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We’re Living in the Birth Pangs of the Endtimes

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We’ve become so accustomed, maybe even numbed, to chaos and craziness in our world today that we may be missing the warning signs that God is giving us as He brings His Word, the Bible, to life. Conservatives and Christians claim not to tolerate evil, yet we haven’t done much to stop it over the years. As a church, we’ve almost become compliant. Complacent.

Satan is rapidly taking advantage of the lull before the storm.

I could list many areas, but I’ll limit to two today, where I feel we’re in the birth pangs of the pre-endtimes before the Lord will usher in the seven-year tribulation (Dan. 9:27, Matt 24:21, Rev. 7:14). Both dead and living true believers and followers of Jesus Christ will be raptured to meet Christ in the air before the horrendous treacherous tribulation actually starts (1 Thess. 4:16-17, 1 Cor. 15:51-52).

By true believer, I don’t mean calling yourself a “Christian” because you grew up in a Christian family or go to church faithfully on Sunday. I don’t mean religious or a theologian. I mean born again! Heart cleansing, Holy-spirit filled, life change. A repentant follower. A believer that Jesus died on the cross for your sins and rose again in three days and that Jesus is the ONLY way to salvation and eternal life and you have asked for and received His merciful forgiveness.

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

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

I often wonder, how much worse is the Lord going to let it get before He says enough?!

The Bible is clear that none of us can predict the day or time of the rapture. It could come while I’m writing this blog or while you’re reading it. But God does say there will be signs we are to take notice of and do something about NOW while we have breath. The Bible tells us to be salt and light in a dark and hurting world, not sit home trying to shield ourselves from the chaos or ignore the evil of those signs.

“You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. John 5:13-14

Satan has a way of convincing us that if it doesn’t affect me or my family personally, I don’t want to or need to get involved. Or infusing us with false humility. “Who am I to make a difference? What could I possibly do? I’m just an ordinary person trying to get by in a world gone crazy.”

Those thoughts or excuses aren’t from God.

I’m reminded of Amos 3:7 “Indeed, the Sovereign Lord never does anything until he reveals his plans to his servants the prophets.” I don’t claim to be a prophet, and you might not be either, but we are His servants. I’ve been gifted with a discerning spirit and have spent the past 31 years serving the Lord in About His Work Ministries. I see and hear things I’m not expecting and the Lord wakes me up at night before I write a blog and tells me what He wants me to write. It’s not always easy to write or read, but there are specific and tough verses in the Bible that we can’t ignore.

So that’s the intro into what I want you to think about in this blog. I’ll just cover a couple birth pangs here, but there are more.

  • Wars

 And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately. 7 Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world. Matt. 24:6-7 NLT

President Trump has been settling many wars, but the Ukraine/Russia war rages on because the country’s two leaders cannot agree on how to stop it.

Currently, America is involved with our ally Israel in toppling an Islamic tyrannical regime in Iran who sought to annihilate both of our countries. I wrote about this in last week’s blog if you haven’t read it. After 47 Years of Bondage God is Using Our 47th President Prophetically in Iran.

It’s worth noting that 53 House Democrats voted against a resolution declaring Iran a state sponsor of terror, even though during the Biden Administration a similar resolution garnered 100% vote in favor. “That’s 53 Democrats who have lost their minds.” Karoline Leavittt.

Senator Fetterman was the lone Senate Democrat to vote against a Democrat sponsored resolution seeking to limit Trump’s war powers.  

“I don’t know why we can’t just be honest,” Fetterman said. Good question!

  • The Rise of a False Christianity

“The time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching… and will turn away from the truth.”  2 Timothy 4:3–4

The Democrat party has been steadily moving toward an anti-God agenda and losing the Christian vote. They’ve paid consultant firms millions of dollars to try to win Christians back, but because they’ve denounced a biblical worldview, Satan has become their advisor.

Johnathan McCullough Sr. Founder of Urban Conservatives of America, whose motto is “Lover of God, family, and country. Advocate of truth,” says, “The entire Political establishment on the left is demonic.” Not that it should matter, but it seems today it does with all the false claims of racism, Johnathan McCullough Sr. is black, another demographic the Democrats are losing.

When I read McCullough’s statement, it echoed what I’ve been saying now for a long time. Tell me one thing Democrats stand for that’s biblical? Their entire platform is anti-God and hate Trump.

But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people. 2 Tim. 3:1-5

The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but the heart of the fool to the left. Even as fools walk along the road, they lack sense and show everyone how stupid they are. Ecc. 10:2-3

Blue run states and cities have the highest crime rate in America. They support lawlessness by making themselves sanctuary cities for criminals and Soros backed DA’s. They made their priority clear during the State of the Union when they refused to stand to agree that government’s most important job is to protect American citizens and not illegals and criminals. Of course, they couldn’t stand for that because they do just the opposite.

I keep asking when John Fetterman is going to leave the Democrat party because he seems to be the only one who is bucking the evil coming from that side.

Detroit, Michigan State Representative Karen Whitsett, announced she’s leaving the Democrat party at the end of her term because she could no longer be a Christian and represent the Democrat’s policies.

“For me, it is impossible to be a faithful follower of Jesus Christ while remaining a member of the Democratic Party as it exists today. I cannot reconcile that platform with Scripture,” she said. “Those who understand, understand. Those who don’t, don’t. At the end of the day, every knee shall bow, and every tongue will confess. My responsibility is to stand in truth and walk in obedience — not to win approval,” Whitsett wrote on Facebook.

Whitsett cited issues including abortion, the normalization of homosexuality, and the push to redefine gender as problematic for her. “I don’t have a Heaven or Hell to put anyone in. Only God does. But I do have God’s unwavering Word to stand on, and I can no longer compromise it to fit a party platform or to please people.”

Someone just wrote on FB “Trump could order a strike and kill Satan, and the Democrats would side with the devil.” Actually, they’ve been siding with the devil for a long time, but most people aren’t willing to call it out. Not that Republicans are saints. Both sides have their problems, but the Democrats have become openly on the wrong side of the Bible and God, and it’s time we stop being polite and start speaking the truth. We advise Christians to vote your biblical values but fail to contrast the left’s anti-biblical values and morales.

The Democrat party has redefined their “morality” based on their political agenda and we see this clearly exemplified with the Texas State Democrat Congressman now running for National Senate, James Talarico, who claims to be a Christian, was a teacher, and is even in seminary. The Dems hope that his constant talk about the Bible will win over Christian voters who aren’t paying close attention!

Here are some of James Talarico’s outlandish statements and actions twisting Scripture to justify evil political policies:

–“Jesus has helped me reckon with my own whiteness, my own masculinity . . .” Talarico has called white men the greatest domestic terrorism threat in America.

–Filed legislation requiring school districts to hire DEI officers.

–His record should alarm every God-fearing American. On The Joe Rogan Experience Podcast, Talarico twisted Scripture, claiming the angel’s visit to Mary proves “God approves of abortion” because “creation requires consent.”

–Criticized the overturn of Roe v. Wade as “unchristian!”

