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What’s Your Part in the Everyday?

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Today I’ve invited my friend and fellow author Cheri Swalwell to share a guest post with you. I know you’ll enjoy it as she asks, “What’s Your Part in the Everyday?” Here’s Cheri . . .

I love the account of Esther in the Bible. Seven chapters weaving a story of faith, courage, and ultimately God’s display of His justice for the Jewish people. People, even nonbelievers, know how Esther was born for such a time as this, (Esther 4:14b). While that is one-hundred percent true, she wasn’t the only hero of the story. Readers remember her bravery and courage to step in front of the king, knowing she could be put to death if he didn’t extend his gold scepter to her, but I believe that act of bravery was birthed in the years beforehand.

The Bible doesn’t go into detail about her childhood except that Mordecai, her cousin, “had taken her as his own daughter when her father and mother died.” (Esther 2:7). Throughout the seven chapters of Esther, we see Esther listening to and obeying Mordecai’s wisdom, (Esther 2:10 and 2:20) as well as Mordecai staying close “to find out how Esther was and what was happening to her.” (Esther 2:11). The Bible paints a picture of a loving adoptive father and an obedient adopted daughter.

We’re also told of a time when Mordecai was sitting outside the king’s gate, keeping a protective ear out for Esther, and he uncovers an assassination attempt on the king’s life. “But Mordecai found out about the plot and told Queen Esther, who in turn reported it to the king, giving credit to Mordecai.” (Esther 2:22).

When Mordecai reaches out a second time to Esther, this time to reveal Haman’s plot to destroy the Jews, Esther reminds her uncle that if she approaches the king without being summoned, it could be her death sentence. Mordecai’s answer is one many readers are familiar with: “Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:13-14).

Esther then tells Mordecai to pray and fast for three days while she and her attendants do the same. The story ends with Esther setting a trap in front of the king to uncover Haman’s wickedness. But before her trap could be completed, God reminded the king of when Mordecai saved his life. He was so grateful he chose to celebrate Mordecai’s good deed. The final scenes include the Jews being allowed to fight back against the attack set in place by Haman’s wickedness, resulting in Haman and his ten sons ultimately being impaled on the pole Haman originally built to impale Mordecai.

We all remember Esther being born “for such a time as this.” However, let’s not forget Mordecai’s wisdom, love, and dedication to Esther, the king’s desire to honor those who rescued him, as well as the king’s humility to revise the edict he issued under false pretenses. I truly believe that without everyone choosing to do their part, Esther’s moment in history would have been much harder to fulfill.

Obedience in the Little Moments Strengthens our Faith

In December 2019, I received a prayer jar from my Sister-in-Christ for Christmas. I was excited to begin using it at the start of the new year, but felt God was calling me to “pray with a twist.” Instead of simply saying, “God, I need help with …” or “God, please fix …,” I started each prayer request with “Thank You, God, You’re going to heal …” or “Thank You, God, You know the answer to this toughie …”

Fast forward three months and we started the now infamous lockdown. When the general atmosphere of the world turned anxious, I turned to God. Not knowing at that time how long the shutdown would actually last, I felt God telling me to put my “Thank You, God” prayers to the side and change the prayer jar to a blessings jar. I knew God was using this avenue to help my family collect the blessings we saw during this season in history instead of focusing on all they were missing out on or the fear spiraling around us.

I also began to notice various ways people were stepping up and out of their comfort zones. Church members were volunteering at food banks, teachers were riding on school buses to hand deliver food to students who wouldn’t otherwise have a meal, while other strangers started fundraisers to help those in need.

I was still working full time from home, surrounded by my kids in various stages of online learning, and we were taking care of my in-laws, which meant trying to keep germ exposure to a minimum. However, it’s not in my DNA to sit idly by while others serve. My prayer became one of “What part do You, Lord, want me to play in this season of our lives?’ And then I waited.

It Started with a Song and a Prayer

January 2020, I had a close group of friends, all teachers from the same school. The month before the shutdown, a mutual friend and I invited a group of those teachers to our church for a women’s breakfast – a time of eating and fellowshipping together. It was the first time we did that, and we weren’t sure if anyone would show up. We were pleasantly surprised that not only the ones we invited came, but they brought others along as well. We filled two full tables at the event.

It was so much fun! We added another friend to our group that morning, a young mom who was new to the area. When we moved to the sanctuary to begin the service, she happened to sit in the row that had been taken over by all my teacher friends. The best part? She fit right in.

When I asked God above what my part was to play during the lockdown, His answer came quickly. He told me to text a worship song and prayer every weekday morning to each of my friends, including the new mom I had met a month earlier. Even though we couldn’t be together in person, we could still start our day “together” focusing on God’s promises, instead of life’s problems. We could be encouraged to see God in our everyday moments instead of saving Him for special occasions or once a week.

Days turned into weeks; weeks turned into months. The lockdown ended, people reentered the work force and life looked a semblance like it used to. Monday through Friday, I continued to text my group of friends as a way for us to keep growing our relationship with God through praise and worship and prayer. The list grew from ten, to twenty, and beyond.

I chose to text them individually versus a group text, so that if they had specific prayer requests that might be more personal, they didn’t have to worry about the whole group reading about their struggles. The group grew from my teacher friends to include old childhood friends and new friends I acquired through normal interactions. After faithfully texting people each weekday, one ordinary day God took my heartfelt prayer, “What’s is my part?” to the next level.

What started as a way to stay connected during the lockdown soon became a monthly membership to help others experience that same growth in their relationship with God. Every week we read and apply God’s Word (the Bible), sing praise and worship to God, spend time in prayer, and learn about relevant topics from a biblical viewpoint. Altogether, it keeps our focus on the ways He blesses us throughout each and every day, filling our lives as described in John 10:10: “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” (NKJV)

In June 2021, JESUS in the EVERYDAY was born. The heart of the membership is to help people recognize Jesus hugs (blessings) throughout their day, celebrating the blessings of God instead of zeroing in on what went wrong. It gives people a chance to grow their relationship with God at their own pace, enjoying the journey instead of rushing through as though it’s a race. It’s a way to arm ourselves with God’s promises and truth before stepping out into the world. It helps prepare us with biblical answers to tough questions to help point our friends and family to the truth.

God’s heart is for His children. He desires that we all accept Jesus into our hearts, surrendering our lives to Him, and be forever together with Him in heaven. “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9).

Some people think the salvation prayer is a “one and done prayer,” but that one prayer is only the beginning. The most important mission we have on earth is to follow Jesus’ example found in Luke 4:43: “But he said, “I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent.”

What’s Your Part?

Thankfully, the lockdowns are behind us; however, there are even more people who are lost, broken, and hurting than ever before. They desperately need to hear the truth of God’s message of hope and salvation. I want to encourage all of us to ask God in our quiet time “What’s my part?” in helping those who are lost and desperately need to know how much You, God, love them.

I get excited when I think of the endless possibilities of how God will use you to share His good news to this hurting world! Like Esther and Mordecai, everyone remembers Esther and the famous words: “For such a time as this,” but Mordecai’s role in the story was equally important. Ask God to show you what you’ve already been doing to help further His kingdom. You might be surprised at His answer. Maybe it’s the little things you do daily that He is pleased with the most.

I continually ask God, “What’s my part?” in pointing people to Him during each changing season of our culture. Is that a question you’re willing to ask, and then step out in obedience, when He answers?

Come join the monthly membership and our community as we each seek to grow closer to our Heavenly Father. We’re excited for you to become part of our family as we celebrate seeing JESUS in our lives, everyday!

Bio:

Cheri Swalwell is a Christ follower, writer of Christian fiction and nonfiction, Cheer UP Podcast co-host, JESUS in the EVERYDAY YouTuber, and JESUS in the EVERYDAY monthly membership hostess. Visit www.cheriswalwell.com to learn more about the ministry and for encouragement to see JESUS in your everyday life.

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April 21, 2025
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Where God is Barred, That Place is Cursed!

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I can’t pinpoint exactly when profanity and cursing escaped from battlefields and pool halls to slither into the halls of Washington D.C. where Democrat Senators and Congress members are swearing like sailors. How did everyday discourse and debate become coarse and vulgar?

I can still remember when potty mouth was pretty much only uttered by men and never in front of women or children. If someone let a curse word slip out in a mixed group, someone else would reprimand, “Not in front of the ladies.” Or “Not in front of the kids.”

Today, profanity peppers men’s, women’s, and even tragically children’s everyday language. Sadly, not many people seem as shocked or offended as I am. Call me old fashioned, call me a prude, but don’t curse around me. I don’t tolerate cursing. I’m not afraid to ask someone at the gym or anywhere to please stop with the profanity. A request like that at one time would’ve been honored with an apology but not anymore, especially on social media where people are rude, crude, vulgar, and godless. Yet, under the Biden Administration, any mention of God, Jesus, or Scripture was often censored.

We have a neighborhood community Facebook page where a neighbor I don’t know used the F-bomb in a comment. I politely replied, “Please watch language on this community page.” To which he responded, “No.” Unapologetic. Belligerent. Entitled. That’s usually the temperament and personality of someone who thinks public cursing is freedom of speech. Or maybe they don’t have a wide enough vocabulary to come up with inoffensive descriptive words. Cursing is lazy brain.

