Bible — Page 3 — Woman to Woman Mentoring

The Riots are Not a “Myth” and Jesus is Not a Myth: The Bible is Real and We’re Watching It Come Alive!

Last week, Jerry Nadler was questioned in a live interview about the violence and rioting taking place in Portland by ANTIFA and BLM. His response, “It’s a myth that’s only being spread in Washington DC!”

If you’ve watched any of the videos or news coverage of attempts to destroy and burn down the Federal Courthouse in Portland, or the rioting and destruction that’s been going on for months, it’s hard to imagine such a ludicrous comment. It’s as if Nadler actually thinks he can declare the carnage a myth and everyone will look the other way and ignore what we all see is happening every night in the streets of what once was a beautiful city.

It’s definitely not a myth. Here’s the reality Nadler can’t deny.

“Throughout the night some people in this crowd spent their time shaking the fence around the building, throwing rocks, bottles, and assorted debris over the fence, shining lasers through the fence, firing explosive fireworks into the area blocked by the fence, and using power tools to try to cut through the fence,” the bureau said in a statement.

“People wore gas masks, carried shields, hockey sticks, leaf blowers, flags, and umbrellas specifically to thwart police in crowd dispersal or attempt to conceal criminal acts. People against the fence sprayed unknown liquids through it toward the courthouse. People tied rope to the fence and attempted to pull it down,” the bureau said.

“At about 1:03 a.m. people in the crowd attached a chain to the fence and with many people pulling managed to pull a section of it down,” the bureau said, with protesters also lighting fires in the street.” [From the interview article above]

This past weekend, the rioters burned Bibles and the flag in the street! A satanic statement of who is at the center of the riots. There’s no denying evil motivation when you burn Bibles!

There was a satirical meme going around social media with Nadler sitting in Congress while the building was burning and everyone evacuating, but he was still in his chair proclaiming it’s all a myth. As I watched that meme, all I could think of is Armageddon when many will dig in their heels protesting that God, Jesus, and the Bible are all a myth while the world burns.

The Bible is Real and So Are Its Predictions

Dr. David Jeremiah writes in The Book of Signs, “Thus the nations do not believe that a time is coming when God’s judgement will inevitably descend. But be assured, He is storing up judgment against a day to come. The Bible is clear: one of these days God will have had enough, and His judgment will pour down like consuming fire against the world’s wicked nations.”

“They were seared by the intense heat and they cursed the name of God, who had control over these plagues, but they refused to repent and glorify him.” Revelation 16:9

Even as we watch today the birth pangs of the Bible’s predicted end times, many still do not believe the time could be short to turn their life over to Jesus. Instead, during the COVID pandemic, local governments, and even the Supreme Court, consider the church irrelevant and nonessential!

You can rest assured that it is NOT God closing the churches. Satan understands exactly how relevant and essential the church is, especially now, and I’ve written about this in The Rant, A Rave, and A Primal Scream and If God Is Pulling Back the Veil on Evil, How Should the Church Respond?

Jesus warns everyone to beware and be ready!

Jesus told them, “Don’t let anyone mislead you, ⁵for many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah.’ They will deceive many. ⁶And 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. ⁷Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world. ⁸But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come. Matt. 24:4-8 NLT

Luke 21:11 NLT adds that “There will be great earthquakes, and there will be famines and plagues in many lands, and there will be terrifying things and great miraculous signs from heaven.

Speaking to Christians, Jesus continues . . .

⁹“Then you will be arrested, persecuted, and killed. You will be hated all over the world because you are my followers. ¹⁰And many will turn away from me and betray and hate each other. ¹¹And many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people. ¹²Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold. ¹³But the one who endures to the end will be saved. ¹⁴And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then the end will come. Matthew 24:9-14 NLT

Who is going to endure the persecution by the state and preach the Good News throughout our country?

Many pastors still have the doors of their churches closed, but others are opening anyway, and most are sharing their messages virtually transmitted to all corners of the world. Worship leader, Sean Feucht, is sponsoring outdoor revivals drawing thousands. God knows no boundaries.

But you and I are also God’s disciples and ministers. What better way to dismiss the myths about Jesus then to share our testimony of how Jesus changed our life. We all know someone who needs to hear our story of what Jesus did for us!

Speak the Language of Hope!

Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. Ephesians 4:29 NLT

If this pandemic inspires Americans to live better lives that would definitely be a positive outcome. But according to an article New Poll: Americans See The Hand Of God At Work In Current Events, surveys show that Americans are increasingly turning to drugs, alcohol and television during this pandemic, and a survey that was released just this week found that Bible reading in the United States dropped precipitously “between January and June!”

Oh dear friends, now more than ever we need to be in our Bibles daily meditating on God’s Word and applying it to our own emotions and concerns. Letting God speak to us, comfort us, and encourage us to live by faith not by sight. To live courageously not fearfully!

You are my refuge and my shield; your word is my source of hope. Ps. 119:114 NLT

The world needs us! Our families need us! God needs us to be a beacon of light in a dark and dreary world.

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. James 1:22

Many today are living in fear because they have no hope. They don’t know where they’re going when they die.

It’s up to Christians to make Jesus real to them, but before they’re going to believe in Jesus, they need to believe that Jesus is in us!

They need to know we care about their life and their salvation.

They need to see the love of Jesus in our actions and words.

¹⁵So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. ¹⁶Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. ¹⁷Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. Ephesians 5:15-17 NLT

We must live like believers!

Live like we believe what the Bible says!

Live like we trust God!

Live like we are Everyday Brave!

Live like we have hope!

Live like Jesus is real in our life and is not a myth!

³For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. ⁴They will reject the truth and chase after myths.

⁵But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you. 2 Timothy 4:3-5 NLT

This is an exciting time to live because if ever the love, forgiveness, and hope of Jesus needs sharing with a worried, fearful, depressed, frustrated, and deceived world . . . it’s NOW!

We were born and reborn for such a time as this.

Don’t ever think you can’t make a difference.

Don’t give up no matter how ominous or discouraging the world looks.

Fight for truth! Stand for truth! Speak God’s truth!

We’re the ones who are expected to help Jesus light up this dark world, at least our world.

