Revolutionary

We know that Jesus offers a life that is on another level than the world offers, than just living for ourselves. In the book of Isaiah, chapter 2, we can read words that can remind us the He comes to elevate us what He touches:
3 Many people shall come and say, "Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, To the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, And we shall walk in His paths." For out of Zion shall go forth the law, And the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
4 He shall judge between the nations, And rebuke many people; They shall beat their swords into plowshares, And their spears into pruning hooks; Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, Neither shall they learn war anymore.
5 O house of Jacob, come and let us walk In the light of the Lord.

The band known as Skillet is devoted to changing our culture - it is a band that is described as "crossover," a band consisting of Christians that has a fan base that apparently includes a significant number of non-Christians.  

And, it wants to play a role in bringing a Christian faith element to the current mental health crisis.

Movieguide published a story recently that said:

Skillet frontman John Cooper hopes that the band’s new album will help combat the ongoing mental health crisis and direct people towards God.

“The amount of people suffering from depression and suicidal thoughts and who think that they don’t matter is so overwhelming to me. It just breaks my heart,” he told Crosswalk Headlines. “That’s one of the things I really, really care deeply about, is people that are struggling with suicidal thoughts and mental health — those kinds of things.”

The article says that:

Cooper explained that he views the mental health crisis as “a result of a society who has just thrown God away,” adding, “And if there is no God, they really find it hard to find a reason to live.”

The album project is entitled, Revolution, and the title track, according to Cooper, addresses "...that depression, that angst, the fact that people feel that there’s nothing left to live for..."

Another song on the album is called, Unpopular, and Cooper told Steamboat Radio: "‘Unpopular’ is lighthearted, but there’s a clear message,” adding, “So many people don’t have a place to belong. You used to know your neighbors. Our communities are online now, which contributes to the loneliness. You have powerful people telling you what reality is, what you should eat, what you should drive, and how you should live. They deem us ‘unpopular.’ In reality, we agree more than we disagree as a society. The majority of people just want to be free and they don’t really care whether or not you agree with them about everything.”

I believe the world is searching for answers, people are searching and scrolling, trying to find the key to happiness and contentment, to soothe the unrest in their souls.  Christianity calls for a "revolution," a "countercultural" message supported by a countercultural lifestyle.  Our solutions are different from the world; not only different, but superior.  

Because Jesus offers permanent life change - He brings the promise of a right relationship with God, a peace that passes understanding, and even the certainty of where someone will spend eternity. The temporary fixes of this world pale in comparison with the power, presence, and promises of Almighty God.  As the late Larry Norman sang, Why Don't You Look Into Jesus?

As John Cooper relates, the angst, the dissatisfaction, even the suicidal thoughts and actions call for a "revolution."  We are people of faith in Jesus, and He has come to set people free.  That's a great reminder during this month, which is National Suicide Prevention Month.  The one who gave His life for us has come to provide abundant life through trusting in Him.

Buying Happiness?

We can be content in Christ, even if our bank account or investment portfolio don't necessarily look like we think they should. We cannot purchase the resources of the Kingdom through earthly treasure, but we can put our earthly treasure to work for heavenly outcomes. Philippians 4 states:
(11) I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:
12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

The Declaration of Independence states that we have been given by God "certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."  Notice that it says, "among these," meaning there are more than just those three. But, notice the source - the Creator, whom we know as Almighty God.  And, government is charged to uphold those God-given rights, not to interfere with them. 

So, if we are free to pursue happiness, what does that look like?  And, what is it worth?

USA Today reported on a survey that attempted to place, yes, a dollar value on happiness.  A recent article stated:

Financial advice website Cardrates.com found that 56% of Americans say they would be content with a liquid net worth of over $200,000 dollars.

The survey, comprised of 786 employed Americans who are between 18 and 43 years old, found that having money may not buy happiness, but a safety net does allow one not to worry about a financial emergency.

Jon McDonald, who wrote a summary of the survey, stated: "Knowing you’ve got money set aside can ease worries about future uncertainties, whether a medical emergency or a layoff," adding, "This peace of mind goes a long way in feeling happy overall."

So, a majority of these U.S. adults related happiness to financial security.  

And, the survey indicated that a higher salary would result in a higher level of money to make them happy.  USA Today stated: "Seventy-four percent of respondents currently making $40,000 said that they would be content making $150,000, compared to 64% of those who currently make $150,000."

McDonald said, "...people chase a higher income to achieve happiness, only to return to a baseline level of contentment after a short-lived boost."

This survey is of adults 18-43, which would encompass the Millennial generation and Gen Z, and there is a difference in those two generations' approach to finances.  The USA Today article states:

Seventy-five percent of millennial respondents surveyed said would feel content with a $150k salary, compared to 71% of Gen Z, whereas 84% of Gen Z respondents said they would be comfortable with a $1,000,000 liquid net worth compared to 81% of millennial respondents.

All in all, Millennials seem to be happier with higher salaries, while Gen Z is more interested in building wealth in the form of net worth. 

As McDonald writes on the Cardrate.com site, "$200k signifies financial freedom for many, especially when inflation is skyrocketing. This is a big jump from 2010 when the number associated with American happiness was $75k in yearly income."

But, attempting to put a price tag on happiness seems to be a rather subjective measure. You have to wonder, how much is enough?  Certainly, what we bring home and the amassing of net worth are important short- and long-term considerations.  But, does money really buy happiness?

Financial stability can certainly contribute to a reduction of anxiety.  Financial uncertainty can bring with it a lack of contentment.  But, the Apostle Paul taught that he had learned to be content with whatever he possessed.  He said we should not love money and shared principles about the true riches of the Kingdom of God. 

If we are looking to the things of this world to make us happy or even content, we are missing out on how God wants to move in our lives.  There are numerous intangibles that are available to us, and we should pursue the love of Christ and the production of the fruit of the Spirit.   We can gain contentment by relishing our relationships - with God, our families, our churches, and those with whom we interact. We can get charged up by serving in the name of the Lord.  

So, while God does not deny us the ability to work, to earn a living, and to build wealth, I think it's important to think about the "why?" - how God wants to use those resources with which He has blessed us for the furtherance of His Kingdom. 

Cats, Dogs, and Humans

Perhaps no greater issue outside of possibly the economy is generating emotion and discussion these days than the subject of immigration. And, while enforcing the law is important, we recognize that communities all across our land are dealing with influxes of people, some illegal, others allowed into our country through government programs. Acts 17 says this:
24 God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands.
25 Nor is He worshiped with men's hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things.
26 And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings,
27 so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us;
28 for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, 'For we are also His offspring.'

The spotlight has been shone on Springfield, Ohio, recently, amid reports from townspeople who have reported unusual occurrences involving new residents of the city, which has a population of 60,000, but has acquired scores of new residents apparently transported into the city by federal government officials.

The Federalist reported:

Testimonies from Springfield residents at a recent city commission meeting record neighbors reporting shocking details of migrant behavior, from outright harassment to allegedly gruesome executions of local wildlife in public spaces.

The article also noted, regarding a caller to the police department:

According to a police report reviewed by The Federalist, the call was placed on Aug. 26, before the Columbus suburb located roughly 50 miles from the state capital became nationally known this week for epitomizing the nation’s migrant crisis. The caller told the dispatcher he saw four migrants in total, two men and two women, each carrying a single goose.

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost posted on X:

There’s a recorded police call from a witness who saw immigrants capturing geese for food in Springfield. 

Citizens testified to City Council. 

These people would be competent witnesses in court. Why does the media find a carefully worded City Hall press release better evidence?

Journalist Christopher Rufo reported on an incident in Dayton, Ohio, about a half-hour away, where two cats were allegedly placed on a grill.  Rufo wrote that even though this event was allegedly captured on video in another city...

