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Why Watching Church Online is NOT a Substitute for Attending in Person

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“15 Days to Slow the Spread” seemed doable when the Coronavirus Task Force first asked everyone to shelter-at-home. Churches complied by shutting their doors to protect their parishioners. Those who already had online services expanded access and those like ours who didn’t already video messages started videoing.

Then 15 days morphed into 30 days, which segued into 45 days and churches are still told today that they’re not essential and mandated to stay closed or open with tyrannical restrictions.

A number of pastors across the United States are rightfully questioning this discrimination against the church when liquor stores and casinos are considered essential. So they’ve begun finding creative ways for their churches to meet, even under penalty of fines and threats of imprisonment. Hard to imagine that would happen in America!

Other churches remain closed today. One mega church announced they plan on staying closed until 2021?!

The purpose of this blog is not to discuss why churches need to open NOW because I’ve covered that extensively in previous blogs. I’ll list a couple at the end of this article.

But I do want to talk about why it’s important for believers to not become accustomed to sitting at home in their recliners in pj’s with a cup of coffee watching a sermon online and calling it church.

Why We Go To Church

One winter Sunday morning, hubby was sick! If our steep driveway wasn’t covered in ice, that wouldn’t be a big deal. I’d hop in the car and head off to church by myself. But I hadn’t driven our new car in snow and ice and didn’t want my first off-roading attempt to be without him.

I could stay home and watch church online or on television. I’d done that for more Sundays than I’d care to remember when a concussion, kidney surgery, three eye surgeries, and a broken wrist had kept me home. I was desperate to go to church.

Whew, friends with a jeep rescued me that Sunday.

Why was it so important to go to church? While homebound, I’d watched a number of excellent church services online and on TV . . . but it’s not the same as worshipping together with my church family.

When our Governor in Idaho announced that churches could open in COVID Phase One of reopening Idaho, our church literally opened the doors May 1 with all the recommended precautions.

As I walked through the church doors that first Sunday, I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit. I immediately realized what had been missing watching services at home.

People were missing. My brothers and sisters in Christ were missing.

Singing, worshipping, and praying together were missing.

Seeing each other’s smiles and yes, sometimes, tears were missing.

Church is not just the sermon. Church is the gathering together of God’s people!

Yes, believers have our personal relationship with Jesus which we experience wherever we are, but we don’t experience the Christian life alone. That’s why God said it’s not good to be alone and there are so many Scriptures reminding us to encourage and support each other.

Online church absolutely is a tremendous benefit for people who can’t attend church because of physical or transportation issues, out of town, working, or need to stay home with a sick child or family member. It’s a wonderful tool in an emergency like Covid was in the beginning or for anyone who is high-risk.

Online church also is an outreach opportunity for those who are hesitant to walk into a church.

But for those with no restrictive issues, here are five reasons I feel God wants us to worship together in His house and follow the example of the first church.

“On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place” (Acts 2:1).

5 Reasons to Meet in Church Together

1. Fellowship and Relationships

“All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals . . . with great joy and generosity—all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:42, 46-47)

The early church, a template for today’s church, understood that the meeting together of believers creates community. We need each other to uplift our spirit when we’re sad and rejoice together when we’re glad.

You can find good teaching and truth online, but you need to be in church to experience the fellowship of fellow believers and develop relationships within the church body.

“So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.” (1 Thess. 5:11)

2. Celebrating Communion, Worshipping, and Praying Together

“All the believers devoted themselves to . . . sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. They worshiped together at the Temple each day . . . all the while praising God . . . . (Acts 2:42, 46-47)

You share communion, the Lord’s Supper, together in church. Our church also has a time of Prayer, Praise, and Share every Sunday where the congregation can ask for prayer and share praises.

Many churches list in the bulletin or announce those in need of prayer so the church can pray for each other and celebrate praises together. “But while Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly for him” (Acts 12:15).

God instructed the congregation to sing in church because it is a unifying expression of worship. What a joy to worship and sing praise songs to the Lord in unison.

“Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts” (Col. 3:16).

“Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth! Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy. Acknowledge that the Lord is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name.” (Psalm 100:1-4)

3. We Are the Family of God

And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. (Acts 2:44-45)

Watching church is like being an observer instead of a participant.

We need each other. We are one body, the Bride of Christ.

The church needs us to serve. Church isn’t taking in selfishly; it’s giving out selflessly. We don’t attend church solely for our own benefit. We’re also there to serve the body of Christ, our spiritual family. Christ wants us to care more about others than our own convenience or inconvenience.

We are to use the spiritual gifts and talents the Lord has given us to benefit the church. (1 Cor. 12:12-22).

“Christ is also the head of the church, which is his body” (Col. 1:18).

“All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it” (1 Cor. 12:27).

4. Accountability and Mentoring

“Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives.” Colossians 3:16

There’s always going to be a time when we can’t make it to church, but it should be the exception, not the rule. The tendency today is to isolate ourselves in front of electronics where we interact with a screen instead of each other. A clicker or mouse replaces friendly face-to-face interaction.

I’ve heard testimonies of people saved by watching a preacher on television or online, which is wonderful. But one of the surest ways to stay true to your faith as a believer is joining a church to spiritually grow and mature with other believers who encourage us and keep us accountable.

Church is more than listening to a sermon; it’s an experience and an exchange with other believers. It’s where you help others grow, partake in ministries, serve, give of your talents and spiritual gifts, mentor, and receive mentoring.

“2 Teach the older men to exercise self-control, to be worthy of respect, and to live wisely. They must have sound faith and be filled with love and patience.

3 Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that honors God. They must not slander others or be heavy drinkers.[a] Instead, they should teach others what is good. 4 These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children, 5 to live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes,[b] to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the word of God.” (Titus 2:2-5)

5. Setting the Example for Children

Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power. Psalm 145:4

It takes more effort to get dressed and drive to church than to flip on the computer or television screen. Your children and grandchildren are learning by your actions what takes priority in your life: God’s house or your house?

Teach by example that church is a privilege we should never take for granted and we should never let it be taken away from us. If we can go to Costco, shopping, Walmart, Home Depot, and even “peacefully protest” in the streets, we can go to church!

So yes, you can watch a service online anonymously and probably get something out of it, but what are you putting first in your life that seeks out convenience instead of commitment?

If your church hasn’t opened back up for services after COVID closure, I encourage you to remind your pastor that church is an essential part of every believer’s life and worth fighting for your 1st Amendment right to meet.

It wasn’t easy for the early church either and often the disciples and apostles were thrown into jail for gathering people together to share the Gospel, but we’re reminded of what Peter said when he met opposition from the authorities.

24 When the captain of the Temple guard and the leading priests heard this, they were perplexed, wondering where it would all end. 25 Then someone arrived with startling news: “The men you put in jail are standing in the Temple, teaching the people!”

26 The captain went with his Temple guards and arrested the apostles, but without violence, for they were afraid the people would stone them. 27 Then they brought the apostles before the high council, where the high priest confronted them. 28 “We gave you strict orders never again to teach in this man’s name!” he said. “Instead, you have filled all Jerusalem with your teaching about him, and you want to make us responsible for his death!”

29 But Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than any human authority. Acts 5:24-29 (I would encourage you to read the entire passage Acts 5:12-41)

Sadly, many governing officials act from an ungodly worldview. If the government contradicts God, we answer to God alone.

As a child, I remember in Sunday school intertwining our fingers on the outside of our hands, putting our forefingers together, and opening our hands, saying the jingle: Here’s the church, here’s the steeple, open the door, and where’s all the people? But intertwining fingers inside our hand and opening: Here’s the church, here’s the steeple, open the door and there’s all the people!

 “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” Hebrews 10:24-25

*All Scriptures are from the New Living Translation, with emphasis added.