That “F” word is slander for fornication and NEVER appropriate anywhere by anyone! Yet, it’s become so normalized that people use it freely and feel entitled and unashamed. It’s not just men. I recently saw a woman use it on Facebook to describe our President. If you listen to on-the-street interviews or podcasts on television, it’s a series of bleeps because for now anyway, public television and radio decency standards prohibit cursing.

Why do so many young people curse? Because they hear it everywhere, maybe even from parents at home.

So is it any wonder that the Democrats, men and women, in a wild desperate attempt to be relevant to everyday Americans have tried singing, screaming, dancing, and cursing. First, they stood in front of the Capitol and took turns unintelligently screaming the F-bomb. A woman senator from Oregon even said she didn’t use that word and then blurted it out like a badge of honor, while saying don’t tell my children (who are college age). Like they’re not going to hear about their mother swearing the F bomb into the TV camera?!

Then Democrats did a mosaic video all in their zoom boxes saying the exact same script with the mandatory curse word printed in capitals with ** between the first and last letter. I doubt many people found that relatable or convincing, even though they might speak like that themselves. We used to expect a certain amount of decorum and respectability from government officials, but not anymore. The Democrats seem to be seeing how low in the slimy gutter they can go while acting and sounding like crude thugs or children throwing a temper tantrum.

The left has no policies popular with the majority of the American public so they think that using profanity will make them more relevant, “faux edgy authentic.” Sen. Schumer in an interview on television called Republicans, “Bastards.” Sen. Mark Kelly (AZ) called Elon Musk on television “A** hole.” Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) spews the F-bomb regularly. Cringe! Crude! Crass!

Democrat leadership is actually hiring influencers telling them they need to use profanity. Do anything. Say anything. They hired “comedienne” (I use the term loosely) Suzanne Lambert as a consultant to tutor them on how to keep it real. Her advice was “Be meaner.”

So, at the President’s Joint Session of Congress Speech, not standing or clapping for mothers whose daughters were killed by illegal aliens, a young man whose policeman father was killed, a young woman injured by a trans man invading women’s sports, and widows of fallen policemen wasn’t mean enough. They sat on their hands for a child with brain cancer then later offered the child’s dad money to stop supporting President Trump. DJ and his family also became the targets of harassing phone calls using venomous language and online attacks.

Cold-hearted. Beyond mean. Wicked. Evil.

A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. Luke 6:45
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Eph. 4:29

The Bible even calls listening to vulgar language a sin. A wicked person listens to deceitful lips; a liar pays attention to a destructive tongue. Pr. 17:4

James is saying this to believers. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. James 3:10

But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. Eph. 5:3-4

What does all this liberal left evil demonic foul venomous language and meanness lead to? More evil. Bullying. Violence. Destruction. I fear even death as we watched two failed attempts at President Trump’s life and Elon Musk has received numerous death threats.

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. Rom. 1:28

When godless words are full of hate, profanity, and vulgarity, the next expression is more of the same until they act out their rage through violence. The Democrats have already resorted to violence.

  • Calling it “healthcare” when innocent babies are violently torn apart, poisoned, and murdered.
  • Abandoning 300,000 lost children who came unaccompanied across the open border.
  • Offering sanctuary to violent illegal criminals.
  • Leaving the homeless, drug addicted, and veterans on the street.
  • Championing children to be violently sterilized and mutilated with a false lie they could do the impossible and change their gender.
  • Defending crossdressing men impersonating women and abusively hurting and competing in women’s sports.
  • Weaponizing the Justice Department against their political opponent.
  • Paying violent activists to wear identical shirts, hold professional signs, and hand out flyers promoting terrorists and antisemitism.
  • Encouraging violent destruction of Tesla dealerships and burning charging stations. Hypocritically, during the previous Democrat administration, they insisted everyone switch to Tesla for the “environment” until Elon Musk started revealing corruption and paybacks in government. Now, they curse him. The Democrats are denouncing their own purchase of a Tesla and not one of them has denounced the terrorism and violent assaults against Tesla dealerships, Tesla owners, and death threats to Elon Musk.
  • Swatting Conservative influencers by falsely telling police there’s a crime at the influencer’s home in hopes the police will mistakenly shoot the influencer and his family dead.
  • Paying protesters at Republican townhalls to yell, scream, and protest creating a dangerous environment. It wasn’t that long ago that a crazed Bernie Sander’s follower tried to kill Republican Congressmen and Senators at a baseball practice.
  • Bernie Sanders recently held a rally that opened with a crossdresser singing a profane song blaspheming Jesus. It’s difficult to get more evil than that!

Yes, a godless political party does evil very well.

The world can’t hate you, but it does hate me because I [Jesus] accuse it of doing evil. John 7:7

One sin leads to another sin leads to another sin as we watch the demise and curse of the Democrat Party that has barred God from their platform. Americans clearly said in the last election that we don’t want a country governed by hateful, crude, mean, yelling, screaming, violent, corrupt, godless bureaucrats. We want the America many of us grew up in where people understood “In God We Trust!”

How Did It Get This Bad and What’s Our Role as Christians in a Culture Barring God?

The title of this blog, “Where God is Barred, That Place is Cursed,” came from a comment I heard from Pastor John Amanchukwu on Flashpoint. It’s applicable to the Democrat party now and might’ve been the demise of America if the Dems stayed in power. Power is their god.

I encourage you to follow Pastor Amanchukwu at IKnowGod.us. He’s been going to school board meetings around the nation speaking against the obscene sexually perverted books in schools. He also has a video 22 WordsFilm.com tracking our culture since God, prayer, and the Bible were barred from schools in 1962. Those rulings have contributed to a decline in societal values, marked by rising divorce rates, teenage pregnancy, suicide, violent crime, the growing acceptance of pornographic content and LGBTQIA+ agendas in schools.

Today, we see the godless Democrat party overtaken with meanness, profanity, and violence. And I’m not saying the Republican Party is above reproach either, but for the most part they haven’t resorted to unscrupulous behavior and many of them strive to honor God. Those who don’t, we should primary out. Both parties allowed our country and thus our schools to go from . . .

  • Prayer to porn
  • Prayer to trans
  • Prayer to racism
  • Prayer to critical race theory
  • Prayer to cursing
  • Prayer to corruption
  • Prayer to hate
  • Prayer to violence

Just this morning, I was praying with Pastor Jack Hibbs on his daily Facebook Scripture prayer group and the verse we prayed was 2 Timothy 3:1-5.

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

After we prayed, Pastor Hibbs pointed out that Christians have the blessing of looking at the culture with discernment and not deception. We see the darkness and we’re not consumed by it. We know that we’re the light. Although it is distressful watching so many people buying into the enemy’s lies. It’s usually not productive to reason with them because just like the screaming cursing Democrats, they will defend and deny. But what we can do is pray for them and get involved however God leads, whether it’s at school board or council meetings, speaking out in church or your community, and voting for biblical values.

Romans 12:1-2 The Message tells us what we must do personally.

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.

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Eph. 5:8-14

Pray For President Trump

President Trump, who does on occasion use profanity, has been working hard to omit it from his speaking after Rev. Franklin Graham complimented him on his rallies but said they would be so much better if he didn’t curse. President Trump has humbly admitted this conversation with Franklin and even said recently that the First Lady had asked him to stop. He’s said that sometimes there’s just not another word to express what he’s trying to convey, but he’s an intelligent man and he’s doing well in cleaning up his language. He’s a forgiven sinner like all of us so pray for him.

President Trump also wants to make America great again, but the key to making it great is to recognize that God makes and breaks nations. I think President Trump realizes this as he’s said he knows God spared his life to make America great again. So, we can pray that he’s listening to God and the advice of godly people. God blesses or curses nations as they protect and promote His Gospel and the church.

For the nation or kingdom that will not serve you will perish; it will be utterly ruined. Is. 60:12

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

For dominion belongs to the LORD and he rules over the nations. Ps. 22:28

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March 17, 2025
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Don’t Let Politics Cancel Thanksgiving This Year!

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I know all of you don’t receive my monthly free About His Work Ministries Newsletter, so I wanted to share with you the November opening article that posted today in case you missed it. It’s so important that we don’t let politics or an election cause us to boycott or ghost friends and relatives on a day that’s all about thanking and praising God for His goodness to us. Don’t let anyone persuade you differently. If you’ve already read this article in the newsletter, I hope it blessed you. If you haven’t read it yet, here you go. Have a blessed and joyful Thanksgiving from Dave and me!

14 Ways to Celebrate a Peaceful Prayerful Post-Election Thanksgiving!

An extended family member was surprised we were celebrating a family Thanksgiving this year. She had heard the ludicrous decree that families and friends with differing political views shouldn’t celebrate Thanksgiving?! She believed this outrageous proclamation as fact and surveys show she’s not alone. A quarter of Americans say they’re canceling Thanksgiving plans over political clashes. Pathetic and tragic.

Much of the mistruths, lies, and gas lighting made from the liberal side of the aisle works to disintegrate and divide friends and families instead of uniting them around the things they do agree on like loving your family regardless of their political or faith beliefs. Family is stronger than politics and God tells us to love those who don’t agree with us, even though we don’t always love their actions or beliefs.

Absolutely, we’re having a joyous family Thanksgiving celebration! We have much to be thankful for this year beyond the election. So yes, I’ll be making my famous sweet potatoes for those who love them. And I’ll be bringing my Thanksgiving tablecloth, which you can read about at the end of this article. We won’t let political or faith differences prevent us from giving praise, glory, and thanks to our Lord and Savior for another year of life together.