–Publicly declared, “God is nonbinary” while fighting to put boys in girls’ sports.

–Voted against 10 Commandments in Texas schools and has 0% pro-life voting score.

–Said the Bible doesn’t talk about homosexuality. (Lev. 18, Romans 1, 1 Cor. 6)

–Talarico demands “fundamental policy shifts” in Texas and the nation—pushing open-border policies critics call amnesty-first, abolishing ICE-style enforcement, and rewriting laws to favor progressive ideology over biblical truth and border security.

–Criticized conservative Christians, claiming that atheists and Muslims are more Christlike.

–During his first sermon preaching at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Talarico argued, “I want to acknowledge that our trans community needs abortion care, too,” He said, “Defending trans Texans is something we have to do every day at the state Capitol.”

–Sent a letter to President Biden urging him to lease Federal land, offices, and employees for abortion clinics, and to ignore/ban state laws restricting abortion.

–Claimed there are six genders during a 2021 state Legislature hearing.

–Said in a sermon: “The American flag is such a complicated symbol for most of us. And in many ways, like Jesus, like the cross, it’s been co-opted, and in some ways, its true meaning has been betrayed.”

You can’t make this stuff up in its absurdity and heresy, and he’s one of the ones himself betraying Christ. Yet, he calls himself a “Christian” and sadly, true to the devil’s schemes in these birth pangs days, people are identifying what he says with Christianity and the Bible!

And many will turn away from me and betray and hate each other.  And many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people. Matt. 24:10-11

But if someone claims to be a prophet and does not acknowledge the truth about Jesus, that person is not from God. Such a person has the spirit of the Antichrist, which you heard is coming into the world and indeed is already here. 1 John 4:3

Talarico has an anti-christ spirit and the Democrats are trying to use it to their advantage as a prototype for future candidates if they’re able to fool enough people with this poor fool!

I could go on, but he is the left’s new rising star. A heretic and blasphemer.

An RNC spokesman said, “There isn’t a woke cause that he won’t claim to find buried in the Bible. Twisting Christian principles to promote woke talking points might play well with coastal elites in New York and California, but he’s going to learn real quick that won’t fly in Texas.”

The problem is it has worked in Texas! People voted for him, and on social media, many defend and agree with Talarico’s twisting of Scripture.

“Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves. Matt. 7:15 NLT

Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 2 Cor. 11:14

Talarico claims to be a Presbyterian. That denomination split years ago over the very woke evil issues he champions now. He is part of the “progressive liberal ‘Christian’” movement, which by its very name is NOT Christian. There’s no such thing as “progressive Christianity” or “liberal Christianity” or “conservative Christianity.”  Only Biblical Christianity.

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)

“I the Lord do not change.” (Malachi 3:6)

“All Scripture is God-breathed… for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness.” (2 Timothy 3:16)

The Bible doesn’t change with culture. The culture that outlasts time is the culture that continues to adhere to the inerrant Word of God as it’s written.

C.S. Lewis warned against what he called “Christianity and water,” a faith diluted until it simply reflects the culture around it.

“They” [the left] grabbed the term “progressive” which makes people think they are positive, forward thinkers. There is nothing forward-looking about totalitarianism. It’s as old as language. . . By surrendering our language and terms to them, conservatives have allowed liberal radicals to use words that are familiar to the average citizen and trick him or her into thinking they mean one thing while they are actually saying another. And make no mistake: Language matters . . .The ability to control language allows for the manipulation of men. ” Charlie Kirk

What Can True Christians Do?

The church and Bible-believing Christians should be the gatekeepers of morals. Politics has entered our church realm. They’ve swerved into our lane and for too many years, we’ve let them define morals and now even Christianity.

If we don’t speak out and speak up, their definitions will become the norm, and we’ll be considered the fringe or fanatics. Already they’re trying to re-engage the term Christian Nationalist and make it sound harmful that we would love God. Family. Freedom. They’re goal is to keep us, and thus truth, out of the public square.

This is not the hour to be quiet and “nice.” This is the hour to speak truth. Truth is not hate. Truth is love. Deceit is death.

Jesus continued, “You are from below; I am from above. You belong to this world; I do not. 24 That is why I said that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am who I claim to be, you will die in your sins.” John 8:23-24 NLT

I heard a new term, as a counter to the left trying to control language and intimidate us.

Christian Patriotism!

I wrote a blog two years ago How to Respond When Labeled a “Christian Nationalist!” Now they’re trying to reignite this term to sling at us, but we can just sling it back at them as we’re proud to be patriotic Christians!

“Shout with the voice of a trumpet blast.
    Shout aloud! Don’t be timid.
Tell my people Israel of their sins! Isaiah 58:1

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed…” (Romans 12:2)

You might want to listen to Pastor Josh Howerton of Lakepointe Church in Dallas, Texas, who responds on his podcast to “James Talarico’s DANGEROUS Bible Claims”.

Please leave your comment here! Thank you.

March 9, 2026
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Pray that America Remains: One Nation Under God!

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Our Nation, the United States of America, will joyfully celebrate its 250th birthday this year on July 4th and the Trump Administration is planning a “huge” celebration. 250 years is a milestone many countries or empires may achieve . . . but then there’s often a rapid decline. 250 years is actually the life span of most great nations.

“While many like to comfort themselves that America is different, or even uniquely blessed by God, there’s no proof that we will escape the fate of other nations that one time believed the same about themselves,” Cal Thomas said in a recent presentation at the Heritage Foundation. Thomas’ talk was titled after his book, “America’s Expiration Date.”

After examining the historical precedent of former global superpowers, such as the Roman, Persian, Ottoman, and British empires, Thomas claims in his book that certain markers of cultural decline precede political decline. The book’s subtitle is “The Fall of Empires and Superpowers and the Future of the United States.”

Thomas says that in America: “Our past challenges were met with a resolve born out of a shared ethical and moral sense that is today in rapid retreat.” He mentioned one of the most disturbing markers of America’s decline is the casual devaluation of human life through abortion and daily deadly shootings in the inner cities that don’t even make the news anymore.

Thomas is hopeful that the cultural damage can be reversed with these three steps to restore common morality in America:

  1. Remove the next generation from public schools and liberal institutions of higher education.
  2. Encourage people to work and save and to look at government welfare programs as the last resort.
  3. Close the partisan gaps in public discourse and combat the left-leaning mainstream media.

On point #1 about schools, Thomas makes a great point:

“We don’t send our soldiers to train in the enemy’s camp, so why do we send our children to schools that teach them values so contrary to our own while expecting them to return home with those values and beliefs still intact?”

While Thomas’ battle plan is valid and perhaps a bit altruistic, I don’t believe healing America’s moral cultural decline is achievable without a return to God, who our founding fathers prayed to and were inspired by in designing and crafting this great American experiment.

Did you know that a majority of our laws come straight out of the Book of Deuteronomy?

The Declaration of Independence acknowledges that God is our Creator, “All men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights.” 

