church — Page 2 — Woman to Woman Mentoring

Take Time to Rest From Labor and Work!

When the elders from church came over last week to pray over my husband Dave, who is also an elder, I was touched that one of them said he was sensing God was telling Dave to rest. Rest is all he’s been able to do for the last six-weeks since severe spinal stenosis, disc bulges, and a cyst on his spine have weakened his legs. The little walking he does with a walker causes pain but sitting and lying relieve the pain somewhat, so he’s definitely been resting. I can’t say the same for myself since I’m the caregiver, but rest is something that’s never come easy for me unless I’m sleeping!

So here we are today celebrating a day that is supposed to be a day of relaxing from work to rest and enjoy. At church a girlfriend mentioned that she wore her white pants because it was almost Labor Day and “You can’t wear white after Labor Day.” I looked at her questioningly since being a native Californian, we wore white pretty much all year, but now that we’re Idahoans, we move from summer pretty quickly into Fall with warmer clothes and packing away our shorts and sandals. I have to admit I hate seeing summer come to an end, but this year the fires and smoke have been so bad in our community, we’re all praying for rain and cooler temperatures.

I’ve always looked at Memorial Day and Labor Day as the bookends of summer. Both are now three-day weekend holidays that also commemorate the end of one school year and the beginning of the next—although today’s schools don’t stick as closely to that schedule anymore.

You have planned Labor Day picnics, family reunions, and barbeques commemorating the official end of summer; but beyond that, few stop to think about why we even have the day off. What is Labor Day anyway?

History of Labor Day

In 1894, Grover Cleveland made Labor Day a federal holiday after a failed attempt to break up a railroad strike. Observed on the first Monday in September, Labor Day pays tribute to the contributions and achievements of American workers. That’s you and me, even those who are retired, have spent a good portion of their life working.

Traditionally, all stores closed on Labor Day so all workers could celebrate the holiday. Today, most stores are having Labor Day sales, and their workforce is hard at work on a day that was supposed to be about resting from work. Many people work on Labor Day without realizing, Hey, I’m a worker that has contributed to my company and I should have a day of rest!

Work and Rest

The article, Labor Day: Your Need for Both Work and Rest by Nick Batzig, recently caught my attention. It opened with this sentence, “As we come to celebrate another Labor Day, it may be beneficial for us to step back for a moment and consider what Scripture has to say about the rhythm of work and rest—i.e. the cyclical configuration by which all the events of our lives occur.”

The article discussed God’s original plan for work and how that all changed when Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit and why God wants us to have times of rest and refreshment. Batzig listed several changes over the years that have us focusing on work not just as provision for our family, but for prestige, self-esteem, peer pressure, fear, anxiety, and lack of purpose outside of work. The following point really resonated with what I see happening in families today:

“Whereas traditional societies said that you got your meaning in life through your family, and through basically fulfilling a fairly prescribed social role—either as a mother or father, or a brother or sister, or husband or wife, or a son or a daughter…You just needed to find a way to make a living because family was what everything was about. But we’re the first culture in history that says, ‘You define yourself by defining what you want to be and by attaining it—and then you have significance.’ There’s never been more psychological and social and emotional pressure on work to be either fulfilling or at least lucrative. There’s never been a culture like that.”

How Can We Change Culture?

I’ll admit that I’m a recovering workaholic. The only way I’m able to balance work and rest is to prioritize the things that are the most important to me—serving God and my family. My ministry is About His Work Ministries, so I’m fortunate to be able to serve God through my work of writing and speaking, but I also need to take breaks. I schedule times of rest and relaxation with my hubby, and I actually find walking or even going to the gym rejuvenating.

Dave and I also serve in ministry together by leading a couples Bible study in our home which is enjoyable to both of us. When I’m spending time with my family or friends, I set aside “work” and focus on them.

That doesn’t leave much time in my schedule for “extra” activities, and so I’ve had to learn to say no to some good things. Before I say “yes, and find myself with no time to rest and refresh, I’m trying to remember to do two things:

1. Pray and ask God if it’s something He wants me to do.

2. Assess if I have the time and energy to add this activity to my calendar.

If I sense God telling me to go for it, I know I must remove something from my calendar, or I’ll become unbalanced trying to get all the work done and rest and family will suffer.

What do you do to find times of rest and refreshment in a world that values work over rest?

Jesus says, “Come to Me, all of you who work and have heavy loads. I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

Finding rest on Labor Day — A Bible study I wrote on living a balanced life based on the married couple Priscilla and Aquila. Read more about it here.

Please leave a comment here and I will reply.

September 2, 2024

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God’s Not Dead: In God We Trust. A Must See Movie for EVERY Christian!

You’ll be surprised that this week’s Monday Morning Blog will be brief, but I pray impactful. At least, that’s my plan as I sit down and write to you my trusted readers during a time of great turmoil and difficulty in my family when I considered not taking the time or energy to write a blog this week. But the Lord, gave me one of those “ah ha” moments I’m always writing about, and I knew I must share it with you. I’ll also close with a personal prayer request, which I don’t often use this platform to do.

My husband and I enjoy watching the weekend Mike Huckabee show. Last Saturday night, Huckabee introduced the movie, “God’s Not Dead: In God We Trust”, the 5^th in the God’s Not Dead franchise. I was shocked that this was the first time I heard about it since it releases in theaters September 12! Then Huckabee interviewed the stars of the movie, David A. R. White and Scott Baio. Even Huckabee has a cameo role. When they revealed that the theme was about Christians and politics, I knew exactly why social media had silenced it. My ears perked up.

If you’ve read my recent blogs, which I list at the end of this blog, you know I’m a firm believer that it’s our Christian duty to vote our faith beliefs, support Christians running for office, and maybe even run for office ourselves if the Lord leads.

The movie mirrors exactly what’s happening in our culture today where as many as 40 million Christians don’t want to be involved in politics or vote. Alarmingly, only 1 in 3 Christians vote! Many Christians consider politics “dirty” and subscribe to the myth that the Gospel and politics should be separate. Yet, if those 40 million Christians would vote their faith, every election would turn out different. Our country would be different. Our schools would be different. Our families would be different. Our schools would be different. Our laws would be different. Our media would be different. It’s a travesty that more Christians don’t see that.

Christians don’t run from opposing views; we run to them with the Gospel! We confront issues with the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God. For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Heb. 4:12

In the movie, White plays his reoccurring “God’s Not Dead” role of Reverand David Hill who grapples with throwing his hat and Bible into the political arena where his arch nemesis is running on stamping out God in the culture and public square. Does that sound like our culture and political world today?

Scott Baio, who typically plays a good guy, plays a bad guy plotting against Pastor Dave’s campaign. The movie depicts what I’ve said so many times: the real battle we’re in right now is not just political it’s spiritual. God doesn’t tell Christians to retreat from a spiritual battle but to suit up in our armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18) and enter the battle. Not avoid or ignore it. Not be complacent with an “I don’t want to get involved attitude.”

God’s timing in releasing a powerful film like “God’s Not Dead: In God We Trust” at such a time as this before the important November election, is as always, perfect! White said it’s almost like God-breathed it purposefully. The film depicts our current culture with what Christians need to see and understand. Huckabee agrees that American Christians must see the film because it inspires us to know that our vote really does count and makes a difference.

The internal battle Pastor Dave goes through in the movie is whether there’s a godly way to enter the political arena. We see and feel his struggle.

Scott Baio says he believes in the mission of the movie. He bravely and boldly spoke at the 2016 Republican Convention knowing that Hollywood would blackball him, which they did. He said he was OK with it because, “My country is more important than me.” He went on to say, “My daughter is more important than me. I will do whatever I can to keep my country what I remember it as, which was a God-fearing, respectful, law-abiding country.”

I agree with Huckabee who said that people who don’t want to get involved in politics, don’t want any of that “political stuff because it’s just dirty,” need to go see the movie. Then decide whether you should vote and support those Christians who are willing to step into the lions’ den of politics.

Faith begins where your comfort zone ends!

Huckabee and His Daughter Sarah Understand the Importance of Christians Being in Politics!

Mike Huckabee is a familiar face in political commentaries and circles today, but many people forget or don’t know that he was a pastor who preached for 12 years in Arkansas pulpits before he became a governor and, later, a 2008 and 2016 presidential candidate. While he was governor (1996-2007), he maintained his pastoral instincts.

“I think it’s the greatest preparation that a person can have for public service,” he told Religious News Service in a 2007 interview. “Somebody says they want to talk about the issue of the elderly, I’ve dealt with those folks. I’ve dealt with a 14-year-old girl who’s pregnant and hasn’t told her parents yet. I’ve talked to the young couple who’s head over heels in debt. … I think it gives you a real perspective about people and what they’re going through that’s important.”

While he was pastor of Beech Street First Baptist Church in Texarkana, Ark., from 1986 to 1992, Huckabee was the youngest president of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention, a job that helped prompt him to think about switching from pastoring to politics. Pastor David Uth, the leader of First Baptist Church in Orlando, Fla., told RNS that in that post, Huckabee worked to calm differences between moderate and conservative Baptists in his home state.

Pastor turned politician Mike Huckabee’s Christian daughter Sarah Huckabee Sanders followed her dad’s interest in politics and was President Trump’s press secretary for two years and then went on to become the youngest and first female Governor of Arkansas. Like her dad, she governs from a biblical conservative Christian worldview. Aren’t we glad that Christians like the Huckabees are willing to take their faith into the public square and make a difference in politics and government.

Mike Huckabee said he still misses his congregants, but he views his move to politics as an extension of what he’s done before: “It is in itself a ministry.”

Like the Huckabees, Hal Lindsey emphasizes why it’s so important that Christians get involved in the political government even if just by voting our faith.

“Politicians decide the laws that we must all obey. They set up the bureaucracies that create the millions of pages of regulations that we must also obey. They decide things that have an enormous influence on how we live our lives. They tax us, and they send our children to war.

“As their name implies, politicians set policies. Those policies have a powerful influence on things like inflation. Government policies can destroy jobs and even whole industries. Those policies can be the difference between full grocery store shelves and empty ones. They also have a vast influence on the abundance or scarcity in your own cupboard! We vote on the people who decide the curricula of our children’s schools. Politicians and their policies can be the difference between safety in the streets, or chaos. These things are enormously important. We should vote and be involved.” Hal Lindsey

It’s true that the “deep state” doesn’t have more power than the Lord God who is omnipotent, but God gave us the power of the Holy Spirit that indwells in the heart of every Christian. God expects us to tap into that power and use it in the spiritual cultural war of good versus evil. There is no such thing as a powerless, ineffective, complacent Christian, only those who may choose to suppress their God-given right and responsibility to apply that power in the public square with a simple but powerful vote!

