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Make the Church Bold and Courageous Again!

How many times have you heard a pastor, maybe even your own pastor, say they weren’t allowed by the IRS to speak about political issues in the church for fear of losing their 501c3 tax status? Thus, they also avoided speaking about the Bible’s stance on immoral issues that had become political like same-sex marriage, abortion, homosexuality, sexual mutilation, sterilization, and grooming of children, children and adults trying to physically or emotionally alter their sex, the assault on women by men. . . and so much more.

Many well-meaning pastors and nonprofits subscribed to that perceived IRS threat to always remain bipartisan, some innocently and some cowardly. Today with the IRS repealing any penalty on political free speech in the church, we’re going to see a litmus test of how many pastors might’ve been hiding behind this unconstitutional infringement on church rights so they wouldn’t create waves in the congregation. Keep everyone happy, even at the cost of not speaking out against unbiblical laws, politicians, and social issues. Or will we see pastors relieved to be free to address political issues from a biblical perspective? I hope and pray it’s the latter.

The answer to the question in the opening picture: Yes, they can!

History of the Johnson Amendment

President Lyndon B Johnson in 1954 didn’t like the way some churches were speaking against him and his administration, so he silenced all churches and nonprofits by an amendment prohibiting them from speaking about any political issues to remain tax exempt! In other words, denying first amendment rights to churches and nonprofits as well as infringing on freedom of religion. Many pastors even refuse to discuss controversial biblical passages in the Bible. We’ve all watched the government politicize biblical moral issues, and for the most part the church has stood silent for fear of losing money. That could be another entire topic for a blog.

Consequently, we’ve seen prayer, the Bible, the name of Jesus, the Ten Commandments, and any spiritual or religious discussion removed from schools while the church for the most part stood by in silence. SCOTUS passed Roe v Wade and the church stayed silent about the atrocities of murdering unborn babies. Most churches even remained silent when it was overturned. During the Obama Administration, SCOTUS endorsed same-sex marriage. Another biblical abomination and crickets in most churches. That’s why Jesus said you can’t love money and God. “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.” Matt. 6:24

Many pastors, like Jack Hibbs at Calvary Chapel Chino Hills in California, have ignored the Johnson Amendment, just like they ignored the government trying to close their churches during COVID. They speak freely about voting godly men and women into positions of government who will fight for biblical values and laws.

Other bold pastors have said we don’t care if you take away our tax deductions, we’re going to be financially self-sufficient and preach and teach biblical truths whether it’s politically or socially correct. In the 2024 election, Harris spoke in churches and Biden before her. I didn’t hear anyone challenging them with the Johnson Amendment. In fact, I don’t think there’s ever been a case where a church or nonprofit lost their tax exemption over politics, because it’s an unconstitutional restriction on free speech so the IRS doesn’t enforce it.

Still most pastors stay neutral or silent when their parishioners need guidance in elections about voting for biblical principles or even the importance of voting. The statistics of Christians not voting is pathetically embarrassing because the majority of pastors don’t encourage them to vote. While others conduct voter registration at their church and speak of it as a civic duty of every American. Christians are not exempt from living under unfair and unbiblical laws enforced on them as we watched during the last administration. Think of the spiritual potential in America if ALL Christians voted.

We Must Pray!

We’re at this opportune juncture today because the National Religious Broadcasters association and two Texas churches sued the government over the Johnson Amendment infringement on free speech. Currently the DOJ, the 2 churches, IRS, and NRB’s litigation has a consent decree they’ve all agreed on to settle the case and rescind the unconstitutional Johnson Amendment. But at the last minute, the Americans United For Separation of Church and State (a lie) have intervened to object to derail the consent decree at the last moment. We need to pray the judge moves forward to finalize the settlement and denies the intervention.

It’s so obvious when you look at the two party’s platforms that we’ve gotten to the place today where I for one am not afraid to state that Satan has hijacked the Democrat party. They have become the party of murdering babies, sexually mutilating and indoctrinating children, deceiving vulnerable children that God made them wrong, endorsing sexual perversion, men playing in women’s sports, trying to eliminate womanhood, replacing American citizens with illegals, removing parental rights, promoting Marxists Communist candidates, lawfare against their opponents, encouraging violence and mayhem, defunding the police while attacking ICE agents. The church can now speak openly straight from the Bible, like many of us have already been doing, that these are all satanic fueled rituals.

I want to share with you next an explanation and encouragement I received from the Idaho Family Policy Center, which also offers a resource for pastors. This is going to be a big beautiful step for pastors to step out, speak out, and take a public biblical stand for righteousness in our government and shake off the cloak of fear that has plagued many in the past.

Friends,

Many pastors labor under the misconception that the Johnson Amendment prevents them from providing biblical commentary on hot button political and cultural issues.

This prevailing narrative has been pushed by anti-Christian groups hoping to bludgeon pastors into silence on issues about which the Bible speaks clearly, including the sanctity of human life, parental rights, religious freedom, and biblical sexuality and gender.

But here’s the thing: Even under the Johnson Amendment, churches have always been able to speak on political issues from a biblical perspective; they were prohibited only from engaging in campaign activities.

Thankfully, the IRS guidance promulgated earlier this week gives churches even more clarity on just how far they can go without running afoul of the Johnson Amendment and risking their 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status.

Importantly, the IRS guidance issued earlier this week clarifies that a church does not violate the Johnson Amendment when it “speaks to its congregation, through its customary channels of communication on matters of faith in connection with religious services, concerning electoral politics viewed through the lens of religious faith.”

So what does this mean for churches? It seems that the IRS is acknowledging that churches do have the ability to speak into political campaigns—even going so far as to endorse a specific candidate from the pulpit as part of a regular worship service.

But the boundaries around when and how pastors and churches may endorse candidates are still blurry. It’s also worth noting that many states – including Idaho – have laws on the books regulating how non-profit churches can endorse candidates or support ballot initiatives. Those state laws remain wholly unaffected by the new IRS guidance.

While there is still some uncertainty about the full implications of this new IRS guidance, one thing is certain: It’s a step in the right direction. Churches are not meant to be passive bystanders in the public square—something the IRS is now explicitly acknowledging.

In the coming months, Idaho Family Policy Center will be releasing a toolkit to our Pastors’ Network outlining what exactly the decision of the IRS means and how Idaho churches should engage in political races moving forward.

If your pastors are not already a member of our Pastors’ Network, now is the perfect time to join. Encourage your pastors to sign up now so they receive the forthcoming Johnson Amendment toolkit when we release it—as well as other resources to help them engage culture from a biblical perspective!

Standing for a bold and courageous church,

Blaine Conzatti, President and Kent DelHousaye, Director of Church Engagement

Warrior Pastors

In the past, few pastors have been warriors willing to challenge the system and bravely speak biblical truth to demonic cultural issues that have become politicized by Satan’s twisted war plan. We need pastors, preachers, priests, and ministers to not be intimidated by fear or popular opinion. The Bible is not a feel good Book endorsing all our feelings and desires. It’s the Word of God, which can be challenging, sometimes convicting, but always life changing and spiritually maturing. The Bible draws us out of cowering in worldly darkness into the bright light of living a spirit-filled life.

You can’t read and teach the Bible without countering today’s woke liberal agenda. Ok pastors no more excuses. It’s your job and responsibility to discuss with your congregations political issues that are biblically wrong and how we should respond to today’s secular culture being imposed on citizens.

Speak up! Speak out! Be bold. Be Courageous. No more hiding behind the misconceptions of church and state or fear of losing tax exemption. The “state” has invaded the church and it’s past time to regain your right in the pulpit to stand for Truth and voting biblically as responsible Christian citizens.

Let’s join forces with our pastors and Make America Biblical Again!

When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice. But when the wicked are in power, they groan. Proverbs 29:2

If you haven’t read my blog When The Law Becomes Political Instead of Justice, many have been blessed by it.

Please leave your comments here.

July 14, 2025

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When The Law Becomes Political Instead of Justice

Many of us grew up in an era that we may never again see. A time when there was respect and appreciation for law enforcement and judges ruled by the judicial law and Constitution, not personal beliefs or political activism.

Sadly, just like in the Book of Judges in the Bible, we’re now living in a time of good judges and bad judges. We’ve watched lawfare used as a political weapon that really became apparent during the 2020 election when anyone who questioned the validity of that election, like My Pillow CEO Mike Lindell, were politically and judicially unfairly persecuted and even prosecuted. Mike is still fighting cases against him in court.

Thousands of people who merely attended January 6^th or maybe just stepped inside the Capitol or on the lawn became political prisoners by the Biden Administration with harsh unjust sentences and abhorrent conditions in jail. Even grandmothers were jailed for praying on the grounds that day or for praying in front of abortion centers.

The Biden Department of Justice lied to Americans for four years insisting that the border was closed while 20+ million illegals and criminals flooded our country with no attempt to vet them or stop them. Unjust liberal partisan judges looked the other way and refused to impose federal law to close the border.

Then we saw unprecedented Democrat fueled lawfare against their political opponent Donald Trump. Cases were fabricated against him during the 2024 campaign to either imprison him or drain his funds. But in spite of this injustice, President Trump managed to win all the cases and achieve victory with both the popular and electoral presidential vote. Everything backfired on the partisan judges, DA’s, and liberal prosecutors.

But the Democrats weren’t through trying to stop Trump and his agenda to Make America Great Again. On PBS March 25, 2025, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer acknowledged that Democrats intentionally implemented a court stacking strategy with the explicit aim of ruling against and countering President Donald Trump’s agenda. “The good news here is,” Schumer said, “we did put 235 judges—progressive judges, judges not under the control of Trump—last year on the bench, and they are ruling against Trump time after time after time.” Political partisan lawfare!

True to Schumer’s devious plan, every executive order or policy President Trump tried to enforce to protect and prosper America, the desperate Democrats found one of those activist progressive Democrat appointed judges, mostly in five liberal districts out of the nation’s 94 federal district courts, who were willing to go against his or her oath to uphold the law and instead try to politically block the Trump Administration with universal injunctions. Laying bare the Left’s strategy of political lawfare. 40 nationwide injunctions have been filed in just the first six months of this administration, already more than previous presidents incurred in their entire terms!

Senator from Louisiana, John Kennedy, put this all into perspective in one of his classic soundbites that burn. “Anybody who knows a law book from an L. L. Bean catalog knows that federal judges just made up the concept of universal injunctions to block President Trump’s agenda. If you disagree with a President or Congress, fill out a hurt feelings report—but you can’t put their actions on hold because you don’t like them.”

