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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.

Please leave a comment here.

April 21, 2025
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The Bible Is Offensive to Those Who Tolerate Sin

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Have you ever been in church and felt like the pastor was talking just to you? You wonder how he knew what you were going through or what sin you were wrestling with in your life. Probably he didn’t know, but God knew. He breathed out the words of the Bible to guide, counsel, encourage, scold, convict, and offer help to those who hear or read it. Hopefully, your pastor was preaching accurately from a passage that spoke to your situation.

16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Tim. 3:15-17

The Bible wasn’t written to condone our actions, but to teach us right from wrong and how to lead a holy and righteous life. Since we were all born with a propensity to sin, only the Holy Spirit living in our hearts can help us overcome sin and choose God’s good in our life. Many people are good, but God wants redeemed people, not just good people. I’ll say it again, without God, you can’t be or do good as God defines good. That statement might offend some of you right now so let’s look at what the Bible says.

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast.” Eph. 2:8-9

“If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.” 1 John 1:8

Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. 8 But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. 9 And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. Rom. 5:7-9

So you may be wondering if I’m saying that anyone who hasn’t accepted Jesus and received the Holy Spirit will lead a sin-filled life? Yes, that’s exactly what I’m saying and that’s going to be offensive to every nonbeliever. Without God, there’s no plumb line of God’s expectations for His people and their spiritual alignment with His Word. That’s why it’s so important when you read the Bible to know the context and whether it’s directed to the believer or unbeliever.

So God’s rest is there for people to enter, but those who first heard this good news failed to enter because they disobeyed God. 7 So God set another time for entering his rest, and that time is today. God announced this through David much later in the words already quoted: “Today when you hear his voice, don’t harden your hearts.” Heb. 4:5-7 NLT

The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right; his ears are open to their cries for help. 16 But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil; he will erase their memory from the earth. Ps. 34:15-16

Pastors’ Challenge

Today, many pastors acquiesce to the secular culture’s demands to be “inclusive.” In an attempt to not be offensive, they avoid preaching on biblical sin. The Bible calls that a false teacher. A pastor’s godly commission is to counter cultures’ lies with biblical truth. The righteous pastor tells the truth in love. If he doesn’t share the truth, he isn’t loving his congregation.

A pastor who avoids boldly covering the hard offensive places in the Bible is looking for the congregation’s affirmation not God’s confirmation. You can’t teach the Bible without offending someone. The Bible is clear on what is sinful and why we should strive to not sin. Believers don’t expect our sinful choices to be excused or legalized but instead confessed and forgiven. Unbelievers who might be in the congregation need to hear that Good News and believers need to live by it.

God is not “inclusive.” He’s actually very exclusive. All are welcome to spend eternal life with Him and His Son Jesus Christ, but there’s a qualifier. Only those who believe Jesus Christ died on the cross, rose again three days later, as we will celebrate on Easter, and confess their sins, ask for forgiveness, and turn from their wicked ways will be saved.  (John 3:16)

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

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

For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. 24 Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. 25 For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. Rom. 3:23-25 NLT

The entire concept of salvation is confessing and repenting of our sins and accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. The word “sin” is used 1,364 times in the NIV Bible translation, but when’s the last time you heard a pastor preach about sin, even though forgiveness of our sins through Jesus Christ is the foundation of our faith? Think about it. Paul understood the importance of us recognizing our sins.

When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, 21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God. Gal. 5:18-21 NLT

 Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. . . Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones. 27 In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed shameful acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error. . . 29 They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, 30 slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; 31 they have no understanding, no fidelity, no love, no mercy. Rom. 1: 24-27, 29-30

We also know that the law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, 10 for the sexually immoral, for those practicing homosexuality, for slave traders and liars and perjurers—and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine 11 that conforms to the gospel concerning the glory of the blessed God, which he entrusted to me. 1 Tim. 1:9-11 NLT

Jesus talked about sin.

