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We’re Focusing Too Much On Vaccines & Masks and Not Enough on Jesus & Prayer!

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Have you noticed that in the last week the public conversation and news cycle has turned from racism to vaccination? Rising crime to mask mandates. Even though Covid cases/deaths are decreasing, government control is increasing!

It’s hard to participate in a conversation, even among Christians, without the topic turning to those who believe in the vaccines and those who oppose them. Those already wearing masks again versus those who refuse to ever wear one again.

People justifiably have strong opinions and often want to impose them on others. Disagreements divide when we can’t agree to disagree. Is it really worth it?

The purpose of this blog is not to take one side or the other. I have my personal opinion and distrust much of the information we’re hearing. One side presents the opinion of their “experts” as factual and “scientific” while the other side has “experts” with directly opposing opinions.

When the so-called experts can’t agree, we know that either there’s no definitive answer or it’s all just being politicized. We’re being played. Regardless, we need to let God, the real expert, guide our decisions.

I’ve started wondering lately why Christians aren’t as vocal about the biblical truths of Jesus, who we trust and believe, as we are about what we hear from strangers in the news, on a podcast, or opinions on social media and websites? People are trying so hard to convince others how to save themselves from Covid when it’s obvious no one really knows for sure.

What you and I do know for sure is the saving power of Jesus Christ. Yet, I dare say there are more Christians talking about Covid, vaccinations, and masks today than are talking about how Jesus saved their life!

In an interview with Jon Voight, Tucker Carlson expected to talk about Voight’s political views, but Jon skillfully turned the conversation to sharing his testimony about how everything changed in his life when he realized that God was real!

You can view the interview here, and I hope you will. We can do the same thing. Turn political or controversial conversations into spiritual opportunities.

As Christians, we know that Jesus is in complete control. He tells us in Scripture not to live in fear but to be alert for the early signs of His return and to be ready.

9 And when you hear of wars and insurrections, don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place first, but the end won’t follow immediately.” 10 Then he added, “Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 There will be great earthquakes, and there will be famines and plagues in many lands, and there will be terrifying things and great miraculous signs from heaven.

12 “But before all this occurs, there will be a time of great persecution. You will be dragged into synagogues and prisons, and you will stand trial before kings and governors because you are my followers. Luke 21:9-12 NLT

Jesus forewarned there would be plagues so Covid is no surprise to Him. But notice there will also be “great miraculous signs from heaven.” We see those miraculous signs all around us and we need to keep our focus on God and not the government.

My opening article in the AHW Ministry July newsletter is “Are You Aware of When Satan is Hijacking Your Thoughts?” I hope you’ll take a moment to read it. I talk in that article about how I almost missed attending Sean Feucht’s Let Us Worship revival in Boise. I’m so glad I didn’t let Satan hijack me because I did see miracles happening at that revival. People were being freed from addictions, suicide, hang-ups, and hurts, and surrendering their life to the Savior, Jesus Christ. It was a small glimpse of heaven as a large crowd freely worshipped together.

Sean didn’t shy away from talking about the persecutions his ministry has encountered. He like many pastors persevered, even some going to the Supreme Court, for the right to minister and worship during the imposed lockdowns on churches. He told his story with humor and joy that nothing was going to stop him from continuing to go into the hardest places like Portland, Seattle, New York, Chicago, LA, DC and over 50 cities with more to come sharing the gospel and leading people to Jesus!

Sean lives in California and had an unsuccessful run for Congress wanting to make a political difference, but it’s evident that God wants him in the streets and parks of America making a spiritual difference because people need the Lord. Many came to the revival with darkness in their souls and left with the light of Jesus in their hearts.

I’m not saying that we don’t take precautions to avoid getting sick and staying healthy, but I am saying spiritual sickness is more threatening in our world than any plague and we know the remedy.

Our churches need to be hospitals for the sick at heart, mind, and soul and we need to be more worried about convincing those who don’t know Jesus to come into a relationship with Him than spending our time trying to outguess or outsmart what the latest cure/prevention/protection is for Covid. Or letting Covid divide us as believers with differing opinions. We need to stay united in the only thing that actually matters for eternity: salvation of souls.

Mario Murillo put it like this in his article Tearing Away the Evil with Increasing Power:
“Every Christian and every church should be studying the authority over evil that we have in Christ. It should be blazingly clear by now that we are going to get exactly nowhere in this depraved, addicted and demonized society, without supernatural power and authority over Satan.”

I’m frustrated just like you at the way Satan seems to be succeeding in our government and it’s easy to think there’s nothing we can do about it. In fact, I was asked this question recently on a Facebook post: “Given where we are now, what is the best action for a person to take for the future?”

My answer: Such a good question. We vote the socialists, Marxists, Communists out of office for starters. We don’t live in fear and we pray for God’s wisdom and discernment about how He wants us to live out our faith in Him and NOT the government no matter who is in power.

We pray for revival. Only Jesus is going to save us, not a mask, a vaccine or a government and certainly not the very confused CDC. God’s up to something so how can we work with Him to save as many people as possible for eternity?!

Reply: Thanks. Good positive focus.

I believe we need to keep our focus positive, hopeful, and faith-filled! I always say: follow God’s leading and calling as to where He wants you to go, what He wants you to do, and what He wants you to say. Then go, do, and say it!

This morning while reading my devotional, The One Year Salt and Light Devotional by Chris Tiegreen, and praying about what to write this week, I was reminded that Jesus is our only hope out of the distressing times we live in now. They may even get worse, but Jesus only gets sweeter. Here’s what Chris said for July 30:

“We are called to learn the language of heaven and speak it into people’s hearts. That means replacing all complaining, gossip, frustration, and attention to problems with encouragement, affirmation, blessing, and attention to solutions. Instead of crying out for help, which always begins with a problem, we praise the majesty of God, which always begins with the answer. As holders of the truths of God’s Kingdom, we have an amazing opportunity to shape our environment with them—if we are intentional about putting a Kingdom angle on everything we see.” [I would add, on everything we say!]

I don’t know about you but I’m tired of the conversation being about vaccinations and masks. Let’s starting talking about Jesus! That’s where I want my focus to be; I hope you agree!

14 But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats. 15 Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. 1 Peter 3:14-15 NLT

Here’s my latest Crosswalk article: 6 Reasons You Should Participate in a Prayer Group.

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August 2, 2021
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An Expert Explains Why Critical Race Theory Must Be Kept Out of Schools!

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The Biden Administration is trying to claim it was an “error” that the U.S. Department of Education’s handbook published in April 2021 promotes the radical “Abolitionist Teaching Network’s handbook “Guide for Racial Justice & Abolitionist Social and Emotional Learning” that advocates for educators to “disrupt Whiteness” and accuses the U.S. educational system of “the spirit murder of Black, Brown and Indigenous Children.”

Critical Race Theory included in a federal teacher’s handbook! Who is responsible?

Betsy DeVos, former Secretary to Education under President Trump, said in interviews that someone high-up in the Department of Education had to sign off on the citation to this radical activist group being included in the handbook. It couldn’t have been an oversite. Who included it in the first place?

“This notion that it was a mistake is an absolute falsehood,” said DeVos, who served under President Trump. “Having been there at the department for four years and working through the approval processes for anything that is put out from the department, I know full well that there were eyes on and full knowledge of this going on.”

Earlier this month, I wrote a blog “Never Poke a Mama Bear” in which I encouraged parents to know what their children are being taught and to especially protest critical race theory indoctrination in schools.

Last week, Judith Rolfs, a professional marriage and family counselor, responded to my blog Do You Know the Difference Between Misinformation and Disinformation? She sent me a copy of an article she had written on the dangers of CRT being introduced into our schools. I asked her if I could share it with you and she said absolutely. We all need to become educated, forewarned, and motivated to combat the enemy within education.

As I’ve said before, Satan wants the next generation. Whether or not you have children in school, you can’t deny the impact this will have on our culture. Our country. Our families.

So here’s Judith Rolfs’ article on this topic . . .

Dear Readers,
I’ve been asked to share my thoughts about race in America and how the topic impacts school children based on my experience as a professional marriage and family counselor. This seems a timely topic with all the discussion in our news currently.

The truth is that race discussion does not belong in our public or private schools. Yet the National Education Association is promoting teaching a theory that imposes guilt on children and creates division among our children.