In the fragile aftermath of a volatile election, I imagine many of you are having similar concerns and conversations. I remember my mom cautioning that if you want to keep the peace, don’t talk about religion or politics. As a kid, I never understood that warning. Believers are supposed to tell everyone about Jesus. Since being a Christian is our first identity . . . how could we not talk about our Savior? Likewise, if we’re happy about our vote resulting in political policies that align with our faith and beliefs, then we shouldn’t have to stifle our joy.

I’m bold about my first role in life: being a born-again Christian. All other roles come second. As I wrote in Forsaken God? Remembering the Goodness of God Our Culture Has Forgotten, “Bold doesn’t mean obnoxious. It simply means not being afraid to speak the truth, even in the face of adversity: ‘Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold’ (2 Cor. 3:12).”

For example, if someone asks what I write, I answer, “Christian living nonfiction.” Or, “I’m a Christian author and speaker.”  My response often opens the door for further discussion of my books. If someone asks if I’m happy with the results of the election, I respond with a resounding, “Ecstatic!” I recently wore my “Make America Healthy Again” hat on vacation, as I do around town when home, and I’m inundated with smiling people loving my hat. I worked hard and prayed hard for the outcome that represented my biblical worldview, and I’m not ashamed. I do understand others are disappointed, just like I was in 2020, but we still had Thanksgiving that year too!

For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die. Philippians 1:20 NLT

So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. And don’t be ashamed of me, either, even though I’m in prison for him. With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the sake of the Good News. 2 Timothy 1:8 NLT

Is Thanksgiving a Religious Holiday?

That could be an awkward question in some circles. I was with a group of people and mentioned how I hoped people would set their differences aside on Thanksgiving Day, and one person said, “It’s just a time for eating a lot of food, watching football, and shopping online anyway.”

Me: “I’m pretty sure the first pilgrims who celebrated Thanksgiving didn’t have TV or Amazon.

Another responded: “Well at least Thanksgiving isn’t a religious holiday.”

I asked: “Who then are we thanking?”

Complete silence.

Of course, the answer is: God. Abraham Lincoln made it an official national holiday “as a day of thanksgiving and praise to Almighty God, the beneficent Creator and Ruler of the Universe.” The English colonists we call Pilgrims celebrated days of thanksgiving as part of their religion as days of prayer, not feasting.

Yes, it’s a time of family and friends gathering, but as we sit around the feast together, we can’t thank each other, or aliens, or the “big bang” for giving us life, the sun, moon, trees, food, the earth, water, sky, sweet babies, and all the blessings we enjoy.

We read in Genesis that God spoke everything into being, and yet, many of us will be sharing turkey and dressing with people who don’t believe or discount the existence of God. They don’t know where they’re going when they die or where everything we enjoy on earth came from . . . and maybe they don’t even care.

They’ll walk out of the room when we pray before the meal, and may try to bait us into an argument over who we voted for and why. Maybe after a few drinks, their conversation will turn ugly, even though innocent young eyes are watching how the “adults” interact.

Daily, not just at Thanksgiving, my husband and I pray beseeching God to prepare us to be a light in the darkness . . . not to avoid the darkness because that would be the cowards way out . . . but to help us respond as if Jesus was standing behind us speaking through us. You’ve all been in situations where it seemed like Satan was standing behind or speaking through the other person.  So how can we let Jesus reflect through us? Granted, some might not recognize Jesus . . . but they’ll see there’s something different about us.

14 Ways to Maintain Peace and Joy on Thanksgiving

As I prayed and talked to the Lord, here’s a list I hope will help all of us. I’d love to hear your ideas too.

  1. Don’t worry what to say—“Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.” Mark 13:11 (Jesus was talking to his disciples if they were arrested, but I think it could apply to us too if we felt our faith or political beliefs was being tested or put on trial.)
  2. Speak kind words—“Kind words are like honey— sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.” Pr. 16:24 NLT
  3. Strive for peace—“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Romans 12:18
  4. Don’t instigate or respond to antagonistic discussions—“Interfering in someone else’s argument is as foolish as yanking a dog’s ears.” Pr. 26:17 NLT
  5. Play with children present—“We will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the Lord, about his power and his mighty wonders.” Ps. 78:4 NLT
  6. Don’t drink—“Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Ephesians 5:18 NLT
  7. Smile, Smile, Smile—“Fix my eyes on God— soon I’ll be praising again. He puts a smile on my face. He’s my God.” Psalm 42:5 The Message
  8. Listen—“Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others.” Pr. 12:15 NLT
  9. Take a deep breath and think before you speak—“There is more hope for a fool than for someone who speaks without thinking.” Pr. 29:20 NLT
  10. Less is more—“The more words you speak, the less they mean. So what good are they?” Ecc. 6:11 NLT— There’s “A time to be quiet and a time to speak.” Ecc. 3:7 NLT
  11. Pray mind prayers.—“Pray continually.” 1 Thess. 5:17
  12. Have a sign or word with others that signals: Change the subject if the conversation gets heated or move into another room.—“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor.” Ecc. 4:9
  13. If you’re hosting—Thank God for each guest. Pray over your home and each chair at the table. Pray as you normally would at the meal, your guests know they’re coming to a Christian home.—“Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.” 1 Peter 4:9
  14. If you’re a guest—As you approach the home, pray to be a blessing. If your hosts don’t pray before the meal, bow your head and pray over your food as you normally would. — “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Gal. 5:22-23

Thanksgiving is a day for harmony and focusing on God and giving Him thanks and praise in whatever way He leads. Fiction writers have a saying: “Show don’t tell.” You don’t always have to speak Jesus with your words. Show Him with your actions. People will want what you have!

Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. Psalm 100:4 NLT

I give thanks for each of you who follow me on this Monday Morning Blog. I pray you have a joyful, peaceful, and God-filled Thanksgiving Day.

Memory Making Thanksgiving Tablecloth

In Forsaken God?: Remembering the Goodness of God Our Culture Has Forgotten, I share how to use your tablecloth as a conversation piece and a way to make memories for generations to come. Here is an excerpt from the book. I hope it gives you some ideas. I’ll be taking our Thankful Tablecloth with us this Thanksgiving to my daughter’s house. My grandchildren love to look back at their tiny handprints and drawings when they were toddlers and the comments written over the past twenty-one years.

When my breast cancer journey started, I became keenly aware of making memories with my family. At times like that, you think seriously about your mortality and the legacy you want to leave with your loved ones. You appreciate each new day of life. The sun rising every morning is an act of God to celebrate.

Holidays like Thanksgiving have new meaning. Typically, Thanksgiving is a celebration where family and friends gather for a feast, and everyone says what they’re thankful for in the past year. But after finishing the dishes and putting away the leftovers, how many really remember what everyone said?

Please leave a comment here and I’ll reply!

November 25, 2024
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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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Take Time to Rest From Labor and Work!

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When the elders from church came over last week to pray over my husband Dave, who is also an elder, I was touched that one of them said he was sensing God was telling Dave to rest. Rest is all he’s been able to do for the last six-weeks since severe spinal stenosis, disc bulges, and a cyst on his spine have weakened his legs. The little walking he does with a walker causes pain but sitting and lying relieve the pain somewhat, so he’s definitely been resting. I can’t say the same for myself since I’m the caregiver, but rest is something that’s never come easy for me unless I’m sleeping!

So here we are today celebrating a day that is supposed to be a day of relaxing from work to rest and enjoy. At church a girlfriend mentioned that she wore her white pants because it was almost Labor Day and “You can’t wear white after Labor Day.” I looked at her questioningly since being a native Californian, we wore white pretty much all year, but now that we’re Idahoans, we move from summer pretty quickly into Fall with warmer clothes and packing away our shorts and sandals. I have to admit I hate seeing summer come to an end, but this year the fires and smoke have been so bad in our community, we’re all praying for rain and cooler temperatures.

I’ve always looked at Memorial Day and Labor Day as the bookends of summer. Both are now three-day weekend holidays that also commemorate the end of one school year and the beginning of the next—although today’s schools don’t stick as closely to that schedule anymore.

You have planned Labor Day picnics, family reunions, and barbeques commemorating the official end of summer; but beyond that, few stop to think about why we even have the day off. What is Labor Day anyway?

History of Labor Day

In 1894, Grover Cleveland made Labor Day a federal holiday after a failed attempt to break up a railroad strike. Observed on the first Monday in September, Labor Day pays tribute to the contributions and achievements of American workers. That’s you and me, even those who are retired, have spent a good portion of their life working.

Traditionally, all stores closed on Labor Day so all workers could celebrate the holiday. Today, most stores are having Labor Day sales, and their workforce is hard at work on a day that was supposed to be about resting from work. Many people work on Labor Day without realizing, Hey, I’m a worker that has contributed to my company and I should have a day of rest!

Work and Rest

The article, Labor Day: Your Need for Both Work and Rest by Nick Batzig, recently caught my attention. It opened with this sentence, “As we come to celebrate another Labor Day, it may be beneficial for us to step back for a moment and consider what Scripture has to say about the rhythm of work and rest—i.e. the cyclical configuration by which all the events of our lives occur.”