He [Jesus] went on: “What comes out of a person is what defiles them. 21 For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft, murder, 22 adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. 23 All these evils come from inside and defile a person.” Mark 7:20-23 NLT

Satan is using the secular left to legalize and champion sinful lifestyles and intimidate and silence the church on the one thing Satan uses to destroy God’s civilization—sin. I grew up going to church and I knew from a very young age what was sinful versus what was pleasing to God. In my backsliding days, while I might’ve been resentful of anyone calling out my sin, I knew I was breaking God’s heart because in my heart I knew I was sinning. How many people are sitting in woke churches today living under the lie that if culture says it’s okay and my pastor doesn’t call it wrong, it can’t be all that bad.

Have you heard a message in your church lately on why abortion, the murder of unborn babies, is sinful and wrong? Pastors often don’t teach on the sin of abortion because it might offend someone, so they skip over the Old Testament sacrificing of children to Baal and Moloch. Today, babies are burned or dismembered before they’re even born. With 1 out of 5 pregnancies ending in abortion, there probably will be a family touched by abortion in the congregation, but what if that pastor had been speaking all along about the sanctity of life and why God wants every baby He creates to receive the gift of life. Pastors could be saving babies’ lives. And for those women suffering with the guilt of killing their own child, the pastor could help them find comfort and forgiveness from Jesus. When pastors are afraid to touch that sinful painful subject, babies keep dying and women keep suffering.

Or has your pastor approached the subject in a sermon of why men should not be competing in women’s sports because no man can ever be a woman? Has he talked about what the Bible says about homosexuality, perverse sexual lifestyles, and exposing young children in school to this sin? No, you say. Well, why not? The Bible has a ton to say about it and because pastors don’t discuss it, the number of children experimenting with the rainbow mafia has skyrocketed. Children believe the devil’s lie that they can change their sex surgically or medically, when girls’ genetic XX chromosomes and boys’ XY chromosomes will NEVER change. These children will become patients for life instead of receiving help from Bible-believing pastors, psychologists, and counselors.

Or what about the mutilation and sterilization of children. Has your pastor talked about the deception of parents allowing young children to make such life altering permanent changes to their body that will NEVER change their God-given sex? Someone is probably dealing with this right now in your church.

God’s church can’t and shouldn’t avoid difficult issues. It’s a sin!

I know it sounds like I’m putting the onus for much of the culture’s woes on the church and actually that’s exactly what I’m doing. No one should leave a church sermon with a warm fuzzy feeling that nothing needs to change in their life. That’s a milk toast church. Pastors should be teaching what the Bible says about evil and sin. While it might be offensive to some, God’s Word is the ONLY way to eternal life with Him.

 In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! 13 Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. 14 But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. Heb. 5:12-14

Many people wrongfully think that politics and spirituality should stay separate and that’s a lie straight from the enemy. Politics has invaded the church by normalizing or even legalizing what we all know is sin. Gay marriage. Abortion. Sexual perversion. Child mutilation. The war against women.

No one is perfect. We see many pastors falling in their personal lives. They’re tempted by sin like any of us. Maybe if they were studying the Scriptures and preaching accurately about overcoming sin, they too would be convicted to live by all of God’s Word. Pastor Jack Hibbs advises pastors, “You don’t avoid the difficult Scriptures, you look for Jesus in them!” The Apostle Paul gave a commission to every pastor.
 I declare today that I have been faithful. If anyone suffers eternal death, it’s not my fault, 27 for I didn’t shrink from declaring all that God wants you to know. 28 “So guard yourselves and God’s people. Feed and shepherd God’s flock—his church, purchased with his own blood—over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you as leaders. Acts 20:27-28 NLT

The Lord appears to every believer through His Word, the Holy Bible, and unbelievers can meet Jesus there. Don’t rely on your pastor; rely on your Savior.  You might be offended by what you read, but God loves you enough to tell you the Truth.

