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What Are You Willing to Sacrifice For Your Beliefs?

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It’s good to be back with my Monday Morning Blog. I took a brief sabbatical from writing while hubby Dave had his 3rd major surgery in a year. This time it was a total shoulder replacement. If you know of anyone who has experienced this, or maybe you have, it’s no fun and requires a great deal of help from the caregiver. In our case, that would be me. So my brain was often in a fog keeping up with meds, chores, and being available 24/7. I’m happy to say we’re just over a month since surgery. He’s started physical therapy and becoming more independent even though he still is in a shoulder sling so only has the use of one arm as of this writing.

I’ve missed providing my commentary on the world’s events recently, but I’m ready to re-engage with some thoughts here. What the Lord has been showing me is the great divide that is taking place in our world today. Many have bravely exposed the source of that divide; others have remained silent counting the cost too high to speak up.

It’s no longer just a political divide. It’s a spiritual divide between good and evil and it’s invading churches, friends, and families.

This great divide isn’t new. Jesus was the Great Divider and because of that, He triggered many people who objected to what He said and did. The Bible and the Gospel triggers unbelievers. I purposely used the word “trigger” here because so often you hear pastors, teachers, school boards, even parents scolding or even punishing anyone who says something that might ‘trigger’ the opposing side or someone with a differing opinion.

Today, we see the left proposing and even justifying the use of violence if someone says something they disagree with that triggers them. We saw the ultimate culmination of that demonic thinking with the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Instead of the left backing down and acknowledging the terrible result of their violent rhetoric, they’ve doubled down with many celebrating his death or even using it as a threat against conservatives to intimidate us from questioning them and speaking our own beliefs.

Jesus warned in John 15:20 “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.”

That verse clearly sets the precedent for what Christians and conservatives are experiencing today with this cultural divide. If you’re a vocal professing Christian/conservative, you’ll probably be persecuted for your faith, values, and politics.

However, Jesus says, don’t let these persecutors intimidate or silence you because there’s also people like yourself living by a biblical worldview. If you’re willing to risk persecution and attacks to teach and share the Gospel and biblical values, other like-minded people will listen and also obey the teachings of Jesus in their personal and political lives.

Unfortunately, there are many pastors today who try to walk a neutral noncommittal line between these two groups to avoid loss of parishioners and tithing, or fear of complaints—persecution—by avoiding anything that would “trigger” someone in the congregation.

They appease the few rather than mature the flock.

I recently heard of a church where the young pastor was preaching a series on sin. Not skirting around sin but speaking directly to specific sins and what the Bible says about those sins. God hates sin and He’s not tolerant. Some congregants were so upset that they either stopped coming to church or said they would return when the series was over!!

Can you imagine that? I can. I’ve asked many times before when was the last time your pastor spoke about sins like abortion, homosexuality, adultery, same-sex marriage, lying, cheating, cursing? This brave pastor was willing to suffer the “persecution” of triggering people with the truth so he could teach those who wanted to know how to live biblically in a world that increasingly celebrates and legalizes sin.

This pastor was willing to cross over the great divide between good and evil, as every pastor should!

Jesus Triggered People Politically and Scripturally

Jesus shared the truth no matter what the cost. He knew, and even said, not everyone would accept it. The Gospel would divide people, but He didn’t come to unify, negotiate, or compromise good with evil. He came to earth and sacrificed His life on a cross to give everyone a chance to turn from his or her evil ways, repent, and follow Him. To cross over the divide from evil to good.

“Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn “‘a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law—36 a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’”  Matt. 10:33-36

Jesus was political. God created government. It was His idea.

By me kings reign
    and rulers issue decrees that are just;
16 by me princes govern,
    and nobles—all who rule on earth. Pr. 8:15-16

Jesus’ life and mission carried with it political implications. His life was ended in a political execution because He challenged the status quo of the spiritual and government political leaders of the day.

In the opening of Mark’s Gospel, we find these words, “The kingdom of God has come near.” Mark 1:15

A new kingdom threatened the Roman government leaders and the Jewish religious leaders who each had their own kingdom reigns. Jesus knew that, but He never let it stop Him.

Jesus was not afraid of appearing political. While His kingdom is much different from any earthly kingdom, He wants His followers to adhere to Matthew 6:10 “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” A prayer I pray every morning and try my best with the Lord’s help to live by and encourage others to do the same. 

Jesus was clear that the government shouldn’t interfere with the church. “Then he said to them, “So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” Matt. 22:20

America has no “separation of church and state” either. It’s a lie from the devil. You won’t find it in the Constitution or Bill of Rights. The Johnson Amendment has been revoked by President Trump so churches and nonprofits can endorse candidates and encourage congregations to vote without losing their tax exemptions.

First Liberty Institute’s win in the Supreme Court for Coach Joe several years ago meant you can pray in schools, have crosses, Ten Commandments, and manger scenes on government land. Currently, First Liberty is representing high school seniors whose schools are preventing them from putting a Bible verse or faith-based imagery on their parking spots.  No Space for Faith? Another High School Senior Told She Can’t Decorate Parking Spot with Bible Reference – News – First Liberty

Unfortunately, many churches are still acting with their hands tied for fear of appearing “political,” while we’re watching our culture crumble around us. Half of the founding fathers who wrote the Constitution had seminary degrees and a large portion of the Constitution and Bill of Rights was based on the Bible. Preachers fought in the Revolutionary War for us to have religious freedom.

Yet over the years, a country based on Judeo/Christian laws and values has watched the church adapt, accept, or even endorse cultural sins. Remain silent while ungodly politicians and laws rule our country. Schools indoctrinate our children in Marxism and sexual perversion. Doctors murder unborn babies or mutilate children. Forgetting and failing to defend our country’s creed, “In God We trust!”

What Are You Willing to Sacrifice For Your Beliefs?