Again, the Democrats are guilty of using illegal and unfair lawfare to stop President Trump from fulfilling his promises to the American people. Fighting these rogue judges trying to be Kings of America from their tiny district courts wasted tons of money and lawyers time to fight for justice instead of being able to spend that money and expertise to enforce what we the people voted for in our country.

Then Victory!

The Book of Judges recounts the period in Israel’s history that highlights a cycle of disobedient, oppression by enemies and devious judges and deliverance by judges raised up by God. Key themes include good and failed leaderships, faithfulness versus apostasy, rebellion overcome by God’s sovereignty. Sounds a lot like today doesn’t it.

How do Judges “raised up by God” rule? Well, they set aside personal ambitions, beliefs, and politics to rule by following God’s laws and the government’s laws. In the case of the Supreme Court, they take an oath to make rulings according to the Constitution.

I’m going to go out on a limb here and say for the most part the six “constitutionalist” Supreme Court Justices are the only ones out of the nine on the bench that adhere to their judicial oath, honesty, and nonpartisanship. There are times when they disagree and will even side with the liberal judge’s view, something the three liberal judges seldom or NEVER will do.

I don’t think anyone can deny the three liberal SCOTUS justices rule primarily together based on political, progressive social ideology, and Democrat persuasion and activism. If the numbers were reversed and there were only three conservative judges, we’d be living in the time of the Book of Judges where everyone did what was right in their own eyes. (Judges 21:25) Sadly, in Democrat controlled cities and states that verse describes the exact chaos and destruction we see today.

Praise God, last week SCOTUS ruled 6 to 3 “that the universal injunctions that U.S. district courts in each case hit the administration with, blocking implementation, ‘likely exceeds the equitable authority that Congress has given to federal courts.’” In other words, local and federal district courts can’t rule over the entire nation. District judges issuing injunctions that affect the entire nation are overstepping their authority.

What’s notable here is the 3 Democrat Justices who voted against U.S. law that district judges are limited to the jurisdiction of their particular court display their own hypocrisy and addiction to lawfare.

Those three liberal Justices voted in favor of illegal lawfare. Even though, some of them have spoken out against nationwide injunctions in the past, including Justice Elena Kagan. Speaking on a panel at Northwestern University School of Law in 2022, Justice Kagan condemned “forum shopping” based on who’s the sitting U.S. President: ‘In the Trump years, people used to go to the Northern District of California, and in the Biden years, they go to Texas. It just can’t be right that one district judge can stop a nationwide policy in its tracks.’” Yet, last week, she voted in favor of district judges making nationwide injunctions?!

Justice Amy Coney Barrett was appalled at Justice Jackson’s ridiculous argument that skipped analysis of relevant readings because they involved “boring ‘legalese.’” Since Jackson showed her obvious ignorance of American law prohibiting rogue state judges from ruling over the nation, Barrett wrote in her own argument: “We will not dwell on Justice Jackson’s argument, which is at odds with more than two centuries worth of precedent, not to mention the Constitution itself . . . she decries an imperial Executive while embracing an imperial Judiciary!”

A well-deserved dress down of a truly illiterate activist Justice who you might recall could not define what a woman was in her confirmation hearings. Sadly, even with her biased incompetence, and dare I say DEI and maybe autopen hire, she may be on the court for a long time.

While we don’t personally vote for the Supreme Court Justices, we do vote for the Presidents who pick them. Had President Trump not appointed three conservative Constitutional Justices in his first term, as I said earlier, our country would be a far different place.

Not only did the three liberal judges dissent against restricting district liberal partisan judges from trying to rule the country, they also voted against letting parents protect their children from LGBTQ propaganda in school and against protecting children from pornography!

What Does the Bible Say to Us About Justice?

There is a legitimate concern for justice in our world today. However, to achieve justice for the world, we must better understand how God views it. God is merciful but Scripture also tells us that He is a just God who will judge injustice and wrongs. God sees hearts and minds and will judge all men and women.

The Bible emphasizes that justice is a fundamental aspect of God’s character, calling believers to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God (Micah 6:8). It teaches that God will judge both the righteous and the wicked and encourages followers to seek justice and care for the vulnerable (Isaiah 1:17, Romans 12:19). Here are some other verses where God speaks of His justice.

I said to myself, “God will bring into judgment both the righteous and the wicked, for there will be a time for every activity, a time to judge every deed.” Ecc. 3:17

For we know him who said, “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” and again, “The Lord will judge his people.” Heb. 10:30

When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers. Pr. 21:15

Whoever says to the guilty, “You are innocent,” will be cursed by peoples and denounced by nations. But it will go well with those who convict the guilty, and rich blessing will come on them. Pr. 24:24-25

Evildoers do not understand what is right, but those who seek the LORD understand it fully. Pr. 28:5

Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. Rom. 12:19

A handful of activist judges should never have the power to shut down a presidency OR silence the will of the American people.

But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream! Amos 5:24

Please leave your comments here, even if you don’t agree with me!

June 30, 2025

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“We Love You God!”—President Donald J Trump

“God has an answer to everything the enemy tries to do!” Dutch Sheets

I hope during these tumultuous times you believe that while it might seem like Satan is in control of the world right now, as Pastor Dutch Sheets reminds us, God provides a way to combat every strike from the enemy, even though it’s so difficult living in any of the countries experiencing war right now.

Last Saturday night, President Trump gave the order for Midnight Hammer to take out Iran’s nuclear program. Because of Iran’s ambition to annihilate Israel and America, it’s doubtful they would’ve ever honored an agreement to stop building nuclear weapons.

Iran has chanted for decades, “death to Israel,” who they consider “Little Satan,” and “death to America, “Great Satan.” Iran is a sponsor of terror aimed at all Judeo/Christian countries. Their ideological, religious, and political goal is to establish Jihadist Islam across the globe. I can remember over a decade ago when they were saying they would infiltrate America from the inside starting with planting Muslims who practice Islam into the United States Congress. Today we have at least two maybe more in Congress who continually denounce America as “one of the worst countries in the world.”

Deep in the heart of Texas, just outside of Dallas, there’s pushback against an attempt to build a planned community, “Epic City,” a totally Muslim City with Sharia law. In their plans to create a neighborhood of 1,000 homes, a K-12 faith-based school, apartments, shops, a community college and a mosque, the developers of a 400-acre planned Muslim community made one crucial misstep: They advertised their intentions and Governor Abbott is attempting to stop these plans.

We have no idea how many sleeper cells are in our country after the Biden Administration let millions of unvetted illegals cross the border.

Trump doesn’t want to enter into war with any country, yet he also knows he has to protect America and our ally Israel from an enemy that thinks it’s their religious calling to eradicate the Judeo/Christian faith.

The Islamic Republic of Iran is a Theocracy run by religious leaders who are part of a sect of Islam know as Twelver Shi’iism with a particular eschatology that involves the destruction of both Israel and America, along with any country with primarily Judeo/Christian beliefs. Sunday two churches in America had a terrorist attack and an Islamic State suicide bomber claimed 22 lives at Saint Elias Church in Damascus, Syria.

The remainder of this blog I actually wrote Saturday afternoon before the world learned of our Commander-in-Chief’s decision to use military force to prevent the military leaders of Iran from having the capability of achieving their pathological obsession of destroying two countries that predominately worship God, to establish a one-world Islamic religion. A belief system blinded by the spirit of hate, antisemitism, and antichrist.

I want to share what I wrote before the bombing to underscore and emphasize how much the prayers of the people were influencing President Trump’s final decision. If you listened to President Trump’s address to the nation after Midnight Hammer was successfully executed, it’s clear he felt the prayers as he emotionally closed with, “I want to thank everyone and in particular I want to say, God, we love You God!”

The Power of Our Prayers!

I think Ambassador Mike Huckabee put it best in his note to President Trump when he said, “Mr. President, God spared you in Butler, PA to be the most consequential President in a century—maybe ever. The decision on your shoulders I would not want to be made by anyone else. You have many voices speaking to you Sir, but there is only ONE voice that matters. HIS voice . . . You did not seek this moment. This moment sought YOU!”

That last sentence reminds us of the Book of Esther when Mordecai told Queen Esther in 4:14 “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” The Jews at that time were also being threatened of extension by Persia, modern day Iran.

Franklin Graham wrote on Facebook, “Will you join me in lifting up President Donald J. Trump in prayer? From our earthly view, we see ominous storm clouds gathered around the globe. With Iran and Israel engaged in war, Russia and Ukraine in continued deadly conflict, China imposing an imminent threat to Taiwan, war in Sudan, and more, it seems as though the whole world is on the brink of fracturing. Our President needs wisdom and strength from God. The decisions he is called upon to make will affect each one of us, our country, and the entire world. I pray that God will direct his steps as he leads our nation through the most turbulent times we have experienced in decades. The Bible tells us, “For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom” (Matthew 24:7).

I would add the rest of Matthew 24:7-8, “There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world.But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come.” Iran experienced an earthquake last week. There’s no doubt we’re experiencing the birth pains that will come before the rapture and the 7-year tribulation. How long will the birth pains last? Only God knows.

I also encourage you to read other evangelical leaders’ comments praising President Trump’s continued support for Israel amid war with Iran. Here’s the link.

The Bible Speaks to Us Today!

There are numerous examples in the Old Testament of Israel, God’s chosen people, fighting for their very existence. The Bible is full of wars and every time someone came against Israel, they had to pay. Israel always came out OK. God loves Israel.

While taking my morning walk a few days ago, I was listening to 2 Chronicles chapter 15. You’ve probably heard 2 Chronicles 7:14 recited many times, “¹⁴Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.” We pray that verse over America, especially regarding turning from cultural wicked ways, and we should continue praying because the only thing that will actually save America is a spiritual revival.

Sadly, we’ve let much of our nation be turned over to demons. Just look at the faces and actions of the people raging violently in streets against everything good and holy. It’s a reminder of the man in Mark 5, possessed by the many demonic evil spirits called Legion.

The spirit of evil and lawlessness that we’re experiencing in our culture today, doesn’t rule Christians. Only God can change a heart. We must pray against the evil violence and rebellion we’re watching in the streets and college campuses in our country during America’s spiritual war, and what we might see in the coming weeks. Which leads to God speaking to me through 2 Chronicles chapter 15 and how it applies not only to Israel, but also to America. Verses 1-4 are so relevant today.