...it does break the general narrative peddled by the establishment media and its “fact checkers,” who insisted that this has never happened, and that any suggestion otherwise is somehow an expression of racism.

It takes only a single exception, however, to falsify a hypothesis, and the logical next step, for any honest broker, is to ask if it is happening more often, and elsewhere. It is not implausible. Many developing nations, including the Congo and Haiti, have traditions of animal sacrifice or consumption of what Americans would consider household pets. And if this occurred in Dayton, where the migrant population is relatively small, it could be going on down the road in Springfield, where it is relatively much larger.

Imagine the frustration of residents of Springfield who are being discredited by members of the national media.  Residents who have seen an influx of immigrants who have been forced to adapt to new surroundings, transported by tax dollars and placed in various communities across the United States, including several in Alabama.  Some call them immigrants, others say they are legal, allowed to migrate to America through a government immigration program, established without a Congressional vote. 

Owen Strachan, writing for the James Dobson Family Institute, states:

As Christians, we must step back and let the temperature in the room cool for a moment (see James 1:19). When we do that, we see that we have a real issue before us. Whatever is going on in Springfield (and reports are not encouraging), America has been hit hard by leftist policies on illegal immigration. Numerous communities have buckled under the weight of a sudden influx of immigrants, with very little infrastructure to help handle such drastic infusions.

He notes that Christians are to be people of welcome, writing:

America has historically been a “nation of immigrants,” and happily so. Yet there is a straight line from the “open borders” ideology to the national drug crisis. This is not a bug in the leftist software; it is a feature. Tragically, the Left wants—and has created—an unsecured border and an open nation.

As Christians, we have much to say about this. We welcome sojourners, recognizing that we are all “strangers and exiles” on the earth (Hebrews 11:13–16). But we know that the character of nations matters to the Lord as well. We get a powerful picture of the importance of walls and borders in the book of Nehemiah when Nehemiah leads the people of God to rebuild Jerusalem and uses both a sword and a trowel to do so.

Strachan notes: "So, while immigration is good in principle, unlimited immigration is untenable, and illegal immigration is unconscionable. Our nation needs to be secured, illegal immigration needs to be stopped, and citizens of communities all across America need to be protected."

There is much concern, rightly so, over our nation's immigration policy.  But, we have to recognize that no matter where the people coming to our town have come from, the fact is they are here now, and there is ministry to be done!

Two pastors in Springfield spoke with FoxNews.com recently.  BJ Newman stated: "I think the suffering is real," adding, "One of the reasons that I wanted to speak to this is because I am a pastor, and because I am seeing the local people that I’m ministering to are being affected by it."  The article noted:

At the heart of the issue, Newman argued, is how quickly the makeup of the town changed, exacerbating cultural differences that have led to tensions between longtime locals and the growing population of refugees from Haiti.

The pastor also said, "I think most people here in Springfield are good people, I think most people here are very kind and hospitable people. And I do think that the massive influx in such a short time has created real stress, real friction, and ultimately, I think that’s the source of all of the difficulty..."

Pastor Adam Banks related, "There’s tension in the community, much like the ways that tension has arisen in the past when there have been new members to move into an established area..." The article went on to say:

Banks chalked up the current tension in Springfield to a "lack of understanding" and "familiarity" between two cultures not used to each other, but argued that also means there are "more people who are available to share their gifts" and assist with "services in the community."

Banks has had members of the Haitian community in the city attend his church; Fox noted:

"They have joined right in helping with the sound system, sharing special music, sharing their lovely voices, reading scripture, providing leadership in various capacities in the congregation," Banks said, adding that he will continue to "welcome" people who "want to celebrate the gift that each person brings and magnify God."

And, as Baptist Press reports, Christian leaders have a seat at the table in attempting to address the crisis, including Florida pastor Keny Felix, who came with "a delegation from Florida" which "met with Southern Baptist denominational leaders, pastors, ministry leaders, and community and civic leaders to discuss ways to serve as many as 15,000 Haitians living there as legal immigrants."

David Eugene, who was part of the Florida delegation, said: "We plan to meet with the other pastors that are a part of this network to debrief them on our visit...and together come up with a plan of intervention based on what we’ve observed.” Baptist Press stated:

Creole language speakers and cultural sensitivity training are prime needs, Eugene said, as well as a mentoring program “to ensure we have Haitians in that population who are equipped and can provide some guidance and will help the assimilation of the Haitian immigrants in that community.”

Certainly, in Springfield, as in other cities that are dealing with this particular issue, as well as other civic challenges, there needs to be a listening ear.  And, the Church should ideally have a seat at the table in helping to provide community solutions. And, to help craft a Biblically-consistent approach to the border issue, which is certainly a major concern in our country.  Virgil Walker, writing at the Standing for Freedom Center website, states:

...as we acknowledge that illegal immigration is a violation of the law, we must not lose sight of the humanity inherent in others. They are individuals — men, women, and children — who possess an intrinsic value and worth bestowed upon them by God. This necessitates a form of response from both the government and its citizens that safeguards the rights of all, upholds the rule of law, and embodies compassion and grace.

Certainly, Springfield is hurting, and there are residents who are not being heard. Wherever we are, the Church should lead the way in compassionately identifying a complicated issue, and demonstrate the compassion of Christ.

Beware the Muzzle

Because the Holy Spirit resides in the heart of a believer, we can be diligent to discern right from wrong, good from evil, what is true from what is false. 1st John 4 states:
1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
2 By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God,
3 and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world.
4 You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

It gets my attention when I see news stories about limitations being placed on freedom of speech.  I have reported in instances where Christian commentators and thought leaders have had their posts censored from social media platforms or even had their accounts suspended.  Now, to pull down posts that are pornographic in nature is one thing, but to have content removed because it doesn't fit a certain narrative is another.  And, who decides?

California Governor Gavin Newsom is at it again.  FoxNews.com reports that:

New legislation signed by California Gov. Gavin Newsom regulating AI-generated "deepfake" election content and requiring the removal of "deceptive content" from social media is now being challenged in court.

The article goes on to say:

The legislation, which Newsom's office says will not ban memes or parodies, will instead require all satire or parody content to either remove their content or display a disclaimer label that the content is digitally altered. One of the laws also exempts "Materially deceptive content that constitutes satire or parody."

But the attorney for the account holder suing California, Theodore Frank, told Fox News Digital in an interview that there's a provision in one of the laws that would require social media platforms to have "a large censorship apparatus and respond to complaints within 36 hours."

"And what's going to happen is that social media is just going to ban us so that they don't have to have a big infrastructure to deal with it. They're not going to look to see whether something counts as parody," Frank said.

CEO of social media platform, X, formerly Twitter, Elon Musk, posted: “Hard to be a free speech platform in a state that wants to ban free speech..."

The Orange County Register, in an editorial, stated:

Gov. Gavin Newsom should have known this would happen. After he signed three new laws regulating political ads and parodies produced by artificial intelligence, the Babylon Bee parody site produced one flouting the law and mocking him. It uses what’s called a “deepfake” of his voice praising such “achievements” as people leaving the state and the homeless crisis.

One of the bills...

...would require tech platforms to label content “inauthentic, fake, or false.” It would exempt “satire or parody,” TV stations, newspapers and magazines from the bill if they “satisfy specified requirements,” as determined by the government. Candidates, elected officials, election officers, local district attorneys and the state attorney general could “seek injunctive relief” for “noncompliance.”

The Computer & Communications Industry Association "led a coalition of tech firms objecting to the bill." The editorial concluded by saying, "Democracy thrives through freedom of speech, including deep fakes and other parodies. These and other AI bills the governor may sign almost certainly will be rejected in the courts. Let a thousand political jokes bloom."

