew Bible, doing justice means taking care of the poor, fighting for the oppressed, defending the helpless, and helping the needy; and it always involves embracing widows, orphans, and outcasts. Micah knows these are ways justice is done.But he also knows that doing justice without kindness can be rigid, cold, and even harsh, so he tells his people to love kindness. Doing justice while loving kindness is doing justice in love and with a bent toward mercy.In Micah’s world, people who do justice and love kindness do not just hand—or even toss—a loaf of bread to the hungry blind beggar on the side of the road. People who do justice and love kindness invite the hungry blind beggar in for dinner. In Micah’s world, people who do justice and love kindness do not just send money to the priests out of obligation, expecting someone else to take care of the orphans. People who do justice and love kindness adopt an orphan as one of their own and call that orphan son or daughter.Doing justice and loving kindness go hand in hand for Micah, and doing justice and loving kindness are balanced when people “walk humbly” with God. Humility, especially humility before God, allows people to look beyond themselves and see the needs of others so they can meet the needs of others in a way that is just and kind.This is Micah’s message to his people: do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God! These are God’s expectations. These are great expectations. And these great expectations are not great just because they are high and from God, but also because great things will come to the world whenever God’s people—which includes us—live out these expectations.Even though these requirements are thousands of years old, we are still required to follow them because we have committed our lives to Christ, who is the epitome of what it means to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk with humility.<blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">God calls us to do justice just as Jesus did justice. We are called to take care of the people Jesus talks about in Gospel of Matthew chapter 25—the people who lack food, water, clothes, shelter, good health, and freedom. God calls us to love kindness like Jesus loved kindness. We are called to be merciful because we have been shown mercy. And God calls us to walk humbly as Jesus walked humbly. We are called, as Paul the Apostle says in Epistle to the Philippians chapter 2, to imitate the humility of Christ.</blockquote>God calls us to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with our God.At this moment, millions of people in this world are in places in their lives where they can justifiably say, “That’s not fair.”There are people desperately in need all around us, and they are waiting for people who do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with their God to come to their rescue. They are waiting for us to be the Church God has called us—no, that God has required us—to be.This world needs us to rely on the power of the Holy Spirit and do what God requires us to do! And when we do justice, when we love kindness, and when we walk humbly with God, God’s glory and brilliance will light up this world of darkness.When we do justice, when we love kindness, and when we walk humbly with our God, great things will happen in this world! When we do justice, when we love kindness, and when we walk humbly with our God, we will be used by God to turn this world right-side up!What does the Lord require of you? That is Micah’s question to each one of us today!

Great Expectations: Doing Right in a World of Wrongs

A few years after college, I was offered a glimpse into the richness of our ancestral lineage. My aunt described our family history tracing our ancestry back to the American Revolution. At the time, I did not give it much thought.My parents divorced when I was very young. Growing up, I never felt connected to my father’s side of the family. Because of that distance, their past did not seem particularly meaningful to me then. But maturity has a way of awakening curiosity.Through the years, I have developed a deeper appreciation not only for my family and our history, but also for the broader story of our nation. And as America approaches its 250th anniversary, I found myself increasingly drawn toward understanding the people and sacrifices that shaped both. So I decided to dive into the past.Years ago, my Aunt Kathy sent me an email. It contained documentation of our lineage going back nine generations, which introduced me to our ancestor, Private Remembrance Philley. He served in the 3rd Connecticut Line during the Revolutionary War under the command of Colonel Samuel Webb, serving alongside Captain Walker and Welles’ Company.As I read through the email, history began to come alive. I instantly became captivated by remembering Remembrance. As a young man, he signed an oath of fidelity in support of American independence. That oath, in many ways, was similar to the one found in the Declaration of Independence, where the Founders pledged to each other “our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.”As Aunt Kathy continued unpacking our family history, I realized our family’s story stretched even further back than I expected. Buried within our lineage records was another remarkable connection tracing back through the Webster family of Connecticut, descendants of Governor John Webster, one of the colony’s earliest governors.Generation after generation, I was introduced to a chain of names connecting the present to a distant past once unknown to me.As America celebrates the 250th anniversary of its founding, many will commemorate the occasion with fireworks, parades, patriotic tributes, and backyard barbecues. Yet I cannot help but wonder whether we truly understand the deeper significance of remembering the events and sacrifices that shaped who we are as a people. I wonder if we still grasp the value of remembrance itself.History is not merely about dates and names. It is also about inheritance.To discover one’s lineage is to realize that the men and women we read about in textbooks were not simply historical figures. They were fathers and mothers, sons and daughters, ordinary people who lived through extraordinary moments and then entrusted the future to generations they would never meet. This includes us.In many ways, modern culture has become detached from this sense of continuity. We live in a time obsessed with immediacy and instant gratification. We consume endless information, much of it lacking depth or permanence. In a culture moving faster by the day, remembrance itself can begin to feel like a lost discipline.But a civilization that loses its memory eventually loses its identity.A nation that forgets sacrifice will eventually diminish the value of freedom. The lessons of the past offer wisdom for the future. A generation disconnected from its inheritance may struggle to understand what must be preserved and passed on.Freedom has never been self-sustaining. Every generation inherits responsibilities alongside its rights.<blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">Ronald Reagan once warned that 'Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.' He understood that liberty is not permanently secured by constitutions or military victories alone. It must be taught, protected, and intentionally passed down.</blockquote>That responsibility belongs to every generation.Perhaps this is why discovering my family’s Revolutionary War lineage affected me more deeply than I expected. It was not simply about ancestry. It was about realizing that I am part of a much longer story than my own lifetime.Now, 250 years later, Remembrance’s story intersects with mine, and there is something profoundly grounding about that realization.The soldiers who fought for independence in the eighteenth century crossed frozen rivers, endured brutal winters, and risked everything for a future they would never fully see. Their battlefields were physical. Their enemy stood across the Atlantic.The battles our generation are currently fighting look different today.Today, many of the truths and traditions that once grounded generations no longer feel deeply rooted in our culture. In a world flooded with noise, distraction, and endless opinions, it can become difficult to distinguish what is lasting from what is temporary.As Christians, however, we are called to remain rooted in truth, faithfulness, and remembrance. This is not a call to fear or bitterness, nor is it merely political. It is a call to stewardship- to remember what we have inherited and to consider carefully what we will pass on.Because civilizations are shaped by what people are willing to honor, preserve, teach, and remember.Perhaps that is why recovering the discipline of remembrance matters now more than ever- remembrance rooted in gratitude, truth, sacrifice, and stewardship.America has always been imperfect, yet we have also been profoundly blessed. We have long declared ourselves to be “one nation under God,” and if we desire His continued blessing, we would do well to remember the timeless truth found in Psalm 33:12:<blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.</blockquote>And perhaps the greatest gift we can leave the next generation is not merely prosperity or technological advancement, but the courage to preserve truth, the discipline to remember, and the faithfulness to pass our history on before it is forgotten.

The Duty of Remembrance: Fighting to Preserve History

<h1 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4" dir="ltr">February 19, 1945</h1>This was a date my grandfather always remembered. This day forever changed his life. It was the day his older brother, 2nd Lt. Ernest J. B. Nelson, was killed in action over the Pacific Ocean, just off the coast of Asia. Bud, as his family and friends called him, was flying on a mission as a co-pilot on a B-29 when it crashed and he died.I’ve read the war report of the incident. Reading it was quite the experience — a time-freezing experience. As I read the names of the 11 patriots who perished on the Pacific War front for the Stars and Stripes, time seemed to stand still. An amalgamation of emotions began to rise up within me as I read the report and, reread it a second time, continuing to process the event I was imagining in a cinematic sort of way. I became incredibly saddened by the loss of life while concomitantly but, at the same time, an overwhelming sense of gratitude began to rise up within me. I was powerfully reminded that freedom is never free. It comes at a cost; and these heroes from WWII paid the ultimate cost.Freedom is never free. It comes at a cost; and these heroes from WWII paid the ultimate cost.As a kid, Grandpa taught me how important it was to reverently remember these men, along with the countless other men and women who have laid down their lives in sacrificial service to this country. And every May, on the designated day of the month, he would be the first to thank God for those who paid the ultimate price for our freedom. But I believe, in his heart, February 19 was Grandpa’s Memorial Day.And herein lies the lesson for all of us this Memorial Day.This weekend, as we remember, honor, and celebrate those who died in service to our country, let’s not forget that every day of the year is a Memorial Day for somebody. Let’s become aware that acknowledging, honoring, and remembering the sacrifice of others is just as important the rest of the week … as it is on Monday.No day is exempt.

Memorial Days

<h2 class="text-xl font-bold mb-3" dir="ltr">Hearing Ears</h2>Adapted from page 335 of God’s Special Invitation, How Will You R.S.V.P.?, Volume I – “Having Intimacy with God,” by Sunny Wessel“No word from God will ever fail.” — Luke 1:37 (NIV)While I was listening to the first chapter of Luke being read, this passage ignited in my soul and poured life within me:“No word from God will ever fail.” — Luke 1:37 (NIV)I found myself asking, “What can resist God’s Word in my mouth when I boldly declare and act on His Word like nothing God says will ever fail?” I thought, “The more I believe that no word from God will fail, the more my life will change.”I want to live bolder and stronger. Knowing that God does His part, which is supernatural, when I do mine, which is to believe and act as He leads, I recognized that my confidence would grow each time I obeyed and prayed.The sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God (Ephesians 6:17), is one of the mighty weapons God gave us to pull down the enemy’s strongholds (2 Corinthians 10:4).God has called us to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might (Ephesians 6:10) because we have an adversary who seeks to devour us (1 Peter 5:8). The Lord, who is mighty in battle (Psalm 24:8), has given us these weapons for our spiritual warfare against powers and rulers of darkness (Ephesians 6:11–18).Believing the Lord is more than agreeing that God’s Word is true. The Bible teaches us to believe God’s Word in our hearts, speak it aloud, and act on it (James 2:17). Just like when you were saved, this is how you continue to bring heaven to earth: by believing, speaking, and acting on God’s Word.&nbsp;The Word of God is to be both in our hands and in our mouths like Gideon (Judges 7:20) and Jesus (Revelation 19:15):“Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand... to execute on them the judgment written; this is an honor for all His godly ones.” — Psalm 149:6, 9 (NASB)Why is it important to both say and do the Word of the Lord? Jesus triumphed over death, hell, and the grave for me and gave me the keys of the kingdom:“I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” — Matthew 16:19 (NIV)My battles are won offensively, not defensively. Thus, the kingdom of God progresses forcefully, and the violent take it by force (Matthew 11:12). The kingdom of God is voice-activated and action-oriented. God’s kingdom people do not remain idle in the path of sinners (Psalm 1:1).Scripture tells me how to receive my marching orders:“If you wait at wisdom’s doorway, longing to hear a word for every day, joy will break forth within you as you listen for what I’ll say. For the fountain of life pours into you every time that you find me, and this is the secret of growing in the delight and the favor of the Lord.” — Proverbs 8:34–35 (TPT)Like Jesus, we must be saying and doing what we hear and see our heavenly Father doing (John 5:19–20).Taking to heart that no word from God will ever fail made me want to become more intimate with God’s Word and ways intentionally. Getting to know Him better through hearing His voice (John 10:27) would help me receive understanding and courage to act (Daniel 11:32–33) on what I hear from God. In so doing, I will learn, as I go along, what pleases the Lord through the reproofs of life (Proverbs 6:23).Storing God’s Word in my heart and speaking it through my mouth is using my sword of the Spirit to defeat the enemy (Revelation 12:11).“Blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what had been spoken to her by the Lord.” — Luke 1:45 (NASB)The more I believe that no Word from God will ever fail, the more I will seek the Lord to hear what He is saying, and the more intentionally I will live within those boundaries so that I may see His will come to pass in my life.<h2 class="text-xl font-bold mb-3" dir="ltr">My Prayer for You</h2>May you daily walk in God’s fellowship, which is the secret to growing in His delight and favor! May the joy and life that come from hearing (and believing) what God says to you fill your heart every day! May you take the offensive in your spiritual warfare by resolving to believe, praise, and pray into being what the Lord has both shown and told you.<h2 class="text-xl font-bold mb-3" dir="ltr">Hearing from God</h2>What are you doing to develop your ear to hear what the Lord would say to you? How are you growing your faith? How will you weather the storms of life? How will you prevail against the gates of hell in your life?(Please journal your answers.)<h2 class="text-xl font-bold mb-3" dir="ltr">God’s Special Invitation to You Today</h2>Every day, wait on Me and listen for what I will say. A fountain of life will pour into you when you find Me in this way. No word from Me will ever fail, so confess My Word and act on it in the power of My Spirit. I am not a man that I should lie. I watch over My Word to perform it.— Sunny Wessel God’s Special Invitation, How Will You R.S.V.P.? Volume I – Having Intimacy with God Finalist, 2026 Kingdom Book Awards

A Word from God, Your Sword of the Spirit

In God We Trust“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.” — Psalm 33:12We are a nation desperately in need of prayer. Our country has always recognized the reality that the success of our nation is solely dependent upon the grace of God, in whom we trust. In fact, we sing this prayerful petition in the words: “America, America, God shed His grace on thee.”Moreover, throughout our 250 years of existence, our top leaders have both informally and formally called for and/or established national times of prayer.<ul class="list-disc list-inside mb-2"><li value="1" class="mb-1" dir="ltr"> In 1775, the Continental Congress proclaimed the first National Day of Prayer…</li><li value="2" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">President Washington declared on October 3, 1789: “Whereas both Houses of Congress … requested me ‘to recommend to the People of the United States a Day of Public Thanksgiving and Prayer…’”</li><li value="3" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">On March 30, 1863, Lincoln proclaimed a Day of Fasting and Prayer.</li><li value="4" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">In 1952, President Truman signed legislation recognizing a National Day of Prayer.</li><li value="5" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">On May 5, 1988, President Ronald Reagan signed an amendment passed by Congress that permanently established the National Day of Prayer as the first Thursday in May. This law does not require participation but mandates that the sitting President issue a proclamation each year calling the people of the United States to a day of prayer.</li><li value="6" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">President Reagan understood the importance of prayer: “Americans in every generation have turned to their Maker in prayer... We have acknowledged... our dependence on Almighty God.”</li><li value="7" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">Throughout his first and second terms, President Trump has affirmed and continues to call the American people to national days of prayer.</li></ul>This week, thousands will gather again for the 2026 National Day of Prayer and we invite you (wherever you are this Thursday) to join God-fearing Christians for a time of prayer and/or invite others to join you.&nbsp;Below is a simple prayer guide we hope will serve you as you approach the throne of God.Let’s call down heaven upon this land this Thursday and, for that matter, let’s do the same every day of the year. National Day of Prayer Individual Prayer GuidePrayer of Praise God, we praise You for this beautiful and blessed home we call America. Thank You for the rights, privileges, and freedom we enjoy. Thank You also for the men and women who have fought, and continue to fight, to preserve, protect, and defend our freedom.Prayer of Repentance and Protection God, give us the strength to follow Your instructions and embrace Your promises in 2 Chronicles 7:14: “If my people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”Prayer Points God, we lift each of these prayer points to You, one at a time:<ul class="list-disc list-inside mb-2"><li value="1" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">Government leaders (federal and state)</li><li value="2" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">The judicial system</li><li value="3" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">Schools (educators and students)</li><li value="4" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">Law enforcement and first responders</li><li value="5" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">Families and life (the unborn and the elderly)</li><li value="6" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">Pastors and churches</li><li value="7" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">Texas legislators and the border</li><li value="8" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">Military and veterans</li></ul>Prayer of Praise and Thanksgiving God, thank You for hearing our prayers. We pray that Your Kingdom would come and that Your will would be done throughout this land.