Here is why this is wrong. Witness children at play. Children accept others in play without regard for the color of another child’s skin. Feelings and friendships are developed naturally by the way each child interacts. They realize that there are differences in many things regarding color, flowers, sky, water, trees, toys, and yes, people. 

In a child’s mind, the color of one’s skin has no bearing on their friendships or acceptance UNLESS they’re taught that one color is better than another color.

Prejudices are taught. They don’t come naturally to children. Being white, or whatever color one is born, is the Creator’s decision and no race is superior or inferior to another. It’s horrific to hang guilt on a child because of their white skin color.

I came across this shocking statement! May 27, 2021 — Says Becky Pringle, President of the NEA. “Our children need to understand the painful truth of racism.” “(NEA) believes that, in order to achieve racial and social justice, educators must acknowledge the existence of white supremacy culture as a primary root cause of institutional racism, structural racism, and white privilege.” 

I want to be quite clear about CRT race discussion at any level of schooling. It’s incorrect for a teacher or school system to infer students are racist or that students should bear guilt for the way people were treated in the past. This can harm innocent children. They shouldn’t experience guilt over something for which they have no responsibility. To do so is child abuse. 

The Bible makes this very clear in Ezekiel 18:20 “The son shall not suffer for the iniquity of the father, nor the father suffer for the iniquity of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself.”

Our country was founded on the truth that all men are created equal and founded with the intent to provide religious freedom and equal opportunity for ALL. It was not founded to promote slavery. “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:28                                                   

So then what should older children learn about race? The facts. Historically, some races have been ill-treated tragically at times. Slavery was wrong. Imposed segregation was wrong. Whites, blacks, and people of every color have equal opportunity given by God. No individual and no government has the authority to deny this right to any other human being.

Sadly, self-serving politicians spread the lie that blacks are inferior, of lesser intelligence, incapable of achieving success, or ridiculously that blacks could not complete voter ID forms. Such deceitful individuals want black people to believe these untruths about themselves and feel inferior and dependent on government for their well-being.

No race or skin color is inferior or superior to any other. God created all men and women equal!

Parents make sure your children are not damaged by misled teachers who are misinformed or have an evil agenda to cause division and hate. Be certain your school boards do not accept this harmful NEA agenda.

These so-called educational “strategies” do not belong in our schools. Teachers are hard pressed enough teaching basic academic subjects. Since teachers were pressed into social agendas, our students have fallen woefully behind other countries academically.

It’s helpful to keep in mind that Jesus is the great unifier. Every family black, white, brown, or yellow, has the opportunity for acceptance and love in Him and through Him for one another.

Instead of distressing children with “white privilege guilt” teachers should promote values like a good work ethic and build the esteem of every student by empowering them through solid academic learning.

Unity can exist when it’s based on strong moral principles of respect for one another as God’s creation. Race theory doesn’t belong in our schools. 

Dr. Judith Rolfs has been a marriage and family therapist, speaker and author for almost three decades. She’s passionate about helping couples have joyful, strong marriages and families. As a Christian woman, wife, and mom of four, grandmother of seven, she knows firsthand the challenges of life in this often chaotic world. Judith teaches biblical principles from Scripture and always encourages dependence on God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit for living one’s best life.

On Judith’s YouTube channel you can find Marriage and Parenting tips plus Judith reading short stories to children from her modern fairy tales book Unforgettable Stories for Kids.

Her Amazon Author page reveals what an eclectic author she is of over twenty books from five star mystery novels, marriage and family how-to books to her Tommy Smurlee/Grella Weller children’s series for ages eight and up – creative mystery fantasy books with solid moral values.

Her website is www.judithrolfs.com

Judith lives in a hidden woodland garden in Wisconsin with her husband who is the popular author of family inspirational books, Words For Today, Thoughts For Tomorrow

Recent Family Book Release: Man in Command, 52 Ways To Be A Great Husband and Dad

Thank you Judith for sharing your article with us!

If you received this blog by email, please leave a comment for Judith or me here.

July 26, 2021
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Do You Know the Difference Between Misinformation and Disinformation?

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Last week, we learned directly from the White House Press Secretary during her briefing on July 16, 2021, that the White House is colluding with Facebook to flag any posts the White House determines contains “problematic misinformation” and to reset their algorithms to eliminate comments and posts the White House doesn’t like! They want those people not only banned from Facebook, but from all social media outlets. Chilling! Something you might expect to hear from a Communist dictator-run country but not in America where the 1st Amendment protects our right to freedom of speech and differing ideas.

At least we’re supposed to have that right. But instead, the White House tells us that any conversation on social media they don’t like must be shut down, and they’re actually flagging “problematic posts” themselves! They want to take control of the free flow of information regarding Covid and shield the public from information they consider inaccurate.

Social media by its very definition and original intent was to be a public square of sharing ideas where free debate and differences of opinion could flow. We’ve known for a long time that hasn’t been the case as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Google have been censoring and flagging posts, even banning the sitting President of the United States, who said if they can do it to him, they can do it to you. And they are!

Facebook, as well as other social media outlets, are taking orders from the White House which determines what you can say and know. State censorship. Propaganda.

What’s the Difference Between Misinformation and Disinformation?

On Fox News Sunday, while Chris Wallace was interviewing the Surgeon General Vivek Murthy about Murthy’s telling Facebook they must do more aggressive censoring of Covid “misinformation,” the caption running below read “Facebook defends its efforts to remove vaccine disinformation.”

In the White House Briefing, Jen Psaki repeatedly interchanged the two words.

“Misinformation” and “disinformation” don’t mean the same thing. However, they’re both often the foundation and propagation of “fake news” and manipulation.

These two often mistakenly interchanged words are only differentiated by one letter, mis and dis. The distinction between the two words is intent.

Misinformation is wrong or false information. When weaponized it becomes disinformation.

The prefix mis means wrong, mistaken, or misunderstood.The prefix dis  means reversal or removal.

Here are interesting examples of disinformation from the American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language:

Deliberately misleading information announced publicly or leaked by a government or especially by an intelligence agency in order to influence public opinion or the government in another nation.

Dissemination of such misleading information.

The dissemination of intentionally false information to deliberately confuse or mislead.

Who Determines What’s Considered Misinformation?

Every time I hear the words misinformation or disinformation tossed around and disseminated indiscriminately by news media, politicians, and now the White House, my husband can attest that I often say aloud: Who determines what’s misinformation? Misinformation according to who? What’s the source?

Have you noticed we’re seldom given that information? We’re supposed to accept that something is “misinformation” just because someone said it was even if they’re not an authority or provide any proof or evidence.

On social media, it’s the “fact-checkers,” whoever they are! Even as we’ve seen with Covid, experts often disagree, but one opinion is arbitrarily selected by those in control as the only acceptable source of information and any dissenting ideas are labeled misinformation. Other times, it’s determined by whoever will benefit from burying the truth or subverting questions. Anyone challenging the validity or wanting to discuss other opinions must be silenced.

Every opinion that challenges or disagrees with the liberal ruling establishment is classified as misinformation or disinformation. Even factual biological truths like there are only two genders. Marriage is between a man and a woman. Life begins at conception.

We’re Watching Our Freedoms Slip Away!

When I first saw China forcing everyone to wear masks, I thought that could never happen in America where we’re protected by the Constitution, a Bill of Rights, and freedom. Then masks were “mandated.”

We would never be forced to stay home! Then we were.

The government could never close our churches. Then they did.

Public schools would never be closed. Then they were.

The government cannot spy on citizens. Now they are.

Medical records are private and protected by Hippa. Now they’re not.

The government cannot force anyone to take medication. Now they’re trying.

Big Tech is being deputized to do what the government still can’t do legally . . . yet . . . spy on and censor American citizens.

How Can We Know the Truth?

I was recently asked on Facebook how we can know the truth in the midst of “the craziness of the world news and social media.” I gave the only answer I know and use myself. We go to the source of Truth: God and the Bible and we pray for wisdom and discernment.

My child, don’t lose sight of common sense and discernment. Hang on to them, 22 for they will refresh your soul. They are like jewels on a necklace. Pr. 3:21-22 NLT

Then you will show discernment, and your lips will express what you’ve learned. Pr. 5:2 NLT

Rich people may think they are wise, but a poor person with discernment can see right through them. Pr. 28:11 NLT

Jesus was assailed with people spreading and believing misinformation about Him. He was crucified by bad actors who seized on the opportunity to turn misinformation into disinformation, with the intent of stopping His ministry and taking His life.