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, ²¹to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen. Eph. 3:20-21

My Faith Votes! Does Yours?

Each of us has the power and ability within us to make a difference in this world. As you’ve read before, like Mike Huckabee I see being involved in the political arena as a ministry. God has led me to be an Idaho Area Coordinator for My Faith Votes, a ministry that encourage Christians to vote their values and their faith and help turn this country back to God. I believe it’s our civic, Christian, and patriotic duty and responsibility to vote, not just for ourselves, but for generations to come including those innocent voices that are being silenced in the womb before they even have a chance at life.

Pastor/Governor Huckabee is an Honorary National My Faith Votes Chairman. Dr. Ben Carson is the founding My Faith Votes Chairman and Dr. David Jeremiah, President of Turning Point Ministry, is an influential voice supporting My Faith Votes. Pastor Allen Jackson gave an interview on The Church’s Role in Shaping America. These Christian stalwarts do not see a wall between Christianity and politics, but instead an opportunity to bring biblical worldview back into government.

For the upcoming election, My Faith Votes has an easy yet powerful way you can get involved in this election right from your home. Write Now is a movement encouraging Christians in swing states who are registered but haven’t voted in recent elections, to cast their vote for biblical values in what might be one of the most important elections in our lifetime that could literally decide if we become a Communist country or remain free! Won’t you please check it out. All you’ll need to do is provide stamps and envelopes. You’ll receive a list of names and addresses and a template letter to print out, pray over, and mail. You can specify how many names you want. All of mine happen to be in Arizona!

Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble. Ps. 119:165

Be sure you watch the trailer for God’s Not Dead: In God We Trust and find out more about the film and where to buy tickets.

If you haven’t read my previous blogs this month, I hope you’ll read them now.

Jesus the Great Divider

The Lies Satan Uses to Deceive Christians and Churches

When Did Normal Become Weird?

Personal Prayer Request. Almost 6 weeks ago, when my husband Dave and I returned from a wonderful trip to see a grandson get married in North Carolina, Dave started experiencing pain in the back of his thighs which quickly moved up to his lower back. He’s lost strength in his legs and can’t walk without a walker and extreme pain. We’re waiting results of an MRI. Our prayer request is that they will be definitive and wisdom for the doctors and us to determine a course of treatment. Thank you for your prayers. Sorry this blog wasn’t as short as I promised you.

Please leave a comment here and I’ll reply.

August 26, 2024

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Jesus the Great Divider

Were you surprised to see the title of this blog? We’re more accustomed to hearing about Jesus as the spiritual Unifier and Prince of Peace. Last week, some people found fault with my discussion of Jesus and politics. I always welcome dissenting points of view, but I do stand by everything I wrote last week in the blog The Lies Satan Uses to Deceive Christians and Churches. I always back my words with Scripture plus my understanding and discerning of both God’s Word and how the Holy Spirit guides me. I don’t come up with these topics on my own. I’m led by the Holy Spirit.

I’m sad and a bit disappointed when I learn that some people are afraid of sharing my blogs for fear of being censored. Fear is an extremely effective tool of the enemy. Unfortunately, many Christians stay silent in the face of adversity and even blasphemy against our Lord. Don’t you think we as Christians should be the ones telling everyone about Luke 12:8-10, which will determine where they spend eternity?

I tell you, whoever publicly acknowledges me before others, the Son of Man will also acknowledge before the angels of God. ⁹But whoever disowns me before others will be disowned before the angels of God. ¹⁰And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. Luke 12:8-10

To His followers Jesus assures us . . .

¹¹“When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, ¹²for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.” Luke 12:11-12

Back to the subject of today’s blog. How does Jesus divide? Well, for starters, He explains this clearly in Luke 12:49-53 where the heading for this passage in my Bible reads “Not Peace but Division”
⁴⁹“I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! ⁵⁰But I have a baptism to undergo, and what constraint I am under until it is completed! ⁵¹Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. ⁵²From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three. ⁵³They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”

You might wonder if the division in the family examples mentioned in Luke 12:51-53 happened because some family members were Christians, and some were not. That does happen as we all know who have unbelievers or those with different faith beliefs in our families. It can make for awkward family gatherings when the topic turns to politics or religion. But that kind of spiritual division also occurs in families where all dissenting parties claim to be “Christians.” A perfect example happened last week when a group calling themselves “Evangelicals for Harris” (an oxymoron) ran an ad against President Trump with a clip showing Billy Graham at one of his evangelical crusades.

This group claims that hard-left neo-Socialist, anti-Israel, pro-Hamas Kamala Harris, who supports murdering babies up to and after birth with abortion on demand, mutilating and castrating children, indoctrinating children in school with sexual deviancy and gender lies, invasion of America by illegals, authored the California grab and dash theft law, funded Antifa and violent protestors bailouts, “Better Reflects Christian Values.”

Some so-called evangelical “faith leaders” joined this blasphemous group for Harris, including Billy Graham’s granddaughter, Jerushah Duford, who is the daughter of Virginia “Gigi” Graham Tchividjian, Billy Graham’s oldest daughter. Duford participated in a virtual event sponsored by “Evangelicals for Harris” led by Ekemini Uwan who declares “whiteness is wicked,” police need to be destroyed and rebuilt, and churches should pay global reparations to “People of African descent.”

Billy Graham’s son and Duford’s uncle, true Christian Evangelist Franklin Graham blasted the fake “Evangelicals for Harris” organization for using footage of his late father in an attack ad against former President Trump who he argued if his father were alive, would support Trump.

Franklin tweeted, “The liberals are using anything and everything they can to promote candidate Harris. They even developed a political ad trying to use my father @BillyGraham’s image,” he wrote in a social media post. “They are trying to mislead people. Maybe they don’t know that my father appreciated the conservative values and policies of President @realDonaldTrump in 2016, and if he were alive today, my father’s views and opinions would not have changed.”

The Evangelicals for Harris account replied, “Praying for you” along with a heart emoji beneath his post and later said in a retweet that Graham has “forsaken the gospel.” They need to look in the mirror!

The Billy Graham extended family is living out the division described in Luke 12:49-53 as perhaps many of you are too. The two sides cannot unify, agree, or have peace over the definition of what it even means to be an evangelical or a Christian, let alone politics. They’re divided.

Common Sense vs Insanity!

Evil has taken off its mask and openly rebelled against the Word and ways of God, especially in this election cycle. Good can never unite with evil.

As voting and professing Christians, we have a choice to limit evil. When a church, pastor, or Christian objects to the obvious evil on display in our culture today, we’re defending and representing Christ in the spiritual battle between good and evil in our world.

One political side rejects the biological and spiritual reality of male and female with irreversible biological differences, which in the beginning God created! So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them (Gen. 1:27). How could a commonsense Christ-follower reject this biblical reality?

One political side rejects the biological and spiritual reality that God creates at conception a human being with a spirit, soul, and purpose! Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart, (Jer. 1:5). How could a commonsense Christ-follower reject this biblical reality?

One political side rejects the biological and spiritual reality that “Pro-choice” is pro-murder. “You shall not murder” (Ex. 20:13). How could a commonsense Christ-follower reject this biblical reality?

One political side rejects the biological and spiritual reality that God created family! Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. ⁴Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. ⁵Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them (Ps. 127:3-5). How could a commonsense Christ-follower reject this biblical reality?

At the DNC Convention this week, anti-God, anti-family, genocidal Planned Parenthood is rolling in with a mobile health clinic offering free vasectomies, medication abortion, and “emergency contraception,” aka the morning after pill (EC)! The Democrats support Planned Parenthood, a huge donor.

One political side rejects Israel and champions anti-semantic, pro-Hamas policies. “³I will bless those who bless you [Israel], and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you (Gen. 12:3). How could a commonsense Christ-follower reject this biblical reality?

How could a Christ-follower, Bible-believer be okay with the values, policies, and beliefs of the Democrat platform that completely contradict the Bible? Yet, there are those who profess to be “Christian” who would still vote for allowing the tearing apart limb by limb, poisoning by injection, or breaking the neck of God’s babies in the womb, gender and sexual mutilation of children, destroying the family, and abandoning Israel?! What Scriptures are they using to justify this barbaric, anti-God agenda?

Still some leaders in the Christian church tell pastors not to speak about these atrocities or choices. When the political realm comes into our Christian moral lane, is the church really being political if they resist or are they being biblical? As Fr Pavone of Priestsforlife.org says, “For a church to call this out it’s a church defending church.” I would add defending Christ who has already determined the dividing line between good and evil. No compromise.

If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 1 John 1:6

Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 1 John 2:4

Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? 2 Cor. 6:14

The Divine Divide

The way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know over what they stumble. Pr. 4:19

The biggest sin isn’t division, it’s what side you choose to take. No one can ride the fence on these issues because Satan is sitting on the fence. Jesus instructs us to pick a side. Every Bible-believing Christian must make the most important “choice” in life as to whom you will follow. We can’t follow a little bit of Jesus and a little bit of the world. We can’t go along to get along.

So Jesus said to them, “The light is among you for a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. John 12:35

To open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’ Acts 26:18

God actually created the concept of division from the beginning of time. In the beginning, God divided the light of day from the dark of night.

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. 3 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. 4 God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. Gen. 1:1-4

Then throughout Scripture, He refers to good as light and evil as dark. The godly who are saved, live by faith in the light spiritually and morally divided from the demonic lost in the dark.

Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness,
who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter. Is. 5:20

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. 1 John 1:5

For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light. Eph. 5:8

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 1 Peter 2:9

Jesus, the Great Divider Between Eternal Life or Eternal Death

Jesus put a line in the sand with the Gospel and finalized it at the Cross. He offers grace and mercy when we ask Him for forgiveness, repent from our sins, and receive Him as our Lord and Savior. But that choice is only offered to the living. There’s a great divide between Heaven and Hell.

Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. Eph. 5:11

And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. John 3:19-20

This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 1 John 1:5-7

I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness. John 12:46

Sadly, some will still choose darkness or not live fully in the light and that breaks Jesus’ and our hearts. We can’t make the choice for them, but we can present the truth, live the truth, pray for their salvation and willingness to step out of the dark into the fullness of the light. As for each of us who know Jesus as our Lord and Savior, there is no fellowship with the world’s ways as we remember this earth is not our eternal home.

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matt. 5:14-16

The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. Rom. 13:12

“The way of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, which shines ever brighter until the full light of day. But the way of the wicked is like total darkness. They have no idea what they are stumbling over.” Pr. 4:18-19

The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. Rom. 13:12

For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. 1 Thess. 5:5

Please leave a comment here and I will reply on the website blog, so check back for my replies.