On The Meeting House, I have warned about the dangers of artificial intelligence.  And, we have to be discerning with respect to the information we receive, recognizing that it may have been manipulated to create a certain effect.  

But, when a progressive governor is taking action against content creators and platforms, I believe that can chill freedom of speech, making it potentially hard to recognize when creativity turns into criminality. And, a former Presidential candidate has called for criminal charges to be filed against those who spread what she deems as propaganda.  LifeSite News reported, concerning recent comments made by Hillary Clinton:

While Clinton’s suggestion that Americans be criminally charged for election “propaganda” already raises grave concerns about First Amendment violations, regardless of the nature of the content shared, the potential civil or criminal charging of Americans for sharing information that is demonstrably true would certainly embody full-blown government tyranny, the death of democracy, and the death of a free society.

Interestingly, the afore-mentioned Fox story mentioned an Alabama law that was characterized as similar.  But, is it really?  That was seemingly a reference to the Alabama Child Protection Act, which goes into effect next week.  According to Fox 10 out of Mobile:  

The law makes it a crime to use artificial intelligence or other means to create sexually explicit depictions of children of that are indistinguishable from actual children. Lawmakers argued that rapidly advancing technology makes it increasingly different to tell the difference.

Innocent parody is one thing, protecting children from harm is quite different, in my estimation.

But, the Newsom actions can certainly have unintended consequences, and as predicted, will result in court action, which has already begun.  For the Christian, again, we have to be discerning regarding the content we consume - and post.  But, if we have a constructive, Biblical message to share, we should not be intimidated in being bold servants of the Most High.  Yes, there will be those "speech police" who set themselves as arbiters of what is misinformation or disinformation, what is acceptable speech. But, we can continue to uphold the truth. 

Carrying the Cross

The apostle Paul wrote about the sinful state in which he lived, a state in which he persecuted the Church. But, we are all sinners in need of a Savior, and we can read in 1st Timothy 1, in the words of Paul:
15 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.
16 However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life.
17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

There's a man who embarked on a journey not long ago, with a unique idea of following in the footsteps of Jesus.  Jesus was a carpenter, and this man, to prepare for his journey spent $130 on lumber and some chain. Jesus told us to carry our cross, so 39-year-old Nick Schindler built one: 8-feet long and 3-feet wide - and has been carrying it through a number of Western states, ultimately ending up in Washington, DC.

That's according to the God Reports website, which reported on Schindler's journey with the 75-pound cross, stating:

Founder of Redemption Railroad Ministries, Schindler considers it a privilege to carry the cross because it represents the power of God to save the lost and least – a truth he’s observed in a handful of cities since June of 2023 when his pilgrimage began.

Bearing the burden on his shoulder, the cross is a miraculous sign for Shindler whose pelvis was shifted in a rear-end automobile collision in 2015. The destabilization forced him to walk with a cane for a while.

“I went from being essentially crippled at one point in my life to carrying this cross because the Lord’s called me to do it.

Schindler has been walking the road, and is not a stranger to ministering in the streets.  The article notes:

Schindler’s ministry reaches unhoused people, who were the primary beneficiaries of Redemption Railroad’s compassion and mercy outreach during the pandemic.

As churches shut down and bars remained open in accord with government mandates, unhoused people greatly suffered until Schindler brought choice cuisine to empty bellies and the gospel to hungry souls.

Schindler spent time in August in the state of Colorado, the home state of Arthur Blessitt, who was known for carrying a cross - in fact, he went to every continent. The article goes on to say, "Schindler led a man who had been 'praying to the universe' to the Lord Jesus by sharing with him the message of God’s grace, and how believers are justified by the blood of His cross...," adding, "Chronically homeless for 20 years in Fort Collins, the 56-year-old man’s adult children are unaware of their father’s plight, said Schindler, who is grateful the man now has spiritual treasure in Jesus."

The article says that, "During a season of rest that followed the pandemic, the Holy Spirit spoke to Schindler about issuing a wake-up call to churches," and "taking the message of the cross into the public square."

A few months ago, the Rocket Miner website out of Wyoming featured Nick Schindler, stating:

He said some people have tried to sway him away from different communities because of their negative reputations such as Portland.

“No matter how bleak a place is, a light is meant to be shone in the darkness,” he pointed out. “People of faith are that light. They show the path to love and truth.”

Schindler is also bringing attention to homelessness in the U.S. According to Schindler, over 600,000 Americans experienced homelessness in 2023. Schindler was unhoused for a few years at a young age. He sees the needs haven’t been met yet and it worries him.

“People were accepting the stigma of what homelessness is. In many cases, I’ve met so many hard-working individuals who could not get housing,” he shared. “We need to be a community.”

Another issue he’s concerned with is suicide. He spoke with Rock Springs Mayor Max Mickelson about how high the suicide rate is in the city and the state of Wyoming.

The website notes that Schindler said:

“We need to see love in action. Right now, with the problems facing our country, politically, emotionally, and economically, it takes all our involvement. I believe America can do great things. Through the love of Christ, communities can be stronger.”

Nick Schindler is devoted to demonstrating the power of the cross through his unusual practice. I would say that is not what most people are called to do. But, we can be reminded that we demonstrate the power of the cross through the way we live.  The way that we shine the light of Christ and radiate His love is a visible representation of how we have died with Jesus and have been raised to new life with Him.

The surrendered life means that we are putting God's principles first in our lives. And, that gives us the ability to influence others, to address the challenges they are facing, even to the extent that we speak out and relate Godly wisdom on societal dilemmas.  

And, with Christmas approaching, we can look for ways in which we show the world why Jesus came to earth - to redeem fallen humanity, to save sinners.  Faith Radio is planning our annual distribution of 7-foot, wooden Christmas crosses, coming up in mid-November.  Please stay tuned for additional information. 

Pragmatism and the Danger of Compromise

We are all in a position of influence; we could say that we are not leaders, but all of us have an opportunity to lead someone else - just by our Christian example. In the realm of lawmaking, we can be confident that the implementation of God's principles results in a more moral, ordered society. As Proverbs 29 reminds us:
2 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan.
3 Whoever loves wisdom makes his father rejoice, But a companion of harlots wastes his wealth.
4 The king establishes the land by justice, But he who receives bribes overthrows it.

Because we are Christians, our dependence on God should ideally govern the decisions we make and the way we conduct ourselves.  Christianity is not intended to be some sort of spiritual "add-on" and God does not desire to be an afterthought.  We are empowered by the Spirit of God to be wholehearted followers of Jesus Christ.

A public leader embraced this viewpoint, according to CBN News, which related he was in a position of “Praying for wisdom, and discernment, and judgment — for humility,” adding, “And just trying to find that sensible path, because … when you’re a Christian in politics, you’re not guiding some theocracy." He continued, "...you must serve everybody, and you must respect all of their interests and views — and including those that aren’t the same as yours.”

The man is the former Prime Minister of Australia, Scott Morrison, who has released a book about his Christian faith journey.  Regarding the issue of the so-called "separation of church and state," the article stated:

Some people argue politicians’ religious beliefs should be completely separate from their lives when they’re leading, that these sentiments should not be a part of any of an elected leader’s decision-making process. But Morrison disagrees.

“It’s a bogus joke; it’s ridiculous,” he said. “It’s a very convenient argument for those who don’t want to see the influence of Jesus Christ in their society. You know, lock them in a room, cancel them, mock them, dismiss them, say they have no right to express their faith.”

Morrison continued, “Freedom of religion, and, importantly, the separation of church and state was established to protect faith, not to silence it.”

But, earlier in the article, you can find these words:

He said the role was very much about “celebrating our democracy” and finding the balance of living out one’s faith while also operating in a way that allows others to practice their own beliefs.

“God doesn’t need the government to prove His case or impose it on anybody,” he said. “I’m sure God’s quite capable of witnessing through His church.”