We Are a Nation in Need of Prayer

“There exists today a widening consensus by many in our country that the Bible does not belong in the public square or in public education. Of course, this is nonsense. The Bible is the greatest Book ever written and the best textbook any serious student could ever encounter. This is not only a sentiment held by theologians throughout history but, also, it was the dominant opinion of our Founding Fathers. In the article below, Dr. Sam Thomas continues his argument for why the Bible is the greatest textbook ever written, this time in matters of anthropology and history.” - Dr. Jason J. Nelson (Editor-in-Chief) <h1 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">BIBLE AS THE BEST TEXTBOOK ON ANTHROPOLOGY</h1>&nbsp;Today, we look at how and why the Bible is the best textbook on anthropology.&nbsp;&nbsp;The American Anthropological Association defines anthropology as the study of what makes us human. Anthropology is the quest to understand what we share as humans.&nbsp;Why do we say that the Bible is the best textbook on anthropology? I believe the Bible provides us with four important insights that helps us understand who human beings are.The first insight comes to us from Genesis 1:27 where we are told that human beings are created by God. Therefore, humans are created in the image and likeness of God. This implies that all human beings are equal. No one is greater than or lesser than another. We are also told that human beings are created male and female. This is important in a context where there is a lot of gender confusion.&nbsp;The second insight: What does it mean to be human? is answered by the question – Who is God? In other words, our understanding about being human depends on our understanding about God. In the Bible, anthropology follows theology. Let me explain:&nbsp;Because God is gracious, we are called to be gracious.&nbsp;Because God is merciful, we are called to be merciful.&nbsp;God is holy and therefore we are called to be holy.&nbsp;God is compassionate; therefore, we are called to be compassionate.&nbsp;God is generous, which is why we are to be generous.&nbsp;You and I are the most human when you and I are most like God. Because we have been made in the image and likeness of God.&nbsp;&nbsp;The third insight: What is it that destroys our humanness? What is it that distorts our humanity? What is it that makes us less than human? The Bible tells us that it is sin that distorts our humanity that dehumanizes us and makes us less than human. Sin is going contrary to the expressed moral will of God. Sin is going contrary to the image and likeness of God in us.&nbsp;&nbsp;The fourth insight: What is it that will rehumanize us? How do we get rid of the distortions to our humanness? Answer: in and through Christ. Christ exposes the human problem called sin; He also provides us with a solution. The cross provides us with solutions to the problems of sin: the penalty of sin, the power of sin and the presence of sin.&nbsp;The Bible is the best textbook on anthropology because: (1) it tells us that we are created in the image and likeness of God. (2) Humanness is defined by godliness. (3) Sin is what dehumanizes human beings. (4) Christ rehumanizes us and calls us to Christlikeness.&nbsp;<h1 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">BIBLE AS THE BEST TEXTBOOK ON HISTORY</h1>&nbsp;Today, we also look at how and why the Bible is the best textbook on history.&nbsp;Why would we say that? The following are four reasons:&nbsp;First, the Bible is the most self-critical history textbook ever written. Most historians of the past have written history that sang praises of their kings and emperors. They exaggerated their military victories and boasted about their economic achievements. They did not really care about what happened to the poor and the needy in society. In contrast to all of that, biblical history does not do any of the above. It criticizes its ruling class and the rich and the powerful. Furthermore, it is concerned with the kingdom’s failures and it heavily criticizes the failures of neighboring kingdoms and empires.&nbsp;Second, the Bible seeks to provide a moral history of the people of Israel. The prophets criticized the mistreatment of the poor and the needy. This is writing history from a moral perspective. The prophets criticized the ungodliness of the people of Israel. They did not criticize the people for their lack of military strategies or for their lack of military victories or for their lack of economic advancements. What they criticized the nation for was their moral failures.&nbsp;&nbsp;Third, the Bible seeks to provide a divine perspective of history. This explains why biblical history is self-critical and written from a moral perspective. Beginning from Genesis till the book of Revelation, we find this divine perspective of human history.&nbsp;&nbsp;Fourth, the Bible provides us with a comprehensive history of humanity. The Bible begins with the creation of human beings and the Bible ends with the new heavens and the new earth. Thus, the Bible covers all of human history. The focus is on Israel but the nations are in the background. There is also a focus to reach out to all the nations. Uniquely, the Bible provides us with a glimpse of the future which is unlike any other history textbook.&nbsp;Thus, the Bible is the best history textbook out there because: (1) it provides us with the most self-critical history, (2) it provides us with a moral history, (3) it provides us with a divine perspective, and (4) it provides us with a comprehensive history of humankind.Once again, these are but a few reasons why the Bible is the best textbook in all of existence.

Who We Are and Where We've Been: Reading Humanity Through the Lens of Scripture

In a world obsessed with platforms, titles, and perceived influence, we must remember: God is not impressed with our position; He is drawn to our posture. It is not where we sit, stand, or speak that determines our effectiveness—but how we bow in humility, how we listen to His Spirit, and how we live when no one is watching. Our private posture affects our public influence. Our private choices have public consequences.True leadership and impact do not begin on stages or in boardrooms. They are birthed in the secret place—in the prayer closet, in surrendered moments, in our posture before God. Presence-fueled prayer empowers passion with purpose. When we prioritize time in God’s presence, our passion is refined, and our purpose becomes clear. Seek His Presence, Not Just a Platform:Throughout Scripture and history, every great move of God was birthed through someone willing to take a risk and posture themselves in humility before the Lord. Whether it was Moses before the burning bush, David in the sheep fields, or Nehemiah weeping in prayer over a broken wall—it always began with posture before position.We must resist the temptation to chase perceived influence. A good name and loving favor are better than riches (Proverbs 22:1). Yet too often, people pursue proximity to wealth, fame, or power, hoping it will unlock opportunity. But favor doesn’t come from the association with power; it comes from alignment with purpose and authenticity in relationships. Time and Relationships: Our Greatest Commodities:Time keeps slipping by—tic toc, tic toc—and we often miss divine moments because we’re distracted by trivial pursuits. Our two greatest assets are Time and Relationships, and both must be stewarded well.Why squander life chasing those of influence, while ignoring the value of authentic relationships that shape us into who we are meant to be? As I’ve often said, “The most priceless commodities are not found in earthly treasures, but in how we steward our time, friendships, and relationships.” Substance Over Sound Bites:Our culture is flooded with sound bites, photo ops, and performance-based recognition. But is there substance behind the story? Is there fruit beneath the facade?The world doesn’t need more image managers. It needs truth-tellers and hope-bearers. We must live lives of substance, not performance. We must sow seed if we desire harvest—no rain can make up for seedless soil. And we must remember: You can only reap what you’ve sown. Quintessential Christlikeness:I love the word quintessential—it means to be worthy of being a pattern to be imitated. That’s the life we’re called to live: one that reflects Christ so purely, that others can follow the pattern. May our lives be life-giving, not spiritually cannibalistic. Paul warned in Galatians 5:15: “If you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.”We’re not called to tear down; we’re called to build up. Too many today spend more energy fighting what they’re against, rather than standing for what brings life. Life is too short to waste. Let’s not be sideline critics—we need courageous gladiators willing to pay the price to make a difference. Discernment vs. Judgmentalism:Let’s be careful here. There is a vast difference between discernment, which is a gift of the Spirit rooted in love, and judgmentalism, which is rooted in pride. We must examine our spirit and our motives. As King David prayed, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” The Legacy We Leave:Edwin Louis Cole once said, “Fame may come in a moment, but greatness comes with longevity.” So true. Our legacy is not defined by a single moment of influence but by a lifetime of faithfulness. Anyone can start a race—but do they finish it? The lives we live today determine the legacy we leave tomorrow. Let’s finish well. Be a History Maker:We are all writing a story with our lives. The question is: what story will we tell?William Booth, founder of the Salvation Army, once warned of a future marked by “religion without the Holy Ghost, Christianity without Christ, forgiveness without repentance, salvation without regeneration, politics without God, and heaven without hell.” That future is now. But we don’t have to live as products of our culture—we can live as change agents, history makers, and Christ-followers who walk in humility, authenticity, and Spirit-led passion.May we not just seek position, but posture ourselves before the Lord in such a way that our lives become vessels of hope, courage, and truth in a compromised world.Let’s lead from our knees in prayer, live with eternal perspective, and love like Jesus.

Living a Life That Matters

I am a product of an unplanned pregnancy.&nbsp; Because of my story, I have had very personal conversations with people who were born out of rape, born to a birth mom who was fourteen years old, raised in an abusive home, lived in a single-parent welfare home, or never left the foster care system. Though these people were born into less than ideal circumstances, today, they are thankful for their lives. I have also spoken with parents who were told at birth that their child had only a fifty percent chance of survival, and with others who were warned that their child’s quality of life would be minimal at best, both based on misdiagnoses. Today, those children are alive and healthy. There is a significant amount of misinformation, in my view, that is often repeated in pro choice arguments:<ul class="list-disc list-inside mb-2"><li value="1" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">that life begins at birth</li><li value="2" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">that the unborn child is merely a blob of tissue rather than a baby</li><li value="3" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">that the unborn does not yet have a meaningful life</li><li value="4" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">that the unborn child is simply a part of a woman’s body, and therefore she alone has the right to decide the child’s fate</li><li value="5" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">that it is unfair to bring a child into the world if that child may enter foster care or face a difficult home environment</li><li value="6" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">that abortion is entirely safe and without lasting physical or emotional effects</li><li value="7" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">that churches are only pro birth and not truly pro life, advocating for birth but doing little to support life afterward</li><li value="8" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">that most abortions are driven by cases of incest, rape, or danger to the mother’s life, when statistically these circumstances are relatively rare</li><li value="9" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">and more recently, the claim, expressed by figures such as Stacey Abrams, that a six week heartbeat does not exist and is merely a manufactured sound</li></ul> This article is not at all intended to condemn anyone who made the choice to have an abortion and has asked for forgiveness, but it’s to remind anyone who may be considering an abortion, or anyone who may be considering voting for a party that not only approves, but celebrates and encourages abortions, to remember that life matters, from the beginning. People who advocate for abortion should not presume to speak for those who were born into difficult home situations, or into foster care, or as the result of an unplanned pregnancy, in order to validate their position. Nor should they suggest that those individuals, including myself, would have been better off not being born. Forty years ago, at just three days old, I was adopted into the most incredible family God could have ever given me. I also have a brother who was adopted, and it is amazing to see how much we look alike, even though, by all accounts, we shouldn’t. I have always known I was adopted. And I’ve always known that my birthmom had an abortion before me and after me, yet somehow chose life for me. My parents were always very open with me about all parts of my adoption, and they always answered any questions I had about my birth parents. They kept in contact with my birth mom throughout the years. On my wedding day, my mom gave me a letter that my birth mom had written to me. I noticed how much our handwriting and the style of our writing were alike. That was the time I began to be very interested in meeting my birth parents one day. I wanted to know more. &nbsp;Eleven years ago, I finally had the opportunity to meet my birth mom. She had entered and won a “Santa’s Wish” contest on the radio, and the very first time I ever spoke with her was live on air. During that call, she told me she had won a trip to come and visit me. The following month, I met her in person for the first time. I was able to observe her mannerisms and was struck by how similar we were in so many ways. She also shares my heart for serving and helping in her community. A few months later, I had the opportunity to meet my birth dad. I remember him arriving a few minutes late, and when I answered the door, he had huge tears in his eyes. He said he had to park around the corner because he couldn’t stop crying. He is such a kind man. I will forever be grateful for the decision that my birth parents made forty years ago. And equally grateful for the decision my parents made in adopting me. They raised me in a loving, caring, Godly home, and I’ll never stop being thankful for that. Both of these decisions had a direct impact on the course of my life. I often think about how different my life might have been if things had turned out another way. What if my mom and dad had not chosen to adopt another child? I would not have been raised in the family that shaped me. I may never have come to know God the way I do today. I would not have met my husband, whom I have known since I was a newborn. I may not be serving in ministry, which I truly believe is what I was created to do. And we would not have our three children.I cannot imagine what life would look like if that moment had never happened. God was in it, as He always has been, from the very beginning, even before the moment of conception, which is when life begins. When we talk about choosing life, it’s not just about someone who is pregnant and deciding which road to take. WE are responsible for choosing life as well. CHOOSE LIFE, beginning with believing that life begins not when someone conveniently wants it to, but at conception.CHOOSE LIFE by not being silent, even when you are bullied, pressured, or cancelled. Spread the word that every life matters, from the very beginning in the womb.CHOOSE LIFE when you vote.CHOOSE LIFE by fostering and adopting.CHOOSE LIFE by supporting ministries that help pregnant moms who are choosing to give birth to their babies. I am thankful to be a part of a church that not only talks about the importance of choosing life, but lives it out as we partner with other local pro-life, adoption, and foster care ministries, and specifically with our very own Life Centre Compassion Ministries.CHOOSE LIFE by praying for a day when America will no longer murder the innocent.If we all, as pastors, ministry leaders, and Christian men and women, advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves, speak the truth, pray, and provide practical ways to help single moms who are choosing life and children in the foster care system, think of the difference we can make in our nation. Do not be silent, choose life out loud. We pray today:Lord, thank You for my life. Thank You for the opportunity to share my story and to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves. May the words You placed on my heart encourage and challenge those who hear them. We live in a broken world where morals and right choices seem to decline so quickly, but hope is not lost because we trust in You. Lord, please bring peace, wholeness, healing, and strength to those who need it.For those who seek forgiveness from a past decision, remind them of Your redeeming love and unwavering grace. For those who feel that because of their life circumstances there is no other choice, surround them with people who will encourage and support choosing life, and open their hearts to what is right. For those who are barren, that life will come, either through birth or adoption. For those who are adoptive or foster parents, grant strength and joy in this calling. For many hearts to be turned toward those who need a loving, Christian adoptive home, and parents who will love them as their own. May there never be a child who is not wanted, loved, and cherished, whether by biological or adoptive parents. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.If you are looking for resources or ideas on how to implement pro-life, foster, and adoption care ministries into your church, please email Brooke at bpiece@gracewoodlands.com.

Before I Formed You: Truth in a Culture of Confusion

There is currently a substantial push by members of the Islamic community to counter what they describe as, in their own words, “Islamophobia” among those outside of Islam. This terminology is often used to frame disagreement with, or criticism of, Islamic beliefs as oppressive, thereby creating a perceived, and false, dichotomy: (oppressor/oppressed, victimizer/victim). Notably, this same framework is commonly associated with Marxist strategy. It is, at the core, manipulative and designed to validate their agenda.It is important to recognize that the freedom to disagree, especially with competing worldviews, is a foundational American principle. Disagreement is not oppressive or hateful, nor does it mean that any sort of phobia exists or persists. Furthermore, in this case, refusing to accept the claims of the Islamic belief system is not unjust or discriminatory or oppressive, rather, it is a legitimate exercise of conviction for what is right, grounded in Constitutional protections, Natural Law, and most importantly, in the authority of the Word of God.In light of the recent Islamic pressure upon the Texas State Board of Education to modify Texas and U.S. history to favor Islam in the curriculum, I asked world renowned historian William J. Federer to provide a brief overview of the foundations of Islam. I believe the snapshot Federer provides, clearly shows the doctrines of Islam to be completely incompatible with the Christian Faith, as well as the principles upon which the United States was established, namely, a framework deeply influenced by Judeo Christian thought.						– Dr. Jason J. Nelson ______________ Islam is not just a religious system. It is also a political and military system, as Mohammed was not just a religious leader, he was also a political and military leader. As a political and military system, Islam believes that Sharia Law came top-down from Allah and is to be enforced on the entire world, and after that, there will be world “peace.” World peace means world Islam.&nbsp;Sharia condemns man-made law, voting, and government from the consent of the governed. Sharia teaches that it is the death penalty to leave Islam. No Imam has taught not to follow Sharia as described in The Reliance of the Traveler, published in 1368. • Sharia teaches if you believe Christ is the Messiah you will go to hell.&nbsp;• That a man can have a wife as young as nine, which violates what is right and good and innocent, as well as the age of consent laws in this nation.&nbsp;• Sharia teaches a man can have four wives. We have laws against polygamy. Sharia teaches that all a man has to do divorce his wife is say, “I divorce you” three times. No court proceedings are necessary.&nbsp;• Sharia teaches a woman cannot leave her house without her husband’s permission, cannot be in public without a male relative and must cover herself. Because if she gets raped Sharia teaches that it is her fault for allowing herself to be used as a tool of satan to tempt the man so she must be whipped 100 times.&nbsp;• Sharia teaches that a man can “discipline” his wives. Sharia teaches that it takes two women to testify against one man, as a woman’s mind is deficient. Sharia teaches if a dog, a donkey or a woman passes between a man and Mecca, when he is praying, his prayers are invalidated. Women must be at the back of the mosque, if allowed in at all.&nbsp;• Sharia violates almost every article of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights.&nbsp;• Sharia does not allow dogs as pets. Several sharia courts have been identified in Texas. Sharia prohibits infidel unbelievers from insulting Islam. Anything that is not Islam insults Islam.• Sharia teaches Muslims to always claim they are the victims of intolerance, therefore they are justified in retaliating. Sharia demands tolerance but never extends tolerance. Sharia teaches to lie to infidel unbelievers to advance Islam.. etc. In summary, while often presented in purely religious terms, the comprehensive nature of Sharia as a legal, political, and social system raises profound questions when considered alongside the constitutional framework and moral foundations of the United States.&nbsp;These are but a few examples illustrating the broader concern. Highlighting the tenants of Islam is not Islamophobic. It is simply speaking the truth.The other truth we are to speak, as believers, is to proclaim the Truth, Jesus. May the Church rise up in a time such as this and announce His Gospel so that people from all walks of life might come to know Him as Savior and Lord.