But He told us plainly: Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. 32 And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32 NLT

The Unbelief of the People

37 But despite all the miraculous signs Jesus had done, most of the people still did not believe in him. 38 This is exactly what Isaiah the prophet had predicted:

“Lord, who has believed our message?
    To whom has the Lord revealed his powerful arm?”[a]

39 But the people couldn’t believe, for as Isaiah also said,

40 “The Lord has blinded their eyes
    and hardened their hearts—
so that their eyes cannot see,
    and their hearts cannot understand,
and they cannot turn to me
    and have me heal them. John 12:37-40 NLT

Many missed the Truth walking amongst them that Jesus was the Messiah and every word He said was true. Jesus was then and always will be our Only source of Truth in the midst of deception, manipulation, control, and evil diabolical disinformation.

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

 In her controversial briefing on Friday, Jen Psaki was asked how the White House justifies this current infringement on public speech in light of the misinformation they’ve fueled in the past causing Facebook to ban people for sharing information the White House now admits was true. She defended, “Information is always changing and evolving,” which is true. That’s why it’s ludicrous for them to label something misinformation without allowing any dissent or discussion only to find out it’s actually correct information and always was.

Information and knowledge evolves from allowing open debate. Listening to and considering different points of view. Not relying on those who have political interests in the outcome.

We must do our research and not let the hyperbole on the news and social media influence us. Sadly, much of the misinformation out there is used to project disinformation to control and subjugate the American people and that’s wrong!

This latest state censorship by the White House can easily morph right into the political elections where political opponents will be silenced. We already saw social media doing that during the last election when they banned anyone from mentioning Biden’s family scandals and removed President Trump from Twitter and Facebook.

It’s NOT misinformation to say that conservatives are flagged, banned, and censored on social media while liberals are free to project lies and disinformation. That’s a proven fact.

“Every corrupt regime since the beginning of time has framed its silencing of citizens as being in the public good,” Erielle Davidson of the Jewish Institute for National Security of America.

I personally, have seen the traffic to my author page disappear. I have 1000 followers on that page, Janet Thompson/ Christian Author and Speaker | Facebook, but as of several months ago, the only person that seems to see it is my daughter. No longer are there likes or comments on anything I post there. When I post one of my blogs on my personal page, same thing. So if you agree with anything you read from me, please share the blog and comment on the website.

I’m obviously not deterred from writing the blogs, but I do know we’re not on a fair and free playing field. God knows where the words He gives me should go, and I won’t be silenced. I hope you won’t be either.

For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile. Romans 1:6 NLT

As I learn your righteous regulations, I will thank you by living as I should! Ps 119:7 NLT

Prophecy News Watch posted an interesting article The Road to Fascism? White House And Facebook Merge to Censor Problematic Posts

I also recommend the new book by Mark Levin American Marxism!

July 19, 2021
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Who’s Behind The War on Women?

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Over the years, it’s appeared outwardly that women are advancing in respect and career opportunities. Women are CEO’s, own businesses, hold political positions, host news programs, headline movies and TV programs, author books, own homes, are public speakers and the list goes on.

Until recently, we would’ve said that the culture was on the side of women achieving their goals. Or has it been?

What’s changed?

Who’s behind the devaluing of women and their safety?

Who’s behind the war on women?

I think the answer to those and even more questions originated in the Garden of Eden when the serpent, the Devil, chose to tempt Eve instead of Adam with the forbidden fruit. Sadly, she succumbed to the question so often used to justify sin today, “Did God really say?”

The serpent was the shrewdest of all the wild animals the Lord God had made. One day he asked the woman, “Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?” Gen. 3:1 NLT

 The disgraced Satan has always been at war with God. He wants to be God and when that fails, he wants to be sure that God’s people do not multiply and fill the earth as God predestined.

Satan will try anything to stop God’s people from multiplying. Since God gave women reproductive anatomy, the Devil is the commander, plotter, originator, and perpetuator of the war on women.

Remember in Ephesians 6 that we’re told our battle isn’t against flesh and blood, aka the liberals, progressives, Democrats, atheists, imposters trying to be women. No, the battle is against the spiritual principalities of evil. Those flesh and blood people perpetuating the evil often don’t even realize that they’re being played by Satan. Used. Deceived. Weaponized as they do his dirty work.

But like Eve learned, there will be a price to pay for anyone manipulated by Satan and sadly his victims.

10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we[a] are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Eph. 6:10-12 NLT

One of Satan’s most effective tactical weapons is the use of lies to create confusion. As with Eve, if he can create enough doubt and confusion, his evil battle rages on.

43 Why can’t you understand what I am saying? It’s because you can’t even hear me! 44 For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies. 45 So when I tell the truth, you just naturally don’t believe me! John 8:43-45 NLT

Let’s look at some of Satan’s strategies in the War on Women!

The Battleground of Abortion

Many women believe the lie that they’re not carrying a baby; it’s just tissue and cells they’re told. Even with the advent of seeing the baby via sonograms, hearing the heartbeat, and knowing that each cell contains the baby’s DNA, Satan uses semantics to confuse them. It’s just “ending or terminating a pregnancy.” “A woman’s choice.” “Women’s healthcare.” “My body, my choice.” “Reproductive rights.”

Women are deceived into believing their life will be better without the life of their baby. Instead, millions of women have a hole in their heart grieving the children they didn’t allow to be born. Only Jesus can help mend that hole and He will if asked and allowed.

When House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a mother of five and grandmother of nine, is asked about how she reconciles her Catholic faith with her undaunted support of abortion, she responds: “Let me just say that I’m a big supporter of Roe v. Wade . . . . I am a mother of five children in six years. I have some standing on this issue as to respecting a woman’s right to choose.”

I often wonder what her children think when they hear her repeated and relentless defense of abortion?

An author of an article in the Washington Examiner wrote:

“I am a mother” is really not an answer to whether abortion takes a human life. It is, in fact, a false appeal to authority. And it looks especially bad precisely because a mother, of all people, shouldn’t have a hard time answering the question.

Pelosi does have some “standing on the issue” on account of her having a large family. For her, this shouldn’t be a difficult question. But as the standard-bearer for a party with a fanatical devotion to keeping abortion legal and available through all nine months of pregnancy, she cannot even bring herself to say whether a 15-week-old unborn child is a human being.

Imagine how fanatically devoted to politics one must be to deny even one’s most life-affirming experiences.

What a missed opportunity to support life and encourage women! She’s had five children and still rose to the third highest political position in the country. She could wear her motherhood like a proud badge of honor encouraging all women that you can have the blessings of motherhood and still achieve your goals.

The Battleground of Genders

God was very specific when He created only two, genders: Male and female.

So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Gen. 1:27 NLT

We also know that the woman Eve was created as a helpmate for the man Adam. Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.” Gen. 2:8

We’re told in God’s Word that men and women would marry and come together sexually to continue populating the earth. Any deviation from God’s plan was an abomination and a sin. Period.

When my grandson was nine-years-old, he pointed out that of course men were not supposed to have sex with men or women with women because then the world would end!! There would be no more babies. No more people. That’s a no brainer even for a nine-year-old!

Even the animals get that! Also take seven pairs of every kind of bird. There must be a male and a female in each pair to ensure that all life will survive on the earth after the flood. Gen. 7:3 NLT.

Only Satan could try to subvert God’s plan for humanity by causing what we now call “gender confusion.” Again, confusion does not come from God, it comes from Satan.

Confused men who think life would be better as a woman have demanded legal rights to pretend they’re women. They’re allowed to invade the private and public spaces of women in bathrooms, locker and dressing rooms, spas, beauty contests, and even competing in sports against biological women!

Logically and anatomically this is ludicrous and lewd, but instead of rationale people standing up for protecting women, the government is bending to social pressure from a fringe element.

A man is now “Miss Nevada!” A biological 43-year-old male who “identifies as a woman” from New Zealand will compete in women’s weightlifting at the Olympics.

How many biological women do you see trying to compete in men’s sports? Not many or maybe none.

We’re told it’s discrimination to not let confused men “identify” as women with all the privileges, but what about the rights of real women? Why isn’t this male invasion considered discrimination against women?

In a commentary by Joe Saunders in The Western Journal, Saunders wrote about comments from NFL quarterback Brett Favre.