This morning in church, we heard a message on 1 Samuel 3 and we sang in church the old hymn “It Is Well With My Soul.” I’m closing with 1 Samuel 3:21 and a stanza from the song.

The Lord continued to appear at Shiloh, and there he revealed himself to Samuel through his word. 1 Sam. 3:21

“My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!”

Please let us know if your pastor helps your church family in overcoming the sins of this world, even when it’s offensive. Leave a reply here.

April 7, 2025
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‘Maybe’ Is Not In God’s Vocabulary!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Maybe In Our Vocabulary!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Please leave a comment here.

March 24, 2025
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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

Please leave your comments here.

March 17, 2025
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Make America And You Healthy Again!

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I’ve been rooting and praying for all of President Trump’s cabinet picks, but one I especially was excited to see pass all the Senate scrutiny and interrogation and eventually be confirmed was Robert F. Kennedy Jr. also known as RFK Jr. Even when he was running for president as a Democrat, I enjoyed hearing him talk about his goal of researching the cause of chronic illnesses, especially in children, and his stumping for eating real food, avoiding processed food, and investigating the additives in our food. The Democrats tried to prevent him from being on the ballot, denied him Secret Service protection, and were so mean to one of their own, I knew he must have some good qualities if they were that against him.

RFK Jr. ended his presidential campaign and is now the head of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. While I don’t agree with some of his political views, I’m completely onboard with him joining President Trump’s team to Make America Healthy Again, otherwise known as MAHA.

My MAHA Story!

First, a little of my history and explanation of why I’m so excited to be a “MAHA Mom.” Actually, I was a MAHA Mom, MAHA Wife, and now MAHA Grammie, long before there was MAHA!

My first career out of college was as a hospital clinical Registered Dietitian. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Food Administration, a one-year internship at the Santa Monica VA Hospital and UCLA, passed a grueling registration test, and maintained a continuing education requirement for many years.

I was naive when I entered the nutrition field back in the early 70’s. I was going to be the Florence Nightingale of Dietetics, so sure that R.D.s would have the respect of M.D.s after all the education it took to become a Registered Dietitian. Doctors would surely treat me as a peer in the medical treatment process. Patients would be eager to learn how they could overcome or even prevent many of their illnesses by simply eating healthy.

My lofty aspirations of people wanting to help themselves by eating healthy turned out to be the most disappointing, degrading, deflating and unfulfilling career I’ve ever experienced. It’s even easier being an evangelist now helping people turn to Jesus to save their spiritual souls than it was back then trying to help people save their physical bodies.

Both doctors and patients it seemed would prefer depending on pills, shots, surgeries, and repeated hospitalizations rather than including a healthy diet in their treatment plan. Patients accused me of taking away their favorite foods thus their reason for living! Often, I got to know patients well because it was like a revolving door of them returning back to the hospital worse than when I last saw them.

I would counsel wives that they were loving their husband to death by feeding him unhealthy food and not following the prescribed diet. I was shocked when most of the wives just looked at me with eyes that conveyed, I’m going to feed him whatever he likes because it’s his love language. I pleaded, “Even if it kills him?”

Doctors didn’t respect R.D.s and patients resented us. After several years of this career abuse, I realized I couldn’t do this for the rest of my life. After dipping my toe into sales, I discovered I was good at it, so I became a manufacturer’s rep for dietetic products and my customers were those poor berated R.D.’s in hospitals.

But once a dietitian always a dietitian as my family will attest to in how I feed them! Times have changed and nutrition has become more popular, yet still Americans are the most overweight and unhealthy people in the world?! When RFK Jr. abandoned his presidential aspirations and teamed up with Trump and I heard their joint goal was to Make America Healthy Again, I bought the MAHA trucker’s hat and started cheering for RFK Jr. to be successful.  I wasn’t alone.