The article discussed God’s original plan for work and how that all changed when Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit and why God wants us to have times of rest and refreshment. Batzig listed several changes over the years that have us focusing on work not just as provision for our family, but for prestige, self-esteem, peer pressure, fear, anxiety, and lack of purpose outside of work. The following point really resonated with what I see happening in families today:

“Whereas traditional societies said that you got your meaning in life through your family, and through basically fulfilling a fairly prescribed social role—either as a mother or father, or a brother or sister, or husband or wife, or a son or a daughter…You just needed to find a way to make a living because family was what everything was about. But we’re the first culture in history that says, ‘You define yourself by defining what you want to be and by attaining it—and then you have significance.’ There’s never been more psychological and social and emotional pressure on work to be either fulfilling or at least lucrative. There’s never been a culture like that.”

How Can We Change Culture?

I’ll admit that I’m a recovering workaholic. The only way I’m able to balance work and rest is to prioritize the things that are the most important to me—serving God and my family. My ministry is About His Work Ministries, so I’m fortunate to be able to serve God through my work of writing and speaking, but I also need to take breaks. I schedule times of rest and relaxation with my hubby, and I actually find walking or even going to the gym rejuvenating.

Dave and I also serve in ministry together by leading a couples Bible study in our home which is enjoyable to both of us. When I’m spending time with my family or friends, I set aside “work” and focus on them.

That doesn’t leave much time in my schedule for “extra” activities, and so I’ve had to learn to say no to some good things. Before I say “yes, and find myself with no time to rest and refresh, I’m trying to remember to do two things:

1. Pray and ask God if it’s something He wants me to do.

2. Assess if I have the time and energy to add this activity to my calendar.

If I sense God telling me to go for it, I know I must remove something from my calendar, or I’ll become unbalanced trying to get all the work done and rest and family will suffer.

What do you do to find times of rest and refreshment in a world that values work over rest?

Jesus says, “Come to Me, all of you who work and have heavy loads. I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

Finding rest on Labor Day
A Bible study I wrote on living a balanced life based on the married couple Priscilla and Aquila. Read more about it here.

Please leave a comment here and I will reply.

September 2, 2024
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The Lies Satan Uses to Deceive Christians and Churches

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You’ve heard it said, maybe you’ve said it yourself, “Christians and the church should stay out of politics.” Satan has used that lie effectively to transform America from a country that honored God and godly principles to electing a current administration that bows to evil demonic ideologies. It’s been a steady progression to a tipping point of a 2024 American presidential ticket with two progressive extreme left neo-Marxists! Both of the candidates on that ticket have demonstrated a lack of integrity, honesty, and morals, while embracing Marxist ideologies that attempt to replace God with government.

By trying to become gods without submitting to the God, they rebel against Romans 13:1-2. “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God” (vs. 1).  We’re only to honor government that acknowledges its authority comes from God. Those currently in power, and seeking to keep power, fall under the second verse.  2 “Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority [of God] is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.”

God has more to say to governing rebels about their insolence.

There are six things the Lord hates—
    no, seven things he detests:
17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent, 18 a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong, 19 a false witness who pours out lies, a person who sows discord in a family. Pr. 6:16-19 NLT

How did these kinds of people get into power? We let them! Christians and the church, which should’ve put on their armor of God to speak loudly and boldly against evil and demonic inroads in our government, instead chose complacency, apathy, and silence. What are some of those evil principles you might be asking. Here’s just a few demonic travesties the progressive liberal left champions . . .

  • Federally codify as a “constitutional right” the savage and barbaric murder-on-demand of human babies in the womb, even after birth, calling it “healthcare” or “women’s reproductive rights.” Some blue states, including Minnesota under Governor Walz, have already codified this in their state constitutions and at least two babies in Minnesota were left to die after birth. The destruction of human babies during abortion would be vehemently condemned on rats, but if you speak or pray too loudly to protect human babies from being viciously murdered, you might be arrested.
  • Allow malpractice doctors to hormonally and surgically mutilate and castrate minor children deceitfully calling it “healthcare.” Walz deemed Minnesota a “sanctuary state” for this atrocity on children. Walz will take your children from you if you don’t agree to letting your child’s body be permanently altered and made infertile.
  • Allow unvetted illegal aliens to invade our borders, obtain citizen benefits, vote in elections, and thereby facilitate child sex trafficking and smuggling of drugs killing thousands of children and adults. Harris, the “border czar” for the past 3 ½ years, encouraged and facilitated this invasion.
  • Voter fraud.
  • Incarcerating political prisoners, conducting legal warfare against political opponents, while letting criminals go free.
  • Children taught perverted sex practices in school starting in kindergarten.
  • Children brainwashed and indoctrinated in schools to believe the lie that they can change their gender and parents coerced into agreeing with it, never told, or threatened with loss of parental rights if they don’t agree.
  • Children exposed to obscene and pornographic books in school and public libraries.
  • Forcing people to take an experimental vaccine or lose their job or military status and closing churches, which Walz did in Minnesota during Covid.
  • Allow men to compete in women’s sports, undress and shower in women’s locker rooms, and use women’s bathrooms in schools where governors like Walz put feminine hygiene products in boys’ bathrooms.
  • Pro-Hamas, anti-Israel protests encouraged not condemned, while pulling back support for Israel.
  • Promoting and financing a “climate change” “green new deal” scam/hoax.

You might think what decadent country would allow such evil? You’re living in that country right now! Everything on that partial list is allowed and legalized, either federally and/or in blue Democrat run states.

Yet, how many of you have heard a sermon on any of this evil? How many of you have spoken out against it? How many of you realize that every moral issue we hold dear as Christians is being politicized because Christians stayed silent and let it happen while falling prey to the lie from hell that Christians shouldn’t be “political” or participate in government. That’s like saying Christians shouldn’t be emotional, logical, moral, or take a stand against evil. Instead, Christians should relinquish religious freedoms of their families, friends and neighbors to the diabolical policies of an anti-God government without objecting. Wrong!

Lies straight from the pit of hell. Satan wants Christians to cower as he exerts his authority and power on the world with no pushback from those who have the Holy Spirit’s power inside but fail to tap into it. Just like when the serpent taunted Eve with the famous question that led to sin creating death for us all, “Did God really say that?”

Yes, God told us to combat evil wherever and whenever we see it manifested in our own lives, in the lives of others, and in the public square. Christians have civic duties and responsibilities. The lie that the church should restrict itself to solely preaching the Gospel, but not teach how to take the Gospel into the world to combat evil is from Satan’s playbook, not God’s Holy Book.

God is in Politics!

God created government and politics just like He created every element of our lives and the world. God and godly men got involved in politics throughout the Bible!

From Genesis to Revelation, we see the history of good and bad governments and the destruction of society when an evil regime is in power. Often, a prophet of God gave wise godly political council to leaders like Moses whose father-in-law Jethro told him to establish a government structure. God gave Moses the 10 Commandments laws to govern the people. Daniel and Joseph found themselves in ungodly governments, but didn’t acquiesce or stay silent. Each spoke God’s truth to those in political power and ended up in high positions in government serving righteously. The prophet Samuel anointed Saul as King, but later spoke God’s truth boldly against Saul’s misdeeds. The prophet Nathan confronted King David about using his power in government immorally and Nathan counseled David’s son, King Solomon.

I could go on with biblical examples throughout history. Here’s the point: we need godly men and women today who are willing to serve in government. We need churches encouraging Christians to get involved in developing and supporting righteous laws and combatting evil however and wherever the Lord leads, but especially using their God-given right to vote. There is nothing prohibiting a pastor from telling his congregation to vote their faith and biblical beliefs. He should be discipling and guiding them in what biblically based faith looks like. He can do that in a nonpartisan biblical way.

God didn’t create us to be puppets at the mercy of whoever is in power when they’re evil. God is the ultimate power, but He gave us responsibility and authority to occupy this land until His return. We’re not one-dimensional human subjects or slaves to whomever is in charge. We the people are the government and with prayer and research, we determine who we want to oversee the government structure that works best for the citizens. We’re actually the boss, not the White House.

Political Engagement is An Important Stewardship for Christians!

We’re to infuse God and His ways into every area of life from the family to the frontlines of government. Nothing in the Bible tells us to stand down and submit to evil. Instead, we’re to take our biblical worldview into every corner of the earth and every activity under heaven, including politics and government.

Many argue that politics is divisive and we only want unity in the church. People will always have different opinions over everything from the music to the color of the carpet or maybe even no carpet. It doesn’t mean we don’t talk about our differences and work them out and the same should be said of political views.

The unifying factor is always the Bible. What does the Bible say about all the issues I’ve mentioned in this article? That’s what pastors and congregants should be talking about. Do we just acquiesce to the culture or do we use the Bible and biblical principles to create a revival in culture?!

We’re in our current cultural evil wokeness because of apathy, crowdedness, fear, lack of knowledge, and unwillingness to get involved. The Bible counters every one of those weapons of Satan. In Everyday Brave: Living Courageously as a Woman of Faith, I give examples of fifty women in the Bible and twenty-eight modern-day brave women who understood how to put their faith into action and change history for the good of their families, communities, and in many cases, their nation.

Pastor Jack Hibbs Gets It!

I was thrilled to read in The Christian Post that Pastor Jack Hibbs at Calvary Chapel Chino Hills in Southern California, one of the bluest and most progressive liberal governed states in the union, is implementing exactly what I’m discussing in this article. He’s not afraid and he refuses to back down and let California be consumed by the anti-Christ spirit that’s been ruling my birth state for far too long. Pastor Hibbs’ church is conducting a “Comeback California Tour” that seeks to equip churches legally and effectively to get involved in the political process ahead of the November general election.

