ADVENT DAY 19 (I Have Been Given the Armor of God): Power to the Parents

God has established an authority structure in the home, and He delights as families function according to His will. Parents have been given a distinct and critical role, as we see in Deuteronomy chapter 6:
5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.
6 "And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart.
7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.
8 You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes.
9 You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

We can see how we function at home, at church, in the workplace, in society, is predicated on our loving God - will all that we are, with our entire being. The enemy would attempt to bring us down, and we have to make sure we resist His schemes and continue to grow closer to Christ.  We can be diligent to protect what has been entrusted to us and to clothe ourselves day by day with presence and the "full armor" that He has provided.

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We have reached Day 19 of our 25-day spiritual "Advent-ure," using the Faith Radio Advent Guide to help us consider the significance of what Jesus, by virtue of His coming to earth, and His death and resurrection, has done for us. We have so many spiritual resources available to us, and in Ephesians chapter 6, we see that we have protective armor that can be helpful to us in the challenges of this life; Paul write:
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

There is a cultural battle that is occurring in the area of parental rights.  We hear unfortunate accounts of school districts who have officials who are keeping secrets about the children from the ones who most need to know - the parents - and teachers are being asked to compromise their values in order to further this conspiracy of silence.

One such flashpoint occurred about a month ago in Anderson County, Kentucky. The Family Foundation in Kentucky reported on its website about a school board meeting attended by "hundreds of people:"

At the meeting, Brad Briscoe, who is the father of a teenage girl at Anderson County High School, spoke about his family’s experience in which his daughter had an inappropriate relationship with a high school employee.

According to Briscoe, a school counselor developed an inappropriate relationship with his daughter, attempted to ruthlessly manipulate the situation, and ultimately attempted to remove his daughter from his family’s home on the basis of accused “emotional abuse.” Briscoe shared that these attacks have come because of his and his wife’s desire to raise their family under the Biblical principles for human sexuality.

The article goes on to say:

On November 5, 2023, Brad Briscoe spoke to a church courageously telling his family’s testimony on this issue. In a nutshell, Briscoe stated that the school counselor viciously undermined their parental rights by attempting to lead their confused daughter away from Biblical teachings on human sexuality, regardless of their desire to lead their family to live faithfully in alignment with the teachings of the Scriptures.

Apparently, the matter is still under investigation. 

But, this notion of keeping secrets from parents about their students' struggles in the area of sexuality is not confined to this Kentucky county.  I have covered the changes that various school districts in California have made.  Jeff Johnston of Focus on the Family, in a Daily Citizen article, noted in September:

Six California school districts are pushing back against California Department of Education guidelines that encourage schools to hide information about children struggling with sexual identity confusion from their parents.

Fighting that state agenda, each district has passed Parent Notification Policies that require school staff to inform parents if a child says he or she wants to identify as the opposite sex or as a different so-called “gender.” The state’s attorney general has opposed notifying parents and has already filed a lawsuit against one of the school districts.

Johnston also noted:

Those defending the initiative also pointed to lawsuits against school districts that hid information from parents. In one instance, Spreckels Union School District, in Monterey, California, was forced to pay a $100,000 settlement to a mother for socially transitioning her 11-year-old daughter without the mother’s knowledge or consent.

In a second, horrific incident, Appomattox County High School, in Virginia, allegedly did not tell a mother about her ninth-grade daughter’s struggles with very serious mental health issues, transgender identity concerns and bullying at school. The girl ran away, was kidnapped, drugged, raped and sex trafficked. The mother has filed a lawsuit against the school board and district staff for hiding important concerns from her.

In June, The Washington Stand reported:

...21 state attorneys general filed a joint amicus brief in support of two Florida parents who are suing their daughter’s middle school for engaging in private talks with the then 13-year-old about her gender identity without her parents’ knowledge or consent.