 He was never more on target than when he nailed the issue of transgender “women” competing against true females on the biggest stages in sports. Liberals are going to hate it, but no sane, honest person — man or woman — could disagree.

“It’s a man competing as a woman,” Favre said with characteristic bluntness. “That’s unfair.”

Every human past puberty understands that there are basic physiological differences between men and women. It’s just that in the 21st century, liberals seem to have decided ideology trumps biology.

The Battleground of Motherhood

Last week, I wrote about this battleground and I’ll refer you to that blog “Never Poke a Mama Bear” where I point out that Nancy Pelosi and the Democrats are trying to eliminate Mother and replace with “birthing people.” Do you think Pelosi’s five kids call her their birthing person?

What’s a Woman to Do?

We must stay educated on the issues facing women today and consider them from God’s perspective. Educate our children and grandchildren to not become influenced or persuaded by the ways and sways of the world.

If you know someone influenced negatively by false teachings or ideologies, take the time to talk with them and pray for and with them. Share with them God’s purpose and plans for men and women and why He made us different and unique with specific life roles.

Get involved. Don’t be afraid to stand up against wrong. Like the woman who protested when a male came into the women and children’s area of a spa in California and exposed himself. One of her comments was that other women were afraid to come forward and confront the spa owners who were allowing such an atrocity. But she wasn’t afraid and good for her!

Silence in the face of wrong is wrong itself!

Our tendency often is to avoid adversity but Jesus never avoided sharing the truth even when it wasn’t welcomed or convenient.

The spiritual battle isn’t between Democrats vs Republicans or liberals vs conservatives. It’s between wrong vs right, evil vs good. Satan vs Jesus. The enemy vs the Savior!

It’s easy to say we know who wins in the end so let’s not get involved, but other people are hurt when we don’t engage. The Christian life isn’t about standing quietly on the sidelines; it’s about standing boldly on the Lord’s side of the spiritual battle.

What Satan means for evil, God will use for good! He’ll use those of us who are willing to join Him in the fight for right. I hope you’re in the Lord’s army. I am.

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Eph. 6:10-13

The Lord has given me Joshua 1:9 not just once but several times today, so I leave you with a theme verse from my book Everyday Brave: Living Courageously as a Woman of Faith.

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July 12, 2021
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How “God Winks” Can Help Us Through Difficult Times

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When I said in my last blog that I’d be taking a break for my husband’s knee replacement surgery, I didn’t expect to be MIA for six weeks. We heard stories of people having this surgery as outpatient or at best coming home the next day. I had no idea the journey that lay before us and we’re still venturing on, but God did. My husband continuously says he doesn’t know how anyone goes through this without God!

Praise God, He was our constant companion, even though I must admit I had a few meltdowns along the way!!!

For those of you who prayed for us, we’re grateful. Please keep praying! If you didn’t know about what we were going through, I’m sure you know someone having a difficult time right now and I encourage you to stop reading for a moment and pray for them. They’ll feel your prayers. They need your prayers.

Back to our story . . .

Dave got off to a rocky start when he had a bad reaction to the meds and anesthesia used during surgery. While he was in the hospital for five days, his oldest daughter Michelle and I were with him all day and evening. Michelle had flown out from Chicago to help us with his transition home.

Then to my shock, the doctors determined he wasn’t home ready and needed to go to a rehab facility where he would be placed in COVID quarantine. We could no longer see him! He had a negative COVID test right before they moved him, and we were all vaccinated, but those were “the rules.”

We walked with him as they wheeled him down the sidewalk to the rehab facility, but when the elevator doors shut, I was shut out of his life. Half of my heart ripped away!

“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, 8 and the two will become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two, but one flesh. 9 Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” Mark 2:7-9

I’d been his advocate in the hospital and now I was standing on the outside. I couldn’t stop crying. I’m crying now just remembering. I was one of those people you read about kept from their suffering loved ones. It’s reality to me now. It’s cruel.

I came home alone and Michelle flew home. Our family’s only visible communication with Dave, doctors, therapists, and nurses was FaceTime. Dave was there for eight days where he received physical, occupational, and recreational therapy and excellent care, but this was so beyond what we had anticipated.

I stared blankly when people asked, “Why?” Every time I heard that question, or about people who came home the next day, it only made me feel worse. Sad. Heartsick. Despondent.

There’s a lesson for us all. When someone is going through a traumatic experience, hearing how someone else sailed through it only impounds the hurt and trauma. All I wanted was a hug or a prayer. Compassion.

My worst nightmare became reality when 5’5” 122 lb. me, who had recently had surgery, would be bringing home by myself 6’4” 230 lb. hubby who could barely stand up and move by himself, even with a walker. He would have to stay in our basement “Man Cave.” It would be a long time before he could navigate stairs up to our living level.

And so the journey began even though I felt completely inadequate for what God was asking me to do on my own to successfully help this man I love so much recover well and safely. It seemed overwhelming. It was overwhelming.

But of course, I wasn’t completely alone. That’s when the God Winks started!

God Winks Don’t Miss Them!

Dave and I had prayed before his surgery and during his recovery that we would be a witness and light for God’s goodness to everyone we met, and that they would see Jesus in us, no matter what. Maybe that prayer set us on this trajectory because God wanted to use us for His glory. I can’t say I always represented Him well. My emotions at times overtook me when I couldn’t stop crying or heard myself having an unkind outburst, but there were also some amazing experiences where God’s glory shown through in spite of us.

God Wink #1

I thought daughter Michelle came to help after we got home, but it turned out God wanted to use her to support me while Dave was in the hospital and through the experience of sending him off to rehab. Michelle was my rock, a calm and steady voice, gentle pat on my back, and hug that guided me through the crisis and chaos. When I was too upset to eat, she located a smoothie shop nearby that’s now become my favorite!

We live 1 ½ hours from the hospital and rehab. So our daughter Kim, who lives closer, welcomed Michelle and me to stay as long as we needed, which meant my two granddaughters gave up their bedrooms and slept on the couch. No complaining. That’s what love does.

While I was away from home, neighbors Joni and Mike, who are also part of our Couples Bible Study Group, watered our plants and mowed our lawn. Mike takes our trash to the dump when he’s home. (We live in the rural mountains, no trash service.)

God Wink #2

One of the male nurses in the hospital stopped in Dave’s room, even though Dave wasn’t his patient that day, and said he had looked up my books on my website! He was a Christian too.

When Dave was in rehab, I brought some of his favorite juice to help him get more fluids since his BP kept dropping. The nurse that came to the door began comforting me about not being able to see him and I noticed the cross around her neck. Turns out, she’s a Christian also and Dave was her patient for the day. I knew he was in God’s hands.

She assured me that rehab was right where he needed to be. He wasn’t capable of coming home yet, but they would work to get him ready. Rehab was actually a God-Wink blessing.

God Wink #3

Several days before I brought Dave home, three men from church came over and helped prepare the Man Cave by taking off doors, moving furniture, making repairs, and taking Dave’s recliner downstairs.

God Wink #4

Leanna, a dear friend from our Couple’s Bible Study Group, got up early to leave at 6:30 am to drive down to Boise with me to pick up Dave from rehab. I don’t function well early morning, but with Leanna in the car and Jesus at the wheel, it was a beautiful morning even though it had been a rainstorm the day before.

God Wink #5

Dave’s second night home he had cramps in his calf and shooting pains down his leg. He was wreathing and crying in pain. Hot compresses helped but he couldn’t stand up. Leanna, who called me every day, had said call us no matter what time of night. So I did. She and her husband Bob and muscular son Ty came right over and the men got Dave up out of the chair and into bed. Ty gave me his number to text if I needed him in the middle of the night or next day.

God Wink #6

Friends Cynthia and Tom, who were dropping off food they had bought for us at COSTCO, were here when the doctor’s office called about Dave’s leg cramps and shooting pains. We needed to bring him to ER (1 ½ hours away) for an ultrasound to rule out blood clots. When we got off the phone, Tom said he would drive us and Cynthia said she would sit at our house and wait for UPS to drop off medication that needed a signature.

This was the Friday of Memorial Day Weekend, a heavily traveled day in our area and I had been up all night with Dave. This couple was having a family reunion at their home in a few days, but Cynthia said that taking time to help us was confirmation to her that God had the reunion under control! Praise God there were no blood clots.