I wore my Make America Healthy Again hat everywhere during the election campaign, especially when we went shopping. Now, I wear it victoriously. People often stop me to say, “I love your hat!” Or even, “I’m praying for them.” Sometimes it’s just a knowing smile or nod. When I wore it on vacation, I even had a radiologist tell me how happy he was that soon government officials would be taking steps to eliminate additives and unhealthy ingredients in our food, especially processed foods. I was thrilled to hear a doctor onboard with MAHA!

I’ve always been a huge proponent of reading all food labels. If there’s more than five ingredients, dyes, sugar, or ingredients you don’t recognize, don’t buy it or eat it. Especially, don’t give it to your growing children. Fresh is always best.

I now write a Nutrition Nook column in the bi-monthly Idaho Christian Living Magazine. It’s fun to still share my nutritional knowledge and passion. Maybe in the future, I’ll post some of those columns in this Monday Morning Blog.

Who is Robert F. Kennedy Jr. And What is His Spiritual Testimony?

I watched the swearing in of RFK Jr. as the next HHS Secretary by Justice Neil Gorsuch in the Oval Office and President Trump signed an executive order establishing the Make America Healthy Again Commission, which will be led by Kennedy. I was super impressed to hear Kennedy give God the glory in his remarks, “For twenty years I’ve been on my knees every morning praying that I could end the childhood disease epidemic and God gave me President Trump.”

The night of his swearing in, Kennedy was interviewed on the Laura Ingraham program. You can watch the interview @ RFK: We’re In A Spiritual Crisis; “People Feel Disconnected, And That’s Fueling Depression, Addiction & Chronic Disease” | Video | RealClearPolitics. Here’s a snippet of the opening.

INGRAHAM: Before we get into the priorities on day one, you talked about prayer today in the Oval Office with all of those paintings from Reagan to Andrew Jackson to Abraham Lincoln, Washington all around you. Why did you go to that moment?

KENNEDY JR.: Well, you know, I think it’s relevant because we’re not just in a health crisis, but we’re in a spiritual crisis and those things are connected. And you know, so many times during my campaign, traveling across the country, I sense that that people are feeling disconnected.

You have a whole generation of kids that feel alienated, dispossessed. They are in an existential crisis, not only because their health is, you know, 77 percent of our kids can’t qualify for military service. There is no purpose in their lives and no sense of usefulness or effectiveness or connectedness to their communities. And that drives also the chronic disease epidemic, and the epidemics we’re seeing of depression, of suicide, of alcoholism, of drug addiction. I think we have to address all of those things at the same time. We can’t just say we’re going to make you physically healthy.

INGRAHAM: That’s a tall order.

KENNEDY JR.: Yes, well, I think, you know, we all have to learn. You know, we need to get up in the morning and not think about, what am I going to do to make myself happy today? We have to get up and say, what am I going to do to make myself useful today, to be useful to my friends, to my family, to my community and that paradoxically is ultimately the path to happiness connected to this, you get from doing, you know, from doing good things, from being of service to others.

In the interview, Kennedy told Laura that he’s been a recovering addict for 42 years and goes to meetings every day. His references to God both during his swearing in and this interview made me want to delve a little deeper. Here’s what I found in an article in the Western Journal “RFK Jr. Talks About His 14-Year Battle with Addiction and How He Overcame It Through Faith in God.” The author Richard Bledsoe wrote the following words July 11, 2023, while RFK was still running for president himself.

“Politicians often evoke God for cynical reasons. They may be trying to appear pious, claim divine approval for some policy proposal, or fit in with the priorities of their constituents. However, when it’s a personal story of how God impacted a life, and the visible evidence supports that claim, it’s possible even a politician can bear witness to God’s love.”

The addiction RFK Jr. struggled with began when he was 15, a year after his father was assassinated in 1968, although on the Ingraham Angle he made the statement he always felt he was born with a propensity to an addiction.

In a podcast interview with MIT research scientist Lex Fridman, Kennedy spoke about his addiction and recovery. “When you’re an addict, you’re living against conscience,” he said. “I was always trying to get off of drugs, never able to. But I never felt good about what I was doing.”