The lawsuit filed by January and Jeffrey Littlejohn alleges that school officials at Deerlake Middle School in Tallahassee implemented a “transgender support plan” after their daughter questioned her gender at school without informing them. When January Littlejohn found out about the situation and confronted the school, she was “told by the school guidance councilor [sic] and vice-principal that they could not disclose what had been talked about in the meeting, and that Littlejohn’s daughter needed to give consent by-law for her parents to be informed about or be present for future discussions.”

These cases show us how you have individuals who are committed to furthering a particular narrative and leaving parents out of the loop.  It's a blatant disregard for the Biblical responsibility that has been placed upon parents.  And, yes, it does seem as if there are people in authority who regard themselves as more capable of raising kids than the parents - it's about power and control for those who have been entrusted with authority.

But, we have to also recognize the importance of parents taking hold of the responsibility that God has given to them. Irresponsible parents have a notable impact on the next generation. Why was there a generation mentioned in the book of Judges in which "everyone did what was right in his own eyes?"  We have to evaluate the role of parents in some of the societal ills that we see around us; there are certainly many factors, but I think you have to admit that failure to pass on solid values consistent with a Biblical worldview are part of the equation.

But, that doesn't mean that the role of parents is to be minimized, especially those who do care.  And, that is seemingly a threat to people in control - it's why parents have been rising up across our country, challenging school board and running for those offices themselves.  But, too often, these parents are vilified for their involvement.  Christian parents must gladly and passionately recognize the importance of their role and depend on God to do what He has called.

ADVENT DAY 18 (I Can Walk in Godly Wisdom): Unshakable Trust

When we go to the Lord in prayer, we can come before Him with a sense of expectation, and recognize that we are dependent on Him. In 2nd Kings chapter 7, we see the orchestration of the Lord in a victory for the Israelites; we pick up in verse 3:
3 Now there were four leprous men at the entrance of the gate; and they said to one another, "Why are we sitting here until we die?
4 If we say, 'We will enter the city,' the famine is in the city, and we shall die there. And if we sit here, we die also. Now therefore, come, let us surrender to the army of the Syrians. If they keep us alive, we shall live; and if they kill us, we shall only die."
5 And they rose at twilight to go to the camp of the Syrians; and when they had come to the outskirts of the Syrian camp, to their surprise no one was there.
6 For the Lord had caused the army of the Syrians to hear the noise of chariots and the noise of horses--the noise of a great army; so they said to one another, "Look, the king of Israel has hired against us the kings of the Hittites and the kings of the Egyptians to attack us!"
7 Therefore they arose and fled at twilight, and left the camp intact--their tents, their horses, and their donkeys--and they fled for their lives.

These lepers went into the camp and began to acquire some of the abandoned items; but they recognize they need to tell the Israelite king, so they made their discovery known.  The resulting circumstances actually lined up with what Elisha the prophet had spoken.  We have to make sure we are not just "sitting here."  We can pray, but God may be directing us to act - we just have to act in accordance with His plan and His wisdom.  But, we should always be looking and listening for how He would lead us.

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It's Day 18 of our 25-day spiritual "Advent-ure," from our 2023 Faith Radio Advent Guide, found in the center section of our Ministry Magazine. This year, we are emphasizing Scriptures that show us what Jesus has done for us through His coming to earth, living a perfect life, and becoming the perfect sacrifice for our sins so that we might be forgiven. Today, we go to 1 Corinthians 1, providing the accompanying Scripture passage to the theme, "I can walk in Godly wisdom..." We can find these words:
30 But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God--and righteousness and sanctification and redemption--
31 that, as it is written, "He who glories, let him glory in the Lord."

You may have encountered a situation in which you just flat out don't know how to respond. You may have felt trapped and even hopeless and discouraged.  Fear warps and oppresses the mind. These types of scenarios provide us with an opportunity to trust God, as well as to rely on the wisdom made available to us.  James 1 reminds us that if we lack it, we can ask.  

Nayab Gill is a Pakistani teenager who experienced the miraculous power of God, who trusted God and made a daring escape, according to an article at The Christian Post.   It reported:

On May 20, 2021, Nayab Gill's employer, Saddam Hayat, a 30-year-old married father of four children, reportedly arrived at her home to "take her to work" in his vehicle.

