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Our Forever Valentine: Jesus, Our First Love!

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Since my Monday Morning Blog is posting on Valentine’s Day, I thought it was only appropriate that we talk about love. Typically, we think about romantic love on this day, but there are so many different aspects to love.

Remember in grammar school sharing Valentine’s cards with classmates. You might’ve had a crush on one of them, but mostly you were trying to collect as many cards as you could that day. I’m not even sure kids still are allowed to share Valentines today but it’s a fun memory for many of us. It wasn’t about love, but more about friendship and camaraderie.

February is the month of valentines, but it’s also National Heart Health month, and a good time to reflect on your diet and exercise regime. At least, be sure if you’re eating chocolates today, it’s dark chocolate! At our house, we’re hoping the snow will start melting and there will be glimpses of spring and warmer weather.

When I think about true love, my mind always goes to Jesus. Yes, my husband and I make plans to do something special to celebrate our love on Valentine’s Day, but we both know that Jesus is our First Love. We wouldn’t have made it these twenty-nine years through the stresses and trials of a blended family and other devastating life issues if we hadn’t put Jesus at the center of our marriage, but most importantly, at the center of each of our lives. We don’t want to ever forget that Jesus Christ is our First Love!

In Revelations 2:2-4, Jesus admonishes the church in Ephesus that even though they were a dutiful church following all the religious rules and ceremonies, they had forgotten who they were serving and why they were even a church. They weren’t showing or exemplifying the love of Jesus.

 I [Jesus] know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. 3 You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.

4 Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. 5 Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.

Removing the lampstand meant they would stop being an effective church. And if we’re not careful, the same thing could happen to us in our personal lives too! When we forget the love of Jesus that burned in our heart when we first gave our life to Him, Jesus says . . . no matter how many Bible studies we attend, how perfect our attendance is at church, or how much we volunteer and tithe. . . none of it matters if we’re motivated by duty and not love.

A pastor once asked the children how we know Jesus is alive today. Their answer was He lives in each of our hearts. That’s true love!

So whether you’re single or married, I want to share three important points about what love has to do with our witness for Jesus, especially as we look at the tumultuous times we live in today.

Christians Need to Love Each Other

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other. John 15:16-17

Jesus was talking to his disciples here and we are Jesus’s disciples now. God chose us to bear fruit and we can’t have a message of love if we don’t love each other. We can’t have dissention in the church or among church members. Sadly, Satan has used the current political and pandemic unrest to pit brothers and sisters in Christ against each other. In the Bible, there are no Democrats, Republicans, Progressives, Liberals, Conservatives, vaxxers or anti-vaxxer, maskers or anti-maskers.

There is only One timeless Word of God.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Heb. 13:8

There is also only one kind of Christian: “Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” John 3:3

As born-again Bible-Believing Christians, we’re appointed to go out and bear testimony to the world together. We should unite as one front! Whatever allows us to share the Good News that Jesus saves, we’re for; whatever prohibits that freedom or tries to silence us, we’re against.

Whatever upholds the teachings of the Bible, we’re for; whatever prohibits or alters those teachings, we’re against.

We stand together for the sanctity of human life, marriage between a man and a woman, God creating us as men and women, and we’re not afraid to lovingly bear that fruit for Jesus.

Anything separating us on those issues isn’t from God!

Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart. 1 Peter 1:22

Christ Loves Us with a Never-Ending Love

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Rom. 8:38-39

Sadly, we see divided churches, families, friends . . . all proclaiming to be Christians yet separated by issues where there should be unity, and Satan wins because our witness is compromised. That’s a shame! There is a lost world that really needs to see the love of Christ displayed through a body of Christ that shows the love of Christ and agrees on what it means to be a Christian. But we know today that’s not the case. The good news is that nothing we do can ever separate us from the love of God for those who have truly accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

I had a man on Facebook tell me once that he had been a Christian for 50 years, read the Bible numerous times, been to church, talked to pastors, attended Bible study groups, but now has decided Christianity is a farce, doesn’t work for him anymore, and told me I needed to know that Jesus is not returning. Two things came to mind: (a) You can leave Jesus, but He will never leave you. (b) You can be a Christian in name only, but never have experienced the saving grace of Jesus Christ, your First Love, which I wrote about in last week’s blog, A Society Crumbles That Doesn’t Recognize Sin. His words were so harsh I fear he was in the latter group.

I remember singing a song as a little girl, maybe you remember it too: “I have the love of Jesus love of Jesus down in my heart. Where? Down in my heart to stay.”

How Much Love Do You Have to Give?

“This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person’s failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to him. John 3:16-18 The Message

Do You Love Jesus Enough to Share Him with Others Or Are You Keeping All the Love To Yourself?

Another woman on Facebook wrote this:

FB woman: There are many other religions who do not make Jesus/Satan part of their belief system. All destined to damnation? It’s a big world out there and much of it overcomes the negative.

Me: “Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6

FB woman: Written by John a century later, an evangelist trying to convert the world to his new religion. PBS and History Channel do wonderful educational shows on the origins of the Bible. Check them out. I have read the Bible extensively Janet, I just haven’t drawn the same dark conclusions. And the shows I mentioned are created by scientists and historians with no agenda but discovery. I wouldn’t want to rest my eternity on what someone else says.

This woman was very confused, but I was able to talk with her a little and point out that John was actually with Jesus during His ministry, not a century later, and she was resting her eternity on what scientists and television said rather than letting God speak to her through the Bible. Maybe I made some headway. My heart breaks for those misled by the liberal progressive godless agenda with their many “belief systems,” and for Christians who have forgotten their First Love.

Love says we will take the time to share the truth, wherever and whenever we have the opportunity.

I often have to remind myself that Jesus died for the liberal mainstream media and the godless radical progressives. It’s my job to let them know the gospel in a loving way. It’s up to them to make the choice. I don’t try to convince them, because you can’t reason with someone blinded by evil.

If they’re not following God, they’re following Satan. Those are the only two roads; there is no middle path. But now they’re accountable for knowing there is another way and maybe someone else will share a little more love down the road. Who knows, they just might decide that heavy load of anger, bitterness, revenge, meanness, bullying, lies . . . whatever has turned their heart so hard . . . just isn’t worth carrying around anymore.

No one who trusts in you will ever be disgraced,
    but disgrace comes to those who try to deceive others.

4 Show me the right path, O Lord;
    point out the road for me to follow.
5 Lead me by your truth and teach me,
    for you are the God who saves me.
    All day long I put my hope in you. Psalm 25:3-5 NLT

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 1 Cor. 13:4-5

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You might also enjoy another blog How to Have a Date with Jesus!

February 14, 2022
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A Society Crumbles That Doesn’t Recognize Sin!

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I often ask in my articles: When’s the last time your pastor spoke about sin? Called sin out for what it is: an abomination to God.

Why are so many pastors and Christians afraid to use the word “sin” when the New Living Translation of the Bible mentions sin 1792 times!

You hear in church that Jesus went to the Cross to offer forgiveness for our sins, but pastors usually stop short of actually delineating the definition of sin. Listing and outlining sins that break Jesus’ heart and soil your relationship with Jesus.

Here’s a good Scripture passage to start with that does require some explanation but that’s what a pastor is trained to do. Verse 16 also acknowledges that contrary to what we’re often told about not confronting a fellow believer over their sin because that might be judging, it’s what we’re called to do and pray for them!

16 If you see a fellow believer[a] sinning in a way that does not lead to death, you should pray, and God will give that person life. But there is a sin that leads to death, and I am not saying you should pray for those who commit it. 17 All wicked actions are sin, but not every sin leads to death.

18 We know that God’s children do not make a practice of sinning, for God’s Son holds them securely, and the evil one cannot touch them. 1 John 5:16-18 NLT

In deciphering this passage, I read a commentary by Pastor John Piper who answers the question of what is a sin that does not lead to death. “Here’s my [Piper’s] answer: the sin that does not lead to death (that is, eternal death or damnation — which is what I think John means) is any sin that we commit that we are, by grace, capable of truly confessing and repenting from. . . The sin that does not lead to death is any sin—that we are still, by grace, able to authentically, humbly confess, and repent from.”

1 John 3:9 NLT further explains that 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.

So we know that even as Christians we still have a propensity to sin in this world (Romans 3:23), but as born-again Christians, we should recognize our sin, repent, and ask for forgiveness. We don’t intentionally keep on sinning.

8 If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. 9 But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we are calling God a liar and showing that his word has no place in our hearts. 1 John 1:8-10

We can’t claim as believers that we’ll never sin again nor that every sin leads to damnation. But there is a sin that does lead to death and damnation and that’s the denial of Christ in your life.

So if you know someone who claims to be a Christian but they’re living a sinful life with no repentance, there’s a good chance they’re not actually saved and you want to pray that their eyes will open to the truth before it’s too late.