August 19, 2024

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The Lies Satan Uses to Deceive Christians and Churches

You’ve heard it said, maybe you’ve said it yourself, “Christians and the church should stay out of politics.” Satan has used that lie effectively to transform America from a country that honored God and godly principles to electing a current administration that bows to evil demonic ideologies. It’s been a steady progression to a tipping point of a 2024 American presidential ticket with two progressive extreme left neo-Marxists! Both of the candidates on that ticket have demonstrated a lack of integrity, honesty, and morals, while embracing Marxist ideologies that attempt to replace God with government.

By trying to become gods without submitting to the God, they rebel against Romans 13:1-2. “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God” (vs. 1). We’re only to honor government that acknowledges its authority comes from God. Those currently in power, and seeking to keep power, fall under the second verse. ^2 “Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority [of God] is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.”

God has more to say to governing rebels about their insolence.

There are six things the Lord hates—
no, seven things he detests:
¹⁷haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent, ¹⁸a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong, ¹⁹a false witness who pours out lies, a person who sows discord in a family. Pr. 6:16-19 NLT

How did these kinds of people get into power? We let them! Christians and the church, which should’ve put on their armor of God to speak loudly and boldly against evil and demonic inroads in our government, instead chose complacency, apathy, and silence. What are some of those evil principles you might be asking. Here’s just a few demonic travesties the progressive liberal left champions . . .

Federally codify as a “constitutional right” the savage and barbaric murder-on-demand of human babies in the womb, even after birth, calling it “healthcare” or “women’s reproductive rights.” Some blue states, including Minnesota under Governor Walz, have already codified this in their state constitutions and at least two babies in Minnesota were left to die after birth. The destruction of human babies during abortion would be vehemently condemned on rats, but if you speak or pray too loudly to protect human babies from being viciously murdered, you might be arrested.
Allow malpractice doctors to hormonally and surgically mutilate and castrate minor children deceitfully calling it “healthcare.” Walz deemed Minnesota a “sanctuary state” for this atrocity on children. Walz will take your children from you if you don’t agree to letting your child’s body be permanently altered and made infertile.
Allow unvetted illegal aliens to invade our borders, obtain citizen benefits, vote in elections, and thereby facilitate child sex trafficking and smuggling of drugs killing thousands of children and adults. Harris, the “border czar” for the past 3 ½ years, encouraged and facilitated this invasion.
Voter fraud.
Incarcerating political prisoners, conducting legal warfare against political opponents, while letting criminals go free.
Children taught perverted sex practices in school starting in kindergarten.
Children brainwashed and indoctrinated in schools to believe the lie that they can change their gender and parents coerced into agreeing with it, never told, or threatened with loss of parental rights if they don’t agree.
Children exposed to obscene and pornographic books in school and public libraries.
Forcing people to take an experimental vaccine or lose their job or military status and closing churches, which Walz did in Minnesota during Covid.
Allow men to compete in women’s sports, undress and shower in women’s locker rooms, and use women’s bathrooms in schools where governors like Walz put feminine hygiene products in boys’ bathrooms.
Pro-Hamas, anti-Israel protests encouraged not condemned, while pulling back support for Israel.
Promoting and financing a “climate change” “green new deal” scam/hoax.

You might think what decadent country would allow such evil? You’re living in that country right now! Everything on that partial list is allowed and legalized, either federally and/or in blue Democrat run states.

Yet, how many of you have heard a sermon on any of this evil? How many of you have spoken out against it? How many of you realize that every moral issue we hold dear as Christians is being politicized because Christians stayed silent and let it happen while falling prey to the lie from hell that Christians shouldn’t be “political” or participate in government. That’s like saying Christians shouldn’t be emotional, logical, moral, or take a stand against evil. Instead, Christians should relinquish religious freedoms of their families, friends and neighbors to the diabolical policies of an anti-God government without objecting. Wrong!

Lies straight from the pit of hell. Satan wants Christians to cower as he exerts his authority and power on the world with no pushback from those who have the Holy Spirit’s power inside but fail to tap into it. Just like when the serpent taunted Eve with the famous question that led to sin creating death for us all, “Did God really say that?”

Yes, God told us to combat evil wherever and whenever we see it manifested in our own lives, in the lives of others, and in the public square. Christians have civic duties and responsibilities. The lie that the church should restrict itself to solely preaching the Gospel, but not teach how to take the Gospel into the world to combat evil is from Satan’s playbook, not God’s Holy Book.

God is in Politics!

God created government and politics just like He created every element of our lives and the world. God and godly men got involved in politics throughout the Bible!

From Genesis to Revelation, we see the history of good and bad governments and the destruction of society when an evil regime is in power. Often, a prophet of God gave wise godly political council to leaders like Moses whose father-in-law Jethro told him to establish a government structure. God gave Moses the 10 Commandments laws to govern the people. Daniel and Joseph found themselves in ungodly governments, but didn’t acquiesce or stay silent. Each spoke God’s truth to those in political power and ended up in high positions in government serving righteously. The prophet Samuel anointed Saul as King, but later spoke God’s truth boldly against Saul’s misdeeds. The prophet Nathan confronted King David about using his power in government immorally and Nathan counseled David’s son, King Solomon.

I could go on with biblical examples throughout history. Here’s the point: we need godly men and women today who are willing to serve in government. We need churches encouraging Christians to get involved in developing and supporting righteous laws and combatting evil however and wherever the Lord leads, but especially using their God-given right to vote. There is nothing prohibiting a pastor from telling his congregation to vote their faith and biblical beliefs. He should be discipling and guiding them in what biblically based faith looks like. He can do that in a nonpartisan biblical way.

God didn’t create us to be puppets at the mercy of whoever is in power when they’re evil. God is the ultimate power, but He gave us responsibility and authority to occupy this land until His return. We’re not one-dimensional human subjects or slaves to whomever is in charge. We the people are the government and with prayer and research, we determine who we want to oversee the government structure that works best for the citizens. We’re actually the boss, not the White House.

Political Engagement is An Important Stewardship for Christians!

We’re to infuse God and His ways into every area of life from the family to the frontlines of government. Nothing in the Bible tells us to stand down and submit to evil. Instead, we’re to take our biblical worldview into every corner of the earth and every activity under heaven, including politics and government.

Many argue that politics is divisive and we only want unity in the church. People will always have different opinions over everything from the music to the color of the carpet or maybe even no carpet. It doesn’t mean we don’t talk about our differences and work them out and the same should be said of political views.

The unifying factor is always the Bible. What does the Bible say about all the issues I’ve mentioned in this article? That’s what pastors and congregants should be talking about. Do we just acquiesce to the culture or do we use the Bible and biblical principles to create a revival in culture?!

We’re in our current cultural evil wokeness because of apathy, crowdedness, fear, lack of knowledge, and unwillingness to get involved. The Bible counters every one of those weapons of Satan. In Everyday Brave: Living Courageously as a Woman of Faith, I give examples of fifty women in the Bible and twenty-eight modern-day brave women who understood how to put their faith into action and change history for the good of their families, communities, and in many cases, their nation.

Pastor Jack Hibbs Gets It!

I was thrilled to read in The Christian Post that Pastor Jack Hibbs at Calvary Chapel Chino Hills in Southern California, one of the bluest and most progressive liberal governed states in the union, is implementing exactly what I’m discussing in this article. He’s not afraid and he refuses to back down and let California be consumed by the anti-Christ spirit that’s been ruling my birth state for far too long. Pastor Hibbs’ church is conducting a “Comeback California Tour” that seeks to equip churches legally and effectively to get involved in the political process ahead of the November general election.

“For several months, I would say at least … four, five months, we’ve been putting our plan together, actual details, inviting the churches where we’re actually stopping, talking to the pastors,” Gina Gleason, who leads the church’s Real Impact ministry that’s devoted to equipping churches “to stand for righteousness in the public square,” told The Christian Post. Churches will also be able “to obtain voter and church-compliant election resources” and interact with local candidates.

“California is at a crossroads, urgently needing the Church’s influence to reverse the moral decline and stand in the gap for our children, families and communities,” the website states. The events are an effort to “unite Christians to bring the values of Scripture and the light of Christ to our state, helping us rebuild and restore our communities,” it adds.

The “Comeback California Tour” is part of a broader effort by the California megachurch to get churches involved in the political sphere.

That’s what I’m talking about! God created culture to be intertwined with the church. God created politics. Satan is using another lie to separate the Gospel and politics, which aren’t exclusive of each other. They’re dependent on each other. Many people still labor under the lie that the Constitution sets them apart but the Constitution and Bill of Rights were based on the Bible. Only man has tried to separate them. God established the law in the very beginning of time!

I believe the coming election in November will determine whether America experiences God’s grace or judgement. Freedom or Marxism. I believe He’s looking to see how many good men and women there are in the church who aren’t afraid to mix the Gospel with government the way it was always meant to be.

A false Christianity says we’re not to take politics into the church and Christ into government. There’s a mantel on believer’s today just as there was on Elisha, Elijah, Isaiah, Jeremiah, all the Old Testament Prophets, Deborah, Esther, Daniel, Joseph, David, John the Baptist, the disciples, and of course, Jesus Christ to witness to all people everywhere whether in church or the public square, “Thus sayeth the Lord. . .”

Jesus didn’t solely preach the Gospel. He covered all of life including sex, marriage, family, gender, lying, finances, health, work, business, children, babies, prodigals, adultery, sin, government . . . everything!

As Christians, we must be part of God’s solution to our nation’s problems, not cower as a silent majority letting our country be destroyed as our failed legacy to our children and grandchildren. We have a moral and spiritual obligation to speak out against evil and share the truth. Would we have been silent about slavery as so much of the church is silent about murdering babies or mutilating children?

What gospel are we preaching when we let evil prevail? Silence actually enables evil. We’re complicit with evil when we do nothing. Because we know who God is, we need to care who the President of our country is because he or she will determine if we’re a country under God or under Satan! Morals or evils will rule in our land!

You can be sure the other side is not going to stay silent. They’re going to get involved in the spiritual and political battle. I know what side I’m on and how I’ll be involved promoting good versus evil in this election, which will determine if we remain a free republic. Please pray for God to lead and guide you where He wants you to go and what action He wants you to take. If we don’t do something together, we’ll lose this nation we love and want to pass on to the next generations.