The BBC described the "17-year political career" of Morrison, who was defeated in a 2022 re-election bid, as "defined by pragmatism, conservatism and numerous controversies." The article noted that the country's pandemic policies during his tenure: "incredibly tight border controls, movement restrictions and free vaccinations - earned it the nickname Fortress Australia."

Unfortunately, his pragmatism went into overdrive on the abortion issue.  He simply chose not to take a position.  The Sydney Morning-Herald stated, in an article written after the leak of the potential decision in the Dobbs case:

Prime Minister Scott Morrison says he doesn’t want the national debate over abortion rights occurring in the US to take place in Australia, saying it was an issue that could “deeply divide this country.”

The article quotes Morrison as saying, “I don’t intend to bring it into the agenda, because I think it can be a very divisive and polarising issue, and I wouldn’t recommend it being part of our national debate.” The article said:

Morrison said it wasn’t a topic he wanted to visit during the election, as “it’s an issue that can deeply divide this country.”

Earlier in the week, Morrison fended off a similar question about his opinion of what was taking place in the US while defending the decision of his Assistant Minister for Women, Amanda Stoker, to speak at an anti-abortion rally. Of her actions, Morrison said, “it’s a free country.”

To describe former Prime Minister Morrison, you find words like pragmatism and balance.  He states that there should be no division between church and state, yet, he (like many) struggled to walk that line, perhaps erring in trying to keep the "state" out of issues that the Church speaks to.  He basically says the government should not "impose" God's case. 

OK - let's take that and apply it to our current climate.  Someone may be pro-life, but doesn't believe the government should be involved in legislating it.  Another person regards laws supporting life as government involvement, but will support laws that allow abortion.  If one is hesitant to defend life or any number of Biblical positions because of fear of "legislating morality," rest assured that the non-Biblical side will certainly fill the void. The anti-life, anti-traditional-marriage, anti-free-speech crowd that despises Christian viewpoints will certainly not back down. 

Pragmatism, while it can keep us grounded in how certain processes can be implemented, can also be an enemy of Biblical fidelity.  In the name of pragmatism and balance, we have to be careful that we don't compromise our faith beliefs.  If you are in a position to implement laws, then a Christian should ideally bring godly wisdom into the lawmaking process.  And, we're all in a position to influence laws - through our vote and our prayers and communication with elected officials. We can leverage that God-given influence to see real, lasting solutions in our communities.

Seeking, But Not Finding

We have to make sure that we do not allow our attention span to contribute negatively to our spiritual concentration level. Hebrews 12 states:
1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Isaiah 26:3 states:
3 You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.

Are you familiar with the practice of "doomscrolling?"  Have you ever heard the term?  You may have participated in it unwittingly. 

A Movieguide article relates:

"This behavior, where users rapidly flip between videos or skip over parts of them in search of something more exciting, is fairly counterproductive. Instead of curing boredom, digital switching can intensify it,” Relevant reported Aug. 19.

This behavior of endlessly switching through pictures or videos is recently referred to as “doomscrolling.” It’s named that because the activity is almost never-ending, as in one scrolls until their doom, semi-seriously.

The article goes on to say, regarding a recent study on Internet usage:

The study had 1,200 undergraduate participants from the University of Toronto and U.S. colleges.

It suggests that the endless amount and variety of videos available makes attention “fragmented.” This experience makes it difficult to pay attention, and the result leaves a feeling of boredom.

In one experiment in the study, participants watched a 10-minute video and were not given the option to skip through it or cut to another video. Afterward, they were allowed to freely switch through five seven-minute videos within a 10-minute time frame. The majority reported that they felt less bored and more satisfied when they watched the first video fully than when they were allowed to skip other videos.

The Movieguide article linked to a story at app.com, which reported that the study was conducted by the American Psychological Association. Both articles quoted from Katy Tam, whom app.com describes as the "lead study author and postdoctoral researcher at the University of Toronto." She is quoted as saying: “Just like paying for a more immersive experience in a movie theater, more enjoyment comes from immersing oneself in online videos rather than swiping through them..." She adds, "Digital switching may make the content of online videos seem meaningless because people don’t have time to engage with or understand the content..."

The article goes on to say:

Previous studies had already shown that using a smartphone increases boredom in users. Now, this study suggest that digital video switching may be a related source for the boredom associated with smartphone use, the study says.

Digital video switching could have negative mental health effects. As Tam noted, chronic boredom is linked with depressive symptoms, anxiety, sadistic aggression and risk-taking behavior.

It does seem a bit counterintuitive.  The search for information without staying fixed on one particular unit, instead of making someone feel entertained, actually makes him or her feel bored.  For instance, participants watched a 10-minute YouTube video, then followed it by watching seven five-minute videos within a 10-minute period.  Boredom was greater after watching the shorter segments.  Same phenomenon when someone would fast-forward through a 50-minute video in a 10-minute period. 

We're reminded that we live in a digital age, and the abundance of information can actually be counterproductive.  Rather than be engaged in what is called "doomscrolling," we can, as Hebrews 12 suggests, be "looking unto Jesus."  I would dare say that scrolling around the Internet does not reflect the peace of God.  And, there could be implications for our mental acuity and even overall mental health.  We engage in seeking, yet perhaps we are not finding - in Jesus, we can seek and find the treasures He has in store for us.

We have to carefully train our minds to think on Biblical truth and to concentrate on what the Spirit of God would want to teach us.  In publishing and media, we do play to a crowd that has short attention spans.  But, when we are in the presence of Almighty God, we can make sure that our prayers are focused, our time in the Word is strategic, and that we take steps to experience the renewing of our minds, which Romans 12 says transforms us.  Enough of the quest for bits and bytes of information that do not satisfy; we can be devoted to seeking for and listening to the voice of the Spirit.

See Something, Say Something

In Ephesians chapter 5, Paul reminds us that we are "light in the Lord." He goes on to caution us in a passage containing material referenced by a brave woman who exposed darkness she encountered in her workplace:
11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.
12 For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret.
13 But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light.
14 Therefore He says: "Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Christ will give you light."

It seemed to have been a dirty little secret of the health-care industry.  But, thanks to work of brave journalists, people who have been harmed, and insider whistleblowers, the lid is coming off the hideous practice of doctors performing sex-change operations on minors and performing treatments that purport to "change" a person's gender.

Vanessa Sivadge is one of those "whistleblowers."  Until just over a month ago, she worked as a nurse at Texas Children's Hospital in Houston. The Christian Post reported:

Sivadge claimed TCH fired her on Aug. 16 for exposing alleged Medicaid fraud at the country's largest children's hospital, which she said was using federal funds to cover cross-sex hormones and puberty blockers for minors in violation of Texas law, according to an exclusive statement provided to journalist Christopher Rufo.

The article says that...

Sivadge came forward to Rufo last year to claim TCH was pushing "gender-affirming care" on young patients while ignoring their underlying psychological problems.

Sivadge approached Rufo following his May 2023 story about Dr. Eithan Haim, who leaked medical records suggesting that TCH continued to prescribe puberty blockers for children with gender dysphoria despite claiming otherwise.

The U.S. Department of Justice slapped Haim with four felony counts in June for obtaining "personal information including patient names, treatment codes and the attending physician from Texas Children's Hospital's (TCH) electronic system without authorization," according to a DOJ press release.

Sivadge also said that she had requested and did not receive a religious accommodation to be transferred out of the wing of the hospital performing these harmful procedures. Sivadge was also visited by federal agents, and said, "I believe that the Department of Justice has been weaponized against people of faith and people who expose wrongdoing and illegal activity — not just in my case, but in many others..."