The Truth about Islam

<blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">There exists today a widening consensus by many in our country that the Bible does not belong in the public square or in public education. Of course, this is nonsense. The Bible is the greatest Book ever written and the best textbook any serious student could ever encounter. This is not only a sentiment held by theologians throughout history but, also, it was the dominant opinion of our Founding Fathers. In the article below, Dr. Sam Thomas speaks to the Bible as the greatest textbook ever written in matters of philosophy and ethics.</blockquote>-Dr. Jason J. Nelson (Editor-in-Chief)<h2 class="text-xl font-bold mb-3" dir="ltr">THE BIBLE AS THE BEST TEXTBOOK ON PHILOSOPHY</h2>This series of thoughts are focused around the idea that the Bible is the best textbook. In the first part of this series, I would like to point out that the Bible is the best textbook on philosophy from the Christian perspective.Now, why would we say that? We say that because the Bible provides the best answers to the ultimate questions of human life.So, what are some of the ultimate questions of human life?<ol class="list-decimal list-inside mb-2"><li value="1" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">How did everything come into existence? The question of origin.</li><li value="2" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">Is there an ultimate reality? Is there a God?</li><li value="3" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">If ultimate reality or God exists, what is he like or what is it like?</li><li value="4" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">Where have we as humans come from? Where are we going?</li><li value="5" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">What does it mean to be human?</li><li value="6" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">What is the meaning and purpose of human life?</li><li value="7" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">Is there anything wrong with human beings? And if there is, what is the solution to that problem?</li><li value="8" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">What happens after death?</li><li value="9" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">How should society exist and function?</li><li value="10" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">Who decides what is right, what is wrong and on what basis?</li></ol>Now, every religion tries to answer these questions. Every philosophy tries to answer these questions as well. And our answers to these ultimate questions provide us with a worldview with which we see the world, with which we interpret events, and with which we handle the crisis of our lives.From the Christian perspective, the Bible is the best textbook on philosophy because it provides us with the best answers, the most coherent answers to these ultimate questions of life. The Bible provides us with the most meaningful and the most truthful answers to these questions. The Bible provides us with the right worldview – with which to view Reality, ourselves, others, the events around us, and so on.<blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">The Bible is the best textbook on Philosophy!</blockquote><h2 class="text-xl font-bold mb-3" dir="ltr">BIBLE AS THE BEST TEXTBOOK ON ETHICS</h2>Part two of the series Bible as the best textbook. Here we are going to argue that the Bible is the best textbook on ethics.Ethics is concerned with the way we ought to conduct our lives. Now, according to the Bible, God is the author and the source of all ethics and morality. Ethics is not a human invention. It is not a social or cultural construct. It is rooted in God.Throughout the Bible you would find principles, precepts, commands and guidelines instructing us on what is right and what is wrong, what is good and what is bad, what is God-honoring and what is not.I want to draw our attention to two Bible passages.First, the Ten Commandments in the Old Testament. These were intended to be the ethical charter for the people of God, the Israelites. Through these Ten Commandments, the Israelites were instructed on how to love God and how to love their neighbor. In fact, the entire law and the entire prophets can be summarized with these two commandments.Firstly, love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your strength, and with all your mind. And secondly, love your neighbor as yourself. God expected the Israelites to follow these ethical principles. When they forgot to do so, God sent them the prophets to remind them. And when they insisted on disobedience and unethical behavior, God sent them punishments and judgments.Secondly, Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount in the New Testament. Here again, Jesus emphasized loving God and loving one’s neighbor. However, He also raises ethics to a higher level. Jesus turns ethics from mere external actions to internal desires, motives and intentions. One could argue that the ethics of Jesus is the epitome of human ethics. It is unique and it is unsurpassed.The rest of the New Testament explains the ethics of Jesus as the ethics of love. We are told not just to love God and our neighbor, but also to show love to strangers. Interestingly and uniquely, we are called to love our enemies.I Corinthians 13 is the best description of what it means to love. The biblical commands on forgiveness, generosity, etc. are all grounded in love. The ethics of Jesus is the highest expression of human ethics. It is unique and unsurpassable.<blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">This is why we say that the Bible is the best textbook on ethics ever!</blockquote>

The Bible as the Best Textbook (Parts 1 & 2):  On Philosophy and Ethics

Saint Patrick: From Slavery to Saint

<h1 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4" dir="ltr">Eudaimonia, often translated as happiness or human flourishing</h1>was understood by the ancient Greeks, particularly Aristotle, to be the highest aim and ultimate purpose of life. In many ways, that assumption remains firmly ingrained in Western culture today. From the dominant cultural perspective, “the pursuit of happiness” continues to be treated as life’s primary aim, even seen as the baseline for the American Dream.Yet happiness cannot sustain the weight of ultimate purpose. Being happy does not equate to contentment.At its core, happiness is relative and deeply personalized. What constitutes happiness for one individual may be entirely different for another. One person may experience elatement in circumstances that leave another profoundly dissatisfied. Purpose, then, cannot be grounded in such subjectivity. If purpose is to be truly meaningful, it must transcend the self and be oriented toward something objective, enduring, and greater than individual experience. Purpose, by definition, cannot be self-referential.Further, happiness is fundamentally an emotional state. As such, it is inherently unstable; it is static, present in one moment and absent the next. Emotions fluctuate with changing circumstances, many of which lie beyond human control. To build one’s life upon happiness is to construct upon something transient and fragile, like building a house on sand. Sound familiar? A meaningful life requires a foundation that does not collapse under suffering, disappointment, or loss. It demands a base that is solid rather than shifting, enduring rather than elusive.<blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">Scripture offers precisely such a foundation by locating the purpose of human life not in emotional fulfillment, but in the glory of God. The Apostle Paul articulates this with remarkable simplicity and scope: 'So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God' (1 Corinthians 10:31). He echoes this in Colossians 3:17, telling us that we should do 'everything in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.' We are to aim to honor God! Purpose, then, is not contingent upon how one feels, nor upon favorable circumstances, but upon a God-centered orientation that encompasses every dimension of life. It is about seeking the Kingdom of God, first (MT 6:33).</blockquote>To live for the glory of God is to live with divinely inspired direction and a heavenly focused purpose regardless of our emotional state. This does not deny the value of happiness, but it rightly orders it. Happiness becomes a byproduct rather than the goal. Even suffering, within this framework, is not rendered meaningless. As Paul writes elsewhere, believers can even “glory in [their] sufferings” (Romans 5:3), not because suffering is desirable, but because it, too, can be taken up into God’s redemptive purposes. In fact, joy can exist even in the midst of suffering, which is something Christ endured while suffering on the cross.What a profound comfort it is to know that purpose does not disappear in pain—that life remains meaningful even when happiness is absent. And that joy is birthed when we strive to glorify God in both the highs and lows of life.Soli Deo Gloria—for the glory of God alone.

The Pursuit of Happiness?

<h1 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4" dir="ltr">Paul’s Exhortation in Ephesians 6:11</h1>Paul’s exhortation in Eph. 6:11 to “stand” (ἵστημι) “against” (πρός) warrants attention. In the Greek, “against” connotates leaning forward or toward something—thus leaning into something, a thing one is determined to resist. Needing resisting, according to Paul, are the “schemes” (μεθοδεία) of the “devil” (διάβολος).<blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">The word 'devil,' diabolos in Greek, is well known, associated as it is with the term diabolical. Schemes, for its part, is not. It comes from the Greek methodeia, from which we get the word 'method.'</blockquote>Being Christian for Paul, among other things, is described as leaning into, or against, diabolical methods, the root of what he calls “stand[ing] against.”<h2 class="text-xl font-bold mb-3" dir="ltr">The Classical Greek Military Term</h2>Paul actually employed a classical Greek military term used by Thucydides and others in 6:11 when pressing his point. That he was, in fact, pressing it is evidenced by how he repeats it in short order. The “standing against,” in v. 11, morphs a bit a few verses down where it becomes “standing firm” (ἀνθίστημι) in 6:13 and 14. Standing firm—ἀνθίστημι in Greek—is transliterated as anthistémi in English.Readers may be interested to discover the Greek term is the origin of our word antihistamine. Modern women and men know antihistamines as medical blocks used to: stave off colds and flus and employed as decongestants, cough suppressants and pain relievers. Interestingly, the description in v. 11 becomes a prescription in vv. 13-14. It is not beyond the pale of reason to perceive an association with believers serving as medicine for a sickened world.<h2 class="text-xl font-bold mb-3" dir="ltr">Cultural Absurdities and Christian Response</h2>Christians can feel something is terribly wrong in culture. Well-intended, passionate persons are recognized by the discerning as absolutely delusional. It’s not simply that some folk are missing the mark by a fraction; they seem to be missing reality by a mile.How does one reason with someone who is unable to determine the difference between a male and a female? Why is that hard to fathom? What does one say to someone unable to ascertain how protecting a national border serves as national interest? Is that not common sense? What does it say when someone marches behind the banner of “Queers for Palestine,” given that queers would actually be killed in Palestine? Is this not insane?Christians are beckoned to lean against these absurdities and provide a bulwark against the destruction associated with the surging madness. Note the word Christians.<h2 class="text-xl font-bold mb-3" dir="ltr">The Need for Collective Action</h2>It is unreasonable to expect a single Christian to form a defensive wall, a rampart, an embankment, to provide protection against the encroaching danger. Why is it unreasonable? It is so because someone cannot do this alone—as an individual. It takes a collective. Its doing so harks back to the language Paul used in Ephesians and through it to the source of the term.Though Thucydides and others spoke of individuals “standing firm” (ἀνθίστημι) they meant so within the context of fighting within a unit. The Greeks developed the phalanx, whereby men stood firm as they fought side-by-side against lesser, disciplined sorts who threw themselves against the front line. They cast aspersions on fighting alone; for, if the unit broke down something had gone terribly wrong.The Romans, likewise, placed a premium on formations. Training for war entailed learning to work within and through them and they enjoyed good success as a result of doing so. Even against seemingly insurmountable odds, the Greeks and Romans prevailed when they fought as units.Individualistic as we are in modernity, the concept of doing anything together for any length of time presents challenges. This brief treatment of Paul’s urging us to do so, however, will hopefully awaken within some the call to do so—and with the call, a faithful response. While it is true we believers individually receive Jesus as our “personal Lord and Savior,” persons are beckoned to disregard aspects of individuality thereinafter.When individuals are bound together in church affiliations, and when churches bind together in associations, together we can successfully lean against the troubles of the day and advance Christ’s Kingdom in the process of so doing.Let’s do it! Let’s stand firm—together.

What Standing Firm in Ephesians 6 Really Means

<blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. — 1 Peter 5:8 KJV</blockquote>What is your default behavior before making a choice or acting? Do you lean on your own understanding? Or do you usually ask for God’s guidance? Better yet, how seriously do you treat the answers you hear from the Lord? Are they optional as far as you are concerned, or are they the difference between life and death for you? Your answer matters!How does it look to live a sober and vigilant life, since that’s what the Lord commands us to do?1. Do all that He says.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Incomplete obedience is still disobedience. Remember Saul, who partially obeyed God twice?&nbsp;King Saul did not destroy all the enemy as God said (1 Samuel 13:8); therefore, the Lord forsook him and gave the kingdom to David, who would do His will (Acts 13:22). Be vigilant; be careful to do all that the Lord commands. Obey His voice; don’t lean to your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5).&nbsp;&nbsp;Neither works, nor praise and worship, will substitute for obedience to the Lord.&nbsp;2. Inquire of the Lord; wait for His instructions.&nbsp;They lead to life! Remember, Joshua, fresh from God’s miraculous victory at Jericho. He did not ask the Lord first before attacking Ai. Joshua was defeated due to hidden sin in the camp (Joshua 7:1-5). God’s instructions would have spared them defeat and loss of life.&nbsp;Recall King Jehoshaphat’s miraculous victory over his enemies? He called upon the Lord, who told the king how to overcome (2 Chronicles 20) by sending the worshippers before the army!&nbsp;3. Do not grieve or quench the Holy Spirit.&nbsp;Why? He seals you to be present at Jesus’ return (Ephesians 4:30)!&nbsp; Woe, the Scripture says, to those who are at ease in Zion (Amos 6:1) and not vigilant!&nbsp; Beware lest you fall asleep and do not watch and pray, as Jesus warned (Matthew 26:40-41)!&nbsp; Shrink from all that would bring reproach on Jesus’ name. Do not deny the Lord with your deeds by being stubborn or defiant; this blasphemes His holy name (Numbers 15:30-31).4. Crucify fleshly attitudes.&nbsp;&nbsp;Be not ignorant of your adversary’s devices (2 Corinthians 2:11). Know and use your weapons of offense—the blood of Jesus, the Word of God, and the name of Jesus—plus your weapons of defense—holy living, which is your armor of light.&nbsp;5. Require the Lord’s presence as your vital necessity.&nbsp;&nbsp;Crave His presence increasingly ever more (Psalm 105:3-4). Speak truly and live truly (Ephesians 4:15 TAC), seeking the Lord’s righteousness in every situation.&nbsp;Prayer for Today:&nbsp;Lord, help me to be sober and vigilant to walk in Your ways and do Your will. Help me to inquire of You first and not lean on my own understanding when making my plans. Help me to be quick to obey You. Thank You for giving me a heart to know You and the desire to do Your will (Philippians 2:13). Thank You for helping me to crucify my fleshly attitudes. Surely, I need You more and more! Thank You for multiplying Your grace and peace to me through knowing You (2 Peter 1:2-4).&nbsp;God’s Special Invitation to You Today:Abide in Me, as I abide in you, for I am watching over you to keep you in all your ways. Likewise, live in Me and do not lean to your own understanding. I never leave you, nor let go of My hold on you.&nbsp;Adapted with permission from God’s Special Invitation, How Will You R.S.V.P.?, Volume II –“Living in the Favor and Fear of the Lord,” by Sunny Wessel.