One commentary explains further: There is a sin unto death; which is not only deserving of death, as every other sin is, but which certainly and inevitably issues in death in all that commit it, without exception; and that is the sin against the Holy Ghost, which is neither forgiven in this world nor in that to come, and therefore must be unto death; it is a sinning willfully, not in a practical, but doctrinal way, after a man has received the knowledge of the truth; it is a willful denial of the truth of the Gospel, particularly that peace, pardon, righteousness, eternal life, and salvation, are by Jesus Christ, contrary to the light of his mind, and this joined with malice and obstinacy; so that there is no more or other sacrifice for such a sin; there is nothing but a fearful looking for of wrath and fury to fall on such opposers of the way of life; and as the presumptuous sinners under Moses’s law died without mercy, so must these despiteful ones under the Gospel; see ( Matthew 12:31 Matthew 12:32 ) ( Hebrews 10:26-29 ) . 1 John 5:16 – Meaning and Commentary on Bible Verse (biblestudytools.com)

Does God Ever Turn His Back on the Sinner?

Romans 1:18-32 lists sins that are so depraved that if the sinner will not truly repent from and stop sinning, God will turn them over to the sin and turn away from them. I can’t imagine the emptiness of a soul where God turns his back and says I’m done with you. Live your sinful life.

18 But God shows his anger from heaven against all sinful, wicked people who suppress the truth by their wickedness.19  They know the truth about God because he has made it obvious to them. 20 For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.

21 Yes, 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. 22 Claiming to be wise, they instead became utter fools. 23 And instead of worshiping the glorious, ever-living God, they worshiped idols made to look like mere people and birds and animals and reptiles.

24 So 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. 25 They 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. 26 That 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. 27 And 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.

28 Since they thought it foolish to acknowledge God, he abandoned them to their foolish thinking and let them do things that should never be done. 29 Their lives became full of every kind of wickedness, sin, greed, hate, envy, murder, quarreling, deception, malicious behavior, and gossip. 30 They are backstabbers, haters of God, insolent, proud, and boastful. They invent new ways of sinning, and they disobey their parents. 31 They refuse to understand, break their promises, are heartless, and have no mercy. 32 They know God’s justice requires that those who do these things deserve to die, yet they do them anyway. Worse yet, they encourage others to do them, too. Romans 1:18-32

So Why Am I Writing About Sin Today?

I had an ah-ha moment listening to two people on a news program last week who provided a credible perspective on a question I think many of us have:

How could Democrats so unashamedly support and encourage sin?

  • Murdering babies.
  • Releasing dangerous criminals back onto the streets to kill and maim innocent people.
  • Allowing cartels to stream illegals, drugs, and sex trafficking, even of young children, across our borders.
  • Refusing to punish theft and robbery.
  • Lying, lying, lying!

How could they promote, even in our schools, homosexuality and transgenderism and deny that there are scientifically only two genders?

Where is there conscience?

I watched the National Prayer Breakfast where politicians from both sides of the aisle participated and professed faith, and yet the left is championing and even legalizing so much evil and sin?! How can this be?

The answer came from an unlikely place but it awakened me to the answer as to “Why?”

I was listening to Jesse Watters new Primetime Show and was startled when in his opening monologue discussing Democrat leaders instituting soft on crime policies, he said the following:

“Why is it so hard for Dems to hold criminals accountable? Psychologically, many on the left can’t process the concept of good and evil. They can’t recognize sin. It takes on too much of a religious connotation and they’re very much uncomfortable with the idea of judgment.”

Wow! I said to the TV screen: “That’s exactly it Jesse! You nailed it!”

Watters doesn’t typically speak on religious topics, so I was surprised that he articulated this phenomenon so clearly. It made perfect sense as I’ve asked myself so many times how the left could be endorsing and enforcing such evil. You can hear Jesse’s entire monologue here. I recommend listening to it because his conclusion was that the Democrats have their own “savior complex,” insinuating that they’re trying to replace the real Savior. They want to be gods!

Sen. John Kennedy of LA commenting on Jesse’s monologue said, “the Dems have all gone woke and “the ‘wokers’ motto when it comes to crime is, ‘hear no evil, see no evil, prosecute no evil.’”

It’s true. When is the last time you heard a liberal denounce the deterioration of civility as “evil,” unless they’re referring to a conservative?

The 70th National Prayer Breakfast was truly pathetic. I didn’t hear anyone say Jesus even once and I think God was only mentioned in the salutation, “God bless America.” Democrat Senator Kristen Gellibrand introduced Biden as a “man of faith” and yet when he spoke, he never once mentioned his faith. He just predictably talked about himself. Harris patronizingly said she remembered going to church with her parents as a little girl but said nothing about having “faith” as an adult. The keynote speaker focused on you guessed it, racism.

Here’s what Rev. Billy Graham said at the National Prayer Breakfast in 1964. It’s still so true today! Sadly, our society is crumbling because those in power are progressively embracing sin, endorsing evil, and excluding the One and Only Savior, Jesus Christ!

“Home problems, business problems, health problems, family problems, personal problems. We want to scream at life. We want to bury our heads in the sand and say, ‘That maybe it’ll go away.’ But it doesn’t go away, it’s still there…Jesus said there would come a time in history when men would be pressed like this from all sides and He said there will be no way out. Except one. He said there will be one way out and only one. He said, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man can enter the Kingdom of God except by Me.’”

16 These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgment in your courts; 17 do not plot evil against each other, and do not love to swear falsely. I hate all this,” declares the Lord. Zech. 8:16-17

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February 7, 2022
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Don’t Just Go to Church, Be the Church

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We’ve just come through a period we never thought could happen in America: the government shut down churches. In the beginning of Covid, everyone was still trying to figure it all out. But soon it became obvious that the closures were indiscriminate as large box stores like COSTCO and Home Depot and liquor stores were still allowed to remain open. They were considered essential and churches were not. I wrote blogs during that period encouraging churches not to acquiesce, but sadly, many did. Some closed their doors for over a year and many went online giving the government a taste of success in ruling over churches.

Praise God, many bold and brave pastors recognized the tyranny and fought against it to keep meeting. Some at great peril but they understood the church needed to be together to pray, worship, fellowship, encourage each other, and be available to those who were fearful and wanted to know more about the saving grace of Jesus Christ. Even saying the church is family didn’t impact the draconian “rules” because families were being told not to meet together!

You’ve heard it said that freedoms lost or surrendered are usually never regained. But thankfully, most churches have reconvened meeting again in person, and even with the continuing new variants, churches are staying open. Unfortunately, many Christians have not returned because they’re out of the habit or routine or they’re still living in fear. And that’s the enemy’s plan!

The media would have you think that surveys are proving the Christian population is diminishing, but you know better than to believe everything you read and hear. We live in an era where liberals are intent on demoralizing, demeaning, and denouncing Christians and everything we stand for and believe. Marxism/Socialism/Communism is anti-religion. Their cowardly tactic is shame and bullying. Trying to use the power of words, name-calling, and cancel culture to threaten and intimidate us into backing down from our faith and God’s Word. But those who live for Christ alone won’t be fooled or shaken!

I hope you stand with me in not being daunted by the enemy. But instead using this tumultuous time as an opportunity to be a vocal voice for the power of Jesus Christ to overcome evil in our world and in our life! As the apostle Paul told his mentee Timothy: “So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God.” 2 Timothy 1:8

Vine’s definition of ashamed is: “A strong feeling of shame preventing a person from doing something.” Is there something preventing you from doing what you know the Lord is asking of you to do?

If God wants us to do something and the Holy Spirit prompts us—regardless of how “politically incorrect” or unpopular it might be, we need to proudly declare the name of Jesus and follow the Great Commission He left for us to live out. We must unite together against the pressures of this world—no matter how many names they call us, laws they pass to quiet us, or how unpopular we become personally … our job as Christians is to speak and live the Gospel joyfully and fervently.

The True Christian World is Not Shrinking

Reality is that the true Christian population is not shrinking—Christians who would never back down in the face of adversity are actually increasing. What is shrinking is the gap between those who call themselves “Christian” hoping for a free ticket to heaven while following the world’s ways, and those who identify with Christ and are willing to follow Him wherever He leads, even if it means suffering for the Gospel, as Paul did.

Both Jesus and Paul were rivals to the accepted culture of their day and everything they did upset the social order. Why would we think it so strange when we encounter the same reaction and persecution?

Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. John 15:20

The pseudo-Christians are looking for a gospel they’ll never find: one that allows them to not make waves and keep their faith “private.” As that becomes more impossible, their faith becomes weaker and they fall away. Those “so called” Christians become lesser in number.

But to those who have the courage to be unpopular for Christ no matter what—their faith becomes stronger and their stance against the wrongs of this world becomes bolder. Yes, praise God, the true Christian population is increasing. Again, just like Paul tells Timothy, these Christians will:

 With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the sake of the Good News. 9 For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his grace through Christ Jesus. 10 And now he has made all of this plain to us by the appearing of Christ Jesus, our Savior. He broke the power of death and illuminated the way to life and immortality through the Good News.—2 Timothy 1:8-10

There’s Only One Kind of Christian

God shields every Christian who believes in living out the Bible—and only the Bible. A new term has caught my attention: “Bible-believing Christian.” I shake my head every time I hear it because there is no other kind of Christian. If you don’t believe the Bible is the inerrant Word of God, call yourself anything you want, but don’t call yourself a Christian because that’s blasphemy and heresy.