Then the Spirit of God came upon Azariah son of Oded, ²and he went out to meet King Asa as he was returning from the battle. “Listen to me, Asa!” he shouted. “Listen, all you people of Judah and Benjamin! The Lord will stay with you as long as you stay with him! Whenever you seek him, you will find him. But if you abandon him, he will abandon you. ³For a long time Israel was without the true God, without a priest to teach them, and without the Law to instruct them. ⁴But whenever they were in trouble and turned to the Lord, the God of Israel, and sought him out, they found him.

The same is true today. When we seek the Lord with all our heart, we will find Him.

⁵“During those dark times, it was not safe to travel. Problems troubled the people of every land. ⁶Nation fought against nation, and city against city, for God was troubling them with every kind of problem. ⁷But as for you, be strong and courageous, for your work will be rewarded.”

Resembles our dark times today.

⁹Then Asa called together all the people of Judah and Benjamin, along with the people of Ephraim, Manasseh, and Simeon who had settled among them. For many from Israel had moved to Judah during Asa’s reign when they saw that the Lord his God was with him.

I hope this is the same reward for Israel and America and that the Lord God is with President Trump and Netanyahu as they seek God’s wisdom and direction. President Trump established a White House faith office that I know is interceding, worshipping, probably singing, and praying for President Trump’s every move.

¹⁴They shouted out their oath of loyalty to the Lord with trumpets blaring and rams’ horns sounding. ¹⁵All in Judah were happy about this covenant, for they had entered into it with all their heart. They earnestly sought after God, and they found him. And the Lord gave them rest from their enemies on every side.

Israel’s “Operation Rising Lion,” is inspired by Numbers 23:24, “Behold, the people shall rise up as a great lion.” The phrase reflects themes of strength, resolve, and readiness to confront threats. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly embraced this symbolism, even placing a prayer note mentioning the verse at the Western Wall just before the operation began…. Read more at: https://vajiramandravi.com/current-affairs/operation-rising-lion/

As much as we pray for peace in Israel, we must be praying for them to know Jesus Christ the Messiah, the Lamb of God, who died for them and is alive today fighting for them in the heavenlies. Pray for the spiritual salvation of every Jew and that their eyes will open to see that their Redeemer lives and loves them. Sadly, Israel is for the most part missing that great truth. Let’s pray for the Jewish people to have a revelation and a spiritual revival.

Amazingly, the underground church in Iran is “the fastest growing church in the world,” at over 19% increase a year. The Iranian people are coming to faith, and this is largely a woman led movement. We need to pray for them too.

“And one of the elders said to me, ‘Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.’ And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders, I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain.” Rev. 5:5-6

I leave you today with a prayer from Ken Blackwell.
Almighty God, our Rock and Redeemer,

We humbly come before You with grateful hearts to lift up President Donald J. Trump. You alone establish leaders and kingdoms, and we trust in Your sovereign hand over this nation. Lord, we ask that You surround President Trump with divine strength for the battles he faces—seen and unseen. Grant him wisdom rooted in Your truth, courage to stand firm against evil, and discernment to walk in righteousness, even when the path is steep.

Preserve his health, O Lord—renew his mind, body, and spirit daily. Place a hedge of protection around him and his family. Let no weapon formed against him prosper.

May he seek Your counsel above all, and may his leadership reflect Your justice, mercy, and steadfast love. Raise up godly counselors around him who do not waver in the face of adversity.

Father, we pray not only for his strength, but for the restoration of our nation. Heal our land. Turn the hearts of Americans back to You. Let truth reign, and let the foundations of faith, family, and freedom be restored.

Let President Trump be an instrument of Your purpose—bold in conviction, humble in spirit, and steadfast in pursuit of what is good and true. We commit him into Your hands, trusting in Your perfect plan. In Jesus’ mighty name we pray, Amen.

Please leave a comment here.

June 23, 2025

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5 Prayers When You Need Peace and Calm

We’re living today in what seems like constant chaos. If you’re aware of current events, you know it feels like evil is overtaking good. Every news cycle carries another tragedy or escalated war both abroad and here in our own beloved country. It can seem overwhelming and depressing because it might seem like Satan has the upper hand, but as Christians, we know that Satan is the temporary ruler of earthly chaos and Jesus Christ is the eternal heavenly Prince of Peace.

We do live in a fallen world that thrives on keeping us fearfully treading from one crisis to the next. It seems like every morning we wake up to a new peril: Covid variants, alarming statistics, recession, inflation, earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, fires, riots, anarchy, plane crashes, senseless horrific murders, wars, violence, antisemitism, political clashes, protesters . . . even the threat of the enemy attacking us from within with all the unvetted illegals allowed to cross into our country.

In unsettling times, by the time I finish writing this article, there will probably be a new tragedy. But as Christians, we must remember that at all times we can find our peace in the presence of the Lord. He is the only effective cure and antidote to treat and temper the contagious epidemic of fear and evil we see all around us today.

Sensational media headlines keep us stressed, agitated, and fearful because fear-fueled news sells. Press-induced or politically motivated panic will stoke more pandemic fear and consequences than the source of the crisis. Stay current with pertinent news that might affect you personally, but don’t overwhelm yourself reading everything written on the internet or listening to multiple “news” programs. Find trusted truth tellers that will give you facts not opinions.

Then there are our own financial, physical, relational, health, and personal crises that often catch us by surprise and strike terror into our heart. We feel helpless as events seemingly spin out of our control.

Fear is a powerful human emotion that can cause us to respond inappropriately or motivate us to take positive action.

Or fear has the ability to paralyze us from taking any action. Fear can even stop us from turning to God, our Rescuer, who knows every personal and world disruption we will face. His timeless Word, the Bible, has all the answers and antidotes to keep us calm, cool, and collected. God assures us, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

We want to trust God but there are times when peace eludes us. We’re worried and anxious. We don’t want to be brave this time. Then God reminds us, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

Courage is Fear that Prays and Calls on God.

I’m going to do something different this week and offer five prayers I hope will help you faithfully transcend from panic to peace. I prayed these prayers myself as I wrote each one out for you in first person to personalize and provide Scriptures to also pray.

1. Take Your Worries to the Lord

Lord, I know that Satan created the spirit of fear, anxiety, doubt, and worries to torture and entrap my mind and rob me of my joy, peace, and sleep. When what-ifs wake me in the dark of night, please help me to denounce Satan and remember 1 Peter 5:7 where you say internal peace is as simple as casting all my anxiety on you because you care for me. I am comforted that you see into the depths of my heart and the intricacies of my mind where unhealthy fears dwell. You already know what’s troubling me, but you want to hear me share my concerns with you to release the stronghold grip they have on my thoughts and emotions.

Father, I trust that you don’t want me to waste a moment of my life fretting. Please calm my racing heart and fill my troubled mind with hope and my spirit with peace. Assure me that no weapon formed against me will prosper and you have a plan and a purpose for me in this time of turmoil. Show me your ways Lord and grant me the courage to follow where you lead. Amen

“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” Isaiah 26:3 NLT

“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27:1

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

2. Believe God Hears Your Prayers

Lord, it saddens me that many people don’t understand the power of prayer and even mock me for taking my worries to you in prayer. So I pray first for those who do not believe in you. Where is their hope? I’ll admit that sometimes you seem silent when I so desperately want to hear from you. It’s torture waiting on you, and yet I will wait because I know my prayers are not in vain.

I don’t know if the latest crisis will affect my family or me, but you are omniscient Lord, so I pray that you will spare us. But if fallout touches any of my loved ones, please comfort them with your healing balm. Sometimes our own choices can put us at risk. So Lord, I pray that we would all be judicious in our actions and interactions. I can remain in perfect peace because I put my future in your capable hands. Amen

“You came near when I called you, and you said, ‘Do not fear.’” Lamentations 3:57

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6

“Those who live in the shelter of the Most High
will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
This I declare about the Lord:
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
he is my God, and I trust him.” Psalm 91:1-2 (NLT)

3. Pray with Expectancy and Anticipation

Lord, as I pray with confidence and great expectation, I anticipate your gracious answers to my prayers. When I remember your faithfulness to all generations, excitement and eagerness replace concern and discouragement. Please help me to remember that doubt and faith can’t coexist in my heart. If I’m doubting or anxious, my shield of faith has slipped.

God I know that you’re looking at the big picture and I can only see a small glimpse distorted by my confusion and perspective. I realize that having faith doesn’t mean there won’t be setbacks or difficult times, but if I’m going to enlist your mighty powers, then I must prayerfully trust that your will is done on earth as it is in heaven. I pray for a miracle of your design.

Your answer isn’t always what I want to hear, or the option I was hoping for, but whatever it is I will give you the glory because regardless of the outcome, my eternity is with you. Thank you Lord for your Son Jesus Christ enduring the brutal cross for victory over our sins and sicknesses and I claim that victory in my life and for my loved ones. Amen

“But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.” James 1:6

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1

“He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.’” Psalm 46:10

4. Remain Wise and Discerning

Lord, I want desperately to take your Word to heart, but a tsunami of negativity and fear engulf me. My thoughts wander to worse case scenarios. I need your insight to diligently untangle truthful facts from embellished hysteria. I ask the Holy Spirit to guide me in filtering out what I should avoid listening to or considering.

Infuse me Lord with discernment and wisdom. Give me clarity of mind and heart. Guard my mouth that I don’t spread gossip or hearsay to alarm others. Help me to exhibit love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Like the apostle Paul, may I learn the secret of being content in all circumstances, knowing that I can do all things through you who gives me strength to fulfill your desires. Praise you Lord, Amen

“Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance.” Proverbs 1:5

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” James 1:5

“Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.” Romans 8:5-6

5. Look for Opportunities to Comfort Others

Lord, we won’t live in a perfect world until we join you in heaven. This current situation won’t be the last crisis for the world or for me. I can’t outrun, outpace, outdo, outsmart, outlive . . . trouble. It has a way of popping up even in the good and prosperous seasons in the culture, my life, and the lives of those around me.

Lord, quiet my raging emotions so that I can be a beacon of healing love and peace to those in my sphere of influence who are overwhelmed by panic and fear. Please help me memorize John 14:1 to share with others who ask me where my peace comes from: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.” These are the words that your Son Jesus Christ spoke to His disciples to comfort them and they also give me comfort when I don’t know how the story ends. Use me Lord as your disciple to bring healing to a hurting world. I love you Lord, Amen.

“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” 1 John 4:18

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-7

After You’ve Prayed . . .