Her motivation to come forward, she relates, is spiritual, stating: "Ephesians 5 says to have nothing to do with the worthless deeds of evil and darkness but instead expose them, and that everything exposed by the light becomes visible," adding, "So that was really the foundation and the motivation for me to do what I've done, to speak out like I have."

Vanessa's GiveSendGo page states:

"My faith in Jesus compels me to speak the truth about what I've seen while having the utmost compassion and love towards children confused about their sex. I am a nurse who unapologetically believes in the beautiful design of God for our gender and sexuality as stated in Genesis 1, where "He made them male and female." I believe that human beings are made in the image of God, and the intrinsic biological differences between men and women should be affirmed, upheld, and celebrated.

The Daily Citizen published a timeline back in June of the events related to gender-change surgeries at TCH and Vanessa's actions and statements.  The article states:

The misconduct at TCH reveals the deep inroads gender ideology has made into medicine — and the lengths hospitals and doctors will go to defend it.

The legal harassment experience by Haim and Sivadge reveal the hold gender ideology has over people in charge of uncovering and prosecuting crimes.

These toxic ideas have grown under the cover of darkness, supported by citizens’ ignorance and apathy.

Now that a few brave individuals have sacrificed their personal wellbeing to bring this cancer to light, it’s time for everyday people to call gender ideology what it is — a religion that celebrates child abuse.

There are several ideas we should consider as we ponder the plight of Vanessa Sivadge.  There's an adage: "see something, say something."  Ephesians 5 was quoted by Vanessa regarding exposing works of darkness.  We should always make sure that the information we may feel led to expose is factual and that we're not just spreading gossip and slander, but as people of truth, we can help people discover what is true and what is not. 

We also should not be afraid to attach spiritual meaning to evil practices; and make no mistake, what is being done to children in these gender-change treatments and surgeries is evil - it is an affront to the divine design and nature of God Himself.  And, it seems that so many of those who embrace the LGBT agenda also have a blatant disregard for life in the womb.  If we operate in Biblical discernment, then that opens up avenues of spiritual power that can confront the evil around us: through prayer, through resisting the power of the enemy, through speaking the Word of God, by which we overcome evil, and by speaking the name of Jesus over a situation.  We should never be held back by fear of doing the right thing, depending on the power of the Spirit. 

Be Like Ben (Sort Of...)

The Bible not only defines for us what a truly virtuous life looks like, but empowers us to live a life that reflects the presence of Jesus, who is the picture of true virtue. Ephesians 4 shares a taste of that:
29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.
30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.
32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you.

You gotta hand it to him - he really, really wanted to live a perfect life.  A life of virtue.  He even wrote that he should try to imitate Jesus - well, and Socrates.  He is regarded as one of the greats among the founders of this country. 

And, while his spirituality might be regarded as a mixed bag, at a moment when it counted, he stood up in a gathering of his deadlocked, stalemated peers and challenged them to depend on God. 

The site was Independence Hall in Philadelphia, the occasion was the drafting of the U.S. Constitution, and the man was Benjamin Franklin.

Franklin was certainly a thinker, an inventor.  And, he was quite inventive in his declaration of standards for personal behavior.  They have been termed his "13 Virtues."  Not necessarily Biblical, but certainly consistent with much of what we believe. 

The website for the Benjamin Franklin Historical Society states:

Benjamin Franklin wrote a list of virtues with the idea of achieving moral perfection on habits useful to him. Soon he found out that the task was more difficult than he had imagined “Habit took the advantage of inattention”. He concluded that bad habits must be broken to prevent slipping and good ones acquired should be established. He intended to fix one habit at a time, attempting the whole at once would distract his attention.

In fact, it has been noted that Franklin kept a chart to track his progress.

The 13 values are as follows: 

1. Temperance
2. Silence
3. Order
4. Resolution
5. Frugality
6. Industry
7. Sincerity
8. Justice
9. Moderation
10. Cleanliness
11. Tranquility
12. Chastity
13. Humility

There are quite a few highlights that you could correlate with Scripture. He emphasized the benefit of silence, writing: "Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself. Avoid trifling conversation." The Bible speaks about the importance of using wise words, words that build up and not tear down, words that are not idle.  James tells us we should be slow to speak and emphasizes the untamable nature of the tongue. 

There's the concept of resolution. Franklin wrote: "Resolve to perform what you ought. Perform without fail what you resolve."  Biblically speaking, under the power of the Holy Spirit, we should be careful to keep our word, to be decisive, and to be diligent to follow through.  We should be people of our word and walk in personal integrity, so that we can generate trust.

Another area is sincerity. According to Franklin, one should "Use no hurtful deceit. Think innocently and justly; and, if you speak, speak accordingly." His next area, in fact, is that of justice. The Bible teaches us that we should show mercy to others, that we should always tell the truth, and that we should exercise good and fair discretion.  

I think you could find Biblical parallels to most, if not all of these. The indication is that Benjamin Franklin was devoted to living a moral life. But, when it comes down to it, he seemed to be someone who believed in the value of Christianity, but did not fully embrace Biblical Christianity. 

Christian historian Thomas Kidd, formerly of Baylor, now at Midwestern Seminary, who wrote a book about Franklin, stated: 

If Franklin truly was a deist, he wasn’t a very good one. Doctrinaire deists believed in a distant Creator, one who did not intervene in human history, and certainly not one who would respond to prayers. Yes, Franklin questioned basic points of Christianity, including Jesus’ divine nature. Yet his childhood immersion in the Puritan faith, and his relationships with traditional Christians through his adult life, kept him tethered to his parents’ religion. If he was not a Christian, he often sounded and acted like one.

Franklin wanted to be virtuous, as we all should.  His way of going about it was apparently sweeping and methodical.  But, we have to possess more than the "want to."  And, granted, there are those who don't seem to want to live a moral life.  If we do, we can find the resources in the Bible to enable us to at least move in that direction. If we're striving to be perfect and using the resources of this world, we will fail. But, we can depend on the direction of the Word and the power of the Spirit in order to live a life that pleases God.   

But, methodology is certainly important. There is a "Ben's Virtues" app that has been developed that is centered around prioritizing his virtues.  Back to the Bible offers the "Go Tandem" app that can be used as a catalyst for spiritual growth by issuing reminders throughout the day about the need to surrender to God in certain areas.  We have the spiritual disciplines, including prayer, Bible study, and numerous resources that can be used for our benefit.  Please allow Faith Radio to be used in your life as a resource in order to spur you on to draw closer to Christ.  Hundreds have gathered today at Wynlakes for the 25th Annual Faith Radio Golf Tournament, which is devoted to not only providing funding for over 20 days of broadcasting, but to facilitate spiritual growth in the lives of our golfers through powerful resources and through fellowship with one another.  Please pray for God to use the Tournament to bring people closer to the Lord. 

Our Plans His Steps

In Proverbs 16, the writer explores the relationship between our plans and God's providence. Here are some verses that remind us who is sovereign and in control, recognizing that He will inspire our planning and execution:
1 The preparations of the heart belong to man, But the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.

3 Commit your works to the Lord, And your thoughts will be established.

9 A man's heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.

Recently, in a Midwestern city, a prayer meeting occurred.  One of the unique aspects of this meeting is that nobody seems to know who called it!

KSDK Television out of St. Louis reported earlier this week: "The man accused of assaulting and critically wounding Ferguson police officer Travis Brown last month is now facing 12 charges after a grand jury indicted him last week."  The suspect is named Elijah Gantt, and the article went on to say: 

According to charging documents and video released in the days after the incident, a few people damaged the fence at the police station in the late night hours of Aug. 10, causing police to step in and make arrests. The grand jury indictment alleges Gantt kicked kicked six different police officers while trying to evade arrest. While fleeing police, he allegedly "charged" Officer Travis Brown, knocking him to the ground and leaving him with a serious brain injury.