Be Sober, Be Vigilant

One of the greatest dangers for leaders is not sudden moral failure, but slow, unseen depletion.Scripture consistently warns us that temptation rarely comes when we are strong, clear-minded, and spiritually anchored. More often, it comes when we are exhausted, emotionally depleted, physically tired, and quietly discouraged. In those moments, even seasoned leaders can become vulnerable in ways they never imagined.I have learned, sometimes the hard way, that when strength is low, discernment is weakened. When the soul is weary, the flesh becomes louder.<h2 class="text-xl font-bold mb-3" dir="ltr">The Vulnerability of Depletion:</h2><blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">The apostle John identifies three primary avenues through which temptation gains access to our lives: 'the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life' (1 John 2:16). These pressures are not new, but they intensify when leaders are worn down.</blockquote>When we are depleted, we are far more susceptible to:<ul class="list-disc list-inside mb-2"><li value="1" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">The lust of the flesh — seeking comfort instead of Christ</li><li value="2" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">The lust of the eyes — allowing what we see to stir desires we would normally resist</li><li value="3" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">The pride of life — compensating for inner weakness with outward validation</li></ul>This is not about judging others or projecting personal consecration onto people. It is about recognizing a sobering spiritual principle: Depletion lowers defenses.<h2 class="text-xl font-bold mb-3" dir="ltr">Elijah: A Lesson Every Leader Must Learn:</h2>Few stories illustrate this more clearly than Elijah’s. After one of the greatest spiritual victories recorded in Scripture, Elijah collapsed under discouragement and exhaustion. He prayed to die, overwhelmed by fear and despair (1 Kings 19:4).God’s response is deeply instructive. He did not rebuke Elijah. He did not lecture him about faith or endurance. Instead, God fed him, let him sleep, and restored his strength. Only then did God speak again to Elijah’s calling and future (1 Kings 19:5–8). That alone should teach leaders something profound: sometimes the most spiritual thing a leader can do is rest.<h2 class="text-xl font-bold mb-3" dir="ltr">Discouragement Is Not Neutral:</h2>Discouragement is never passive. If it is not addressed, it becomes a gateway. Unchecked discouragement erodes gratitude, clouds perspective, and weakens resolve. Over time, it creates just enough internal justification to compromise “just a little.” Most failures do not begin with rebellion; they begin with fatigue, isolation, and unattended wounds.<blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">This is why Scripture exhorts us to 'guard your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life' (Proverbs 4:23). Guarding the heart includes tending to our spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being.</blockquote><h2 class="text-xl font-bold mb-3" dir="ltr">Staying Encouraged Is Protective:</h2>For leaders, staying encouraged is not optional, it is protective. Scripture calls us to “watch and pray” because vigilance requires intentional stewardship of the inner life. Renewal does not happen accidentally; it must be cultivated. We renew strength and resist temptation by:<ul class="list-disc list-inside mb-2"><li value="1" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">Renewing the mind — returning again and again to truth, not feelings (Romans 12:1–2)</li><li value="2" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">Caring for the body — rest, healthy rhythms, and exercise are spiritual disciplines, not indulgences</li><li value="3" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">Addressing stress honestly — naming emotional and physical depletion before it names us</li><li value="4" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">Living examined lives — refusing isolation and remaining accountable</li></ul>Ignoring depletion does not make us more spiritual. It makes us more vulnerable.<h2 class="text-xl font-bold mb-3" dir="ltr">Leadership Requires Greater Watchfulness:</h2>With every increase in influence and public ministry comes greater responsibility—not only for how we live before others, but for how we steward our own souls before God. This is not about perfection. It is about humility, awareness, and obedience. The enemy does not need access to our calling if he can work through our exhaustion.<h2 class="text-xl font-bold mb-3" dir="ltr">A Final Exhortation:</h2>Leaders, do not wait until you are empty to seek renewal. Do not spiritualize burnout. Do not confuse endurance with neglect of the soul. Strength sustained over time comes from alignment—spirit, soul, and body, submitted to God. If we want to finish well, we must learn to rest well, live honestly, and stay encouraged.<blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. (Galatians 6:9)</blockquote>

A Warning and a Lesson for Leaders - Guarding the Soul When Strength Is Low

<h1 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4" dir="ltr">Heroic measures mirror the greatest act of love the world has ever known.</h1>Jesus Himself defined true heroism when He said, “Greater love has no one than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”<blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">Christ did not merely speak these words—He fulfilled them. He became the ultimate rescuer. The greatest fireman ran straight into the flames of judgment to redeem perishing humanity. The greatest blood donor gave His own blood so that we might live.</blockquote>The Cross stands as the supreme expression of eternal and heroic love. It reveals that real courage is not measured by self-preservation, but by self-sacrifice. It is not driven by convenience, comfort, or cultural approval—but by obedience to God and love for others.<h2 class="text-xl font-bold mb-3" dir="ltr">Fixing Our Eyes on the Ultimate Hero:</h2><blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">Scripture calls us to anchor our lives: 'Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame… so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.' (Hebrews 12:2–3)</blockquote>Jesus is not only our Savior—He is our pattern. In a generation desperately searching for meaning, many false and destructive role models have filled the vacuum once occupied by true heroes of faith and character. The Bible repeatedly warns us that imitation is inevitable—and therefore critical:<ul class="list-disc list-inside mb-2"><li value="1" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">“Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character.” (1 Cor. 15:33)</li><li value="2" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">“Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good.” (3 John 1:11)</li><li value="3" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">“Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked.” (Ps. 1:1–2)</li></ul>Scripture not only warns us whom not to imitate—it also calls us to recognize and follow lives worth imitating.<h2 class="text-xl font-bold mb-3" dir="ltr">Lives Worth Imitating:</h2>Those in the public eye—whether entertainers, athletes, political leaders, or cultural influencers—carry influence whether they desire it or not. A well-known athlete once insisted he should not be considered a role model. While his refusal to claim sainthood was understandable, influence does not disappear simply because responsibility is denied.The same danger exists among those who claim to follow Christ. While none of us are perfect, that reality does not excuse complacency or hypocrisy. If our lives lack the integrity, courage, and compassion worth imitating, we must take an honest inventory of our hearts. Leonard Ravenhill’s sobering question still confronts us: “Are the things you’re living for worth Christ dying for?”<blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">The apostle Paul was not reluctant to challenge others to follow his example: 'Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.' (1 Cor. 11:1)</blockquote>Paul was not claiming perfection—he was modeling surrender. God is not looking for polished replicas of modern Christianity, but for men and women whose lives reflect Christ with humility, courage, and conviction.<h2 class="text-xl font-bold mb-3" dir="ltr">A Generation in Search of Heroes:</h2>Dr. Edwin Louis Cole often said, “Champions are not those who never fail, but those who never quit.”We need champions again. We need perseverance. We need modern-day heroes of faith and courage. What our generation desperately needs are not celebrities, but champions—men and women who persevere in truth even when the cost is high.The tragic reality is that many young people today are unimpressed—not by the gospel, but by the inconsistent lives of those who claim to represent it. We have often failed to confront darkness with courage and instead have been subtly seduced by it. A soft, apathetic church will never reach a lost and wounded world. A shallow, compromised faith will never inspire wholehearted devotion.Even unbelievers are tired of hype, pretense, performance, and shallow Christianity. They are searching for authenticity—something real, something worth giving their lives to. They are a prophetic generation, poised to step into destiny, but longing for vision, strength, and godly examples.<blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">Scripture tells us what awakens such a generation: 'Your people shall be volunteers In the day of Your power; In the beauties of holiness, from the womb of the morning, You have the dew of Your youth.' (Psalm 110:3)</blockquote>When the church once again reflects God’s character and carries His power, people will willingly give themselves to His cause.<h2 class="text-xl font-bold mb-3" dir="ltr">Heroes of Courage and Conviction:</h2>History is filled with men and women who lived and died—by conviction rather than convenience. From the heroes of Scripture to the martyrs of church history, their lives remind us that eternal impact is always costly.History and Scripture are filled with heroic witnesses—men and women who laid down their lives for eternal truth. From the martyrs recorded in Foxe’s Book of Martyrs to modern examples like Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who declared before his execution, “When Christ calls a man, He bids him come and die.”Powerful example and challenge by Joan of Arc:<blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">As a teenage girl with no military credentials, she inspired an entire army when seasoned kings could not. When warned that no one would follow her into battle, she replied with unshakable resolve: 'I don’t plan on looking back to check.'</blockquote>Because she refused to look back, others followed. Her courage shifted the destiny of a nation.Later, at just nineteen years old, as she faced death for her convictions, she was offered one final chance to recant. Her words still echo across the centuries:<blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">Every man gives his life for what he believes. Every woman gives her life for what she believes… One life is all we have, and we live it and then it’s gone. But to surrender what you are to a life without belief is more terrible than dying—even more terrible than dying young.</blockquote>She understood a truth many in our generation have forgotten: convictions rooted in eternal truth carry greater value than survival and existence without purpose.<h2 class="text-xl font-bold mb-3" dir="ltr">Beyond Cosmetic Christianity:</h2>The days of casual, cosmetic Christianity are coming to an end. We cannot afford lukewarm devotion in a time of global shaking and moral confusion. Genuine passion for God always produces compassion for others—and leaves no room for compromise, apathy, or mediocrity.How can we sit comfortably while multitudes live without hope or truth? How can we remain silent while eternity hangs in the balance?God is looking for modern-day heroes of faith—men and women willing to stand in the gap, to live with courage, and to love sacrificially. Not spectators in the grandstands, but participants in the rescue.<h2 class="text-xl font-bold mb-3" dir="ltr">The Window of Opportunity:</h2><blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">Paul wrote, 'A great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.'(1 Cor. 16:9)</blockquote>Distractions, discouragements, and disappointments are often tools of the enemy to derail us from our calling. Yet God promises that when we call upon Him, He will answer. He can turn crisis into testimony and tragedy into triumph.<h2 class="text-xl font-bold mb-3" dir="ltr">Eternal Measures for an Eternal Impact:</h2>We are living in a defining moment. Everything that can be shaken is being shaken—but what is built on eternal truth will remain. God is not asking for perfection. He is asking for availability, humility, and unwavering conviction.The world does not need more hype. It needs hope. It does not need more noise. It needs courage. Now is the time to live lives worth imitating—lives marked by eternal and heroic measures. The question is not whether conviction will cost us. The question is whether a life without conviction costs us far more. We can bring hope to the hopeless. We can be living witnesses of Christ’s love in our generation.This is our moment, our mandate, our mission.

Heroes in Light of Eternity

As Christians, our convictions are shaped by Scripture, not culture. From beginning to end, God’s Word affirms the sacred value of every human life, created in His image and known by Him. To stand for life is not a political statement—it is a biblical one.In a time when life is often minimized or redefined, the Church is called to respond with both courage and compassion, reflecting the heart of Christ for the vulnerable and the voiceless. The following article is written by LifeFirst’s Founder and Executive Director, Teresa Strack, to encourage believers to stand for life faithfully, truthfully, and with grace.— Dr. Jason J. NelsonThe Compassion Issue of our TimeThe disrespect for human life manifested by abortion and euthanasia is the compassion issue of our time. No other issue has as much direct loss of innocent, very real human lives. No other issue inflicts such deep and lasting harm on women, men, families, and communities. At its core, this crisis is not only a human tragedy; it is a profound spiritual issue. It is an unmistakable disrespect toward God Himself as the Author and Giver of Life and the guilt from abortion decisions often creates a mental barrier to salvation for individuals.Unique UrgencyThe disrespect for human life carries a unique urgency. There are many wonderful and needed ways Christians can demonstrate God’s love to hurting people and, in most cases, if we are unable to help today, we will have an opportunity to rescue tomorrow. However, with every decision for abortion or euthanasia, there is no second chance. Once a life is lost, it is lost forever. This irreversible finality compels us to act—not someday, but today.Christians’ Unique Call to ActionChristians are first called and best equipped to be at the forefront of restoring a respect for life both as a matter of our Christian walk and as part of our testimony. As Christians, we draw people to Christ by introducing people to the Lord and loving them into the Kingdom. In the fight to end abortion, we do both. The Bible consistently commands God’s people to protect those who are the most vulnerable.&nbsp;James 1:27 tells us, “Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained by the world.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Who is more orphaned than the unborn, who have been rejected by mother, father, and society unto the brutal death of abortion? Although most of the young women facing unplanned pregnancies are not technically widows, often they have been abandoned by their boyfriends, families, or society itself to deal with the pregnancy alone.&nbsp;Proverbs 24:11 commands us plainly: “Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter.”&nbsp;Years ago, I saw this scripture come to life before me. I was praying and ministering to young women outside an abortion facility. A car pulled into the parking space near us and a young man got out and went around to the passenger side of the car. As he came back around, he was directing a young woman toward the door of Planned Parenthood. Her eyes were completely glazed over, and she was staggering to such an extent that the young man had one arm around her waist and another around her shoulder. She was staggering toward emotional/spiritual slaughter and the presumed baby inside her was being led to his or her death. The young man told us, “We love abortion.” The young woman sadly was too out of it to respond to us.Proverbs 6:17 tells us that God hates the shedding of innocent blood.&nbsp; We must hate it also.&nbsp;Our Testimony of Who God IsAbortion is not only an assault on unborn children and their parents—it is also a repudiation of God’s essential identity as Creator, Father, and Giver of Life. When we speak out for the value of each life God has created in His image, we are not merely engaging in a social issue. We are glorifying God and proclaiming who He is. In addition, we often have the opportunity, if we take it, to further point people to Jesus and the offer of eternal life through Him. When our voices are muted, our witness is diminished. The proclamation of the value of life is therefore central to our testimony and our walk with Christ.Uniquely EquippedAbortion and euthanasia are among the most emotionally charged issues of our day. Precisely because of that, Christians are uniquely equipped to be at the forefront of restoring a respect for life. As believers, we have the love of God poured into our hearts without measure if we will yield to it. If emotions rise, we can respond with love, respect and peace. We also have the wisdom of the Holy Spirit to guide us through tender, difficult conversations. He knows what information or story or words can touch the heart and mind of whomever we are speaking to. Respectful, Holy Spirit guided conversations will win hearts and minds, creating an attitude shift back toward a respect for life.&nbsp;For all the women and men scarred by abortion decisions, we also carry the message of forgiveness, healing, and restoration that only Christ can bring. After decades of legalized abortion, the pain and loss touch nearly every family and friend group in some way. Where there is great suffering, there is also great opportunity—the opportunity to be the hands of God’s love and restoration. When we speak the truth in love, rather than remain silent, our love and message effects change.&nbsp;A Grassroots Vision of HopeLifeFirst’s approach to building a respect for life is relational and transformational. We speak the message of life directly to our community. In addition, a major part of what we do is provide easy tools to equip everyday people to be effective communicators.&nbsp;The only way to restore a respect for Life is through individual heart and mind change which will lead to an attitude shift in our society. This happens one conversation at a time – just like sharing the Good News of salvation. Although we are a social media generation, it is still our family and friends that influence us the most. When we speak the truth in love, rather than remain silent, we effect change.&nbsp;Here are just a few resources that can help you respond to God’s call.&nbsp;Pro-life Answers 101: &nbsp;<a href="https://lifefirst.org/pro-life-answers-101/" dir="ltr">https://lifefirst.org/pro-life-answers-101/</a>&nbsp; Launched in response to the many people who tell us " I don't know what to say.” Bookmark Pro-life Answers 101 on your phone for 24/7 access to brief, respectful, evidence-based responses to a wide range of abortion talking points. This is a unique tool which fills a great need.&nbsp;When Does Life Begin website and social media campaign:&nbsp; <a href="https://lifefirst.org/when-does-life-begin/" dir="ltr">https://lifefirst.org/when-does-life-begin/</a>Sit in the comfort of your own home and change hearts and minds simply by sharing engaging content. A study out of the University of Chicago found that addressing the question of when life begins from a scientific perspective is the best way to move someone from an uncertain or even "pro-choice" position over to a pro-life stance. In addition to the content hosted on a dedicated website at <a href="https://www.youranswermatters.org/" dir="ltr">youranswermatters.org</a> we also post great shareable content on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/youranswermatters" dir="ltr">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/whendoeslife_begin/" dir="ltr">Instagram</a> and <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@whendoeslifebegin" dir="ltr">TikTok</a>. Follow, share, and build a respect for life!Sanctity of Life email prayer: <a href="https://lifefirst.org/sanctity-of-life-prayer/" dir="ltr">https://lifefirst.org/sanctity-of-life-prayer/</a>Simply sign up to receive once-a-week prayer points email covering timely pro-life issues. Prayer is the real work of Christians. What an easy yet vital way to change hearts and minds!Student Contests: <a href="https://lifefirst.org/student-contests/" dir="ltr">https://lifefirst.org/student-contests/</a>Based on Ronald Reagan's insight: "All great change in America begins at the dinner table.” The contests are conversation starters between parents/teachers/pastors and students. 5 contests ranging in age from 3rd grade through college. Generous cash prizes of $1000.&nbsp;Article Shorts: <a href="https://lifefirst.org/when-does-life-begin-articles/" dir="ltr">https://lifefirst.org/when-does-life-begin-articles/</a>Brief 2-3 minute reads focused on vital pro-life issues. Easy to digest. Great to educate and share.&nbsp;Why Christians Must Lead&nbsp;For decades, efforts to end abortion have focused primarily on top-down change—laws, courts, and political outcomes. While these matter, history shows that lasting societal change only comes from the grassroots up, as hearts and minds are transformed. Cultural shifts always precede legal ones. Laws followed culture.&nbsp;In the fight to protect life, we have a rare and sacred opportunity: to glorify God, to rescue the vulnerable, and to offer healing where there has been profound destruction. Imagine what could happen if Christians fully embraced this calling. If each of us did even a little, a tidal wave of God’s love and truth would transform our communities. Jesus calls His followers to be salt and light in the world. That means leading—not retreating—on the most difficult issues of our time. We can end legalized abortion and euthanasia. This is our call. This is our moment. And this is the compassion issue of our time.Teresa StrackFounder &amp; Executive Director of LifeFirstLifefirst.org

The Compassion Issue of our Time

Here we are now… halfway through January. Over the past few weeks, many of us have reflected on our lives, examining our shortcomings and taking an honest assessment of the ways we have overcome challenges. 