God Wink #6

The following day, the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, daughter Kim and hubby Toby came up to plant our garden, mow our lawn and do other things on my “to-do” list.

God Wink #7

Memorial Day, Barb from our Couple’s Group stopped by to ask where I needed help. She folded all my laundry and vacuumed my whole house! Amazing timing since around 4:30 pm I got a text from long-time friends from Arizona, Debbie and Jerry, that they were about an hour away and what did I need at the store?! I thought they were coming the next day, but thanks to Barb, my house was ready and I had food to feed them because Gene, another friend from church, had brought over a tray of her famous enchiladas the day before!

Debbie and Jerry had planned this trip to visit us before we knew Dave was having surgery and they said they would only still come if they could be of help. I said, “Oh yes! Please come. I need help!”

They were visiting angels as Jerry is an amazing “handyman” and Debbie just pitched in and saw the many things that needed doing while I was tending to Dave downstairs. Together they cut down on the thousands of steps I was taking up and down the stairs. Debbie went with me to Boise to grocery shop and go to a doctor’s appointment with me to take notes when my brain was exhausted.

I was sad to see them go, but we all were aware of God’s timing in bringing them to “visit” when I needed them most. I finally felt a little rested and ready to tackle Dave’s recovery on our own.

God Wink #8

Now for the over-the-top presence of the Lord showing His face in an act of kindness of two strangers, Scott and Donna May. Physical therapy recommended we get a recumbent bike for Dave. I put a request on our local community Facebook page and began getting messages about bikes for sale. One in particular looked perfect but it was pricey even used. Then there appeared a message from a gentleman who said he had one he could loan us that they only use in the winter and he could deliver it?!

I asked for a picture and it was the exact one I had considered buying. I messaged back thanking him for his generosity and he responded, “Christians help Christians!” I wondered how he knew I was a Christian, but I certainly told him he was an answer to prayer.

When Scott and Donna May brought the bike over the next day, I asked how he knew I was a Christian. Scott laughingly admitted he had looked at my profile and website to be sure I was someone he could trust to return the bike LOL!

Donna May said she refers to these serendipity experiences as “God Winks.” I assured them that God had definitely been winking at us.

And He still continues. Neighbors Bob and Theresa, also in our Couples Group, called and said they’d noticed our lawn getting pretty long again. Could they come over the next morning and mow and spray for mosquitoes. Bob also stops by and picks up our bags of trash to take to the dump.

A physical therapist we’ve been working with in town was concerned about Dave using our shower if we moved him upstairs and offered to come over to our house after work and check it out! He did a survey of our home while he was here to give us tips on moving Dave back upstairs, which we did several days later.

What’s the Take Away from Our God Winks?

1. Ask for Help!

Don’t try to go things on your own. Let people know where and when you need help! We also asked for prayer and I know our church was praying for us and for God to watch over us.

Many times people will just say, “Let us know when you need help.” But then we don’t because we don’t know what kind of help they’re prepared to give and we don’t want to be an imposition.

2. Receive Help

It’s a blessing for others to bless you! Let them. Yes, it’s humbling and maybe even embarrassing, but the Bible tells us that “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. 10 If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.” Ecc. 4:9-10 NLT

3. Join or Form a Bible Study Group

Our Couples Bible Study Group have been through many things together and as one woman in church put it, “Your group is really tight.” We’re there for each other to celebrate the good times, help each other through the difficult times, pray and learn more together how God wants us to navigate the world through the wisdom in His Word.

4. Be Alert to Who Needs a God Wink

Because people are reticent to ask for help, or impose, let’s try and notice when and where someone needs help and then just do it. I’m sure there’s someone in your life who needs a “God Wink” right now!

Note: There are many issues in the world today that I want to write about, but I’ve been so consumed with our issues that I didn’t have the energy or brain-power to tackle them. For several nights after I returned home alone, I couldn’t even turn on the news to hear the world’s troubles because I was living through troubles in my own little world. It all seemed like more than I could process.

I told a friend that I’ll know when the Lord frees my mind to write again, and today was the first day I’ve actually sat down at the computer to write. I’m not sure how consistent, but I’ll try to be back on Mondays. We’ll find out this week when Dave will have his other knee done. Yes, we’re doing this again in the near future, but I know God’s winking at me right now and assuring me He’ll be right there seeing us through it.

All praise to the God and Father of our Master, Jesus the Messiah! Father of all mercy! God of all healing counsel! He comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, he brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us. 2 Cor. 1:3-4 The Message

Photo by Saad Chaundhry @saadchdhry

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June 21, 2021
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Reimagine One Nation Under God

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Democrats, progressive left liberals, the media, and the White House have introduced the word “reimagine” into their rhetoric. I don’t know about you, but I’ve seldom heard or used that word in my own vocabulary. Suddenly, we hear it in situations where I feel the user wants to disguise or mask what they really mean knowing that if they come right out and say their true intentions, it won’t be received well.

Reimagining seems more esoteric.

The definition of reimagine is to “reinterpret (an event, work of art, etc.) imaginatively; rethink; to form a new conception of.” The most prevalent use of this nebulous creative way of rethinking today is to apply it to policing and “criminal reform.” In the process, they’re trying to reframe policing as racist and brutal and send criminals back out into the streets to terrorize our cities.

In fact, the Democrats want to reimagine our entire country as systematically racist and create the perception that there’s universal racism in need of reform. The mainstream media echoes the mantra.

Their idea of “unity” is that we all agree that America’s problems originate from the police, “white privilege,” “systemic racism,” climate change, guns, not wearing masks, questioning the vaccine, using the wrong pronouns, not letting men play in women’s sports, wanting to save babies, border protection, following the Constitution, fair voting laws.

Conservatives, Christians, Republicans and their values are the real problem.

Yes, if we would just acquiesce, conform, and agree with the left’s liberal/Marxist /Communist takeover of America, we could all live in Joe Biden’s version of “unity.”

They want us to . . .

Reimagine America as “whites” apologizing and making reparations for being born white and racially categorizing all conservative Caucasians as white supremacists.

Reimagine that rioting is actually “peaceful protests” and we’re not actually seeing looting, burning, stealing, and violence in the streets of America.

Reimagine the meaning of words and eliminate words they deem no longer acceptable.

Reimagine that you can change your God-given sex.

Reimagine the biological definition of gender.

Reimagine who responds to your 911 call.

Reimagine life without the security of law enforcement or owning guns for protection.

Reimagine that releasing hard-core felons and criminals is not a danger.

Reimagine the Supreme Court.

Reimagine the need for three separate branches of the Federal government.

Reimagine America’s history.

Reimagine when life starts and who is worthy of life.

Reimagine mandatory masks forever.

Reimagine the meaning of fair and legal elections.

Reimagine who can censor and cancel you.

Reimagine the need for classroom school for your children.

Reimagine how you worship in church.

Reimagine two equal political parties.

Reimagine the military.

Reimagine how you celebrate holidays.

Reimagine the Bill of Rights, Constitution, and Amendments.

Reimagine 50 states.

I bristle every time I hear “reimagine” from the mouths of news commentators, liberals, progressives, leftists, Democrats, and politicians using the term to camouflage the Marxist plans and schemes they have for America. Doesn’t “reimagine” sound more palatable than make America Communist!

Even some liberal-woke “progressive” churches and church leaders are trying to reimagine the Bible and God. Reimagine the remaking of God in their own image.

Here’s who is behind reimagining America and God: Satan.

Can You Imagine?!

“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. Is. 55:8 NLT

The reason I titled this blog Reimagine One Nation Under God is because we’ve moved so far away from how our Founding Fathers imagined America. Can any of you remember what it was like when Christianity’s values were at the core of our nation? I can.

God and moral principles and values were respected, as were those who lived by them. Not by everyone but the majority.

People understood the harrowing hazards of Marxism and Communism and would do anything to make sure those ideologies didn’t invade our country.

People could disagree and debate without being canceled or “racist.”

People honored the American flag, stood for the National Anthem, and recited the Pledge of Allegiance with their right hand over their heart.

Children were in classrooms where the day started with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. They learned reading, writing, arithmetic, geography, science, social studies, they weren’t indoctrinated with Marxist critical race theory or perverse sex curriculum.

Boys grew up to be men and girls grew up to be women!

Our government and the White House were not intentionally instilling racial discord into our nation but sought to bring all races and colors together to live in harmony.