O my people, listen to my instructions.
    Open your ears to what I am saying,
²    for I will speak to you in a parable.
I will teach you hidden lessons from our past—
³    stories we have heard and known,    stories our ancestors handed down to us.
⁴We will not hide these truths from our children;
    we will tell the next generation
about the glorious deeds of the Lord,
    about his power and his mighty wonders.
⁵For he issued his laws to Jacob;
    he gave his instructions to Israel.
He commanded our ancestors
    to teach them to their children,
⁶so the next generation might know them—
    even the children not yet born—
    and they in turn will teach their own children.
⁷So each generation should set its hope anew on God,
    not forgetting his glorious miracles
    and obeying his commands.
⁸Then they will not be like their ancestors—
    stubborn, rebellious, and unfaithful,
    refusing to give their hearts to God. Ps. 78:1-8 NLT

I hope you’ll listen to this short interview with Jason Yates of My Faith Votes and Eric Metaxas author of Letter to the American Church and the movie by the same name. Check out My Faith Votes to see how you might get involved in your state and the free video series Think Biblically for your small group, Bible study, or Sunday school class.

After finishing this blog, I read the article by Mark Gerson: “The Solution to Woke Insanity Can Be Found in an Unexpected Source. Moses and Joseph both needed to be publically truthful and that’s what woke insanity also needs.” I didn’t want to make my article any longer by quoting this excellent article, but please take the time to hit on the link and read it. God just confirmed to me that my blog today was exactly the one I was supposed to write to you. Take your time. Read them both and then pray about what you’ve read.

Please leave a comment here and I will reply.

August 12, 2024

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5 Ways To Avoid Condoning Sin!

God hates sin and we should too! He sent his One and only Son, Jesus Christ, to a bloody cross to offer believers forgiveness for their inevitable sins not for a free pass to keep on sinning. Yet today, we see sin glorified, accepted, legitimatized, and even legalized in our culture and sadly, few churches or Christians are horrified by this affront on God or willing to speak out against it. Do you think that might be overstated or not true? How many pastors today are teaching about what the Bible says about condoning sin? Or even what is sin. Some churches and Christians have let the culture normalize sin and have adapted to it themselves.

What Does it Mean to Condone Sin?

Condoning sin means accepting sin. God doesn’t want Christians condoning sin as it leads to pain, destruction, and separation from Him.

The dictionary defines ‘condone’ as to regard or treat something bad or blameworthy as acceptable, forgivable, or harmless. Condoning sin means you accept, allow, and yes approve of that sin in your life and in the lives of others.

Sin is condoned in today’s culture. Many rationalize allowing sin to invade their own lives and the lives of others. Sins like murdering children through abortion, same-sex marriage, living together, gay or trans lifestyle . . . lying. A government that no longer respects God or His principles legalizes the mutilation, indoctrination, and sexual grooming of young children.

Some Christians are even afraid of speaking out against sin for fear of being called names or accused of “judging.” Recognizing sin for what it is–going against God and the Bible–is what Jesus, Peter, the disciples, and Paul spent their life doing to help people repent from a sinful life. We don’t say they were “judging.” We understand that they were trying to open peoples’ eyes to the truth that sin kills, and repentance saves. Yes, they all suffered for speaking out against sin, but many lives were saved because of their dedication to love people enough to help them change and turn from their wicked ways.

Yes, none are perfect and we all sin in our humanness, but our goal as Christians is to become aware of our sins, ask forgiveness, and as Jesus said to the woman at the well, “Go and sin no more” (John 8:11). Jesus wasn’t judging her when He pointed out every sin she had ever done; He was offering her living water, which was Himself.

Paul wasn’t judging all the churches he wrote to when he pointed out their sins. He loved them enough to say the life you’re leading now is wrong and you must repent. Paul, Peter, the disciples, and Jesus never condoned sin and we as Jesus’ followers shouldn’t either! We take a stand for righteous living ourselves and encourage others to do the same. Their very life both here and in eternity could depend on it.

We don’t condemn, but we never condone sin regardless of how many sinful laws are passed! Christians remain steadfast to the truth in the Bible.

What Does the Bible Say about Condoning Sin?

There will always be sin in the world because Satan is the author of sin and as long as he’s allowed to roam around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour, his intent is to entice with sin that opposes God’s ways. That’s exactly what sin is, going against God. You can profess to be a Christian, but if you’re willfully choosing to sin, you’re controlled by Satan not God. Sometimes we can’t see it in our own life, and we need other believers to gently, lovingly, and compassionately use Scripture to point out to us where we’ve slipped into Satan’s grip and bring us back into the fold.

Someone who had been previously married once asked me to condone her having sex with her boyfriend since neither of them were virgins anymore what did it matter? It mattered because God’s Word says sex is between a husband and wife. Again, like Jesus told the Samaritan woman at the well, the man you’re living with now is not your husband. That’s a sin.

Others want justification to live together for financial reasons. God can’t bless something He condemns for any reasons. Parents want to condone gay or transgender lifestyle because their children have fallen into that sinful trap, but it’s still heartbreaking sin.

The entire Bible addresses not living in or condoning sin but repelling it. Here are a few refresher verses, but there are so many more.

There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: ¹⁷haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, ¹⁸ a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, ¹⁹a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community. Pr. 6:16-19

Do you ever feel like God isn’t hearing your prayers? Could it be you’re condoning sin in your own life, the culture, or someone near you?

But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear. Is. 59:2

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

Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, ²⁰and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus. Acts 3:19-20

²⁶If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, ²⁷but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God. Heb. 10:26-27

The arrogant cannot stand in your presence. You hate all who do wrong; ⁶ you destroy those who tell lies. The bloodthirsty and deceitful you, Lord, detest. Ps. 5:5-6

No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him. 1 John 3:6

But when people keep on sinning, it shows that they belong to the devil, who has been sinning since the beginning. But the Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil. Those who have been born into God’s family do not make a practice of sinning, because God’s life is in them. So they can’t keep on sinning, because they are children of God. 1 John 3:8-9 NLT

Following is where God through Paul clearly spells out His definition of sin and God’s response. God’s wrath against sinful humanity that we see tolerated today is reflected in these verses. Read them carefully.

¹⁸The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, ¹⁹since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. ²⁰For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.

²¹For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. ²²Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools ²³and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles.

²⁴Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. ²⁵They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.

²⁶Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones. ²⁷In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed shameful acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error.

²⁸Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done. ²⁹They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, ³⁰slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; ³¹they have no understanding, no fidelity, no love, no mercy. ³²Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them. Rom. 1:18-32

5 Ways We Can Avoid Condoning Sin

1. Pray for God to Give Us Wisdom to Confront Sin

Many use Matt. 7:1 as an excuse not to confront sin in others because they consider it judging and God will be the final judge. It’s true that God will be the final judge, but we are His hands and feet on earth helping spare others of the final judgement of eternity in hell. We don’t judge by comparing them to ourselves or thinking less of them. We love them enough to want to see them repent, be saved, and live a life pleasing to God.

Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. ²Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Gal. 6:1-2

2. It’s Biblical to Confront a Fellow Believer Who Is Sinning.

When we see a fellow Christian sinning, maybe cheating on their spouse or at work, using drugs, swearing, mistreating their family, sleeping around, we’re called on to lovingly confront them, pray with them, and encourage them to repent.

¹⁵“If your brother or sister^[^a^] sins,^[^b^] go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. ¹⁶But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ Matt. 18:15-16

3. We Can’t Condone Sin in the Life of Our Family, Friends, or Self.

In Praying for Your Prodigal Daughter, I shared that my daughter always felt loved, but I never condoned her living with her boyfriend. I didn’t treat them as a couple. Just because it’s our child who’s choosing a sinful lifestyle, it’s still a sin and an affront to God. We compromise our own faith when we accept or condone wrong behavior . . . especially in our own life. I acknowledged my sins to God and my daughter and asked forgiveness for the times I’d sinned while raising her.

We always extend unconditional love, but never bend in our beliefs. We pray for our family and friends like their life depended on it, because it does.

Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. Eph. 4:15

4. Take Action!

It’s easier to look the other way and not get involved, but as we watch sin legalized, even codified, in our country, how can we as concerned Christian citizens condone sin? We must speak out against it. Vote against it. Support candidates who condemn legalizing sin.

Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter. Is. 5:20

5. Overcome Fear!

It can be uncomfortable to take action against sin because you’re taking a chance of being called all sorts of unpleasant names or rebuffed. But if you live so that everyone knows you’re a righteous follower of Christ, who cares what they call you? Our goal is to please an audience of One, Jesus Christ, not man.

For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps. 1 Pet. 2:1 NLT

Staying Silent is Condoning Sin

With every law passed condoning sin, it not only affects us, but future generations. Avoiding the confrontation of sin isn’t the way of the Holy Spirit. When you encounter sin, you’ll be convicted to say or do something. God will give you the opportunity and the words. It’s up to us to humbly, but boldly, follow the Lord’s leading. He will put words in our mouth. Yes, God is a God of grace, but Paul puts it best.

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, ²⁴and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. Rom. 3:23-24

What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? ²By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? ³Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death [to sin]? Rom. 6:1-3

Why am I talking about sin today? Because we’re watching blatant sin exposed and indulged everywhere and the world is in turmoil. All the signs are here that the rapture could be coming soon. As the opening picture depicts, people get ready, Jesus is coming! Keep looking up!

Please leave a comment here and I will reply.

There won’t be a blog for the next two weeks, but I’ll close out the month with my newsletter. If you don’t receive my monthly About His Work newsletter you can sign up for free here.

July 8, 2024

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The Great Debate that Begs the Question: Who is the Real Commander in Chief of the United States?

This week, we cautiously and with trepidation anticipate the celebration of July 4^th in remembrance of our great country winning independence from under the rule of England. So why do I use the descriptive words “cautiously” and “trepidation” when this is typically a day of joyous celebratory parties and BBQs in backyards, parks, and beaches commencing in nighttime fireworks displays? Because most Americans are asking and concerned about, “Whose rule are we under now?”

During the June 27th presidential debate between former President Trump and current President Biden, the world could no longer deny that Biden is president in title only. It doesn’t matter your political or religious persuasion, nationality, or ideology . . . it’s evident to the world that someone else, or a cabal, is running our country and probably has been since January 22, 2021. Americans aren’t truly free or independent right now. An unelected person or people are making decisions and executive actions destroying our free republic. We’re entitled to know who ‘they’ are. Instead of pondering and speculating, Congress should be demanding and investigating answers!

Hal Lindsey put it best in his blog of June 30, 2024:

“If you watched the US Presidential debate on June 27th, you don’t need me to tell you what you saw. If you are a Democrat, the debate probably left you at least somewhat troubled. If you are a Republican, you probably feel that your guy won. Still, I don’t see Republicans dancing in the street. (Come to think of it, I’ve never seen Republicans dancing in the street.) You might expect exuberance from Republicans at so large a perceived victory. Instead, I see Americans of all political persuasions held in the grip of a deep sense of unease.”

Did you ever think we would be living in a time when love of country, respect for the American Flag, and standing for the National Anthem would become controversial? Who is deeming patriotism as racist, toxic, and deplorable?