For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.
⁷But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 2 Corinthians 4:6-7

“The language of hope is revolutionary in the way we see, the words we speak, and the lives we encourage and change . . . Real change begins one mouth at a time, one new vision voiced in the lives of those who need a fresh breath from God. It begins at street level with those who carry the culture of the Kingdom within them and know how to express it well. It begins with people like you!” Chris Tiegreen

And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, ¹³while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. ¹⁴He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds. Titus 2:12-14

“All it takes is for good people to do something! Be activists in everything you do!” Charlie Kirk, Turning Point.

I hope I hear a resounding, “Amen!”

Note: When I finished writing this blog, a friend shared the YouTube of Charlie Kirk and Pastor Jack Hibbs at her church, Calvary Church Chino Hills. It’s so good. They start with Bible Prophecy and go on to cover a wide range of topics relevant to today’s events. Allow yourself an hour to listen. You’ll be blessed!

August 3, 2020

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Don’t Let COVID Divide the Church! We’re On the Same Team!

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

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

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

Sadly, sometimes those disagreements did divide the church!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The mob is not the group we want to imitate.

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

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

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

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

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

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

God is good. He will direct you.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

July 20, 2020

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America’s Problem is Systemic Secularism NOT Systemic Racism!

Recently, a “woke” phrase has emerged and is repeated so often that many people accept it as true: systemic racism.

Let’s look at the definition of systemic: something that affects the whole instead of just parts. Embedded within and spread throughout and affecting a whole system, group, body, economy, market, or society.

Those who have now applied systemic to racism infer that the systems in place create and maintain racial inequality in every facet of life for people of color.

Liberals, the radical Left, mainstream media, and anyone trying to stir up strife and unrest tout “systemic racism” is factual. It’s become a mainstream mantra and few question its validity.

But could it possibly be true? If racism is systemic, how do they explain a black president for eight years (whom many white citizens voted for) and the popularity of his wife? Numerous black mayors and police chiefs, including women. Black athletes. Black politicians. Black lawyers. Black business men and women. Black business owners. Black physicians and scientists. Black media personalities and celebrities. The list goes on.

Let me be clear, I am not discounting that racism does still exist in many facets of our society, and maybe those who became successful experienced it at some time, but I am saying that it is not “systemic” today. Many blacks agree with me. Even as I was writing this blog, two prominent well-respected black men spoke on this very topic:

“‘Systemic racism’ is used as a ruse to avoid talking about the real problems. To deflect from real issues in areas run by their own people of black officials and systems.” Bob Woodson, founder of the Woodson Center and the 1776 Project

“You hear this phrase, ‘systemic racism’ [or] ‘systemic oppression’,” host Mark Levin told [Thomas] Sowell. “You hear it on our college campuses. You hear it from very wealthy and fabulously famous sports stars. What does that mean? And whatever it means, is it true?”

Thomas Sowell replied:

“It really has no meaning that can be specified and tested in the way that one tests hypotheses. It reminds me of the propaganda tactics of Joseph Goebbels during the age of the Nazis in which he is supposed to have said ‘People will believe any lie if it’s repeated long enough and loud enough!’ Even people who use it don’t have any clear idea of what they’re saying. Their purpose is served by having other people cave in.” –Black economist and author Thomas Sowell interviewed on Life Liberty & Levin.

America repented of the sins of slavery long ago. In his essay Understand What Is Happening: A Christian Response [which I encourage you to read in full] Larry Alex Taunton reveals the motive behind this attempt to rekindle racial divides:

“Now, the self-righteous types filling the ranks of Democrats, BLM, Antifa, and the radical Left in general, themselves wronged by no one and possessed by a hateful, secular, utopian ideology absent any notion of grace, see themselves as the embodiment of retribution and national reckoning. They are determined to keep America’s sins—both real and imagined—ever before her, reminding her, flogging her, as a means of reducing us all to a pathetic national guilt that will be leveraged for evil purposes.”

One of those evil purposes is to silence anyone who disagrees with them by calling a dissenter a “racist.” This overused term has lost any real meaning but people still quake at the thought of being called one for fear they will lose their job or reputation.

Most Americans are NOT racist, but they are being accused of racism just because of their skin color and because it’s part of a political power-grab agenda.

It astounds me that people are accepting this falsehood touted by white people on television scolding us while apparently not looking in the mirror. Or high-paid, well-coiffed black commentators trying to convince us that we are back in the sixties.

Sadly, the public is allowing the promotion of this racial divide. People in leadership, including many in the church, are afraid of offending the secular culture. They stay silent or go along with it when the real answer to racism is spiritual.

We don’t have a skin problem, we have a sin problem.

Systemic Secularism Will Be America’s Downfall

“I hope we don’t just go back to ‘normal,’ if normal means a nation that continues to defy and rebel against God and His ways, a nation that is openly hostile to Christians, a nation that rejoices and revels in godless behavior.”—Franklin Graham, Decision Magazine June 2020

Systemic secularism, immorality, and evil runs rampant in our world today. Secularism is another word for what the Bible calls “worldly” or “the world.”

Applying secularism to the earlier definition of “systemic,” secularism is truly embedded within and spread throughout and affecting a whole system, group, body, economy, market, or society, including the church.

When is the last time your pastor preached against abortion, homosexuality, living together, pornography . . . sin? I hope it was recently.

On the 4^th of July, many of us sang “God bless America” and the Battle Hymn of the Republic. But we also saw systemic evil prevail throughout the streets with flag burning, murders of innocent black children, and hateful words spoken about the greatest nation in the world.

Good versus evil. Jesus versus Satan. Truth versus lies. Patriotism versus socialism. Freedom versus bondage.

How did we move so far away from the ideals of our nation’s founding fathers? How did America go from biblical to secular? How did Christians let Americans forget that God is the original Founder of America and the world?

The authors of the Constitution and Bill of Rights believed in God as the Creator who guides our lives and our country. Even those who weren’t Christians understood that we needed to live by the guiding principles in the Bible. Thomas Jefferson, whose statues are being toppled, said, “The Bible is the cornerstone of liberty.”