It’s been refreshing to see so many Christians, even pastors, step forward and run for office because they want to make a difference. They want to turn America back to a country with a biblical worldview. If you listened to Charlie Kirk’s memorial service, you heard many politicians and cabinet members sharing not only their faith, but the Gospel. They’re criticized and polarized regularly by the media and the left, but they don’t let it stop them from serving the American people.

I know they sacrifice. They’re doxed and horrible lies said about them. Their families and they need added security because you can be sure the evil one will try to take them down just as he did with Charlie Kirk.

I personally have lost both a speaking gig at a church and a writing a column in a Christian magazine because I share my political position publicly. To know me is to know I’m a Christian Conservative with a biblical worldview.

Often, I’ll write a blog and know there will be unsubscribes, but I just share a chuckle with the Lord when the same day there’s new subscribers. Like you, not everyone in my family agrees with me, but we find love is stronger than politics. I will admit though that it can cause division just as Jesus said in Matthew 10:33-36 above.

“We’re not just here to observe culture. We’re called to influence it. That means recognizing the space where God has given you authority and learning how to move with wisdom and presence in that place. It’s one thing to know you have a calling; it’s another to understand where and how to walk it out. In Daniel 2:44, we read that the Kingdom of God will not pass away and that it will ultimately influence every other domain. That influence doesn’t float down from the clouds. It happens through people like you. People who discern their mountain and take their place as salt and light in education, business, media, arts, government, family, and faith.” Lance Wallnau

What is your calling and what will you sacrifice to live out your beliefs both spiritually and politically? The world may hate us, but a great crowd of witnesses in heaven are cheering for us!

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3

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. Is. 41:10

This is an excellent article well worth reading. There are so many great quotes; it’s hard to pick just one. Here are two from The Anglican Church’s Split: When the culture wins over Scripture.

“The pattern is clear: When the Church accommodates culture, it loses its reason for being. But when the Church stands on the Word of God, even when costly, it offers something the world cannot: truth, hope, and the unchanging Gospel of Jesus Christ.”

“A church that won’t stand on Scripture will not stand for freedom. A church that bends to culture on marriage and gender will bend on education, parenting, and religious liberty. The call is clear, hold fast to the historic faith. Do not be moved by cultural pressure. God’s truth has outlasted every empire, every ideology, every revolution. It will outlast this one.”

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

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October 27, 2025
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How “They” Killed Charlie Kirk!

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Most of us will never forget where we were when we heard that Christian apologist and freedom crusader Charlie Kirk was assassinated the day before we were to honor the memory of 9/11. I had just picked up my cell phone and the first post on my “Home” page was the video of Charlie being shot as he sat under his “Prove Me Wrong” tent taking questions from students at Utah Valley University. I wish I’d never seen it, but it’s now embedded in my memory.

I, like many of you, were in shock as I began to pray that this horrific demonic act of violence would not be fatal. I knew that Charlie had so much more work to do for the Lord and the conservative movement reaching the next generation that surely he would survive. I saw in the video that Charlie had reached for his neck and then the video went dead. It was surreal.

It wasn’t long before my daughter Kim and granddaughter Katelyn were texting me. Katelyn had attended Charlie’s Turning Point USA event at her college Boise State University last spring. She and her friends were so excited to see him in person that they arrived early and were right up front of the tent where Charlie sat. Their smiling faces appear in many videos and pictures posted on the Turning Point website. She’s a member of BSU campus Turning Point USA.

Far too soon, I received a call from my husband who heard on TV and a text from my daughter that Charlie had died. I think I said something like “Oh, God, no!” My daughter told me not to call Katelyn because she was crying and had to leave class to compose herself.

I’m sure you’ve read many tributes to Charlie’s love for his wife and young family, America, conservative values, but above all, his love and devotion to Jesus Christ and the Bible. As recent as June 29, he answered a question by host Jack Selby on “The Iced Coffee Hour” about how he wants to be remembered if “everything completely goes away?” Charlie answered, “You mean when I die? I want to be remembered for courage for my faith. That would be the most important thing. The most important thing is my faith,” he emphasized.

That’s exactly why so many Christians are mourning his tragic and untimely death. One of our brothers in Christ was felled by a radicalized deceived demented man with a targeted bullet meant to not only silence Charlie, but to silence anyone with conservative Christian values bold and courageous enough to voice and defend their beliefs in the public square.

Charlie was a fellow believer and brother in the family of God. We were thrilled for this young conservative influencer who founded Turning Point USA at eighteen and became close to President Trump and good friends with VP Vance and many of the cabinet members as well as conservative newscasters and influencers. Charlie was taking the Christian and conservative message to the corners of the earth and specifically into the lion’s den of today’s colleges.

That’s exactly why he was martyred! Many are calling it a political assassination, but it was also a spiritual assassination for his faith in Jesus Christ. Charlie vocally and unashamedly supported candidates who shared his conservative biblical values and was encouraging college students to consider those values in their own life and vote accordingly. President Trump and both his sons have publically said that Charlie was instrumental in getting out the younger generation’s vote that helped President Trump win the 2024 election and he would’ve done the same for the upcoming midterms and future elections.

In my opinion, that’s why “they,” brutally took him down. He was an influential voice “they” couldn’t control. Only 31 with a promising future. Some predicted he would be president someday. “They” couldn’t tolerate such a threat to their power.

Who Are The “They”?

Newscasters, commentary and opinion authors, podcasters, and public speakers reporting on Charlie’s assassination repeatedly pepper their discourse with the inclusive “they” because the opposition isn’t composed of a singular person, group, or entity. Yes, it seems one radicalized man shot the bullet, but who are “they” that influenced and indoctrinated him to commit such a brutal vicious satanic act? Every time I hear “they,” I ask myself, “Who are ‘they?’”

“They” is a compilation of Marxist/Communist and Islamist ideology in academia, media, social media, and government. Let’s look closer.