The Pledge of Allegiance starts out “I pledge allegiance to the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

 Regardless of whose picture is on our money, America’s national motto adopted in 1956 is on all our currency, “In God We Trust.” America’s guiding motto is commonly displayed in courtrooms across the United States above judges’ benches and is prominently displayed in various areas of the Supreme Court Chamber and the Capitol Rotunda reflecting the historical and cultural significance of the motto in American society and law.

When a government official is sworn into office, they put their hand on the Bible and pledge to honor the Constitution and the role of the position, “So help me God.” Even those who put their hand on the Quran, which I think is a travesty and should be illegal, still have to pledge, “So help me God,” NOT “So help me Allah!”

Even more essential than the three points made by Thomas to the survival of the United States is Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth’s, profound proclamation at the National Prayer Breakfast in D.C. on February 5, 2026:

“A country that forgets its God, forgets its greatness!”

President Trump also knows this to be true and that is why during his keynote speech at the National Prayer Breakfast he said this . . .

PRESIDENT TRUMP: “I’m pleased to announce that on May 17th, 2026, that we’re inviting Americans from all across the country to come together on our National Mall to pray, to give thanks, and to do something a lot of people said ‘boy that’s tough,’. . . we’re going to rededicate America as One Nation Under God!”

The room erupted in applause with a standing ovation.

President Trump continued, “That’s what I mean the spirit is so incredible. I thought it would take longer…but we’re doing so well. Maybe it’s because of religion. I’ve always said you just can’t have a great country if you don’t have religion. You have to believe in something. You have to believe that what we’re doing there’s a reason for it . . . People are going to church. They’re meeting people. Churches have seen 30% to 70% increase. There’s an increase in the number of converts and people going to church every week. Bible sales are through the roof. To support this exciting renewal … I’m announcing this National Day of Prayer!”  

Contrast President Trump’s speech at the National Prayer Breakfast with New York City mayor’s speech at an interfaith breakfast. Mamdani used Islam to lecture Americans about why they should resist ICE and illegal migration is necessary, although his own religion doesn’t allow non-Muslims to enter the city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

“I consider my own faith, Islam, a religion built upon a narrative of migration. The story of the Hijrah reminds us of the prophet Muhammad, [who] was a stranger too, who fled Mecca and was welcomed in Medina … If faith offers us the moral compass to stand alongside the stranger, government can provide the resources. Let’s create a new expectation of City Hall where power is wielded to love, to embrace, and protect. We will stand with the stranger today,” Mamdani said.

How does government “wield power to love”? Love is a choice. And those “strangers” he’s standing with that ICE is trying to protect New Yorkers from are illegal murderers, pedophiles, child molesters and traffickers, thieves, drug dealers . . . the worst of the worst. Mamdani is using power to love, embrace and protect illegal criminals instead of New Yorkers!

In a country whose motto is One Nation Under God, this mayor feels free to speak about Muhammad and Islamic “faith” as a role model for America’s biggest city! That should alarm everyone!

Islam is not a religion! It masquerades as a religion to take advantage of America’s religious rights protections. Islam is a political ideology with the goal of annihilating the infidels, Christians and Jews, and anyone who isn’t Muslim per the Quran and in that pursuit, they’re allowed to lie. Islam is not an ideology of peace. It’s an ideology of surrender to Islam and then there will be peace. Someone needs to call Mamdani out on that fact. Someone should’ve told New Yorkers that.

Pray For the Re-dedication of America as One Nation Under God!

A Facebook friend of mine shared the following commentary by Traci Coston, which she had posted on her Facebook page regarding President Trump’s announcement of the national gathering in D.C. on May 17 to again proclaim and rededicate America as “One Nation Under God.”

Traci addressed some of the issues maybe some of you are even feeling and wondering why God would choose President Trump for this national reawakening and turning America back to its roots founded in God and the Bible. I thought Traci used Scripture and her words well to confirm God’s timing and plan that we don’t always understand in our humanness, but praise God we’re alive today to experience it. So I’m going to share Traci’s post here for your consideration.

Traci Coston wrote . . .

“As believers, we need to pause and recognize what is happening in our nation. President Donald Trump has openly called the country to prayer and has declared a re-dedication of America back to God on May 17th on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. That should move us to pray, not argue.

Scripture says: “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority…” (1 Timothy 2:1–2)

Notice it doesn’t say only the leaders you personally like, agree with, or fully understand. We are commanded to pray for those in authority because God works through leadership to bring order, restraint, and alignment.

Some believers refuse to pray for President Trump because they question his salvation or his motives. But Scripture addresses this too. Paul wrote that even when Christ was preached from mixed or selfish motives, he still rejoiced because the gospel was advancing:

“Whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.” (Philippians 1:18)

The issue is not whether a leader is perfect — it’s whether God is using them. Jesus Himself said: “Whoever is not against us is for us.” (Mark 9:40)

And He also made this spiritual truth unmistakably clear: “A house divided against itself cannot stand… Satan cannot cast out Satan.” (Mark 3:24–26)

Think about that carefully. A leader cannot be actively confronting evil, restraining darkness, calling a nation to prayer, and pointing people back to God by the power of the devil. Darkness does not cast out darkness. Evil does not war against itself. God may use vessels that don’t fit our expectations—sometimes when they don’t even fully understand what He’s doing through them.

Throughout Scripture, God used imperfect, unlikely, even resistant leaders to accomplish His purposes. What mattered was not their polish, but God’s power working through them. So instead of withholding prayer, criticizing from the sidelines, or demanding perfection before intercession, the Church should be doing what it has always been called to do:

Pray, intercede, ask God for wisdom, protection, repentance, and courage for our leaders, and thank God that His name is being lifted publicly again.

If a leader is calling the nation back to God, the response of believers should not be suspicion—it should be prayer.

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.” (Psalm 33:12)”

Thank you Traci for sharing this call to pray for and not against our President and our nation.

Hallelujah and Amen!

Please leave your comment here.

February 9, 2026
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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

Please leave your comment here.

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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      ‘Maybe’ Is Not In God’s Vocabulary!

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      I was praying last week with the Jack Hibbs LIFT daily morning prayer, which I’ve mentioned in blogs before, when he said something that caught my attention. He said you won’t find “maybe” used in the Bible. Actually, it’s in there but only three times, and never used by God or Jesus. Twice ‘maybe’ is used as a taunt to deny that God exists in 1 Kings 18:27 and Jonah 1:6, and another time in 1 Kings 18:5 by Ahab saying maybe they can find grass for the horses and mules. That’s it!

      So think about that. God is never indecisive, wondering if maybe we should do one thing or another. His Word, the Bible, is always specific, confident, instructive, definitive, and direct. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Tim. 3:15-17

      We’re the ones that interject maybes into the Scriptures and question the intent of what God is actually saying. Sometimes we want to give the benefit of the doubt or question His intent, but God says I tell you the Truth and you should absolutely follow it in your life. Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32

      You might question that many people interpret the Bible differently. That’s true. The Bible might speak to each of us differently in our individual situation. But if we rely on the Holy Spirit’s guidance in exegesis of Scripture in context, and not on what we want the Bible to mean, Christians will usually agree on the interpretation.