“For several months, I would say at least … four, five months, we’ve been putting our plan together, actual details, inviting the churches where we’re actually stopping, talking to the pastors,” Gina Gleason, who leads the church’s Real Impact ministry that’s devoted to equipping churches “to stand for righteousness in the public square,” told The Christian Post. Churches will also be able “to obtain voter and church-compliant election resources” and interact with local candidates.

“California is at a crossroads, urgently needing the Church’s influence to reverse the moral decline and stand in the gap for our children, families and communities,” the website states. The events are an effort to “unite Christians to bring the values of Scripture and the light of Christ to our state, helping us rebuild and restore our communities,” it adds. 

The “Comeback California Tour” is part of a broader effort by the California megachurch to get churches involved in the political sphere.

That’s what I’m talking about! God created culture to be intertwined with the church. God created politics. Satan is using another lie to separate the Gospel and politics, which aren’t exclusive of each other. They’re dependent on each other. Many people still labor under the lie that the Constitution sets them apart but the Constitution and Bill of Rights were based on the Bible. Only man has tried to separate them. God established the law in the very beginning of time!

I believe the coming election in November will determine whether America experiences God’s grace or judgement. Freedom or Marxism. I believe He’s looking to see how many good men and women there are in the church who aren’t afraid to mix the Gospel with government the way it was always meant to be.

A false Christianity says we’re not to take politics into the church and Christ into government. There’s a mantel on believer’s today just as there was on Elisha, Elijah, Isaiah, Jeremiah, all the Old Testament Prophets, Deborah, Esther, Daniel, Joseph, David, John the Baptist, the disciples, and of course, Jesus Christ to witness to all people everywhere whether in church or the public square, “Thus sayeth the Lord. . .”

Jesus didn’t solely preach the Gospel. He covered all of life including sex, marriage, family, gender, lying, finances, health, work, business, children, babies, prodigals, adultery, sin, government . . . everything!

As Christians, we must be part of God’s solution to our nation’s problems, not cower as a silent majority letting our country be destroyed as our failed legacy to our children and grandchildren. We have a moral and spiritual obligation to speak out against evil and share the truth. Would we have been silent about slavery as so much of the church is silent about murdering babies or mutilating children?

What gospel are we preaching when we let evil prevail? Silence actually enables evil. We’re complicit with evil when we do nothing. Because we know who God is, we need to care who the President of our country is because he or she will determine if we’re a country under God or under Satan! Morals or evils will rule in our land!

You can be sure the other side is not going to stay silent. They’re going to get involved in the spiritual and political battle. I know what side I’m on and how I’ll be involved promoting good versus evil in this election, which will determine if we remain a free republic. Please pray for God to lead and guide you where He wants you to go and what action He wants you to take. If we don’t do something together, we’ll lose this nation we love and want to pass on to the next generations.

 O my people, listen to my instructions.
    Open your ears to what I am saying,
2     for I will speak to you in a parable.
I will teach you hidden lessons from our past—
3     stories we have heard and known,    stories our ancestors handed down to us.
4 We will not hide these truths from our children;
    we will tell the next generation
about the glorious deeds of the Lord,
    about his power and his mighty wonders.
5 For he issued his laws to Jacob;
    he gave his instructions to Israel.
He commanded our ancestors
    to teach them to their children,
6 so the next generation might know them—
    even the children not yet born—
    and they in turn will teach their own children.
7 So each generation should set its hope anew on God,
    not forgetting his glorious miracles
    and obeying his commands.
8 Then they will not be like their ancestors—
    stubborn, rebellious, and unfaithful,
    refusing to give their hearts to God. Ps. 78:1-8 NLT

I hope you’ll listen to this short interview with Jason Yates of My Faith Votes and Eric Metaxas author of Letter to the American Church and the movie by the same name. Check out My Faith Votes to see how you might get involved in your state and the free video series Think Biblically for your small group, Bible study, or Sunday school class.

After finishing this blog, I read the article by Mark Gerson: “The Solution to Woke Insanity Can Be Found in an Unexpected Source. Moses and Joseph both needed to be publically truthful and that’s what woke insanity also needs.” I didn’t want to make my article any longer by quoting this excellent article, but please take the time to hit on the link and read it. God just confirmed to me that my blog today was exactly the one I was supposed to write to you. Take your time. Read them both and then pray about what you’ve read.

Please leave a comment here and I will reply.

August 12, 2024
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God Created Us Heterosexual and Idaho Celebrates That as Awesome!

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I LOVE summer! Now that we live in Idaho with its beautiful four seasons, I only have a few short months to enjoy the sunshine, warm weather, and growing our vegetable and fruit garden. So, I’m ready for shorts and flip-flops as soon as the kids are out of school and the calendar turns over to June. But there’s been a storm cloud brewing over the beginning of summer ever since 2000 when President Bill Clinton officially designated June as “Gay and Lesbian Pride Month” to recognize and celebrate as normal an activist hedonistic alternate lifestyle ideology.

Now, I dread the June gay/trans marketing in some stores and news clips of lewd parades in the streets, which would’ve violated the indecent-exposure laws in the past. This trans activism isn’t limited solely to the month of June, as they attempt to invade every area of the culture year-round, specifically and tragically targeting the youngest of children as “converts.”

Last week, I wrote about the Revenge of the Normies. Many agreed with me that we want a return to the days where certain basic morals were accepted as normal starting with the distinction between a man and a woman determined at birth. No amount of transing, drugs, or surgery is ever going to change that biological and biblical fact. One person told me they thought I was being one-sided in that blog. I absolutely was taking a side and standing firm on it!

The Bible does not compromise with evil. Good does not negotiate with bad. God does not acquiesce to Satan. Truth does not defer to lies. Right does not agree with wrong. I’m not trying to please everyone, only my Abba Father, and that means many will not agree with me. Sadly, even in the church.

I know many of you who aren’t bowing to culture have been shouted down and shamed into silence, while holding your nose and closing your eyes to get through June without watching naked men and women gyrating in the streets or being confronted with distasteful displays of clothes and marketing in stores like Target, and now even Walmart. We pray the month will soon end; but now it never ends. So, we’re pushing back.

The look on their faces testifies against them; they parade their sin like Sodom; they do not hide it. Woe to them! They have brought disaster upon themselves. Is. 3:9

It Only Takes One Brave Committed Person to Make a Difference!

Idaho made national news big time at the beginning of June when the Christian owner of Old State Saloon and Restaurant in Eagle, Idaho, Mark Fitzpatrick, decided to rename June as “Heterosexual Awesomeness Month.” I’ve heard him interviewed on Rob Schmitt’s NEWSMAX show and FOX News posted an article with a video interview revealing the tremendous response to Fitzpatrick’s campaign. In every interview, he talks about his faith and God.

On his Zillow page, Fitzpatrick described himself as a “Christian, conservative, Constitution supporter, retired police officer, and family man.” 

Here’s just a few of Fitzpatrick’s comments. You can read the Fox News article and hear an interview with him at this link.

“I [Fitzpatrick] was thinking of a way that we could celebrate the other side of sexuality, heterosexuality, the way God designed it. And that’s kind of where I’m at with people that support us and are like-minded. So we decided to do Heterosexual Awesomeness Month and then launched it and boy, oh boy, did it take off,” Fitzpatrick told Fox News Digital.

Fitzpatrick remarked that the idea was “honestly pretty last minute” as a simple pushback against the nationwide promotion for LGBTQ Pride Month. “I’m Christian. I follow what the Bible says. I love people. I love all types of people and everything. But when you love people, it doesn’t mean that you have to necessarily get behind everything they decide to do. And especially with the way things have been going the last few years, as far as how extreme it gets in June.”

“I think, from what I’m experiencing with people’s response, is that the country is ready to kind of stand up and say, ‘Hey, what about this? And this is a good thing to celebrate, and let’s do that,’” he continued. Fitzpatrick shared how he thinks companies don’t want to weigh in on the issue and open themselves up to potential controversy and blowback. He said he’s at a point personally in his life where he’s “done being quiet about things.” 

I’m right there with Mr. Fitzpatrick and his decision to devote this month to going back to celebrating normal sexuality as designed by God.

“I want the truth,” he said. “I know there’s a lot of deception out there in the world. I want the truth to come out on a lot of things, and I just want to glorify God in everything that I do.”

He’s been so successful with people hungry not just for food, but for a place where they can express the truth about how God created us as men and women to be sexually attracted to each other and yes procreate, that they’ve been running out of food each day and another business donated pizzas for his patrons to eat.

At the beginning of June, Fitzpatrick posted on Facebook: “June will be OSS’s inaugural Heterosexual Awesomeness Month! Come join us all month to celebrate heterosexuals, for without them, none of us would be here!”

Each Monday is Hetero Male Monday with a special for any heterosexual male dressed like a heterosexual male. Wednesdays are Heterosexual Couples Day, and each heterosexual couple will receive 15% off their bill. On Her Thursdays, Happy Hour prices are all day for Hetero Ladies!