Taking recommended and reasonable steps to protect yourself and your loved ones will give you a sense of control that helps to manage uncertainties. Prudently, continue your normal activities that typically bring you joy. Healthy coping mechanisms like exercise, rest, eating properly, reading your Bible, staying connected to friends and family, and listening to praise music can help soothe frazzled nerves. If you have medical anxiety, contact your doctor.

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8

Please leave a comment here.

June 16, 2025

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When the Church Loses Its Voice, the World Loses Its Mind!

I wonder how many of you, my readers, agree with the title of this blog? For those who don’t agree, I’d really like to know why. But don’t feel too smug if you do agree, because my question to you would then be, “Why is the church losing its voice?” Or “Are you attending a church that’s lost its voice?” Or getting personal, “Are you a Christian who’s lost your voice?”

I imagine if I were to do a man-on-the street interview and ask people, “What is sin?” few would know the answer. Some might say murder, but then if you ask if they’re in favor of abortion they’d probably say yes. Some might say stealing is a sin, but many states turn a blind eye to people openly stealing in their stores for fear of retaliation.

Or are you someone who says it’s not my problem. I just want to go to church to feel good, be encouraged, and not challenged out of my safe comfort zone. And by the way, I wish you would quit making me uncomfortable. Christians are just supposed to love everyone and let people do what they want, even if that means tolerating blatant cultural sin. It’s not my business what other people choose to do.

How well is that turning out for civilization? Need I remind you how the world is losing its mind? Here’s just a few examples.

Christians in Seattle were celebrating life at a Don’t Mess with Our Kids Mayday event giving free haircuts, food, bikes, and messages from de-transitioned trans. They were violently attacked by hundreds of Antifa wearing gas masks and far-left alphabet mafia throwing urine balloons at families and children, spraying them with pepper spray and tear gas, threatening a teenager with a knife saying, “I want to slit your throat,” and performing lewd sexual acts in front of the children. The violence sent many attenders and police to the hospital. Pastor Russell Johnson said, “As soon as the music started, it felt like all of hell broke loose.”

The Seattle mayor made a statement justifying the violence and blaming the Christians for inciting the attackers by just being at a park where the city had given them a permit. 23 Seattle pastors supported the mayor’s comments blaming the Christians for being out in public with their first amendment event and gospel message of love and forgiveness?! The Seattle Times called it “facist family values” on the front page.

In Minnesota, a 17-year old six-foot male pitcher on a girls’ softball team pitched a complete game and added two doubles to lead his team to a slam-dunk victory and he was awarded “All-Tournament Team” honors. His mother petitioned to have his birth certificate changed from boy to girl and his name changed from Charlie Dean to “Marissa” at nine years old! One of many heartbreaking stories of mentally ill men dashing the dreams, hopes, and ambitions of women athletes by being allowed by schools and sports organizations to abuse girls!

No mentally stable boy pretends he’s a girl or dresses like a girl. In some cases, it’s just an insane desire to win at any cost, even against girls. This should never be allowed by any adult in a sane world.

Also in Minnesota, voters elected to Congress a man who dresses as a woman and goes by “Leigh” who introduced a bill to legislate access to sex change surgeries and hormones for children.

Democrat Congressmen and Senators demand illegal criminals, gang members, and monsters be retained in our country to threaten the lives of American citizens.

Antisemitism is rampant on college campuses. A young Jewish couple was assassinated by a man yelling “free, free Palestine” on the streets of D.C. and elderly Jews marching to free Hamas hostages were set on fire by an Egyptian terrorist in Boulder, Colorado.

I could go on. You can’t make this insanity up because it’s actually too real today. The world has lost its mind, and the worst part is adults should have the conscience and morality to know the difference between good and evil. Instead, they’re becoming vessels for the devil to use to do his dirty work.

Satan has his eye on impressionable children and it’s working. Even ten years ago, there wasn’t gender confusion in children and adults would’ve never stood for it. Now you have mothers like Charlie Dean’s above allowing their young children to castrate and sterilize themselves before they’re out of grade school. Yet most of those parents probably wouldn’t let them drink, do drugs, or drive because they’re not mature enough to be allowed to endanger their lives or the lives of others. Still they let them destroy their own bodies! A satanic ritual.

A middle school in Portland didn’t tell parents that they instructed students to “dress like a drag queen or king and their “queer hero” during school’s “Pride Spirit Week.” They were to “wear as many colors as they could” for “Rainbow-Out’ day on Monday. Tuesday they were told to wear all black “in remembrance of lost members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Wednesday was “Drag Day.” Thursday was “Queer Hero Day.” Friday students were told to “dress up as the pride flag of your choice.”

Currently, there’s anarchy and rioting in the streets of Los Angeles because ICE arrested the “worst of the worst” illegal criminals who had committed heinous crimes. The rioters are fighting to keep violent rapists, murderers, child predators loose on Los Angeles streets.

What we’re watching is the spirit of the antichrist. If you look at liberal protestor’s signs, no matter what they’re protesting, they don’t just hold up signs for the issue at hand. You’ll see signs for “Pro abortion.” “Pro Hamas terrorists.” “Free Palestine.” “Pro gay marriage.” “Pro trans.” “Keep your religion out of my uterus.” “Pro choice.” “Ban Police.” “Eliminate ICE.” “Abortion is normal.” Just to name a few and many are so profane and vulgar, I wouldn’t give them space here.

What do those all have in common? The spirit of the antichrist—sin.

When Will the Church Find Its Voice?

When the Church goes silent, we give the spirit of the antichrist free reign, even in the church.

I commend pastors like Russell Johnson of Pursuit Church in Seattle who refused to let the mayor get away with blaming the innocent Christians for the violence of the masked violent protesters. The Tuesday after the weekend assault, Pastor Johnson formed a group of Seattle residents of all faiths, nonfaith, conservatives, liberals, and anyone appalled at what happened to them. They gathered on the steps of City Hall and demanded the mayor apologize or resign. Sadly, the major, who professes to be a “Christian,” only doubled down saying the Christians did not represent the values of Seattle! He’s definitely a “Christian” in name only, just like the pastors who refused to support Pastor Johnson and the Christian outreach event.

Pastor Johnson is continuing the fight for right and he won’t be silenced. He has a hard battle in Seattle, which like many Democrat run blue cities, is overtaken with evil right now as we’re watching in the streets of LA. California has Pastor Jack Hibbs and Rob McCoy leading the spiritual battle there and I’d love to hear of others.

Worship leader, Sean Feucht is taking his ministry into the fiercest of battlegrounds. What a joy to see people being baptized in metal tubs on the streets. Jenny Donnley, leader of “Don’t Mess with Our Kids” who sponsored the Seattle event, a few days later went to Hollywood Boulevard in California. They too were baptizing in the streets. At the last minute, California pulled their permit for Hollywood Boulevard and tried to move them to a quiet street, but Jenny would have none of it. They set up on the busy Hollywood Boulevard anyway! A brave and bold mama bear.

Every time I see these street baptisms, I think of our church’s beautiful baptismal that I’ve only seen used a couple of times and it breaks my heart.

We Can’t be Afraid of the Sinners

Growing up going to Sunday school and church, there was never a question of what was sin. We were told from a young age that lying, stealing, murder, sexual promiscuity, adultery, disobeying our parents, and so much more were sinful and wrong. We knew that “all have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23) and that “the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

As Christians, our commission is to share the Good News with those who will listen and those who won’t listen. Jenny Donnley shared that in the midst of the chaos in Seattle, they kept on with their event in spite of the attacks and she saw one tall man in a dress wander over to listen to the message and singing and was later baptized!! That’s what it’s all about. Even if one sinner is saved.

For most of my lifetime, I heard Reverend Billy Graham speak loud and clear in stadiums and on TV proclaiming that yes, the wages of sin is death, but Jesus died to save us from our sins and give us eternal life. Whether you were a believer or not, you knew when he was speaking to you if you were sinning. Pastors weren’t afraid to preach about sin to their congregations but also give them the Good News that Christ died on the Cross so you could repent and receive forgiveness. They clearly gave the message of salvation. Today, Billy Graham’s son Franklin and grandson Will carry on his legacy of preaching the truth.

Sadly, speaking against sin is now considered hateful and political. That’s just a ploy of the enemy and tragically many churches and pastors have accepted the devil’s lie and refrain from applying the Bible to today’s culture. So the world has lost its mind, morals, and common sense. If you’re in a church that speaks the truth of the Gospel loud and clear, then I would also expect you to be a Christian not only appalled at today’s culture where sin is celebrated and legalized, but you are also vocal against it.

We can each be a part of the church that finds our voice and uses it for the glory of God and the eternal life of so many whose ultimate fate is eternal separation from God. I’m crying right now just thinking of what that means for so many who are deceived and demonized. When Satan finds a vulnerable or unsaved soul, he moves in with the spirit of the antichrist and uses that person to do his dirty work.

“The antichrist symbol represents opposition to Christ and is associated with various interpretations in Christian eschatology. It can also be linked to imagery from the Book of Revelation, where the Antichrist is depicted as a deceptive figure opposing Jesus Christ.” While we haven’t yet seen “the Antichrist” spoken of in Revelation, his spirit precedes him in today’s culture. Watching blatant sin tolerated, legalized, indoctrinated, and systematized today, it’s obvious the Antichrist man is not far away. The Good News is that those of us who know Jesus as our Lord and Savior will be raptured before the Antichrist takes control during the seven-year tribulation, but if you ever wondered what the lead up to those seven years looks like, you’re living it right now!

And who is a liar? Anyone who says that Jesus is not the Christ. Anyone who denies the Father and the Son is an antichrist. 1 John 2:22 NLT

Too often, the church stays silent in the face of the opposition to Jesus Christ in our culture. The church has lost its voice. I hope and pray you haven’t lost your voice, even if your church has lost its voice.

“The Bible says to resist the devil and he must flee [James 4:7], and it’s high time for the church to take a stand and resist him.” Pastor Tony Suarez

But resistance requires action. It’s time for the Church to rise, speak truth, and push back against darkness. We’re not called to retreat, we’re called to stand!

“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” Eph. 6:11

“Stupid ideas are becoming sacred and then influence the cultural lens.” Seth Gruber, White Rose Ministry.

I wrote a blog last week, “Let’s Celebrate June as Life Month!” I hope you’ve done something to celebrate life this month.

