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>

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