Note: A true story of what can happen when the church stays silent! From the Facebook of Worship Leader Sean Feucht

Pastor Joseph Bondarenko (the KGB’s most wanted) was jailed for 10 years, tortured & told every day his entire family would die because of their faith. He refused to deny Jesus. Many of his friends were martyred but God spared his life. His story of boldness has now circled the globe.

For the American Church he warns:

“Don’t they realize what is happening now in America is exactly what happened to us in communist Russia?? It started with ‘Don’t gather. Don’t sing. Spread apart. Listen to the government.’ Then it quickly turned into full on persecution and the church did not wake up in time.

I am here to beg you to call the church to WAKE UP, STAND FIRM, CONQUER!”

The Rant, a Rave, and a Primal Scream

How is Home Depot More “Essential” than God’s Home?!

If God is Pulling Back the Veil on Evil, How Should the Church Respond?

August 24, 2020
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The Truth the Whole Truth and Nothing But the Truth!

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The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in those who tell the truth. Proverbs 12:22 NLT

How can we possibly know the truth from lies today? It seems like we’re living in a culture of deception that leaves us wondering, who can we believe?

People raise their right hand in Congress swearing to tell the truth and later evidence proves they lied. Some are prosecuted for their lies and others get a pass depending on politics.

Dr. Fauci is on record at the onset of COVID telling us that masks were of no help warding off or spreading the virus. Now as he insists that everyone should wear masks, he explains he based his earlier comments on trying to save masks for medical professionals. In other words, he lied to us! So how can we really ever believe anything he says?! Might it all just be political and not really medical?

The CDC changes their guidelines regularly. I’m not sure if they’re motivated by politics or they really have no idea how to treat a plague that has no precedent.

Many report never having been tested for coronavirus, but receiving a call they are positive? All the reported COVID statistics seem questionable. Intentional lies for political reasons or human error?

We’ve heard so many conflicting arguments on wearing masks, COVID treatment medications, closing schools, churches, businesses while protesters and rioters are encouraged to gather in large numbers with absolutely NO restrictions. Don’t sing in church, but you can shout in the streets. Lies? Politics?

The mainstream media picks and chooses parts of stories to report to support their bias and even manipulates what news to cover. They often fabricate and when caught in their lies, they seldom apologize or make a correction. Lies. Politics.

Attorney General William Barr explained it like this on the Mark Levin show Life Liberty and Levin when he condemned the media for “projecting a narrative” and selling a “lie” to the American people in their watered-down coverage of the civil unrest.

“You don’t see it on the networks. You don’t see it on the other cable stations. And yet you hear about these peaceful demonstrators. So it’s you know, it’s just it’s a lie. The American people are being told a lie by the media” Barr said.

Depending on which side of the political aisle you take a stand, you will either support or question the conflicting information you’re receiving daily on television, social media, and people standing six feet apart from you. If you point out the discrepancies, some might say you believe in conspiracies. Maybe there are conspiracies. Someone’s not telling the truth!

I’ll admit it might be easier not to question but simply accept all the governmental restrictions, which often have no consistent or logical basis. But I don’t think that’s what we should do.

We need to pray for discernment and not just follow like lemmings the ever-changing state imposed guidelines, strictest and Orwellian in blue states. Yes, that’s political, but it is the truth.

As I’m writing this blog, my August 8 devotional from Bill & Marsha Burns is so timely:

Keep your soul pure as you strive to be straightforward and honest. These are days when you cannot always trust those around you to tell the unvarnished truth. Prejudice will twist the facts to fit a certain narrative.

Open your heart and mind to know that which is correct, accurate and genuine without personal bias. The devil is a liar and the father of lies. 1 Peter 3:10 for “He who would love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit.”

5 Steps to Discerning the Truth?

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

We will not find our source of truth in the world. The world is turning away from religious and moral standards and burning Bibles and flags in the street. Telling lies and manipulating people for political gain is now the norm.

But as believers, we have a standard of truth by which to measure everything that inundates us today. We put our hope and future in God’s truth. God never lies and His truth NEVER changes.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Heb. 13:8

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Cor. 10:5

Praying for the spirit of discernment can prove to be a brave and bold request in itself. When we humbly ask God to reveal His will to us for specific situations, even when others may not see what we perceive, God may ask us to perform courageous acts that could be lifesaving or forever life changing.

We can become the brave spiritual warriors that our world needs so desperately.

James 1:5–6 reminds us: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.”

Here are five steps that help me discern fact from fiction, truth from lies.

1. Pray. Prayerfully seek the Holy Spirit’s wise direction and guidance gleaned from reading the Bible and prayer. Spiritual discernment and godly wisdom lets God guide.

2. Be patient. Discernment takes time and effort to develop as we grow and mature in our faith and develop an ability to sense God’s plan and purpose in a given situation.

3. Research the facts. Don’t take someone’s opinion or believe what you hear or read in the news or on social media as accurate. If you’re going to let something effect you personally, be sure you know whether it is true.

4. Consider the source. Ask questions. Is the information coming from someone you respect and has proven to tell the truth or are they simply passing along hearsay and opinions? Beware of the words, “someone said” “I heard” “I read” “everyone agrees” “probably” “maybe” “I think” . . . . Find out for yourself.

5. Obey. Expectantly ask God for the willingness, strength, and desire to take whatever action your discernment dictates and let God handle the consequences.

Some Christians are more sensitive than others are to the still small voice of God, but with patience, studying—not just reading—God’s Word, and a desire to know God’s will, we all have the ability to seek and obtain discernment to determine factual from fabrication.

Reliable information from misinformation.

When our hearts are filled with the culture of God’s Kingdom and not the world’s culture, we’re able to discern truth and dismiss deception. Lies become obvious and truth becomes apparent.

In moments that require the spirit of discernment, we need to pray for God’s protection and then respond to the Holy Spirit’s prompting. If we ignore the Holy Spirit, we may regret it or even feel responsible for a preventable crisis or someone else’s anxiety, discouragement, or deception.

It takes great courage to step out in faith on a revealed truth. If it’s God’s will, He’ll be there giving us the help, courage, and reassurance we need when it’s difficult or others don’t believe us.

We speak the truth in love, but we always speak the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help us God!

For the Lord is our judge, our lawgiver, and our king. He will care for us and save us. Is. 33:22 NLT

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

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

Truth always frees our emotions, thoughts, and concerns from fear while unleashing a faith-filled hopeful spirit!

“One of the rarest commodities in the world right now is a healthy perspective. Have one. Look at falsehoods, deceptions, the language of animosity, and arguments against God that are rampant in social media and other public forums, and laugh at their futility.

Don’t get caught up in such thinking: You speak a different language. Your words and your attitude—your refusals to buy into empty disputes and debates—strip lies of their power. Your hope overcomes. It is a precious commodity. Offer it freely to everyone.” Chris Tiegreen, The One Year Salt & Light Devotional

I hope you’ll listen to this interview on Tucker Carlson with Professor Jason Hill who describes how our country is turning to “systemic nihilism,” the rejection of all religious and moral principles, in the belief that life is meaningless. We know the antithesis to nihilism, the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Also listen to Carlson’s synopsis on what has happened to America in the past seven months. Not only do we have the Chinese virus, we are looking more like China every day. Is that political you ask? No, I would say it’s realistic and truthful. Pray for our churches to come out of their slumber and take the Truth to the streets.

I had a Crosswalk article publish this week that you might find applicable to your life right now and please share with others. Every Christian needs 4 Powerful Ways to Pray for a Hedge of Protection.

August 10, 2020
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Don’t Let COVID Divide the Church! We’re On the Same Team!

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It bothers me, and I hope it bothers you too, to see how easily Satan has used the COVID pandemic to divide Christians.

Church members used to have differing opinions on worship style music: Contemporary or hymns? Pews or chairs? Young or mature pastor? Multiple services or one? Carpet or wood floors?