I’ve heard it said, “Yesterday’s sorrows can be today’s successes if the hand of the Lord is upon us.”

A new year always invites reflection. It creates space for recalibration, a pause where we ask not only what lies ahead, but who we are, and who we are becoming. Seasons change, calendars turn, routines reset but the posture of our hearts before the Lord must continually be examined and realigned.

Growing up, many of us heard the phrase, “If the shoe fits…” It was a simple but pointed way of saying, 

Take a look at yourself. Take ownership. Don’t deflect. Don’t deny.

When the prophet Nathan confronted King David, he did not begin with accusation. Instead, he told a story that stirred David’s righteous anger. David was quick to discern injustice when he thought it applied to someone else. Then Nathan looked him squarely in the eyes and declared, 

That moment reveals something timeless: we often see truth most clearly when we think it applies to others and resist it most when it confronts us personally.

How we see determines how we respond. Scripture is not merely a mirror for culture, a spotlight for society, or a resource for sermons, it is first a mirror for our own soul.

Yet, we can easily fall into what might be called filter trapping, and seeing only what confirms our assumptions, protects our comfort, or supports our arguments, while filtering out what confronts us personally.

Even well meaning leaders and sincere believers can approach God’s Word asking, 

True spiritual formation begins when we stop using Scripture as a spotlight on others and allow it to become a searchlight on our own hearts.

Meditation on God’s Word is not an exercise in extracting content, but it is an invitation to encounter the living God who speaks, convicts, heals, transforms and restores.

Before the message is preached, it must be lived.

Before correction is offered, repentance must be embraced.

Before vision is cast, hearts must be examined.

The Holy Spirit does His deepest work not when we are preparing to speak, but when we are willing to listen.

As we enter a new year, the invitation is clear:

Before we preach it. Before we teach it. Before we post it. Let it read us.

The question for this season is not merely, 

Where does this Word fit in my life right now?

This is not condemnation…it is true grace. God’s loving confrontation is always an invitation to transformation.

This season calls us to humility over defensiveness, reflection over reaction, and obedience over appearance. When the Word of God is allowed to first shape us, it gains authority through us.

So as we open the Scriptures this year, resist the urge to immediately think of someone else who needs to hear it. Pause. Pray. Listen.

And if the shoe fits—don’t excuse or explain it away. Let it change us. That is where renewal begins.

IF THE SHOE FITS: A Call to Reflect, Reset, and Realign 

In moments of national upheaval, personal testimony reminds us that history is not only shaped by headlines, but by faith in the power and promises of God. Many times God forges our faith in seasons of suffering. The following interview is with Solimar Gutiérrez, a Venezuelan Christian whose family lived through political collapse, persecution, and forced migration to the United States. Yet, they never lost their unwavering trust in God. Her story is one of loss, resilience, and enduring hope in the sovereignty of God and His redemptive purposes through Christ.– Jason J. Nelson<blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">This testimony is presented in Solimar Gutiérrez’s own words and reflects her personal experience.</blockquote>Can you begin by telling us a little about yourself?It is an honor, and with gratitude, I share my testimony as a Venezuelan. My name is Solimar Gutiérrez. I am a Christian, Venezuelan by birth, and a professional in Managerial Administration and Finance, with over 20 years of work experience. I am married to Oswaldo Fuentes. We serve in the Evangelism and Theater Ministry at Grace Latino, and our daughters, Nicole and Angely, serve in the Grace Youth Ministry.What was Venezuela like when you and your family left?Venezuela is an extraordinarily rich nation in natural resources. It holds the world’s largest reserves of heavy crude oil, significant natural gas reserves, and vast deposits of gold, iron, bauxite, and diamonds. However, this abundance was overshadowed by a deep social, political, and moral crisis that began in the late 1990s.The concentration of power and authoritarian policies led the country into a progressive collapse. Reality became unsustainable: minimum wages ranging between $3 and $10 per month, more than 18,000 political detentions, approximately 900 political prisoners, thousands of arbitrary arrests, and protests violently suppressed. Added to this is an exodus of more than 7.8 million Venezuelans and millions of people living in extreme poverty.Furthermore, the expropriation of more than 5,500 companies in key sectors such as food, energy, banking, and telecommunications destroyed the national productive system. Hospitals were left without supplies. Basic services became irregular or nonexistent, and living in fear became part of everyday life for the Venezuelan people.Can you share your family’s personal experience during this time?During Christmas 2016, our family faced a traumatic experience involving extortion and kidnapping threats. When we reported it, we received no support from the authorities. In the midst of fear, we chose to cling to God and persevere in prayer.We were forced to liquidate the family businesses we managed, suspend all commercial activities, sell all our vehicles, and leave trusted individuals in charge of caring for our homes.We continued serving in the work of the Lord, and over time, God confirmed—through brothers and sisters in the faith and through our pastoral covering—that we would leave the country as a ministerial family, sent to the nations. Thus, we emigrated, sustained by faith and the conviction that God was guiding every step.Everything we achieved in Venezuela we attribute to God’s faithfulness, the support of our family, and the opportunities that, at one time, our country provided.How do you feel about the recent developments in Venezuela?In the early morning of January 3, 2026, reports began circulating on social media about significant events in Caracas and other cities, along with communication disruptions. We contacted our family members to alert them.This week, through an Official Gazette, the interim government has threatened to imprison anyone who supports the events of January 3, arbitrarily reviewing their social media activity.That Saturday, true hope was awakened in many Venezuelans, both inside and outside the country. As a family, we are grateful for the actions taken by the United States on that day, recognizing that God can use nations and their authorities as instruments to open paths of justice and order, even in complex processes. For the first time, we see actions carried out with clear objectives.How do you feel about America?For our family, the United States has been a nation of opportunity, order, and grace, where we have been able to rebuild our lives with dignity.We deeply value the freedom to openly share the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to congregate, disciple, and serve without fear. God gave us a new spiritual family at Grace Church, where we have received love, support, and spiritual guidance. We live with gratitude, aware that God works sovereignly through nations. The U.S. has become our new home.Where do you see God’s intervention, and what hope do you have for Venezuela?We are convinced that God has never abandoned Venezuela. Scripture affirms that He loves justice and hates violence (Isaiah 61:8). Even in the midst of the diaspora, God has raised up a remnant that prays and intercedes for profound change.We pray for a reconciled Venezuela, with restored institutions, renewed education, healthcare, and economy, and above all, hearts surrendered to Christ. We believe that God will fulfill His promises in His perfect timing.By faith, we await a free and restored Venezuela, surrendered to the King of kings and Lord of lords, Jesus Christ.<blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">Solimar’s testimony reflects a tremendous amount of faith in the providence of God, attests to God’s continued blessing upon the United States, and reminds us all of the power of prayer. As followers of Christ, we are called to 'pray without ceasing (1 Thess 5:17).' Let us continue to specifically pray for God to move powerfully across our great nation, within Venezuela, and, for that matter, throughout all the nations of the world.</blockquote>

Faith Forged in Exile: A Venezuelan Testimony of Hope

<h1 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4" dir="ltr">In a world obsessed with platforms, applause, and public personalities</h1>there is an urgent call for leaders who know the value of the hidden place. It is in the unseen and often uncelebrated spaces where God shapes vessels who can carry His presence with integrity.<blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">Long before the spotlight ever reveals a leader, the Spirit has already done His most essential work in the shadows.</blockquote>We live in a culture that measures influence by visibility, but Heaven measures influence by faithfulness.There is a profound truth woven throughout Scripture: God forms His champions in secret before He uses them in public. The hidden place has always been God’s training ground for those He entrusts with spiritual authority, character, and legacy.<h2 class="text-xl font-bold mb-3" dir="ltr">The Hidden Place: Where Roots Grow Deep</h2>Cheshvan—the only month on the Hebrew calendar with no festivals—reminds us that not every season is filled with celebration. Some seasons are quiet, slow, and seemingly uneventful. Yet these are often the seasons where the deepest work of God takes place.In the hidden place:<ul class="list-disc list-inside mb-2"><li value="1" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">Elijah heard the whisper of God that he missed in the whirlwind.</li><li value="2" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">David learned courage in caves before facing giants in the valley.</li><li value="3" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">Joseph grew in wisdom in a prison before governing in a palace.</li><li value="4" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">Jesus lived nearly thirty years in obscurity before three years of public ministry that changed the world.</li></ul>We want the platform, but God wants to give us deeper roots. We look for progress, but God looks for our posture. We long for influence, but God longs for intimacy. Hiddenness is not a detour. It is an invitation.It is where God refines motives, purifies desires, and develops the kind of leadership that cannot be corrupted by applause or destroyed by adversity.<h2 class="text-xl font-bold mb-3" dir="ltr">The Secret Work That Shapes Public Legacy</h2>The world rewards what is visible. Heaven rewards what is faithful. We do not leave a lasting legacy because of what people see us do on a stage. We leave a legacy because of the consistency of our walk with God when no one else was watching:<ul class="list-disc list-inside mb-2"><li value="1" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">The quiet prayers</li><li value="2" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">The tear-stained intercessions</li><li value="3" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">The small acts of obedience</li><li value="4" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">The battles fought in private</li><li value="5" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">The private “yes” that precedes every public breakthrough</li></ul>These become the foundation for enduring impact. As Jesus taught, “Your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.” Hidden obedience always leads to visible legacy—not necessarily in earthly accolades, but in eternal fruit that remains.<h2 class="text-xl font-bold mb-3" dir="ltr">Kislev: Rededication and the Rekindling of Light</h2>In the month of Kislev, the Maccabees rededicated the Temple after it had been defiled. They did not wait for perfect conditions or abundant resources. They offered what little oil they had—and God multiplied it. Every generation needs a remnant that will rededicate the altars of authentic worship, cleanse the compromises, and rekindle the flame.A life that carries the light of God into darkness is not one that is suddenly thrust into greatness; it is one that has been purified, refined, and surrendered in the hidden place.Before our lives can shine with God’s light into the darkness, they must become temples dedicated to the glory of God alone.<h2 class="text-xl font-bold mb-3" dir="ltr">Shining With the Light of Eternity</h2>The legacy we leave must be measured not in temporary influence but in eternal significance. Too many leaders burn brightly for a moment but leave nothing that lasts beyond a generation.A true legacy is not what we build for ourselves but…<ul class="list-disc list-inside mb-2"><li value="1" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">It is what we invest into others.</li><li value="2" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">It is what points beyond us to Christ.</li><li value="3" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">It is what continues after we are gone.</li><li value="4" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">It is what Heaven records long after earth forgets our name.</li></ul>The apostle Paul lived with this resolve and focus: “I do not run aimlessly.” (1 Cor. 9:26) He lived and led by example with eternity etched on his heart.We are not called to chase platforms. We are called to carry His presence.We are not called to build personal kingdoms. We are called to advance His Kingdom.We are not called to temporary impact. We are called to eternal legacy.<blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">Leonard Ravenhill used to say and write to me, 'My dear brother Doug, Let others live on the raw or cutting edge…you and I should live on the edge of eternity.'</blockquote>May we, too, run in such a way that our lives shine with the light of eternity.

The Hidden Place to Leaving a Legacy

This time of the year, as we celebrate our Prince of Peace in a season that should be marked by peace, we often find ourselves surrounded by chaos. We sing, “it’s the most wonderful time of the year,” but if we’re honest, it often feels like the busiest time of the year.We have a lot on our plates… between schedules, expectations, church activities, cooking, parenting, serving, decorating, Christmas parties, shopping, school events, end of year goals at work, wrapping gifts, holiday traditions, traveling, other festivities, and the pressure of holding everything together.Sometimes, the Christmas season feels overwhelming rather than peaceful. Sometimes, we just need a moment to breathe. Because Christmas was never meant to be carried on our shoulders; it was meant to be carried in our heart. This season does not have to be perfect for you to find perfect peace.Finding peace during the busyness of the holidays is one thing, but what about discovering it beyond December? How do we find peace in the midst of difficult situations: a diagnosis, financial hardship, a rocky marriage, betrayal, job loss, broken relationships, a difficult decision to make, or the grief of losing someone we love?We all face challenging seasons in life. This is reality. Some seasons are short; others last much longer. And sometimes seasons linger, leaving behind the remains of a difficult situation. So, how do we find peace when life feels hard, unknown, and heavy?We have all walked through tough times. Some of us may be going through a challenging time right now. Some struggles you’ve shared with others, and some you’ve carried alone, hidden from the world. Yet they remain very real in your life.I know it’s not easy, but thankfully, with God we can experience peace even in difficult times. Peace is not dependent on, nor limited to, any particular season of life. Peace came with the Son of God, wrapped in humanity and laid in a manger.<blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">Luke 2:14 says, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace…' Peace arrived with Jesus. But Jesus just didn’t bring peace… Jesus is peace. And the peace Jesus gives isn’t just seasonal, nor is it fragile. His peace is powerful and enduring. His Peace is EVERYTHING we need.</blockquote>Here are a few ways to receive and live in peace.Peace is a process.<blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">One of my favorite scriptures, and reminders of this truth, is found in Psalm 34:14, 'Seek peace and pursue it.' Peace is not something that simply happens by chance but a process and a continual part of life. It’s something we must intentionally seek and consistently work toward.</blockquote>In my life, I have dealt with fear, low self-esteem, worry, comparison, hurt, and other lies of the enemy that have tried to steal my peace. Through a lot of prayer over the years, I now find myself in a place of peace. And it is a much better place to be in. Even when life tries to creep in, I can work to get myself back to that place and stay there.I have found peace over fear for my kids and husband by fully placing them in God’s hands.I have found peace over worry knowing that God is in control and nothing is shocking to Him.I have found peace in knowing that I am good enough because I am God’s.I have found peace over comparison by being content with what God has blessed us with.When we take a moment to remember the ways we’ve experienced peace, two things become clear. First, we are living out at least one of the prayers we’ve prayed (though in reality, there are so many answered prayers). Second, the things we may take for granted are often the very things for which others are praying. When we stop and reflect on the blessings in our lives, it puts everything into perspective. This isn’t a cliché; it’s a posture of the heart. Peace takes time and effort, but it’s worth it. It’s not a feeling in a moment; it’s a way of life.Peace comes by surrendering control. When we surrender control of everything in our lives (our health, family, marriage, job, finances, the future), we are exchanging our worries for God’s peace.I heard a quote once that said, You can carry it or you can cast it, but you can’t do both. I love this.I am very careful to use the word anxiety when it comes to things I’ve dealt with because I know there are people who truly deal with anxiety on a much bigger scale, but I have had very anxious moments over the years.And I've realized that in those anxious times, I was trying to be God. I was trying to fix things that weren’t mine to fix, worry about things I didn’t need to worry about, change someone who wasn’t going to change. Rather than surrendering it to the Lord, I was trying to control it.We often think, at times, that we are powerful when we can control things, but the truth is there is power in releasing it.One of my other favorite scriptures is Psalms 4:8, which says, “I will both lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, LORD, make me live in safety.”The Lord is One who can carry it, we just have to let Him.Peace grows when you guard your heart, your mind, and your time. “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts…” -Colossians 3:15Peace requires intentional focus. Your heart, mind, and time will not be guarded without that intentional focus.The distractions you allow will never produce a peaceful heart. The key is what you choose to allow. When you intentionally guard your heart from what wounds it, your mind from what feeds negative thoughts, and your time from unnecessary interruptions, you position yourself to live in a much more peaceful place.<blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">Romans 12:2 says, 'Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.' Having a renewed mind is an amazing feeling.</blockquote>And Philippians 4:7 reminds us that “The peace of God… will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”So, guard your thoughts. Protect your heart. Fill your mind with His Word. Give yourself permission to rest. And be still.Peace comes when you release what you were never intended to carry. In life, we carry A LOT. And not just on the outside in all that we balance and do, but all the internal things we carry as well. But the peace of God doesn’t come from what you manage or what you carry. Peace comes from Who you walk with on this journey called life.Philippians 4:6–7 tells us peace comes through prayer—through the surrender of the things weighing on your heart.There is peace in admitting:“I can’t do everything.” “I need help.” “This is too hard for me to handle alone.” “I’m giving this to God.” “I’m not okay.”When your fists are clenched and you are trying to do it all, you are not in a position to receive that peace.Allow yourself to release what you were never meant to carry and welcome that perfect peace into your life that the Lord has ready for you.Peace isn’t just for you - it flows through you.When you have the peace of God in your life, people see it. In a world that is far from peaceful, living in and with peace can be one of the greatest parts of your testimony.In our humanity, we are incapable of finding peace in the hardest times of life. But with God, we can find it. And when you have the Peace of God on you and in you, you carry peace into situations that don’t have any.Jesus doesn’t just give you peace, He makes you an instrument of it. And when you lead someone else into a peaceful place, God settles peace deeper into you.Peace is yours not because life is easy, but because you are loved.Peace isn’t the absence of problems; it’s the presence of the One who holds all things together—including you and me.<blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">Jesus said, 'My peace I give to you; not as the world gives…' -John 14:27</blockquote>That’s exactly why we need Jesus. He offers something to us that nothing else and no one else can.Christmas reminds us that He stepped into a broken world because His love for you and me is relentless.Jesus sees every quiet sacrifice you make. Every tear you wipe. Every heartache you feel. Every worry you think about. Every responsibility you juggle. Every prayer whispered (or shouted) for your children, your spouse, your home, your ministry, your future.Jesus loves you and His love brings peace no circumstance can steal.At Christmas, we celebrate the wondrous truth of Isaiah 9:6, “For unto us a Child is born… and His name shall be called… the Prince of Peace.” The birth of Jesus brought light into a weary world and hope into restless hearts. His coming reminds us peace is not something we create on our own, it’s a gift God offers through His Son.In the middle of the shopping lists, to-do lists, school events, family plans, and the hundreds of invisible things you carry that no one else sees, my prayer is that the peace of God guards your heart in a way nothing else can.The world may demand more from you in December and in the seasons of life to come, but Jesus invites you to receive more from Him.Let’s carry the message of Christmas into our daily lives. God is near. Peace is here. And His love remains our greatest joy.So breathe…Slow down for a moment.Be at peace.Remember Who you belong to. Let His Word steady your mind, let His Spirit quiet the overwhelmed parts, and let His love define your peace.This Christmas (and beyond), may the Prince of Peace meet you in the ordinary moments of life and remind you of this:You are seen. You are loved. You are carried by God.And in addition to God being the Source of peace, He is faithful.