“They” are the college professors, schoolteachers, and administrators like assistant campus director at George Washington University who took to social media shortly after the assassination of Charlie Kirk and said it is “fair” that Kirk was gunned down due to his support of gun ownership and the Second Amendment.  “No thoughts no prayers,” the GWU employee added. 

Heather Mac Donald, Thomas W. Smith Fellow at the Manhattan Institute told Fox News Digital that it is “hard to imagine” Kirk was killed for “any other reason than that he was breaking the stranglehold of anti-Western ideology on college campuses and beyond. . . It was sadly fitting that he was killed at a college campus, and not even one known for its leftward leanings, since colleges are the seed bed of modern day speech suppression and the false equations that political contrarian speech = hate speech and that hate speech may be snuffed out—apparently by any means necessary.” 

Mac Donald continued, “The killer apparently agreed with those would-be censorers.  The self-centeredness and historical and moral ignorance of coddled American students has bloomed into something more pernicious, as the beatification of Luigi Mangione already showed.”

The suspected killer was a former Utah State University student and attended Dixie Technical College.  Was he radicalized there or maybe before? We’re aghast at Palestinian Arab children being taught antisemitic hatred and to glorify anti-Jewish terrorists or terrorists using young people as suicide bombers at early ages and yet this same hatred of Jews, Christians, conservatives, and God is being taught right here in the USA! Crooks died trying to assassinate President Trump at 20. Charlie’s shooter is 22.

“They” are the Illian Omar’s who vulgarly said Charlie brought his murder on himself for daring to speak out against wokeness and called his supporters s**t.

“They” are the governors like Walz who said our rights come from government not God. Pritzer who said Charlie’s free speech brought on his own death.

“They” are the Democrats yelling, “NO” to praying for Charlie in Congress the day he was murdered as one Republican congresswoman yelled out “you caused this.” I agree “they” absolutely have caused Charlie’s death with their radical, liberal, godless, immoral policies, and violent rhetoric.

“They” are the Democrats’ spouting hypocrisy with canned statements of “there’s no place for political violence.” They were the very ones calling for violence against conservatives, putting a bullseye or 86 target on President Trump with 2 assassination attempts. They told restaurants and businesses to say conservatives weren’t welcome. They were silent while Teslas and dealerships were vandalized, and cities burned during rioting protests. They’ve called Trump, Charlie, and MAGA followers a Nazis cult, fascists, KKK, racists, white supremacists, toxic, deplorables, Christian nationalists, right-wing extremists, and an existential threat to democracy, terms algorithms pick up and flood the phone screens of the impressionable and unstable.  

If Charlie was a liberal, there would’ve been violence in the streets across the nation condoned by the left. But what did our side do? We held prayer vigils across America and 17 countries, with police protection from liberal harassing protestors. That’s the difference between “they” and us.

“They” are the liberal progressive left who have tried to redefine morality and rewrite the foundations and history of our country, eradicate the Constitution, deny the biological reality of two sexes, legalize the murder of innocent babies, destroy the family, emasculate men, sexualize children, and eliminate God from the culture.

“They” are the liberal lying legacy media propaganda. Here’s a summary from the Media Research Center and a few I added of how some of them reacted to Charlie’s assassination:

Some outlets showed basic decency. But the usual suspects fell back into their worst habits. MSNBC’s Ken Dilanian blamed Trump’s immigration enforcement for stretching FBI resources, as if border policy caused Charlie’s murder. Nicole Wallace claimed democracy itself made it harder to track domestic threats, twisting mourning into an indictment of voters.

CBS Morning Host Burleson asked former speaker Keven McCarthy, “Speaking of this tragedy, is this a moment for your party to reflect on political violence? Is it a moment for us to think about the responsibility of our political leaders and their voices and what it does to the masses as they get lost in misinformation or disinformation that turns in, and spills into, political violence?”

ABC’s Kyra Phillips recited a laundry list of Charlie’s “controversial” statements — DEI, Jews, women, LGBTQ, people of color — as though disagreement justified violence. Aaron Katersky suggested Charlie’s presence “divided the campus,” ignoring the overwhelming majority who welcomed him.

At CNN, Oliver Darcy smeared conservatives for “partisan gain” while himself reducing Charlie to a “right-wing activist” with “contrarian” views. This is the Alinsky playbook: accuse others of what you are guilty of.

MSNBC host Matthew Dowd was fired for his comments right after the shooting, “He’s been one of the most divisive, especially divisive younger figures in this, who is constantly sort of pushing this sort of hate speech or sort of aimed at certain groups. And I always go back to, hateful thoughts lead to hateful words, which then lead to hateful actions,” blaming Charlie for being assassinated. Cold. Evil.

MRC concludes, “These responses reveal what we already know: the media’s ideology outweighs their humanity. Even in tragedy, they cannot rise above their loathing of the right. This is the challenge we face. The political Left and their media allies have normalized hostility, treating conservatives as enemies rather than fellow Americans. It must end.”

“They” are the late-night liberal hosts who have turned what once was comedy into a constant barrage against President Trump, Republicans, and conservatives.

“They” are social media where people are exposed to hate and vitriol, especially if you hold conservative views. Young people are often indiscriminate on who and what they follow. Friends of Charlie’s killer say he was radicalized in “the deep dark corners of the internet, the Reddit culture.”

“They” are BOT Farms, which I just learned about. Bots, not real people but electronic BOTS programmed to respond automatically on social media to escalate furor. Russia uses BOTS as does China especially on Tik Tok. Large facilities where people work to inflame situations to damage the US.

“They” are the dehumanizing gaming industry glorifying killing and death that many young men, including the assassin, are addicted to like cocaine.

“They” are those who are fostering and financing politics as a cultural rage.

“They” are the evil side of the spiritual war we now find ourselves embroiled in and to which Charlie Kirk became a wounded warrior. Charlie fought the battle with grace, joy, humility, wisdom, honesty, persuasion, and truth, yet “they” killed him. The Bible clearly defines what fuels “they.”