Elected officials, the President, the Vice President loved our country and were proud of it and the union they represented.

Children were taught to value the country they were fortunate to live in, not despise it.

God mattered! God’s creation mattered! The men and women in blue mattered! All people mattered! Babies mattered! Life mattered! Freedom mattered! Marriage between a man and a woman mattered! Faith mattered. And they all still do! Don’t let anyone coerce you into saying or believing they don’t! You matter to God!

Can you remember that America?! Well let’s not just reimagine One Nation Under God, let’s be part of the movement to reinstate One Nation Under God with Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness for every citizen . . . every color, every creed, every age!

That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” 1 Cor. 2:9 NLT

18 For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And it was not paid with mere gold or silver, which lose their value. 19 It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God. 1 Peter 1:18-19 NLT

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April 26, 2021
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Do You Know the Truth? It Will Set You Free!

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Dave and I were watching an action-packed program we enjoy on television recently and one of the main “good guys” was about to be captured by the enemy. He took off his wedding ring and gave it to his friend (who was escaping) with instructions to give the ring to his wife.

The friend assumed this was a sign of defeat and that the captured man wasn’t planning to ever return home. But when he visited with the wife and gave her the ring, her face lit up as she took off her ring to show the matching inscriptions. Hers said, “You will know the truth.” His said, “The truth will set you free.” The wife knew this was a message to her that her husband would eventually be freed when the truth was revealed.

This is not a faith-based program so I was impressed that the scriptwriter must have known John 8:32 and wove it into the plot.

“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32

A few days later, I saw a headline from The Blaze that caught my attention, “Glenn Beck opens up about family tragedy, shares powerful message: ‘STOP saying that there’s nothing we can do.’” Let me preface that I don’t listen regularly to Glenn Beck’s program. I enjoy hearing him occasionally being interviewed but this was the first time I’d ever “tuned in.” There was a live clip of his radio program in the article.

I give you this backstory for a reason.

I’ve said many times as I ponder and pray about what to write in my weekly blogs that the Lord starts giving me clues leading me to the topic and when I pay attention to the Lord’s nudges, the article takes on a life of its own.

When I hit “play” to hear Glenn Beck, his first words got my attention: “We don’t love truth anymore. We don’t even know what truth is!” He went on to say, “We’re losing truth to trust that something better is going to happen.”

Wow!!! There it was again, truth.

Beck pointed out that sometimes you have to accept the truth even though it’s not the truth you want. I laughed when I looked up to see how truth was defined in dictionaries and not one of the sources gave an absolute definition of “truth.”

John McArthur has an article What Is Truth? exploring this very concept of trying to define absolute truth apart from God, which is impossible. Here is his summary:

“Truth is not subjective, it is not a consensual cultural construct, and it is not an invalid, outdated, irrelevant concept. It’s not what you want it to be. Truth is the self-expression of God. Truth is thus theological; it is the reality God has created and defined, and over which He rules. Truth is therefore a moral issue for every human being.

How each person responds to the truth God has revealed is an issue of eternal significance. To reject and rebel against the truth of God results in darkness, folly, sin, judgment, and the never-ending wrath of God. To accept and submit to the truth of God is to see clearly, to know with certainty, and to find life everlasting.”

In other words, only God’s truth is absolute!

When we don’t trust God’s truth as the glue in our lives, when it looks like the world is coming unglued, it’s so easy to fall into despair, the opposite of joy and hope. I understand that and I’m sure you do too. Without reading my Bible and devotional everyday, meeting with our church Couple’s small group, spending time with family and friends, praying, and trusting God to guide my life, the enemy can rob my joy!

Sadly, the focus of Glenn Beck’s program was grappling with the tragic suicide of his brother-in-law on Easter night. Somehow, he had fallen into despair and lost hope in living in today’s world. He’s not alone. There are 130 suicides a day and it’s the 10th leading cause of death.

The world has lost its firm foundation, God. It’s lost a moral compass, God. America specifically is choosing an atheistic platform that thinks that man can control the world that God created and faith is a fairy tale. When in reality, that’s living a lie founded by Satan. The faster America moves away from God, the faster we move towards destruction and the truth is . . . it will happen. The Bible is clear that a devastating tribulation will take over the world someday.

Jesus Is Truth! Satan is the Father of Lies!

When a group of Jews and Pharisees were arguing with Jesus, he told them where their false thinking originated. Insert any lying or dishonest person’s name into these verses.

43 Why can’t you understand what I am saying? It’s because you can’t even hear me! 44 For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies. 45 So when I tell the truth, you just naturally don’t believe me! John 8:43-45 NLT

We hear lies and propaganda today from the mainstream media, news pundits, the government, politicians, and woke cancel culture who either are so deceived and blinded by Satan that they no longer know the truth, or they’re so consumed with a thirst for power they dismiss, devalue, distort, and dispose of the truth.

The goal is to mislead the public, you and me. They don’t care if they’re instilling fear into people; fearful people are easier to manipulate.

Eventually, the perpetuators of lies believe their own lies. Truth has no value or relevance to them.

When they lie, just as it says in John 8:43-45, the lies become consistent with their character . . . the character of evil. They’ve succumbed to their father, the father of lies, the devil. Today, we’re watching the results of Satan’s attempt to destroy America through corrupt hunger and thirst for power and lies.

The only reason Bible-believing Christians recognize lies is because our Father is the Father of Truth. I’m sad that I have to qualify Christians but there are many who are buying into the lie of “progressive or liberal Christianity” which is of the world, not the Kingdom. As frustrating as this all is, praise God we know the Truth. Can you imagine living under the cloak of Satan’s lies?!

But so many people like Glenn Beck’s brother-in-law have lost their will to live. What we know as truth is that even though it looks right now like Satan is winning, he’s not! But we also know this means that we could be very close to the return of Jesus. I love how Glenn Beck closed out his program: “Stop saying there’s nothing you can do. Stop living a lie. I’m not going to participate in a lie. Some don’t know the truth, but we do!”

I’ve said that same thing so many times myself in these blogs. Maybe you can’t save the world but you can let God work through you to help save your corner of the world. We need to stop wringing our hands in despair that the election didn’t turn out the way we wanted. We need to face the truth that the Liberal atheistic Democrats are now in control . . . for now.

Peter and the other disciples were discouraged when it looked like evil was winning after the crucifixion of Jesus. Disappointed yes, but not defeated. It didn’t stop them and apostles like Paul from sharing the Truth that Jesus is alive and offers salvation with whoever would listen.

When you hear the lies of the world, let it motivate you to tell God’s Truth. We don’t have to engage in political rhetoric, we just need to share the Gospel, live the Gospel, and help set as many captives free as we can. Even those who are the worse liars can still be saved. Our God is the God of the impossible. I hope you believe that! Pray for everyone you know who is under Satan’s yoke.

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matt. 19:26

A Sweet Story!

Dave and I were having lunch with some friends and Dave asked the teenage waitress if they had Diet Pepsi, not Diet Coke. The young waitress asked us why not Diet Coke? I replied that we didn’t want to support Coca- Cola’s recent woke flip-flop on the new fair and legal voting laws in Georgia. She nodded knowingly, “Yes, they called it racist.” I pointed out that Coke was for the laws until the liberal left started calling the laws racist along with Delta and the MLB. She agreed.

When she brought our meals to the table and our friend said, “Let’s pray,” the young waitress asked if she could pray with us and put out her hands to hold hands with us! That’s what I’m talking about!

14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.”[b] 15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 1 Peter 3:14

Hal Lindsey wrote in his newsletter last week that we very well could be approaching the end times. How bad does it have to get before that happens? Only God knows, but we need to live prepared that it could be any day now.
“We live in increasingly perilous times. In fact, the world seems poised on the precipice of the worst period of tribulation ever seen — tribulation vividly described in the books of Daniel and Revelation. But before that terrible period begins, God will snatch away His people like a government removing its ambassadors before the onset of war. These are days to stay close to God, close to His word, and close to His people.”

The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God. 1 Cor. 1:18 NLT

Cleave faithfully to the Truth! It will set you free! And that’s the truth!

PS: I had this blog written and posted when Dave and I sat down to watch The Benny Report on NEWSMAX. I marveled yet again how God confirms what He wants me to share in my blogs when Benny Johnson’s theme on April 17, 2021 was about the “lies” being told to the American people as he reiterated that our rights and freedoms are granted by God not the government. I hope you’ll take a moment to watch.