The federal government is attempting to divide Americans into identity groups and pit them against each other. Children are taught in school to judge each other by skin color and question their own biological gender! Young children are castrated with their bodies surgically mutilated while a “Biden” trans official pressures the woke organization “The World Professional Association of Transgender Health” (WPATH) to eliminate limits on sex-change procedures for minors?! (Did you even know there was an association like that?)

A radial climate hoax is ruining our economy while millions of unvetted illegals from all countries, including our enemies, storm our open borders. Men invade women’s sports and private areas. DEI replaces Dependable, Expert, Intelligent, and even Skilled. College students protest in favor of terrorists . . . and the list goes on and on and on . . .

Can America Be Saved?

It’s alarming what’s happening in our federal and some state governments, but what’s even more alarming is that many people think merely electing someone else will solve all our problems. It will certainly help, but since the current administration’s agenda is demonic, the only real way to fight Satan is with a populace who understands and appreciates the power of God and persistent prayer while voting their values and beliefs! America must repent and turn to God not government to save our country.

Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’”

Hal Lindsey continues . . .

“We have good reason for concern. As a nation, we are not embracing the self-discipline needed to maintain liberty. We are not repentant over our national sins. The nation tends to put its hope in men and technology — not in God. . . Maybe your side’s winning in the presidential race this year, or maybe — for the moment at least — it’s not. Either way, this is a time for humility and repentance. We are in trouble as a nation, and the answer is to turn to God our Father.”

I love the song “God Bless the USA” by Lee Greenwood, and I sing along with him, especially the lines, “I’m proud to be an American where at least I know I’m free.” But I’m even prouder to be a Christian American! A follower of Jesus Christ.

The current administrative cabal and the Democrat party are not loyal to America or proud to be American. They continually denounce us as a racist country and claim half the population, at least those who are conservative, Christian, white, drive pickups, and wave American flags, are a threat to our country?!

Instead, they’re attempting to see how far to the extreme Socialist, Communist, Marxist, tribal, racist, liberal, progressive left they can take America. They’re turning America into a country our forefathers wouldn’t recognize. A country where men and women of all colors gave, and continue to give, their lives to defend.

If you’re saying don’t make the 4^th of July political—Independence Day marked the initiation of politics!

A Pop 4^th of July Quiz

Have you watched a man-on-the-street interview asking people if they know facts about our country’s history? It’s embarrassing. I wonder how many could answer questions about the 4^th of July and why it’s a national holiday?

“What does July 4^th stand for?”

From what country did America fight to win their freedom?
Why is July 4^th Independence Day?
What year was the Declaration of Independence signed and adopted?
What is the significance of 13 stripes and 50 stars?
Why are our patriotic colors red, white, and blue?
What does a national flag represent?
Why are caskets of fallen soldiers wrapped in the American flag?
Why do we have fireworks on the 4^th of July?

How about asking these questions and offering a prize to the one who knows the most answers at your 4^th of July gathering. Here’s a website with a succinct overview: History of the Fourth of July – Brief History & Early Celebrations – HISTORY

So much of our history is lost in a culture that is trying to rewrite it and has forgotten our Christian roots. Liberal left progressive politicians want to erase our heritage as if it never happened and turn a republic of freedoms into a country of government socialistic control. They make it sound like the freedom of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness isn’t as valuable as the carrots they dangle of free healthcare, free college, free immigration free… free…which the naïve lap up without realizing nothing is free. Americans will pay the price with the loss of sovereignty and personal freedoms that so many brave soldiers gave their life to grant each of us. It will cost us dearly in taxes, independence, and quality of life.

Since the Biden cabal and “sanctuary states” want to give illegals free health insurance, they’ll need to put more than a 70% increase on our taxes to pay for it. How good do you think that healthcare is going to be when stretched to the limits with no money to back it and millions of extra people getting it for “free?” That’s why whoever is running the White House hasn’t given specifics of how they would achieve this.

Some politicians have said we’re the only major country without socialized healthcare. What Americans need to remember is the entire point of July 4th is we didn’t want to be like other nations. Other nations come to America for medical treatment. People are not migrating to other countries or invading other country’s borders; they come to America because we aren’t like other nations. The White House cabal has put out the welcome mat at the expense and threat to American citizens who are being murdered, raped, and robbed.

We Must Return to Our Roots!

For those who try to say we weren’t founded on Judeo Christian values, how do you explain our currency’s motto, “In God We Trust” NOT “In the government we trust”? While the liberal progressive socialist left tries moving our country away from God, Christians must stand in the gap and keep America a blessed nation under God.

The 4^th of July celebrates the fight for freedom to be different from other countries. A republic of the people, by the people, and for the people. Where the government works for us NOT controls us.

As you plan your festivities—parades, BBQs, fireworks, pool parties, trips to the beach—how about starting those events with the Pledge of Allegiance, singing the National Anthem, and a prayer to God who has allowed us to live in this great country.

Remind children at the gatherings why you’re celebrating this holiday. Our generation must pass down to the next generation our country’s history and why we don’t want to repeat past mistakes. God has allowed each American to live in the greatest nation in the world, so far. Have you ever opened your eyes in the morning and said thank you God I’m an American? If we take God, freedom, and patriotism out of America, we won’t be able to say that anymore.

Let’s take a stand for what the majority of American people really want and deserve— A country that honors God and His Word first and foremost! Honors our flag and those who went before us to secure our freedoms. A fair justice system that adheres to the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, and the Constitution of the United States of America!

May God bless America and may America be worthy of His blessing!

The Lord will be king over the whole earth. On that day there will be one Lord, and his name the only name. Zech. 14:9

Please leave a comment here and I will reply!

July 1, 2024

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6 Ways to Respond to Vileness, Vitriol, and Violence

Last week, I wrote about a local business owner, Mark Fitzpatrick, who decided to counter “gay pride” month with “Heterosexual Awesomeness Month” at his establishment, The Old State Saloon (OSS) in Eagle, Idaho. Here’s the link to that blog if you haven’t read it yet. I did preface there that while we don’t drink, many restaurants we eat at do have a bar, we just don’t imbibe. Old Sate Saloon is no different, so they have our full support. Mark is a vocal Christian and I’ve since learned there’s a Bible Study on Sunday mornings at OSS for people who might never set foot in a church. Their Facebook post today, Saturday, as I’m writing this week’s blog read: “Don’t forget! Bible study Sunday morning at 10 am. This week we have a special guest teacher, David McClellan, who will be covering Ephesians 3.”

Their regular Sunday morning Bible study teacher wrote on OSS’s Facebook page: “Some people raise their eyebrows when they learn I teach a Bible study each Sunday morning in a Saloon. If you’re in the Treasure Valley, it’s 50 E State Street in Eagle. Start time is 10 am … we wrap up no later than 11. Everyone 21+ is welcome.” With that, he posted the opening meme in this article.

Mark Fitzpatrick’s fun, yet bold and firm, stand for heterosexuality and his Christian faith has gone viral across the nation, but predictably it’s also brought out vileness and vitriol on the Old State Saloon’s social media pages. So far, praise God, I haven’t heard of any violence, which we’ve prayed against for him all month. Mark said in the beginning that he was surprised at the vile vitriol in social media comments on their Facebook page and they would be removing any offensive comments using slander, foul language, or profanity.

I posted my last week’s blog, God Created Us Heterosexual and Idaho Celebrates That As Awesome, on OSS’s Facebook page, and as you might expect, the hate and vitriol flowed along with self-righteous comments. I’m sure many were also trolls with nothing better to do than write nasty, profane, and often heinous verbal attacks. I’ve learned to never engage with these sick people and just ignore them as they pour out their vitriol against my ministry, Christianity, and me.

I actually feel sorry for each one as I read their hateful ignorant slander with blasphemous memes against Jesus and Christians. Tragic that they’re living a lie and resort to vicious vileness that I doubt they’d be willing to say to Mark or my face. I doubt some of them even read my blog because no one left a comment on my website post. They were looking for a bigger audience on OSS’s Facebook page, which has attracted hundreds of comments since the publicizing of Heterosexual Awesomeness Month special events.

As I’ve been writing and speaking in the public forum for years, I’m not naive that people exist who troll on their phone or computers looking for an opportunity to spew vile words, while calling you hateful names and slinging accusations. They’re lost, deceived, maybe lonely, and either have never heard the Gospel or have rejected it. They need prayer, but not indulgence. They want you to respond so they can keep going, but when you ignore them, they don’t know if you’ve even read what they wrote. That surely frustrates them. What a sorry way to live!

Satan’s Offensive Playbook is Vileness, Vitriol, and Violence!

In the wake of the horrific Hamas attack on Israel, we’re watching violence on college campuses. Brainwashed kids protesting in favor of terrorists and creating mayhem are being allowed to setup encampments on the campuses, until they inevitably start destroying and defacing property. Sometimes they’re not even arrested or held accountable. It’s as if the college administrators are afraid of the students or think if they indulge them, they’ll get tired and go away. These kids obviously were never taught how to peacefully, politely, and intelligently express their viewpoint. Often, they have no idea what or why they’re even protesting. But they do know how to express vileness, vitriol, and violence!

Vile language and behavior, profane vitriol, and destructive violence do not come from the Holy Spirit, Jesus, or God. That means the only other spirit in our world, a satanic evil spirit, is producing this behavior. Have you noticed on the news during clips of violent protests or gay parades and speeches, all you hear are bleep, bleep, bleep, because the media can’t let those vile profanities be heard on television. So, the protestors aren’t saying anything intelligent, just a series of bleeps

Public TV also can’t show the true vileness of the lewd acts being performed in the streets during gay parades, often in front of little children, so you’re only seeing sanitized short clips, which are bad enough. And what about parents who expose young children to these vile obscenities and actions instead of protecting them from profanity and sexual lewdness?! These parents are letting their children be mentally and visually influenced by obscenity and immorality. Normalizing it as acceptable. After all, if your parents think it’s okay, it must be okay.

The father of godly children has cause for joy. What a pleasure to have children who are wise. Pr. 23:24 NLT

Adults and children persuaded by satanic actions and rituals instead of godly purity and morals are opening themselves up to demonic behavior. I doubt the parents taking their children to gay parades or drag queen story hours are taking them to Sunday school. A power play of Satan versus God. We know who wins in the end, but how many souls will be lost along the way.

The Bible tells of people possessed or influenced by demons. From these examples, we can find some symptoms of demonic influence and gain insight as to how a demon possesses someone. Here are some of the biblical passages: Matthew 9:32-33; 12:22; 17:18; Mark 5:1-20; 7:26-30; Luke 4:33-36; Luke 22:3; Acts 16:16-18.