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:10-12)

The “They’s” Killed Charlie Kirk, But We Will Carry On His Legacy!

“There is an enormous difference between hate speech and speech that ‘they’ hate!” Pastor Craig Adams

One or more of the above “theys,” conceived and manipulated by the powers of darkness and spiritual forces of evil, influenced Charlie’s assassin. Who knows which “they” influenced the killer most, but it was probably a combination of many or maybe even others.

Evil hates good. Satan hates Christians. Charlie was a fearless and bold Christian who unashamedly shared how to become a faithful follower of Jesus Christ. While he was firm and resolute in his delivery, you never heard him lose his temper, yell, or swear. He was courteous and kind even to those who disagreed vehemently with him. He was a bridge between both sides, with many saved at his TPUSA events.

Minds and hearts were changed to embrace Christian conservative values. Satan hated Charlie for that and for his biblical worldview. The devil found a willing soul to radicalize and fill with deadly hate to the point of killing in cold blood someone he’d never met. He could’ve picked up the microphone to debate with Charlie, but instead he cowardly picked up a gun to viciously kill him.

Charlie would want us to pray for his killer to be saved. He always said to pray for your enemies, which is something hard for most of us to do right now in our righteous anger and grief for a precious life taken far too soon.

“Conservatives will not be silenced,” Heather Mac Donald, told Fox News Digital, adding that Kirk “would not have been silenced” so conservatives should “emulate his courage.”

Mac Donald added, “It is a cliché and self-serving to say: they fear us because we are winning, but presumably, there is less of a perceived need to efface someone who is losing a cause anyway. Kirk was feared because he was winning.”

Charlie is still a winner! He has received a martyr’s crown with Jesus hugging him and welcoming him into heaven as a good and faithful servant. In Charlie’s own words, “All death can do to the believer is deliver him to Jesus.”

We’ll see you soon Charlie, but until then we’ll carry the torch of freedom and faith you passed down to us. We are Charlies Now! We are Onward Christian Soldiers!

Anyone who has followed my writings knows I’ve been sounding the call for the church, and that means Christians, to bravely and boldly take a stand for God and truth in the public square. I’ve also said that good can never unite or compromise with evil.

The battle lines are clearly drawn, and every American must choose if you’re on the Devil’s side of evil and violence or if you’re in the Lord’s army. Are you with the “they” side or are you on the Lord’s side? There’s no middle ground.

For those on the Lord’s side, we will not be shaken. We will not be silenced. We will put on the armor of God, take up the Word of God the “sword of the Spirit,” and we will prayerfully fight for Jesus’ Truth and Righteousness in this spiritual battle until the Lord returns.

Sweet Testimony from the Next Generation!

I leave you with the words of my nineteen-year-old granddaughter Katelyn when I asked if she had seen Erika Kirk’s eulogy to her husband. Here was my sweet Katelyn’s response. She represents the young “Charlie’s” who will continue his legacy.

“She [Erika] is so inspiring that in the face of true evil and probably the biggest tragedy she will ever have to face, she still said God is good and even though she doesn’t know what this means, He does. She’s truly an incredible and strong woman and 100% the type of woman I want to be. But ya know it was still really sad.”—Katelyn Mancini

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September 15, 2025
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7 Ways Satan Stops You From Reading Your Bible

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Satan works overtime in trying to stop us from reading our Bible because he knows better than anyone that it’s God’s written Word, “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Eph. 6:17). It’s our only offensive weapon in spiritual warfare. A treasure chest of wisdom, teaching, knowledge, encouragement, and equipping for service in God’s earthly kingdom. The Bible is a love letter to those who believe in Jesus Christ and a spiritual resource for seekers.

We may not even recognize Satan’s assault on our lives with deception, distraction, and discouragement. But when we become aware of the enemy’s tactics, we can neutralize him. Here are seven ways Satan tries to keep your Bible closed and strategies to outmaneuver him.

  1. Not Taking Your Bible to Church

      As the pastor prepared to start his sermon, he told anyone who needed a Bible to raise their hand and they’d be given one to keep. No hands went up! The parishioners knew that every Scripture the pastor used in his sermons was on a handout in the church bulletin, as well as projected on screens at the front of the church. Why would they need a Bible?

      Sadly, this has become the norm in many churches today. Congregants become passive instead of participants, as they’re spoon-fed Scriptures and feel there’s no reason to bring their Bible to church. Can churches still be considered “Bible churches” when no one opens a Bible, sometimes not even the pastor?

      Regardless if your church projects Scriptures on a screen, take your Bible to church and look up Scriptures the pastor uses in his sermon. Make notes in the margin or underline passages in your Bible that God uses to speak to you. If you’re not sure where a book in the Bible is located, check the Table of Contents. The more you interact with your Bible, the quicker you’ll learn your way around it. Some people put index tabs in their Bibles to locate the various books. You may prefer having a Bible on your phone instead of a hard copy, but still open and read from it.

      I’m fortunate to attend a church where people bring their Bibles. What a blessing to hear Bible pages turning and the joy this must bring to our Lord.

      As we grow in our maturity and relationship with Jesus, taking our Bibles to church, looking up Scriptures, writing notes in our Bible, reading along in our Bibles also sets a godly role model for our children and grandchildren. Flashing Scriptures on a screen or printing them in a handout often tossed after church, will never replace knowing and reading the written Word of God from your personal Bible.

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

      2. Dark Churches

      Several years ago, I wrote an article “Why Is the Church Going Dark?” The single most repeated comment was from people complaining they couldn’t read their Bible in dark churches. Even though churches may slightly raise the lights during the sermon, it often isn’t sufficient to locate or read Scriptures in your Bible. Many said they gave up and relied on the screens.

      Usually, the justification given for a dark church is to attract the younger generation. I haven’t seen any studies supporting that premise. Church youth rooms are brightly lit. We’re called to mentor the next generation using God’s Word to teach them the value of knowing and reading their Bible to develop their own personal relationship with the Lord. Sitting in a dark room looking at a screen, or maybe at their phones, robs them of the opportunity to discover and interact with the intertwining wonders, prophecies, symbolisms, and foreshadowing of Jesus in the Bible.