Finding Peace

LIGHT BREAKS INTO DARKNESS:During this season, something extraordinary happens. Around the world, people begin lighting candles, singing songs of expectation, and remembering the God who breaks into darkness with His light.Christians enter Advent, the four-week period leading up to Christmas—a season of expectation and preparation.Our Jewish brothers and sisters celebrate Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights—a reminder of God’s miraculous provision and His faithfulness through dark and difficult times.And all of us prepare our hearts for Christmas, the birth of Jesus—the true Light of the world.There has been a lot of discussion about what day of the year Jesus was actually born. The truth is, we may not know the exact day when He was born, but we do know that He was born, and He is the Light of the World! He is the Word who dwells among us.People around the world are celebrating, in some capacity, this Christmas season. That is why it’s important for us as the Church to reflect Christ when there’s so much attention on Christmas.While these celebrations may seem distinct, together they proclaim a single, unified message:The Light has come, the Light is coming, and the Light is still shining.And in the midst of a troubled world, the cry of God’s people remains the same:“Come, Lord Jesus.”ADVENT: THE SEASON OF EXPECTATION:The word Advent means “arrival” or “coming.” It is a season marked by the themes of hope, faith, joy, peace, and love. Advent looks back at Christ’s first coming as a baby in Bethlehem, but it also looks forward to His Second Coming as King of kings and Lord of lords.<blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">The dictionary defines Advent as 'the arrival of a notable person, thing, or event.' For Christians, Advent is the expectation of Christ Himself. John 1:1–5 teaches us:</blockquote>“In the beginning was the Word… In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.”Advent reminds us that the Light of all creation stepped into our world—into flesh, into time, into our darkness—to bring hope. But Advent is not merely sentimental. It is a declaration:<ul class="list-disc list-inside mb-2"><li value="1" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">Christ has come.</li><li value="2" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">Christ is with us.</li><li value="3" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">Christ is coming again.</li></ul>Just as ancient Israel waited in longing for the Messiah, we, too, wait for His return with a holy expectation.HANUKKAH: A TESTIMONY OF GOD’S LIGHT AND FAITHFULNESS:Around the same time as Advent, the Jewish community celebrates Hanukkah, an eight-day festival commemorating the rededication of the Temple after foreign oppression. When God’s people found only enough oil for one day, God performed a miracle—causing the light to burn for eight days.Hanukkah reminds us:<ul class="list-disc list-inside mb-2"><li value="1" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">God provides what seems impossible.</li><li value="2" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">God sustains us when our oil runs low.</li><li value="3" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">God calls us to rededicate ourselves to Him.</li></ul>The menorah candles proclaim the same message as Advent candles:<ul class="list-disc list-inside mb-2"><li value="1" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">God shines His light in darkness.</li><li value="2" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">God keeps His promises.</li><li value="3" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">God is faithful across generations.</li></ul>CHRISTMAS: THE WORD MADE FLESH:<blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">Christmas is the celebration of the greatest miracle of all—the incarnation. John 1:14 declares:</blockquote>“The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” God did not stay distant. He did not remain far away. He came near.<ul class="list-disc list-inside mb-2"><li value="1" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">He stepped into human history.</li><li value="2" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">He walked among the broken.</li><li value="3" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">He dwelt among His people.</li></ul>Christmas should remind us of the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promise: Immanuel—God with us. And He didn’t just come to visit; He came to redeem, restore, heal, and save.JESUS: THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD:<blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">One of the central themes tying Advent, Hanukkah, and Christmas together is light. Jesus said in John 8:12:</blockquote>“I am the light of the world.Whoever follows Me will not walk in darkness,but will have the light of life.”This is not metaphorical. It is a spiritual reality.<ul class="list-disc list-inside mb-2"><li value="1" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">His light brings life.</li><li value="2" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">His light brings clarity.</li><li value="3" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">His light exposes deception.</li><li value="4" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">His light overcomes darkness.</li></ul><blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">1 John 1:5 declares: 'God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all.' Not only did Jesus bring light to us—He now shines through us.</blockquote>CHRIST IN US: WE CARRY THE LIGHT:<blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">Jesus said in Matthew 5:14–16:</blockquote>“You are the light of the world…Let your light so shine before men,that they may see your good worksand glorify your Father in heaven.”This means:<ul class="list-disc list-inside mb-2"><li value="1" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">The light God placed in you is meant to be seen.</li><li value="2" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">Your faith, your peace, your joy, your hope—these are testimonies in a dark world.</li><li value="3" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">Even a small light in a dark room transforms the atmosphere.</li></ul>This season, many people are discouraged or feeling alone. You might be the only light someone sees. Your presence, your encouragement, your generosity, your prayers—these become candles of hope in someone else’s night. As my friend Alan Splawn says, Advent reminds us of “His essential presence with periodic blessings of His manifest presence made conscious to us in unique and wonderful ways.”CHRIST WILL COME AGAIN: OUR BLESSED HOPE:Advent not only points to the past—it points forward to the glorious future. Jesus promised, “I will come again.” The early church lived in constant expectation of Christ’s return. Every generation of believers has echoed that longing. And today, in a world filled with unrest, conflict, and uncertainty, our hearts cry again:“Come, Lord Jesus.”Revelation 22:20 ends the entire Bible with these words: “He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming soon.’Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!”This is not wishful thinking. It is our blessed hope.Christ will return.He will judge wickedness.He will restore creation.He will wipe every tear.He will reign forever.And until that day, we shine His light.LET YOUR LIGHT SO SHINE:How do we carry the light of Christ this season?<ol class="list-decimal list-inside mb-2"><li value="1" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">Shine Spiritually. Stay in the Word. Walk in holiness. Seek His presence.</li><li value="2" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">Shine Relationally. Reach out to someone who is hurting. Forgive. Encourage. Reconcile.</li><li value="3" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">Shine Generously. Bless someone in need. Support missions. Give sacrificially.</li><li value="4" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">Shine Prayerfully. Pray for revival, for families, for healing, for our nation.</li><li value="5" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">Shine Publicly. Don’t hide your faith. Let your actions point people to Jesus.</li></ol>Even a small flame can change a dark room. Even one obedient believer can change an entire family line. Even one prayer can shift an atmosphere.THE LIGHT HAS COME — COME, LORD JESUS:As we celebrate Advent… as our Jewish brothers and sisters celebrate Hanukkah…as we prepare our hearts for Christmas… Let us remember:<ul class="list-disc list-inside mb-2"><li value="1" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">The Light has come.</li><li value="2" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">The Light is with us.</li><li value="3" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">The Light will come again.</li></ul>This season, let our hearts echo the cry of the Church through the centuries: “Come, Lord Jesus.”Come into our families.Come into our communities.Come into our nation.Come into our hearts again.And come in Your glory to make all things new.The Light has come, and the darkness cannot overcome it. And to that let’s say, “Amen!”

Advent – Hanukkah – Christmas: The Light Has Come, Come Lord Jesus!

<h1 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4" dir="ltr">Christmas is filled with expectations.</h1>During this time of the year we expect to be surrounded by the smells, sounds, and sights of the season. Of course, there’s variety regarding these Christmas features. There are, however, a few staples most would expect:<ul class="list-disc list-inside mb-2"><li value="1" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">The scent of pine needles, hot apple cider, and freshly baked gingerbread cookies…</li><li value="2" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">Christmas music sung or played in church, at the local mall, or by caroling neighbors…</li><li value="3" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">Bright lights, glittering tinsel, “stockings hung by the chimney with care,” and presents under the tree…</li></ul>Seeing the expressions on my children’s faces as they unwrap their presents is what I enjoy seeing. But I especially love reading the story of Jesus’ birth to my children and, then, unwrapping it with them.Unwrapping the account of the birth of Christ is a joyful and fascinating thing to do. Matthew tells us in chapter 1 that Mary is pregnant. She’s an unwed virgin who is supernaturally with child. Mary’s carrying a baby boy, a son, within her womb. But He’s not just any baby boy, and not just anybody’s son. This baby boy, this son, is different.<blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">This baby was there 'In the beginning… (Genesis 1).' This baby created all things and holds all of things together (John 1; Colossians 1). This baby is God in flesh (John 1:14) and 'God with us, Emmanuel (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23).' This baby makes stars move, angels sing, and kings kneel.</blockquote>As Christians, we believe what Matthew is telling us is true: that this baby boy was developing and forming and growing within Mary’s womb. In Matthew 1, Mary is expecting to give birth to a boy who is the one and only Son of God.And when we more fully unwrap Matthew’s account of Jesus’ birth, we can see Mary’s not the only one expecting. God is expecting as well (obviously not in the same sense as Mary). Mary is expecting to deliver. She’s anticipating giving birth. In a different sense, though, God is expecting.God is expecting Mary to raise, nurture, protect, and mother the Son of God. God is expecting Joseph to do the right, honorable thing and protect Mary’s character and reputation. God is expecting the Angel of the Lord to deliver a clear, concise message to Joseph through a dream, while conveying peace and confidence to him in the process. God is expecting Joseph, then, to embrace the truth of this angelic message and the Truth growing within Mary. God is also expecting Joseph to follow His directions and name this baby boy, Jesus. God’s expecting people like Matthew to recognize that the birth of Jesus fulfills the divine prophecy of Isaiah 7:14, which means, God is expecting Matthew to record all Jesus spoke and did to demonstrate the reality that Jesus really is, “Immanuel, God with us!” And God is expecting Jesus to “save His people from their sins (Matthew 1:21).”So, Mary’s not the only one expecting in this account. God is expecting too. God is expectant. And the more we explore the bible and unwrap the divine accounts and messages within it, the more we will discover that God has always been expectant.<h2 class="text-xl font-bold mb-3" dir="ltr">In the Old Testament, God told:</h2><ul class="list-disc list-inside mb-2"><li value="1" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">Adam not to eat from the tree of life…</li><li value="2" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">Noah to build an ark to save his family…</li><li value="3" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">Abraham to leave his land for the blessings and promises of another…</li><li value="4" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">Jacob to stay in Bethel and worship there…</li><li value="5" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">Moses to tell Pharaoh, “Let my people go!”...</li><li value="6" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">Joshua to March around Jericho for seven days…</li><li value="7" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">David to kill Goliath and defeat the Philistines…</li><li value="8" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">Isaiah to deliver messages to kings…</li><li value="9" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">Kings to follow His laws…</li><li value="10" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">And Israel to worship Him alone…</li></ul>And when God told Adam to refrain, Noah to build, Abraham to go, Jacob to stay, Moses to tell, Joshua to march, Isaiah to deliver, kings to submit and His people to put God first in everything they did, God expected them all to… obey. God expected obedience.And what gives God the right to expect obedience from anyone, at any time?The answer is simple: God is sovereign.The sovereignty of God stands at the very center of the Old Testament, and nothing changes when we look to the New Testament. God is still sovereign, still giving commands, and still expecting obedience. The difference is this: in the New Testament, the One issuing those commands and calling for our obedience is the Son of God. The Expectant One is Jesus Christ, the newborn King we sing about at Christmas.Jesus is expecting us (those who love him), as he says in John 14:15, to keep His commandments… and there are many. If you want a refresher course on His many expectations, turn to the Gospels. If you’d like Jesus’ top two, flip to Matthew 22:37-39:<blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’</blockquote>So, how do we do this? How do we love God with all we are and love others as ourselves?Now, that’s a question worth unwrapping. It’s also a question we should expect to ask ourselves throughout the year, not just at Christmas.