Here’s a Crosswalk article I wrote to share with anyone going through a difficult health journey, or maybe that’s you. 5 Prayers to Trust God with a Difficult Health Journey

If you know someone deceived into thinking they’re not sinning because they’re a “celibate” gay “Christian,” this is an excellent article. Why the label ‘gay Christian’ is terribly unwise

Please leave your comments here. I do read and answer every comment.

June 9, 2025

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Let’s Celebrate June as “Life Month”

I’ve always looked forward to June as the official kickoff of my favorite summer season. But like many of you, I’ve found myself dreading being inundated and assaulted with a fringe activist group trying to force their choice of lifestyle on the public. Pride parades and rainbow flags mock and jeer at the very God who withholds his righteous judgment on the earth.

The entire gay/trans agenda is about attempting to normalize perverted sexual desires and actions taken out of bedrooms and flaunted in streets, stores, commercials, entertainment, media, government, sports, schools . . . culture. “Gay” or “trans” has become such a part of culture that many intelligent people have disassociated it from what it actually is all about, SEX!

Terms like gay, trans, and even pride make the perverted sexual movement sound mild and neutral, which is their goal. How many people would be comfortable having heterosexism indecently displayed in public on flags and paraded down the streets? Why then do we tolerate homosexual displays?

Most people have just closed their eyes and ears, taken a big gulp, and bought into the lie that they have to smile and “tolerate” lewd sexual immorality. Any pushback called “hate” or “intolerance.” Well, God does hate this behavior. He doesn’t tolerate sin, and if you’re a Bible-believing Christian, you shouldn’t either. We don’t have to tolerate perversity.

The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate. Pr. 8:13

We show love to our own families, friends, congregants, and culture when we help people choose a lifestyle pleasing to God. When we go along with pride in sexual perversity, we’re going counter to God.

Every family encounters prodigals of some sort, but that doesn’t make their ungodly choices right just because they’re our children, friends, or family members. We acknowledge that their behavior is sinful and wrong and passionately pray for them to find their way to God or back to God. If we truly believe in heaven and hell, we want our children and family in heaven with us. If they’ve chosen sin, whatever it might be, they’ve chosen hell. It breaks our hearts, but it breaks God’s heart even more.

Long before June was designated as sin month, June 2 has been the day for 24 years that thousands of people from around the world join in a day of prayer for those who are walking away from God, their families and making destructive choices. We don’t celebrate prodigals, we pray for their eyes to open and turn from their wicked ways so why would any Christian participate in pride activities except to evangelize in love.

An encouraging headline jumped out at me as I was preparing to write this blog. “Boise Pride Season Kickoff canceled due to low attendance.” I first saw the article on Idaho Liberty Dogs Facebook page. Their introduction to the post read, “Shout out to those of you who stood with us last year to protest Nampa Pride “all ages event” and exposed the public nudity that occurred around the presence of children. This is a win! Thank you and congratulations!!!”

So many things to unpack from this, but the one that stands out the loudest to me is that moral common sense citizens stood up against the lewd perversion and public sexual exposure openly flaunted and even celebrated on the streets of Idaho. We can make a difference when we’re brave enough and bold enough to speak out against sin and satan.

Yes, satan! Only deceived and demonized people would think a public display of perverted sex would be acceptable to God or Jesus. Yet, sadly, there are churches and so-called “Christians” who proudly fly the perverted sex flag in the name of inclusivity, which actually excludes the God they profess to worship.

Why do I say “so-called?” Because no Bible-believing Christian can read Scriptures like the following and think a perverted sinful lifestyle is okay with God. God loves everyone, but he doesn’t love sin. He wants everyone to repent from sin, turn from their wicked ways, ask for forgiveness and repent. That’s what love does. God doesn’t want anyone going to hell, but the road to heaven is narrow and few actually choose it.

Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 1 Cor. 6:9-10

“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. Matt, 7:13-14

Remember the city of Sodom and Gomorrah. What was the sin of Sodom and Gomorrah? According to Genesis 19, the sin involved homosexuality. The very name of that ancient city is where the term sodomy derives: “copulation between two men, whether consensual or forced.” Clearly, homosexuality was part of why God destroyed the two cities. The men of Sodom and Gomorrah wanted to perform homosexual acts on what they thought were two men.

“‘Do not have sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman; that is detestable.” Lev. 18:22

26 Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones. 27 In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed shameful acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error. 28 Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done. Roman 1:26-28

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Rom. 6:23

Why June Is “Life Month”

When you look at the above Scriptures how many of you would tolerate a month dubbed “Thieves Month”? Or “Adulterer’s Month”? Or “Pornography Month”? Or “Murderers Month”? Or “Drunkards Month”? So why would anyone, especially Christians, even use the term or acknowledge “Pride Month” when God hates pride, especially when it represents a sexual sin He calls an abomination.

I’ve heard suggestions to rename June Veteran’s Month or Family month and those are good ideas too, but here’s why I’m in favor of calling June Life Month.

A commentary by Owen Strachan in The Washington Stand, “June Is Life Month, Not Pride Month,” Owen wrote:

“From many angles, the entire tone of June in America has shifted. It is one of aggressive approval of a heart attitude that the Word of God rebukes in no uncertain terms: pride. To be proud in one’s natural instincts and desires is to go against God at full velocity. It is to put oneself under certain threat of eternal judgment. Sin, after all, is at base nothing other than pride — it is choosing one’s way over God’s way, and one’s instinctual desires over God’s eternal truth. How we Christians should tremble and pray for all who exult in Pride Month. How we should reach out to them, and proclaim Christ in love to fellow sinners just like us.”

As Christians, we should be commemorating and celebrating that in June 2022, the U. S. Supreme Court struck down Roe v. Wade. God decided to strike Roe down in the very middle of Pride Month! Think about that. As Owen Strachan says, “What a rebuke! What an otherworldly intervention. . . believers should celebrate genuinely God-given victories. We who are saved by grace would be ungrateful children indeed if we did not honor this great outcome in the public square, one akin to the ban on slavery in Wilberforce’s day. Toward that end, here’s my encouragement: all through June, celebrate “Life Month.””

Yes, God is love and God loves life! He created life and we should celebrate that especially as Christians!

When my grandson was only nine years old, he could see that God was against homosexuality because “there would be no people.” He understood at that young age that a man and woman having sex together created life, something two men or two women together cannot do because that wasn’t God’s plan for sex or proliferating the earth.

Many homosexuals and male women imposters have experienced trauma, difficult family dynamics, or mental illness. They’re searching for love and acceptance literally in all the wrong places. Young people are groomed and radicalized on TikTok. This is tragic.

A generation is throwing away their future by trying to be something God never intended for them to be. They believe the lie that they would be happier if they could just become another gender or find their significance and identity by pretending they’re something they’ll never be. They’re broken people with damaged lives, and the Gospel is the only answer to the void in their hearts they’re trying so desperately to fill. They need Jesus. They need to know that they’ll find their identity and self-worth in being the best man or woman God created them to be.

We need to be Christians who share the truth with them in love. Pray for the lost and show them a better way of living. Pray diligently for anyone living a lie to seek spiritual and psychological counseling.

Neil Mamann of Values Advocacy Council says, “In my conversations with former homosexuals, many shared that what kept them from hearing the Gospel was being told they were going to hell simply for being gay. What ultimately led them to Christ, however, was hearing the Gospel from people who, while never condoning their sin, genuinely cared for them and shared that Jesus loved them. After coming to faith, they came under conviction and chose to leave that lifestyle.”

So, I encourage you not to be silent this month. Don’t be intimidated or threatened by a pagan culture. Don’t go along to get along. You’ll never find that acceptable in the Bible. The most loving thing you can do for all people is to share the Gospel loud and clear and pray that many who have been deceived by satan’s message of deception and lies will hear God’s message of love and forgiveness not just in June but every day until Christ’s return.

I hope you’ll celebrate June as Life Month. Look for opportunities to counter evil with good!

“The gospel needs to go to the place where it is the least welcome.” Pastor Gabriel Render

PS I was confirmed about writing this blog when I prayed this morning with Pastor Jack Hibbs on his daily LIFT prayer June 1, 2025. You can listen here and join us every morning on Facebook or YouTube.

If you have a prodigal or know someone who does, you will find Praying for Your Prodigal Daughter: Hope, Help & Encouragement for Hurting Parents applicable to daughters, sons, and grandchildren.

Please leave a comment here.

June 2, 2025

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Have a “Meaningful Memorial Day!”

I remember as a kid going to the cemetery every Memorial Day to put flowers and flags on my father’s grave, a World War II veteran, and on other soldier’s graves. There was always a ceremony. I don’t know how much that tradition continues today. It should. Our small town has a memorial wall at the park where people can purchase and place a brick in memory and honor of a local Gold Star family’s fallen soldier. There’s also a ceremony in their remembrance.

Memorial Day is often “celebrated” as the beginning of summer, with a day off, BBQ’s and parties. But it’s actually a very solemn day to pay tribute to and mourn members of the military who died in service to their country. It’s a deeply personal day for many Gold Star families who lost loved ones in military service. It’s a day to honor those who sacrificed their lives for the country they loved.

If you’re a Gold Star family, Memorial Day is truly a personal day of remembrance of your loved one and an ache in your heart that never completely goes away but may soften with time . . . or not.

As we honor the life of brave men and women who paid the ultimate price for our freedom, instead of saying “Happy Memorial Day,” can I suggest it’s more appropriate to say, “I wish you a Meaningful Memorial Day.”

National Law Enforcement Appreciation Month and Memorial!

May is also the month to honor those who lost their lives protecting us from harm domestically. The entire month of May is National Law Enforcement Appreciation Month. May 15^th is National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which May 15 falls is National Police Week.

Far too often, we hear Police Chiefs tearfully making statements like, “We’re heartbroken to make this announcement of the shooting of three of our officers. We ask for your support and prayers for our fellow officers and their families as we try to cope with yet another tragic event in our police family.”

I understand the toll this job can take on the officers and their families. I was so proud of my handsome father when he put on his California Highway Patrolman uniform and badge. Until the morning I woke up to wails and sobs coming from our living room filled with people. Even as a ten-year-old, I knew intuitively my father was gone. When he kissed me goodbye as he left for work that evening, it would be the last time I ever saw him alive. A reality our family lived with every day, but one we never thought would happen to us, until it did.

The job of a peace officer is to run toward danger, at the risk of his or her own life, to save and protect strangers. It once was a noble respected profession, but today’s culture has come to expect that many will die senselessly. Their death barely makes the local news.