      Some parishioners say they prefer it dark so they can worship without being seen or distracted, but one of the purposes of church is corporate worship and fellowship with the family of God. Families don’t sit at home in the dark. If you attend a dark church and you can’t read your Bible, talk to the pastoral staff and ask them to turn up the lights during the sermon.

      Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. Ps. 119:105

      3. Relying on Devotionals

      Like many of you, I enjoy reading a daily devotional in my quiet time with the Lord. But it can become expedient and convenient to read the devotional without ever opening your Bible. We might be tempted to let the devotional suffice as our daily Bible reading, especially when time is limited. If this becomes a regular habit, we could go days, weeks, months, or even years without ever reading from our Bible.

      Devotionals often include Scripture references without printing out all the specific verses. This sneaky way looks good, but also keeps your Bible closed, and that’s not good. One way to interact with a devotional is to look up in your own Bible all the Scriptures referenced and read them in context from the Bible. Ask God how He wants to apply the passages to your life, not just from the devotional author’s perspective.

      A devotional is inspirational, but it’s the author’s viewpoint and discernment on a particular Scripture or passage. Someone else’s interpretation of verses they’ve read in their Bible. God wants us to study, read, and research in our own Bibles. Never let devotionals replace devotion to your Bible. Devotionals have their place, but let it be said of us . . .

      I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word. Ps. 119:16

      4. Time Pressures

      We live in a fast-paced, urgent, and over-committed world. God definitely doesn’t want us racing through life with pressures that don’t offer an opportunity to sit for a moment and read a few words from Him before we head into our day. Satan does want us living over-committed and stressed. He wants us to struggle through days with a heavy burden that causes many to turn to unhealthy addictions instead of to God who says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matt. 11:28

      Satan tells us to get up and get going or we’re a slacker and a loser. God says, give me a few minutes of your time and I’ll help you enjoy the day relaxed, refreshed, and productive. Some people, like me, wakeup with a to-do list on our mind or fresh ideas for a project. We’re tempted to make coffee or tea and get to work. Maybe you identify. I’ve learned if I take a few moments to open my Bible and ask God to reveal His plans for me through His Word, my day goes smoother and often a Scripture will be exactly what I needed.

      Remember your word to your servant, for you have given me hope. Ps. 119:49

      5. Don’t Know Where to Start

      The Bible can seem intimidating when you first begin reading. It’s actually a compilation of 66 separate books! Maybe you’ve tried starting at the beginning in Genesis and the reading goes well until you get to Leviticus and Numbers. Satan plants doubt in your mind of why everyone is so inspired with this Book of animal sacrifices and genealogies. Soon the Bible is back on the shelf collecting dust.

      Instead of abandoning the Bible, reach out for help. Mentoring from a spiritually mature believer can offer suggestions and guidance like starting with a Life Application Bible, which offers explanations and ideas of how to personalize Scriptures.

      Unfortunately, there aren’t many Christian bookstores available to peruse and look at different Bible translations, but you can shop on websites with peak inside views to find a translation that resonates with you. When I first started reading the Bible, I actually chose an illustrated Children’s Bible and I recommend this even for adults. Jesus tells us to come to Him as little children. Eventually, you can progress to a more mature translation that suits you best.

      Joining a Bible study at church allows you to study and learn different books of the Bible with fellow believers who share wisdom and discernment in how to apply Scripture to life and world events.

      The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. Ps. 119:130

      6. Feeling Like a Failure on a Reading Plan

      It’s a new year and you’re going to read the entire Bible in a year! You have the best of intentions. Maybe you select a daily reading plan with some of the Old and New Testament, adding in a Psalm and Proverb.  You’re excited and stay on track for the first few weeks, then life happens. You miss a few days and feel the serpent chiding with thoughts like, “You’re never going to make it through the year.” Or, “You’re so far behind, you’ll never catch up now. You might as well just give up.” Or, “Why do you want to do this anyway? It’s too much.”

      Sound familiar? It does to me. Here are some suggestions.

      • Join an online group reading the Bible in a year to provide encouragement that you can do it.
      • Put your Bible in a place where you see it as a reminder to pick it up and start reading.
      • Ask a friend or family member to join you. Doing things together is always better.
      • Some people are auditory learners and do better listening, so find a reading plan online that offers auditory daily Bible reading. I like to use my ear buds and listen to the Bible while I’m walking or on the treadmill. There’s usually sound effects and different people reading various roles with inflection and emotion. The Bible comes to life.
      • Even when you fall behind, keep going. No rule or statute commands reading the entire Bible in a year. Maybe it’ll take a couple of years. That’s okay. Every time you do read, God will speak to you in a new fresh way or reveal something you hadn’t noticed in the last reading of the same passage. An adventure with God. He’s not grading you on how fast you read; He just wants you to do it!

      I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have put my hope in your word. Ps. 119:147

      7. You Doubt If the Bible Is Relevant or Inerrant

      One of Satan’s most notorious lies to convince you not to read your Bible is to plant the seed in your mind that it’s an archaic book of fables written by men and has no use or relevancy in today’s modern culture. Sadly, even some pastors and theologians have fallen into Satan’s snare and abandoned the timeless inerrancy of the Word of God.

      G. Campbell Morgan once preached a sermon titled “Famine for the Word of God.” He said maybe there was someone in the congregation who, “You have become hardened to the touch of God, unconscious of the fact of God; and though His Word is living and quick and powerful, and sharper than a two-edged sword, it fails to affect you.”