They might also differ on theological issues like Pre, Post, or Mid Tribulation.

Sadly, sometimes those disagreements did divide the church!

Today, if you go on social media the topics disputed range from: open the church or stay closed? Meet outside or inside? Sing or don’t sing?

Wear masks or don’t wear masks? Social distance or be social? Back to school or keep kids home?

Then there’s the recent dividing issue of racism, which I talked about in last week’s blog America’s Problem is Systemic Secularism NOT Systemic Racism!

You would hardly know sometimes that it’s Christians communicating as they sling opinions as assaults and attacks on each other. Anger seeps through every word. Conversations escalate to arguments. Verbal attacks and accusations fly through the comments on a Facebook post, twitter, an article, or in person.

Just today, I became entangled in one of these tirades about wearing masks. Everyone was wrestling to have their voice heard and actually denounce any dissenting viewpoints. No grace or acknowledgement that others might disagree.

Suddenly, the Holy Spirit spiritually scolded me that this exchange was such a waste of time and energy. Often we’re trying to convince a stranger, as if they’re suddenly going to see our point of view. They’re not!

My last comment seemed to close the conversation for a little while. In an attempt to bring everyone to a realization of what we all need to think about. Here’s what I wrote:

I think if Christians spent as much time and energy sharing the Gospel as they do arguing over masks, we could see a huge revival and maybe even the rapture where for sure we won’t need masks or gloves. BTW I wonder why no one is talking about plastic gloves anymore? Anyway, I have a blog to write and bet you have better things to do today too.

I thought that was the end of the discussion until it turned to gloves. I was scolded that plastic gloves were never recommended for coronavirus protection. And off everyone went about gloves!

Sometimes, we need the righteous right hand of the Lord to give us one of those wake-up jolts to bring us out of the stupor we’ve succumbed to by arguing over issues where there really is no definitive answer or right way to think or do something. Or that we have no control over.

I meant what I wrote in the comment above. What if we put the same energy and effort into convincing people to give their life to Christ as we do trying to convince them to wear masks or stay home?

Why aren’t we as worried about other people’s spiritual death as we are about their physical death? Or is it really just about us?

I like Lou Holtz’s thinking, “I don’t want to stop living for fear of dying.”

Do We Want to Identify with The Mob or The Lord?

We’ve seen in this woke culture that if anyone disagrees with the mob, they use intimidation, horrible name-calling, ruining reputations, shouting down opposition, or even violence.

The mob is not the group we want to imitate.

If ever Christians needed to be counter-culture, it’s now!

There’s little in today’s culture we want to reflect in our own lives. But as we listen to all the arguing and dissent in the news today and on social media, it’s so easy to let some of it seep into our mind and yes our heart and conversation.

There are definitely two sides to society: a worldly culture that wants to eliminate God and His teachings and a godly culture that wants to share Jesus and the gospel with the world.

My belief is that while some might try to have a little of both cultures in their life, in a truly Christ-centered life, there isn’t space for any of the world’s ways.

Not easy. It takes so much prayer, discipline, and time in God’s Word to be able to differentiate God’s wisdom from Satan’s manipulation.

We must pray about everything we “hear” and ask God to help us discern if it’s truth or lies.

God is good. He will direct you.

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

Don’t just repeat everything the culture is telling you right now. What is God telling you? Most times, it will be the exact opposite of a term or opinion you hear repeatedly.

Don’t accept anything as truth just because someone on the news or Facebook or even an “expert” said it like it was believable.

We’re living in a culture like the time of Judges where everyone did what was right in his own eyes. “All the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes.” Judges 21:25 NLT

The only eyes we should focus on are God’s eyes, which roam the world looking for those who will follow Him exclusively. “For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” 2 Chr. 16:9

I want to be one of those people that catches God’s eye and I know you do too.

With the closing of many churches today, Satan has the perfect circumstance to not only keep the church silent, but to also let differences fester. We all know that sitting home and watching a sermon online fills the void of hearing a message but does not replace the gathering together of God’s people to encourage each other and lift each other up, especially now.

24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrew 10:24-25

We need to find ways to uplift and encourage each other through our conversation and interaction. Disagree without being disagreeable or disrespectful.

As God’s people, we unite for one purpose, to grow in our faith so we can share the Good News of Jesus Christ.

We don’t know when the Lord will return, but it could be soon or He could tarry to give more time for people to repent. Let’s use our time wisely to be kind to each other and focus on what really matters, saving the lost and encouraging our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever. So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing. 1 Thess. 5:11-12

I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose. 1 Cor. 1:10 NLT

Side note: I want to make clear that by uniting as the church, I mean the Bible-believing church. Sadly, many Christians and churches today have joined the progressive liberal culture to change the meaning of the Bible to adapt to culture instead of culture adapting to the Bible.

Pastor Shane Idleman has an excellent article I would encourage you to read about Christians who have adapted to the culture.

Also, one of the best factual commentaries on the Black Lives Matter movement is from Mike Huckabee’s opening monologue on his show July 18, 2020. It’s not very long, I hope you’ll listen. At first, it will say an error occurred please try again later, but just wait a few minutes and it will start. I’ve noticed that a lot lately on YouTube.

July 20, 2020
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#AloneTogether

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The one thing everyone has in common today with most people around the world is that we’re all at home. Unless you’re in the healthcare community, work at an “essential” business or one that has figured out how to do curbside pickup, you’re experiencing alone time.

Those who have children or family members at home might be laughing that you wish you had some alone time.

In recent years, there’s been infrequent unity across political and spiritual differences, but COVID-19 has leveled the playing field. Well, maybe not political divides—sadly, many are trying to make this crisis political.

The last significant unifying occurrence in America would probably be 911. While we all mourned together the horrific attack on our country, New York suffered the brunt of pain and loss.

COVID-19 is indiscriminate. It’s a pandemic. The entire world is experiencing pain and loss. We’re all in this together. Even though states and countries may be handling this crisis differently, the streets of most towns and cities are empty.

We’re #alonetogether!

Physical Distancing but Not Social Distancing

The first time I heard the term “social distancing,” it grated on me like fingernails on a chalkboard. I didn’t like it. People are saying it will be our new normal. That would be a tragic fallout of this experience.

We will probably need to stay at a physical distance from each other, maybe not hug or handshake for a while. Some say forever.

But socially isolating ourselves from each other permanently is dangerous and unsustainable. Social distancing can never become social disengagement!

We need each other. We need physical touch. We need to stay in touch!

Since the beginning of Creation, The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. Genesis 2:18

God created us as social beings to interact and communicate with each other, not distance ourselves emotionally, spiritually, physically, socially, or mentally.

The ultimate punishment for someone in prison is solitary confinement, alone.

Even if you’re not typically a social person, social isolation leads to loneliness, which leads to poor physical and mental health.

How can I say that?

Well here are some statistics from a psychologist for those who suffer from loneliness:

29% are more likely to have coronary artery disease

32% are more likely to have a stroke or die

40% are more likely to have dementia, if they’re in that age group.

  • When we stop using our cognitive skills to interact, our brain starts deteriorating.
  • When we stop using our relational instincts to interact, our emotions start deteriorating.
  • When we stop using our physical impulses to interact, our body starts deteriorating.

In an article by Axel F. Sigurdsson, MD, PhD, Loneliness, Social Isolation, and Poor Health, He pointed out

“Studies show that loneliness and social isolation are associated with increased risk of early mortality. Being socially connected increases not only psychological and emotional well-being but also has a positive influence on physical health.”

“Although loneliness is usually associated with social isolation, it is important to discriminate between the two. Social isolation refers to a lack of contact with other people, while loneliness indicates a state of mind.”

Despite these different definitions, there is significant overlap between social isolation and loneliness. Hence, the terms are often used interchangeably.”

You might be actually living alone in isolation right now or you might be feeling isolated even though you’re not physically alone.