Fitzpatrick acknowledges receiving “crass” and “rude” messages online and phone calls, but for the most part, the public reaction has been “overwhelmingly positive.” Another OSS Facebook post read: “It seems as though people who are against Heterosexual Awesomeness Month have a hard time commenting without using horrific words, expletives, using the name of the Lord in vain, etc. Make an intelligent comment and stay. Cuss and you are banned. Thanks. We’ve banned about 25 already.”

“We hear lots of people are upset about Heterosexual Awesomeness Month! Please know:  1) We love our LGBTQ+ patrons! 2) We will not be changing our mind and give into the group of those who are responding with vitriol. 3) ALL are welcome to come celebrate heterosexuality with us in June!”

Fitzpatrick responded to a hit piece against him by the Idaho Statesman. “Because most Idahoans will see this dog whistle for what it is . . . And for the record, I love all types of people, including the LGBTQ+ crowd. I sincerely wish they all knew Jesus as their Savior. Now, let’s commence Heterosexual Awesomeness Month!”

Since news of Fitzpatrick’s celebration of Heterosexual Awesomeness Month has gone viral, I love what Matt Walsh wrote on his Facebook post about it:

“The Old State Saloon in Eagle, Idaho is celebrating ‘Heterosexual Awesomeness Month’ by offering special deals in honor of their straight male [female and couples] patrons. Predictably, many are outraged. But if the left says that they’re going to have a month-long celebration of gay pride, then I think it’s perfectly appropriate to respond with a celebration of heterosexuality. Sure, it’s reactive, but it makes a lot of sense to respond to Pride Month with a celebration of straight ‘awesomeness.’ I would consider it a necessary and healthy reaction. It also puts the left in a position where they are forced to make arguments against it. But there are no intellectually consistent arguments as to why pride can only apply to one group and not others.”

Walsh concluded: “So why not celebrate straightness? Heterosexuality is awesome. It’s the thing that keeps civilization going. Heterosexuals are single-handedly responsible for the continuation of the human species. Without us, there would be a full mass extinction event. That seems like a pretty good reason to celebrate.”

My husband and I don’t drink, but we’ll stop by when we’re in town for lunch and to give Fitzpatrick a high five and pray with him. I’ll definitely buy a “Hetero Awesomeness” T-shirt if he has any left.

Don’t let Satan get a foothold in your city either. If we don’t speak up, the rocks will cry out. “I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.” Luke 19:40 NLT

18 Run from sexual sin! No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does. For sexual immorality is a sin against your own body. 19 Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, 20 for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body. 1 Cor. 6:18-20 NLT

 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” Matt. 7:13-14

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June 10, 2024
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Raising Kids to Follow Christ: Nurturing Lifelong Faith in a Turbulent World

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As you’ve read in my previous blogs and newsletters, I have a heavy burden for protecting our children and grandchildren from the wiles of the evil one. Satan is no longer sneaky and sly in his tactics. He’s open, blatant, and ruthless in going after our children in the schools, libraries, entertainment, games, sports, sexualization, gender confusion, and child-sex trafficking, while liberal “progressive” politicians on the left and media are complicit with the devil’s evil demonic ways. As a grandparent, I find it horrifying to watch the legal system working as accomplices to the breakdown of the family and taking away the rights of loving parents.

Satan had a minor setback with the overturn of Roe v Wade, so he’s now targeting his evil attacks on the children given precious life.

Children Are A Gift From God

Children shine with exceptional and extraordinary worth that exceeds all other God-given blessings. These priceless souls arrive in our arms as eternal treasures bearing the very image of God. As stewards of these divine gifts, we have a duty to equip ourselves for their proper care. It sounds like such a daunting task, and at times, it can seem overwhelming. We need tools and insights steeped in Scripture and spiritual wisdom that will empower us when we feel inadequate to guide our children towards a lifelong commitment to Christ.

The Bible does tell us that parents bear a sacred responsibility when it comes to nurturing children in the ways of the Lord. Joel 1:3 instructs parents to impart the truths of their faith to their children, who in turn, will pass on this sacred legacy to future generations. The Woman to Woman Mentoring Ministry and platform God entrusted me with almost 30 years ago is exemplified in this verse.

Tell your children about it in the years to come,
    and let your children tell their children.
    Pass the story down from generation to generation. Joel 1:3 NLT

This cyclical transmission of faith serves as the bedrock upon which the continuity of Christianity rests, echoing the Great Commission found in Matthew 28:19–20. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Lee Ann Mancini Wants to Help Parents!

A book from an author friend of mine has come along at the perfect time to help parents and grandparents raise and nurture children for Christ and not the culture. Today’s Monday Morning blog is featuring author Lee Ann Mancini’s new release Raising Kids to Follow Christ: Instilling a Lifelong Trust in God. (No relation to my daughter Kimberly Mancini) Let me share with you some thoughts about Lee Ann’s book because we all have children in our family and community. We all should care about their souls.

Our culture’s current trend toward moral relativism amplifies the urgency of instilling a steadfast faith in our children. Lee Ann Mancini provides the solutions we need in her new parenting guide. Raising Kids to Follow Christ: Instilling a Lifelong Trust in God offers invaluable insights drawn from both scripture and cutting-edge research in childhood spiritual development. As the CEO of Raising Christian Kids and a distinguished professor, Mancini emphasizes the vital role of parental guidance rooted in love and joy, safeguarding children from the perils of faithlessness.

I often ask audiences when I’m speaking on mentoring, “Are you the men and women you want your children to become?” “Do you have the marriage you want your children to have?” “Do you have the faith you want your children to live out?”

Lee Ann also recognizes parents are the primary educators and spiritual mentors in the lives of their children. She stresses that the way we live proves the most significant character lesson we teach. Lee Ann says that our actions and attitudes serve as the blueprint upon which our children model their own beliefs and behaviors. Her book shares insights on how to exemplify a life centered on the Word of God so we can provide a living testimony of Christ’s transformative power. Faithfully measured, our personal steps will lead our children and grandchildren towards a deep and abiding relationship with their Savior.

Lee Ann emphasizes the cornerstone of parental efforts must rest upon the unwavering truth of God’s Word. Just as Jesus is the living Stone chosen by God, so too must His teachings form the solid foundation upon which our children’s, and grandchildren’s, faith is built. Amidst the storms of life, anchored in Christ, they can stand firm unwavering in their devotion to Jesus and unyielding in their faith convictions.

As many of us know so well, the journey of raising children in the faith comes with a myriad of challenges. In a world hostile to Christian values, we must remain vigilant in equipping our children and grandchildren with the spiritual armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18) necessary to withstand the onslaught of worldly temptations. Through prayer, guidance, and unwavering commitment, we can nurture within them a love for God and His Word thus empowering them to become beacons of light in a world shrouded in darkness.

Lee Ann esteems the calling to raise godly children as sacred, but she also shares her parenting advice with the hope of grace. It is never too early, nor too late, to inspire our children to love Jesus and develop a passion for His Kingdom. With fresh insights and transformative strategies, she welcomes us to embark on a journey of faith, nurturing the next generation of believers and disciples.

Raising Kids to Follow Christ serves as a wise and powerful companion as we navigate parenthood or as grandparents. The crises and shadows of life in this world will threaten to shake its youngest souls. Our children need the hope only Christ can offer. With a strong foundation, this generation can transform the future.

As we embrace our role as stewards of His precious gifts of our children, may we rise to the challenge with unwavering faith and steadfast resolve. We can depend on experts like Lee Ann Mancini to come alongside us in raising kids to follow Christ. Together, we can fulfill our true purpose and enjoy our greatest reward of raising a generation to love and follow Christ Jesus as their personal Savior.

An Overview of the Treasures Found in Raising Kids to Follow Christ.

In Raising Kids to Follow Christ: Instilling a Lifelong Trust in God, Lee Ann Mancini inspires parents, grandparents, teachers, and others to teach their children essential Christian principles to enable them to navigate the world with grace, integrity, and an unbreakable bond with their heavenly Father.

This book goes beyond surface-level advice, delving into the intricate matters of children’s hearts and minds and offering a blueprint for nurturing a deep and unwavering faith in Christ.

Raising Kids to Follow Christ offers:
• Decades of personal experience and training based on key essential principles in Scripture
• Practical strategies for addressing doubts, fears, and questions that arise in today’s culture
• Ways to help children control their emotions and actions in various situations
• Suggestions from some of today’s brightest Christian minds in children’s spirituality
• Empowerment for parents to become their child’s spiritual champion
• Easy-to-understand apologetics for children and adults
• Fun ways to connect your child’s heart to Christ

Raising Kids to Follow Christ is a collaborative journey inviting parents to learn, grow, and flourish alongside their children as they become bold in their witness and committed to their faith rather than the secular culture.

About Lee Ann Mancini

Lee Ann Mancini is the award-winning author and executive producer of the Sea Kids series, which can be viewed on Answers.TV, Pure Flix, Right Now Media, and Minno. Lee Ann earned Master’s degrees in Theological Studies, Christian and Classic Studies, and Biblical and Theological Studies. She serves as an adjunct professor at South Florida Bible College and Theological Seminary and hosts the award-winning podcast, Raising Christian Kids.

Raising Kids to Follow Christ: Instilling a Lifelong Trust in God would make a great Easter or Mother’s Day or Father’s Day or any day gift for the parents in your life. The children of today are the future of tomorrow. Let’s be sure they’re spiritually prepared to win the battle for their souls and for our world.