      When we stop reading our Bibles, we’ll suffer the fate of spiritual famine by losing our appetite for God’s Word, the bread of life (John 6:35). “The time is surely coming,” says the Sovereign Lord, “when I will send a famine on the land—not a famine of bread or water but of hearing the words of the Lord.” Amos 8:11 NLT

      Just as Jesus used Scripture to respond to Satan’s temptations in the desert before Jesus started His ministry (Matthew 4:1-11), the best way to combat Satan’s lies is with God’s own Words.

      God wrote all Scripture through human willing hands and hearts. 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. 2 Tim. 3:16-17 NLT

      Jesus Christ is the Eternal Word of God. In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. John 1:2 NLT

      Jesus and the Bible never change. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Heb. 13:8 NLT

      No one should ever add or subtract from the timeless inerrant Bible. And I solemnly declare to everyone who hears the words of prophecy written in this book: If anyone adds anything to what is written here, God will add to that person the plagues described in this book. Rev. 22:18 NLT

      We never reach a place in our faith where we know it all. God’s Word is new every morning and every reading. Never let Satan lie to you that the Bible is intimidating because the truth is that God’s Word is always inspiring! f you want to hear God, you need to engage with Him through the way He communicates: Prayer and His Word, the Holy Bible.

      “If we want to grow in our love for the Lord, we must draw near to Him through His Word. As we learn to know Him intimately, our love will increase and we’ll desire to obey. Unless we invest in Scripture, our fervor for the Lord will fall short of what it could be. And if you ever feel disappointed that your love for Christ seems small, open the Word of God and obey whatever He says, He will abide with you and disclose Himself, thereby increasing your capacity to love and know Him more.” Dr. Charles Stanley, In Touch Magazine, April 3, 2018

      A revealing of Jesus, the Messiah. God gave it to make plain to his servants what is about to happen. He published and delivered it by Angel to his servant John. And John told everything he saw: God’s Word— the witness of Jesus Christ! How blessed the reader! How blessed the hearers and keepers of these oracle words, all the words written in this book! Time is just about up. Revelation 1:1-3 The Message

      Please leave your comment here.
      You might also be interested in my latest Crosswalk article as the summer starts winding down. 4 Ways to Get Back into Church and Spiritual Practices after a Busy Summer

      August 18, 2025
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      Legislating Morality: A Christian Duty

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      I’m going to do something a little different in today’s Monday Morning Blog. I want to share an article about a very important duty for Christians: taking a stand for morality in the public square. That means advocating and voting for moral laws while opposing immoral laws. Morality is NOT subjective to the individual. Morality is absolutely and unquestionably defined by the Bible not the government or a person.

      Today, we’re watching rampant immorality in the streets of every city often displayed by acts of violence most notably lately by young children. What kind of moral upbringing did these thugs get in their homes if any?! Yes, we can blame it on the parents, but we can also blame it on the church. When’s the last time your pastor talked about the blatant immorality in our culture today, often being re-enforced by immoral laws?

      Maybe you’re one of those people who say you don’t bother yourself with “political issues.” Well I’m going to challenge you. That kind of thinking is immoral. It’s exactly why we see random shootings escalating, violence against innocent people in the streets, and car jackings. Children groomed and indoctrinated in schools to irrationally and immorally think that they can do the impossible and change their gender. Sex trafficking of children in America is at the highest level in any country on our watch!

      I’ve mentioned before that I pray every morning with Pastor Jack Hibbs on his daily Lift Scripture prayer time. What an amazing way to start the day. Several days ago, he pointed out something very interesting in Philippians 3:20 “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.” The word “citizenship” in the Greek in this passage is actually the word “politics.”

      Yes, we are citizens of heaven and one way we should be living that out on earth is through our politics. You and I can each make a difference if we step out of our comfort zone and into our Christian citizenship persona.

      Understanding Morals

      “Understanding morals is crucial for our daily lives as Christians. Morals guide us on how to live in the way that pleases God. They help us discern right from wrong, ensuring that we uphold the values and standards outlined in the Bible. By understanding the essence of morals, we align our actions and decisions with God’s will for us. The Bible offers wisdom and guidance in moral living and serves as a compass for us, directing our paths as we navigate through life’s choices. When we seek to embody these morals, we reflect God’s character and promote goodness in the world around us.”

      I could go on and on. We are becoming Sodom and Gomorrah in a country once known for its Judeo/Christian values and morals. Here is the article I wanted to share, “Why Legislate Morality?” that I received in an email from Kent DelHousaye, Director of Church Engagement for Idaho Family Policy Center. I hope you’ll ponder and pray about how it might apply to you and what you could do to be a changing force in your sphere of influence.

      Friends,  
      A common objection to the idea of promoting biblically sound public policy is that it’s not mission-critical or even worthwhile for Christians and churches to get involved in “legislating morality.” But is this objection accurate?

      In short, NO. This kind of thinking is just wrong. There are actually seven reasons why we SHOULD care about “legislating morality.”

      1. All legislation is moral. The only question is whose morality will be codified? There is always a moral agenda behind every piece of legislation, just as there are moral implications for every law that is adopted. The issue for us is simply whether we prefer a law that reflects a godly morality or worldly morality.

      2. In a relativistic culture, accepted moral standards are determined by the laws that are passed, so the laws SERVE as the moral code of that society. If we want the ethical code of our society to be God-honoring, then we must seek to pass godly laws.

      3. As Christians, moral neutrality is not an option for us. If we believe in the lordship of Christ over all things, then his lordship includes government and law. If government is God’s domain, then government and its laws must serve his purposes.

      4. Since the church is a bulwark against evil, abstention from the political domain is not an option for us as it cedes the public square to ungodly leaders who co-opt it and use it for their own unfettered wicked purposes in the world.

      5. Our political silence makes us complicit. Failing to speak up about evil and injustice in society undermines our credibility and our witness in the world. It implies that we are either indifferent to — or, even worse, on board with — whatever immoral laws are being passed.

      6. Passing godly legislation is not in itself the solution to the wickedness of the human heart. However, moral conviction is often shaped by moral instruction. In other words, adopting laws which teach society to do the right things can often lead society to desire the right things.