Is it any wonder that as we watch the Bible degraded and discounted today that we’re also watching the attack on American ideals and patriotism. We’re losing “inalienable rights” such as free speech. People are too afraid and intimidated to speak out against the mob and “woke” censorship.

The Declaration of Independence declares, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Everyone no matter race, color, or background is important to God and therefore should be important to the governing powers.

Abraham Lincoln, whose statues and legacy are also being torn down, declared of the Bible in 1864: “All the good the Saviour gave to the world was communicated through this book. But for it we could not know right from wrong. All things most desirable for man’s welfare, here and hereafter, are to be found portrayed in it.”

But aside from putting their hand on the Bible when sworn into office, and some recently the Quran, you seldom hear the Bible mentioned today in the same breath with laws and rights that govern our country.

We can’t go back and change history whether it’s racism or secularism, but we can make a difference as much as it is up to us.

Returning to Systemic Biblical Values in America

1. God Wants Christians to Heal Our Land

I always appreciate when VP Pence ends his speeches with “God heal our land.” I assume he’s referring to 2 Chronicles 7:14, “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

But God puts conditions on healing our land and you and I are the ones responsible for fulfilling those conditions.

God doesn’t say if the secular culture will change. He specifically says “If his people,” Christians, will humble ourselves to prayerfully repent from our sins, then He will listen and forgive us and start healing our land.

Wow that means the healing of America is up to you, me, and the church. We can’t change the world but we can change ourselves and cleanse our lives from the sins that God hates.

We need to purge secularism out of our own lives. Don’t wait for a convicting sermon because you might not hear one.

Read God’s Word, the Bible, and prayerfully live by its guidance not the guidance of the world!

Then when we take the plank out of our own eye, watch the world change. Not because of what we’ve done but because of what God says He will do in and through us.

The Lord is with you when you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will forsake you. 2 Chr. 15:2

For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. 2 Chr. 16:9

2. Make the Bible Systemically Relevant in Every Aspect of Life!

I heard a troubling quote: “Satan is discipling America because the church isn’t!” Ouch!

We need to learn how to speak the Truth in terms the world can understand.

Scripture doesn’t usually have meaning to the unbeliever because they don’t believe in following Jesus so they won’t relate to it or might just argue.

Slip into your everyday conversations the way the Bible would handle specific situations without saying, “the Bible says.”

Don’t alter your conversation when around unbelievers; talk just like you would with a group of believers.

Satan is a false teacher, but many are succumbing to his lies. Satan’s will is done more in America than God’s will! That should break every Christian’s heart.

Don’t let the Bible lose relevance in our culture. It’s up to us to be living examples.

It’s up to us to become systemically biblical in our every action, thought, and word.

And then watch God heal our land. Heal our racial issues. Return patriotism and love of America. Take down secularism and replace it with a love for God, our country, and each other.

#3. Pray and Ask God Where He Wants Us to Get Involved.

In an interview with the mother of a black sixteen year-old boy shot while walking home from the store, her black attorney pointed out that often the senseless brutal black-on-black killings are not coming from gangs. They also stem from anger. They haven’t been taught how to deal with anger, so they pick up a gun and start shooting. He said they need someone to invest in their life.

Ben Carson tells the story of being an angry young man who threw bricks through windows to express his aggression. Like so many black families, he didn’t have a father in the household, but he did have a praying mom. He found a Bible in the bathroom, opened it to the Book of Proverbs, and started reading. He recounts that he realized he wasn’t living like the Scriptures said to live and his anger left him. Proverbs changed his life.

He went on to become a pediatric neurosurgeon, ran for President, and is now the United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

Carson realized the Bible is relevant to every area of life. It’s systemic!

In my June AHW Ministries Newsletter, I shared another story of an angry black young man in a fatherless home who had flunked out of school when a “white” mentor stepped into his life and helped him find purpose to succeed. That young man is Senator Tim Scott.

Jesus spoke in stories to share the truth. We all have a story. Not everyone will read the Bible but each of us can be a living Bible.

God is looking for those who are willing to make America Systemically Biblical Again!

Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord,
the people he chose for his inheritance. Ps. 33:12

“Freedom is not doing what we want. It’s doing what we should.” Mike Huckabee

You might find it helpful to read Forsaken God? Remembering the Goodness of God Our Culture Has Forgotten, or Everyday Brave: Living Courageously as A Woman of Faith. Both were written for such a time as this.

July 13, 2020

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God Wants a Word with You!

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

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

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

A Word to Focus On in 2020

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

God’s Word in Your Life in 2020

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A short conversation with God is better than no conversation!

2020 Is the Year of the Bible for Many Christians

The Benefits of Reading the Bible in 2020

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

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

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

Psalm 90:12 NLT

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

Bible and highlighter Aaron Burden @aaronburden

Bible with cup of coffee Nathan Dumlao @nate_dumlao

January 6, 2020

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Are You Ready to Get Your Brave On With Me?

Celebrate with me the launch of Everyday Brave: Living Courageously as a Woman of Faith

Well it’s finally time! The release of Everyday Brave: Living Courageously as a Woman of Faith is today, September 10, 2019! Hoot!!! Hoot!!

[Tweet “It’s finally time! The release of Everyday Brave: Living Courageously as a Woman of Faith is today, September 10, 2019! Hoot!!! Hoot!!”]

Over the past year, many of you have traveled with me on this writing journey through trips and falls, illnesses, flooded basement, broken wrist, snowed in, car hit by a boulder . . . . Yes, it’s been a challenging year, but God has been good and the writing, editing, and printing kept on going.

Nothing can stop what God starts! I hope you agree this is true in your own life too.

[Tweet “Nothing can stop what God starts! I hope you agree this is true in your own life too.”]

It was a blessing last week to hold my new “baby” in my hands and start signing books for contributors, endorsers, and winners of blogs where I’ve been a guest blogger.

But don’t worry; I’m not leaving you out of the fun! I’m offering a signed copy of Everyday Brave to two of you who leave a comment on today’s blog to enter a drawing. I’ll announce the winners in next week’s blog!

It Takes a Village to Write a Book

A huge thank you to the courageous women who answered my shout out for stories and bravely shared in this book to bless other women. You know who you are!