"Saddam was a frequent visitor to our house," said Nayab. "He owned some shops in our area, one of which was rented by my father. Saddam promised to pay me a salary of 10,000 Pakistani Rupees ($34) and said the money would help my poor family to supplement its income. My father reluctantly agreed to his proposal because Saddam told him that I was like his own daughter."

Nayab was 13 at the time. But Saddam's motives were less than honorable -  actually his behavior became downright evil.  The article goes on to say:

Saddam took her to a deserted house, where he forced her to renounce her Christian faith and sign a blank paper. Nayab says that soon after being held hostage, Saddam threatened her at gunpoint that if she did not succumb to his will, he would kill her and her father.

"I screamed and cried, but no one heard me. After getting the paper forcibly signed, Saddam locked me up in a room and left," she said. "I was kept there for two days, during which I was given food only once in 24 hours."

"On the third day, Saddam came and told me that my father had registered a case of abduction against him. He told me that I would be presented before a judge, and if I did not testify that I had converted to Islam and married him of my free will, my family and I would be killed on the court's premises."

The article states, "Nayab recorded a statement in court in her abductor's favor. He was given custody of Nayab as his lawful wife in front of her helpless parents, who shed tears for their young daughter." And things got worse for Nayab as he frequently abused her. She was held captive for two years. She says: "I prayed every night, saying, 'God, please help me.' I would also pray for my family's safety. They refused to give up and kept moving through the court system for my recovery. But I was too scared to reveal the truth. Each time I was summoned in court, I would say that I was an adult and had married Saddam with my free will."

But, then a breakthrough occurred: Saddam's ex-wife filed a complaint against him and he and his brothers left the house thinking they might be arrested, but as she says, "they forgot to lock me up."  She continues: "It seemed God had answered my prayers for freedom. I discreetly left the house and started running, not even knowing where the road would lead me." She added: "I stopped at a market to catch my breath when a Muslim woman approached me. She must have sensed that something was not right. She asked me if I needed help. I told her that I did not have any money or a phone to contact my father. She took me to her house, where I was able to get in touch with my family."

Meanwhile, Nayab's family has continued to work through the courts.  But, ultimately, the Pakistani Supreme Court, which had not been particularly cooperative, dropped the case, since the family was back together.  

Two elements come to mind here: you have a young girl forced into an unthinkable situation, who continued to trust God.  And, when he provided an escape, she was wise enough to recognize it and run for freedom.  The parents, meanwhile, were doing what they could, petitioning the courts for Nayab's release.

We have been given powerful resources: prayer, of course.  We also have the direction of God's Word and the opportunity to exercise Godly wisdom.  We have to continue to trust God, but when He has provided, we have to be astute enough to recognize when He has provided what we have prayed for.

We can pray for relief, we can pray for escape from desperate situations - but sometimes God has provided the answer right there in front of us - and we have to do something!  We have to know when to wait and when to move. And, as we continue to trust the Lord and seek His face, we can make sure we are following His instructions!

ADVENT DAY 15 (I Have Access to the Throne of God in Prayer): What Altar?

We have been invited to come before the Lord in prayer, to humble our hearts before Him and call upon His name. In Ephesians 3, we find these words from the apostle Paul:
8 To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,
9 and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ;
10 to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places,
11 according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord,
12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him.

We have been granted access to come before our Savior in prayer.  What had blocked humanity from approaching a holy God has been removed because Christ, the Messiah came so that we could approach Him, talk with Him, present our requests, offer worship and praise, and enjoy communion with Him. We can possess the attitude that He is exalted above all - above everything that would vie for our worship, that we would be tempted to exalt above Christ, and demonstrate our desire to know Him and walk with Him.