God ordains the steps of every Christian who has surrendered their life to Jesus and is born-again. We need to be using what He has given us in the time that we have here on Earth. God had a reason for saving us. So when we speak up for God, He gives our words power and He infuses us with courage. Holy God-fearing people love God and others and tell the truth about God to everyone, even when the audience is hostile.

Liberals and nonbelievers try to taunt us with the argument that Jesus loved everyone so Christians should love everyone’s sins. But they’re twisting the word “love” to mean what they want it to mean. To use “love” to justify sin is the exact opposite of what Jesus taught and why He went to the cross.

God loves His creations so much He sent His only Son Jesus to die for them to repent of their sins.

 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

It’s true that Jesus loved the world and that’s why He died for everyone to have freedom from sin—sins that God hates. Jesus didn’t go to the cross so we could keep on sinning, but so that we could live a life free from sin. That’s the true loving Gospel. Sharing the love of Christ and the Gospel with someone is the most loving thing you could do.

As Jesus said to the woman caught in adultery: “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.” 12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:11-12

Sin is Sin Even When Our Family is Doing It

I know firsthand that one of the hardest things as a parent is to watch our children or grandchildren choose to sin. I wrote a book about Praying for Your Prodigal Daughter so I know the heartbreak of feeling like you can’t do anything to stop them. But you can love them and pray for them. The worst thing you can do is enable them by overlooking their sin, indulging their sin, or trying to convince yourself that their sin isn’t really that bad.

Remember, every murderer is someone’s child, but that doesn’t make murder OK. Every alcoholic is someone’s child, but alcoholism is wrong. Every thief has parents, but stealing is a sin. If your child is indulging in alternate lifestyles, having sex outside of marriage, or experimenting with “transgenderism” or homosexuality—it’s all sin. God doesn’t make any mistakes. He made girls as girls and boys as boys and he created girls to fall in love with boys, get married, and then enjoy sex as they come together as one.

The most loving thing you can do for your sinning child, or anyone, is to pray for him or her to seek Jesus, ask for forgiveness, change their sinful ways, and live a righteous life. It’s painful and it takes courage, but my daughter is so glad I never gave up praying for her and today that’s our testimony together.

Christianity is the Only All-Inclusive Faith

When the world says that Christians are “exclusive” that only shows their ignorance of Christianity, the most “inclusive” religion in the world. Jesus is available to everyone. He died for everyone, but sadly, not everyone will accept His loving free invitation to eternal life with Him.

Hell is real and when Jesus returns, those who do not believe in Him will experience that reality.

 I leave you with a scenario that depicts this tragedy:

A young boyfriend and girlfriend were in a tragic accident and died. They’re looking down on the scene:

Girl to boy: “I have to leave you now.”
Boy: “I want to go with you wherever you’re going.”
Girl: “I’m going to be with God, but you didn’t accept him so you can’t come with me.”

Boy: “Did you know this?”

Girl: “Yes …”

Boy: “Then why didn’t you tell me?”
Girl: “I was afraid I would lose you.”

Who are you so afraid of losing here on Earth that you’ll have to say goodbye to them forever in eternity? Don’t be ashamed or fearful to share the Gospel. Someone’s eternal life depends on it.

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6

“When God sees you, for those of us in Christ, he sees his Son, Jesus. And when we get a glimpse of how beautiful he is and how beautiful he becomes in us, we want to join him in beautifying this world!” [A quote from Saddleback Church newsletter “Three important things to believe about Jesus”]

If you don’t receive my monthly newsletter, here is a link to January’s edition and you can sign up on my website to receive it monthly. The opening article is: Are You Ready?

In case you didn’t read last week’s blog I encourage you to read it today as we watch the horrific war on our police officers! Police Officers Have Our Backs; Let’s Have Theirs!

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The opening picture was created by Joshua Lutz, reppnforChrist.com. I saw it and knew immediately what the title of my blog should be. Originally, my title was Christianity Under Refining Fire! which also is a good one to describe the article don’t you think.

January 31, 2022
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Christmas Isn’t About a Tree; It’s About God’s Love

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You may have read the title to this blog and said, “Of course, I know that!”

I love having my grandchildren help us decorate our Christmas tree and I especially enjoy the lights. Hubby puts the lights on a timer so they come on in the morning before I wake up and go off at night after I’m in bed. I wake up to our beautiful lit tree and enjoy it until I put my head on the pillow at night.

So this blog is not a discussion of whether or not Christians should have Christmas trees. As long as we’re not worshipping our tree but instead worshipping our Lord, Christmas trees bring joy and beauty to our festive celebration of the birth of Jesus.

What I do want to talk about is the recent trend by evil deranged people burning down Christmas trees. Several well-meaning media reporters equated the burning of the trees as an attack on Christians because Christmas is a Christian holiday. I think it’s a stretch to think the arsonists were going after Christianity, but I did appreciate that the newscasters were emphasizing that Christmas is a Christian celebration.

But at the same time, there was a subtle implication that Christmas trees signify a Christian Christmas. Burning down a Christmas tree is a sick twisted even satanic crime, but a decorated tree doesn’t represent our faith. Our faith is in the birth, death, and resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

The Christmas I went through radiation for breast cancer, we didn’t have a Christmas tree. I didn’t have the energy to put one up, but we did set up a mini manger scene. A friend brought us some hay from the feed store, we laid a baby doll wrapped in a blanket on top of it and put stuffed animals all around. That’s where we placed our presents.

For years after, we set up the manger scene along with a Christmas tree. It helped display the real meaning of Christmas to the grandchildren and anyone who visited us.

Make no mistake, Christianity is under attack by the liberal secular cult of “wokeness,” and that is something we do need to be aware of and resist. It doesn’t usually present itself in the form of burning flames that we can visually see but in a new religion of man-made “social justice” rules founded on various groups’ definition of how we should live, not on how God and the Bible designed for us to live.

If we’re not careful, their “statement of woke faith” can begin to creep into our own thinking as we start using their language, terms, and subjecting ourselves to their atheistic beliefs, which oppose and reject God.

In an article “Where ‘woke’ came from and why marketers should think twice before jumping on the social activism bandwagon,” Andrew Sullivan was quoted on what he wrote about woke social awareness as an equal but opposing position to Evangelical Christianity:

And so the young adherents of the Great Awokening exhibit the zeal of the Great Awakening […] they punish heresy by banishing sinners from society or coercing them to public demonstrations of shame […] We have the cult of social justice on the left, a religion whose followers show the same zeal as any born-again Evangelical.

In an article by Jose Gomez, How Should Christians Respond to the Challenge of Wokeness, Gomez wrote, “secularization means ‘de-Christianization.’ For years now, there has been a deliberate effort in Europe and America to erase the Christian roots of society and to suppress any remaining Christian influences.

“In your program for this Congress, you allude to ‘cancel culture’ and ‘political correctness.’ And we recognize that often what is being cancelled and corrected are perspectives rooted in Christian beliefs — about human life and the human person, about marriage, the family, and more.

“In your society and mine, the ‘space’ that the Church and believing Christians are permitted to occupy is shrinking. Church institutions and Christian-owned businesses are increasingly challenged and harassed. The same is true for Christians working in education, health care, government, and other sectors. Holding certain Christian beliefs is said to be a threat to the freedoms, and even to the safety, of other groups in our societies.”

What Can Christians Do to Avoid Wokeness

1. Don’t use their terminology.

I heard Mario Murillo speaking on how Satan is using wokeness to infiltrate our language. The example he used was “transgender.” This is not a word or a concept we would find in the Bible, and we know it’s unbiblical because God only made male and female. He does not create anyone trans or gay. I would add fabricated terms like “gender fluidity” “gender identity” “nonbinary ” “gender confusion” again are words and concepts with no legitimate substance or credible meaning because our Creator God is not the God of confusion. If anyone is confused, where do we as Christians know they should turn? To God and the Bible.

Yet, we as Christians probably find ourselves falling into the trap of using the same language as the woke cult instead of confirming what we know to be true. Why would we do this when they certainly do not use our language in fact their mission is to destroy Christianity because we are anti everything they are for.­­­­

2. Share the Truth in Love

Christmas is a perfect time of year for Christians to proclaim loud and clear what we believe and know to be true: Jesus came into the world as a baby to be our Savior from the sin that so easily entangles us in this world. He came to call sinners, which is everyone, to repentance. He came to seek and save the lost and give His life as a ransom for all who would believe in Him.

With love and joy we can share that Good News. We pray for those who are lost because we know that all things are possible with God. We don’t enable sin but help the broken and broken-hearted to find healing.

We’re never ashamed of what we believe, we don’t compromise or succumb to the world’s ways or give credence to their misconceptions and misguidedness. We pray that God will give us wisdom to live for Him in every area of our life. When people encounter us, they should see the pure love of God. Our every action, thought, and response motivated by love because God is love and God lives in us.