I’m blessed to have nine endorsers who humbled me with their kind and gracious encouraging words about how God can use this book in the lives of women who often don’t realize they’re courageous everyday.

Then there are the stories of 50 brave and courageous women in the Bible. In Everyday Brave, I use a new style of writing for me, creative nonfiction, where I base their stories on the biblical facts, while bringing them to life by recreating their world and environment. It was fun and some have said it’s my best book so far, but we’ll see what everyone else thinks.

Everyday Brave is not a Bible study, but there are discussion questions at the end of each chapter, which make the book perfect for use in Bible studies, small groups, Women’s Ministry studies, book clubs, Mentors and Mentees, or to help you as the reader engage with what you’ve read.

Everyone Needs the Lord

We live in a time when Christians need to have the courage to stand firm in their faith in a culture that is not Christian-friendly.

[Tweet “We live in a time when Christians need to have the courage to stand firm in their faith in a culture that is not Christian-friendly.”]

Regardless of the chaos in the world, we remain role models of a God-honoring life. Many are watching to see what it really means to be a faithful Christian who lives by the Bible.

Christians do not change the Bible to conform to the culture, but they do use the unchangeable Bible to reform the culture!

[Tweet “Christians do not change the Bible to conform to the culture, but they do use the unchangeable Bible to reform the culture!”]

True, it’s not for the faint of heart, but it is for those of us who fear the Lord!

I had to put my brave on just to write a book like Everyday Brave, but God’s timing is always perfect. I’ve felt Him encouraging me at every step, and I pray you will also be encouraged as you read it.

You and I really are much braver than we think we are!

Here’s a sneak preview of the Preface.

Believe me when I say I had to put my brave on just to write a book like this, but God’s timing is always perfect and I’ve felt Him encouraging me at every step. Let me first say, I had to tap into my everyday brave just to write this book. I’m not an expert on bravery and I don’t have all the answers for what makes us brave and courageous, but I do have a tight relationship with the One who does. He instilled in all of us brave hearts to push beyond what we think we’re capable of achieving, and so I started writing.

When taunting thoughts assailed me, such as Who are you to write a book about bravery? I honestly asked myself the same question. Then I quickly realized those disparaging words were coming from Satan because God doesn’t instill doubt in us. When he gives us a Holy Spirit–inspired idea or assignment, he encourages us and cheers us on with a “You go girl! I’ve got this. I’m with you all the way.” I knew God was with me on this project—I just had to get with it!

We need to bolster each other toward bravery just to withstand the barrage of daunting news today and the escalating attacks on our faith. It’s comforting to know that incredible women in the Bible also experienced scary and threatening times. They were victorious, and we can be too.

So my dear friends, let’s be courageous women of faith and get our brave on for God! Are you ready?! Let’s do it!

Be your own kind of brave!

Maybe your first brave step will be verbalizing an area of your life where God wants you to be brave and courageous.

Since I’m offering two free books for comments on this blog, let me give you a few ideas.

What is God asking you to do, but you’re hesitating?
What’s stopping you from courageously moving forward on God’s nudge to take a step of faith?
Where have you been victoriously bold and brave and how did it feel?

I sign Everyday Brave with this verse Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. 1 Cor. 16:13

September 9, 2019

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What If God Erased “Offensive” Bible History?

Every day a part of our rich American history and heritage is torn down, renamed, demolished, disintegrated, and defamed–America’s founders, past presidents, originators of the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and Declaration of Independence, warriors who led battles to free America and free the slaves, or someone or something that happens to offend “someone”–erased!

[Tweet “Every day a part of our rich American history and heritage is torn down, renamed, disintegrated, or defamed”]

Even during the 4^th of July a former athlete tried to defame Betsy Ross who was a Quaker, twice a widow, who never owned slaves, designed and made an American flag representing the first 13 colonies . . . just because she lived during the time of slavery. He called the flag racist?! BTW, past-President Obama, who is black, displayed the Betsy Ross flag at his 2^nd inauguration, but somehow Nike didn’t do their research. They listened to one man, yes one man who identifies as the resistance.

Nike went from patriotic to idiotic!!!

[Tweet “Nike went from patriotic to idiotic!!!”]

Slavery was a horrible abomination in early America. There’s no denying or justifying it, but we can’t change the past we can only learn from it. If the same “purests” eradicating our country’s history looked into the personal lives of every president since Washington, they would need to remove all of them and no one running for president could be elected today.

[Tweet “If these same “purest” eradicating our history were to look into the personal lives of every president since Washington, they would need to remove all of them”]

Every human has flaws, failures, mistakes, and wrong decisions because we’re fallible humans. And the people leading the charge to destroy and whitewash our history, also have baggage that would disqualify them by their own standards. Who is even qualified to set those standards?

[Tweet “We don’t honor people because they were perfect. No one would qualify for a tribute.”]

We don’t honor people because they were perfect. No one would qualify.

There was, and will only be, ONE perfect man who ever walked this earth. None has ever matched Jesus’s perfection, nor will there ever be another like Him, yet the resistance didn’t honor Him, they crucified him.

[Tweet “There was, and will only be, ONE perfect man who ever walked this earth. None has ever matched Jesus’s perfection, nor will there ever be another like Him, yet the resistance crucified him”]

History is always comprised of the good times and the bad times, but today many would tell you it was all bad and we must erase every memory—good and bad—in their biased opinion. Who exactly is making the decision to eradicate history and where are those who should be pushing back?

[Tweet “The Bible is the only Book you can truly believe because it is the inspired Word of God not manipulations by men.”]

The Bible is the only “history” Book you can truly believe because it is the inspired Word of God not the manipulations of men. God shares evil and good, wrong and right, painful and joyful history since the beginning of time.

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, ¹⁷so that the servant of God^[^a^] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

A friend recently wrote on Facebook:

“This is why I believe God inspired the Bible. If men had written it, all of their sins would’ve been left out. I see some people and political leaders, and some colleges trying to erase the horrible history of slavery of our nation, but as George Santayana said, ‘Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.’”

Let’s look at what the Bible might look like if God eliminated topics that might offend someone, which erroneously many churches are attempting to do today.