President Trump is changing that when last week he awarded the new “Medal of Sacrifice” to the families of three fallen Florida police officers. “Congressman Brian Mast has introduced a bill to ensure this new medal will be awarded to any law enforcement officer or first responder who gives his or her life in the line of duty,” President Trump said.

“For the first time in our nation’s history — all of our first responders, all of our law enforcement, all of our firefighters — we’re going to recognize that sacrifice from the office of the presidency,” said Congressman Mast. “And that has never taken place before.”

We can also honor all police officers by using respectful words when talking about and to them. Pray when you see police officers patrolling or a police car on the road. Don’t pray for yourself that they don’t pull you over, but pray because you don’t know what awaits them the next time they make a traffic stop. When you hear a siren, pray. We never know when we, or our loved ones, might be the life they’re rushing to save.

Four Prayers for Police Officers and Their Families

Prayer for Protection

Lord, we don’t know why You implant in the hearts of brave men and women to choose a profession that requires walking into danger and putting their life on the line to stop lawlessness and crime. You’ve given them a willingness to enforce the law to protect the communities where they serve. Are they fearless? Unintimidated? Thrill seekers? Or do they truly love their neighbor more than themselves and want to do their part in justice for all?

Only You know for sure, Lord, what motivates them, but we do know they need a band of angels surrounding them with a hedge of protection. Lord, they face evil and the dark side of life every day. They see the worst of people and people at their worst. Their work tools are weapons. We pray Lord for their safety as they walk up to a car or house or unknown situation never knowing what danger awaits them. If they know You Lord, remind them to say their own prayer of protection and ask You to intervene against any foe. Perhaps something like David prayed, “I come to you for protection, O Lord my God. Save me from my persecutors—rescue me!” (Psalm 1:7 NLT).

When they emerge safe and victorious, Father, as David did when he was rescued from Saul, give them a heart to give You the glory. If they don’t know You as their Savior, become real to these officers. Let them know You took the bullet for them. Amen

“God’s way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection.” (2 Samuel 22:31 NLT)

Prayer for Wisdom and Guidance

Lord, police officers’ days are filled with uncertainties and unknowns as they make quick and often life-changing or life-threatening decisions. Help them to be wise and invoke all their training and experience before moving or speaking. When they have the opportunity to investigate a situation before taking action and engaging, give them patience not to rush to judgement or anger. If they discern a quick decision or movement is required, direct them to move swiftly but safely. If they need to wait for back up or ask for help, don’t let them be prideful or rash but consider the best outcome for everyone involved.

For those who have a relationship with You, remind them that You’re always there for them, “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking” (James 1:5 NLT).

Guide them with their conscience and their code of conduct. Help them remember the protocol and give them the courage to do the next right thing for the best outcome. When they need to take orders from their chain of command, give them humble but steady hearts and guard their words.

Give them compassion when they determine there is no ill intent but also a keen awareness for deception. Remind them that they may not have all the evidence to make a final decision. Help them to see the good in people, and don’t let their hearts become hardened and calloused by the deceit and dark-side of life they encounter daily. Amen

“I am your servant; give me discernment that I may understand your statutes.” (Psalm 119:125)

Prayer for Their Families

Father, You’ve graciously given two families to every police officer: their personal family and their professional family. To their personal families, please give strength to endure the demanding schedule of a police officer. Provide understanding and flexibility for the times when their officer isn’t available for special occasions.

Instill the family with compassion when he or she doesn’t want to talk about their work and give the family intuition to know when their officer needs the space to decompress when returning home. May the family never minimize the significance of a police officer’s work. Let home be a place of solace when he or she returns safely but perhaps scarred by what they’ve seen and experienced.

Lord, it takes a special kind of love and patience to live with police officers. Remind the family members to pray for their officer daily and to let him or her know they’re prayed over, appreciated, and loved. Help family members to be alert and responsive when their officer is showing signs of stress, overwork, and trauma and encourage them to seek help. Likewise, Father surround the family with those who will notice the tenuous relationships that can develop within the family members.

Father, these precious and brave families make sacrifices few understand. Fill their homes with love, peace, joy, grace, and closeness because they support a police officer even at their own sacrifice.

Lord, every officer also has a close work family bond. They’re a team who have each other’s back and depend on one another for support, encouragement, skill, and camaraderie in facing the challenges of the job. Lord, bring unity and synergy to these men and women as they guard each other’s lives while working together to keep the streets of their communities safe and free of crime.

“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” (Romans 12:10)

Prayer for Mourners of Those Lost in the Line of Duty

Father, there are no more heart wrenching screams than, “Officer down.” Except perhaps the torment of a family opening the door to see two fellow officers of their officer standing with grim faces and tears welling in their eyes as the family falls to its knees with guttural shrieks, “No God, please no!” Or maybe You hear them wailing, “Why God, how could You do this when they were only trying to protect our community?” “Lord, where were You when they were dying?”

Lord, how does anyone comfort this family? Like Jeremiah they wail, “My grief is beyond healing; my heart is broken” (Jeremiah 18:18 NLT). There are no human answers to satisfy or soothe their agonizing wounds of grief, anger, and sorrow. Only You can Lord. Psalm 147:3 assures, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Psalm 34:18 NLT confirms, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.”

We beg of You to surround them with love. Bring others to their side who’ve experienced their pain and understand the deep ache in their heart to pray with and for them. Keep away those who patronizingly tell them everything will be all right, because for this family, it will never be all right again.

Father, You know the fellow officers who mourn with the family, especially those who were with the fallen officer. Remove the repeated nightmares of asking themselves what they could’ve done differently or why wasn’t it them in the coffin. Lord, You know that the death of their fellow officer will always haunt them and the memory will never fade. Father guide them to the help they need to recover from what they’ve seen and don’t let it cause division among the unit or place any in danger with fear and hesitancy. Guide them in keeping their focus on work when they’re on duty and help guard their minds from the “what-ifs” when they try to sleep at night. Help them rest and renew their resolve to do their job to the best of their ability.

Father, we know You mourn with these families. Give them whatever they need. Walk beside them Father. If they know You as their Lord and Savior, draw them into Your embrace and fill them with a peace that passes all understanding. For those who don’t know You, open their eyes to seek You, the only source of relief from their anguish. Let them feel Your presence grieving with them. Your tears. Your hugs. Your love. Amen

Note: I want to thank all of you who prayed for my husband and me while Dave went through another major spine surgery six weeks ago. I’ve been busy caretaking for him so you may have noticed there were no Monday Morning Blogs. Hopefully, I can get back to writing, but I will be discontinuing my About His Work Ministries Newsletter that appeared on the last Monday of the month.

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May 26, 2025

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What’s Your Part in the Everyday?

Today I’ve invited my friend and fellow author Cheri Swalwell to share a guest post with you. I know you’ll enjoy it as she asks, “What’s Your Part in the Everyday?” Here’s Cheri . . .

I love the account of Esther in the Bible. Seven chapters weaving a story of faith, courage, and ultimately God’s display of His justice for the Jewish people. People, even nonbelievers, know how Esther was born for such a time as this, (Esther 4:14b). While that is one-hundred percent true, she wasn’t the only hero of the story. Readers remember her bravery and courage to step in front of the king, knowing she could be put to death if he didn’t extend his gold scepter to her, but I believe that act of bravery was birthed in the years beforehand.

The Bible doesn’t go into detail about her childhood except that Mordecai, her cousin, “had taken her as his own daughter when her father and mother died.” (Esther 2:7). Throughout the seven chapters of Esther, we see Esther listening to and obeying Mordecai’s wisdom, (Esther 2:10 and 2:20) as well as Mordecai staying close “to find out how Esther was and what was happening to her.” (Esther 2:11). The Bible paints a picture of a loving adoptive father and an obedient adopted daughter.

We’re also told of a time when Mordecai was sitting outside the king’s gate, keeping a protective ear out for Esther, and he uncovers an assassination attempt on the king’s life. “But Mordecai found out about the plot and told Queen Esther, who in turn reported it to the king, giving credit to Mordecai.” (Esther 2:22).

When Mordecai reaches out a second time to Esther, this time to reveal Haman’s plot to destroy the Jews, Esther reminds her uncle that if she approaches the king without being summoned, it could be her death sentence. Mordecai’s answer is one many readers are familiar with: “Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:13-14).

Esther then tells Mordecai to pray and fast for three days while she and her attendants do the same. The story ends with Esther setting a trap in front of the king to uncover Haman’s wickedness. But before her trap could be completed, God reminded the king of when Mordecai saved his life. He was so grateful he chose to celebrate Mordecai’s good deed. The final scenes include the Jews being allowed to fight back against the attack set in place by Haman’s wickedness, resulting in Haman and his ten sons ultimately being impaled on the pole Haman originally built to impale Mordecai.

We all remember Esther being born “for such a time as this.” However, let’s not forget Mordecai’s wisdom, love, and dedication to Esther, the king’s desire to honor those who rescued him, as well as the king’s humility to revise the edict he issued under false pretenses. I truly believe that without everyone choosing to do their part, Esther’s moment in history would have been much harder to fulfill.

Obedience in the Little Moments Strengthens our Faith

In December 2019, I received a prayer jar from my Sister-in-Christ for Christmas. I was excited to begin using it at the start of the new year, but felt God was calling me to “pray with a twist.” Instead of simply saying, “God, I need help with …” or “God, please fix …,” I started each prayer request with “Thank You, God, You’re going to heal …” or “Thank You, God, You know the answer to this toughie …”

Fast forward three months and we started the now infamous lockdown. When the general atmosphere of the world turned anxious, I turned to God. Not knowing at that time how long the shutdown would actually last, I felt God telling me to put my “Thank You, God” prayers to the side and change the prayer jar to a blessings jar. I knew God was using this avenue to help my family collect the blessings we saw during this season in history instead of focusing on all they were missing out on or the fear spiraling around us.

I also began to notice various ways people were stepping up and out of their comfort zones. Church members were volunteering at food banks, teachers were riding on school buses to hand deliver food to students who wouldn’t otherwise have a meal, while other strangers started fundraisers to help those in need.

I was still working full time from home, surrounded by my kids in various stages of online learning, and we were taking care of my in-laws, which meant trying to keep germ exposure to a minimum. However, it’s not in my DNA to sit idly by while others serve. My prayer became one of “What part do You, Lord, want me to play in this season of our lives?’ And then I waited.