We’re out of our routines. Maybe you went to work every day and now you’re out of work or working from home.

How many times did we complain about having to grocery shop, but now it’s considered an “essential” reason to leave home. It’s a luxury even though we have to mask up and wear gloves and deal with empty shelves, at least we’re out of the house and among other people.

We’re #alonetogether!

We Can, and Must, Stay Socially Connected Even While Quarantined

#Alonetogether

Social media probably creates more virtual friends, than face-to-face friends. Yet aren’t those of us on social media glad we have these “friends” to communicate and commiserate with because we’re all going through something similar. It gives us a sense of social connectedness.

As our fresh food supply at home started dwindling, I looked in the refrigerator vegetable drawer and there was a big package of organic Romaine hearts and a bundle of avocadoes. That was all. So I put a post on Facebook, “I have Romaine lettuce but only avocadoes to make a salad. What else do you put in your salads? #nothingfresh #stayinghome.”

I started getting immediate responses and within hours, I had 100 comments and many new ideas for my salads. I heard from people I haven’t “talked to” on Facebook or in person for years from all walks of my life. We couldn’t share a meal together, but they were eager to help me plan mine.

My cousin read the post and commented, “These all sound so good!”

It almost felt like I had a group of friends helping me make dinner, while they probably were working on their dinner too.

If you’re not a social media fan, you can use SKYPE, ZOOM, or video chatting and messaging to talk while seeing each other. I mentioned in last week’s blog, #America Works Together Keeping the Faith, how my grandkids gave me a virtual birthday party.

We can use the tools we have to stay connected with each other. Churches who have video transmitting capability are reporting more online viewers and commitments to faith than they would ever have at church on Sunday. God is using the “screen” to reach people for Christ.

God uses inconvenient, unpleasant circumstances for good and so can we. It’s not the same as being together, that’s for sure, but it’s what we have right now.

We’re #alonetogether!

A note on social media. Stay away from negative input or people that bring you down emotionally. Avoid getting into political discussions or any that cause you anxiety.

“Call Your Mama!”

In one news report, the Surgeon General was discussing why older people were more susceptible to the coronavirus. He also addressed the loneliness that especially occurs if they’re living alone or unable to drive, be active physically, or get out of the house. Now they can’t even visit with their grandchildren and friends.

He closed his talk with “Call your mama!”

I would say my daughter and I have talked more since the pandemic started than we did before. It wasn’t like we didn’t talk a lot, we just talk more now—not texting or on Facebook, but on the phone. Hearing each other’s voice, laughs, and sometimes tears!

The story of the Rosetans may help to understand the importance of family relations and social surroundings for the risk of heart disease and other physical and mental illnesses.

In 1964 a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association examined a population of recent Italian immigrants in Roseto, a small town in the state of Pennsylvania. The study was instigated because the town doctor was completely baffled by the Rosetans’ near immunity to heart disease. He reported his observation and an extensive statistical population study funded by the American State and Federal governments was conducted.

The study compared health statistics of Rosetans to neighbouring towns and the initial results were astonishing. During the seven year period of study from 1955-1961:

No-one in Roseto under the age of 47 died of a heart attack; there was a complete absence of heart disease in men under the age of 55

The rate of heart attacks in men over 65 was half the national average

The death rates from all causes was 35% lower than anywhere else

The study confirmed the town doctor’s findings and went on to examine the factors that gave the Rosetans such improved health. It became known as the ‘The Roseto Effect’.

While living in the town to conduct the study however, the researchers observed several major differences as to how the Rosetans related to others in their community. They noticed a remarkably close-knit social pattern that was cohesive and mutually supportive with strong family and community ties, where the elderly in particular were not marginalized, but revered. Put simply, the Rosetans lived in brotherhood with one another.

The Roseto effect is a term used to describe the phenomenon by which a close-knit community experiences a reduced rate of heart disease.

So call your Mama, Dad, Grandparents, or extended family! Your life and their life could depend on it right now.

#AloneTogether!

The Loneliness Epidemic

I’ve mentioned in previous blogs that God has been nudging me to write a book on loneliness. He planted the seed in my mind last fall as my latest book Everyday Brave: Living Courageously as A Woman of Faith was releasing. I kept putting God off. We spent six weeks after the release of this book in Southern California. Then we returned home to the holidays, and before we knew it, we were experiencing a pandemic where people are isolated! Alone! Lonely!

I said, “Lord, forgive me for not taking You seriously when You put the theme of loneliness on my heart.” I had been asking people to pray for me to start writing, but I often said I was afraid the Lord would ask me to personally experience loneliness before I could write about it.

Well here we are. I’m in the high-risk category for COVID-19. I’m isolated! I’m writing.

I know many of you are experiencing some type of loneliness now or you have in the past. Would you be willing to share your story to help someone else? I need to hear from you!

  • When have you experienced loneliness?
  • How are you dealing with staying home now?
  • How did it present itself to you?
  • How did you overcome it, or maybe you haven’t yet?
  • How did God help you through it or what helped you the most?

You don’t have to answer in the comments here if that’s uncomfortable, but I would so appreciate receiving your story. I’ve noticed more people want to share their stories these days to help others and to help themselves heal.

Remember we’re all #Alonetogether!

I wanted to remind you that Everyday Brave: Living Courageously As A Woman of Faith is at a reduced price on my website for the month of April. I’ll sign and personalize it for you. It might make a thoughtful Mother’s Day gift for someone or for you. We’re certainly living in times requiring us to Get Our Brave On.

April 20, 2020
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#America Works Together Keeping the Faith!

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You’ve probably listened intently, as I have, to the daily Coronavirus Task Force briefings. In the beginning, we heard about the astronomical number of ventilators, ICU beds, and protective equipment that would be required when this virus hit America full force.

Scientists explained staggering graphs predicting horrific numbers of deaths. We became accustomed to hearing terms like “mitigation” “granular” “peaks” “flattening out the curve” “models.”

We were told, sometimes commanded, to practice “social distancing” “sheltering in place” quarantining, repeatedly washing our hands, not touching our faces, thoroughly sanitizing our homes. Don’t wear masks unless you’re sick morphed to everyone wear masks when you leave home. And don’t forget your disposable gloves.

We went from not gathering in groups of more than 50, than 30, than 10, and now only with those in your household.

The economy came to a complete halt as businesses closed their doors, workers laid off, schools, parks, restaurants, and beaches closed. Only what the local governments considered “essential” stayed open. Liquor stores are deemed essential but churches are “nonessential.” If a pastor thinks differently, he can be arrested or fined.

We followed “Presidential Guidelines for 15 Days” now extended to 30 days, as we anxiously await to hear what happens on May 1.

But alas the enormous number of ventilators thought to be required weren’t needed and we may now give our excess to other countries. Those contracting the disease and succumbing from it didn’t come close to the predicted dire statistics.

What Happened? We Kept the Faith!

The scientists explain the discrepancy in their predictions with what actually materialized was because they underestimated that the American people would follow the “mitigation” guidelines so closely. Grandparents would stop seeing their grandchildren. Everyone would stay 6 feet apart. Stop hugging. Stop shaking hands. Stop leaving home.

They also didn’t factor into their graphs and statistics, or even give credit to, the power of prayer.

Facts without faith are just numbers on a chart. With God, all things are possible. I wrote about this last month in my blog Family, Faith, and Science.

Yesterday, on Easter, we celebrated the fact that Jesus arose from the dead on the third day. Jesus was a real person who walked on this earth, was crucified on a cross, and was resurrected to walk on the earth again for 40 days before ascending to heaven to await those of us who believe in Him.

Facts substantiate our Christian faith.

Even though we couldn’t go to church, we could, and would, still pray from our homes for God to heal our land, comfort the sick, grieve with the grieving, give strength and protection to all the first-responders and hospital workers.