The addiction grew despite Kennedy’s religious upbringing. He had to find his way back to God before he could beat it. After learning that addicts who believe in God have better recovery rates, Kennedy chose to behave as if he were a believer, even though at first it was a pretense. “I just started pretending there was a God watching me all the time,” he said.

Kennedy said then God accomplished the impossible for him.

“I had a spiritual awakening and my desire for drugs and alcohol was lifted miraculously,” he said. “And to me, it was as much a miracle as if I’d been able to walk on water because I had tried everything earnestly, sincerely, and honestly for a decade to try to stop and I could not do it under my own power.

“And then all of a sudden, it was lifted effortlessly. So I saw that early evidence of God in my life … and I see it now every day of my life.”

I agree with Bledsoe who wrote, “Opening up about the role of faith in his life, and not being afraid to discuss his flaws, makes Kennedy seem more real than other politicians.”

After hearing more about Kennedy’s faith journey, his humble surrender and dependence on God, and his willingness to talk openly about his past addiction, I do believe RFK Jr. is sincere about wanting to Make America Healthy Again. Especially to discover why children and adults have so many more chronic illnesses and shorter lives than the rest of the world even though we’re one of the wealthiest countries.

What Are the Goals of MAHA?

If you would like to read more, I would encourage you to read RFK Jr.’s Top Health and Wellness Priorities As Doctors Share Input. The goal categories are Reforming Food Policy, Improving Healthcare Access, More Accountability for Pharma Companies, Restoring Medical Freedoms, Advocating for Physical Activity, Promoting Personal Accountability.

Here’s a little more from the Ingraham Angle Interview:

Kennedy: “I believe in freedom of choice. If you want to eat Twinkies, you ought to be able to eat them. But you ought to know what’s in them. So, a lot of what I’m going to do is about being transparent—radical transparency. What I’m about is I want people to understand and empower them to know that if you eat that, it may seem cheap, but it’s gonna cost you in the long run. You might get diabetes etc.”

We have 10,000 additives in our food. Europeans have 400. Many of our additives are illegal in Europe.

Ingraham asked if we were going to become a “nanny state.” She brought up that Pres. Trump likes Big Macs. “You’re not going to take those away, are you?” she asked him.

Kennedy: “McDonalds ought to be incentivized to use beef tallow fat when it’s cooking its Big Mac so that they’re good for people. Rather than using seed oils or some other cooking oils that are actually probably going to make you sicker. So, we want to do a number of things but not take away choice from people.”

“The one place where I would say that we need to really change programs is SNAP [Supplemenal Nutrition Assistance Program], food stamps, and school lunches because they are federal programs and, in many cases, we’re paying for it, and we shouldn’t be subsidizing people to eat poison!”

Kennedy’s message resonates with me. The young enthusiastic altruistic “Florence Nightingale R.D.” who became so disillusioned all those years ago, still has the burning desire to help people nutritionally fuel their body, God’s holy temple. As Kennedy says, and I echo, “For too long, we’ve been stuck in a passive disease management system that treats symptoms instead of addressing the root causes of illness.” 

Kennedy’s, and my, message is the same as it’s been since God created our bodies, “Your health is your responsibility. The government won’t fix it. Your doctor won’t fix it. Big pharma certainly won’t fix it. It’s on you.”

God will help anyone who is willing to help themselves. “The Bible is like food for the inner person. It is milk (1 Peter 2:2), solid food (Hebrews 5:11-14), bread (Matthew 4:4), and honey (Psalm 19:9-10).” Warren Wiersbe

“I think one’s feelings waste themselves in words; they ought all to be distilled into actions which bring results.” Florence Nightingale

Why do you spend your money on junk food, your hard-earned cash on cotton candy? Listen to me, listen well: Eat only the best, fill yourself with only the finest. Pay attention, come close now, listen carefully to my life-giving, life-nourishing words. Is. 55:2-3 The Message

Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies. 1 Cor. 6:10-20

PS If you want to learn more about MAHA Moms here’s an interesting article. The ‘MAHA Moms’ Behind Kennedy – The Kennedy Beacon

Please leave a comment here.