Demon possession is not always as dramatic as in biblical times, but it can cause the individual to say and perform evil acts. Judas being the main example. Or King Saul, after rebelling against the LORD, was troubled by an evil spirit (1 Samuel 16:14-15; 18:10-11; 19:9-10) with the apparent effect of a depressed mood and an increased desire to kill David. There’s a wide variety of possible symptoms of demon possession, such as a physical impairment that can’t be attributed to an actual physiological problem, a personality change such as depression or aggression, supernatural strength, immodesty, antisocial behavior, violent anger, spewing obscenities, lewdness, and sexual depravity.

In Judas’ case, he opened his heart to evil by his greed (John 12:6).Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve (Luke 22:3). So, it’s possible that if one allows his heart to be ruled by some habitual sin, it becomes an invitation for a demon to enter, which always leads to ungodly behavior and a mindset against God as the apostle Paul told us in the following verses.

²¹Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn’t worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused. . . ²⁴So God abandoned them to do whatever shameful things their hearts desired. As a result, they did vile and degrading things with each other’s bodies. ²⁵They traded the truth about God for a lie. So they worshiped and served the things God created instead of the Creator himself, who is worthy of eternal praise! Amen. ²⁶That is why God abandoned them to their shameful desires. Even the women turned against the natural way to have sex and instead indulged in sex with each other. ²⁷And the men, instead of having normal sexual relations with women, burned with lust for each other. Men did shameful things with other men, and as a result of this sin, they suffered within themselves the penalty they deserved.

²⁸Since they thought it foolish to acknowledge God, he abandoned them to their foolish thinking and let them do things that should never be done. ²⁹Their lives became full of every kind of wickedness, sin, greed, hate, envy, murder, quarreling, deception, malicious behavior, and gossip. ³⁰They are backstabbers, haters of God, insolent, proud, and boastful. . . Worse yet, they encourage others to do them, too. Romans 1:21, 24-29, 32 NLT.

So How Should Christians Respond?

If you’re encountering vileness, vitriol, or threats of violence on social media or in person, here’s how I try to handle it. Maybe it will help you too.

Don’t try to one up, reason with, or engage them.

Attempting to change their mind is unlikely to succeed, but it will usually intensify the debate and consume considerable time and energy. Even though you’re sure you have the perfect response, in my experience, I’ve never seen anyone concede or surrender their opinion or verbal attack. Typically, they become more hostile while their vile vitriol escalates.

Ignore them.

I know that’s hard to do because you want to help them see the truth, but they’re just looking for an argument and you’ll only become more frustrated and irritated yourself.

Delete their comments and consider blocking them.

You’re not obligated to leave their vitriol on your social media and blocking them will prevent them from returning. You can also report them to the social media administrator. A troll is just looking for an argument and you have better things to do with your time.

In person, change the subject.

Offer your point of view if you want, but if the conversation is deteriorating, tell them to have a blessed day and move on. Don’t ever let Satan cause you to match their vileness, vitriol, or violent behavior.

Pray for them.

Hard as it is, Jesus tells us to love and pray for our enemies (Matt. 5:44-45). Maybe, just maybe, their eyes will open and the blinders fall off because they’re headed for a mental, emotional, and spiritual crash, if not already there. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Eph. 6:18

Our offensive playbook is the Word of God, the Holy Bible.

Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Eph. 6:17

The apostle Paul also advised, Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. Rom. 12:18 NLT

Please leave your comment here. I reply to all your comments and appreciate receiving them.

June 17, 2024

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God Created Us Heterosexual and Idaho Celebrates That as Awesome!

I LOVE summer! Now that we live in Idaho with its beautiful four seasons, I only have a few short months to enjoy the sunshine, warm weather, and growing our vegetable and fruit garden. So, I’m ready for shorts and flip-flops as soon as the kids are out of school and the calendar turns over to June. But there’s been a storm cloud brewing over the beginning of summer ever since 2000 when President Bill Clinton officially designated June as “Gay and Lesbian Pride Month” to recognize and celebrate as normal an activist hedonistic alternate lifestyle ideology.

Now, I dread the June gay/trans marketing in some stores and news clips of lewd parades in the streets, which would’ve violated the indecent-exposure laws in the past. This trans activism isn’t limited solely to the month of June, as they attempt to invade every area of the culture year-round, specifically and tragically targeting the youngest of children as “converts.”

Last week, I wrote about the Revenge of the Normies. Many agreed with me that we want a return to the days where certain basic morals were accepted as normal starting with the distinction between a man and a woman determined at birth. No amount of transing, drugs, or surgery is ever going to change that biological and biblical fact. One person told me they thought I was being one-sided in that blog. I absolutely was taking a side and standing firm on it!

The Bible does not compromise with evil. Good does not negotiate with bad. God does not acquiesce to Satan. Truth does not defer to lies. Right does not agree with wrong. I’m not trying to please everyone, only my Abba Father, and that means many will not agree with me. Sadly, even in the church.

I know many of you who aren’t bowing to culture have been shouted down and shamed into silence, while holding your nose and closing your eyes to get through June without watching naked men and women gyrating in the streets or being confronted with distasteful displays of clothes and marketing in stores like Target, and now even Walmart. We pray the month will soon end; but now it never ends. So, we’re pushing back.

The look on their faces testifies against them; they parade their sin like Sodom; they do not hide it. Woe to them! They have brought disaster upon themselves. Is. 3:9

It Only Takes One Brave Committed Person to Make a Difference!

Idaho made national news big time at the beginning of June when the Christian owner of Old State Saloon and Restaurant in Eagle, Idaho, Mark Fitzpatrick, decided to rename June as “Heterosexual Awesomeness Month.” I’ve heard him interviewed on Rob Schmitt’s NEWSMAX show and FOX News posted an article with a video interview revealing the tremendous response to Fitzpatrick’s campaign. In every interview, he talks about his faith and God.

On his Zillow page, Fitzpatrick described himself as a “Christian, conservative, Constitution supporter, retired police officer, and family man.”

Here’s just a few of Fitzpatrick’s comments. You can read the Fox News article and hear an interview with him at this link.

“I [Fitzpatrick] was thinking of a way that we could celebrate the other side of sexuality, heterosexuality, the way God designed it. And that’s kind of where I’m at with people that support us and are like-minded. So we decided to do Heterosexual Awesomeness Month and then launched it and boy, oh boy, did it take off,” Fitzpatrick told Fox News Digital.

Fitzpatrick remarked that the idea was “honestly pretty last minute” as a simple pushback against the nationwide promotion for LGBTQ Pride Month. “I’m Christian. I follow what the Bible says. I love people. I love all types of people and everything. But when you love people, it doesn’t mean that you have to necessarily get behind everything they decide to do. And especially with the way things have been going the last few years, as far as how extreme it gets in June.”

“I think, from what I’m experiencing with people’s response, is that the country is ready to kind of stand up and say, ‘Hey, what about this? And this is a good thing to celebrate, and let’s do that,’” he continued. Fitzpatrick shared how he thinks companies don’t want to weigh in on the issue and open themselves up to potential controversy and blowback. He said he’s at a point personally in his life where he’s “done being quiet about things.”

I’m right there with Mr. Fitzpatrick and his decision to devote this month to going back to celebrating normal sexuality as designed by God.

“I want the truth,” he said. “I know there’s a lot of deception out there in the world. I want the truth to come out on a lot of things, and I just want to glorify God in everything that I do.”

He’s been so successful with people hungry not just for food, but for a place where they can express the truth about how God created us as men and women to be sexually attracted to each other and yes procreate, that they’ve been running out of food each day and another business donated pizzas for his patrons to eat.

At the beginning of June, Fitzpatrick posted on Facebook: “June will be OSS’s inaugural Heterosexual Awesomeness Month! Come join us all month to celebrate heterosexuals, for without them, none of us would be here!”

Each Monday is Hetero Male Monday with a special for any heterosexual male dressed like a heterosexual male. Wednesdays are Heterosexual Couples Day, and each heterosexual couple will receive 15% off their bill. On Her Thursdays, Happy Hour prices are all day for Hetero Ladies!

Fitzpatrick acknowledges receiving “crass” and “rude” messages online and phone calls, but for the most part, the public reaction has been “overwhelmingly positive.” Another OSS Facebook post read: “It seems as though people who are against Heterosexual Awesomeness Month have a hard time commenting without using horrific words, expletives, using the name of the Lord in vain, etc. Make an intelligent comment and stay. Cuss and you are banned. Thanks. We’ve banned about 25 already.”

“We hear lots of people are upset about Heterosexual Awesomeness Month! Please know: 1) We love our LGBTQ+ patrons! 2) We will not be changing our mind and give into the group of those who are responding with vitriol. 3) ALL are welcome to come celebrate heterosexuality with us in June!”

Fitzpatrick responded to a hit piece against him by the Idaho Statesman. “Because most Idahoans will see this dog whistle for what it is . . . And for the record, I love all types of people, including the LGBTQ+ crowd. I sincerely wish they all knew Jesus as their Savior. Now, let’s commence Heterosexual Awesomeness Month!”

Since news of Fitzpatrick’s celebration of Heterosexual Awesomeness Month has gone viral, I love what Matt Walsh wrote on his Facebook post about it:

“The Old State Saloon in Eagle, Idaho is celebrating ‘Heterosexual Awesomeness Month’ by offering special deals in honor of their straight male [female and couples] patrons. Predictably, many are outraged. But if the left says that they’re going to have a month-long celebration of gay pride, then I think it’s perfectly appropriate to respond with a celebration of heterosexuality. Sure, it’s reactive, but it makes a lot of sense to respond to Pride Month with a celebration of straight ‘awesomeness.’ I would consider it a necessary and healthy reaction. It also puts the left in a position where they are forced to make arguments against it. But there are no intellectually consistent arguments as to why pride can only apply to one group and not others.”

Walsh concluded: “So why not celebrate straightness? Heterosexuality is awesome. It’s the thing that keeps civilization going. Heterosexuals are single-handedly responsible for the continuation of the human species. Without us, there would be a full mass extinction event. That seems like a pretty good reason to celebrate.”

My husband and I don’t drink, but we’ll stop by when we’re in town for lunch and to give Fitzpatrick a high five and pray with him. I’ll definitely buy a “Hetero Awesomeness” T-shirt if he has any left.

Don’t let Satan get a foothold in your city either. If we don’t speak up, the rocks will cry out. “I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.” Luke 19:40 NLT

¹⁸Run from sexual sin! No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does. For sexual immorality is a sin against your own body. ¹⁹Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, ²⁰for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body. 1 Cor. 6:18-20 NLT

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

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June 10, 2024

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Revenge of the ‘Normies’!

If you’re like me, you’re longing for a past era when life seemed more normal. A time of universal ethical and moral values adhered to and abided by most people. No one questioned whether they were a boy or girl of if they could do the impossible and change genders. Borders had meaning. Marriage was between a man and a woman. The justice system was trustworthy. White House occupants loved America. You just want to be a “normie” again.