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April 19, 2021
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Have We Forgotten How to Disagree Amicably?

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Last week, I posted this comment on Facebook on a smiley face background,

I did it!! Walked into Walmart w/o a mask. Only person who said anything was a woman w/o a mask too who said “Nice to see your face!”

After a year of wearing masks, I must admit, I did feel a bit emboldened as I went to the pharmacy to pick up my prescription.

Even as you read my Facebook post, some of you might have thought, “You go girl!” While others are thinking, “You’re endangering fellow shoppers.”

As a side note, the county I was in had lifted the mask mandate weeks ago but private and corporate stores like Walmart and COSTCO still had their signs up requiring masks. I’ve also had COVID and the vaccine (another controversial topic) so I wasn’t a threat to anyone. I was just smiling and breathing freely as we’ve been doing at our church for months. It was invigorating, a flashback to “normal.”

I honestly wasn’t prepared for the tremendous response this post would receive. I should’ve been ready for it though since masks have become the latest source of division and disagreement among Americans, including Christians.

We just experienced a divisive election with controversial consequences and there’s no end of things to disagree about with COVID. Anyone spending time on social media knows that people say things to each other they probably would never say face-to-face.

So I braced myself as I saw the comments on this post flooding across the screen and even speculated if I should delete it. But then, something so inspiring happened. A dear friend who has suffered severely from Covid posted her perspective and with love and tears, we both kindly shared our experiences and perspectives while maintaining and confirming our sweet friendship and vowing to continue praying for each other.

Relieved that we made it through as two Christians who care about each other and appreciate the other’s opinion, I noticed that another friend who read our discourse wrote this comment . . . “I appreciate your ability to discuss this hot topic with respect and civility and both of your points of view are valid.”

Wow! To everyone reading the comment trail on my post, my friend and I had unknowingly been an example of how to present our opposing sides amicably because we cared about each other. Shouldn’t that be how all Christians communicate when they disagree?

The answer of course is yes, but do we? Why don’t we always remain civil even when we don’t know the other person we’re communicating or disagreeing with? Can’t we still be amicable and show respect? What a witness that would be to a watching world!

My daughter is very good at presenting an opposing position, often using humor. I’ve never seen her attack another person for their beliefs, even when she vehemently disagrees with them. She’s actually much more tactful than I am and I applaud her because that’s a gift.

If It’s In Your Heart, It’s Probably Going to Come Out of Your Mouth!

Jesus warns, “For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matt. 12:34). So whatever you say is residing in your heart. Even when we try to take back a comment or claim we really didn’t mean it . . . Jesus says we did mean it. It was in our heart all along. We can apologize for saying it, but we can’t take it back.

It’s especially important that the body of Christ learn how to disagree without being disagreeable. God wants Christians to be of one accord in all our relationships, both personal and spiritual. He gave us numerous guidelines in the Bible because He knew that as humans filled with pride, ego, differences, and opinions, we’re going to disagree.

That’s also the beauty of unique personalities. Often seeing things through someone else’s view gives us a new perspective. But what the world needs to see from us as believers is that we live in peace with one another, whatever it takes to achieve it. A house divided cannot stand, and with all the division in our world today, the church must stand together firm in the belief that our God reigns and His Word determines how we navigate our relationships.

I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Ps. 119:11

Five Ways to Disagree Amicably!

1. State your opinion, but don’t force it on the other person.

Friendships should be a safe place to disagree. If you have a variety of friends, you’re going to have a variety of differing opinions. You can learn from each other.

In our couples small group, we get into some heavy exchanges of opinions, but we always know at the end of group we’ll pray, have dessert and coffee together, and leave as friends. After one evening of especially heated discussion, one person prayed that they were grateful we respected each other enough that we could express our thoughts openly, but still maintain our friendships.

We’re still brothers and sisters in Christ, even though we don’t agree about everything.

May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. Ps. 19:14

2. Don’t devalue the other person.

Don’t attack their character. Remain humble.

Use “I” statements; avoid “You” attacks. State the benefits of your position rather than the hazards or negatives of their beliefs.

No name-calling allowed.

I think we would all agree, say it to my face, not behind my back. If we’re not willing to confront someone, then we shouldn’t say it at all.

Respect must be extended for it to be received.

Respect everyone, and love the family of believers. 1 Peter 2:17 NLT

3. Consider your motives.

We get into disagreements because we want the other person to acknowledge we’re right. Sometimes we care more about being right than “our truth” helping the other person.

When one of my granddaughters was in third grade, she was sharing Jesus with two classmates of a different faith and they ended up in a disagreement. I asked my granddaughter whether her motivation was compassion for her friends’ salvation or wanting to be right.

If it was their salvation, she should share about why she loves Jesus and He loves her. If she just wanted to be right, she probably focused more on how wrong their faith was and that made them mad. She agreed she would be far more effective showing them Jesus’s love than trying to win an argument.

People will know the love of Jesus through the love we show them.

Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. Rom. 13:8

4. Establish that your relationship is more important than the disagreement.

When you see a conversation turning into a disagreement, stop! Establish between the two of you that your relationship means more to you both than the issue at hand. If you both agree that continuing on would be harmful, then change the subject.

No disagreement is worth losing a friend, acquaintance, or a family member.

Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. 2 Tim. 2:23

5. Let it go and pray!

Often a disagreement drags on because one of us won’t give up, or we take the bait to engage instead of letting it pass.

We want the other person to come around to our way of thinking because we’re sure our way is the only correct way and we have a great argument to support it. Tempers and voices rise or dash across the screen, usually with extra !!! We say things we wish we hadn’t. Relationships fall apart.

It takes discipline to let the other person have the last word and then let the issue go.

Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips. Psalm 141:3

Dear Lord, Satan is trying with all his might to divide your house and your people. We pray Lord with all our might that we would not let that happen. We would remember that a house divided cannot stand. Help us to be the peacemaker in our communication with relationships, friendships, and families, without bending or compromising on the Truth. And Lord, if it must be that there are those who choose to no longer be our friends or in a relationship with us, guard us against a bitter heart. In Jesus name, we pray. Amen

“Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.” 1 Cor. 3:11

If you received this blog by email, please leave a comment here.

PS There won’t be a Monday Morning Blog for the next 2 weeks but hope to be back April 12th.
You might enjoy reading my article 5 Refreshing Ways to Welcome Renewal Beyond Easter. Happy Resurrection Easter to everyone!

March 22, 2021
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Trust In God, Not the Government

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It doesn’t matter which party is in power or who is in government positions, we should always place our trust and hope in God, not the government or politicians. That’s why it still says on our money and in the House Chamber, “In God We Trust,” which became our nation’s official motto on July 30, 1956, when Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the bill proclaiming it the law of the land!

I think many lawmakers walking the halls of Congress and many voters forget that God is the only One who is trustworthy, regardless of how many politicians try to put themselves in His place.

Last week, as Biden gave his first public address to the nation, he painted a “dark” picture of our country and tried to tell us that our only hope of living free again in the land of the free was in his words as he leaned into the camera, “trust the government and science.” A government that wants to tell us when we can hug grandma and grandpa and maybe have a backyard BBQ on the 4th of July if we obey and follow the government’s ever changing “science-based” rules and guidelines for living everyday life.

What he grossly omitted from his lecture to America was mentioning the Only source of hope out of any darkness or trouble: Celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ together in our churches on Easter Sunday next month!

For a child is born to us,
    a son is given to us.
The government will rest on his shoulders.
    And he will be called:
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 His government and its peace
    will never end.
He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David
    for all eternity.
The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies
    will make this happen! Isaiah 9:6-7 NLT

Discernment and Rational Thinking Seem to Be Masked

During the election, a group of prominent Pastors and Christian leaders who called themselves, “Pro-Life Evangelicals for Biden,” baffled me. It seemed an oxymoron. They wanted to believe that Biden’s campaign would honor a verbal agreement to check with them before making any abortion legislation, so they supported him and tried to get others onboard.

Yet, with only a little investigation and discernment while listening to his campaign points directed to his core liberal constituency, they would have easily deducted that he actually would . . .