February 17, 2025
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God, NOT The Government, Controls the Climate!

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You can’t turn on the news today without hearing about the “LA Apocalypse” of wind and fire that has destroyed thousands of homes, displaced over 100,000 people, and taken 24 lives as of this writing. The LA sheriff expects the loss of life count will go up when they’re able to search through the ashes for those who have gone missing. Not to mention the wildlife that couldn’t escape. The pictures we see of charred cars, burnt homes and businesses looks like the fictional movies depicting the apocalyptic end of the world.

Certainly, it could seem like the end of their world to those impacted by these horrific fires with the loss of keepsakes, treasures, possessions, clothes, shelter, homes, and maybe even lives. We need to be praying for the first responders, firefighters, and residents—rich or poor—who only escaped with the clothes on their backs and maybe a computer and pets.

What’s Predictable is Preventable

What has infuriated many watching and experiencing this crisis unfold, is California government’s neglect to prepare the residents and take preventive preparation when the National Weather Service had issued numerous red flag warnings of a dangerous situation brewing. Finger pointing, excuses, lying, and blaming instead of taking responsibility and showing leadership is the government response. There’s an apparent lack of sincere compassion and caring by the governor and mayor whose job it is to protect the residents of California. Instead, they seem more concerned about their own political futures or defending their political agenda.

When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan. Pr. 29:2

Then there’s the liberal politicians in Washington who immediately start touting the climate change hoax as the cause, which helps no one and is a lie straight from the devil.

Remember back in the Garden of Eden where Satan tempted Adam and Eve with the idea that they could be God. That didn’t work out well for them and it doesn’t for us either. No matter how smart or scientific man thinks he is, God created climate, the weather, and the wind. In the Bible, wind is mentioned 247 times and in 41 Books in the Bible. The first time was right after Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit after Satan told them they could be like God (Gen. 5).

 When the cool evening breezes were blowing, the man and his wife heard the Lord God walking about in the garden. So they hid from the Lord God among the trees. Gen. 3:8 NLT

Winds became violent in biblical times too. For example, Job 1:19, 23; Jer. 4:11, 13:24; Ex. 14:21, 26. And who can forget Jesus quieting the winds with the disciples in the boat during a storm. These might’ve been 100 mile per hour winds too, maybe worse.

He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. 40 He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” 41 They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!” Mark 4:40-41

Wind isn’t new. Seasonal weather changes aren’t new. Fire isn’t new. Sadly, man thinking He can control what only God controls isn’t new either.

What is new is . . .

  • Dry fire hydrants with no water!
  • The LA water chief admitting her work is guided through an ‘equity lens.’
  • The LA fire chief touted as a “lesbian” whose goal is to make the fire department more DEI staffed.
  • The LA mayor being on a junket to Ghana and cutting the fire department’s budget by $17 million.
  • The governor cutting fire management budget by $100M a few months before the lethal fires!
  • Because of budget cuts, using prisoners and firefighters from Mexico to help battle the blazes.
  • The governor sending rain and snow water out to the ocean and shutting down four dams in the state while nearby reservoirs are empty.
  • And on and on…

Over the years, man’s atheistic attempt to corral and control the weather has been called climate change, climate control, global warming, greenhouse gasses, climate crisis, climate emergency, climate breakdown, polar vortex, and the latest “green new deal,” which climate cult alarmist AOC said in 2019 we’d all be dead in 12 years if not followed. Before AOC, others made similar wild predictions that never materialized.

When AOC and liberals first proposed the green new deal, it was considered a ridiculous joke. Yet today, liberal states like California have used it to create an environment safer for fish than for people! They’ve wasted billions of dollars to satisfy environmentalists while not clearing brush, doing controlled burns, logging, or collecting the rain and snowfall God sends to help put out fires.