      A good example of misinterpreting Scripture is people saying that God is the God of love, so you need to love everything everyone does because God loves them. That’s what someone wants the Bible to mean, not what God actually says.

      If you counter and ask, “Where does God say, ‘maybe’ it’s okay to sin in this area because I love you?” Of course, they can’t find anywhere it says this because God hates sin. Sin destroys the ones He loves. What God does say is that He loves us all so much, He sent His only begotten Son to die on a cross for those of us who ask for forgiveness for our sins, repent, and become followers of Jesus for eternity. (John 3:16)

      When you look at all the red-letter words of Jesus in the Gospels, you won’t find Jesus ever using “maybe.” His words when he preached and taught are full of unqualified, unambiguous, unquestionable, and unwavering wisdom, lessons, and truth to live by.

      Jesus didn’t say ‘maybe’ He was the only way to heaven and there could be other beliefs or ways. Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6 No maybes.

      Jesus didn’t say ‘maybe’ if you follow me, you might be saved. He said you will be saved. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.” (John. 10:9)

      Jesus didn’t say you should ‘maybe’ repent and turn from your wicked ways. He said you must repent to be His follower. “I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners and need to repent.” Luke 5:32

      Jesus didn’t say ‘maybe’ that one sin will be okay because overall you’re a good person. He said go and sin no more. Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.” John 8:11

      We’re the ones that try to soften the Gospel and Jesus’ own words by interjecting doubt or suggesting that ‘maybe’ Jesus didn’t really mean what He said.

      Sadly, many pastors today want to make their congregations feel good about their sinful lives, insinuating that maybe it’s not all that bad if it makes you happy or it’s not hurting anyone. That’s a false gospel by a false teacher.

      God is much more concerned with our holiness than our happiness.

      Maybe In Our Vocabulary!

      ‘Maybe’ is noncommittal, non-decisive, and reluctant. Maybe we’ll come to your party. Maybe I’ll read the Bible. Maybe I’ll follow most of what the Bible says. Maybe we’ll go to church this weekend. Maybe we’ll come visit.

      The Christian life is committed, decisive, and never reluctant. The antithesis of ‘maybe.’

      God is looking for bold Christians who are fully committed and fully decisive in their spiritual and personal life. No maybes about it!

      Our family rule at the Thompsons is let your yes be yes, and your no be no. All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one. Matthew 5:37 

      ‘Maybe’ and ‘try’ are ways to keep all your options open without making a full commitment. Maybe you will, maybe you won’t. Or other times you don’t want to tell the person no, so you use ‘try’ or ‘maybe’. When I hear those two words, it means the person isn’t reliable. They’re not being forthright. I can’t count on them.

       When you ask someone about anything that has a yes or no answer and they answer with “Maybe,” or “I’ll try,” they most likely mean no. They’re just afraid to give the honest answer, “No.”

      If someone says for example, “I’ll try to be on time.” I’ll counter with “That doesn’t sound very committed. Are you going to be on time or should I not expect you?” I want an answer I can depend on, knowing that circumstances can change but they’re going to make an effort. Just tell me yes or tell me no, but don’t say try or maybe.

      A favorite stall of some is I need to check my calendar, but since most people today have a calendar on their phone, that’s pretty easy to check. I would prefer to hear, “We won’t be able to make it, but thanks for thinking of us.” Then they can always call later if their plans change and that’s always pleasant news.

      There are certain situations where we want to pray before committing. That’s often advisable. In fact, many of us can think of a time we wish we had taken time to pray before saying yes. If that’s the case, then give a timeframe where the other person can expect you to respond. Stick to that time commitment.

      Do you think that’s too strict or not flexible enough? Well, God is strict in His commands to us knowing that if we follow them with commitment, perseverance, and diligence, we’re going to be a better witness to others and live a fuller life in Christ.

      How many of us who are married would’ve answered, “I’ll try” or “Maybe” when the pastor asked if we would love, honor, and cherish our spouse? If we want the ceremony to continue and the marriage to last, we say, “Yes” loudly, boldly, and committed.

      Sometimes we say “maybe” because we’re really not sure what we want. It can mean numerous things, from “I’m not sure I want to do this,” to “I want to do that, but I’m not sure if I can” to “this doesn’t sound like how I want to spend my time” to any number of combinations that make us unsure.

      Many times, kids that have lived with divorce and are trying to please both parents find themselves saying maybe or I’ll try because they don’t want to hurt either parent by saying no. Or even worse say “I’ll try” or “maybe” to both parents knowing they can’t be at both places. They live with that worry and angst hanging over them because eventually one of the parents is going to be disappointed when they don’t show up. It would’ve been better to tell one parent no but let’s make other plans to get together. That’s a hard lesson to learn.

      If we can learn to say no when it’s not a sure yes, there’s clarity for everyone and actually much less stressful.

      Like me, most people are looking for truth they can depend on. If we want to be good witnesses for Christ, we need to be the kind of people others can depend on to live by our words. Sometimes, we’re so uncomfortable saying no, we think we need to give long explanations to justify our reasons. That can lead to lying or making up a story. Not necessary. Not godly. Leviticus 19:11 commands “Do not lie. Do not deceive one another.”

      When you know your maybe really means no, you’re essentially lying to the other person. That’s why “maybe” and “try” are not in God’s vocabulary, but “yes” and “no” are. God never vacillates in the way He wants us to live. He sets boundaries and guidelines for us. We need to go and do likewise.

      Freedom isn’t the ability to say maybe. It’s the ability to say no or yes and own it.

      Please leave a comment here.

      March 24, 2025
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      Vote To Let Freedom Ring and Remain!

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      Engaging in discussion regarding the people and platforms involved in the 2024 election can be frustrating and even divisive. This blog will post the day before we find out which side will govern our country for the next four years or maybe longer. It might take days in our current election chaos to know the outcome of the election. That says so much about the deterioration that has occurred at every level of government.

      What’s distressed me most this election season is discussions with fellow believers who have opposing worldviews. We read the same Bible and pray to the same God, so how can this be? I think the answer is the powerful influence the mainstream media, which has literally become a propaganda arm of the Democrat/liberal/progressive party, has effectively had on the minds and hearts of people who to me seem brainwashed and blinded by Satan’s lies. Yet, they’ll tell me I’m brainwashed as they defend the evil the Democrat party wants to inflict on us. It amazes me that they can’t see the moral, spiritual, and economical destruction that’s occurred in our country and our culture over the past four years. How could they call this good?

      I’ve also seen Trump Derangement Syndrome (TDS) at its worst exemplifying the power of propaganda and lies to influence intelligent godly people to hate and detest someone so much they would vote against Trump knowing the other side has an evil, demonic, anti-God agenda. They hate Trump more than they love America. Even Trump commented recently when asked why he thought so many people have such strong views against him, even to trying to assassinate him. His response is that only consequential candidates produce that kind of reaction in people. Many in the deep dark Washington swamp don’t want him in power because they know he’ll reveal and remedy the evil that’s taking place there.