We plead with God to infuse our President with wisdom as he is forced to make decisions he could have never imagined would materialize on his watch.

As head of the task force, Vice President Pence, a devout Christian, often calls on the American people to pray and thanks them for their prayers “to heal our land.”

On Good Friday, our President addressed the American people from the Oval Office and thanked everyone praying for him and his family, “those prayers are felt” he said. Later that day at the press conference, as he discussed the importance of Easter which we would be celebrating from our homes, he publically said to the press and everyone watching, “I’m a Christian and Easter is important to me!”

#AmericaWorksTogether

Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2 NLT

Yes, what the scientists and statisticians didn’t calculate into their models was the fortitude and predisposition of the American people to pray and love their neighbor more than themselves.

I think they were blown away with the ingenuity, compassion, creativity, and selflessness of the majority of people to pitch in and help each other during a crisis. Especially, caring for those we repeatedly hear are the most vulnerable. Every time someone says, “those most at risk,” I get a lump in my throat and fight back tears because I’m in that group.

I’ve been on the receiving end of kindness, generosity, and love. Here are just a few ways I’ve experienced someone loving their neighbor more than themselves during this pandemic.

#Americans Working Together

1. Our daughter didn’t want us going into grocery stores. She took our grocery lists and went shopping for us at two different stores. Yes, she went to Trader Joe’s for me!!

2. We had been hibernating at home since the end of February and live over an hour away from shopping, so by the time things got serious, protective and sanitizing supplies weren’t available online. A dear friend gave me disinfecting wipes, which are truly like gold. Then the Holy Spirit woke her up at 6:00 am the next morning telling her she needed to protect me more and she gave us two masks and reusable gloves.

#Americans Working Together

3. A Facebook friend saw my picture on FB using a bandanna as a face mask and messaged me that a woman at her church was making face masks. What was my address and she would send us two. They arrived yesterday!

4. A neighbor had extra berries from a local vendor and called to see if we would like some.

5. Another friend and her husband picked up items for us at COSTCO when they went shopping. They took their pickup and also shopped for others in our rural community.

6. My birthday was last week and my hubby called the local restaurant a few days early to order takeout for a special meal. He asked if they could make my favorite entree, which wasn’t on their menu, and they said sorry not this time. But when the owner chef heard it was my birthday, his wife called to say he would order what he needed to make my request. I cried.

When hubby went to pick up our dinner, he saw other friends. They said they takeout once a week to support this restaurant.

7. We’re restricted from being around our grandchildren, so my 11-year-old granddaughter made my favorite chocolate cake and then the grandkids video messaged me to sing Happy Birthday and virtually give me a piece of cake while they enjoyed eating it.

I feel like I’m always on the receiving end of kindness, but then I receive emails and messages from readers telling me that a blog or Facebook post I wrote encouraged them or helped reduce their anxiety.

Then I’m reminded that God gave each of us gifts and when we surrender those gifts back to Him, He can use them where they’re needed most.

The blog that has recently generated the greatest response is Five Powerful Prayers for Peace Amidst Pandemic Fear. Maybe it will bless you too.

I know it would be encouraging to all of us, and especially me, if you shared what you’re doing, or what someone has done for you, during this pandemic.

We’re truly better when #Americaworkstogetherkeepingthefaith!

36 “Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?”

37 Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’[a] 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”

Matthew 22:36-40

Opening picture is at a Samaritan’s Purse Coronavirus Hospital.

April 13, 2020
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Who Is Your Neighbor? Anyone Who Needs Your Help!

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Who's Your neighbor? Someone Who Needs TP!

Saturday morning, my daughter posted on Facebook that her family of five was low on toilet paper. She voiced frustration with those hoarding this personal necessity since her husband had gone to several stores and only came home with napkins!

Immediately, she started receiving comments from Facebook friends ready to spare some of their supply and bring her family TP! Then another friend out shopping found a family size package at a store and purchased it for her.

Who's Your neighbor? Someone Who needs TP!

After seeing pictures of empty grocery store shelves, especially of toilet paper, it warmed my heart, and hers, to know she had so many generous friends, who had probably weathered the crowds to get their own precious stash and were ready to step in and help my daughter’s family.

My daughter’s friends understood: For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Galatians 5:14

We also have dear friends who have braved COSTCO and ask what we need them to pick up for us. I’m sure you have friends like this too, and I hope you’ve also had the blessing of being that kind of friend to someone else in need.

I do wonder if shoppers with overflowing shopping carts are stockpiling in their garages and basements or are they sharing with an elderly or shut-in neighbor, friend, or relative? Or maybe giving to someone who can’t afford to make bulk purchases? I hope so!

Who Is Your Neighbor? Someone Who Needs TP!

Give generously to the poor, not grudgingly, for the Lord your God will bless you in everything you do.—Deuteronomy 15:10 NLT

I’m not minimizing the need to be prepared, but government advice is recommending food and supplies for two weeks, not two years!

Greed Leads to Destruction: Generosity Leads to Refreshment

A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.—Proverbs 11:25

Jesus told a parable about a hoarder who didn’t share with his neighbors!

13 Then someone called from the crowd, “Teacher, please tell my brother to divide our father’s estate with me.”

14 Jesus replied, “Friend, who made me a judge over you to decide such things as that?” 15 Then he said, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.”

16 Then he told them a story: “A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. 17 He said to himself, ‘What should I do? I don’t have room for all my crops.’ 18 Then he said, ‘I know! I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods. 19 And I’ll sit back and say to myself, “My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!”’

20 “But God said to him, ‘You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?’

21 “Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.”

Jesus went on to tell his disciples a message about money, possessions, pandemic fear, and panic-buying we’re watching today.

22 Then, turning to his disciples, Jesus said, “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear. 23 For life is more than food, and your body more than clothing. 24 Look at the ravens. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds! 25 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? 26 And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things?

27 “Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 28 And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?

29 “And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. 30 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. 31 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.

32 “So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.—Luke 12:13-32

Church Services Canceled

Many churches canceled their services this past weekend until further notice. There are online or television services you can watch, but keeping everything in perspective, there are more people packed into a COSTCO or Walmart than are in most church services. Yet, no one seems to be worried about those numbers of people.

I understand the restriction on groups gathering, but I still have to wonder why shopping together is fine but praying together is a danger.

My husband and I are both in the over 60 group the doctors warn are more susceptible to this virus. We’re definitely taking precautions, but we’re grateful for President Trump’s understanding of the power of prayer.

 “It’s my great honor to declare Sunday, March 15, as a National Day of Prayer. We are a Country that, throughout our history, has looked to God for protection and strength in times like these…. “No matter where you may be, I encourage you to turn towards prayer in an act of faith. Together, we will easily PREVAIL!” President Trump

What I Hope Each Christian is Doing to Combat Fear, Uncertainty, and Scarcity!

1. Shop for everyone you know who is financially restricted, housebound, or elderly. Take care of their needs.

Now that I am old and gray,
    do not abandon me, O God.
Let me proclaim your power to this new generation,
    your mighty miracles to all who come after me.—Ps. 71:18 NLT

2. If you’ve overbought for your family, share with those around you who weren’t as fortunate.

And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. —Heb. 13:16

3. Pray for the Coronavirus task force, President Trump, Vice President Pence, healing for the sick, medical personnel, hospital staff, and a vaccine . . . whatever God puts on your mind and heart.

Never stop praying!—1 Thess. 5:17

4. Share Jesus with those who are fearful.

17 And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world.

18 Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love. 19 We love each other[a] because he loved us first.—1 John 4:17-19 NLT

Who Is Your Neighbor?

25 One day an expert in religious law stood up to test Jesus by asking him this question: “Teacher, what should I do to inherit eternal life?”

26 Jesus replied, “What does the law of Moses say? How do you read it?”

27 The man answered, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”[a]

28 “Right!” Jesus told him. “Do this and you will live!”