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March 4, 2024
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How to Let God Become Greater as We Become Lesser in Today’s Competitive Culture

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Most people, including media, hadn’t heard of our new House Speaker, Mike Johnson. Yet, he received a unanimous vote on the first ballot from the Republican side of Congress! So obviously his colleagues knew him and more importantly trusted him to be their next leader.

In accepting the new role, Johnson didn’t tout how great he was or list his own accomplishments. He made it clear that as a Christian, Jesus is his Lord and Savior and influences the way he leads and lives. He reminded everyone that our country’s motto is “In God we trust.” We don’t put our trust in the government or one man. Speaker Johnson was less important. God and the Bible are greater and for that declaration his Republican colleagues applauded.

Maybe even some on the other side of the aisle admire him for his commitment to the Judeo-Christian values our once great country was founded upon. It’s a false claim that religion should stay out of government. In fact, the original writers/signers of the Constitution and Bill of Rights wanted the government to stay out of the church, while basing the United States Statutes on biblical godly principles.

However, Speaker Johnson made waves when he led the House in prayer before his acceptance speech, and made it clear from the onset that he is a “Bible-believing Christian” and “the Bible shapes my worldview.” No apologies, even when he came under immediate slander and attacks from liberal media and Democrats. He never backed down, but with grace, he didn’t retaliate.  He responded with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—the fruit of the Spirit.

It’s been amusing to watch attacks backfire from people like Matt Fuller, Washington bureau chief of the Daily Beast, as they try to criticize Johnson for being someone Americans can identify with instead of an elitist who has become rich while serving in government.

“Mike Johnson doesn’t have any retirement savings, own a single stock, or have any assets at all. He has less than $5,000 in his bank account. He’s got a 250-500K mortgage, a home equity loan, and a personal loan. So what’s his retirement plan? To lobby?” Fuller suggestively wrote.

Here’s one response, like many others, that boomeranged on Fuller: “The fact that Johnson did not, like countless other Congressmen, suddenly tap into new streams of wealth after he won office in 2016 is a mark in FAVOR of his character. Apparently he’s not availing himself of the insider advantages others are quick to exploit,” reporter Megan Basham pointed out.

Blaze Media concluded: “It turns out that people aren’t angry the new House speaker is, at least financially speaking, like a sizable percentage of Americans: not rich and scraping by on what he does have to provide for his family.”

I hope Mike Johnson is praying the armor of God every morning so those fiery darts he’s experiencing will bounce off his Breastplate of Righteousness (Eph. 6:14) and boomerang or be quenched by his shield of faith. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Eph. 6:16

Many can call themselves Christians, but it’s refreshing to see someone in governmental authority actually live out his beliefs and faith with conviction and grace. I wouldn’t characterize Speaker Johnson as simply bold and brave; I would say he’s authentic and real. Personifying the following two Scriptures.  

For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile. Rom. 1:16 NLT

He [God] must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less. John 3:30 NLT

What is the Context of John 3:30?

John 3:30, “He must become greater; I must become less” was spoken by John the Baptist, who God designated to pave the way for Jesus’ ministry. John the Baptist, a miracle baby born to aging parents, developed a ministry foretelling the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. John was always comfortable with that subservient role and seemed to understand his God-given assignment.

During the high-priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. 3 He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 4 As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’” Luke 3:2-4

Many watched John baptizing and wondered if he was the long-awaited Messiah. When the Pharisees questioned his right to baptize if he wasn’t the Messiah, John denounced this misconception: 26 “I baptize with water,” John replied, “but among you stands one you do not know. 27 He is the one who comes after me, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.” John 1:26-27

Then John met Jesus face-to-face confirming that He was indeed the Messiah sent from God. The one John had faithfully served without apparently ever knowing Him personally, even though they were distant relatives.

29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is the one I meant when I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’ 31 I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel.” 32 Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. 33 And I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ 34 I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One.” John 1:29-34

John’s own disciples became jealous that Jesus had started His ministry and was also baptizing nearby. John was quick to set the record straight as he exalted Jesus without bitterness or envy.

22 After this, Jesus and his disciples went out into the Judean countryside, where he spent some time with them, and baptized. 23 Now John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because there was plenty of water, and people were coming and being baptized. 24 (This was before John was put in prison.) 25 An argument developed between some of John’s disciples and a certain Jew over the matter of ceremonial washing. 26 They came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan—the one you testified about—look, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him.”

27 To this John replied, “A person can receive only what is given them from heaven. 28 You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him.’ 29 The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. 30 He must become greater; I must become less.” John 3:22-30

I’ve always marveled that John the Baptist was never envious of why Jesus was the Messiah and he, John, wasn’t. Instead, John understood the importance of his own role and was gracious that God chose him for such a worthy position.

Isn’t it the same in life today? That’s the concept of teamwork. While there’s only one CEO, President, House Speaker, leader, or boss, they aren’t successful without surrounding themselves with dedicated support people working toward the same goal.

Jesus needed John the Baptist to prepare people’s hearts for His coming. Our role in God’s plan is to prepare others and ourselves for the return of Jesus. He chose believers to be His representative hands and feet as long as we have breath. God accomplishes His work through flawed humble people who give Him the glory!

God Is Great!

Where Dave and I live, the sun rises over the mountain peaks as the lingering darkness of the early morning fades. The sun’s magnificent glow of gorgeous hews lights up the sky announcing that a new day has begun. The sunrise is so significant to daily life that weather reporters track and forecast the exact time to expect it. Likewise, they predict the time of sunset when the sun slips down past the horizon proclaiming that day is done and soon stars will be blanketing the sky. But have you ever stopped to think that even before the sun is fully visible in the morning, the nighttime stars disappear. It’s this amazing exchange every day that humans don’t orchestrate or control. God, the Creator of the world, planned it all in the beginning.

15 Let these lights in the sky shine down on the earth.” And that is what happened. 16 God made two great lights—the larger one to govern the day, and the smaller one to govern the night. He also made the stars. 17 God set these lights in the sky to light the earth, 18 to govern the day and night, and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. Gen. 1:15-18 NLT

I close my morning prayer time with a personalized version of John 3:30: “Lord, I want You to become greater in my life like a sunrise and I want to decrease like stars disappearing.”

Metaphorically, I’m praying that Jesus would shine brightly in my life as I arise each morning, and that I would shed the remnants of self-centered ego, pride, and “me focus.” From what I’ve seen so far of Speaker Johnson, we have a man who isn’t prideful of his new position and success, but respectful and grateful to the God who chose him for such a time as this. Praise God! Let’s pray for our new House Speaker and his family.

As Speaker Johnson has humbly and unashamedly revealed to the world his dependence on God and the Bible, we need to also realize and revel in our dependence on the Lord. Not try to manage our lives on our own or be embarrassed to let others know that we too are Bible-believing Christians. To remember that everything we have we owe to God and to give Him the credit for all He has done in our lives as a witness and testimony to others.

When we become Christians, we exchange our ways for God’s ways. It’s a progression of decreasing and dying to our old self and becoming more like Christ as He increases in our thoughts, words, actions, and ego. Jesus will become greater and greater in every aspect of our life as our old nature becomes less and less. It’s a process. Sometimes we regress, but our goal is to continuously move forward surrendering our will to God’s will.

“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” 2 Cor. 5:17 NLT

Five Ways to Make God Greater in Your Life

1. Seek God’s direction before making decisions and respond accordingly. Pray and ask for God’s wisdom, “Lord, what would you have me do?” His answer comes through reading His Word, listening to a sermon, or asking wise council from a mentor or trusted advisor.

To humans belong the plans of the heart, but from the Lord comes the proper answer of the tongue. 2 All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the Lord. 3 Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. Pr. 16:1-3

2. Consider the well-being and comfort of others before thinking about yourself. It’s natural to want our best outcome, but God wants us to think about others’ interests first. To be a reflection of His heart by serving the needs of others before considering our own needs.

 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. Phil. 2:3-4

3. Live counter-culture. Care more about what God thinks about you than what people think about you. Don’t go with the flow. Go with God!

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. Rom. 12:2

4. Get in the habit of thanking God throughout the day for the little things and for sure the big things!

Praise the Lord; praise God our savior! For each day he carries us in his arms. Ps. 68:19 NLT

5. Ask God to help you see things through His eyes, to hurt where He hurts and love how He loves. Get ready—you’re on your way to decreasing as you increase in Christ!

34 Then, calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. 35 If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it. 36 And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul. 37 Is anything worth more than your soul? Mark 8:34-37 NLT

Note: I’m now posting my free monthly newsletter on the last Monday of the month in place of the usual Monday Morning Blog. If you don’t receive the newsletter, go to my website and sign up there. It’s super easy. Here’s the link to the October newsletter. The opening newsletter article is “When the Church Loses Its Voice, The World Loses Its Mind!”

There won’t be a Monday Morning Blog next Monday, November 13th.

As we approach Thanksgiving, you might enjoy my Crosswalk article 4 Prayers to Say At the Thanksgiving Table.

Please leave a comment here. I reply to every comment on the website blog. When you leave a comment, there’s a box to check if you want to receive future comments on the blog and it will notify you by email when I reply. The email will come from [email protected].

Portions of this blog appeared in my Crosswalk article What Does the Bible Mean When it Says ‘He must Become Greater and I must Become Less?’ 3/1/2021

November 6, 2023
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4 Prayers for When You’re Hurting, Mad, or Sad!