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It's Day 15 of our 25-day spiritual "Advent-ure" in the Faith Radio Advent Guide, with this year's theme, "Because of Jesus...," reflecting on what the Lord has done for us through coming to earth and bearing our sins on the cross, then rising from the dead. Today's theme reminds us: I have access to the throne of God in prayer. Our theme Scripture is found in Hebrews 4:
15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.
16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

It is truly amazing and instructive to see how people idolize celebrity, even to the extent of worship. Consider this description of a concert experience from a writer from a major magazine: "I am in a stadium with nearly 70,000 other people having a religious experience." He writes that, "The crowd is rapturous," and that the concert artist was "beatific as she gazes out at us, all high on the same drug. Her fans are singularly passionate, not just in the venue but also online, as they analyze clues, hints, and secret messages in everything from her choreography to her costumes—some deliberately planted, others not. 

That is what a writer for TIME Magazine stated in his lyrical profile of the magazine's "2023 Person of the Year."  By now you know that we're talking about pop music superstar, Taylor Swift. Certainly, Swift has had a profound cultural influence, but to what end? 

We get a bit of a clue to that from a Western Journal article, which reported that:

...commentator Jon Root posted a 12-second clip from the music video for Swift’s song “You Need to Calm Down,” which depicted two men kissing in what appeared to be a marriage ceremony, followed seconds later by a close-up of five stereotypical “hillbillies” — one wore a cowboy hat, another wore a tank top with an American flag — angrily looking on in protest.

The clip was accompanied by this comment, "Here’s a quick reminder of what Taylor Swift thinks about Christians..."

In critiquing the TIME article, written by a man named Sam Lanzky, Western Journal says:

“She’s modeling radical self-acceptance on the world’s largest stage, giving the audience a space to revisit their own joy or pain, once dismissed or forgotten,” Lansky wrote.

To an untutored listener but careful reader, this sounds a good deal like worship of self.

And the bulk of Lansky’s article focused on precisely that — her story, her feelings, her.

To the Christian — or, frankly, to anyone who has contemplated the nature of the universe — an obvious question arises: Really? Is that all? She tells her story, models “radical self-acceptance,” and this amounts to a “religious experience?”

The Christian Post reported back in 2019:

Taylor Swift won Video of the Year for her hit song “You Need to Calm Down” at MTV's Video Music Awards and during the acceptance speech advocated for the Equality Act, a bill some say is a threat to religious liberty.

Swift hit the VMA stage on Aug. 26 with a group of LGBT friends. She began by saying that her video, which slams anti-LGBT Christian "hate" protesters, was voted the winner by fans. She then talked about the Equality Act bill for the duration of her speech asking the president of the United States to respond to her Change.org petition supporting the bill.

The Equality Act would make sexual orientation and gender identity protected categories in federal anti-discrimination law.

Following the overturning of Roe v. Wade, Swift tweeted out, "I’m absolutely terrified that this is where we are - that after so many decades of people fighting for women’s rights to their own bodies, today’s decision has stripped us of that."

In addition to Swift's problematic support of abortion and homosexuality, her lyrical choices have become increasingly "suggestive," as Adam Holz of Plugged In puts it: 

...Taylor’ early “era” hits have a more innocent, earnest and wide-eyed feeling to them, a general attitude that contributed a great deal to her popularity growth over her first several albums. The song “Love Story” from 2008’s album Fearless comes to mind as an example here, a happier retelling of the Romeo and Juliet romance.

But Taylor’s last several albums have become increasingly suggestive, though not particularly explicit.

Holz analyzes the challenge for Christian parents, writing that "Many likely have taken a look at the lyrical problems...which encompass sexual content, LGBT advocacy, profanity and spiritual worldview concerns, and said simply, 'Nope.' ...There are significant issues here." But he also notes:

Other families may have fans who got onboard with Taylor’s earlier, relatively innocent love songs. And despite the problems noted above, Swift’s controversies haven’t completely tarnished her public perception as a nice girl next door, never mind the tabloids.

Holz adds, "And relative to so many other far more problematic entertainers out there, Taylor’s shortcomings may not seem like automatic disqualifications for some families."