Brown was still in the hospital as of Sept. 3, according to the most recent update to the GoFundMe page started to help with his medical costs.

CBN News reported:

New to the Ferguson Police Department, Officer Brown was shoved to the ground by an alleged protester at a rally that started as peaceful and then later turned violent.

The assault on Officer Brown, an African-American who was sworn in this January, coincided with the 10-year anniversary of 18-year-old Michael Brown's death.

For quite some time, Brown was in a coma - it is unclear whether or not he still is. 

Jonathan Tremaine Thomas leads a ministry called Civil Righteousness, that is devoted to improving race relations, which, following a prayer vigil for Brown, prompted the police department to ask that ministry to expand its prayer efforts citywide.  

That's when things get interesting; CBN notes:

Invited to headquarters by the police chaplain on Tuesday, Aug. 13, Pastor Thomas learned the City of Ferguson was publicizing a call to prayer that evening – assuming the pastor was leading the gathering.

Ferguson Police Chaplain Jose Aguayo told Thomas the police chief preferred a week's delay to give officers and city staff time to recover from tense 10-hour workdays following the violence.

Civil Righteousness, however, was not involved in organizing the prayer event promoted by the city and covered by local network news broadcasts, according to a Civil Righteousness email.

That evening hundreds of people convened for prayer, and multiple media outlets dutifully covered the event.

A Facebook post by Thomas embedded in the CBN article said this:

Yesterday, a miracle occurred before our very eyes in the heart of our city. Hundreds showed up to a public prayer meeting with the police, all of our elected officials, and clergy.. But NO ONE could figure out who called it. NO ONE organized it, and NO ONE knew who was leading it. Yet, the Spirit of the Lord moved among us powerfully as we humbled ourselves before heaven and before one another.

He went to to say, "It was a moment for Ferguson (and possibly American) history that we will point to as a turning point in the years to come."

Upon showing up, Thomas and Aguayo led the gathering, along with other church leaders.  The mayor even sang a song about the blood of Jesus!

The article also notes:

Even before the attack on Officer Brown and the miraculous gathering that followed it, the Ferguson Prayer Furnace – an outreach and intercession ministry of Civil Righteousness – has served its neighbors uniquely this summer.

Drive-through prayer for Ferguson residents has drawn hundreds of people since July, according to Hannah Herum, co-director of the prayer and outreach expression of CR.

In Ferguson, Missouri, God invited people and drew them to a prayer meeting - it grew out of a community's love for a fallen officer.  But, there are other needs in a community that has faced its share of turmoil.  And, God orchestrated it - perfectly, according to His will.

The Bible speaks about the plans we make.  I tend to be a planner - what I present to you each weekday, while I hope is anointed by the Spirit of God, reflects a degree of planning.  But, ultimately, the fruit is from the Lord.  So, the challenge is to minister here under His strength, not my own.  I believe God is pleased with our preparation.  But, we always have to remember who is ultimately in control. And, there will be occasions when God rocks our world and changes our plans.  We will see sovereign acts of God, just as we read about in the Scriptures.

That comes as we maintain a sense of humility and dependence on God.  A spontaneous prayer meeting occurs simply because God wants it to. Miracles occur in our midst because of the hand of Almighty God, the one who is really in control. We can be expectant as we walk through life, recognizing that the Lord does as He pleases - for His glory. 

Watch Mor Content

The Bible speaks of the importance of protecting our hearts - with the proliferation of entertainment choices and the lack of trust garnered by some media outlets and contributors, we have to be determined to comply with Proverbs 4:
23 Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.
24 Put away from you a deceitful mouth, And put perverse lips far from you.
25 Let your eyes look straight ahead, And your eyelids look right before you.
26 Ponder the path of your feet, And let all your ways be established.
27 Do not turn to the right or the left; Remove your foot from evil.

There was a time when customers could go to Chick-fil-A and come away with an Adventures in Odyssey story.  Now, apparently the chicken chain, founded by Truett Cathy on a foundation of Biblical values, is desiring to produce its own content for families.

The Deadline website reports:

Chick-Fil-A, which operates over 3,000 restaurants in the U.S., has previously produced content for its own site before including Stories of Evergreen Hills, a series of short, animated films. It has also diversified into other areas such as making children’s puzzles and games under its Pennycake brand.

But, now, the website relates: "Chick-Fil-A is moving aggressively into the entertainment space with plans to launch a slate of originals for its own streaming platform...," adding:

Deadline understands that the fast-food firm has been working with a number of major production companies, including some of the studios, to create family-friendly shows, particularly in the unscripted space. It is also in talks to license and acquire content.

The article reports that a 10-episode family-friendly game show is in the works.

And, according to a Christian Post article, Chick-fil-A has some major connections to the entertainment industry.  It states:

The company’s independently managed trust also helped found Trilith Studios in Atlanta, Georgia, Forbes reported.

According to the report, Chick-fil-A’s CEO Dan Cathy, spent millions of dollars transforming 730 acres of farmland 25 miles south of Atlanta into the biggest movie studio in North America outside of Burbank, California.

Streaming statistics cited earlier this month by Forbes show that Americans spend an average of just over three hours every day streaming content. Some 99% of all U.S. households pay for at least one or more streaming services.

Cathy is no longer CEO of the company; his son Andrew Cathy is now in that role. The article quoted from a YouTube video by "film and media critic" John Campea, stating, "He noted...that Chick-fil-A’s focus on the family-friendly market could lead to success."

He said:

“If they wanted to be a streaming service that focused on family-friendly content then you know what? So many of the great inventors have always said, listen, you want to strike it big, find a need and fill it. … Is there a niche out there for a streaming service that's completely just dedicated to family-friendly content? They could find themselves an avenue..."

So, where are connoisseurs of faith-based, faith-adjacent, and/or family-friendly streaming content likely to go?  There are currently options, outside of Netflix and Disney+, where families have to wade through objectionable shows in order to get the appropriate material that doesn't offend one's Christian values.  Too much work.  You, of course, have Great American Pure Flix, which offers a streaming platform in addition to a channel.  Same for UPTV and UP Faith and Family.  No doubt, there are others - you have Minno for kids, for instance.  But, for exclusive family-friendly content, there may indeed be an opening for a Chick-fil-A, with healthy resources, a well-regarded brand, and connections to the entertainment industry, to "fowl" up the streaming industry (pun intended).

There are myriads of entertainment choices, and that can be overwhelming. And, the challenge is that we now have to "vet" the types of programming we consume.  We have to keep our minds sharp and focused on Christ, and the enemy will use those things to which we expose our minds to keep us distracted.  And, discernment is key for the believer in Christ. Even trusted brands may not offer the types of content that are consistent with our beliefs.

Possibility of Perfect Peace

In Isaiah 26, the prophet addresses the idea of protection, and illustrates, I think, a balance between taking preventive measures regarding security and placing our ultimate trust in God, our protector. We can read these words:
1 In that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah: "We have a strong city; God will appoint salvation for walls and bulwarks.
2 Open the gates, That the righteous nation which keeps the truth may enter in.
3 You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.
4 Trust in the Lord forever, For in Yah, the Lord, is everlasting strength.

From 3000 killed in a terror attack in America on 9-11 to terrorist threats upon our country at home and abroad.

Wars between Ukraine and Russia, Israel and Hamas.

Children arrested for making threats against schools.  School safety a major concern.

This is the world in which we live - a fallen world in which the desire to love one's neighbor is overriden by hate, greed, and selfishness.  We want to feel safe, yet the power of sin is encroaching upon us. 

Earlier this year, the Gallup organization asked this question: "How much do you personally worry about the possibility of future terrorist attacks in the U.S.?"

Just over 4-in-10 said they worried "a great deal" about that. Less than 15% said they did not worry at all.  That number is down from 2002, the year after 9-11, when almost half of those surveyed said, "a great deal." But that is the highest percentage in that category since 2016.