Adam and Eve wouldn’t be created as only two genders–male and female–and wouldn’t have married, establishing that marriage is solely between a man and woman and sex is for the confines of marriage.

The story of Moses leading the Israelite slaves to freedom couldn’t be told because his adopted mother had slaves and he was a murderer. The 10 Commandments that God spoke to Moses convicts and annoys too many people, so the Pentateuch written by Moses (the first five books of the Bible) must be erased.

Noah couldn’t keep the animals cooped up on the ark for 370 days. That offends animal rights groups

Abraham’s wife Sarah had an Egyptian slave, Hagar, so Abraham couldn’t be God’s choice to father the great nation of Israel.

Worshippers of Baal and Molech couldn’t be faulted for sacrificing their children—it was their reproductive right and choice!

David was a man after God’s own heart and a King who loved and served God. David wasn’t inclusive to other gods and he didn’t separate church and state. So gone with every book in the Bible that mentions him and most of the Psalms.

Solomon was too wealthy so exclude Proverbs, the Song of Solomon, and Ecclesiastes.

Paul preached incessantly and persistently about sin, no matter how many times he was imprisoned. He was judgemental.
“Even their women exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones. ²⁷In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed shameful acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error.

²⁸Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done. ²⁹They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, ³⁰slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; ³¹they have no understanding, no fidelity, no love, no mercy. ³²Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.” Romans 1:26-32.

So all 14 Books of the New Testament that Paul wrote must be deleted because someone will surely be offended by hearing their choices are sinful.

The Four Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, tell the story of Jesus’s life and ministry. But Jesus had the audacity to say that He exclusively, not inclusively, was the only way to salvation, but everyone could be included if they believed that: “I [Jesus] am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6

[Tweet “What parts of the Bible would remain if someone thought we shouldn’t know the truth about biblical history, creation, the fall of man?”]

What parts of the Bible would remain if someone thought we shouldn’t know the truth about biblical history, creation, the fall of man, the hope of salvation? The failings of some good people who God still used in mighty ways? And the death of His innocent Son so that everyone who believes in Jesus could be forgiven. The opportunity to learn from past history and the redemptive stories from the Bible help us become godly people who work at making our world a better place.

We can prevent the mistakes of the past from becoming our present and learn how to create a better future for our world and ourselves.

What if man and not God wrote the Bible? Probably the only remaining Book would be Judges where everyone did what was right in their own eyes. Ah yes, now that’s history our culture could identify with today.

Even now, just like with our American heritage, the secularists are trying to eliminate any replica of our Christian heritage. What they’ll never understand is that Jesus doesn’t live in symbols; He lives in a believer’s heart. They could take down every Cross and 10 Commandments and still they could never eliminate Jesus. They can’t erase American or biblical history as long as one generation continues to tell the next generation. One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts. Psalm 145:4

If not, our past mistakes in the world will sadly become our future. You see it right now, with Democrat pundits trying to convince free Americans that slavery to a socialist government is a good thing. Maybe that’s really the motive behind wiping out any memory or reminder of the evils of slavery so those who want control could again enslave free people.

[Tweet “Democrat pundits try to convince free Americans that slavery to a socialist government is a good thing. Maybe that’s really the motive behind wiping out any memory or relic reminder of the evils of slavery so those who want control could enslave free people yet calling it justice.”]

As Christians, we each have a past but we’ve given our lives to Jesus to create our future. We can’t try to whitewash or erase our own life history like it never happened, but we can learn from it and let God use it to help someone else when we share our testimony. We bravely remember where we’ve been, so we can help someone else not make our past their future.

[Tweet “As Christians, we each have a past but we’ve given our lives to Jesus to create our future”]

And that’s why God doesn’t whitewash or erase “offensive” parts of the Bible. It’s all there from Genesis to Revelation. It’s ugly what men and women can do when sin rules in their life, but life is beautiful with Jesus.

You might also enjoy my blog The 4^th of July is for Proud Americans.

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July 8, 2019

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Who Cares What the Critics Think?

If you read the news or listen to it at all, there’s one common theme: negativity.

[Tweet “If you read the news or listen to it at all, there’s one common theme: negativity.”]

It struck me while browsing headlines that so many of them used the word “criticize.” One person criticizes what someone else did or said. Most of the time, you don’t even know the critic nor do you care to know them or what their opinion is: Why should I care what they think? They don’t represent my values, my opinion, or me. Why should it matter to me what they have to say about something or someone?

But for some reason the media thinks posting other people’s criticism will catch our attention. We’ll want to read the critique or criticism from someone who means nothing to us and then they’ll get more readers or viewers?!

Naught! I bet you’re with me: I’ll form my own opinion about what someone did or said and it doesn’t matter to me what some obscure person, or even famous personality, thinks about it.

In the political arena today, you’ll hear or see reports on what one candidate says about another candidate’s words or opinions or choices or life. Or someone else chimes in just to make news.

[Tweet “Form your own opinion about your candidate and don’t get caught up in the political rhetoric and mudslinging.”]

Form your own opinion about your candidate and don’t get caught up in the political rhetoric and mudslinging.

Recently an author friend had a well-known newspaper review her new book. A live media source wanted to interview her before they found out the article was positive, then there was no rush. If it’s not a mean, vengeful, misrepresentation that you have to defend, it’s not newsworthy.

[Tweet “Underneath all the media negativity is an underlying principle: Joyful, happy, good news that builds you up doesn’t sell.”]

Underneath all this negativity is an underlying principle: Joyful, happy, good news that builds you up doesn’t sell. News isn’t relevant unless it’s filled with drama, personal attacks, negative opinions, belittling, and criticism. Otherwise, today’s media doesn’t bother to report it. Or if they even try, there’s always another newspaper, media, or vocal person that’s ready to rip that reporter or person to shreds for being a Pollyanna, too nice, too religious, too respectful, too kind, too positive, too out of touch with reality . . . .

[Tweet “Have we become conditioned to only being interested in bad, traumatic, critical, negative, drama news?”]

And what about us their audience? Have we become conditioned to only being interested in bad, traumatic, critical, negative, drama news? On our social media do we share positive strides in areas that we care about or do we only read and share articles that will get crying, angry face emoji’s?