      Speaker Johnson has warned that Republicans need to win the Senate and the Congress because if the Democrats win either one, they’ll immediately try to impeach President Trump. How crazy is that?!

      As we countdown to the election, here are links to the blogs the Lord led me to write about this election. Also, I’ll post the About His Work Ministries opening newsletter article “What Does It Mean to Think Biblically” because not everyone receives my monthly newsletter. (You can sign up at my website.)

      What Does It Mean to Vote Biblically? continues to receive more hits than any blog I’ve ever written.

      Don’t Be Fooled by the ‘Joy and Vibes’ Political Shield, which now has turned to ugly name calling, yelling, and angry tirades.

      What Does It Mean to Think Biblically Versus Culturally or Secularly?

      The opposite of thinking biblically is thinking secularly. Christians should vote their faith and values, but when we see the polls of Christians voting for a candidate whose platform is anti-biblical, anti-life, anti-Christian, anti-God, and anti-capable, it’s evident that many Christians aren’t checking with God or their Bible before selecting a candidate’s platforms and policies to govern our land. That goes for down ballot too.

      It’s blessed me to see many Christians during this election cycle who aren’t afraid to discuss politicized biblical issues like sanctity of life, marriage, sexuality, protecting children from pornography and gender mutilation, and God’s design for humanity. Social media is full of brave posts and conversations. Now many are speaking and posting biblical values publicly. Praise God!

      I even heard one pastor say, “Don’t be afraid to talk about politics and religion at holiday or family gatherings.” For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. 2 Tim. 1:7 NLT

      We need to speak God’s truth no matter the circumstances. It’s the fear of man rather than the fear of God that has sent many Christians underground and silenced them. This has congruently allowed a nefarious government to successfully enforce laws contrary to God’s laws. But God’s Word in Hebrews 13:6 NLT assures us, “So we can say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?’”

      However, here’s what “mere people” will try to do when Christians don’t speak up and vote. Ohio voted to codify abortion into the state constitution and a judge recently ruled unconstitutional the state’s previous six-week abortion ban law, which had been the law in Ohio since 2019.  “Ohio voters have spoken,” Hamilton County Common Pleas Judge Christian Jenkins wrote in the filing. “The Ohio Constitution now unequivocally protects the right to abortion.” I would add, nullifying rights and protection of the unborn.

      Why weren’t there enough Christian Ohio voters to protect the unborn? Ohio, once considered a conservative red state, is now a “swing state.” Up for grabs politically and morally. How did the Christians in that state let this happen? How is it that after the Supreme Court ruled unconstitutional Roe v Wade and sent the decision back to the states, that we now have more abortions not fewer? More precious babies killed in the womb before they have the right to life?

      Harris’ platform is to federally codify abortion in every state, which would strike down unborn baby protection laws like those we have in Idaho that bans all abortion. Christians need to vote against her and her radical platform.

      Pro-life activists and leaders in Missouri are sounding the alarm about Amendment 3, the “Right to Reproductive Freedom Initiative,” on the ballot that would not only result in unrestricted abortion through all nine months of pregnancy, but would also “go way beyond abortion” and enshrine transgender surgeries on children. Let’s pray Missouri Christians are sounding the alarm to vote it down.

      How are some Christians okay with killing human babies? Surveys tell us they are?  45% of Christians and 6 in 10 Catholics say they’re in favor of abortion and are voting for an unbiblical political platform?!

      The only answer has to be that some Christians aren’t praying and reading their Bible to help them think biblically. Their worldview is influenced by secular culture, not God’s Scriptures. They may go to Bible studies, attend church, and check the Christian box. But they’re not allowing the Bible to transform and renew their mind and heart, thus their thinking and actions. How can I say this? Because God would NEVER condone killing human babies that He creates in His own image.

      Randall Terry of Operation Rescue, along with several pastors, created TV commercials to depict the horrors of abortion and he’s paying to run them during prime time. Here’s the link to one that ran on The View, but warning, it’s graphic.

      Tools For Thinking Biblically

      Our Couples Bible Study group is viewing and discussing a My Faith Votes free online video series “Think Biblically” led by faith experts to help Christians stand firm on God’s Holy unchanging Word and think biblically about culture and politics. The video series is designed for churches, small groups, families, friends, couples, or on your own. The focus is to help Christians firmly align their beliefs with God’s Word and gain an understanding of how their views of culture align with a biblical worldview.

      A quote from Think Biblically website: “In today’s polarizing world, many struggle to anchor their views on the truth of God’s Word. Now, more than ever, Christians need to evaluate our nation’s issues through a biblical lens and stand with an unshakeable faith.”

      Another free resource, even after the election, is from Cissie Graham Lynch, granddaughter of Billy Graham and daughter of Franklin Graham. Fearless Family: Eight-Day Election Prayer Guide to take a biblical look at the issues affecting the heart of our families. Cissie writes, “Today, we are surrounded by a culture, both inside the church and out, that continues to compromise on truth and morality. It feels as if the only sin in America today is to call something sinful! Marriage, gender, sexuality, equality, and justice are simple words that have been twisted and redefined in ways God never intended. People are choosing to be ruled by their feelings rather than truth. My grandfather once said, ‘The secret strength of a nation is found in the faith that abides in the hearts and homes of the country.’ We must have a strong faith if we want to have a strong nation!”

      What Does It Mean to Think Biblically?

      • We’re guided by God’s Word and His truths alone, not the latest cultural or political trend or talking points.
      • We will not bend to political or social pressure.
      • We will not break our vows, promises, and adherence to God and His laws.
      • We will stand for our faith and biblical values, even when they’re unpopular, especially when they’re unpopular.
      • We won’t be intimidated or coerced into denying the Gospel. We will be proud of our faith never apologetic for our Christian beliefs.
      • We will fill our minds with Scripture not propaganda.
      • Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2
      • Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. Col 3:2
      • Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. Pr. 4:23
      • For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Heb. 4:12
      • All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Tim. 3:16-17

      “Our battle is not between political parties—it’s a matter of good versus evil. Truth versus lies. And God’s absolute truth never changes—no matter how our culture tries to redefine it.” Cissie Graham Lynch

      Please Pray and Vote on November 5th If You Haven’t Already!

      If you’re undecided about how to vote, listen to this message by Pastor Jonny Ardavanis at Stonebridge Bible Church in Franklin, TN “Pastoral Perspective on Politics.”

      Also join in a prayer group on Monday Nov. 4th as they take place online, in person, or in your own homes and churches. Pray for God’s will to take place at the voting polls. Election interference subverted. Truth and justice prevail.

      My hope for after the election is “Revive in 2025.” I pray God is preparing us for a mighty revival and just as we became brave and bold speaking against the evil that one side is trying to legitimatize, we would continue supporting biblical values and God’s good and gracious plans for the America we’re so blessed to call home. No victory is ever won easily. It takes diligence, persistence, focus, and God’s wisdom and discernment.

      This will be my last blog for the month of November. I want to thank you for letting me share what God puts on my heart each week. I pray no matter who wins this election, you’ll continue serving God wherever and however He calls you!

      Have a blessed Thanksgiving month. To God be the glory for the things He has done and will continue to do until His Son, Jesus Christ, returns.