Man tries to predict the weather that God sends, but that weather forecast can change minute by minute. In the case of California, high velocity Santa Ana winds were predicted in the LA area and winds often lead to fire from fallen power lines or arsonists, maybe even terrorist, who use the winds to nefariously and satanically start fires.

Before moving to Idaho almost 14 years ago, I lived my entire life in SoCal. I’ve experienced earthquakes, Santa Ana winds which I thought was going to rip off my roof the night before my wedding, fires which caused several evacuations in an area where we had a cabin, and mudslides when the rains come after the fires. So, I understand California weather and I know it’s important to vote in government officials who care more about protecting their constituents and the land then the latest DEI or progressive liberal ideology.

Here’s what I also know about God and weather regardless of the state you live in.

  • God created fire and it’s a significant symbol of divine manifestations in the Bible. God appeared to Moses in a burning bush and the pillar of fire led the Israelites by night through the desert, representing the presence and power of God.
  • We see other Demonstrations of God’s power and authority, such as Elijah’s sacrifice and fiery furnace in Daniel, showcase the divine ability to consume and protect through fire.
  • The Holy Spirit descending as tongues of fire at Pentecost signifies spiritual empowerment and the purifying work of God in believers’ lives.
  • The Lake of Fire serves as a cautionary warning for believers and unbelievers, reminding them of the consequences of rejecting God, His Son, and His righteousness.

Everyone Needs the Lord Now More Than Ever! Is God Trying to Get Our Attention?

We’re experiencing weekly, sometimes daily, crises and catastrophes. While many of us remain hopeful that progressive woke, DEI policies, illegal invasion, terrorism, and crime will be contained under a new presidency, only God knows the future. We need to put our trust in Him and not in our government. Government will surely fail us because they often forget they’re NOT God. Listen for the still small voice like Elijah heard after the wind, the earthquake, and the fire.

 “Go out and stand before me on the mountain,” the Lord told him. And as Elijah stood there, the Lord passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. 12 And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper. 1 Kings 19:11-13

The True Meaning of Apocalypse

Tom Gilbreath wrote in “A Message From HalLindsey.com” On January 12, 2025 . . .

The word apocalypse means “reveal” or “revelation.” We associate the word with massive, fiery disasters because of the horrors described in the book of Revelation. But the first five words of that book tell what it’s really about — “The revelation of Jesus Christ.” 

With the real definition in mind, I hope that Los Angeles and California, along with the rest of America, will view this as a wakeup call. Actor Dennis Quaid, on a local television news report Friday night, said, “I think there’s a spiritual awakening on the other side of this.” May it be so. May there be a real apocalypse — a revelation. May Christ be revealed, and may America see the light.

I wrote this blog on July 18, 2022. Only God Decides the End of the World

Victor Davis Hanson lives in California. Victor Davis Hanson: California’s Catastrophic Wildfires Are ‘A DEI, Green New Deal Disaster’

Pastor Jack Hibbs, I wrote about in last week’s blog 2025 A Year of New Beginnings, that I’m praying with him on Facebook live every morning, was fired up in his Sunday morning message on January 12, 2025. He doesn’t hold back. Here’s a clip of who he thinks should run for Governor in California and LA mayor.

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,
    because the Lord has anointed me
    to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
    to proclaim freedom for the captives
    and release from darkness for the prisoners,[a]
2 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor
    and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
3     and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
    instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
    instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
    instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
    a planting of the Lord
    for the display of his splendor.

4 They will rebuild the ancient ruins
    and restore the places long devastated;
they will renew the ruined cities
    that have been devastated for generations. Is. 61:1-4

Please leave a comment here.

January 13, 2025
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Vote To Let Freedom Ring and Remain!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tools For Thinking Biblically

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

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

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

What Does It Mean to Think Biblically?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Please leave your comments here and I will reply.

November 4, 2024
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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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