It’s All About Mind Control

[Tweet “Let’s not let negativity influence or control our minds.”]

My point is let’s not let negativity influence or control our minds. As you know, I’m the first one to be an advocate for speaking out against immoral issues and the wrongs of today, and I will listen to those who are constructively fighting for the same causes and denouncing those who are doing evil. But I’m not interested in the opinion or criticism of someone I don’t respect.

[Tweet “The Bible gives us guidelines for what we should take into our mind and it’s good to remember in all our communication.”]

As always, the Word gives us guidelines for what we should take into our mind and it’s good to remember in all our communication.

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

⁵Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. ⁶The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. Romans 8:5-7

And here’s a good guideline for how we should respond to those we don’t agree with or to criticism of our opinions:

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29

Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone. Colossians 4:6 NLT

What are your thoughts on the use of criticism by the media or the reporting of other people’s criticism?

You might also want to read my blog post a year ago, When Did We Become So Uncivil?

How Should We Respond to Verbal Attacks?

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June 24, 2019

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Oh Be Careful Little Ears What You Hear!

My granddaughter and her friend picked out the DVD, Jumanji. I’d never heard of it. My mistake was not checking that it was PG 13 and reading the reason for that rating.

When we got home, the girls settled in to watch the movie and I started dinner. Not even fifteen minutes into it, I heard, “What the hxxx” three times and “Daxx.”

The girls were engrossed in the movie, but to their alarm, I walked over and turned it off. I took the opportunity for a teaching moment. I told them why I didn’t want them to watch it:

“We don’t say those words in our home so why would I want to bring them in through the TV. You’re at Vacation Bible School this week, have you heard anyone talking like that there? Do you think Jesus would use those words?”

Their protests were things like:
“We don’t say those words.”

My answer, “Not now, but if you hear them used enough you will, especially if no one tells you they’re wrong. They’ll become normalized to you.

“It’s a good movie.”

My Answer: “It’s just lazy writing and completely unnecessary. No movie is good that relies on bad words.”

They realized I wasn’t going to budge on this and quickly found something else to do. Our children need our guidance, consistency, and mentoring to learn right from wrong.

[Tweet “Our children need our guidance, consistency, and mentoring to learn right from wrong.”]

We see bad language and worse in the media, talk shows, from bullying celebrities, TV, movies . . . people keep moving deeper and darker into vial, foul language because we let them. We pay to go watch movies where our ears, eyes, and minds are repeatedly assaulted. Disgusting profanity has become normal. Samantha Bee moved on to the cxxx word in assailing another woman because other profane words no longer cause a shock or reprimand.

It’s Just a Movie

I’m told that profanity is laced into PG 13 and even PG movies so adults will watch them! Seriously, adults need to hear potty mouth to watch a movie?! Have we sunk so low into a dark culture and society that without filth in a movie, adults won’t watch it?

And who decided that “some” nudity, sex scenes, profanity, and violence was acceptable for teenagers starting at thirteen? Why is the public OK with lowering that bar? Then we wonder why teenagers have potty mouths, sex, and are prone to violent acts!

Some will say, “They had to do that to depict how it really was.” So people really talk dirty when they’re fighting evil or saving the world or voicing an animated movie or in everyday life? Our son is an officer in the Navy and fighting for our country for over twenty years, and he doesn’t find it necessary to curse to save our country or “fit in.” I like to say, “He’s an officer and a gentleman!”

Or they try to rationalize: “Bad language was used to make a good point.”

As I told the girls, no good point ever comes from doing bad and vulgar things.

All attempts to justify viewing, maybe even laughing nervously, vulgar filth are empty rationalizations. Yes, I call it filth. But don’t just listen to me…what does God have to say about it? After all, we’re Christians so shouldn’t we be following God’s Word and His ways in our life and in what we teach our children by example of what we watch and say.

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen .Ephesians 4:29

The Bible even goes so far as calling it a sin to listen to vulgar language. A wicked person listens to deceitful lips; a liar pays attention to a destructive tongue. Proverbs 17:4

We can carefully and lovingly teach our children not to sin:

[Tweet “We can carefully and lovingly teach our children not to sin:”]

Now then, my children, listen to me; blessed are those who keep my ways. Proverbs 8:32

The Ephesians 5:1-14 Test

[Tweet “Run every movie you plan to see through the Ephesians 5:1-14 grid”]

How about running every movie you plan to see through the Ephesians 5:1-14 grid.

¹⁰Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. ¹¹Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them. ¹²It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret. ¹³

Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. ²Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.

³Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people. ⁴Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God. ⁵You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.

⁶Don’t be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey him. ⁷Don’t participate in the things these people do. ⁸For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! ⁹For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true.

¹⁰Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. ¹¹Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them. ¹²It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret. ¹³But their evil intentions will be exposed when the light shines on them, ¹⁴for the light makes everything visible.”

Is listening or saying profanity “following the example of Christ” (v. 2)?
Does the movie contain “sexual immorality, impurity, or greed? Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes”? According to God: “these are not for you . . . Such sins have no place among God’s people” (verses 3-4).
Are you thinking it’s just a movie and won’t influence my life? Think again—watching is participating: “Don’t be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey him. ⁷Don’t participate in the things these people do” (verses 6-7).

How Does God Speak to Us?

“OMG” has become a slang phrase that you or your children might casually say or text as an exclamation. The only time “Oh my God” is appropriate is in worship and prayer. If it’s become a slang habit in your house, break it now. If you hear other people saying it, you can respond, “God is my Lord and Savior, is He yours too?”

“You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.” Exodus 20:7 NIV

Pay attention to what the Bible tells you whether you heard it in Sunday school or Vacation Bible School as a child, or learned later in life as a believer. You will NEVER find a verse that justifies listening to or saying profanity or taking the Lord’s name in vain.

[Tweet “You will NEVER find a Bible verse that justifies listening to or saying profanity or taking the Lord’s name in vain”]

^1-2So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you. Romans 12:1-2 The Message

Maybe some of you sang this Bible song as a child. We never outgrow its message. As adults, we probably need to sing it regularly.

[Tweet “As adults, we probably need to sing O Be Careful, Little Eyes what you see and ears what you hear!”]