      Here’s a beautiful song from Danny Gokey, My America. Listen, watch, enjoy.

      Please leave your comments here and I will reply.

      November 4, 2024
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      What Does It Mean to Vote Biblically?

      5

      The 2024 election is quickly approaching on November 5th. Some of you may have already started early voting and good for you! For those who are still considering who to vote for and how to vote on your state bills, I wrote this blog for you.

      I’m in leadership as an Idaho Area Coordinator for My Faith Votes. On our website, we offer a Pledge to Vote Your Biblical Values. I encourage you to take that pledge to vote in every election, be an informed and prayerful voter, and pledge, “As a Christian, I commit to voting for candidates and policies that uphold the sanctity of life, the traditional family, religious liberty, and justice for all. I believe that my biblical values should guide my choices at the ballot box, ensuring that our nation’s laws and leaders reflect God’s truth and righteousness.”

      When we encourage everyone to vote their “biblical values,” that can mean different things to different people. It shouldn’t because according to Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ and the Word of God is timeless and universal. Unchanging. The Bible clearly states what we should champion and support or reject with our vote. By definition, our biblical values are based solely on Scripture and should reflect our biblical worldview.

       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. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. 2 Tim. 3:16-17 NLT

      We typically rely on instruction manuals, Google, or YouTube for how to use appliances, automobiles, take medication, operate machinery or technology, find destinations . . . the list is endless. Guidance is essential to assure we’re functioning correctly for our own good and not harm.

      For the Christian, our Life Instruction Manuel is the Bible. Like every owner’s manual, the Bible must be read to be useful. It contains everything believers need to know to follow Christ, glorify God, and live fruitful and righteous lives in a culture that tries to tell you that your faith can be set aside when you do something as important as voting.

      What does God say about platform and policy issues that candidates champion to govern our lives, the lives of our friends and families, our communities, our churches, and the future?  Are their platforms biblical or unbiblical? It doesn’t matter what our personal opinion is of them, it matters whether or not they will govern biblically.

      Dr. Jeff Myers, president of Summit Ministries, wisely advises, “We can figure out which candidate is most likely to lessen evil when it comes to diminishing life, when it comes to diminishing liberty, when it comes to diminishing the value of property. We’re not seeking a perfect world. We’re not utopians. But we are trying to figure out how to lessen evil so that people can be more free.”

      We vote as our civic duty as an American, but also as our biblical responsibility as a Christian. However, research from the Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University shows as many as 104 million people of faith, including 32 million self-identified Christians who regularly attend church, are unlikely to vote in the upcoming 2024 presidential election mainly due to lack of interest. How could this be biblical when Christians could be the deciding factor in matters of life and death, good and evil? How can they stay home?

      While the survey revealed some Christians don’t vote from complacency, it also showed many want instruction and guidance from their church on how to think about the issues from a biblical perspective. 

      “Pastors often seek opportunities to have a positive influence in people’s lives and upon the culture, and to help the community in which their church is located,” the long-time researcher George Barna explained. “This research underscores the fact that simply encouraging people to vote in order to fulfill their biblical responsibility would not only be seen as doing their job while helping the community, but an estimated five million regular churchgoers would be likely to vote as a result of that simple exhortation. That, in itself, could change the outcome of the election by simply doing their job and getting congregants to fulfill one of their chief duties as an American citizen.”

      When 45% of Christians and 6 in 10 Catholics say they’re in favor of abortion or are voting for an unbiblical political platform, it’s evident to me that pastors aren’t teaching biblical values and many Christians have not read their Bible. Culture, not the Bible, is shaping Christian opinion rather than God’s truths.

      I’m not a pastor, but I am a seminary graduate and have been in ministry for thirty years. In this blog I’m providing Scriptures and resources for voting biblically in this election and every election. My blog would be far too long if I included all the issues, but you can hit on the highlighted links below to see the differences between the Democrat and Republican platforms according to Scripture to determine which federal, state, and local candidates will govern with more good than evil as measured by the Bible.

      Did God Really Say?

      Satan has used his most effective tool against living righteously since the Garden of Eden when he asked Eve, “Did God really say?” I’m here to tell you that God really did have something to say about many of the spiritual moral issues in our culture which we the church have let become politicized and are on the ballot on November 5th. I’m not talking candidate’s personalities. I’m talking about policies, which will become the law of the land if elected.

      Do your own research. Read your Bible. Don’t let the biased media or even the candidates themselves influence your vote. Look at their policies and plans and your local ballot bills, then look at what the Bible has to say about each issue. That’s what should influence your prayerful vote as a Christian. Let’s look at a few of them.

      ABORTION vs RIGHT TO LIFE is on the ballot in many states, and it’s also a Presidential issue because Harris has vowed that on day one, she’ll try to codify Roe v Wade into federal law. She and Democrat politicians tout the distorted lie that abortion is “reproductive rights” and “women’s healthcare.” That’s called twisting language that we see described in 2 Peter 3:16b-17.

      Trump was the most pro-life President in history. He appointed three constitutional Supreme Court Judges who helped move the abortion laws from the federal government to the states. Sadly, because of the wide use of the abortion pill and “sanctuary abortion states” denying the sanctity of life and sacrificing babies to Molek, abortions have increased.

      Harris has used Satan’s “Did God really say?” tactic to argue repeatedly that “you don’t need to abandon the principles of your faith or deeply held beliefs to support ‘abortion rights.'” She’s suggesting you can “choose” to kill babies guilt-free because it’s a woman’s right?! It’s Ok with God. Wrong!! That’s a nonsensical, unbiblical, demonic, and heretical lie. Harris denies that the government should protect a baby’s right to life even though the first “right” listed in our nation’s Declaration of Independence is the right to life, firmly rooted in the Judeo-Christian standards of morality upon which the United States of America was founded. Murder is a crime.

      The truth is a Christian absolutely must suspend their faith in God and biblical principles to support legally or illegally killing babies. Kamala Harris has zero authority, faith, or knowledge of the Bible to speak on this matter and no person of faith should be persuaded by her. Yet she’s deviously planting doubt in many people’s minds, including pastors and Christians. It’s called syncretism!

      She clearly told pro-life advocates they were “at the wrong rally.” These two young men bravely told her, “Abortion is a sacrament of Satan. Christ is King! Jesus is Lord!” They went there to represent God and counter her abominations with truth, but any Christians cheering and voting for a candidate stumping for the “freedom” and “right” to kill babies, are the ones at the wrong rally.

      What Does the Bible Say About Abortion vs Right to Life?

      When God creates each child through conception, there’s a flash of light and life begins. God gives him or her a spirit and soul that can’t be destroyed or denied. That’s a spiritual not political fact. Biologically, no person has ever been born without a spirit and soul.

      Unborn babies are human. Humans are sacred! God declares in His Word the sanctity of life that He created in His image.