  • Reverse the Hyde Amendment, which he once supported but now Democrats call racist
  • Make himself the champion of a “woman’s right to choose” and call it “healthcare”
  • Force taxpayers to pay for abortion up and through the point of birth
  • Reopen the case against the Little Sisters of the Poor and reinstate the policy that every organization had to pay for abortifacient contraceptives
  • Reverse the Mexico City Policy, which prevents taxpayers from funding abortion overseas
  • If SCOTUS overturned Roe V Wade, he’d go to Congress and make it the law of the land
  • Oh and BTW, his running mate was a liberal advocates for abortion.

They would know that the head of the U.S. Catholic Bishops wrote a public scathing rebuke of Catholic Biden’s radical support of abortion and redefinition of gender.

You had to be completely oblivious or in denial not to know that the Biden/Harris administration was going to not only support and liberally promote abortion, but also radical gender identity issues.

Yet still the Pro-Life Evangelicals for Biden are now publically outraged and feel betrayed?!

“We are very disappointed about the COVID-19 relief package’s exclusion of the Hyde Amendment, a longstanding bipartisan policy that prevents taxpayer funding for abortion. We’re even more upset that the Biden administration is supporting this bill,” the group declared in a recent statement.

“As pro-life leaders in the evangelical community, we publicly supported President Biden’s candidacy with the understanding that there would be engagement [with] us on the issue of abortion and particularly the Hyde Amendment,” the group said. “The Biden team wanted to talk to us during the campaign to gain our support, and we gave it on the condition there would be active dialogue and common ground solutions on the issue of abortion. There has been no dialogue since the campaign.”

How could any Christian be so deceived? How did they think they would find common ground with the Biden liberal agenda even if they had been consulted? They weren’t betrayed; they were used. He’s doing just what he said he would do. Joe Biden is being Joe Biden.

Wouldn’t you think that Pro-life Evangelicals, and even Catholics who voted for him, could’ve seen through his political two-sided facade?

What made Joe renege his Catholic faith beliefs and reverse position on many policies he once championed like the Hyde Ammendment? Power. It seems that the temptation to compromise became too great. Becoming President overshadowed his once core beliefs.

It’s so important as citizens and Christians that we diligently do our homework and persistently pray for wisdom and discernment. Look at facts and details with clear unbiased eyes. We don’t want to become jaded with cynicism, but we do want to be realistic and pursue all avenues before making final decisions or placing our support behind a person or issue.

Often Christians are characterized as naïve and gullible, and honestly, the Pro-Life Evangelicals for Biden being so easily manipulated and duped, only reinforces this misconception. But it’s the opposite of who we are! We know the Author of Truth who is just a prayer away.

We are naïve and gullible when we trust those who do not have the same values and beliefs that we do. If we have doubts or concerns, then we do our own research and don’t rely on political rhetoric.

Give discernment to me, your servant; then I will understand your laws. Psalm 119:125 NLT

My child, don’t lose sight of common sense and discernment. Hang on to them. Pr. 3:21 NLT

Rich people may think they are wise, but a poor person with discernment can see right through them. Pr. 28:11 NLT

Let those who are wise understand these things. Let those with discernment listen carefully. The paths of the Lord are true and right, and righteous people live by walking in them. But in those paths sinners stumble and fall. Hosea 14:9 NLT

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8

Science Continually Changes, God Never Does

What so many people forget is that science and faith are not mutually exclusive. God created science and gave man the potential to explore and study it. God created the world; only He knows when it will end. God created and controls the weather and the climate. God created gender, male and female.

Covid was man-made by scientists and yet we’re continually told to trust the science as government uses the pandemic to control us.

God knows what we should do in all circumstances. Who we should trust and who has evil motives. We just need to take our concerns and questions to Him. Then listen for His answer!

Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe. Pr. 29:25

 Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. Ps. 20:7

It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in humans. Ps. 118:8

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea. Ps. 46:1-2

What Does God Want Us to Learn About Placing Our Trust in the Wrong Places?

When we pray about decisions, God gives us a confirming peace or a check in our spirit that something isn’t quite right. If you’re experiencing unrest right now, pray and ask God to fill you with discernment and wisdom then trust that the peace you feel moving forward is coming from the Lord.

Dave and I often pray about big and little decisions on our own and then together. Then we wait until we’re both in agreement that we’re doing the right thing. It might take a while and each of us might need to change some preconceived ideas or do more research, but God will speak to us in unity through our prayers and reading our Bibles. Often one of us will say to the other one, “I was thinking the same thing.” Then we know we’re close to a decision.

If you’re not married find a prayer partner that you feel comfortable and confident sharing with each other.

We’re not going to find the way God wants us to go by relying solely on outside input like the culture, media, or social media. We’re children of God, not children of the world.

“Every Kingdom citizen is called to be a conformist toward God and a nonconformist toward the world’s systems. Let the Spirit change the environment within you; then trust the power within you to change the world around you.” Chris Tiegreen

If you now regret decisions that you’ve made in the past, join the club. We’ve all been there, but we can learn from our mistakes and with God’s help, choose a better way next time. He’ll never make us go it alone.

I hope that as you pray over the Scriptures I’ve included in this article that you’ll feel a peace come over you, like I did. We do our part to further the Kingdom, but we do it out of a sense of peace and not stress or fear. Shalom!

“Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD himself, is my strength and my defense ; he has become my salvation.” Is. 12:2

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD himself, is the Rock eternal. Is. 26:3-4

Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life. Ps 143:8

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise— in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? Ps. 56:3-4

Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever. They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the LORD. Ps. 112:6-7

If you received this article by email, please leave a comment here. I read and reply to all of them.

The quotes from the Pro-Life Evangelicals for Biden came from an article by Mike Huckabee and also a link he shares, but they were readily published in the media. As I read their comments, I sensed that they still didn’t understand where they went wrong as many said they would still vote Democrat even knowing the liberals support everything they don’t support? Voters’ Remorse – Latest News – Mike Huckabee

March 15, 2021
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5 Ways to Refocus and Renewal This Easter Season

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Easter is less than a month away! I hope your church will be open to celebrate as a church family the commemoration of the foundation of our Christian faith: Jesus Christ arose from the tomb and lives today in every believer’s heart! The Gospel! The Good News!

I’m going to go out on a limb here and suggest that if your church is not open, find one that is! Yes, it might take a little effort, but if there was one day out of the year, especially this year, that believers needed to gather together in praise, worship, and fellowship . . . it’s Easter. It’s time for churches to cut the chains on their doors and throw them wide open just like the tomb was wide open on Easter morning! Then stay open.

Covid canceled Easter in churches last year. Don’t let anyone cancel Easter for you this year! Yes, you can watch services online, which is awesome for those who are housebound and I’m so glad it’s available for them. But for those of us who are able to attend church in person, we need to be participating and professing together with our brothers and sisters in Christ as one body in God’s house.

People without a church family desperately need to be with us in church on Easter to experience the hope we have in the living Christ, our Lord and Savior who overcame the grave! Easter is a great outreach when many turn their life over to Christ. An important role of the church is to welcome those seeking the Truth or any who are lonely, depressed, discouraged, fearful. It’s not all about us, it’s about us being there for them!

For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. Rom. 12:4-5

Easter Reminds Us of Our Hope in a Fallen World

Without Easter, there would be no hope. Easter reminds us, and the world, that there is 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

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 replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” John 3:3

Jesus lives within the heart of every Christian and He wants us to live as if we believe it! The Christian life is one of evolving renewal! We continually cast off old patterns of thinking and behaving 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. Col. 3:8-10

I don’t know about you, but watching the prevalent and even celebrated evil in our culture, I feel like we need an Easter season, not just Easter Sunday. A refocus of our heart and mind. A reminder of who we are in Christ and why we must continue persevering in His name and His purpose!

Store shelves and displays take commercial advantage of Easter to sell their products for over a month prior to Easter; shouldn’t we start NOW sharing the real message of Easter?! The world needs Jesus, let’s remind them of that message and prepare our hearts for sharing loud and clear: Jesus is alive!

5 Ways Scripture Helps Us Refocus and Embrace Renewal This Easter Season

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. Social media. Stock market. Cancel culture. COVID.

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.

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 everyday 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. Much in our world is surely breaking His heart!

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 they say “Yes!” and their life changes forever.

If they say no, then commit to pray for them to say yes to God someday.

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 it’s 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 experience with the gospel to 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.

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 and deceit. God calls every Christian to help the lost find their way to the 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, refocused, 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. Col. 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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March 8, 2021
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