O Be Careful, Little Eye

O be careful little eyes what you see

There’s a Father up above

And He’s looking down in love

So, be careful little eyes what you see

O be careful little ears what you hear

There’s a Father up above

And He’s looking down in love

So, be careful little ears what you hear

O be careful little hands what you do

There’s a Father up above

And He’s looking down in love

So, be careful little hands what you do

O be careful little feet where you go

There’s a Father up above

And He’s looking down in love

So, be careful little feet where you go

O be careful little mouth what you say

There’s a Father up above

And He’s looking down in love

So, be careful little mouth what you say

Oh be careful little ears what you hear

For the Father up above is looking down with love

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June 11, 2018

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Are Today’s Churches Discouraging Reading the Bible?

At the beginning of the sermon, a Bible church pastor said to raise your hand if you needed a Bible and you could keep it if you didn’t have one. No one raised his or her hand.

Every sermon Scripture was in a printed handout in the church bulletin, as well as on the screens at the front of the church. Why would anyone need a Bible?

[Tweet “Congregants are spoon-fed Scriptures with no reason to bring their Bibles to church!”]

This is becoming the norm in churches. Congregants are spoon-fed Scriptures with no reason to bring their Bibles to church!

How many make a note somewhere when a particular Scripture pierces their heart?
How many will remember the Scriptures flashing up on a screen?
How many will throw away the bulletin handout when they get home?
How many will go back and review and study the Scriptures the pastor chose for his sermon?
How many open their Bibles during the week?
How many know where the books of the Bible are located?

Can churches still be called “Bible churches” when no one opens a Bible, even the pastor?

[Tweet “Can churches still be called “Bible churches” when no one opens a Bible, even the pastor?”]

I’m sure many will counter that with tablets, IPads, and smart phones, the Scriptures are available online. What if a church doesn’t have internet service? And even if they did, I seldom see congregants interacting and taking notes on their electronic devices like you can do with a hard copy Bible.

Recently, I was told the next generation only wants to use electronic Bibles. “What if they don’t know where Habakkuk is?” I was asked. “In ‘search,’ it’s easy to find on an electronic Bible.”

This underscores my point. The next generation will not know how to find Habakkuk in a Bible because they’re not looking at the complete Bible on an electronic device. That’s like looking at one line in a book you’re reading, but never read the entire book. Every Bible has a Table of Contents.

[Tweet “The next generation will not know how to find Habakkuk, or any book of the Bible, because they’re not looking at the complete Bible.”]

My counter to what the next generation wants: What are we told to do in the Bible? Give them just what they want, the way they want it? Or are we to mentor them using God’s Word and teach them the value of knowing their Bible, God’s Word, and how to use it for their own personal relationship with the Lord.

[Tweet “We’re to mentor using God’s Word and teach the next generation the value of knowing their Bible”]

“When we want to find God’s will, it is essential that we know our Bible. After all, God will never lead one of His followers to do anything that is contrary to the Scriptures. That’s one reason Paul exhorted us believers to “let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom” (Colossians 3:16). When we know Christ, are being led by His Spirit, and are abiding in His Word, we will be more sensitive to God’s guidance in our life. “Show me Your ways, O Lord; Teach me Your paths” (Psalm 25:4). (The Believer’s Code, O. S. Hawkins, April 3).

There is absolutely a place for electronic Bibles for reaching those doing online studies or aren’t in an area where they can obtain a Bible, but reading and interacting with God’s Word is about a relationship, not research. It’s not just randomly looking up a Scripture; it’s interacting and interfacing with the entire Bible. If you have a close relationship with someone, would you be satisfied with one or two lines on social media, or would you want to get to know them personally?

[Tweet “Knowing your Bible isn’t just randomly looking up a Scripture; it’s interacting and interfacing with the entire Bible”]

I realize it’s important to reach the younger generation where they’re at, and some might accept Christ without a Bible in their hand because the Holy Spirit does not send out the Word of God void (Isaiah 55:11). But what about those of us called to mentor them into maturity in their faith? Shouldn’t we help them get to know their Bible? Help them learn how to go to God’s Word in context as a guide for living the Christian life so they can say, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11).

Let’s never portray the Bible as intimidating, but proclaim the Bible as inspiring!

[Tweet “Never portray the Bible as intimidating, proclaim the Bible as inspiring!”]

A note to parents: If you only read your Bible on an electronic device, how do your children know you’re not checking email, social media, or playing a game?

Taking our precious Bibles to church, looking up Scriptures, writing notes in our Bible, reading our Bibles . . . sets a godly role model for those watching us, as we grow in our maturity and relationship with the Lord.

[Tweet “I don’t see mature believers with their Bibles in church or even using an electronic Bible.”]

Honestly, I often don’t see mature believers with their Bibles in church or even using an electronic Bible. What kind of example does that set? We never reach a place in our faith, where we know it all. God’s Word is new every morning and every reading.

I was recently at the Billy Graham library where his Bibles were on display with all his notes in the margins. A legacy of interaction with the Word of God, and with God.

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 (emphasis added).

I’m fortunate to attend a church where people still bring their Bibles. The pastor puts the Scripture reference in the handout notes, but not the Scripture. He encourages everyone to look them up, and he waits to give them a chance. What a blessing to hear the pages of Bibles turning. What joy this must bring to the Lord. Yes, the Scriptures are also on the screens and some don’t look up the Scriptures in a Bible.

My point: If you want to hear God, you need to engage with Him through a vital way He communicates, His Word, the Holy Bible.

[Tweet “If you want God to speak, you need to engage with Him through His Word!”]

Flashing Scriptures on a screen, reading on an electronic device, or printing them in a handout that often gets tossed, will never replace knowing the written Word of God.

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!

³How 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

After you pray and ask God what He thinks, let me know what He says to you.

If you received this blog by email, leave a comment here.

April 9, 2018

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“So That No One Will Malign the Word of God”

The title of this article is the end of Titus 2:5 (NIV). Other translations read:

so that the Christian faith can’t be spoken against by those who know them. (TLB)

In this way, the Word of God is honored. (NLV)

so that the word of God may not be discredited. (NABRE)

We don’t want anyone looking down on God’s Message because of their behavior. (MSG)

that the word of God may not be exposed to reproach (blasphemed or discredited) (AMPC)

Here’s Titus 2:1-5 (NIV) in context, a passage often used in mentoring . . .