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It’s hard listening to the lies, corruption, and political injustice coming out of Washington D.C. without feeling angry, betrayed, or maybe even hopeless about the fate of our beautiful country. We’re watching the destruction of moral values and biblical principles our country was founded on and that helped us flourish as the world leader now seemingly being destroyed by our Marxist tyrannical government. It reinforces how important Christian and Conservatives’ votes are because if we didn’t have a majority in Congress all the corruption and lies would’ve never been exposed.

If you’ve seen the movie Sound of Freedom, you know our country has the highest rate in the world of child trafficking with cartels controlling our borders. You feel sick, sad, mad, helpless, and depressed wondering as we all said when we walked out of the theater, “What can we do to stop this?” We beg God to please help these children who our government is turning a blind eye to as they allow illegals and bad people to flood our borders using the “back door” instead of the “front door” into our country.

The President and Democrats show no compassion for children as they try to indoctrinate them into perverse sexual practices in the classroom, codify killing babies in the womb, and ignore child trafficking. I can say with certainty people condoning this evil will never see heaven but will spend eternity in hell.  I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.” Luke 18:17

Jesus said, “4 Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me. If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” Matt. 18:4-6

If you’ve read 1st and 2nd Kings, which I referred to in last week’s blog, Loving God and America is “Dangerous” in 2023, there was always a bad king, then a good king, then a bad king who undid and overturned all the good of the previous king, which in some cases was his father.

Can a corrupt throne be allied with you—a throne that brings on misery by its decrees? 21 The wicked band together against the righteous and condemn the innocent to death. 22 But the Lord has become my fortress, and my God the rock in whom I take refuge. 23 He will repay them for their sins and destroy them for their wickedness; the Lord our God will destroy them. Ps. 94:20-23

Sin motivates depravity motivated by power, money, pride, self-indulgence, disregard for others, convenience, acquisition, greed . . . me, myself, and I doing what feels good. Men and women wanting to be their own gods just like we saw in the tower of Babel.  Do you feel sometimes like you just want to give up?

Well Habakkuk felt like that too, but I encourage you to read Chapter 2 in the Book of Habakkuk. Here’s the link to The Message translation where God so clearly describes a world like we’re living in today. Habakkuk prayed, “What’s God going to say to my questions? I’m braced for the worst. I’ll climb to the lookout tower and scan the horizon. I’ll wait to see what God says, how he’ll answer my complaint.” (2:1)

Praise God, Habakkuk didn’t give up and as long as the Lord gives us breath, we can’t give up either. We pray and wait as Habakkuk did. For me, I pray for God to use my writings and life for His glory, but you don’t have to be a writer to share God’s truths in our current depraved culture. You can pray and live a righteous life for others to emulate until the Lord returns!

And then God answered: “Write this.
    Write what you see.
Write it out in big block letters
    so that it can be read on the run.
This vision-message is a witness
    pointing to what’s coming.
It aches for the coming—it can hardly wait!
    And it doesn’t lie.
If it seems slow in coming, wait.
    It’s on its way. It will come right on time. (Hab. 2:2-3)

Many of you experience hurts beyond world events, or maybe brought on by current events and our detestable culture. Your own private world might seem under attack. I want to use the rest of this blog to pray for and with you. I hope you’ll feel comfort and inspiration from the Lord as you wait, pray, and listen.

4 Prayers for Difficult Times

In Dear God, They Say It’s Cancer and Praying for Your Prodigal Daughter: Hope, Help & Encouragement for Hurting Parents, I encourage the reader to personalize Scripture as if God wrote it just for them. We can do the same when we pray for someone hurting or for ourselves. We don’t always need to come up with the perfect words because God already has. You, Lord, hear the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry. (Ps. 10:17)

 People don’t need us to fix things. When they’re hurting, they want a shoulder to cry on, an arm around their shoulder, and company in the darkness of their soul. There might be a time later when we can sit down over a cup of coffee and help them work through details of their situation, but for the moment, they just need to feel God’s closeness and comfort in and through us.

Here are 4 prayers to help guide you in praying with people for specific situations, or if you’re in this situation, please personalize and pray for yourself.

Prayer for Those Grieving

Father, we pray for those suffering the loss of a loved one or someone close to their heart or even a beloved animal. The hurt runs so deep and grief so all encompassing, their mourning is palpable. They’re inconsolable: “You have taken away my companions and loved ones. Darkness is my closest friend.” (Ps. 88:18 NLT)

While they celebrate a life that’s hopefully now in Your loving arms, they’re left alone wondering how their life can go on without this precious person. Only You Lord can bring light back into their life and wipe away the tears. “You light a lamp for me. The Lord, my God, lights up my darkness.” (Ps. 18:28 NLT)

You promise someday mourning will turn to dancing and we’ll dance together before Your thrown. Lord, only You can fill the void left in a broken heart. Only You understand the depth of grief and pain. Only You can help the grieving ever smile again. Father, please flood their mind and heart with sweet memories when thoughts wander into hopelessness and the pain seems overwhelming, especially on birthdays and holidays.

Remind the grief-stricken that Psalm 116:15 (NLT) assures, “The Lord cares deeply when his loved ones die.” You, Lord, care deeply when we’re sad. “You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle You have recorded each one in your book.” (Ps. 56:8 NLT)

Help those with immeasurable sorrow to hold onto the truth that after a little while, those who know You as Savior will be united again. Until then, hold each one close in Your loving arms. “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants.” (Ps. 116:15) Amen

Prayer for When Disaster Hits

Heavenly Father, You promise “The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.” (Ps. 9:9) You know the trouble that surrounds anyone experiencing a disaster when everything seems bleak. Help them trust that You will show a way out of this dark hole when there seems to be no visible way. Guide the many decisions, show the paths to take in moving forward when they just want to sit down in despair and cry.

You knew hard times would come and You will use this disaster to accomplish Your perfect will in their life. Give them courage not to fear the future with You by their side. Help them remember, “God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam, let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!” (Ps. 46:1-3 NLT)

Bring those to their side to help by showing Your love in tangible ways that express, “My heart is torn within me, and my compassion overflows.” (Hosea 11:8 NLT) Amen

Prayer for Health or Mental Illness

Dear Lord, let our hearts hurt and cringe with those who have received a harsh diagnosis or are in the throes of a painful illness. Remove platitudes and trite comments from our mouth and give us an ear to hear and feel their pain. Father, even if we’ve had a similar illness, we can’t fully understand their experience. Give us a kind, caring, and loving presence to let them pour out their heart.

Father, You promise in Joshua 1:5 that You will never leave or forsake us, so we pray Your presence surrounds anyone with an illness whether in the doctor’s office, the hospital, or the sick bed at home. Provide friends or family to hear their cries of pain and soothe their trembling body from fear or symptoms.

We pray Lord for the physicians and medical professionals they encounter in their journey who are a healing balm for this time of sorrow and pain. We thank You in advance for providing the human comfort and the Holy Spirit’s constant soothing for physical, emotional, and spiritual pain. You, Lord, are the Great Healer, the Great Jehovah Rapha. Only You can ease pain. Healing comes from Your power working through doctors, treatments, and medication, but we pray You won’t give anyone more than they can bear.

Provide those who are suffering with constant comfort and peace knowing, “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” (Is. 41:10 NLT) Amen

Prayer for Loss of a Job or Provision

Lord, it’s devastating not being able to provide financially for family or loves ones. Fear of the unknown of what to do next to find a new job is overwhelming. Many are in this position today. It’s paralyzing and depressing.

Father, we pray for doors to open. This loss might be a time to pursue new opportunities. Please provide wisdom, direction, courage, and humbleness to reach out for help in the interim and let others be responsive. “If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?” (1 John 3:17)

You tell us to be aware of those in need, that the body of Christ is benevolent and ready to help our fellow brother and sisters, so please surround those in economic loss with others who have extra to share. “If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord—and he will repay you!” (Pr. 19:17 NLT)

Guide everyone in this situation to seek help. It’s humbling, but You love when we’re humble. “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.” (James 4:10 NLT) Provide employment, replace lost possessions, and help families pull together not be pulled apart. “Lord, you know the hopes of the helpless. Surely you will hear their cries and comfort them.” (Ps. 10:17 NLT)

Please Heal Our Country!

The promises of God are far more powerful than the sins of people. So, Lord, we humbly claim Your promises and pray in unison as Your people that we would do our part to heal our land. 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. 15 Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. (2 Chronicles 7:14-15) Amen

We all need prayers, and when we see those prayers answered, God wants us to reach back and help others who are going through something similar. Today, we pray for those who are hurting and someday we hope that others will pray for us. It’s God’s way and plan for His people.

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. 4 He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. (2 Cor. 1:3-4 NLT)

We never know if God is going to heal our hurts and problems here or in our heavenly home, but He does promise for all who believe in Him as their Lord and Savior that . . .

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Rev. 21:3-4

Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters] Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. 1 Peter 3:8 NLT

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. Ps. 34:18 NLT

“But oh! God is in his holy Temple! Quiet everyone—a holy silence. Listen!” Habakkuk 2:20 The Message

Portions of the above prayers appeared in my Crosswalk article 4 Comforting Sympathy Prayers for Those Who Are Hurting, May 13, 2021

Please leave a comment here. I reply to all comments and enjoy reading your thoughts.

August 14, 2023
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