In another survey from earlier this year, 71% of those surveyed said "international terrorism" was a "Critical" issue. 79% characterized "cyberterrorism" in the same way.  And, while around half of Americans are very or somewhat satisfied with the nation's ability to protect them from terrorism, 44% are very or somewhat dissatisfied. 

This survey data, all from this year, indicates we may just have a nation on edge in that particular area.  Compound that with crime reports, and we could say we have plenty to worry about - high anxiety. 

We know what the Bible has to say about fear.  We are cautioned not to fear and we are told that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but that we possess power, love, and soundmindedness. 

So, in an anxious world, we have the ability to walk in peace. That doesn't mean we don't take precautions.  We should be aware of our surroundings and exercise a healthy concern about security. But, we should not be so obsessed with our personal protection that we are paralyzed by it. Because, as we saw during the pandemic and as it was pointed out, fear inhibits good decision-making.

The Bible reminds us that the mind that concentrates on the things of God produces peace. And, in the midst of this high anxiety, this "DefCon1" mentality, we can make sure that we are thinking upon, meditating upon the presence of God, the One who is our refuge and strength.  We can resist fear in the power of the Holy Spirit. 

Raised Up

We can always be diligent to look for Christ in crisis.  Certainly, there have been stories emerge from the ashes of September 11, 2001 that have pointed to the presence of God.  Stories of miraculous survival, of heroic feats. But, we also remember that over three thousand perished that day in a national tragedy that spoke to us about the nature of evil...

And, the goodness of God. Even in death, we can remember the permanence of the love of God. From President Bush in Washington to the late Carmen Falcione in Montgomery, the words of Romans chapter 8 were proclaimed following 9-11. The closing passage of that chapter says this:
37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.
38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come,
39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

In tragedy, we need to have a fresh remembrance of the love of God.  No, He doesn't stop tragic things from occurring in this fallen world.  But, He does walk with those who look to Him. 

A ministry was raised up from the pain of 9-11.  A ministry of life born out of the deaths of so many. 

Perhaps you are familiar with the story of Christina Stanton; she and her husband were survivors of 9-11.  She wrote an article for Decision Magazine in 2021, around the 20th anniversary of that dreadful day.  Several weeks after the tragedy, she went to work for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan's Purse at an office established to provide, as she relates, "comfort and counseling" for people in New York.  

She wrote:

Shortly after the attacks, BGEA established the Billy Graham New York Prayer Center and coordinated volunteer efforts in various tasks across the city. The organization ultimately worked with about 3,000 volunteers from around the country, handled more than 1,500 calls, distributed more than 15,000 Bibles and more than 200,000 tracts, pamphlets and books in less than a year.

The work of the Association continued, and the Prayer Center offered a lifeline for so many affected by the events of September 11.  The article goes on to say:

BGEA maintained a presence in New York City long after 9/11, working with clergy and lay leadership, Police Officers for Christ, Firefighters for Christ and other parachurch organizations. In conjunction with other ministries, BGEA held seminars for pastors and church leaders across New York City to provide training and support for people who were experiencing post-traumatic stress and to help prevent suicide and marital breakdown.

The Association established a more permanent ministry that has ministered to people in the aftermath of tragedy - the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team, which just recently was sent to Winder, Georgia, to minister to people affected by the school shooting there.  The Team goes where God leads - to areas of tragedy, including natural disasters, like tornadoes and hurricanes. 

The Decision article said that the Team "deploys crisis-trained chaplains to communities in the aftermath of natural and man-made tragedies across the United States and internationally. The Rapid Response Team has deployed to scores of disasters in the past two decades, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, fires and mass shootings, and it has a continuing ministry to serve and support law enforcement officers." Additional, the writer notes: "The ministry helps victims of trauma navigate their experiences, and it has developed a specialized training program for chaplains to help them address specific trauma-related needs."

The events of September 11, 2001 remind us that there is pain all around us, and each of us, as Christians, can be conduits of God's love to those who are hurting.  Perhaps it is a simple act of kindness, even taking time to listen as someone pours out his or her heart.  We should always be ready to share the love of God. 

And, when we are beset by internal pain, we can know that God walks with us in those times of pain. When we may feel there is nowhere, we can reach out to the loving arms of Jesus, who desires to embrace us and let us know how much He loves us. 

Crisis gives us a chance to see Christ - and to know Him better. When we are wounded, we can turn to the Healer who gave His life to redeem us and remind us that He is near to those who are brokenhearted. 

Seize Your Freedom

Toward the end of his sweeping description of the full armor of God in Ephesians 6, Paul encourages believers to stand strong - and speak strong:
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;
18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints--
19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel,
20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

The issue of religious freedom has been important ever since the founding of our great nation. The Pilgrims came to America from Great Britain to pursue that freedom. 

But, with growing hostility toward the practice of faith, especially the Christian faith, we have seen numerous instances of the ability of Christians to express our deeply-held beliefs.

The Christian Post hosted a forum recently at Fellowship Church in Dallas devoted to the idea of religious freedom and the absolute necessity to protect and practice it.  

One of the panelists was someone who has been on The Meeting House multiple times, former U.S. Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom Sam Bronwback. According to a Christian Post article on the event, Brownback said some Christians are beginning to face financial persecution as major U.S. banks have allegedly started "de-banking" religious organizations such as his National Committee for Religious Freedom (NCRF). 

It stated that NCRF "made headlines in 2022 when it alleged that JPMorgan Chase shuttered its bank account without explanation after demanding a list of its donors, the candidates they support and potential political donations."  The Christian Post went on to say, "NCRF's situation is not unique, and Bank of America prompted a letter from 15...state attorneys general earlier this year alleging the company 'is responsible for some of the worst-known instances of debanking' while at the same time cooperating with the federal government to provide 'innocuous' private information to paint some conservative customers as 'potential domestic terrorists.'"  The article added:

Brownback said he is personally aware of a woman who heads a crisis pregnancy center and was recently denied Directors and Officers (D&O) insurance because the insurance company told her they did not approve of what she was doing.

Using strong language, he called such instances an "effort to suffocate" religious freedom, stating, "And we've got every right on our side. We've got the Free Exercise Clause, and now we've got a Supreme Court that's defined it and said, 'You have this right to do this.'"

Religious freedom rights were essentially re-defined in a positive way in the Kennedy v. Bremerton case, and the former football coach at the center of the case, Joe Kennedy, was also part of the forum. The article noted, "The court ruled 6-3 in favor of Kennedy and upheld the constitutional right of public school employees to engage in brief, personal private prayer, which effectively overturned the 1971 Supreme Court decision in Lemon v. Kurtzman, which had established the three-prong 'Lemon test.'"  The article went on to say, "The Lemon test permitted the government to be involved in religion only if it served a secular purpose, did not inhibit or advance religion and did not result in excessive entanglement of church and state."

Fellow panelist Jeremy Dys of First Liberty provided some analysis at the forum regarding the decision in favor of Coach Kennedy:

"It says that our religious speech is doubly protected, because what Lemon had done was to set up this, this fake battle between the two clauses in the Constitution governing religious expression — the Establishment Clause, which prevents the government from telling you what you should believe and how you should believe it — and the Free Exercise Clause, which guarantees your right to be able to express your religious beliefs."

The Christian Post article said:

Dys said Kennedy's case allowed the Supreme Court to decide that the Lemon test was a misreading of the U.S. Constitution and that the two clauses were intended to complement each other "to maximize your religious freedoms, to restrain the government from telling you what to believe and how to believe it, and to also give you the space to engage your freedom size of religion."