It Started with a Song and a Prayer

January 2020, I had a close group of friends, all teachers from the same school. The month before the shutdown, a mutual friend and I invited a group of those teachers to our church for a women’s breakfast – a time of eating and fellowshipping together. It was the first time we did that, and we weren’t sure if anyone would show up. We were pleasantly surprised that not only the ones we invited came, but they brought others along as well. We filled two full tables at the event.

It was so much fun! We added another friend to our group that morning, a young mom who was new to the area. When we moved to the sanctuary to begin the service, she happened to sit in the row that had been taken over by all my teacher friends. The best part? She fit right in.

When I asked God above what my part was to play during the lockdown, His answer came quickly. He told me to text a worship song and prayer every weekday morning to each of my friends, including the new mom I had met a month earlier. Even though we couldn’t be together in person, we could still start our day “together” focusing on God’s promises, instead of life’s problems. We could be encouraged to see God in our everyday moments instead of saving Him for special occasions or once a week.

Days turned into weeks; weeks turned into months. The lockdown ended, people reentered the work force and life looked a semblance like it used to. Monday through Friday, I continued to text my group of friends as a way for us to keep growing our relationship with God through praise and worship and prayer. The list grew from ten, to twenty, and beyond.

I chose to text them individually versus a group text, so that if they had specific prayer requests that might be more personal, they didn’t have to worry about the whole group reading about their struggles. The group grew from my teacher friends to include old childhood friends and new friends I acquired through normal interactions. After faithfully texting people each weekday, one ordinary day God took my heartfelt prayer, “What’s is my part?” to the next level.

What started as a way to stay connected during the lockdown soon became a monthly membership to help others experience that same growth in their relationship with God. Every week we read and apply God’s Word (the Bible), sing praise and worship to God, spend time in prayer, and learn about relevant topics from a biblical viewpoint. Altogether, it keeps our focus on the ways He blesses us throughout each and every day, filling our lives as described in John 10:10: “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” (NKJV)

In June 2021, JESUS in the EVERYDAY was born. The heart of the membership is to help people recognize Jesus hugs (blessings) throughout their day, celebrating the blessings of God instead of zeroing in on what went wrong. It gives people a chance to grow their relationship with God at their own pace, enjoying the journey instead of rushing through as though it’s a race. It’s a way to arm ourselves with God’s promises and truth before stepping out into the world. It helps prepare us with biblical answers to tough questions to help point our friends and family to the truth.

God’s heart is for His children. He desires that we all accept Jesus into our hearts, surrendering our lives to Him, and be forever together with Him in heaven. “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9).

Some people think the salvation prayer is a “one and done prayer,” but that one prayer is only the beginning. The most important mission we have on earth is to follow Jesus’ example found in Luke 4:43: “But he said, “I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent.”

What’s Your Part?

Thankfully, the lockdowns are behind us; however, there are even more people who are lost, broken, and hurting than ever before. They desperately need to hear the truth of God’s message of hope and salvation. I want to encourage all of us to ask God in our quiet time “What’s my part?” in helping those who are lost and desperately need to know how much You, God, love them.

I get excited when I think of the endless possibilities of how God will use you to share His good news to this hurting world! Like Esther and Mordecai, everyone remembers Esther and the famous words: “For such a time as this,” but Mordecai’s role in the story was equally important. Ask God to show you what you’ve already been doing to help further His kingdom. You might be surprised at His answer. Maybe it’s the little things you do daily that He is pleased with the most.

I continually ask God, “What’s my part?” in pointing people to Him during each changing season of our culture. Is that a question you’re willing to ask, and then step out in obedience, when He answers?

Come join the monthly membership and our community as we each seek to grow closer to our Heavenly Father. We’re excited for you to become part of our family as we celebrate seeing JESUS in our lives, everyday!

Bio:

Cheri Swalwell is a Christ follower, writer of Christian fiction and nonfiction, Cheer UP Podcast co-host, JESUS in the EVERYDAY YouTuber, and JESUS in the EVERYDAY monthly membership hostess. Visit www.cheriswalwell.com to learn more about the ministry and for encouragement to see JESUS in your everyday life.

Please leave a comment here.

April 21, 2025

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What Is Your Easter Looking Like This Year?

As Easter approaches each year, our family has the usual conversations about who’s going to host the brunch or dinner and what church service we’ll attend. Who’s up for sunrise service and who wants to sleep in later? You probably have similar discussions.

Our Easter will look different then in the past since hubby is having spinal fusion surgery four days before and might even still be in the hospital on Easter. If not, he’ll be in recovery mode and I’ll be in caretaker mode, but it doesn’t matter where we are or what’s happening in our life physically on Easter because spiritually Jesus is with us everywhere we go. We can worship and celebrate Him anywhere, anytime.

It’s easy to become preoccupied with our traditions: performances, cantatas, pageants, new clothes, family gatherings, decorating the house, egg hunts, and Easter baskets. All good things. Soon one of the holiest days of the year is over. We probably went to church, said a prayer before meals, maybe even read some Bible passages about the Last Supper, Gethsemane, the Crucifixion, and the Resurrection.

But did we take time to praise God for the painful sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ, and consider how it changed our life? Last week, I wrote a very important blog The Bible Is Offensive to Those Who Tolerate Sin. In the article, and when I posted it on social media, I asked how many of your pastors even talk about sin, which is the whole reason Jesus went to the horrific Cross. Only two people responded that their pastor speaks about sin boldly and courageously. That was disappointing and disheartening to me that so many pastors may say Jesus wants us to turn from our sins but never define sin. They may venture into talking about salvation this Easter but never mention what we’re saved from.

A Holy Spirit inspired pastor knows exactly how to speak the Gospel truth, especially on Easter when many worldly sinners who need to hear the truth will be attending to appease family members or out of tradition. It might be their only opportunity to be convicted and convinced that living a godly life forgiven of their sins is superior to living a carnal sinful life.

Easter commemorates the foundation of our Christian faith. The Gospel! The Good News! Without Easter, there would be no hope. Easter is the reason we have forgiveness for our sins and the assurance of eternal life. As the Apostle Paul reminded the Corinthians:

Let me now remind you, dear brothers and sisters of the Good News I preached to you before. You welcomed it then, and you still stand firm in it. It is this Good News that saves you if you continue to believe the message I told you—unless, of course, you believed something that was never true in the first place. I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me. Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said. 1 Corinthians 15:1-4

Many pastors might read the above passage this Easter while glossing right over the definition of sin. Many people listening might consider themselves “good people,” but never consider that they’re living the sins delineated in Galatians 5:18-21, which would be a great transition for pastors.

When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, ²⁰idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, ²¹envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God. Gal. 5:18-21 NLT

Congregants and guests need to hear that when we ask Jesus into our heart and receive the merciful forgiveness of our sins that nailed Him to the cross, we experience a spiritual rebirth. Hallelujah! Then, as we grow in our faith, we need a daily empty-tomb reawakening, not just annually at Easter.

Jesus lives within the heart of every Christian and He wants us to live as if we believe it!

The life of Bible-believing Holy Spirit filled Christians is one of evolving renewal! It’s not once and done when we become a Christian.

We continually cast off old patterns of sinful thinking and behavior as we transition into a richer more fulfilling faith.

But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. Colossians 3:8-10

5 Ways to Experience Spiritual Renewal This Easter

1. Renew Your Mind

What we let enter into our mind—positive or negative—controls our emotions, actions, and beliefs. What is bothering you right now? What is seeping into your psyche that keeps you up at night or troubles you during the day? Can you identify it? The news. Politics. Television. Social media. Stock market. Family crises or dysfunction.

Whatever is stressing you, try a mental fast! Free your mind from everything that furrows your brow. You may never want to let those things have dominion over your thoughts again. Admittedly, it could be your job. You can’t just walk away, but maybe you could initiate a plan to find another job more suitable for you. God will guide if you let Him.

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2

Personal Renewal: God wants us to rid our mind of worldly ways and saturate our mind with His wisdom. Proverbs is God’s Book of Wisdom, so try reading a proverb every day and write it on an index card. When your thoughts begin to drift to things of this world, recite the day’s proverb. If you’re ambitious, read an entire chapter in Proverbs daily and in thirty-one days you’ll have read the entire Book of Proverbs. When you finish, start back at Proverbs 1:1. You can never be too wise!

The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out.—Proverbs 18:15

2. Renew Your Heart

God created us uniquely with our mind, heart, and spirit intertwined. A renewal of one, affects the other two. A mind change touches our heart and our spirit nudges us to act according to our mind and heart. If our heart fills with compassion for a situation, our mind follows suit and again our spirit reminds us of how God wants us to act.

We are to have the mind of Christ and what breaks His heart should break our heart too.

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. Ezekiel 36:26

Personal Renewal: Who could you invite to Easter services? Maybe you’ve asked them to join you at church before and they’ve declined or it’s someone you’re sure would say no. Perhaps your heart has become a bit hardened toward their spiritual future. Ask God for the courage to ask them anyway. This could be the Easter their life changes forever.

If they say no, then commit to pray for them to say yes to God someday soon. We never know when Jesus will come for His people.

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10

3. Renew Your Commitments

A commitment is a sacred vow, a promise, to honor your word. Commitment often involves a sacrifice of putting others’ needs before your own needs, even when it’s inconvenient or painful.

Our Christian faith hinges on a commitment we make to Christ to follow Him and adhere to His Word, whether easy or difficult. At Easter, we remember the ultimate cost Christ paid on the cross to fulfill His commitment to save a lost world. Now he expects us to honor our commitments to Him and to others.

Don’t let your mouth make you sin. And don’t defend yourself by telling the Temple messenger that the promise you made was a mistake. That would make God angry, and he might wipe out everything you have achieved. Ecclesiastes 5:6 NLT

Practical Renewal: Have you committed to something you wish you hadn’t? We’ve all been there. Learn from it and pray next time before you make a decision; but this time, follow through on your commitment. Backing out of a promise damages the credibility of your Christian witness.

All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one. Matthew 5:37

4. Renew Your Testimony

There is no greater witness to God’s goodness than sharing what He has done in your life. No one can question your testimony because it’s your personal experience. The Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-20) isn’t just for disciples and pastors; it’s for every follower and believer of Jesus Christ. You don’t have to be an evangelist to share your story.

As we mature and evolve spiritually, we retell our testimony to benefit others. You and I are Christians today because twelve disciples obediently followed Jesus’ command to tell the world the Good News. They shared their personal gospel experience with anyone who would listen and with many who didn’t listen.

When we become Christians, our charge is to tell the world why we love Jesus!

Your story becomes your testimony when the focus is on God, not on you. This would be a great Easter verse for a pastor to gently discuss sin and how grace sets us free.