The comments were part of a review of the Swift movie that consisted of content from her "Eras Tour," which covered the various "eras," or sections of the magnanimous career. Adam offered some questions that parents and their kids could consider "together:"

• What do you think makes Taylor Swift’s music so appealing?
• What songs or messages do you connect with personally?
• What do you think Taylor has to say about romance and identity in her songs?
• Taylor Swift is one of the most powerful, influential and richest women in the world. Yet many of her songs are, at some level, responding to how others view her. What do you think about that?
• How much should we let others’ opinions of us impact our own sense of identity, of who we are? It’s obvious that that’s a question Taylor has wrestled with a lot.
• How does Taylor’s conception of love and intimacy compare to what Scripture has to say about genuine love, as well as the purpose and place of sexual expression our relationships?

So, there you have it - at least a part of it, as pop music culture has experienced the dominance of an icon whose concerts have been termed a "religious experience."  Well, you have to consider the object of your worship - in all things.  Whether it be a celebrity, a sports star, or even a pastor or Christian influences.  Perhaps the object is an inanimate object, like something you possess.  So, at what altar are you worshipping? And, do we worship something - or someone - to a greater degree than we love God.  

Western Journal noted in its concluding words, referring to the "radical self-acceptance" I mentioned earlier:

No wonder Swift has embraced “pride.” No wonder she denigrates the Christian view of marriage. If she took that view seriously, then she would have to consider its source, and that would lead her to something infinitely greater than herself.

In that sense, she commands our pity.

But we must not allow that pity to become a source of mistaken pride in ourselves. Swift has, in the words of Paul, “conformed to this world” (Romans 12:2). For all the times we have done likewise, we need God’s forgiveness.

In the meantime, God commands us to love Swift — and the millions of confused people who think as she does — the same way we love ourselves.

So, while Taylor Swift has become an idol to many, we have to beware of desires that we might possess, desires that are not of God, that would cause us to spend more time with and allegiance to than to fellowship with Him.  When we truly come before the throne of God, in a spirit of  humility, with confessed sins and forgiving hearts, we can offer ourselves as the living sacrifices spoken of in Romans chapter 12.  Our prayer life should be motivated by our desires to exalt Christ above all else.

ADVENT DAY 14 (I Am a Member of His Church, the Body of Christ): Coming Together

Even though each of us is different, created unique by God and entrusted by Him with specific and difference gifts, through the power of His Spirit, He can bring us together for His purposes. 1st Corinthians 12 says this:
12 For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ.
13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body--whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free--and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.
14 For in fact the body is not one member but many.

We have been brought into His body, with Jesus Christ as its Head. I'm reminded of what Paul declared, according to Acts 17, that "in Him we live and move and have our being."  So, if we, as fellow Christian believers, are following Jesus, our Head, moving as He moves, trusting in Him and walking in obedience, we can touch the world in a profound way. No wonder the enemy wants to divide us - we can't let that happen.  We have to be sensitive to the way that God desires to move through us.

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Here on Day 14 in the Faith Radio Advent Guide, walking again this year through a 25-day spiritual "Advent-ure," we reflect on our position in Christ. This week, we've concentrated on the fact that our lives are His, that we belong to Him. He has declared us to be righteous, and we have been adopted into His family. He has placed us in an incredible organism that has the capability of changing the world - the body of Christ, the Church. Today's theme Scripture is found in Colossians chapter 1:
18 And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.
19 For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell,
20 and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.

Not only do our churches offer strong teachings and service opportunities, but they are places where we can build relationships and enjoy fellowship with one another.  A recent Movieguide article said this in a story about a recent survey:

...Americans value community. They want to have meaningful relationships with people who live near them. These values reflect humanity’s most basic need of companionship, something God created us for.

Not only did God create humanity in his own triune image, but in the Creation story, He also said it was not good for man to be alone and created a companion for Adam in Eve.

While American values are largely slipping away from Christian principles, God clearly put the need for companionship so deeply in humanity’s heart that no matter what, we cannot escape it.