We celebrate CHRISTmas boldly, bravely, and broadly whether or not we put up a Christmas tree. We love our neighbor, praise God for forgiving our sins, and prepare for the imminent Day of His return. Christmas is God’s answer to the Fall. Christmas is redemption. Jesus came to earth to show us the way of love. The Devil can’t manifest in the presence of God’s love.

7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.

17 This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. 1 John 4:7-12, 17

Here is another interesting article about Christians and wokeness. How Should Christians Think About “Wokeness”? (frc.org)

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December 13, 2021
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Don’t Just Be an Admirer of Jesus Be a Follower!

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In last week’s blog, Yes, You Can Be Biblical and Political, I mentioned that our Couples’ Group is studying Dr. David Jeremiah’s new book, Where Do We Go From Here? In Chapter One, “A Cultural Prophecy—Socialism,” Dr. Jeremiah had a section that resonated with my spirit, Resolve to Follow Christ and Not Just Admire Him! Take a minute to reflect on that concept.

What differentiates a follower of Christ from an admirer? Words we associate with a Christ-follower are self-sacrifice, service, surrender. We can observe outward reflections of a follower of Jesus by their life-style, countenance, choices, actions, language, inner joy, love, and willingness to profess their faith in Christ and belief in the Gospel at all times under all circumstances.

An admirer might be in awe of Christ as an example of a good and moral man and the sacrifice He made for us, but they’re not willing to actually follow in His footsteps. They claim to be a Christian, but they’re not willing to completely surrender their entire life to Jesus when it’s uncomfortable or inconvenient. The fruit isn’t there. They may go to church every Sunday, serve on church committees, sing in the choir, take communion, and intellectually understand faith, but don’t let faith and the Bible define their life.

Dr. Jeremiah quotes Soren Kierkegaard who put it this way: “The admirer never makes any sacrifices. He always plays it safe. Though in words, phrases, songs, he is inexhaustible about how he praises Christ, but he renounces nothing, will not reconstruct his life, and will not let his life express what supposedly he admires. Not so for the follower. No, no. The follower aspires with all his strength to be what he admires.”

I think about Biden meeting with the Pope last week and claiming that the Pope told him he was a “good Catholic.” What does that mean anyway? Who determines what’s considered good? By whose standards?

Jesus doesn’t care if we’re a “good” Catholic, Baptist, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Methodist, Episcopalian, non-denominational, or a member of any organized denomination. Following Jesus is not about a specific church, religion, theology, or doctrine. He’s looking for one thing in His followers: a changed and surrendered heart. Salvation. Have you given your whole heart to Jesus? Have you received the Holy Spirit? Do you live out your faith everywhere and anywhere? Are you willing to pick up your cross and follow Jesus?

Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me. 24 If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. Luke 9:23-24 NLT

3 Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.” John 3:3 NLT

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

What It Looks Like to Follow Jesus

When we’re truly born again, we’re a new person. We’re granted a new life in Christ and everything changes, if we’re willing to be a follower and not just a sideline admirer of Christ. Paul explains the life of a Christian best in Colossians 3:1-11:

Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. 2 Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. 3 For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 And when Christ, who is your[a] life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.

5 So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. 6 Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming.[b] 7 You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. 8 But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. 9 Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. 10 Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. 11 In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile,[c] circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized,[d] slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us.

Maybe Biden, who I’ve only ever heard speak of himself as a Catholic not a Christian, and liberal progressive Democrats who claim to be Christians, admire Christ but not enough to follow Christ and make the political sacrifice of turning the Democrat party away from supporting and financing the murder of babies! Not enough to acknowledge that God only made two genders. Not enough to admit that God said marriage is between a man and a woman. Not enough to stop lying! Not enough to surrender their life to Holy Jesus, instead of the idol of political power!

Any politician, regardless of party affiliation, who is willing to be a Christ-follower will be hated and persecuted by the world but he or she will not back down because they understand that their authority comes from the King of kings and the Lord of Lords, not the government, and they will govern accordingly.

Here’s how Jesus put it:  The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you. John 15:19 NLT

Biblical Examples of Christ-Followers

In Everyday Brave: Living Courageously as a Woman of Faith, Chapter 17 “Brave Loyalty,” I offer examples of women willing to follow Christ no matter what the cost. Here is the opening to that chapter:

“In our current culture, it’s no longer cushy and easy being a Jesus-follower or loyally defending Jesus. Standing firm in our faith takes grit, determination, and fierce loyalty. When society tries to dissuade and discourage us from remaining true to Jesus, we must stand firm with bravery and courage, even it if means standing “alone”—God is always with us cheering us on.

Jesus was followed by many courageous women disciples, like Joanna, Susanna, and others who also went against the cultural norm to loyally support Jesus’s ministry, even as it became more and more controversial and his life, therefore theirs too, was in eminent danger. We can look to these women disciples as prime examples of faith and devotion to Christ and emulate them in our own lives as believing disciples today, regardless of daunting circumstances.”

Here’s a quick review of these women, which you can read about in Matt. 27:55-61; 28:1-10; Mark 15:33-16-8; Luke 8:1-3; 23:44-24:11:

Joanna was a wealthy woman accustomed to the glamour and prestige of living in Herod Antipas’s court as the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward and manager of his vast estate. When doctors couldn’t help her, she sought out Jesus who healed her and she became a devoted Jesus-follower joining a group of women who followed him on his journeys and financially supported his ministry. We don’t know what her husband or Herod thought of this, but she took the risk and joined Susanna and Mary Magdalene and a number of other women who traveled with Jesus during his ministry and became part of his inner circle.

These women bravely went against cultural norms to care faithfully for Jesus and the disciples. They selflessly gave of their time, energy, and resources to serve and support Jesus’s ministry, even though everyone knew the Pharisees threatened to expel Jesus’s followers from the synagogue. This didn’t deter them. They were committed Jesus-followers not mere admirers.

Current Example of Christ-Followers

If you’re not familiar with In-N-Out Burger, like Chick-fil-A, they are a Christian owned restaurant chain with Scriptures printed on all their cups and wrappers! I encourage you to read this article where the Jesus-follower owner, Lynsi Snyder, shares her faith and her testimony. Here’s the opening paragraph of the article: “In-N-Out Burger hasn’t necessarily been secretive about the fact that it’s a Christian establishment. It has printed John 3:16 on the bottom of its cups. However, like Chick-fil-A before it, the owner and heiress of the burger chain, Lynsi Snyder, is letting everyone know just how much Christ means to her publicly.“

Sometimes we need to engage in righteous rebellion. It is God and not the government that we obey when there is a moral conflict between the two. You may have read recently that several In-N-Out Burger restaurants in California were shut down because they refused to be vaccine police. Here is their statement:

“The reason for the closure is that In-N-Out Associates were not actively intervening by demanding COVID-19 vaccine or testing documentation and photo identification from each dine-in Customer before serving them. Rather than acting as enforcement agents, our Associates were allowing our Customers to be responsible for their own compliance with the divisive local regulations,” In-N-Out Chief Legal and Business Officer Arnie Wensinger said in a statement.

“We refuse to become the vaccination police for any government. It is unreasonable, invasive, and unsafe to force our restaurant Associates to segregate Customers into those who may be served and those who may not, whether based on the documentation they carry, or any other reason,” Wensinger said in a statement.”

In a tweet the Chief legal and Business Officer also wrote:
“We fiercely disagree with any government that dictates that forces a private company to discriminate against customers who choose to patronage their businesses. This is clear governmental overreach and is intrusive, improper, and offensive.”

We Must Live As Jesus-Followers, Not Mere Admirers!

I’ll leave you in closing with another quote from Dr. Jeremiah:

“To persevere in an increasingly socialist culture, you’re going to have to decide whether to be a Christ-follower or merely a Christ-admirer. . . . Set your mind fully on the hope you have in Christ, and be ready to pay any price, challenge any foe, and confront any lie for the sake of the Gospel . . . At any moment, Jesus Christ will descend from heaven for His people. We haven’t long to wait. But until then, we need to understand what the age requires—and we need to do what the Lord commands.”

When Christ returns . . .
the government will be on his shoulders. . . .
7 Of the greatness of his government and peace
    there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
    and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
    with justice and righteousness
    from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty
    will accomplish this. Isa. 9:6-7 NLT

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November 1, 2021
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Yes, You Can be Biblical and Political

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Have you ever considered that a large portion of the Bible is political?

Look at the names of some Books in the Bible: Judges, 1 and 2 Kings, and Romans.

The Bible is replete with stories of political leaders called and used by God to work with Him in advancing His kingdom on earth and biblical heroes who engaged in politics for the good of the people.

Moses opposed the political rulings of pharaoh and Moses’ persistence against unjust rulings eventually freed the Israelites from political bondage.

The Lord then raised up judges, some were very good and some were very bad, until eventually, the people had a bad King Saul, then a good King David, with many good and bad kings to follow.

Joseph, after many trials, was appointed to the political position of prime minister of Egypt saving the Egyptian people and his own family from a famine.

Esther could have stayed silent while a diabolical plot annihilated her people. But she rose to the occasion and got involved politically realizing she was born for such a time as this.