At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. Titus 3:3-7

Personal Renewal: When you give God the glory for something in your life, you testify to God’s goodness. Your salvation testimony shares your life before Jesus. How He changed your heart and spiritually, maybe literally, saved your life.

God has given you a story to share, so seize every opportunity to tell it. Sometimes God redeems your testimony by surrounding you with people who need to hear your past so it doesn’t become their future.

Who needs to hear this Easter what Christ has done for you?

And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. 1 John 5:11-12

5. Renew Your Soul

Easter is springtime in our souls! God is calling His people into a closer relationship with Him so that we can share Jesus with others who need more of Him in their life . . . or don’t yet know Him. The world is full of unsaved people stumbling in spiritual darkness. God calls every Christian to help those lost in darkness to find their way to the redeeming Light.

When Jesus spoke . . . he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

We need to refresh, renew, and refuel our body, mind, and soul so the illuminating joy of Christ radiates from us!

Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:30-31

Personal Renewal: Let the songs you sing on Easter, and the messages you hear, revive your spirit and speak directly to your soul. Bask in the glow that Jesus is alive!

If you’re ready to arise and be God’s messenger, start praying now for those divine appointments where God will use you in a hurting and lonely world.

I pray this Easter season finds you refreshed and renewed in your relationship with Christ and the purpose He has given each of us to keep the memory of Easter alive and vibrant, every day in our hearts, speech, and actions. Let us never forget:

You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. Colossians 2:13-14 (NLT)

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 2 Corinthians 4:16

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April 14, 2025

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The Bible Is Offensive to Those Who Tolerate Sin

Have you ever been in church and felt like the pastor was talking just to you? You wonder how he knew what you were going through or what sin you were wrestling with in your life. Probably he didn’t know, but God knew. He breathed out the words of the Bible to guide, counsel, encourage, scold, convict, and offer help to those who hear or read it. Hopefully, your pastor was preaching accurately from a passage that spoke to your situation.

¹⁶All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, ¹⁷so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Tim. 3:15-17

The Bible wasn’t written to condone our actions, but to teach us right from wrong and how to lead a holy and righteous life. Since we were all born with a propensity to sin, only the Holy Spirit living in our hearts can help us overcome sin and choose God’s good in our life. Many people are good, but God wants redeemed people, not just good people. I’ll say it again, without God, you can’t be or do good as God defines good. That statement might offend some of you right now so let’s look at what the Bible says.

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast.” Eph. 2:8-9

“If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.” 1 John 1:8

Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. ⁸But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. ⁹And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. Rom. 5:7-9

So you may be wondering if I’m saying that anyone who hasn’t accepted Jesus and received the Holy Spirit will lead a sin-filled life? Yes, that’s exactly what I’m saying and that’s going to be offensive to every nonbeliever. Without God, there’s no plumb line of God’s expectations for His people and their spiritual alignment with His Word. That’s why it’s so important when you read the Bible to know the context and whether it’s directed to the believer or unbeliever.

So God’s rest is there for people to enter, but those who first heard this good news failed to enter because they disobeyed God. ⁷So God set another time for entering his rest, and that time is today. God announced this through David much later in the words already quoted: “Today when you hear his voice, don’t harden your hearts.” Heb. 4:5-7 NLT

The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right; his ears are open to their cries for help. ¹⁶But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil; he will erase their memory from the earth. Ps. 34:15-16

Pastors’ Challenge

Today, many pastors acquiesce to the secular culture’s demands to be “inclusive.” In an attempt to not be offensive, they avoid preaching on biblical sin. The Bible calls that a false teacher. A pastor’s godly commission is to counter cultures’ lies with biblical truth. The righteous pastor tells the truth in love. If he doesn’t share the truth, he isn’t loving his congregation.

A pastor who avoids boldly covering the hard offensive places in the Bible is looking for the congregation’s affirmation not God’s confirmation. You can’t teach the Bible without offending someone. The Bible is clear on what is sinful and why we should strive to not sin. Believers don’t expect our sinful choices to be excused or legalized but instead confessed and forgiven. Unbelievers who might be in the congregation need to hear that Good News and believers need to live by it.

God is not “inclusive.” He’s actually very exclusive. All are welcome to spend eternal life with Him and His Son Jesus Christ, but there’s a qualifier. Only those who believe Jesus Christ died on the cross, rose again three days later, as we will celebrate on Easter, and confess their sins, ask for forgiveness, and turn from their wicked ways will be saved. (John 3:16)

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. John 14:6 NLT

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Rom. 6:23

For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. ²⁴Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. ²⁵For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. Rom. 3:23-25 NLT

The entire concept of salvation is confessing and repenting of our sins and accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. The word “sin” is used 1,364 times in the NIV Bible translation, but when’s the last time you heard a pastor preach about sin, even though forgiveness of our sins through Jesus Christ is the foundation of our faith? Think about it. Paul understood the importance of us recognizing our sins.

When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, ²⁰idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, ²¹envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God. Gal. 5:18-21 NLT

Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. . . Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones. ²⁷In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed shameful acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error. . .²⁹They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, ³⁰slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; ³¹they have no understanding, no fidelity, no love, no mercy. Rom. 1: 24-27, 29-30

We also know that the law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, ¹⁰for the sexually immoral, for those practicing homosexuality, for slave traders and liars and perjurers—and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine ¹¹that conforms to the gospel concerning the glory of the blessed God, which he entrusted to me. 1 Tim. 1:9-11 NLT

Jesus talked about sin.

He [Jesus] went on: “What comes out of a person is what defiles them. ²¹For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft, murder, ²²adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. ²³All these evils come from inside and defile a person.” Mark 7:20-23 NLT

Satan is using the secular left to legalize and champion sinful lifestyles and intimidate and silence the church on the one thing Satan uses to destroy God’s civilization—sin. I grew up going to church and I knew from a very young age what was sinful versus what was pleasing to God. In my backsliding days, while I might’ve been resentful of anyone calling out my sin, I knew I was breaking God’s heart because in my heart I knew I was sinning. How many people are sitting in woke churches today living under the lie that if culture says it’s okay and my pastor doesn’t call it wrong, it can’t be all that bad.

Have you heard a message in your church lately on why abortion, the murder of unborn babies, is sinful and wrong? Pastors often don’t teach on the sin of abortion because it might offend someone, so they skip over the Old Testament sacrificing of children to Baal and Moloch. Today, babies are burned or dismembered before they’re even born. With 1 out of 5 pregnancies ending in abortion, there probably will be a family touched by abortion in the congregation, but what if that pastor had been speaking all along about the sanctity of life and why God wants every baby He creates to receive the gift of life. Pastors could be saving babies’ lives. And for those women suffering with the guilt of killing their own child, the pastor could help them find comfort and forgiveness from Jesus. When pastors are afraid to touch that sinful painful subject, babies keep dying and women keep suffering.

Or has your pastor approached the subject in a sermon of why men should not be competing in women’s sports because no man can ever be a woman? Has he talked about what the Bible says about homosexuality, perverse sexual lifestyles, and exposing young children in school to this sin? No, you say. Well, why not? The Bible has a ton to say about it and because pastors don’t discuss it, the number of children experimenting with the rainbow mafia has skyrocketed. Children believe the devil’s lie that they can change their sex surgically or medically, when girls’ genetic XX chromosomes and boys’ XY chromosomes will NEVER change. These children will become patients for life instead of receiving help from Bible-believing pastors, psychologists, and counselors.

Or what about the mutilation and sterilization of children. Has your pastor talked about the deception of parents allowing young children to make such life altering permanent changes to their body that will NEVER change their God-given sex? Someone is probably dealing with this right now in your church.

God’s church can’t and shouldn’t avoid difficult issues. It’s a sin!

I know it sounds like I’m putting the onus for much of the culture’s woes on the church and actually that’s exactly what I’m doing. No one should leave a church sermon with a warm fuzzy feeling that nothing needs to change in their life. That’s a milk toast church. Pastors should be teaching what the Bible says about evil and sin. While it might be offensive to some, God’s Word is the ONLY way to eternal life with Him.

In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! ¹³Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. ¹⁴But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. Heb. 5:12-14

Many people wrongfully think that politics and spirituality should stay separate and that’s a lie straight from the enemy. Politics has invaded the church by normalizing or even legalizing what we all know is sin. Gay marriage. Abortion. Sexual perversion. Child mutilation. The war against women.

No one is perfect. We see many pastors falling in their personal lives. They’re tempted by sin like any of us. Maybe if they were studying the Scriptures and preaching accurately about overcoming sin, they too would be convicted to live by all of God’s Word. Pastor Jack Hibbs advises pastors, “You don’t avoid the difficult Scriptures, you look for Jesus in them!” The Apostle Paul gave a commission to every pastor.
I declare today that I have been faithful. If anyone suffers eternal death, it’s not my fault, ²⁷for I didn’t shrink from declaring all that God wants you to know. ²⁸“So guard yourselves and God’s people. Feed and shepherd God’s flock—his church, purchased with his own blood—over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you as leaders. Acts 20:27-28 NLT

The Lord appears to every believer through His Word, the Holy Bible, and unbelievers can meet Jesus there. Don’t rely on your pastor; rely on your Savior. You might be offended by what you read, but God loves you enough to tell you the Truth.

This morning in church, we heard a message on 1 Samuel 3 and we sang in church the old hymn “It Is Well With My Soul.” I’m closing with 1 Samuel 3:21 and a stanza from the song.

The Lord continued to appear at Shiloh, and there he revealed himself to Samuel through his word. 1 Sam. 3:21

“My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!”

Please let us know if your pastor helps your church family in overcoming the sins of this world, even when it’s offensive. Leave a reply here.

April 7, 2025

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Pastors’ Challenge

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History of the Johnson Amendment

We Must Pray!

Warrior Pastors

Then Victory!

What Does the Bible Say to Us About Justice?

The Power of Our Prayers!

The Bible Speaks to Us Today!

Courage is Fear that Prays and Calls on God.

When Will the Church Find Its Voice?

We Can’t be Afraid of the Sinners

Why June Is “Life Month”

National Law Enforcement Appreciation Month and Memorial!

Four Prayers for Police Officers and Their Families

Obedience in the Little Moments Strengthens our Faith

It Started with a Song and a Prayer

What’s Your Part?

5 Ways to Experience Spiritual Renewal This Easter

Pastors’ Challenge

Search This Site

Receive My Weekly Blog

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