The piece stated this, referencing a recent Pew Research survey, "over 90% of Americans agree that time with family is very important to them, and over 70% say it is one of the most important things."

The survey summary at Pew's website said that 50% of those surveyed said that "practicing your religious faith" was "very important," with 32% saying it was among the "most important" things. 

Movieguide also notes:

Beyond family, Americans also believe having close friends will help them live fulfilling lives. Six in 10 U.S. adults say that having close friends is important or extremely important for them. This heavily outranked having children (26%), having a lot of money (24%) or being married (23%).

Certainly, for many, times with family can be enjoyable and rewarding.  We can view our family members as gifts from God.  Some are awaiting holiday visits expectantly; unfortunately, others see the holidays as a stressful time because of strained or tense family relationships and have to depend on the Lord to help them through and perhaps even bring a measure of healing. 

The Church offers an opportunity for healing, as well. Ideally, Jesus has placed us in His body so that we can encourage one another, to share our burdens and realize that we are not walking through this life alone.  As Movieguide states, "These statistics reveal that Americans value community."  Because we have believed on the Lord, we have so much in common with fellow believers: we have a Savior, whom we love; we have a shared faith, with shared ideals.  The Bible illustrates for us how we can truly function as a body, loving one another, building relationships, and praying and working together for the glory of God. 

ADVENT DAY 13 (I Am Part of God's Family): Free To Practice

We have been invited to become part of God's family - humanity was once estranged from God because of sin, but now we have been declared to be heirs of God through Jesus. Galatians 4 reinforces that idea:
4 But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law,
5 to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.
6 And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, "Abba, Father!"
7 Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

The fullness of time - at the time determined by God, He chose to send Jesus into the world.  The Scriptures were plain about the love of God for His people and the sending of the Messiah, our Redeemer, into the world.  Jesus came into this world; out of His great love, He left His throne in heaven to humble Himself as a servant.  Now, He is seated again at the right hand of God the Father and we are seated with Him.  We are His children, we are His family.

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Because of what Jesus has done for us through His death and resurrection, we are now part of His family; we are called children of God. Here on Day 13 of our 25-day spiritual "Advent-ure" from the Faith Radio Advent Guide, we are exploring the theme: "I am part of God's family." Romans chapter 8 says:
"15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father."
16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,
17 and if children, then heirs--heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.

The school district in Prague, Oklahoma, received one of those letters recently - you know, the kind that is sent by an atheist group out of Wisconsin that monitors religious expression it doesn't like.  The Freedom from Religion Foundation.  Well, apparently, the school board put an end to prayers that were broadcast to classrooms in the system. The state school superintendent Ryan Walters, according to Faithwire, declared that "people of faith will never be bullied." The website noted:

State Superintendent Ryan Walters’ remarks were made after Prague Public Schools, a district in his state, halted daily prayer broadcasts over school-run loudspeakers after a complaint from the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF), an atheist activist group, KOKH-TV reported.

Rather than comply or agree with atheists’ demands, Walters took a defiant tone. He called the FFRF a “radical atheist group” and said his state has no plans of “bowing down to these bullies.”

“We’re going to continue to fight for religious liberty and religious freedom here in the state of Oklahoma,” Walters said, claiming the group has targeted children who wish to initiate prayer in the Prague Public Schools. “It’s outrageous. We have to take a stand for our students’ freedom of religion, their freedom to express their religious beliefs, no matter what those religious beliefs may be.”

The article notes that: "Walters’ response came after a FFRF complaint reportedly led the Prague Elementary School to stop morning prayers purportedly shared during announcements on the loudspeaker."  The school district immediately caved to FFRF's request.

Last week, according to The Daily Caller, Walters announced that Oklahoma would be withdrawing from the American Library Association; the website reported:

“We are removing any and all references to ALA in our library standards,” Walters told the Caller in a statement on the American Library Association (ALA).