Christmas Expectations

<h1 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4" dir="ltr">The First Thanksgiving</h1>As Americans, it is important that we give thanks to God for His abundance of mercy and grace in our lives and upon our land. It is also pertinent to thank Him for the rich history we have, including that which surrounds the first Thanksgiving.<h2 class="text-xl font-bold mb-3" dir="ltr">The First Thanksgiving</h2>On November 21, 1620, the Pilgrims signed the Mayflower Compact and began their Plymouth Colony. Of the 102 Pilgrims, only 51 survived till Spring. At one point, only a half dozen were healthy enough to care for the rest.In the Spring of 1621, the Indian Squanto came among them, and showed them how to catch fish, plant corn, trap beaver, and was their interpreter with the other Indian tribes. Governor William Bradford described Squanto as: <blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">A special instrument sent of God for their good beyond their expectation.</blockquote>Bradford added: <blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">The settlers ... began to plant their corn, in which service Squanto stood them in good stead, showing them how to plant it and cultivate it. He also told them that unless they got fish to manure this exhausted old soil, it would come to nothing … In the middle of April plenty of fish would come up the brook ... and he taught them how to catch it.</blockquote><h2 class="text-xl font-bold mb-3" dir="ltr">The 1621 Harvest Celebration</h2>Pilgrim Edward Winslow recorded in Mourt's Relation that in the Fall of 1621: <blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">God be praised we had a good increase … Our harvest being gotten in, our governor sent four men on fowling, that so we might after a special manner rejoice together after we had gathered the fruit of our labors. They four in one day killed as much fowl as, with a little help beside, served the company almost a week... At which time, amongst other recreations, we exercised our arms, many of the Indians coming amongst us, and among the rest their greatest king Massasoit, with some ninety men, whom for three days we entertained and feasted, and they went out and killed five deer, which they brought to the plantation and bestowed on our Governor, and upon the Captain and others... By the goodness of God, we are so far from want, that we often wish you partakers of our plenty.</blockquote>Bradford described the same event:<blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">And besides waterfowl there was great store of wild turkeys, of which they took many, besides venison, etc. Besides, they had about a peck a meal a week to a person, or now since harvest, Indian corn to that proportion.</blockquote><h2 class="text-xl font-bold mb-3" dir="ltr">Thanksgiving Traditions in Holland</h2>The idea of a Fall day of thanksgiving may have come to the Pilgrims after they moved to Leiden, Holland, in 1609. Dutch citizens there annually gave thanks to God for William of Orange, in 1574, ending the Spanish Furies.Historian Jeremy Dupertuis Bangs, Ph.D., documented that Jan Orlers, a friend of Pilgrim elder William Brewster, wrote of Leiden’s annual Thanksgiving: <blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">Every year throughout the city a General Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving … held and celebrated on the Third of October, to thank and praise God Almighty that he so mercifully had saved the city from her enemies.</blockquote>Leiden also had a community of persecuted Jews. Pilgrims would have observed the annual Jewish Feast of Tabernacles, Sukkot, in September–October. Pilgrims identified with the Israelites fleeing Pharaoh, seeing themselves as fleeing the English king in search of their promised land.<h2 class="text-xl font-bold mb-3" dir="ltr">The Hebrew Influence</h2>The Hebrew Republic (Israel’s self-government for 400 years) deeply influenced Puritan and Pilgrim views of liberty. Protestant scholars who studied the Hebrew Republic were called Christian Hebraists. When Harvard and Yale were founded, Hebrew was taught at both.Bangs explained: <blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">Our knowledge of the 1621 Thanksgiving comes from Winslow and Bradford. Winslow’s choice of words ... implies that the Pilgrims gave thanks to God for their preservation and for the plenty that gave hope for the future … It is a history with potent symbolism.</blockquote>He added that Winslow’s language alluded to John 4:36 and Psalm 33: <blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">And he that reapeth, receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal, that both he that soweth, and he that reapeth, might rejoice together.</blockquote><h2 class="text-xl font-bold mb-3" dir="ltr">The Hard Winter and the Second Thanksgiving</h2>On November 9, 1621, thirty-seven new Pilgrims arrived on the Fortune. They brought no food or supplies, causing a second “starving time,” with rations as low as five kernels of corn per day.The Pilgrims attempted to repay their creditors by sending 500 pounds of furs on the Fortune, but the ship was captured by French pirates. In 1622, Chief Massasoit became ill. Edward Winslow visited and doctored him, and he recovered—preserving a peace that lasted more than 50 years.In 1623, a drought struck. Winslow recorded in Chronicles of the Pilgrims: <blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">Drought and the like considerations moved ... every good man ... to humiliation before Him ... to humble ourselves together before the Lord by Fasting and Prayer.</blockquote>Their pattern was: After their fast, Bradford wrote: <blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">Afterwards the Lord sent them such seasonable showers ... caused a fruitful and liberal harvest, to their no small comfort and rejoicing... Instead of famine now God gave them plenty, for which they blessed God.</blockquote><h2 class="text-xl font-bold mb-3" dir="ltr">Later Thanksgiving Proclamations</h2>Charlestown, Massachusetts (June 20, 1676): <blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">The Council has thought to appoint ... a day of solemn Thanksgiving and praise to God … that being persuaded by the mercies of God we may all ... offer up our bodies and souls as a living and acceptable Service unto God by Jesus Christ.</blockquote><h2 class="text-xl font-bold mb-3" dir="ltr">Benjamin Franklin’s Reflection</h2>Ben Franklin wrote in The Completed Autobiography: <blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">The first settlers met with many difficulties ... Being piously disposed, they sought relief from heaven by ... fasting and prayer... At length ... a farmer of plain sense ... thought it would be more becoming ... if instead of a fast they should proclaim a thanksgiving.</blockquote>His advice was taken ... and from that day to this ... they have in every year observed circumstances of public felicity sufficient to furnish employment for a Thanksgiving Day.<h2 class="text-xl font-bold mb-3" dir="ltr">Thanksgiving Day… Everyday</h2>Thanksgiving and American history go hand-in-hand. As Christians, called to be salt in light in this world and in our nation, we must lead in of gratitude, giving thanks to God for all He has done for us and for our nation. And our example of gratitude must be evident throughout the year. Thanksgiving Day is special, for sure, but for followers of Christ, everyday ought to be a day of thanksgiving.

The Pilgrims and the First Thanksgiving

The Church has a biblical mandate to engage in the political and governmental affairs of this world in an obedient and faithful manner.

There are, undoubtedly, many reasons for Christians to get involved in politics. Over the years we’ve become well acquainted with a few such as: the absence, or lack of, 

... an increase in taxes, unnecessary bureaucracy, or government waste… the existence of bad policies and the need for better legislation.

These are certainly legitimate catalysts for Christians to become engaged in politics but they really are peripheral in comparison to the primary reason: 

God’s Word provides us with many directives regarding His desire for us to actively impact and influence governance with the values of the Kingdom. Additionally, His Word provides plenty of examples for how we are to be His hands and feet, salt and light, agents and ambassadors of the Kingdom of God in every realm on earth, particularly the political arena.

Here are just a few biblical examples of how God's people engaged and influenced governance:

The Biblical narrative clearly demonstrates God's expectation for the Church to impact governance, not for the purpose of establishing a theocracy, but to transform the hearts and minds of those whom God has placed, or has allowed to be, in positions of authority…

Getting involved in this way isn’t becoming political. It is being biblical. God demands we call on those who govern to live out the words of Micah 6:8, 

“to act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God”

“we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness (1 Tim 2:2).”

Unfortunately, many Christians do not embrace this biblical mandate because they have accepted the false dichotomy in this country regarding the separation of Church and State.

There should be a separation of sorts, both God’s Word and American history attest to this. However, it’s not the sort of separation that kicks the Church to the periphery, regulating the Church to the sidelines and silencing the Church’s voice. Although there should be institutional separation between Church and State, there must never be influential separation. In fact, the Church’s influence and impact upon the State should be both strategic and significant.

How are you bringing God’s Kingdom to earth as it is in Heaven?

How are you impacting the political with the biblical, with the truth and the values of the Kingdom?

How are you fulfilling the Great Commission and the Biblical Mandate, evident throughout God’s Word?

The leaders and rulers of this World desperately need the light of Christ. He’s sending you to light them up.

The Biblical Mandate

<h1 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4" dir="ltr">God owns everything, and we own nothing.</h1>This is the first principle of stewardship.God’s Word is very clear on this. Here are a few powerful verses that speak to this reality:<blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">'All the earth is Mine.' — Exodus 19:5'Behold, to the LORD your God belong heaven and the highest heavens, the earth and all that is in it.' — Deuteronomy 10:14'Whatever is under the whole heaven is Mine.' — Job 41:11'Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?' — 1 Corinthians 6:19'You were bought with a price.' — 1 Corinthians 7:23'The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.' — Psalm 24:1</blockquote>We came into this world with nothing, and we will leave it with nothing. Paul tells us this in 1 Timothy 6:7, “We have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either.” Everything we have is on loan to us from God. We are simply God’s stewards.As stewards of God’s creation, we must recognize that everything belongs to God, including our bodies, which Christ purchased with His blood.Regarding material possessions, God allows us to manage and use these assets rightly. Additionally, God gives us life, free will, time, skills, abilities, talents, spiritual gifts, and opportunities to do the good works He prepared for us before the foundation of the world.In a nutshell, all we have has been given to us as a result of the grace of God and should be employed for good and for the glory of God.<blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">Paul affirms this in Ephesians 2:8–10, 'For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God—not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.'</blockquote>When God placed Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, He made humanity stewards over all His creation on earth. Genesis 1:28 says, “And God blessed them. And God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.’”As stewards, we are accountable to God for the way we manage His creation and obey His commands. As God’s image-bearers and stewards over His creation, He calls us to represent Him with the same love, grace, mercy, generosity, and goodness that He shows us.<blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">Titus 1:7–8 states, 'For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined.'</blockquote>As stewards, we will give an account at the Bema Seat of Christ for what we did with the resources, gifts, skills, abilities, and opportunities He entrusted to us.God desires for us to steward what is in accordance with His will and in alignment with His character. And, He intends to reward faithful servants who steward His resources well. This is evident in the Parable of the Ten Minas (Luke 19:12–19):<blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">A nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and then return. Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten minas and said, 'Engage in business until I come.' … When he returned, having received the kingdom, he ordered those servants to whom he had given the money to be called to him, that he might know what they had gained by doing business. The first came before him, saying, 'Lord, your mina has made ten minas more.' And he said to him, 'Well done, good servant! Because you have been faithful in a very little, you shall have authority over ten cities.' The second came, saying, 'Lord, your mina has made five minas.' And he said to him, 'And you are to be over five cities.'</blockquote>Experience shows us God blesses some people with more resources and gifts than others, but He expects more from those who have been given more. Luke 12:48 says, “… Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.”The Bible even warns that those blessed with the ability to teach will be held to a higher standard. James 3:1 states, “Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.”For those who feel they have very little, take heart in the Parable of the Poor Widow:<blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. And He called His disciples to Him and said to them, ‘Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had—all she had to live on.’ Mark 12:42–44</blockquote>This woman shows us that generosity is the goal, humility is the key, and faith that “little is much when God is in it” is important.Furthermore, God warns us not to assume that our power and abilities create wealth. Deuteronomy 8:17–18 cautions, “Beware lest you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth.’ You shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth…”When we fail to recognize that everything on earth belongs to God, that what we do have is the result of His grace, and that He has made us stewards of His possessions, we fall into a trap that breeds evil, greed, covetousness, and the love of money.<blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">1 Timothy 6:10 reminds us, 'For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.' Luke 16:13 adds, 'No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.'</blockquote>In conclusion, as people entrusted with Divine resources, we must constantly remind ourselves and teach others these realities:God owns everything; we are simply His stewards.Everything we have (our time, talents, and resources) is entrusted to us for His glory and for the edification of the Kingdom.Money can become either a tool or a tyrant in our lives.When we do see all that God has given us—our money, abilities, and opportunities— as tools to advance His Kingdom and glorify His name, we will also discover this truth:If we are faithful with a little, God will give us greater opportunities. John FederJohn is a husband, father, grandfather and a retired Exxon Mobile petroleum engineer. He is also an active member of Grace Woodlands church and currently sits on the Montgomery County Eagle Forum Board of Directors, serving faithfully as the prayer coordinator.

God Owns Everything 

The influence of women in America can well be the secret in winning the battle against the culture of the day that is attacking our children and destroying the biblical and moral foundation of the family, as established by the Creator.It takes a woman to influence her children and husband with the truth, wisdom, and discernment she carries to keep her home strong against the attacks of the enemy that is trying to break her family apart. When a woman stands strong for her nation and speaks boldly according to the Word of God, she will inspire the men of that nation to fight the battle for truth and freedom.One of those examples is Deborah who was called by God to serve in judging the nation of Israel in a time where the faith of God’s people depended on the presence of a judge who upheld God’s law. When there was no judge, there was no law… and without law and order the nation would fall into depravity, sin, and lawlessness.<blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, was judging Israel at that time. And she would sit under the palm tree of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the mountains of Ephraim. And the children of Israel came up to her for judgment. Then she sent and called for Barak the son of Abinoam from Kedesh in Naphtali, and said to him, 'Has not the Lord God of Israel commanded, ‘Go and deploy troops at Mount Tabor; take with you ten thousand men of the sons of Naphtali and of the sons of Zebulun; and against you I will deploy Sisera, the commander of Jabin’s army, with his chariots and his multitude at the River Kishon; and I will deliver him into your hand’?' And Barak said to her, 'If you will go with me, then I will go; but if you will not go with me, I will not go!' So she said, 'I will surely go with you; nevertheless there will be no glory for you in the journey you are taking, for the Lord will sell Sisera into the hand of a woman.' Then Deborah arose and went with Barak to Kedesh. – Judges 4:4-9</blockquote>As the story unfolds a great victory came to the nation because of the influence of Deborah to persuade, and call, Barak to obey God’s instruction to defeat Sisera the captain of the army that was oppressing Israel under King Jabin of the Canaanites. The influence of Deborah changed the atmosphere of an entire nation from captivity to complete freedom and restoration. Her influence came as a result of her deep relationship with God. Deborah knew what God had told Barak and she reminded him of the promise of victory over the enemy.Influence is best defined as the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, and behavior of others. Influence can impact an entire household, a community, and a nation.The influence of Deborah was so powerful that a warrior like Barak would not go unless she went with him (see verse 8).However the next statement by Deborah is even more powerful and prophetic as she mentions the defeat of Sisera in the hand of a woman. That other woman was Jael:<blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">Then Jael, Heber’s wife, took a nail of the tent, and took a hammer in her hand, and went softly unto him, and smote the nail into his temples, and fastened it into the ground: for he was fast asleep and weary. So he died. And, behold, as Barak pursued Sisera, Jael came out to meet him, and said unto him, Come, and I will shew thee the man whom thou seekest. And when he came into her tent, behold, Sisera lay dead, and the nail was in his temples. So God subdued on that day Jabin the king of Canaan before the children of Israel. – Judges 4:21-23</blockquote>An entire nation began to prosper after this great victory at the hand of a woman. We find some interesting conclusions about Deborah. This is also a calling for the Deborahs and Jaels in America to do the same for our country.God is calling the Deborahs and Jaels in America to:<ul class="list-disc list-inside mb-2"><li value="1" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">Call upon the men in our nation, reminding them to stand up and serve God in total obedience to His Word.</li><li value="2" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">Inspire others as they run to the battlefield, boldly and courageously standing firm in their faith and values.</li><li value="3" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">Hold the hammers of justice and strength with the nails of truth, that they may defeat this culture of bondage and immorality within our nation.</li><li value="4" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">Lead this nation from sorrow and mourning to a new song of praise and victory, as Judges 5 records, through the victory song of praise sung by Deborah and Barak.</li></ul>Women of God in America…It is time for us to rise.It's time for us to stand strong and speak truth with courage and discernment.It’s time for us to leverage our influence and remind this nation that we are one nation under God.It’s time for us to raise up a new generation of godly influencers in America.It’s time for the modern day Deborahs and Jaels of this nation to be heard.