      7. Godly legislation is a form of evangelism. Passing God-honoring legislation glorifies God by putting his character and commands on public display for all to see who God is and how his kingdom works.

      Bottom line, all legislation legislates some sort of morality—so whose morality are we legislating? Last but not least, watch this clip of IFPC President Blaine Conzatti on the Canon+ Man Rampant show responding to the question, “Can you legislate morality?” I highly recommend you give it a watch and a share!

      Standing for morality,
      Kent DelHousaye Director of Church Engagement

      He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. – Micah 6:8

      To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice. – Pr. 21:3

      The Lord detests the way of the wicked, but he loves those who pursue righteousness. Pr. 15:9

      Opening picture from the Idaho Family Policy Center article.

      Please leave your comment here.

      August 11, 2025
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      God is Always Watching: The Importance of Integrity

      6

      When I was a little girl, I can still hear my mother cautioning me to do the right thing even when she wasn’t around because, “God is always watching!”

      When I speak and write on mentoring I often say that the people parents mentor the most, even if it’s not intentional, are their children. Are you the woman today you want your daughter to become? Are you the man you want your son to become? Do you have the marriage you want your children to have? Because even when you’re not thinking about it, little eyes are watching how you act, what you say, how generous you are.

      As Christians, does your walk match your talk? Are you the same person during the week as you are on Sunday morning at church?

      A big responsibility you say. Yes, being a parent is the biggest responsibility you’ll ever have in life, unless you’re also a Christian and then how you represent Christ will top all other responsibilities while influencing everything you do.

      This past week, we’ve seen a number of breaches of integrity being revealed, some literally in the dark and some out in the open.

      Let’s start first with Chip and Joanna Gaines who built a financial empire with their “Fixer Upper” program. Their Magnolia merchandise is carried predominately at Target, as well as in their own stores. They’ve presented themselves as a wholesome family with Christian values and many adored them, even in my own family. Then recently they branched out into a new Magnolia Network series “Back To The Frontier” and all the Christian beliefs they portrayed in the past went out the window when they decided to attract a broader woke “progressive” audience. Just like every other program that has embraced the alphabet mafia, they included two “married” gay men who had adopted two boys.

      When their shocked Christian audience and supporters called them out on deviating from biblical values, they doubled down right out of the liberal LGBTQ+ playbook calling Bible-believing Christians hateful and unloving. But what they were really saying is the Bible is hateful and unloving because the Bible has plenty to say about marriage (Gen. 2:24, Mark 10:6-9) and sexual sin (Lev. 18:22, Lev. 20:13, Rom. 26-27, 1 Cor. 6:9-10, Jude 1:7). So they weren’t just disparaging Christians, they were blaspheming God’s Word.

      In Forsaken God? Remembering The Goodness of God Our Culture Has Forgotten, I wrote about what can happen when the church succumbs to the world normalizing sin. There is no such thing as a “progressive” Christian or church because that actually describes a progressive fall away from God. “Woke” is simply the current word used for worldly and wicked.

      Here’s a short excerpt from my book.
      “God’s ways never change no matter the century—his ways are timeless and perfect and designed for our good, not our harm. Regardless of how the populace or government tries to redefine or politicize morality, immorality always is detestable to God, as it should be to every Bible-believing Christian, and that’s what we must share with the next generation. When they ask why is sexual immorality worse than other sins? We answer them: Because it violates God’s holy temple—our body—created in his image, which is why he tells us to, “Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body. Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies” (1 Cor. 6:18-20). We need to have these kinds of conversations straight from Scripture with our children and grandchildren.

      Satan is hijacking high-profile liberal pastors and several mainline denominations who expound that: the Bible isn’t inerrant or relevant, God is a myth, Jesus is a legend, and the church needs to catch up with the culture. Essentially, they’re atheists trying to mask themselves as “progressive Christians,” as if they’ve discovered the true, open-minded Christianity that doesn’t need the Bible. Wolves in sheep’s clothing—straight out of Titus 1:15-16. Culture never trumps Scripture. Even if you’ve been a member for years of one of these denominations or churches that now succumbs to this unbiblical, satanical teaching—run—leave immediately, and take your family with you.

      The ‘liberals’ defiantly ignore Jesus’ warning that Christians are in the world, but not of the world. And Jesus didn’t come to conform to the culture; he came to reform the culture.”

      I don’t know what made the Gaines conform to the culture and normalize sin. Was it all the money they made from Target who supported the alphabet merchandise right next to theirs and the Gaines never spoke out against it? Was it the desire to make more money at the expense of losing their biggest base, Christians? Read more here.

      You can agree or disagree with this statement, but when we watch high-profile pastors, ministers, worship leaders, influencers who claim to be Christians fall prey to Satan’s worldly cultural agenda, you have to question if they were ever truly saved? Did they ever have a born-again experience? Because if they did, the Holy Spirit would be residing in their heart telling them not to go the way of the world. When the powers of darkness takeover a mind, it will spin it to whatever political or cultural narrative they desire.

      And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. Eph. 4:30 NLT

      “If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” 1 John 2:15

       “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God?” Gal. 1:10

      See that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son. Heb. 12:16

      “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” John 14:15

      God knows. God is ALWAYS watching!

      Next, we see the apparent adulterous couple caught on a Kiss-Cam Jumbotron at a Coldplay concert where they thought they could hide their discretions amongst thousands of people. But there they were exposed on the big screen hugging not just for the concert people to see, but as they tried to hide, one of the performers laughingly said they were either camera shy or having an affair. These were two high profile people at a company and the married man who was a CEO has already resigned and embarrassed his company.

      “For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known. Therefore whatever you have spoken in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have spoken in the ear in inner rooms will be proclaimed on the housetops.” Luke 12:2-3

      “Woe to those who seek deep to hide their counsel far from the Lord, and their works are in the dark; they say, ‘Who sees us?’ and, ‘Who knows us?’” Is. 29:15

      God Knows. God is ALWAYS watching!