      • “You must not murder.” Ex 20:13
      • For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. Psalm 139:13-16
      • [Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.  Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. Ps. 127:3-5
      • I was thrust into your arms at my birth. You have been my God from the moment I was born. Ps. 22:10 NLT
      • “This is what the Lord says—your Redeemer, who formed you in the womb:
      • I am the Lord, the Maker of all things, who stretches out the heavens, who spreads out the earth by myself.” Is. 44:24
      • Listen to me, you islands; hear this, you distant nations: Before I was born the Lord called me; from my mother’s womb he has spoken my name. Is. 49:1
      • “Before I formed you in the womb I knew[a] you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” Jer. 1:5
      • As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother’s womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things. Ecc. 11:5
      • “‘Do not give any of your children to be sacrificed to Molek, for you must not profane the name of your God. I am the Lord. Lev. 18:21
      • Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, ensure justice for those being crushed. Pr. 31:8
      • There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood. Pr. 6:16-17

      You absolutely would have to abandon and deny your faith and God’s Word to be a Christian who supports or votes for abortion or any candidate promoting abortion! It’s a sin. Satan wants to kill, steal, and destroy everything God loves. It’s an abomination to God to shed innocent blood. If you’re still not convinced, please watch Baby Olivia.

      If you know someone who has had an abortion, or maybe you have, God sees you and you can repent and ask for His forgiveness. He’s waiting with open arms of grace and mercy. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

      For each party platform and presidential candidate’s position on abortion, go to ivoterguide Understanding Right to Life. On that link, you can also enter your address and view where the presidential, state, and local candidates in your area stand on this issue.

      An article to read: Being Human: Abortion and the Church – Light Magazine

      Please listen to this message by Pastor Keith Harrington of Rockharbor Church in Meridian, Idaho in his Truth Wars series titled Imago Dei (the image of God) and the Sanctity of Life and the testimony of a brave couple sharing their abortion story.

      RELIGIOUS LIBERTY: This category covers LGBTQ+ and trans issues infringing on the religious freedoms of those who don’t agree. Protecting Title IX to keep men out of women’s sports and private areas. Sanctity of marriage between a man and a woman. Defending family. Preventing schools from teaching sexual deviancy and promoting gender confusion. Protection of children from sex change indoctrination and castrating surgeries and drugs.  Bringing the Bible, 10 Commandments, and prayer back into schools. Allowing religious speech in the public square.

      “Watchdog database Stop the Harm reported that just under $120 million in medical expenses were submitted to insurance companies for treatments designed to hide a minor’s gender characteristics in the United States between 2019 and 2023. The database, launched by the medical advocacy group Do No Harm, reported about 14,000 minors receiving such treatments within the four-year period. About 8,500 minors received hormone blockers and more than 5,500 minors underwent actual surgeries to hide their gender characteristics, the database reported.” 

      Read more at World. These children have been permanently mutilated and castrated for life. This atrocity is happening at the nation’s largest children’s hospitals designed to treat and save children’s lives, not maim them for life at an age many are too young to fully appreciate or comprehend the damage being done to their bodies. Who could’ve ever imagined this travesty would happen in America, but the Biden /Harris administration has championed this by protecting the doctors and hospitals rather than putting a stop to the madness and Harris would not stop it either.

      The Biden/Harris administration tried to change Title IX to include gender and allow boys to play in girls’ sports and be in girls’ locker rooms and bathrooms. Harris will not support girls. President Trump says he will ban ‘trans’ aka men in girls’ sports.

      What Does the Bible Say About Religious Liberty?

      Gender isn’t fluid, it’s God-given. To affirm radical gender ideology is to implicitly deny the workmanship and sovereignty of God. It’s to deny God and His Word. Government is ordained of God (Romans 13:1-7), but government cannot become God.

      • “render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s; and to God the things that are God’s.” Matthew 22:21
      • So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Gen. 1:27
      • That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh. Gen. 2:24
      • God’s Wrath Against Sinful Humanity:  Romans 1:18-32

      Read this article discussing Harris and Trump’s positions on men playing in women’s sports. DAVID MARCUS: Kamala Harris can no longer hide from her dangerous stance on men playing in girls’ sports | Fox News

      For each party and candidate’s position, go to ivoterguide Understanding Religious Liberty.

      My Faith Votes!

      I encourage you to go to My Faith Votes My Voter Hub where you can print out a copy of your ballot, Compare the Party Platforms, and download an important Presidential Election Candidate Comparison Guide Fact Sheet covering a number of current political topics. Also, find A Christian’s Guide to Today’s Issues: Abortion, Immigration, Religious Liberty, Gender, Parental Rights, Gun Rights, Government, Justice, which also includes Scriptures as I have done in this blog.

      You can also become an Action Partner and pray weekly from zoom or your phone with other believers across the nation who work and pray together to be God’s hands and feet in returning America back to its godly foundation.  

      iVoterGuide

      iVoterGuide is Grounded in God. Rooted in Research. They’ve done the biblical ground work for you on important topics this election. In addition to Right to Life and Religious Liberty, which I discussed above, here are the additional issues I didn’t have room to include in this blog but are important in this election. They’re discussed in detail with Scripture. At each link, you can also find out the candidates’ positions both federally and locally. I hope you’ll take advantage of their wonderful research.

      Understanding National Defense For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Rom. 13:4

      Understanding Healthcare Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. 1 Tim. 5:8

      Understanding EconomyAlso, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper. Jer. 29:7

      Understanding Border Security No longer will violence be heard in your land, nor ruin or destruction within your borders, but you will call your walls Salvation and your gates Praise. Is. 60:18

      Let the Bible be Your Voter Guide!

      Which candidates will protect the unborn through the elderly? Which candidates will support Israel?

      We must as Christians do our part to ensure as much as it is up to us that candidates who protect biblical principles are voted into power. But we must always remember that our highest authority is God. The mandate in Romans 13 is simple: obey God, then man. When man’s orders conflict with God’s, we follow God. So pray, read your Bible, and vote how God instructs you in the Bible.

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

      Please leave a comment here. I will reply. Thank you.

      If you would like to listen to Pastor Keith Harrington’s previous week’s Truth’s War’s Message on things to consider when voting “Governing the Earth” click here.

      October 21, 2024
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      Jesus the Great Divider

      7

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

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

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

      To His followers Jesus assures us . . .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

      Common Sense vs Insanity!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

      The Divine Divide

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

      Jesus, the Great Divider Between Eternal Life or Eternal Death

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

      August 19, 2024
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      5 Ways To Avoid Condoning Sin!

      4

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

      What Does it Mean to Condone Sin?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

      What Does the Bible Say about Condoning Sin?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

      5 Ways We Can Avoid Condoning Sin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

      4. Take Action!

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

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

      5. Overcome Fear!

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

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

      Staying Silent is Condoning Sin

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

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

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

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

      Please leave a comment here and I will reply.

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

      July 8, 2024
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      Jesus is Our First Love!

      8

      I know I don’t have to remind you that this Wednesday is Valentine’s Day! A day we traditionally show that special someone how much they mean to us. It can also be a difficult time for someone who doesn’t have an object of their affection to dote on or to be the recipient of doting…but it doesn’t need to be a sad day for those who know Jesus as their First Love!