29 The man wanted to justify his actions, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

Then Jesus told the story of the Jewish man attacked by bandits and left to die. A priest and Temple assistant came by and each walked to the other side of the road. Next, a Samaritan came by who bandaged up the injured man, took him to an inn, and paid the innkeeper to take care of him assuring that he would be back for him and pay the remaining bill.

36 “Now which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by bandits?” Jesus asked.

37 The man replied, “The one who showed him mercy.”

Then Jesus said, “Yes, now go and do the same.” Luke 25-37 NLT

Let’s you and I go and do the same!

Show mercy, generosity, kindness, and love to our neighbors.

If you haven’t read my blogs the last two weeks:

Pray: Don’t Panic
Headlines Are Designed to Generate Fear: God Says, “Fear Not!”

March 16, 2020
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God Wants a Word with You!

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God Wants to Have a Word with You

First, let me wish each of you a blessed 2020!

As I talked about in last week’s blog, How Do Your Plans for 2020 Align with God’s Plans for You?, we often set goals for what we want to achieve in the upcoming year. A fresh start.

There are two complementary thoughts for the New Year that I want to share with you in this week’s Monday Morning Blog.

A Word to Focus On in 2020

Several years ago, a friend and I decided to pray about a personal word God wanted us to incorporate into our actions, thoughts, and speech in the New Year. We remind each other of our word when times get tough or we’ve lost our focus. One we can pray for ourselves every morning, night, and throughout the day as a guiding remembrance of how God wants us to live and reflect to others.

As I browse Social Media, I notice that this has also become a tradition for many of my friends as they share their “word for the year.” Maybe you have a word for 2020 and if so, I’d love you to share it with us.

My “word” for 2018 was “Calm.” That year I fell down the stairs and broke my wrist, tore up my leg, and we had a septic flood. Calm was a prophetic word I clung to in the chaos.

2019’s word was “Joy.” The damage from our 2018 septic flood wasn’t repaired until August of 2019. I started the year still in a wrist brace and physical therapy from the fall, and we sold my writing cabin, which was bittersweet. In my sadness and unrest, I longed for joy and gladness. Joy was an appropriate word for 2019.

And drum roll . . . my word for 2020 is “Glorify.”

I’ll share with you how I arrive at the word I feel God wants for me each year.

  1. I pray asking God, the only One who knows what the coming year will bring, the word He knows will help me as I encounter the next year’s events.
  2. I read God’s Word, the Bible, expecting the Holy Spirit to speak to my heart.
  3. I listen to Him in my quiet time.
  4. I notice that a word appears repeatedly in songs we sing in church or I hear on the radio or in a sermon.
  5. I discuss with my friend our individual “word for the year.”
  6. When I feel confirmation, I settle on my word.
  7. I write my word in places I will see daily and pray over it each morning.

Some of you might also have a Scripture to focus on for the year or one that inspires you to pick a word for the year.

As I prayed about different words to pick for 2020, my thoughts went to the fruit of the Spirit.

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Galatians 5:22-33

I wanted each of those words in Galatians 5:22-23 to define me. I would be a better wife, grandmother, mother, friend, neighbor, speaker, writer . . . and then God reminded me that if I focused on glorifying Him in everything I did, I would be reflecting all the fruits of the Spirit. I would become more Christ-like. Worthy of professing I’m a Christian.

For example, before I speak or write, I will think, Would that glorify God? Before I act, Would that glorify God? It’s amazing how my 2020 word is already changing me in one week. I still have a long way to go because after I say something, I also think, Wow that didn’t glorify God. Please forgive me.

Glorify is making me more aware of what God wants for me in my life.

[Tweet “I’m not suggesting everyone needs to have a “word,” but every Christian does need to know God’s Word.”]

I’m not suggesting everyone needs to have a “word,” but every Christian does need to know God’s Word.

God Wants a Word With You

God’s Word in Your Life in 2020

I often read the Bible in a year. I’m usually about a month behind on New Year’s Eve, but I don’t let that deter me. I just start the New Year’s reading plan in February instead of January, although I’m trying to catch up faster this year. As I write to you today on January 5, I’m just starting 1 Peter. Almost there!

So here’s my point. I don’t speedread to say I did it, but read at a pace that allows me to digest what I’m reading and what the Lord wants me to discern from His Word. The Bible is how He speaks to us. If you’re not in your Bible daily, you’re missing a daily Word from God. When someone tells me that God doesn’t speak to him or her, I ask, “Are you reading your Bible? Are you studying your Bible? Are you listening to what His Word is saying to you?”

As I read, I have a highlighter in my hand to note what speaks to me. God always has something new to tell me about how His Word applies to the issues in my life and in the world.

In the Preface of Everyday Brave: Living Courageously As a Woman of Faith I shared how God spoke to me in my annual Bible reading that He wanted me to write about the brave women in the Bible.

God started my journey of writing Everyday Brave during morning quiet times. I often begin the New Year by reading the Bible over the course of a year and choose a different translation each year. About fifteen years ago, as I read Genesis in January, the Lord opened my eyes to the amazing accomplishments of biblical women. I was in awe of the courage and boldness as I continued reading through the year. A few years later, I decided to start making notes as I came across these courageous women in my annual Bible reading.

I want the best God has planned for you and that’s why I’m pleading with you, if you’re not already reading your Bible daily, start now. You don’t need to read the Bible in a year, but you do need to read the Bible during the year.

[Tweet “”God is not the God of confusion or division. He wants to help you live your life with purpose, but you have to be in His Word to know how to do that.”]

We live in tumultuous times, the Bible was full of those also. God is not the God of confusion or division. He wants to help you live your life with purpose, but you have to be in His Word to know how to do that. No self-help book will help you like God’s Guide for your life.

[Tweet “God is not the God of confusion or division. He wants to help you live your life with purpose, but you have to be in His Word to know how to do that.”]

I came across two other blogs today that I want to share with you, because they were my confirmation that at least one of you, and maybe more, need the encouragement to chisel time out of your busy schedules to pick up your Bible and let God speak to you. Even if it’s just one passage.

A short conversation with God is better than no conversation!

2020 Is the Year of the Bible for Many Christians

The Benefits of Reading the Bible in 2020

Let God’s Word, not the world’s words, guide your thoughts and actions.

[Tweet “Let God’s Word, not the world’s words, guide your thoughts and actions.”]

Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.

Psalm 90:12 NLT

Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. Hold firmly to the word of life. Phil. 2:15-16

Bible and highlighter Aaron Burden@aaronburden

Bible with cup of coffee Nathan Dumlao@nate_dumlao

January 6, 2020
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Conservatives, Don’t Be Intimidated!

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“I haven’t done enough research on conservatives to call myself or be called one. I’m just refusing to be enslaved by monolithic thought. There are people around me that disagree with me and voice their opinion. I respect everyone’s opinion but I stand my ground.” Kanye West

“My definition of conservative is having the audacity to believe what your grandma taught you!” Kay Cole Jones, President of the Heritage Foundation

On our recent trip to Southern California, we met some former neighbors at a favorite coffee place in Orange County. Since we were all Christians and conservative Trump supporters, the conversation quickly turned to our faith, FOX News, President Trump, and the California liberal progressive government. We sat at an outside table, prayed together over our meal, talked openly, and enjoyed each other’s company.

Without warning, a husky man came up behind Dave and me. I saw him lean into Dave and stick out his hand. We were all surprised, until it registered that this was another good friend of ours. After we exchanged conversation and our friend left, the neighbor we were having breakfast with said that as he saw the man approaching us, he feared that he was coming to yell at us . . . or even worse . . . regarding our conversation.

Intimidated, fearful, apprehensive is exactly how many conservatives are feeling today, especially in liberal states and college campuses. Many liberals use bullying tactics to quiet conservatives and instill fear rather than encouraging an honest open debate. Or just allow us to have our opinions without trying to demonize, bully, or call us names!