But we’re living in an upside-down world of crazies who try and gaslight us that what we’re paying at the grocery store or gas pump is normal. It’s always been this way and, anyway, you have plenty of money in your pocket to pay inflation costs that the current administration imposes on you. And what’s all the fuss about the border? It’s closed.

No, the border isn’t closed as thousands of unvetted illegals flood across every day and night. No, we don’t believe the inflation rate was 9% when Biden became president! Yes, we know how much we paid for things under President Trump and the inflation rate was 1.4% when he left office. It’s been rising every month since Biden took office. Under Biden, all Americans have faced increasingly higher prices for food, gasoline, and other common household items. And while prices have been going up, wages have been going down, placing additional stress on family finances. That’s not normal!

No, we aren’t better off now than we were under Trump; we’re barely getting by. Oh, and what about the war we’re financing, while pulling support for our ally Israel? What about the Biden administration trying to make you believe it’s normal for naked men and women to gyrate down public streets in front of children in garish outfits with girls kissing girls and guys kissing guys. Not just in the streets, but in children’s programs, TV programs, and movies. Men allowed to play in women’s sports. A presidential cabinet with a man masquerading as a woman, another man married to a man, as Biden brags he has the most diverse staff in history. That would be true, but that doesn’t make it a good thing. It’s not normal!

And what about our justice system, which in the past was something we could tout and trust as the best in the world. Now under Biden, we’ve deteriorated into a banana republic. When he knows there’s no way he can gaslight enough people to vote for him with even Democrats denouncing the party, he resorts to trying to use lawfare to unlawfully imprison his opponent who he can’t beat at the polls. Not normal!

A friend shared a meme with me that reads:

Liberals: “If we could just jail Trump, get rid of MAGA, end the Electoral College, stack the Supreme Court, ban voter ID, and censor free speech, we could save democracy.”

That’s not normal. It’s tyranny, which we’re teetering on the edge of right now.

Biden calls normies and mommies terrorists and an existential threat.
Clinton calls normies deplorables and a cult that needs deprogramming.
Hochul calls normies clowns who should leave New York and go to Florida.

What Does Revenge of the Normies Look Like?

The revenge of the normies has a unique way of showing our dissatisfaction. Instead of creating riots in the streets, importing paid professional protestors, and burning cars and buildings, the normies prayerfully went to their dwindling checkbooks resulting in “record” fundraising for the Trump campaign, which raised nearly $53 million in the first 24 hours after Trump was found guilty of all 34 contrived felony counts in the fraudulent criminal trial in New York City. $34.8 million came in from 6 p.m. ET to midnight immediately after the verdict in the case went public.

The campaign said fundraising was “nearly double the biggest day ever recorded for the Trump campaign on the WinRed platform” and emphasized that the guilty verdicts “have awakened the MAGA movement like never before.” Normies are waking up!

That news is definitely a threat to the Biden campaign and deplorable to Hilary. Hochul isn’t laughing now since she allowed this travesty to take place in her state where everyone knew the judge, jury, DA, and Biden-picked prosecutor would all be Trump haters with the biased and unfair persecution of a political opponent that places New York on the map as a banana republic.

In a normal world, an elderly man with dementia, who can’t be prosecuted in court for his crimes because he is too feeble and forgetful, would not be considered a viable candidate to lead the free world! Only in an abnormal world!

In a normal world, we wouldn’t have an entire month or even an entire day devoted to a secular celebration of taking pride in blatant sin! Only in an abnormal world!

Trying to normalize crazy will NEVER fly with the normies, who must engage with the culture and take action now like only normies can. So, what do we do?

We Pray. Our action should always begin with prayer. But get ready my fellow normies. When you pray, God is going to give you action steps He wants you to take, and you must be ready and obedient when you hear the call. That call will be different for each of us, but you’ll know when God speaks. He’s never coy, always direct.
We Read Our Bibles. Numerous Scriptures apply to our current times. One that I heard on Flashpoint the night of Trump’s guilty verdict was Psalm 112. Even though we might be angry, frustrated, even worried about the thought of another four years under the current regime, God has a plan. Think how long Joseph was in prison before he was elevated to the highest position in the land. Those who are bringing up Trump’s sordid past, I would use Jesus’ admonition from Scripture, “Let any one of you who is without sin, be the first to throw a stone” (John 8:7).

Then there’s the Scripture that’s so hard to follow where we’re told to love our enemies and actually pray for those who persecute us. (Matt. 5:43-48) The way I apply that to the evil I see, especially with Biden who is a pathological liar and so corrupt, is to pray he would have a soul reformation. Wake up one morning to the pride and power that’s overtaken his sense of right and wrong, and repent. Me of little faith, I can’t imagine it happening, but nothing is impossible with God. (Matt. 19:26)

Here’s Psalm 112 that we normies can personalize for ourselves to count it all joy when we encounter persecution and trials or when it seems like evil is winning. (James 1:2-4)

Praise the Lord! How joyful are those who fear the Lord
    and delight in obeying his commands.
²Their children will be successful everywhere;
    an entire generation of godly people will be blessed.
³They themselves will be wealthy,
    and their good deeds will last forever.
⁴Light shines in the darkness for the godly. They are generous, compassionate, and righteous.
⁵Good comes to those who lend money generously
    and conduct their business fairly.
⁶Such people will not be overcome by evil. Those who are righteous will be long remembered.
⁷They do not fear bad news;
    they confidently trust the Lord to care for them.
⁸They are confident and fearless
    and can face their foes triumphantly. They share freely and give generously to those in need.
    Their good deeds will be remembered forever.
    They will have influence and honor.
¹⁰The wicked will see this and be infuriated.
    They will grind their teeth in anger;
    they will slink away, their hopes thwarted.

United We Stand: Satan would love to divide normies and get us going at each other. That would definitely be our downfall. “They” like to call us the silent majority, but we must be silent no more. So many Scriptures tell us to stand strong together. Even when they try to knock us down or divide us, as they will do, we know what we believe and are committed to never give up and never give in! What comes to mind is an old hymn “I Know Whom I Have Believed” published in 1883 by Daniel. W. Whittle

I know not why God’s wondrous grace
To me He hath made known,
Nor why, unworthy, Christ in love
Redeemed me for His own.

Refrain:
But “I know Whom I have believed,
And am persuaded that He is able
To keep that which I’ve committed
Unto Him against that day.”

I know not how this saving faith
To me He did impart,
Nor how believing in His Word
Wrought peace within my heart.

I know not how the Spirit moves,
Convincing men of sin,
Revealing Jesus through the Word,
Creating faith in Him. I know not what of good or ill
May be reserved for me,
Of weary ways or golden days,
Before His face I see. I know not when my Lord may come,
At night or noonday fair,
Nor if I walk the vale with Him,
Or meet Him in the air.

We Vote Our Faith: Normies must vote! We have no right to complain or bemoan our government or the economy when we sit home on Election Day. Statistics show that only one in three Christian normies vote. That’s pathetic. We would not be in the mess our country is in right now if the other two-thirds researched the platforms of those running for office and voted their beliefs and faith. Can you imagine how different our world would be then?!

That’s why I’ve become so involved in serving in the My Faith Votes Ministry. It’s not political. It’s biblical, informative, encouraging, and motivational to take action to get normies off the couch and out to the voting booths. We can make a difference. For those who don’t think voting is worth their time, just look at what’s happening as our country is deteriorating. The men who literally sacrificed everything to give us the Constitution and Bill of Rights thought politics and voting was important to maintain our freedom and many men and women have since risked their life for those freedoms.

Politics has become a dirty connotation, but it runs throughout the Bible starting in the Old Testament. Joseph became the highest political figure in the government, as did Daniel. David was a King. 1 and 2 Kings are devoted to the stories of good and bad political leaders, as are 1 and 2 Judges, 1 and 2 Chronicles. God has used politics for good in the past, but Satan hijacks politics when God’s people aren’t diligent. When Jesus was on trial, people let themselves be persuaded by bad political and spiritual leaders and yelled, “crucify him.”

Normies know better than to be influenced by bad political or spiritual leaders. If we want some semblance of normal back in our country, our lives, and our children’s lives, we must pray, read our Bible, stand together in unity, and vote in the revenge of the normies Jesus-style. We don’t accept as normal or right anything wicked and wrong. We’re not afraid to speak God’s truth to lies and live counterculture. That’s normal!

“While it looks like things are out of control, behind the scenes there is a God who has not surrendered authority.” –A. W. Tozer

The “Revenge of the Normies” opening picture is a meme created by Facebook friend Dana Pratola

Please leave your comments here. I will reply.

June 3, 2024

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What Is God’s Revelation in Harrison Butker’s Commencement Speech?

If you follow me regularly, you’re not surprised with the topic God has me writing about this week, as it has relentlessly filled the news cycles. Actually, there’s so much written about it, I wondered what I could share that you hadn’t already read or heard.

But I think I might be able to offer a different perspective and how we as committed Christians can find hope and encouragement to share our own faith and beliefs as openly and honestly as Harrison Butker did, especially when like him, we’re speaking to our faith peers. The world notices when we speak out because typically, we tend to keep our beliefs inside the walls of our church. Or we let the atrocities and evil we see daily in our culture not affect us personally, emotionally, or spiritually.

Even though we don’t all have a platform like Harrison Butker, a three-time Super Bowl Kicker for the Kansas City Chiefs, God will reveal to us places and times we can be bold for Him. I don’t know much about football. I had to ask my husband if a “kicker” only plays on the field when it’s time to kick the ball. While his kick can determine the outcome of a game, he’s also only visible when kicking.

Yet, Butker was quite visible when he gave a commencement speech on his own time at Benedictine College, not as a Chief’s Kicker, but as a Catholic man, husband, and father to an audience of Catholic graduating students. As a speaker myself, it’s imperative to know your audience and speak to issues that will affect, motivate, and encourage them. When I speak to a group of Christian women, I’m not addressing the secular world or media. I might speak about those topics and my thoughts on how we can be a light in a dark world or even change it, but I’m not expecting the secular culture to agree with me.

I may however receive a negative response to something I write publicly. For example, I posted on a community Facebook group page about pornographic books targeting children in our local library that started a firestorm of positive and negative comments. I was surprised at all the negatives, but soon I knew I’d touched on a topic that liberals expect conservatives to just tolerate as “normal,” accept, and stay silent. Unfortunately, that’s been our typical pattern which is how we’ve arrived at orgy parades in front of children during a month devoted to sin, coming up in a couple of weeks. The left also promotes killing babies in their mother’s wombs as “normal healthcare,” so when conservatives speak out against anything evil, we’re the “radical” “extreme” ones.