Daniel and his friends refused the mandates of the king to eat certain foods and later Daniel continued praying to God even when it was forbidden politically. God rescued him from the lion’s den and he went on to hold a prominent political position.

All the prophets boldly spoke out and warned against the impending doom and destruction awaiting the people by kings and politicians.

Nehemiah continued building the wall despite political opposition.

Paul was always taking a political stand against Roman magistrates. In Acts 16:22-24, the magistrates gave orders to beat Paul and Silas and imprison them for sharing the Gospel, but God redeemed their suffering and even the jailer and his family became Christians. Roman government officials were opposed to Paul but God always used it for good. Paul never backed down from calling out the political unjust laws and corruption that went against God’s laws.

John’s exile to Patmos by Roman politics gave us the book of Revelation.

Jesus NEVER cowered to the political opposition that plagued his ministry, even having a violent outburst in turning over tables of greed and corruption. He called out crooked and unjust politicians for their misdeeds and some like Matthew and Zacchaeus were saved.

Yes, the Bible is full of politics and I’ve only given you a few examples.

Our couples Bible study group is now reading Dr. David Jeremiah’s new book Where Do We Go From Here? How Tomorrow’s Prophecies Foreshadow Today’s Problems. Read the “political” chapter titles referred to in Bible prophecy:

A Cultural Prophecy—Socialism

An International Prophecy—Globalism

A Biological Prophecy—Pandemic

A Financial Prophecy—Economic Chaos

A Theological Prophecy—End Times People

A Political Prophecy—Cancel Culture

A Spiritual Prophecy—Spiritual Famine

A Geographical Prophecy—Jerusalem

The Final Prophecy—The Triumph of the Gospel

In the Introduction, Dr. Jeremiah, a modern-day pastor who understands the relevance of the Bible and politics, wrote what Christians must do: “We are not helpless, and our world is not hopeless. Even as the world collapses, the Lord is building His church. We can say something, do something, pray something, preach something, and live by the convictions of Christ.”

Remember what Peter and John said when confronted by unjust politicians who wanted to silence them in Acts 4:

8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11 Jesus is “‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’ 12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. 

18 Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! 20 As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

What the government tried to do to biblical heroes of the Bible like Paul, Peter, John, Silas, and Jesus they are trying to do to Christians right now and the Bible gives us the examples of what we need to do. Biblical love is deep in our heart but now we need to develop our inner courageous warrior that won’t back down or surrender to unjust political tyranny. We need to enlist and engage in the Lord’s army.

Christians Are Also Responsible American Citizens!

I love what Pastor Chuck Baldwin says in his article I Did Not Relinquish My Citizenship When I Became a Pastor. “One of the great fallacies in America today is the assumption that because one is involved in church ministry he is disqualified from being involved in political affairs. This is totally contrary to the values and principles that made this nation great. If one will read American history, he or she will discover that pastors and religious leaders had as much to do with fighting The War for Independence and bringing into existence this great republic as did the political figures of that day. Furthermore, most of the political figures in Colonial America were Christians.”

Did you know that fifty of the fifty-five men who signed the Declaration of Independence were faithful member of organized Christian churches?! Deeply religious Christian men incorporated godly principles into our Constitution. Baptist pastor John Leland was an abolitionist and instrumental in the Bill of Rights. Presbyterian pastor, John Witherspoon, and many other Christians were influential in the founding of freedom in America. They were political Christians who loved the Lord and loved their country enough to get involved.

Have you heard of the The Black Robed Regiment? January 21, 1776, John Muhlenberg climbed into his pulpit in Woodstock, VA to preach wearing the black clerical robe, the traditional dress of preachers in the 18th Century. He read from Ecclesiastes 3:8 “There is a time of war, and a time of peace.” Then he removed his clerical robe revealing a colonial officer’s uniform beneath. He stepped out of the pulpit and challenged the men of his congregation to join him in the fight for liberty.

And there were more black-robed pastors just like him who took a strong stand for liberty and encouraged their congregations not to settle for anything less. The Black-Robed Regiment had its historical beginnings during the Revolutionary War when pastors from across the colonies arose and lead their congregations into the battle for freedom. 

There are modern-day Black Robe Regiments and I read this commentary on one of their websites: The Black Robe Regiment of Pastors.
“Unlike today, the church during this time served as the center-point for political debate and discussion on the relevant news of the day. Today’s church leaders have all but lost that concept of leading their congregations in a Godly manner in all aspects of their worldly existence and are afraid to speak out against the progressive agenda that has dominated our political system for the past century. Through this time the church and God himself has been under assault, marginalized, and diminished by the progressives and secularists.  The false wall of separation of church and state has been constructed in such a manner that most are unaware of its limited boundaries. The church and the body of Christ has been attacked on all fronts and challenged by the progressive courts and groups such as the ACLU while we have sat idle in consent.”

Every pastor needs to put on his “black robe” and boldly and bravely preach the Spirit of Truth. Raising their flock up to courageously prepare the world for the return of Christ and not passively succumb to a regime that is trying to silence objection and remove freedom of speech. Because even as we watch many companies denying religious exemptions from the vaccine mandates, it won’t be long before they come after the Bible which describes as sin much of what the woke world is embracing right now.

A man in a dress was just named the first “woman” four-start admiral in the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps.

A boy in a skirt was allowed to go into a girls’ bathroom and brutally rape and sodomize a 14 year-old girl and the school covered it up until her father was arrested at a school board meeting for trying to talk about this travesty. The boy was transferred quietly to another school where he raped another girl!

But that poor father only trying to seek justice for his daughter at a school board meeting was used as an excuse to label parents as “domestic terrorists”!!

The President of the United States laughs off our freedoms as insignificant in his insane tyrannical vaccine mandates.

What Is God Doing?

Have you wondered why God would let us come under the jurisdiction of such an evil corrupt administration? I’ve prayed about that and given it a lot of thought and there are those I respect who agree with me that God is unearthing the deep dark swamp as the world watches the un-American way they’re governing. I have to think that many of those who voted for Biden must be seeing the truth about him because they’re paying the same price at the gas tank as we are. They’re losing their jobs if they don’t get the jab. Their stores have empty shelves and they’re watching their grocery bill climb. Their kids are forced to wear masks at school. They can’t ignore the travesty and tragedy of Afghanistan and on and on.

The devil is overreacting thinking he’s got us now so he’s not trying to be coy or sly. But he underestimates the wisdom and discernment of God’s people.

Granted there are many who hated President Trump so much they would never admit the horror we’re watching come out of the White House every day. Sadly, I know of Christians who have been blinded, though it’s hard to imagine how they can’t see the reality that bumbling Biden is not capable of leading our country. There are handlers from the Obama administration and probably Obama himself who are pulling all the strings. But many are seeing the truth along with Independents.

If President Trump had won in 2020, the deep dark forces would’ve continued their devious efforts to make it difficult, if not impossible, for him to be successful in accomplishing what our country needs and deserves from a President. So maybe what we’re enduring is the Lord’s way of cleaning house in Washington DC.

Pastors and Christians must be willing to participate in a righteous rebellion against the affront on our Constitutional and religious freedoms the left is attacking. The Religious Restoration Act does not require us to legally prove our faith, but we do need to spiritually prove our faith with our actions.

Pastor David Jeremiah warned in Where Do We Go From Here? “Hopefully, we’ll be able to continue as law-abiding citizens of our various nations, but anytime the government tries to force us to violate our biblical beliefs, we have a responsibility to speak up.”

Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than any human authority. Acts 5:29 NLT

Never underestimate the power of the church and of prayer! Be sure you’re in a church that prays together and mentors you in how to be a witness for Christ in a culture that wants to eliminate Him. Jesus can change society for good through his faithful people with a sense of civic responsibility who are strategically placed in neighborhoods, cities, counties, states, and the nation.

There are also currently Christians in Congress, Senate, Governors, local legislators and more will be running for office next year. They are biblical and political and praise God, they’re going into the Lion’s den to protect our liberty and freedom. We need to pray for them because they’re under spiritual and political attack. They need our support.

Plato noted, “One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors.” 

With your help I can advance against a troop[a];
    with my God I can scale a wall.

31 “As for God, his way is perfect:
    The Lord’s word is flawless;
    he shields all who take refuge in him.
32 For who is God besides the Lord?
    And who is the Rock except our God?
33 It is God who arms me with strength[b]
    and keeps my way secure.
34 He makes my feet like the feet of a deer;
    he causes me to stand on the heights.
35 He trains my hands for battle;
    my arms can bend a bow of bronze. 2 Sam. 22:30-35

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October 25, 2021
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America Has Forgotten Its First Love!

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

The word wicked means those who are morally wrong, hostile to God, anti-God and that describes many who are in authority today in our country.

A country that denies God as its Creator and moral Compass is headed for doom and disaster.

Our founding fathers knew that and so they based the Constitution and Bill of Rights on biblical godly principles. They were men who went before the Lord seeking His guidance. Our country was established on Judeo/Christian values that recognize God created the earth, He created each of us, and people who honor their Creator will succeed. Those who try to deny God and go against the laws of God will fail miserably.