[Tweet “Many liberals use bullying tactics to quiet conservatives and instill fear rather than encouraging an honest open debate.”]

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

I don’t know of many conservatives who would approach a group of liberals at a meal or in a public place and start shouting at them or calling them names, as many liberals do with conservatives. Their goal is not to convert us, but to silence us. Even if convinced they’re right and we’re wrong, no one has the right to use scare tactics, or even force. Try wearing a Make America Great Again or Trump hat or T-shirt and see what happens.

Government Tries to Intimidate Us

Sadly, many governments, like California, are supporting the liberal agenda and trying to quiet or eliminate conservative and religious rights. Often conservatives are letting them, accepting it as the new normal.

[Tweet “Many governments, like California, are supporting the liberal agenda and trying to quiet or eliminate conservative and religious rights.”]

One California couple, the Fromms in San Juan Capistrano, were fined by the city for having a Bible study in their home, but they’re not backing down or acquiescing to the attempt to stop their home meetings because one neighbor complained. You can read more of their story in this news clip.

“We will stand up for our faith and for the use of our home.”

While we were in California, the state Assembly approved Assembly Bill 2943 that prohibits the advertising or selling of “sexual orientation change efforts.” The bill declares books and conferences dealing with biblical views on homosexuality or transgenderism as fraudulent under the state’s consumer fraud statute. Ultimately, it could penalize those who encourage and promote biblical views of marriage and sex.

That means the Bible!

Thankfully, before it goes before the California Senate, many Christians are rallying together to stop it. From an article by Emily Jones, Will California Ban The Bible? Christians Say ‘Not Without a Fight’ “There are churches that want to have everyone in their congregation making phone calls to their state senators. And there are also some people who want to have effective and persuasive news conferences.

[Tweet “Christians need to be stronger, bolder, and tougher if we plan to defend our faith and the right to live by our morals and beliefs”]

Sadly, discrimination is not just happening in California, but we must NOT let this become our new American normal. The Bible tells us that in the last days Christians and God’s Word will come under attack and persecution, but the Bible does NOT tell us to acquiesce under any circumstances. We need to be stronger, bolder, and tougher if we plan to defend our faith and the right to live by our values, morals, and beliefs. We need to be thick-skinned and never shrink from the Truth and our right to speak it.

[Tweet “The Bible tells us that in the last days Christians and God’s Word will come under attack and persecution, but the Bible does NOT tell us to acquiesce under any circumstances.”]

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 5:10-12

Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. 2 Peter 3:3

[Tweet “We can’t shrink away from the attacks and threats on our faith and beliefs,”]

Social Media Tries to Intimidate Us!

We can’t shrink away from the attacks and threats on our faith and beliefs, but we must fight . . . not like liberals fight . . .  but with our voices, social media, calling and emailing congressmen, supporting and voting for those who represent the conservative agenda, blogging, using whatever platform God gives us, and covering it all in prayer.

I know it’s getting harder as social media and YouTube are trying to censor the conservative or Christian voice. Trump supporters Diamond and Silk went in front of Congress to voice their complaint of Facebook and YouTube censoring them because of their vocal support for President Trump. It was appalling to see how the Democrats in Congress dismissed and patronized them. But they aren’t staying silent and their voices are being heard.

Diamond and Silk challenge Facebook censoring them.

Maybe we don’t have a platform like Diamond and Silk, or Kanye West, but we can do our part . . . without intimidation . . . wherever the Lord plants us.

 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13 while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15 and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 3:12-15

Do not be afraid!

Do not stay quiet!

Do not be intimidated or dismissed!

Do not accept sin as normal!

Do let your conservative Christian voice be heard!

Do adhere to what you know is right!

Do be willing to sacrifice!

Do stand up for what you believe!

Do stay strong in the Word!  

The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. 21 But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. 22 The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. 23 But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.” Matthew 13:20-25

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April 30, 2018
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Protect Our Children from Groupthink!

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Our children should walk up to others and be kind. Not walk out. Stop group think!

I woke up the morning after the school walkout and wondered,

How did the word about this walkout at a specific time and date spread to children in schools across the nation?

Yes, they’re on social media, but not every kid could be reached that way?

Whose original idea was it?

Who organized it?

Who took it to my grandchildren’s middle school?

Pondering these questions, I made a cup of coffee and opened up the online FOX news page. There was the answer to all my questions. I had missed the Laura Ingraham’s show the previous night where this was the topic of her opening monologue.

Then, it all made sense.

[Tweet “Teenagers don’t have the capability to pull off a national walkout, but politicians and  the Women’s March do! They organized the walkout.”]

Teenagers wouldn’t have that capability on their own to pull off such a national event, but politicians and organizations like the Women’s March do! They organized the walkout.

I wonder how many of the boys who participated realized they were being manipulated by liberal women who march in pink hats?

[Tweet “The Women’s March formed Women’s March Youth Empower indoctrinating our children with liberal views.”]

Remember the Women’s March group? Well, they also have an arm called Women’s March Youth Empower and they’re going after our children with their liberal views. Not just girls, which is bad enough, but all children.

You don’t have to look far back in history, or even today, to see other radical groups who indoctrinate the young.

[Tweet “March 14, our children and grandchildren were manipulated by politicians and the Women’s March”]

March 14th, our children and grandchildren were manipulated by a liberal activist group and politicians, who used the kid’s naïvetés and youthful emotion and energy to further their political agenda.

If you look at clips on Laura Ingraham’s report, you’ll see left-wing politicians like Nancy Pelosie and Bernie Sanders speaking, and New York’s liberal Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Chuck Shummer clapping hands, chanting, and high fiving the students in front of the White House. Of course, they all had their armed bodyguards! Local liberal politicians and school administrators and teachers promoted the walkout in their district schools.

This walkout was supposed to be seventeen minutes to honor the seventeen lives lost in the Parkland, FL. tragic school shooting a month ago. But I didn’t hear or see any news clips recognizing these victims. The purpose of the walkout was lost amongst yelling and political rhetoric. Interestingly, no one protested the FBI or local sheriff’s department for ignoring all the obvious clues and warnings of impending tragedy.

[Tweet “The purpose of the walkout was lost amongst yelling and political rhetoric.”]

In many cases, the walkout went on for hours and was more of a political, anti-Trump rally. In California, it even turned violent. How ironic is that . . . a protest to find ways to be safe, results in causing danger!

Walk Up, Not Out

And the walkout wasn’t just in high schools. To my daughter’s surprise, she received a text from my 12-year old, middle school granddaughter Katelyn asking if she should walkout. Mom realized they should have talked about it the night before, but Kim never expected it to touch middle schools. Here’s a transcript of their texts and see below it for the challenge mom gave daughter:

No automatic alt text available.

Here was the Walk-Up challenge posted on Facebook by Amy Flynn that mom gave to Katelyn and she refers to in the above text:

On March 14, encourage students to walk up. Walk up to the kid who sits alone at lunch and invite her to sit with you. Walk up to the kid who sits quietly in the corner, smile and say hi. Walk up to the kid who may be disruptive in class and ask him how he’s doing. Walk up to teachers and school staff and say thank you. Walk up to someone who has different views than you and get to know him/her. Walk up to 14 students and 3 teachers and say something kind. Honor the lives of those lost by walking up, not out.#walkupnotout

One of Katelyn’s teachers read this aloud to the whole class!

Katelyn and her friend took the challenge, and they complimented eight kids and two teachers!

The girls had the courage not to follow the crowd and submit to groupthink. They walked up instead of out.

[Tweet “Tucker Carlson “The show that is the sworn enemy of lying, pomposity, smugness, and group think.””]

The theme of Tucker Carlson’s program on FOX news is, “The show that is the sworn enemy of lying, pomposity, smugness, and groupthink.” He often emphasizes, “Especially groupthink!” Ah, that every parent would incorporate this motto into their family values.