Women of Influence

What does it reveal about a society when it begins to devalue human life—even celebrating the harm or murder of those it disagrees with? We are living in a time when anger and hatred are normalized, even glamorized. Jesus tells us that hatred itself is the seed of murder (Matthew 5:21–22).There is a spirit of death at work in our culture. It’s the same spirit we see throughout history—the spirit that animated Pharaoh, Herod, Jezebel, and Haman in the days of Esther. It is the same demonic force that has always sought to destroy life, silence truth, and extinguish the voices of righteousness.<h2 class="text-xl font-bold mb-3" dir="ltr">The Spirit of Death: Then and Now:</h2>Haman devised a decree of death against the Jews in Esther’s time, plotting genocide against God’s people. Yet God raised up Esther, a young woman who, at great personal risk, confronted the powers of darkness with courageous faith.Jezebel sought to kill Elijah after his confrontation with the prophets of Baal, attempting to silence the prophetic voice.Pharaoh ordered the slaughter of Hebrew boys to stop Moses, the deliverer.Herod massacred Bethlehem’s infants in an attempt to kill the Messiah.<blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">These were not just historical incidents; they were coordinated spiritual attacks designed to silence the messengers of God before they could fulfill their call.</blockquote>Today, the same spirit manifests in our society—through cultural hostility, systemic compromise, and spiritual deception. Whether through legislation, propaganda, or the intimidation of “cancel culture,” the enemy still seeks to shut down those who carry the Word of the Lord.<h2 class="text-xl font-bold mb-3" dir="ltr">We need a generation of modern day righteous and courageous voices:</h2>Forerunners in an Age of Compromise:Like Elijah, they will not shrink back in the face of corruption.Like Esther, they will risk their lives to stand for truth and God’s people.Like Daniel, they will walk in integrity in a hostile culture.Like John the Baptist, they will be voices crying in the wilderness, preparing the way of the Lord.<blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">Throughout history, unrighteousness has always sought to kill the voice of righteousness. But in every generation, God raises up those who will not bow—those who speak truth in love and carry His standard in a world that has lost its way.</blockquote><h2 class="text-xl font-bold mb-3" dir="ltr">Truth in Love: Balanced Boldness:</h2>We are in a battle for truth. A prevailing lie of our age is that truth is unloving. But grace without truth leads to compromise, and truth without grace leads to harshness. Jesus came “full of grace and truth” (John 1:14), and so must we.We must speak the truth in love, yes—but we must speak the truth nonetheless.<blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">Silence in the name of peace is not love; it is compromise. Love speaks truth even when it costs something. And truth spoken in love has the power to set people free (John 8:32).</blockquote><h2 class="text-xl font-bold mb-3" dir="ltr">Plumb Lines verses Swinging Pendulums:</h2>In Amos 7:7–8, God shows the prophet a plumb line, a divine standard of alignment. In every crooked generation, God raises up plumb line voices—men and women who reflect His character and refuse to bend to cultural trends.God is not looking for popularity; He’s looking for purity. He’s not impressed by charisma; He’s drawn to character.<blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">This generation doesn’t need more opinions. It needs prophetic clarity—voices that bring heaven’s perspective into a world drowning in confusion.</blockquote><h2 class="text-xl font-bold mb-3" dir="ltr">Consecration That Births Revival:</h2>Revival begins not on platforms but in consecrated hearts. God is calling us to live set apart—walking in holiness, faith, and love. Consecration births commitment, commitment births courageous action, and courageous action brings forth God’s purposes in our generation.We must reflect His character. The body of Christ must walk in faith, love, holiness, and self-control.<h2 class="text-xl font-bold mb-3" dir="ltr">A Call to This Generation:</h2>This is not the hour for passive Christianity. The spirit of death is active, but so is the Spirit of God. He is raising up a multi-generational company of Samuels, Esthers, Daniels, and Deborahs who will stand as forerunners, plumb lines, and prophetic messengers.It’s time for me, and it’s time for you. Get ready to birth a lasting revival that will change our world.The question is—will you be one of them?

Resisting the Spirit of Death: Forerunners in an Age of Compromise

<blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. – Philippians 1:21(NKJV)</blockquote>In just a few words, Paul describes his inner struggle… the deep longing to be present with the Lord, yet the awareness that his mission on earth, as an ambassador of Christ, was not yet finished.Paul penned this letter during his first Roman imprisonment. Unlike his second imprisonment, in a cold, dark dungeon, this bondange basically fell under the category of house arrest. Regardless of the form or fashion of Paul’s captivity (or, for that matter, his freedom), death was always a looming possibility since he unabashedly proclaimed the gospel of the One True King, Jesus Christ, in the shadow of the Roman Emperor.What an amazing example and inspiration for pastors today who commit to embrace the same devotion to Christ and the message of His Kingdom. Paul yearned for the day he would stand face-to-face with his Savior, but he was willing to suffer for the glory of God and for the advancement of the Gospel until he was called home.Our culture today is in dire need of pastors like the Apostle Paul… preachers and proclaimers of the Good News of Jesus Christ who burn with passion to do the will of God and usher in heaven to earth… ambassadors of the Kingdom who will bring the light and life of Christ into a dark and dying world… no matter the cost.Our world, and this nation, needs to see:<ul class="list-disc list-inside mb-2"><li value="1" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">Believers, especially in a day like today, who understand the power of Paul’s words, “to live is Christ,” recognizing that God has given us a window in time to experience a revival in the land and change the course of this nation.</li><li value="2" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">Believers who are completely obedient to our Savior’s words in Matthew 16:24, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.”</li><li value="3" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">Believers, living for Christ, who are embracing God’s call on their lives to radically impact the day, “for a time such as this.” (Esther 4:14).</li><li value="4" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">Believers who are brightly shining their light so that nonbelievers may also see our good works, hear the message of salvation, and surrender their lives to Christ for the “praise of His glory” (Ephesians 1;6, 1:12, 1;14).</li></ul>Additionally, our nation would greatly benefit from witnessing:<ul class="list-disc list-inside mb-2"><li value="1" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">Believers who are living out Paul's phrase, “to die is gain.” Christians who are living in light of the hope of eternal glory in all that they do, not recklessly, but fearlessly proclaiming Jesus as Lord without concern for repercussions or persecution.</li><li value="2" class="mb-1" dir="ltr">Believers who navigate the storms of life with confidence in Christ, demonstrating strong, preserving faith in this fact from Romans 8:39, “... nothing will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.”</li></ul>This world is full of those who hold and herald different ideologies, many that are, in fact, antithetical to the Word of God. Consider the lengths they go to express their agendas. In many cases, the people promoting these ideas demonstrate a greater commitment to their way of living than many believers to do ours… and we have the Truth on our side!It is time for the Church… for pastors and congregations to stand up and be strong. We have a life-changing, life-giving message to share. We have the keys to the Kingdom, the authorization of Christ himself, and the power of the Holy Spirit to turn this world upside down.What’s missing? A firm commitment to Philippians 1:21…<blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.</blockquote>May Paul’s attitude toward his service to Christ and his burden to reach the lost fall upon every disciple of Jesus Christ.May the same Power that raised Jesus from the dead fill and fuel every believer so we will walk boldly in our calling.May we be people who are eager and willing to proclaim these additional words from Paul in Romans 1:16,<blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">For I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.not to be ashamed of the Gospel, for it is the power of God unto salvation.</blockquote>Let today be the day we, as members of the Body of Christ, choose to live as Christ knowing, with absolute confidence, that when the appointed time comes for each of us to see Him face-to-face, it will truly be to our gain… beyond our imagination.

To Live is Christ

<h1 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4" dir="ltr">We love to talk about the promises of God.</h1>We sing about them. We declare them. We quote Jeremiah 29:11 and shout “Amen” when someone says, “God has a plan for your life.” But what do we do in the in-between? What happens when we’ve received a promise, but we’re stuck in the long, confusing space between “God said” and “it came to pass”? If you’ve ever felt like your life is full of prophetic words but void of fulfillment, you’re not alone. You’re not faithless. And you’re not forgotten. You’re in God’s process.<blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">Because the truth is, God is not just a promise giver—He’s a process God.</blockquote><h2 class="text-xl font-bold mb-3" dir="ltr">God Creates—But He Also Forms</h2>Romans 1:20 tells us that the invisible attributes of God can be clearly seen through what has been created. That means if you want to understand how God works, you have to study His creation. That’s how Paul starts unpacking the mystery: the invisible is revealed through the visible.Take Genesis, for instance. In chapter 1, God creates the heavens and the earth. But in chapter 2, something shifts: God begins to form. He forms man from the dust. He plants a garden. He shapes, establishes, and prepares things for fruitfulness.<blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">In Isaiah 45:18, God says: 'I did not create the earth in vain—I formed it to be inhabited.'</blockquote>He didn’t create it to be empty. He formed it to carry purpose. And that’s the same with you. God didn’t just create you—He’s forming you. He’s shaping your character, stretching your faith, maturing your gifts, and establishing your steps. The new creation happened in a moment—but formation? That takes time.<h2 class="text-xl font-bold mb-3" dir="ltr">The Process Is Not Punishment—It’s Preparation</h2>One of the most dangerous lies you can believe is that God is punishing you when He’s really preparing you.God creates you in grace—but He forms you through fire. The potter doesn’t stop at creating the clay; he keeps pressing, spinning, reshaping. That process isn’t evidence of rejection—it’s proof of investment. God takes time with what He values.<blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">Isaiah 43:1 makes this clear: 'Thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel…' Same person. Two names. Two identities. One is raw potential (Jacob), the other is royal destiny (Israel). God created Jacob—but He formed Israel.</blockquote><h2 class="text-xl font-bold mb-3" dir="ltr">Why the Process Hurts</h2>Sometimes we don’t resist God’s promises—we resist His timing. We want the fruit of the Spirit, but not the pruning. We want destiny, but we dread delay.The reason we struggle is because we often judge our lives by events rather than by process. We look at single moments—crisis, loss, failure—and we panic: This must not be God!<blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">But Romans 8:28 says: 'All things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose.'</blockquote>That word “work together” in the Greek literally means to cooperate. It’s as if all the pieces of your life have a staff meeting in heaven and say, “Alright, how are we going to help fulfill God’s purpose in this person’s life?” Even the pain. Even the delays. Even the betrayal.<h2 class="text-xl font-bold mb-3" dir="ltr">Don’t Let an Event Define Your Purpose</h2>Abraham is a perfect example. God promised him a son. But years passed—nothing happened. So Abraham did something. He and Sarah took matters into their own hands, and Ishmael was born. But that wasn’t God’s promise—it was man’s shortcut.And for 13 years after that, God went silent.It wasn’t until Abraham was 99 that God showed up and said: “I am El Shaddai—the God who is more than enough.”In other words: You tried to fix what only I can fulfill. You’re not disqualified, but you’ve delayed what I wanted to do.So here’s the principle: when you’re tempted to rush the process, remember that God hasn’t forgotten the promise.<h2 class="text-xl font-bold mb-3" dir="ltr">God Doesn’t Create in Vain</h2>In Isaiah 45, God makes it plain: He didn’t create the world in confusion. He didn’t form it empty. And He didn’t call you without purpose.He established the earth. That Hebrew word means “to assign destiny.” God gives shape, order, identity, and composition to everything He makes. You were born with design. You were saved with intent. You’ve been formed for fruitfulness.Don’t waste your life trying to walk in someone else’s calling. Embrace the composition God gave you. That includes your temperament, your talents, your testimony, and yes—even your trials.<h2 class="text-xl font-bold mb-3" dir="ltr">When God Hides… Keep Walking</h2><blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">Isaiah 45:15 says, 'Truly You are a God who hides Yourself, O God of Israel, the Savior.'</blockquote>There will be seasons where you can’t see God’s hand. But you still have His word.God speaks righteousness. He doesn’t mumble. He doesn’t manipulate. He declares truth—even when it’s hidden behind process. He hasn’t forgotten what He told you. He’s shaping you to carry it.<h2 class="text-xl font-bold mb-3" dir="ltr">Watch What You Do in the Waiting</h2>The biggest temptation in process is to do something—anything. We hate the silence. We hate the fog. So we start grabbing for control. We start murmuring. We start compromising.But murmuring is the language of unbelief.Praise is the language of faith.And patience is the proof of faith.Let me say that again: patience is not weakness. It’s faith under pressure. It’s worship in the wilderness. It’s trusting that God hasn’t changed His mind just because the timeline isn’t what you expected.<h2 class="text-xl font-bold mb-3" dir="ltr">From Cyrus to Christ</h2>Isaiah 45 prophesied about a Persian king named Cyrus—120 years before he was even born. And when Cyrus finally rose to power, he fulfilled every single word God had spoken. He broke open the gates of Babylon. He freed the captives. He ordered the rebuilding of the temple. And he did it not knowing that his story was already written in the scroll of the prophets.That’s how precise God is.And that same Cyrus-built temple? That’s the one Jesus walked into centuries later.What started as captivity ended in Kingdom.<h2 class="text-xl font-bold mb-3" dir="ltr">Final Thought</h2>If you’re in the middle of your process, don’t despise it.You may not see the fruit yet. You may not understand the timeline. But the Potter never wastes the clay. If He created you, He will form you. If He formed you, He will make you fruitful. If He made you fruitful, He will establish you.God doesn’t create in vain. He creates to be inhabited. By purpose. By fruit. By glory. By Himself.And if you hold on—if you trust the process—what He promised WILL come to pass.

Embracing God's Process: When the Promise Is in Progress

<blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way. 1 Corinthians 12:27-31 (NKJV)</blockquote><blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">And now abide faith, hope, and love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13 (NKJV)</blockquote>If we take the time to read 1 Corinthians 12:27-13:13, we will realize that the apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of love within the body of Christ and highlights the diversity of roles among believers, reminding us that love is essential above all spiritual gifts.In this series of Bible verses, Paul discusses the diverse roles within the Church, emphasizing that all believers are integral parts of the body of Christ. He stresses that while spiritual gifts are important, love is paramount, stating that, without love, even the greatest gifts and sacrifices are meaningless. Paul outlines the nature of love as patient, kind, and enduring, concluding that faith, hope, and love remain, but the greatest of these is love.Each one of us has a particular place in the Church. Even knowing this, many Christians confront the problem of lack of identity. This causes them to live a life of frustration and to be unsatisfied. We should know and understand that each one has been redeemed and has a special place in the body of Christ. It is our duty to discover which is our place and learn how to situate ourselves in it. We should also identify and respect other members. We are all part of the same body, and we all have the same importance.I have discovered through the years that the conflict does not lie as much in those who cannot identify and respect other members of the body. Rather, I have found many conflicted Christians who are in crisis because they do not accept with dignity who they are. I realize many times we are dazed by other ministries, and we think that if we do not feel equal, we are not complete in the body. Through this way, we spend all our time trying to imitate others, and we never come to complete the function in what we are really called to.In these first few verses that were mentioned in the beginning (vs. 12:27-31), the apostle mentions that God has "PLACED" some in the church the way He wanted. It is God who places us. It is important to know how to wait for the time and place the Lord has for each one.Yet this does not mean that we should have a conformist attitude, since I am speaking of location and acceptance, and not satisfaction. Rather, in verse 31, the apostle Paul clearly insists for us to procure spiritual gifts. I believe that today one of the most impetuous currents in Christianity has to do with ministers that promote gifts, emphasizing the importance of a ministry, and they are not wrong. We should earnestly desire the greater gifts (vs. 12:31).Personally, I like people who always seek something more, even the apostle showed the relevancy of seeking a still more excellent way. This is the way of love.Spiritual gifts and ministries with no love are like a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal (vs. 13:1). Many times I have found when I get to a place, that our ministry is already known, and it seems that what we have been doing makes such noise that the wavelengths travel before we even get to those places. But lately I wonder if those people know us for the noise we do or the love we express. I ask myself if the ministry the Lord has given us (this has to do with the functioning of the gifts inside the ministry) or the strength of the love with which we move is brighter (this has to do with the reflection of the character of God in a person).The Word of the Lord is radical. We can have all the prophecy, knowledge, and faith, but if we do not have love, we are nothing (vs. 13:2). So many times I have admired ministries that move in a tremendous anointing and a "high" level of revelation; today, I sadly see them die, making me realize that which they called "the highest" lacked "the perfect and still more excellent."This saying holds a great truth: Not everything that shines is gold. There is a way that is still more excellent… the way of love.If what motivates us isn't love, then nothing that we do has a purpose, even when we sell all our possessions to buy food for the poor, and we deliver our bodies to be burned (vs. 13:3).We cannot say we love God if this is not reflected in our lives and conduct. The incongruence of what we preach and what we live is what has been a stumbling block for many.<blockquote class="border-l-4 border-gray-300 pl-4 italic text-gray-700 mb-4" dir="ltr">Love is patient, love is kind, and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, endures all things. (vs. 13:4-7).</blockquote>Brethren, when we go to heaven, we will not take anything from our ministries; the only thing we will carry with us is the love we have moved in. This is the thing that never fails (vs. 13:8).In such a time as this, when everyone comes for faith, hope, and love, let us never forget that the greatest of these is love.