The next time I posted something on the community Facebook page, I was prepared for the pushback. I told the first person with a snarky comment that I was expecting this and they didn’t disappoint. I suggested they were the very ones who needed to hear my message most. The result was silence and no one else has posted a negative remark yet.

Did Butker expect the firestorm he started? I rather doubt it. I’ve heard him interviewed before. He speaks out against abortion often and the left’s woke evil agenda. But this time was different. People in the media, who he wasn’t speaking to, felt they needed to chime in and critically attack him for having values different than the woke ones they’re trying to normalize. They got defensive because they expect us to literally let them call good evil and evil good, shut up, and take it.

The culture, starting at the White House, has rejected God and God’s way of life and we’re watching violence, crime, broken families, single-parent families, divorce, Marxism, suicide especially amongst teens, addictions, dissatisfaction with how God made you, war on women, pro-terrorist support, and lies called gaffes from a president who lies every time he opens his mouth.

Some criticized Butker’s speech because they said he was taking women back to the 50’s. That’s rich from the same people advocating the erasure of women and can’t even define a woman. They believe women should be more like a man or replaced by a man pretending to be “her”! Women should have abortions because the economy needs more women in the workplace instead of nurturing families at home. How absurd and evil is that!!

The graduates at Benedictine College in Butker’s audience didn’t protest or walk out. They were respectful, applauded often, and gave him a standing ovation. That’s the difference between a Catholic or Christian College like ORU where they sang praise songs at commencement, and the elite indoctrination colleges where students tear up their diplomas, hold up signs for terrorism, yell, walk out, and disrupt the speaker. Which student would you want to hire? Which student would you be proud of as a parent?

What’s All the Fuss?

If you haven’t heard, the NFL Kansas City Chief’s Kicker Harrison Butker gave a commencement speech at a Catholic College where he spoke about not only his own Catholic faith practices, but also what were probably the same beliefs of every Catholic student in the audience. They had a common ground and common faith foundation, so he was mentoring and confirming how to live out their faith in the real world. Critics who weren’t students, and in most cases weren’t Catholic, were offended by his profession of faith and how dare him share it in the public square?!

Every day the liberal news is full of glowing articles praising and glamorizing the antics of his fellow Chiefs player Kelce consorting with Taylor Swift. They think it’s big news that should interest us. They love writing about his childish antics like jugging a beer during his commencement speech. But when a clean cut, Catholic married father speaks on the virtues of loving, providing for, and cherishing your wife and family as a masculine husband and father, those same news pundits go crazy. How dare he speak of virtues like that to impressionable college students! How dare he say that God blessed women with the capability of birthing and nurturing children! How dare he declare that God created marriage to be between a husband and wife!

The NFL had their “chief diversity and inclusion officer” issue a statement distancing the league from him, and as you read this, 150,000 people have demanded his immediate firing. Head Coach Andy Reed says no way. “I’m not losing a great kicker to this whole woke thing. Not on my watch… If they get rid of Harrison. They get rid of me.”

Jason Yates’, CEO of MyFaithVotes, in an email to MFV Action Partners shared some points in Butker’s pro-faith speech that critics found offensive.

On Biden: “Our own nation is led by a man who publicly and proudly proclaims his Catholic faith but at the same time is delusional enough to make the sign of the cross during a pro-abortion rally.”

On Women: “It is you, the women, who’ve had the most diabolical lies told to you. Some of you may go on to lead successful careers in the world. But I would venture to guess that the majority of you are most excited about your marriage and the children you will bring into this world.”

On Men: “…the absence of men in the home is what plays a large role in the violence we see all around the nation. Be unapologetic in your masculinity. Fight against the cultural emasculation of men.”

On Pride Month: “I’m certain the reporters at the AP couldn’t have imagined that their attempt to rebuke and embarrass places and people like those here at Benedictine [University] wouldn’t be met with anger, but…with excitement and pride. Not the deadly sin sort of pride that has an entire month dedicated to it. But the true God-centered pride that’s cooperating with the Holy Ghost to glorify Him.”

Yates concluded with: “This attempt to CANCEL Harrison Butker is nothing but anti-Christian bigotry. We cannot allow Christian values to be pushed out of the public square.”

God Will Use All of This for The Lord’s Glory!

Do you respect the NFL that stood behind Colin Kaepernick kneeling for the National Anthem, hosting pride celebrations and jerseys, drag shows at games, silent when players arrested for spousal abuse, reckless drunk driving, murder…but one of their players speaks out for God and godly values and they disavow him? Is this an organization you care about what they think?

Do you care what the gossiping liberal women on The View think?

Do you care about liberal media’s meltdown over conservatives and Christians?

Here’s my “view.” When the culture wants to cancel you, you’re probably doing something right! Wear it like a badge. It’s an honor when the world persecutes you for your faith because you’ve hit a nerve. They know in their core that what they’re doing and saying is wrong, but Satan has convinced them his ways are more fulfilling than God’s ways. In the end, everyone will answer to God for their choices and actions. Satan leaves that truth out of his crusade for perversion and sin.

What Satan means for evil, God will use as good. Butker could literally be saying today, like Joseph said to his brothers, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives (Gen. 50:20).

Benedictine is a small college, but just look at how many people are actually reading or listening to Butker’s speech that has gone viral. His enemies are listening to it, even though they take much of it out of context. His truths, even when ridiculed, are broadcast on every news channel, talk show, social media, written commentaries, and opinion articles.

Even atheist liberal “Real Time” host Bill Maher defended Butker’s right to profess his beliefs and points out the hypocrisy of the attacks. Maher said, “I can’t express how much this guy is not like me. He’s religious. He loves marriage. He loves kids… And he’s now history’s greatest monster . . . Again, I don’t agree with much with this guy, but he said… ‘Some of you may go on to lead successful careers in the world.’ Ok, that seems fairly, like, modern. ‘But I would venture to guess that the majority of you are most excited about your marriage and the children you will bring into this world.’ I don’t see what the big crime is. I really don’t . . . I find it very ironic that he’s saying, ‘You know what, in my world, you know, we like the women to stay at home and just have babies’ and the college kids and the young people find this absolutely abhorrent, but they’re demonstrating for Hamas, who make that the law! . . . It’s not just an opinion in Hamas, that you stay home and have the babies. They will enforce you [to do] that!”

Rob Schmitt Tonight on Newsmax did an entire opening monologue defending Butker, saying the critics expect us to just stay silent when we’re offended. If you speak up, you’re vilified. We’re supposed to be tolerant to forceful indoctrination.

Then Schmitt interviewed Christian Jason Whitlock who reiterated that culture has abandoned God. In the interview Schmitt admitted, “I’m not a particularly religious person, and I don’t really share that with many people. But I can see what’s happening to our society and I can see the general hedonism that we’ve moved towards, and I can see the decay. I can see the loss of the quality of life as we move more towards leftism. More towards where the state is the thing to be worshipped rather than something above. I can just feel the failings of that ideology. I don’t believe necessarily everything that he [Butker] said, I disagree with him on a number of points, but I would never be offended by what he said, and I would never stop him from saying them. There are people vilifying this man and when you listen to his speech, he’s just such a kind-hearted good person who cries talking about meeting his wife. Their anger is so interesting to me.”

Jason Whitlock’s response addressed Schmitt’s admitted lack of faith! “Rob, I appreciate the transparency and the honesty. I do think that as time continues to pass, I think you’re going to come more and more into the understanding of why religious faith is so important and why Christianity is so important.”

Whitlock was able to actually witness to Schmitt on TV and Schmitt was intensely listening. Hear the entire interview here.

I hope that Butker is overlooking the negative criticism, while smiling at how often his faith values are being spoken over the airways and written in words.

Could anyone speak their faith today and not be called offensive or divisive? Are the critics suggesting we should just stay silent when we’re offended? Butker believes, as do I, that the lack of faith in God and Jesus is largely responsible for the culture’s moral decline. Like many of us, he wasn’t afraid to say so. I applaud him!

Here’s what we can never forget—good will NEVER unite with evil. There’s no grey area. So, for those saying his speech was divisive, it wasn’t divisive to his Catholic audience. It was marching orders to take your faith into everything God calls you to do. The only people who call it divisive are those who are complacent and tolerant of evil. That would not, and should not, be Jesus followers. Jesus came into the world to forgive us our sins not to be tolerant, complacent, or accepting of sin.

Good can NEVER unite with evil. In today’s culture, everyone wants us to go along with evil, but we must speak up just as Butker did. Satan wants us to be quiet and let evil reign, but we must NEVER let that happen. Jesus had a dividing line. All Butker did was speak truth. Let’s pray more of us start following his example.

I think his Chief’s jersey #7 is prophetic! The number 7 holds profound biblical significance, symbolizing completion, perfection, and rest. It’s mentioned over 700 times in the Bible — more than any other number, indicating its significance in biblical narrative and prophecy. This number’s recurrence is no coincidence — in fact, it reflects divine order and the spiritual completeness found in God’s creation.

It looks like many people, especially women, are going to be wearing #7, since it’s reported that Harrison Butker’s jersey is the most popular in the NFL shop and women’s jerseys are sold out for now!

For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die. Philippians 1:20 NLT

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Johsua 1:9

Full Text: Harrison Butker of Kansas City Chiefs Graduation Speech| National Catholic Register (ncregister.com)

Better yet, listen to his emotion as he gives this speech. Harrison Butker | Commencement Address 2024 | Benedictine College (youtube.com)

Do you agree with this article heading? Harrison Butker, Not His Critics, Represents the Mainstream!

You might also enjoy reading one of my past blogs A Society Crumbles That Doesn’t Recognize Sin! — Woman to Woman Mentoring

Please leave a comment here. I appreciate reading them and I always reply.

May 20, 2024

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History of Labor Day

Work and Rest

How Can We Change Culture?

Huckabee and His Daughter Sarah Understand the Importance of Christians Being in Politics!

My Faith Votes! Does Yours?

Common Sense vs Insanity!

The Divine Divide

Jesus, the Great Divider Between Eternal Life or Eternal Death

God is in Politics!

Political Engagement is An Important Stewardship for Christians!

Pastor Jack Hibbs Gets It!

What Does it Mean to Condone Sin?

What Does the Bible Say about Condoning Sin?

5 Ways We Can Avoid Condoning Sin

Staying Silent is Condoning Sin

Can America Be Saved?

A Pop 4th of July Quiz

We Must Return to Our Roots!

Satan’s Offensive Playbook is Vileness, Vitriol, and Violence!

So How Should Christians Respond?

It Only Takes One Brave Committed Person to Make a Difference!

What Does Revenge of the Normies Look Like?

What’s All the Fuss?

God Will Use All of This for The Lord’s Glory!

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