“Under the guise of promoting libraries, ALA is another organization dedicated to indoctrination. This year, ALA issued guidance that would end a Christian publishing company from hosting events at public libraries, they have promoted drag-oriented ‘reading’ events in schools, and the new president of the ALA self-identifies as Marxist.”

“Oklahomans don’t want themselves—or their children—to be subjected to this left-wing propaganda.”

An article on the NBCNews.com website a few months ago stated:

Since Ryan Walters was sworn in as Oklahoma’s superintendent of public instruction in January, he’s called for prayer in public schools and hanging the Ten Commandments in classrooms.

He’s adopted regulations prohibiting school libraries from circulating books with “sexualized content” and requiring educators to tell parents if their child changes their gender identity.

The article also notes:

In June, Walters helped approve the nation’s first religious charter school, an online Catholic school that is currently facing litigation from civil liberties groups trying to stop it from opening. He said in a video he recorded in his car that it was important that “churches aren’t oppressed by government and are given the freedom to grow.”

Faithwire also states that, "Gentner Drummond, Oklahoma’s attorney general...has spoken against spending tax dollars on the school, saying, 'Forcing Oklahomans to fund religious teaching is a violation of their religious liberty.'”

The article goes on to say:

Walters also endorsed a proposal presented to him by a group of pastors and right-wing activists to hold a minute of silence for prayer in all public schools and to require a framed copy of the Ten Commandments in all classrooms. Walters, who has said he believes separation of church and state is a “myth” created by liberals, has not yet announced how or when he intends to propose these changes.

That was as of late August. But, Walters has certainly, during his first year of office, acquired a reputation for ensuring religious freedom - not establishing religion, but protecting the rights of students to freely exercise it, as the Constitution provides for.  

Ryan Walters provides a great reminder for all of us: if you are part of a family of God, if you are a born-again believer in Jesus, then your actions should line up with who you say you are - and who God says you are!  He is a staunch defender of freedom of religion, and has used the position he has in public office to actually do something about it. Unfortunately, politicians seem so ready to be associated with Christian things and tout their religious credentials, perhaps even get involved in a local church.  But, isn't it frustrating to elect people whom you think are aligned with you ideologically and spiritually who get into office and do not uphold those values?   We can do better, and Ryan Walters in Oklahoma reminds us of how someone should be living out his or her faith in the sphere to which God has called that person.

But, it's easy to examine the shortcomings of others. We should prioritize evaluating our own behavior - we should be more intent on, rather than just merely making it through the day, ruling the day; seizing the day!  God has given us today as a gift and tomorrow isn't guaranteed here on this earth. We have been brought into God's family, we are called by His name.  Our new nomenclature should determine the nature of our practice.  We can rightly defend our freedom of religion; but we need to be very mindful of how we are to steward it, to act as children of God, in contrast with those who would pursue the ways of this world.

ADVENT DAY 12 (I Am the Righteousness of God in Christ): Walking Upright

Jesus was born in Bethlehem, in the heart of the Middle East, and He reflected the heart of God to the people whom He had chosen for Himself. Jesus came to make things right: as the Messiah, to restore His people to Himself. Jesus said in Matthew 23:
37 "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!
38 See! Your house is left to you desolate
39 for I say to you, you shall see Me no more till you say, 'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!' "

Jesus indeed came to Jerusalem for that final week - to observe the Passover during what is called Passion Week, or Holy Week.  He died not only at the hands of His own people, but to save His own people.  Not only did Jesus die for the Jews, but also for the Gentiles - for the whole world, and where there has been sinfulness, He has come to forgive and cleanse.  We have all been declared to be the righteousness of God in Christ, if we have believed in the Messiah.

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We have arrived on Day 12 of this year's spiritual "Advent-ure" with Faith Radio, based on our 25-day Faith Radio Advent Guide, found in the center of the Faith Radio Ministry Magazine.  The theme this year is, "Because of Jesus...," and we are exploring what He has done for us as believers in Christ; essentially some aspects of the nature of His life in us. 