Another topic covered in the forum that night recently was the so-called Equality Act, which has failed to pass Congress, but is a priority for a significant number of lawmakers. The article described this legislation: "The act would codify discrimination protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity into federal law." Meg Kilgannon of Family Research Council addressed the problematic nature of the proposed law:

"We see so often it's these questions surrounding human life and human sexuality, where our values as Christians come in direct contrast to what those kinds of proposals would entail and require us to say things that aren't true, to agree with things we don't believe in, and to promote those things and to endorse those things," she said.

"And we simply cannot do that as Christians. We can't do it for ourselves, but we also can't do it because it's not good for anybody, even the people who believe those things are true. And so we really must stand fast against those kinds of pressures."

The article stated:

Dys urged the audience to maintain the confidence of those who possess the truth, the Word of God and the protections of the U.S. Constitution.

"Take that confidence forward and move into the territory that you possess today," he said.

As we look around, we can see that freedom of religion, as well as free speech, are under fire. I've said before that there are distinct efforts to silence the voice of the Church.  We must not let that happen.  We have to start with prayer - that is a step that, appropriately so, Coach Kennedy related at the meeting in Dallas recently. We begin by speaking to God, and, empowered by the Holy Spirit, we speak truth to the culture. And, as the Bible tells us, we can depend on the Spirit to give us the words to say. 

But, there are forces pressing against the Church; while we have the unlimited power of God, we face limitations from without and within.  A recent Meeting House guest noted that there are forces that are aligned against the Church that have infiltrated the Church. That dilutes our message and diminishes our effectiveness.  Certainly, we should be unified, but we have to be unified around the truth of Scripture. Tolerance of unbiblical views can be so detrimental, and we have to be willing to speak out.

And, we can continue to exercise boldness and discernment. We know that there are societal pressures that are driven by hostility. But, we cannot allow those pressures to discourage us to the point that we get out of the game and are sidelined. It is time for an active, robust Church to stand strong in a culture that needs to hear our message. 

Letters That Inspire

In an age where we see a preoccupation with selfishness and where hope and encouragement seem to be in short supply at times, simple acts can communicate a powerful message. Luke 16 states:
10 He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much.
11 Therefore if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?
12 And if you have not been faithful in what is another man's, who will give you what is your own?
13 No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon."

The commemoration of September 11 is coming up this week, and it gives us an opportunity to reflect on the true nature of evil and the ideology that drove terrorists to kill some 3000 people in America that day. And, we can also remember the lives lost and the number of first responders who gave of themselves and those who serve in our military who have been carrying out their mission to defend our country over the last 23 years. 

In the face of evil and discouragement, Christians can radiate a sense of hope. 

Despite a disability she describes as "mild," Allison is a young lady who has decided to take up that cause of spreading hope.  She writes at The Christian Heart website:

During the Covid pandemic, the world was in such a dark place. In my heart, I felt I needed to do something to bring hope where there was none. I prayed God would lead me to a ministry, and that is when I began the Kindness Through Letters Mission Project. Searching through sources, such as Facebook, or doing a search online, helped me get the addresses for service members, prisoners, and others to mail my letters.

It started as a simple act - or five of them actually; she states:

My desire to help people began a couple years ago with writing five heartfelt letters of encouragement to soldiers, inmates, and others who needed hope in their lives. But the number of letters I’ve written has now grown to over four thousand. It reminds me of when Jesus took two loaves of bread and five little fish, and ended up feeding five thousand people.

Allison writes each letter by hand, and desires to include Scripture in her letters. She says, "From the beginning, this has been much easier than I anticipated. It has also helped to improve my writing skills, given me a way to be more social, and calmed my anxiety."

Television station Fox 24 featured Allison in a story a few months back, and on its website, it relates:

She’s finished more than 4,000 letters.

Since then, she’s received thousands of letters back expressing their gratitude.

She’s kept every single one of these letters in boxes or even in frames till this day.

The story relates, "She says every time she gets a response, her heart becomes filled with joy."

An inspiration for her project was her grandmother, who passed away in 2015, according to The Christian Heart. 

Well, it does seem clear that Allison didn't start out to establish a ministry - she wrote five letters to people whom she felt needed hope.  But, her faithfulness in the small things - the devotion to writing those initial letters - has grown to over 4000 letters.  It's a reminder to us that we can impact the lives of others and spread the love of Jesus sometimes in the most simple acts.  

We have to recognize that God is leading us by His Spirit and motivating us by His love. When we take our eyes off ourselves and break free of the things that would impede us, we can find that God will meet us and use us in incredible ways.  Some will feel called to "start a ministry."  But, all of us can be the ministry - a vessel whom God uses to bring light into the lives of people in His name.

Overcoming

The apostle Paul, in 1st Corinthians 15, explores the nature of the victory that Jesus Christ has won for us. He writes:
55 "O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?"
56 The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law.
57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

The message was clear and the context was unique.  The words could have come out of a Sunday sermon.  A man related this from a stage:

"This world surrounds us with a message that we’ll never be good enough, we’ll never be strong enough, we’ll never be beautiful enough, we’ll never be rich enough. Whatever the case may be. Certainly that we'll never win. Social media surrounds us with those messages all the time. It’s driven down our throats every day, that we’ll never be good enough and that nobody really, really loves us..."

But, according to a FoxNews.com story, originally published by PennLive, those words, documented by YouTube, were followed by this:

"You are loved. You are enough, and you will win. Not only can you win, but you will win. You’ll always be enough for one reason. And that’s because Jesus Christ loves you," he told the crowd.

He added, "Jesus Christ loves you so much that he made you just the way you are, just the way you’re standing there right now."  Then, he said, "He also loves you to let you know that you're not complete...I promise you there’s more, and you will win."

The speaker was Brad Arnold, lead singer of a band called 3 Doors Down. The setting was a concert in Hershey, PA. According to the story, "Some fans cheered and applauded the singer's message."

The Fox article also noted:

"I failed all day today. You failed today. But you’re still the one that Jesus loves," Arnold said before leading the large crowd in a chant of, "I am the one that Jesus loves."

It also said: 

According to CBN, this isn't the first time Arnold has been open about his faith on stage.

He is also outspoken about his beliefs on social media, where he sometimes reposts Bible verses.

Apparently, Brad credits his faith in God with his overcoming alcohol addiction, which may provide some context to his use of the word "win" in his concert comments.  According to The Christian Post,

“January 19 is a special day for me every year,” he wrote on Instagram.

“It marks the start of a new year of a new life, a life without a bottle in my hand. I feel like a different person than I did eight years ago ... and it feels so good. Without question, God took that burden from me. I was so tired of carrying it. I couldn’t carry it any more so I gave it to God and I’m not taking it back! If you’re struggling with something, give it to Him. He’ll gladly take your burden and you’ll never have to carry it again.”

Let's talk about winning - that seemed to be a theme in Brad Arnold's comments on stage the other night in Pennsylvania.  We have to be careful not to characterize the Lord as some ticket to earthly success.  And, while God loves everyone and sent His Son to die for them, once Jesus comes into a person's life, He calls us to surrender to Him and be His disciple, not to remain the way we are.  So, while Arnold is to be commended for His bold declaration, some elaboration, I believe, is called for. 

The point I think he was trying to make is that, in the spiritual sense, we are overcomers in Jesus Christ - Brad Arnold has seen that in his own life in making a break from alcohol.  When we are up against a challenge, we can trust the Lord to walk with us - He doesn't always take away the circumstances, but we can know His ultimate purpose is being fulfilled.  It is absolutely true, we have victory in Jesus Christ: the victory He has won over sin and death has been passed on to us, and we can stand strong in the Lord - in the Lord, when we face adversity.  In our own strength, we are never "enough" - a word that has gained quite a bit of usage in the Christian sphere these days.  But, Jesus is more than enough to meet the needs of our hearts and to empower us to overcome the lies of the enemy.