Katelyn said most of the kids just hung out with their friends and were looking for a way to get out of class.

Walk With God

Laura Ingraham shared conversations from her radio program where some parochial schools walked into churches to pray for the victims and their families.

Here’s how one group of school kids chose to make a difference in schools and our culture. Click on this link. Watch and be inspired!

http://www.imsoblesseddaily.com/young-boldly-pray-school/

Whether or not you agree with more gun control or kids protesting, who do you think will have the most positive effect on our culture? Kids who, walk out or kids who walk up, in, and with?

“If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” Matthew 18:6

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Picture courtesy of Amy Flynn posed on Facebook

March 19, 2018
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5 Ways to a Fresh Start in the New Year

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God's grace is how I find 5 ways to a fresh start in the New Year

First, let me extend to each of you a Blessed 2018! We’re only one week into the New Year, and I’ll admit I already want the year to slow down. I always feel that way as I watch January slip away and the exhilaration of starting a fresh new year morph into an overwhelming “there’s so much to do” feeling.

If you’re like me, I relax during the week between Christmas and New Year’s and enjoy a rest from activities leading up to Christmas. I don’t take my decorations or lights down till after the New Year because I still enjoy reflecting on the past year and the warmth of Christmas lights. Every year it seems the month of December just goes a little too fast, even though we put the tree up the weekend after Thanksgiving!

Some of you prefer to move past Christmas quickly and take everything down the next day or week. I’ve seen many on social media say that it feels good to have the house back to normal after what can sometimes feel cluttered with the trappings of Christmas. You’re ready for a fresh start in your home and the new year.

I have to admit that while I’m writing this note to you on January 5, I haven’t taken down one decoration yet, and my heart is a little sad and reminiscent as I consider putting it all away tomorrow for another year. Maybe those like me aren’t quite ready to bring closure to 2017’s Christmas memories

We each have our own way of ending one year and moving on to the next; but ready or not, 2018 is here!

[Tweet “We each have our own way of ending one year and moving on to the next; but ready or not, 2018 is here!”]

Five Ways to a Fresh Start in the New Year!

Aside from taking down Christmas decorations, here are five ways that help me get a fresh start in the New Year. Maybe some of what I do and the reasons why I do them will help you too!

  1. Priority one for me is to pray about how God wants me to commune with Him in a fresh new way. For a number of years, I’ve started January reading the Bible in a year. To keep it new and fresh, I choose a different translation and reading plan each year and even read the Chronological Bible one year. Every time I do this, the Lord reveals new insights and speaks to me through His Word in ways I hadn’t seen before, even in familiar verses. I love how His Word is new every morning.
  2. I start a yearly devotional to accompany my Bible reading program for the year. This year I’m reading Women of the Bible: A One Year Devotional Study by Ann Spangler & Jean E. Syswerda, which also doubles as research for writing my new book Get Your Brave On! I also asked for Christmas The Believer’s Code: 365 Devotions to Unlock the Blessings in God’s Word by O.S. Hawkins. Sometimes I’ll pull one of my previous devotionals off the bookshelf to read again because I see the authors’ thoughts in a new and fresh way depending on what’s happening in my life or maybe what book or article I’m writing.
  3. Yes, I do set goals, rather than resolutions. Goals seem more positive to me, and I like to frame my aspirations as doable. I’m more goal oriented than resolution motivated. According to Wikipedia’s definitions . . .

Resolution is a firm decision to do or not to do something.

Goal is the object of a person’s ambition or effort; an aim or desired result. The destination of a journey. (I especially like thinking of my goals as a journey to a destination.)

[Tweet “I especially like thinking of my goals as a journey to a destination”]

Our wedding anniversary is December 19, a perfect time for us to set new yearly goals for our marriage, and I set personal goals for the upcoming year. I write these in my One Year Walk With God devotional, which I’ve read so many times it’s literally falling apart.

Sometimes previous year’s goals carry over to the next year, and the next year . . . I don’t feel condemnation, just a fresh motivation to achieve them in the upcoming years. It’s important to set achievable realistic goals: not so high we give up, or too easy we don’t stretch.

On Facebook many have asked if anyone sets New Year’s resolutions and often the answer was no because they don’t want to break them or be disappointed. However, I did see a few setting goals. Progress doesn’t happen without a goal and a plan to achieve it. We never succeed at what we don’t try. I hope I’m encouraging you to set some goals for 2018. I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

[Tweet “Progress doesn’t happen without a goal and a plan to achieve it. We never succeed at what we don’t try.”]

  • Do you set resolutions or goals each year? Why or why not?
  • What’s one goal you kept that changed your life?
  • What area of your life has God asked you to surrender to Him in the new year?

[Tweet “Progress doesn’t happen without a goal and a plan to achieve it. We never succeed at what we don’t try.”]

If the Lord does lead you to set new goals, or work on last year’s goals, refer to them regularly during the year and pray asking God’s guidance on where He wants your focus to fulfill His purpose for your life.

[Tweet “If the Lord does lead you to set goals for the New Year, or work on last year’s goals, refer to them regularly during the year and pray asking God’s guidance.”]

  1. Stay in the Moment—this is probably the hardest one for me. We all need a bit of forward thinking and planning, but I tend to let my mind race ahead to all that must be done in the future, which distracts me from what I need to do today. I watch with dread as the days of the month slip by and I don’t feel like I’ve accomplished enough. My husband is always reminding me not to worry, but trust God with the details. Can I hear an Amen?!
  2. When plans and goals get sidelined! 2017 was an extremely difficult year for me, as many of you know. Nothing I could have expected or planned to happen. On Christmas day 2016, I fell and started 2017 with staples in my head and a concussion, which left a continual ringing in my ears that God has not chosen to remove. Just as the concussion was subsiding, I had a horrific side effect to a medication and had bladder and kidney surgery that downed me for two months. Then in the fall, I had cataract surgery in both eyes that was supposed to be a “piece of cake!” But I had a reaction to the eye drops, and one of my new lenses has shifted, so I’ll be having another surgery on January 16 to rotate it back in place.

My plans to write the next book were “sidelined.” But in the midst of all the pain and setbacks, God birthed Mentoring for All Seasons: Sharing Life Experiences and God’s Faithfulness and blessed me with an amazing launch team and caring compassionate editor who understood when I couldn’t meet all the editing deadlines after the kidney surgery.

Then to my surprise and delight, I was offered an opportunity to be on the teaching staff at Mount Hermon Christian Writer’s Conference in March 2018! Mount Hermon is where I learned to write and I’m honored and humbled by this invitation.

[Tweet “Ask God for forgiveness and grace for last year’s mistakes and blunders,”]

My point is that even when the year doesn’t go like you expect or want, trust God to meet His expectations and purpose for you and let Him turn what seems so bad into good. Ask God for forgiveness and grace for last year’s mistakes and blunders, and set a new goal of living for Christ and His ways in the new year. Be sure and give Him all the glory for the things He has done in and through you, no matter how it turns out.

[Tweet “Give God all the glory for the things He has done in and through you, no matter how it turns out.”]

And that’s really how to start fresh and stay fresh every day of every new year: Establish a fresh new perspective on our relationship with God who knows our future and reminds us that our eternity is with Him!

I know I’ve probably left some important things I do off this list, but a fresh start for 2018 is achievable for all of us. Won’t you share in the comments what helps you feel motivated and enthused with the prospect of a new year!? Often the first step is telling someone else.

5 ways to a Fresh Start in the New Year helps focus on what's really important in 2018!

PS I’m still receiving stories of God calling on you to be brave or do something you couldn’t do without Him. Contact me for more information.

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*Opening graphic courtesy of Our Daily Bread which I subscribe to and read daily.

January 8, 2018
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