      Then we see the exposure of a former president and his administration manufacturing a hoax against his successor that they thought would never be revealed. They didn’t hide their trail very well. Everything the Obama administration was treasonously doing, they tried to convince the American public that Trump was doing. They must’ve been so sure they could take him down even after he was elected, that they got sloppy as all the memos and emails of this “treasonous conspiracy” are being revealed now.  

      They failed twice. First with Trump being elected in 2016 and he probably also won in 2020, but their trickery worked that year. Hard as they tried to scheme and use lawfare to keep him out of the White House again, he won with a landslide lead in 2024, even after narrow escapes from assassination attempts.

      How could they not know the man they had so wrongly persecuted for the past ten years would eventually find them out? He is now much wiser to how low the dark deep state will go to try to maintain/regain power. But the American people are also wiser.

      I just saw a meme: “Trump and Russia were the only ones NOT involved in the Russia Russia Russia hoax!” We laugh, but it’s diabolically sad that the media also propagated the lies that so many believed.

      “For nothing concealed will not be disclosed, nor hidden that will not be known.” Luke 8:17

      “Therefore do not fear them. For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed and hidden that will not be known.” Matt. 10:26

      God knows. God is ALWAYS watching!

      What Can We Learn From All of These Revelations?

      I want to share with you what Devin Schubert wrote on Facebook regarding the Kiss Cam event, but it applies to everything we do as Christians as Schubert aptly concludes. I couldn’t say it any better.

      “The kiss cam exposed more than a couple.

      • It exposed a truth we forget far too often:
      • Influence doesn’t turn off.
      • Not when you leave the office.
      • Not when the lights go down.
      • Not even when you think no one’s watching.
      • At a Coldplay concert this week, a CEO and his HR director got caught on camera.
      • Not at work.
      • Not on stage.
      • Just… in the crowd.
      • But that one moment of closeness?
      • Broadcasted to a stadium.
      • Then to the internet.
      • Then to the world.
      • Within hours, people had names, LinkedIn titles, marriage records, screenshots, apologies—real and fake.
      • Comments got shut down.
      • Accounts went private.
      • And the truth came crashing in:
      • What you do in secret eventually shows up in public.
      • What you build behind closed doors will always echo… good or bad.
      • Someone is always watching.
      • And someone is always learning from you.
      • So here’s what I want to say to every leader, coach, speaker, parent, entrepreneur, pastor, builder of anything:
      • Make sure your influence is worth following.
      • ✅Not just impressive—but integral.
      • ✅Not just polished—but pure.
      • ✅Not just inspiring—but honest.
      • Because you don’t lose influence overnight.
      • You lose it in quiet compromises.
      • And you gain it the same way.
      • One decision at a time.
      • One “no one’s watching” moment at a time.
      • Let this moment remind us:
      • You can influence with courage, or you can influence with compromise.
      • You can build for applause, or you can build for the Kingdom.
      • But only one lasts.
      • God sees what the cameras miss.
      • He rewards what man forgets.
      • And yes… grace is real, please don’t forget!
      • But so are consequences.
      • So lead well.
      • Live worthy.
      • Influence like it matters… because it always does.
      • We are people of legacy.
      • People of integrity.
      • And people of the Kingdom.
      • Let’s carry that with honor.” Devin Schubert

      Integrity and character are who you are when you think no one is watching!

      God knows. God is ALWAYS watching!

      The eyes of the LORD are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good. Pr. 15:3

      You have set our iniquities before You, our secret sins in the light of Your countenance. Ps. 90:8

      For Self-Reflection

      I saw the following posted on a friend’s Facebook page and thought it was so appropriate for all of us. We don’t know who the original author is . . .

      “The other day I was hanging out with a friend. This friend is a Christian, but she doesn’t always act, speak or think like one. Some days she is nearly completely in line with God’s Word, and some days her life is a struggle that gets the best of her.

      As our eyes met, I really wanted to say something about it but I decided to let the Lord speak to her heart knowing nothing that I say will have the same impact as the Father’s words.

      So…. I prayed with her, and after some time had passed I winked at her and walked away from the mirror.

      I try every day and I fail every day. I am so not perfect, I am a work in progress and I’m thankful for God’s grace and His promises to His believers.”

      God Knows. God is ALWAYS watching!

      “He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.” Pr. 28:13

      Please leave a comment here!

      July 21, 2025
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      Make the Church Bold and Courageous Again!

      2

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

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

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

      History of the Johnson Amendment

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

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

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

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

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

      We Must Pray!

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

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

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

      Friends,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

      Standing for a bold and courageous church,

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

      Warrior Pastors

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

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

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

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

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

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

      Please leave your comments here.

      July 14, 2025
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      When The Law Becomes Political Instead of Justice

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

      Then Victory!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

      What Does the Bible Say to Us About Justice?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

      June 30, 2025
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      “We Love You God!”—President Donald J Trump

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

      The Power of Our Prayers!

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

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

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

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

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

      The Bible Speaks to Us Today!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

      Resembles our dark times today.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

      Please leave a comment here.

      June 23, 2025
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      5 Prayers When You Need Peace and Calm

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

      Courage is Fear that Prays and Calls on God.

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

      1. Take Your Worries to the Lord

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

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

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

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

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

      2. Believe God Hears Your Prayers

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

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

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

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

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

      3. Pray with Expectancy and Anticipation

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

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

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

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

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

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

      4. Remain Wise and Discerning

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

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

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

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

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

      5. Look for Opportunities to Comfort Others

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

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

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

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

      After You’ve Prayed . . .

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

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

      Please leave a comment here.

      June 16, 2025
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      When the Church Loses Its Voice, the World Loses Its Mind!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

      When Will the Church Find Its Voice?

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

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

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

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

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

      We Can’t be Afraid of the Sinners

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

      June 9, 2025
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