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Gen. 1:1 NLT

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

I always laugh at the term “climate control.” Man doesn’t control the climate, God does. Man can barely attempt to predict the weather. But man has no say over when it rains or when there’s a drought or hurricane or the sun comes up in the morning and the moon at night.

Only God knows when He will say it’s time to end the world as we know it. Only God!

35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. 36 “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son,, but only the Father. Matt. 24:35-36

Many have foolishly tried to play God or give the impression that they had godly powers, always for personal gain, but eventually they’re unveiled as the charlatans they are.

America Has Forgotten Its Identity is in Christ Alone!

Last week Jason Whitlock, a black Christian sports journalist, podcaster, and host for Blaze Media for the show Fearless with Jason Whitlock, appeared on the Tucker Carlson show and clearly put into perspective what’s happening in our country today. Here’s what he said:

“We should be taking our identity in Christ not in skin color. Not in these superficial things your sexual preference or your gender identification. All of these identities have taken precedent over what used to be our primary identity: Are you a believer? Are you a Christian? Once you identify as that, now I can see the commonality between Tucker Carlson and Jason Whitlock.” [Tucker nods his head in agreement and says “Right”]

Jason continues, “We’re both believers. We’re both Christians. We both love our country. Those things that unite us they’re telling us to disavow and embrace things like skin color and sexual orientation, gender identity, those things that separate us they want us to lean into and lean away from God. That’s the mistake we’re making here in this country.” 

Jason gave a sermon right there! And who is the “they” he’s referring to trying to divide us? I wrote about them last week in my blog: We’re No Longer One Nation United Under God. It’s those on the left, including Biden and his administration, who want to turn America into a Marxist/Communist country. The only way they can succeed is to create division among the population and denounce and marginalize Christian Conservatives and our beliefs. They want to deny God!

Jesus wrote about what happens when a church forgets its first love. Imagine what’s going to happen to a country that forgets its first love!

4 “But I have this complaint against you. You don’t love me or each other as you did at first! 5 Look how far you have fallen! Turn back to me and do the works you did at first. If you don’t repent, I will come and remove your lampstand from its place among the churches.” Rev. 2:4-5

Removing the lampstand from a church meant that they would fail as a church. That’s exactly what’s going to happen to our country if we forget our first love, Jesus Christ. America will fail.

We’re Watching Authoritarianism Replace Democracy in America

The latest attempt is to silence parents protesting in School Board meetings about the racist, sexual deviant content of what their children are being taught and the fascist attempt to mask all children and even force them to be vaccinated, which has already started in California.

Biden has made it clear the government is coming for our children by characterizing parents who want to have a voice in what their children are being taught as potential domestic terrorists, when it’s the government using a fascist game plan to suppress opposition and take over our country.

I hope that parents aren’t intimidated and continue to take a stand for protecting their children from indoctrination and harm. Don’t let the government have your children. Be respectful and passionate but let your voices be heard. God’s word, not the government, is the final authority and benchmark on how parents are to raise their children.

Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it. Pr. 22:6 NKJV

Next, the Biden administration wants the IRS to monitor every person’s bank account over $600! Oh, and that will require 80,000 new IRS employees, but of course only those who’ve been vaccinated. They want to know if you buy a new couch or computer or sell something on EBay! They’re not going after tax fraud in big business and the wealthy; they’re scrutinizing the middle class struggling to survive or spying on where you give donations.

The left think they’re clever the way they hijack the conversation and come up with their own definition of terms. Justice is really revenge. Equity disguises discrimination. Public safety justifies mandates. Women’s health legalizes murder. Their main goal is to control words and repeat them enough until we start using their words and thoughts too. We must not let that happen.

3 Most importantly, I want to remind you that in the last days scoffers will come, mocking the truth and following their own desires. 2 Peter 3:3 NLT

So What Do We Do?

We keep close to God by reading His Word DAILY and praying asking what He wants us to do. He has a plan for each of us. We were all born for such a time as this.

I’ve said many times that God has a purpose for you and me. You’ll not experience fear or frustration when you feel like you’re doing something to make a difference.

“When people quit talking to God, they quit talking to one another. And people who quit talking to God soon get very lonely and depressed. They are actually lonely for God, hungering for communion with Him, yearning for His close love and nearness; but instead of recognizing these needs as spiritual, they blame their lack of fulfillment on their husbands or wives.” ― David Wilkerson

While it’s terribly infuriating and makes us even angry to watch the damage our current administration is doing to our country and our world relations, they are showing their hand clearly and God told us this would happen.

In 2 Timothy 3:1-5 we read, “But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God–having a form of godliness but denying its power. “

Gather together with those who love the Lord like you do for encouragement and support, but also use whatever platform the Lord gives you to share Jesus with those who don’t know Him. Like Jason Whitlock, look for open doors to explain why you can still smile and be hopeful in the midst of the turmoil and chaos we see all around us.

I end conversations and encounters with everyone and anyone cheerfully saying, “Have a blessed rest of your day.” It’s amazing the responses I receive, all positive. Some seem a little surprised but say thank you. Others reply, “You have a blessed day too!”

Remember we don’t belong to some secret society! Just the opposite! Jesus came to earth that all might be saved and He told us not to hide our light but to let it shine brightly for all to see.

14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matt. 5:14-16

That’s exactly what Jason Whitlock did on public TV and it’s what we can do in our private life.

Interesting that the prophet Isaiah could’ve been talking about America when he wrote,

I, yes I, am the Lord, and there is no other Savior. First I predicted your rescue, then I saved you and proclaimed it to the world. No foreign god has ever done this. You are witnesses that I am the only God,” says the Lord. Isaiah 43:11-12 NLT

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October 11, 2021
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We’re No Longer One Nation United Under God!

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It’s been a subtle shift of disunity over the years as God became degraded and discarded in our country and the two political sides became defined by whether they stood for godly principles. But two recent significant events have clarified and delineated the spiritual political divide: Covid and the disputed election.

Let’s start with Covid. A pandemic, like any traumatic event, should’ve united our country in fighting it together, but instead it divided us, even in the church. I wrote a few weeks ago about Don’t Let Vaccines Divide the Church, and then last year, Don’t Let Covid Divide the Church: We’re on the Same Team! But because Covid has been politicized, the country and the church are divided often along political lines. And we’ve let it happen. Lies from the media blame Conservatives and Christians for causing what they now refer to as the “unvaccinated pandemic,” when in actuality the highest number of unvaccinated are people of color regardless of party affiliation.

Democrat politicians show their ignorance about God by trying to claim that God wants everyone vaccinated and yet they’re the party that voted several years ago at their convention to take God out of policies and programs, even the Pledge of Allegiance. They wrongly think they can pretend to represent God now as they show their biblical ignorance by taking Scriptures out of context and trying to manipulate a Christian population they know nothing about.

It was the liberal blue state governors that forbid churches to meet during Covid lockdowns calling them nonessential and even imprisoning pastors and fining parishioners who defied them and met anyway. With never an apology, they think they can tell us they’re now speaking for God concerning His desire for vaccinations. Even going so far as to say you’re disobeying God if you don’t get the vaccine!

Which brings me to the next great divide: Diabolical progressives and godless liberal Democrats used Covid to perpetuate voter fraud and take control of our country, while falsely claiming to be the party of unity. Their idea of “unity” is agreeing with them or you lose your job, are fined, or even put in jail.

But good can never unite with evil, without denouncing faith.

14 Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? 15 What harmony can there be between Christ and the devil? How can a believer be a partner with an unbeliever? 2 Cor. 6:13-15 NLT

Let’s look at just some of the differences of Conservatives vs. Progressive Liberals (which have hijacked the Democrat party).

Conservatives Believe                                                           Progressive Liberals Believe

Sanctity of life protecting unborn babies                               Slaughter/sacrifice babies

Scientific biology of male and female                          Scalpels can change genders

Police/Military protection                                                       Defund police/woke military

Medical treatment is personal                                                Government forced medicine

Following the Constitution                                                     Destroying the Constitution

A country with borders                                                           Borderless country

Freedom                                                                                  Mandates

Work ethic                                                                              Social welfare

Democracy / civil rights                                                     Marxism/Communism

Against racism                                                                        Critical race theory

Judeo/Christian foundation                                                     Godless government

God reigns                                                                               Government rules                                                                   

I’m sure you can think of even more differences like equality vs equity. But you get the point that there can never be a compromise, reaching across the aisle, or meeting of the minds with a political party or position that excludes God. We can never support a government that refuses to submit to godly principles and only uses God when politically convenient, but fundamentally wants to rule as gods themselves.

This radicalization has been slow in coming, but living up to their name, it’s been progressive. Several years ago, everyone was laughing at AOC and Bernie Sander’s “New Green Deal” and today it’s included in a massive spending bill before Congress with only two legislators holding out against it and progressives mad because the bill isn’t even bigger and include more socialism. And those two holdouts probably will go with the bill if the price tag is lowered, but it would still be a bill that allows the government to spy on your bank accounts, the IRS to harass you, tax your driving miles, and turn us into a socialist welfare state.