      My First Prayer Garden

      Almost thirty years ago, I realized that even though I was happily married after being single for 17 years, my love for my husband wasn’t to take priority over my First Love, Jesus Christ. The Scriptures are so clear about this. When we were first married, we vowed to each other that we would always put Jesus at the center of our marriage.

      We love each other because he [God] loved us first. 1 John 4:19 NLT

      I never wanted Jesus to say about us what He said about the church in Ephesus in Revelations 2:5 NLT “But I have this complaint against you. You don’t love me or each other as you did at first!”

      The NIV translation says, “ Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first.”

      Just as our earthly relationships take time, energy, and nurturing, I knew my spiritual relationship with Jesus required the same attention and devotion or it could become stale and routine. So I decided to approach my devotional time with Jesus each day with the same attitude I would lavish on my earthly love, Dave. I set about finding a special place to spend time with my First Love and I called it my prayer garden.

      At that time, we were living in sunny Southern California, so I could have my quiet time outside almost every day. I’ll share with you in a moment how I have this date with Jesus now in our home in Idaho.

      Thinking of Jesus as the lover of my soul and the One I love above all others, gave me the idea of creating a romantic atmosphere for my daily “Quiet Time” with Jesus. It needed all the touches of a special date. First, it must be quiet and free of interruptions, so that meant outside. Since my backyard was all cement, I arranged colorful potted plants in a shaded alcove of the patio and hung a hummingbird feeder. Our house overlooked a small lake, so I had a beautiful view. I placed a chair for Jesus and a chair for me with a small table in the center for a romantic fragrant candle. I later added wind chimes, and my son-in-law made a waterfall. Walla, I had a Prayer Garden.

      The importance of having the chair for Jesus was to remind me that even on the days when I was rushed and missed our date . . . Jesus was still out there waiting for me. Every time I looked out at that prayer garden, my heart ached because I had neglected my First Love for whatever was happening in my life that day.

      My Date Bag is Always Packed

      Then I packed a date bag with my Bible, a journal, devotional, highlighters, pens, Post-it notes, current Bible Study, and oh yes, a lighter for the candle. One trip back into the house for something I forgot could be a major distraction.

      First thing every morning, I grabbed my cup of coffee, my date bag, a blanket or sweater if it was chilly, and headed out for my date with Jesus in our Prayer Garden. Here is a major key to intimate time with my First Love—I shut the door to ALL interruptions. In those days, we didn’t have cell phones, so I let the answering machine take care of any phone calls and the family knew when I was having my Jesus date, the Do Not Disturb sign was out.

      Now I was ready to read God’s love letter to me in my Bible, pray, journal, and work on a current Bible study. Most importantly, I could take time to hear God’s still small voice saying how much He loved me and telling me the plans He had for me.

      When our date was finished, I repacked my date bag and put it back in the same spot every time by the patio door so it was ready for tomorrow’s big date. If the weather wasn’t good, Jesus and I curled up together on the couch and I played soft instrumental worship music in the background.

      Idaho Dates with Jesus

      When we were looking for a new home in Idaho, two things on my priority list were a writing room with an “ah ha” view and a place to have my special Quite Times with my First Love. As we toured homes, I was always looking for both, along with a kitchen with a scenic view, I could see the fireplace, and easily chat with visiting friends and family. In other words, don’t wall me in while I’m cooking!

      Praise God we found the perfect home for us. Now that we live in Idaho with its four seasons, my Quiet Time locations change with the season. When the weather is nice, I’m out in the deck swing, and when it’s snowing or cold, I have a Quiet Time chair next to the fireplace with a beautiful forest view from our many windows. I still have my Quiet Time bag packed and ready to go depending on where I’m having my date with Jesus. It’s my most favorite part of the day!

      At the end of our date, I sit back close my eyes and linger in conversational prayer being sure to let my First Love talk to me. He always whispers words of love and endearment as He reveals His plans, visions, and goals for us. Often, there are answers to prayers and previous questions. Many times, we just share a sweet silence.

      “Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.” Ps. 46:10 NLT

      Like any wonderful date, I hate for it to end, but I know my First Love will be waiting eagerly for our special meeting tomorrow.

      To keep romance exciting, it’s good to vary the activities on dates, so I constantly add freshness to my Quiet Time with variety. Each Christmas, I pick out a new devotional for the coming year. Sometimes, I select one with an area for journaling love letters to the Lord. I start my Quiet Time date by praying the armor of God from Ephesians 6:10-18 and would never think of going into my day without this spiritual protection. I alternate working on my small group Bible studies or one I am doing for fun. Some years, I read completely through the Bible, and other times, I leisurely enjoy the Scriptures.

       “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Matt. 22:36-39

      How about you? Tell me about your dates with Jesus.

      Happy Valentine’s Day!

      Here is a poem I wrote about my California Prayer Garden. Enjoy!

      OUR PRAYER GARDEN

      You wanted to meet me early in the morning

                  In a place that was special to just you and me.

      My heart was willing, and I had such a yearning

                  To talk and be in your presence daily.

      I began to arise just after the sun came up,

                  And  searched for a place where we could meet.

      It had to be quiet where no one would interrupt,

                  For the time that we shared would be so sweet.

      I moved from room to room,

                  As I tried to find the aura,

      For you and me to just commune

                  Every day at the same hour.

      As we began to spend our time,

                  I felt you nudging as I would pray:

      “Our get-togethers need fresh air and sunshine.

                  Let’s be amongst the beauty of the day.”

      Of course, it was there all along.

                  The table, the patio, the view—

      I had all the makings for a Prayer Garden,

                  But flowers were sadly very few.

      A “green thumb” I have never been,

                  But I knew this was the spot for us.

      And it would not be a Prayer Garden,

                  Without the ferns, oleanders and hibiscus.

      A shopping trip to the nursery was fun,

                  Even though I didn’t know what to buy.

      Some flowers wanted shade and others liked sun,

                  So I just bought what caught my eye.

      Soon my garden was worthy of comment.

                  The flower beds were colorful and in full blossom,

       And the array of potted plants carpeted the cement.

                  The transformation was truly awesome.

      One final touch called out to me,

                  Wind chimes to catch Your breath in the breeze.

      A hummingbird feeder for quiet company,

                  In the place where we will meet when ‘er You please.

      Jesus, I know now why you sought a garden

                  When you went to pray alone that night.

      Amongst Your creation God’s presence is sovereign,              

                  You just know God’s plans will turn out right.  Janet Thompson 7/17/96

      Please leave a comment here to this blog. I always reply and enjoy reading your thoughts.

       I apologize that the link to reply to last week’s blog wasn’t working, but it is now if you would like to leave a comment or haven’t read it yet Respect Your Weapons of Fasting and Prayer!

      One more thing. Thinking about those who might be alone on Valentine’s Day, many people in our churches can feel marginalized. I wrote an article for Crosswalk.com that I hope you’ll share with the pastors and ministry leaders in your church. It’s a slideshow if you read it on a computer. 13 Ways to Recognize the Overlooked People in Your Church.

      February 12, 2024
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