You, however, must teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine. ²Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance.

³Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. ⁴Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, ⁵to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.

[Tweet “The Bible remains the number one best seller in the world!”]

No other book in history have emperors, empires, authorities, and mankind tried to malign, dishonor, discredit, reproach, blasphemy and destroy more than the Bible, yet still it remains the number one best seller in the world! Those of us who believe the Bible is the inerrant Word of God, often come under similar attacks. The world sees us as ignorant, foolish, drinking the Kool-Aid, stupid, unenlightened, living in the dark ages, not current or relevant . . . even deplorable. I’m sure many of you have been called worse names. I know I have.

[Tweet “The culture needs to adapt to the Bible, not the reverse!”]

Today’s liberal culture believes the Bible needs to adapt to culture instead of the culture adapting to the Bible. Progressive ignorance and blasphemy.

Jesus didn’t come to conform to the culture; he came to reform the culture! Now we’re to go and do likewise, but sadly many are following the culture instead of following Jesus’ example.

[Tweet “Tucker Carlson interviews a liberal Episcopalian pastor who promotes a gender-neutral God. Blasphemy”]

My heart sank as I heard Tucker Carlson on FOX news interview a liberal Episcopalian pastor who was convinced that Jesus would be in favor of taking gender out of the Bible and no longer seeing God as the Father image, but a gender-neutral God. The pastor’s words seared my heart, “We’re not taking anything away from the Bible, we’re just adding to it.”

I screamed at the TV, Tucker, remind him of the last words in the Bible . . .

¹⁸I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll. ¹⁹And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll.

²⁰He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.”

Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

Do you, like me, find it inapprehensible to live in a culture that openly, and without reproach or conscious, maligns the Word of God from politicians, officials, congressmen, media, progressives, and yes, even many churches? We’ve forsaken Paul’s warning to Titus to teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine to men and women, and likewise teach the next generations.

It’s so easy for Bible-believing Christians to scoff at the culture and bemoan liberalism, but should our churches and ourselves look in the mirror and assume some of the blame?

²²Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. ²³Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror ²⁴and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. James 1:22-24

As we watch liberalism and progressivism try to eliminate genders and the roles God assigned them, normalize same-sex unnatural relations and promiscuous sex, promote slaughtering babies in the womb, and the next generation accepting these atrocities, are Christians doing anything tangible to make a difference?

[Tweet “It’s not always comfortable to stand up for what you believe, but you must!”]

It’s not always comfortable to stand up for what you believe, but when you know the Truth and take to heart that many who are deceived today will spend eternity in hell instead of heaven, how could it be comfortable to remain silent?

How Can You Stop the Maligning of God’s Word?

Know your Bible! Relate to it. Read it. Study it. Memorize it. Share it.
Practice and role model the Bible’s teaching in your life and with your family.
Engage with the next generation by teaching or mentoring them using God’s Word as your guide.
Ask God to give you new insights into His Word and a hunger to learn more.
Remember how God’s Word has changed your life and share your testimony whenever God gives you the opportunity. If you’re wondering how to do this, Forsaken God?: Remembering the Goodness of God Our Culture Has Forgotten offers life-application ways, ideas, and prompts.

Obey the Word of God. If you hear only and do not act, you are only fooling yourself.—James 1:22 NLV

I know I’m preaching to the choir, and I commend the ministries you’re involved in and the ways God has led you to grow His Kingdom here on earth. For those who feel challenged by today’s blog, pray that God will show where He needs you to make a difference.

[Tweet “Pray God will show where He needs you to make a difference.”]

For me, it’s a personal attack when I hear anyone belittling or maligning my precious Lord and Savior and the Bible He’s given us to know how to live as believers during the time He gives us on earth. Our world today is not an easy place for Bible-believing Christians, but we must not let that stop us. Jesus told us we would be persecuted, just like He was (John 15:20), but all He asks us to do is defend His Word, the Bible, and prayerfully share His gospel message with grace and love. God will do the rest.

The Bible assures us: What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun (Ecc. 1:9), and Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever (Heb. 13:8).

Please share with us how God has led you to stop the maligning of His Word.

If you received this post by email, please leave a comment here.

____________

Note: In the book I’m writing now, Get Your Brave On: Women of the Bible Show Us We’re Braver Than We Think, you won’t be surprised that there is a chapter on Bold Faith. I would love to hear how God has lead you to stand up for your faith and the Bible. Please email me at [email protected] for more details.

Forsaken God?

February 12, 2018

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Don’t Let COVID Divide the Church! We’re On the Same Team!

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

America’s Problem is Systemic Secularism NOT Systemic Racism!

Systemic Secularism Will Be America’s Downfall

Returning to Systemic Biblical Values in America

God Wants a Word with You!

A Word to Focus On in 2020

God’s Word in Your Life in 2020

Are You Ready to Get Your Brave On With Me?

It Takes a Village to Write a Book

Everyone Needs the Lord

Here’s a sneak preview of the Preface.

Oh Be Careful Little Ears What You Hear!

It’s Just a Movie

The Ephesians 5:1-14 Test

How Does God Speak to Us?

Are Today’s Churches Discouraging Reading the Bible?

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The Bible is Real and So Are Its Predictions

Speak the Language of Hope!

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

Systemic Secularism Will Be America’s Downfall

Returning to Systemic Biblical Values in America

A Word to Focus On in 2020

God’s Word in Your Life in 2020

It Takes a Village to Write a Book

Everyone Needs the Lord

Here’s a sneak preview of the Preface.

It’s All About Mind Control

It’s Just a Movie

The Ephesians 5:1-14 Test

How Does God Speak to Us?

How Can You Stop the Maligning of God’s Word?

Subscribe to My Newsletter

Search This Site

Receive My Weekly Blog

Blog Archives

Grab and Share My Button

Golden Scrolls Finalist

BibleGateway

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Subscribe to Our Weekly Blog

Contact Janet

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