What’s Changed?

Over the years, we’ve watched the changes in government officials like Pelosi and Biden and the Democrat Party. They weren’t always totally godless as they are today, but they’ve succumbed to the alluring sin of power at any cost, even renouncing the ways of the God some claim to know. I don’t know the spiritual history of all the Democrats in Congress and the Senate, but no one in Congress who voted for the latest deceptively named “Women’s Healthcare Act” allowing babies to be killed up until birth, could have a clear conscience if they had a relationship with Jesus. Only one Democrat Congressman was brave enough to do the right thing and vote against it. I wrote about this in my blog last week, Satan is Running Scared: He Knows His Time is Short!

I’m not an historian, but I do believe the downfall of America began with Roe v Wade and has been on a steady decline to the historic deterioration we’re watching today. When a country decides that unborn babies should be violently poisoned and viciously ripped apart in their mother’s womb and taxpayers actually pay for it, God cried. God was angry. He’s still crying and angry! How could He not be?!

They have built pagan shrines at Topheth, the garbage dump in the valley of Ben-Hinnom, and there they burn their sons and daughters in the fire. I have never commanded such a horrible deed; it never even crossed my mind to command such a thing! Jer. 7:31 NLT

You have done more evil than all who lived before you. You have made for yourself other gods, idols made of metal; you have aroused my anger and turned your back on me. 1 Kings 14:9

And the worst part is that Christians and the church have actually done very little to reverse this atrocity or keep child sacrifice in front of politicians until recently and the Dems have noticed our sudden advocacy. What started over 50 years ago as a practice only to be used in an extreme emergency has evolved to killing babies on a whim and even as a form of birth control. Yet still for the most part the church and Republicans have been fairly quiet as millions of babies are murdered.

Last year was the first time a sitting President, Donald J. Trump, appeared personally and spoke at a National Walk for Life in Washington DC. It seemed like the Republican Party and the church became emboldened. Some red states are beginning to pass laws forbidding abortion, especially after a heartbeat, which is a beginning. Now we have a political party in charge of our country that wants to, as Nancy Pelosi’s own Bishop said, pass a bill that could’ve only been written by Satan.

I hear more Conservative news pundits willing to call out what we’re watching take place in our government for what it is: evil! They use the word evil! Finally, people willing to verbalize what is happening in our country and world today. But is it too late? I don’t know. But what I do know is God is only going to put up with what He’s watching for so long, just like in the days of Noah.

God sent His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to forgive those who repent from their sins but that promise is shouted down today by rioters, Marxists, and corrupt legislators who encourage sin and violence instead of repentance and forgiveness.

We will never be a united nation as long as evil rules in our nation.

Our only chance to take back our beloved nation is to vote the Democrats and Communists out of power and keep them out of power forever unless they have a spiritual awakening. They’re not going to go quietly and they’re going to do as much damage as they can while they’re still in the driver’s seat. You can see them squirming and frantically scrambling as I wrote about last week, that Satan is running scared because he knows his time is short. How short? I don’t know, but I do know that we can’t give up the fight and sit back and wait for the next election because maybe God’s not waiting. Any day He could say “Enough!” and it’s over.

So…

Be ready

Make your voice heard now for godly justice.

Vote and do your part for voter integrity.

Run for local offices like school boards and state legislators.

Make sure the people you love most are ready when Jesus comes to rapture His people.

38 For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; 39 and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 40 Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. 41 Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left. Matt. 24:38-41

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October 4, 2021
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Satan is Running Scared! He Knows His Time is Short

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Newscasters often open their show with, “This has been a busy news week!” Actually, it’s been busy news days for the past few years. We’re bombarded with so many conflicting stories of world events that sometimes we just become numb and want to tune it all out. I agree there are times we should do exactly that when we feel overwhelmed and need to take a break to clear our heads and seek God’s perspective, but then we need to jump back into the battle to pray and take action wherever God directs us.

With the recent news flurry about illegal Haitians flooding our borders and cities, Covid related mandates, the search for Brian Laundrie after his fiancé was found dead, bogus lies about Border Patrol agents on horseback, Biden blaming the unvaccinated for his economic disaster, Biden’s Afghanistan fiasco, the Hunter Biden laptop story, two vaccinated cohosts on The View testing Covid positive live on the show after just lecturing the unvaccinated . . . one critical news story was buried or barely covered.

I almost missed this headline myself: “House Passes ‘Extreme’ Pro-Abortion Bill to Wipe Out State Pro-Life Laws and Permanently Enshrine Roe!” Where did I see this? I subscribe to CBN News (News with a Christian Perspective) and I would encourage you to follow them also. Friday morning, September 24, 2021, Congress voted to approve what they labeled the “Women’s Health Protection Act,” a sweeping bill to wipe away state pro-life laws like the one recently passed in Texas preventing abortion after a heartbeat is detected. Sadly, the House bill passed as you would expect by party line 218 to 211 with only one brave Democrat voting against it.

Democrats are so worried about Roe v. Wade eventually being overturned that when the Supreme Court refused to challenge the Texas pro-life law, they quickly put together their federal bill that not only disallows states’ rights to pass their own abortion laws, it would codify Roe from ever being challenged!

 It’s obvious why the Dems wanted to bury this news on a Friday morning, but one pro-life congresswoman, Marjorie Taylor Greene, was willing to challenge them on the steps of the Capitol while they attempted to hold a press conference gloating over their success. Rep. Greene shouts at Democrats on Capitol steps over abortion: ‘Try being a Christian!’ It’s disappointing Greene didn’t have more Congressional Republicans out there with her, but kudos to her for making enough noise to get this atrocity recognized by the media filming.

Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.) tried to challenge Greene by shouting the only verse that Democrats seem to know and use out of context against Christians speaking up against the wrongs in our country: “You should practice the basic thing you’re taught in church: respect your neighbor.” [As if murdering babies is respecting your neighbor?!]

“Try being a Christian and supporting life!” Greene hit back.

Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) who opposed the measure in Congress warned, “This bill is far outside the American mainstream and goes far beyond Roe v Wade. For the first time ever by congressional statute, H.R. 3755 would legally enable the death of unborn baby girls and boys by dismemberment, decapitation, forced expulsion from the womb, deadly poisons, or other methods at any time until birth.”

This diabolical bill allows abortion up until the moment of birth and opens the door to prevent state protections for children from abortion based solely on their sex, race, or diagnosis of a genetic abnormality such as Down Syndrome—policies that, in the words of Justice Clarence Thomas, ‘promote a State’s compelling interest in preventing abortion from becoming a tool of modern-day eugenics’!

It removes all rights from the state regarding abortion and transfers them to the federal government. It also prevents abortion to ever be challenged in the Supreme Court!

Of course, ‘Catholic’ Biden says he would sign the bill and ‘Catholic’ Pelosi praised the bill saying, “it’s about people’s medical choices.” Notice she didn’t say women’s choices, a distinction the crazy dems are trying to devoid of motherhood, even though it’s called the Women’s Health Protection Act. Pelosi said, “This is about freedom. About freedom of women to have a choice about the size and timing of their families – not the business of the people on the court or members of Congress. It’s about themselves. But it’s also about freedom from the danger of vigilantes.”

Dems Want to Codify Child Sacrifice

Christians know this bill is satanic! It has nothing to do with women’s health and is purely child sacrifice on the altar of pleasure, convenience, and personal gratification. Everyone knows, whether or not you believe in God as our Creator, children are conceived through sex. No one wants to bring up the inconvenient fact that the male sperm permeates the female egg creating life during sex.

While the Dems are so eager to talk about climate control and vaccine control, when’s the last time you heard them talk about birth control?!

Another thing this bill would circumvent is a waiting period or showing an expectant mother an ultrasound before she chooses abortion because they know that no one can look at an ultrasound or hear a heart beating and deny there is a child in the womb who will be murdered. Yes, abortion is murder by torture.

Calling abortion a “medical or health procedure” is another one of the Democrats’ ludicrous attempts to brainwash and gaslight with terminology. Medical/health procedures preserve life, not destroy life. Abortion will negatively affect a woman’s mental health for the rest of her life.

Is God Loosening His Leash On Satan?

I know I’m preaching to the choir for most of my followers, but we must acknowledge the pervasive satanic evil in our legislature. Every pastor should be talking about this very subject from the podium!! We’re blessed that our pastor did talk about this bill on Sunday morning. And he also brought up an interesting point. Could we be experiencing God pouring out His wrath on the world by loosening Satan’s leash?!

“Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.” Matt. 10:34

Nancy Pelosi’s Cardinal also speaks out. Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone of San Francisco, Pelosi’s home diocese, criticized her stance on the Hyde Amendment. “Let me repeat: no one can claim to be a devout Catholic and condone the killing of innocent human life, let alone have the government pay for it,” he told CNA.  

In response, [to Pelosi’s Press Conference in July regarding eliminating the Hyde Amendment] Archbishop Cordileone said: “To use the smokescreen of abortion as an issue of health and fairness to poor women is the epitome of hypocrisy: what about the health of the baby being killed? What about giving poor women real choice, so they are supported in choosing life?”

“This would give them fairness and equality to women of means, who can afford to bring a child into the world. It is people of faith who run pro-life crisis pregnancy clinics; they are the only ones who provide poor women life-giving alternatives to having their babies killed in their wombs.”  

He added: “I cannot be prouder of my fellow Catholics who are so prominent in providing this vital service. To them, I say: you are the ones worthy to call yourselves ‘devout Catholics’!”

What Can You Do?

This so-called “Women’s Health Protection Act” still has to pass the Senate where Republicans can invoke the filibuster and require 60 votes to overcome the 50/50 partisan division. So while it doesn’t seem the Democrats will be successful, don’t think this will be their last attempt! Satan is running scared that Roe v. Wade could be overturned and children’s lives could be saved.

So you need to contact your Senators and tell them to vote no when this atrocious bill hits the Senate floor. Chastise any of your legislators who voted for it in Congress.

Then we need to pray, not only that this evil satanic bill is widely defeated, but for the soul of every blinded legislator who would vote for such a horrific atrocity to fellow human beings. Only Satan could distort the value of innocent life in the womb. I’m not saying those who vote for it are satanic, but I am saying they are being influenced, persuaded, and deceived by the author of evil. They are intentionally taking a purely political power stance without considering the ethical or moral ramifications.

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

I doubt that any of the Democrat legislators have watched the movie Unplanned and graphically watched what happens to a baby in an abortion. If they have and still consider killing a baby as a legal “right,” then they have definitely sold their soul to the devil, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t redeemable and salvageable. They need our prayers for the blinders to be removed because they will be held accountable for their detestable actions.

God can and does change lives, even liberals.

I was inspired to write this blog because with my Saturday morning coffee, I watched Sean Feucht in front of the Supreme Court in D.C. with others praying for legislation concerning the lives of the unborn. As I prayed with them, I knew what this week’s topic would be. Let God speak to you every morning too about what He wants you to focus on in your thoughts and in your prayers. Christians are carriers of Christ to a lost and hurting world.

Do not let the opposition beat you down. Don’t become discouraged or lose hope. Don’t give up the fight. That’s what they’re counting on but they don’t know the perseverance and determination of Christ followers!

“The mystery of God’s presence is revealed through those who wear it well.” Chris Tiegreen

For God wanted them to know that the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too. And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing his glory. Col. 1:27 NLT

Satan’s time is running out . . .

Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices shouting in heaven: “The world has now become the Kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign forever and ever. Rev. 11:15 NLT

Note: I know that someone reading this article has experienced an abortion and I want you to know that if you haven’t already asked God for forgiveness, He’s just waiting to hear from you. He is a merciful God and doesn’t want you living with guilt and sorrow, but He does want you to share your testimony with other women to help them know the power of Jesus in your life. You can also help pregnant women find solutions for their baby other than abortion. I would encourage you to read a blog by my friend Patti Smith in which she gives her own abortion testimony, Nobody Told Me the Truth.

If you or someone you know is suffering post abortion, I’ve heard good things about Hope After Abortion.

I’ve written several previous blogs on abortion.

Why You Should See Unplanned Movie
Abortion a Crime of Passion
Who’s Behind the War on Women?

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September 27, 2021
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Don’t Let Vaccines Divide the Church!

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Yesterday, I stopped by our local medical clinic and a flyer on the door said that flu shots were now available. I, like many of you, have wondered why the flu has seemed to go dormant during COVID. What happened to the flu?

But what struck me as most interesting is that flu shots aren’t as controversial as Covid vaccines. I don’t remember ongoing debates about whether to get the annual flu shot. Or those who chose not to get the flu shot being villainized even though the flu is extremely contagious, hospitalizes thousands, and results in many deaths. Still everyone seems to concede that whether you get that jab is completely up to you and your doctor.

During flu seasons, the healthy didn’t wear masks and schools and businesses all stayed open as usual. The White House and the media weren’t in cahoots that if you didn’t have the flu shot you were a bad person, a murderer, probably a Republican, and should lose your job and livelihood.

Fast forward to 2021 when a vaccine that scientists, medical professionals, and we the people admittedly know very little about its effectiveness or side-effects is being touted by the White House, the media, and many converts as the savior of the universe.

Let me stop right here and say that I am not anti-vax. I am anti-mandates! I am anti-government draconian overreach. I am anti-forced medical treatment. I am anti-vaccine passports.

I am pro doing research and prayerfully making an educated informed decision about what you choose to put into your own body.

My Pastor’s Thoughts

Several weeks ago, our pastor started his sermon sharing how he had paced the floor and struggled with the topic God wanted him presenting to us. I understand that struggle because I confront it every week when deciding the topic for this blog.

He said he felt called to talk about the “elephant in the room.” I wondered which of the many elephants in our world today he meant. We’ve been studying in the Book of Acts, but I could see from the study notes that this Sunday morning we were going to be in Romans 14:1-12 and his topic was “Freedom of Choice.” He went on to explain that the choice he was referring to was whether to get the vaccine and how we as Christians should relate to each other about vaccines.

He pointed out that Paul wrote Romans 14 to a culture of Jewish and Gentile Christians in conflict. At issue was what food they could eat and days to set aside for worshipping God. Today we have the great divide between vaccinated and non-vaccinated, even in the church.

But verses 4-10 underscore why we are not to judge others’ health decisions. It’s between each person and the Lord.

4 Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To their own master, servants stand or fall. And they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand.

5 One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind. 6 Whoever regards one day as special does so to the Lord. Whoever eats meat does so to the Lord, for they give thanks to God; and whoever abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God. 7 For none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone. 8 If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. 9 For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living. 10 You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister[a]? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat.

As individuals, we’re all held accountable to God for our own choices and decisions not for those of others. Don’t boast about being right, strive to be righteous. Paul explained this concept in 1 Corinthians 4:1-5.

This, then, is how you ought to regard us: as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the mysteries God has revealed. 2 Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. 3 I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. 4 My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. 5 Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God.

The Gospel Outranks COVID

We can certainly each have our own opinions, as I do, but we need to let the Holy Spirit guide our speech and actions with each other and with the world. I’ve said many times that I personally wish Christians were more diligent about sharing the Gospel than their political, Covid, and vaccine opinions.

It’s a given that we’re all going to die at our appointed time and of course we want to take care of ourselves and our health as best we can, but what’s most important is knowing that we will spend eternity with Jesus. And that should be our main concern for those God puts into our lives!

Yes, we want to protect them from Covid and any other earthly harm, but what about their forever-heavenly life?! Are they ready to die at their appointed time? Have we shared Jesus with them? Do we pray as hard for their spiritual health and wellbeing as we do for their earthly health?

I once had a conversation with my oncologist who said he was an atheist. I told him your goal/purpose is to save my earthly life and I’m so grateful; but my goal/purpose is to help others experience salvation for their eternal life.

God gave us free will. He doesn’t mandate that we all become Christians and accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior for now throughout eternity. It’s our choice. The most important decision we’ll ever make to save our life is ours alone. No one can make it for us.

Also, no earthly person can replace or have the authority of God even though unleashed power and ego can make some misguided people feel like they are a god. In speaking about vaccines, Biden said last Thursday in a speech to the nation, “This is not about freedom or personal choice,” as he mandated that all businesses with 100 or more employees must have all employees vaccinated. Does that sound like the President of the free world or a dictator trying to outrank God and eliminate our free will and choices?

What about all the employees who’ve already had Covid and have antibodies precluding the need for a vaccine? Doctors were trying to harvest their antibodies for blood transfusion treatments last year. Now we don’t even hear about that. What about the health care worker shortage exacerbated by firing employees who don’t succumb to this tyrannical rule? Or small business owners barely staying afloat? Or teachers who choose not to be vaccinated causing a teacher shortage?

I do believe we’re political pawns as the real goal of Biden is to take credit for having a large percentage of Americans vaccinated, even if by coercion. While ironically, he’s encouraging millions of unvaccinated illegals to flood our southern borders!

Biden ended his speech with, “My job as president is to protect all Americans.” Unfortunately, we’ve yet to see Americans be Biden’s priority. If he really cared about Americans’ safety, he would close the borders!

What we have seen instead from the White House and their media arm is an obsession with creating divisiveness and dissent in America. We cannot, we must not, let that infiltrate our churches. The Holy Spirit is the spiritual lifeblood of Christians and we need to let our speech, thoughts, and actions be under the Spirit’s direction. I do believe, along with many others, that spiritual revival is the only hope for America.

We are not each other’s enemy. Satan is our enemy! “The thief [Satan] comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I [Jesus] have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10

Satan wants to destroy the church and what better way than to have us infighting over a vaccine instead of uniting to share Jesus during a time when many are living in fear and uncertainty.

I don’t think God is done with us yet, but He needs His army acting as one under His command. So whether you get the jab or you don’t, here’s a closing word for you from the apostle Paul.

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Eph. 4:9 NLT

Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? 2 Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Phil. 2:1-2 NLT

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September 20, 2021
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