Today's theme is "I am the righteousness of God in Christ," and the accompanying Scripture passage is found in 2nd Corinthians chapter 5, which says:
20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.
21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

We can be inspired by the accomplishments of others - and we can learn from the unfortunately mistakes of others.  And, while it seems unthinkable that presidents of institutes of higher learning could be so misguided that they could not draw a clear moral conclusion about the scourge of anti-Semitism, when you consider the worldview of so many in higher education, it's actually not that much of a stretch.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reported on the recent events in the life and work of now-former University of Pennsylvania President Liz Magill, who was one of three presidents who testified before Congress last week about their institutions' apparent tolerance of anti-Semitic views; the Inquirer said that Magill resigned in an increasing "backlash against her congressional committee testimony on antisemitism earlier this week and a semester marked by near weekly protests, deep-pocketed donor complaints and widespread accusations of mismanagement since a controversial festival on campus this fall."

The article notes that "When asked repeatedly if calling for genocide of Jewish people violates Penn’s rules or code of conduct..." Magill told Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York that it is a "context-dependent decision."

The article notes that "Magill’s resignation also came on the heels of an investigation opened by the congressional committee into Penn’s policies, as well as Harvard’s and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s, whose presidents also testified Tuesday."  

But the president of a Christian university who has been a guest on The Meeting House, Donald Sweeting of Colorado Christian University, had some blunt words for the unrest on university campuses where students - and even administrators - have chosen to engage in anti-Semitic behavior.  Dr. Sweeting wrote for FoxNews.com:

Countless Americans are shocked that so many college student groups would celebrate Hamas’ terrorist attack on Israelis. They’ve wondered why it's been so hard for the elite universities to condemn Hamas’ terrorism or for college presidents to speak out clearly about the rise of antisemitism, particularly the dramatic increase of on-campus antisemitism.

He added:

I am grateful that Colorado Christian University was one of the earliest universities to speak out on this in the United States. There were clear and timely statements from myself and others in the administration deploring Hamas’ campaign of terror against Israel, and that we stood with Israel.

The university held a special "Night for Israel" last week, and he explained the reason why his university has taken this stance:

First, there is a moral reason. The genocidal campaign against Israel and the Jewish people is evil. The chant to free Palestine from the river to the sea is a cry to wipe Israel off the map. And since Israel is the home to nearly half of the world’s Jews today, this cry is not just anti-Israel; it is antisemitic. It is Jew hatred at its worst. And what Hamas has done to the Palestinian people and Palestinian Christians is also evil — using them as human shields and provoking this war in the first place.

Second, we are driven by what I call a covenantal reason. As Christians, we are Bible people. We acknowledge God’s unique covenant with Israel in the past and the special place for Jews in God’s plan of redemption. They have been a light to the gentile world.

And third, all Christians have a debt to Jews and Judaism which we have not sufficiently acknowledged through the centuries. A great deal of the church’s misguided antisemitism in the past could have been averted had we acknowledged it. Too many Christians forget the Jewish roots of our faith. Most of our Bible is the Hebrew Scriptures.

Sweeting concluded by saying, "This is not a time for Christians to be silent."

As an alternative to the anti-Semitic expressions on university campuses, Concerned Women for America has held a series of "Stand With Israel" prayer vigils, including one at the University of Alabama, a time to worship God and to show solidarity with the Jewish people, especially students of that background who are facing difficulties on campus. 

Dr. Sweeting is absolutely correct, and we cannot ignore the intense human suffering that has been set off by the terror group Hamas and those who stand with it.  I was stunned to read the comments of a very high-ranking U.S. leader calling on Israel to essentially stop killing so many Palestinians. Israel - and any sovereign nation - has the right to defend itself.  Hamas puts its own people in harm's way; military targets become civilian targets - it's an intentional effort to win the PR war.  But, this was perpetrated by the terrorists and can be ended by them, immediately.

As I have talked about repeatedly, this is a spiritual war.  Is Israel, especially the current nation of Israel, perfect?   Absolutely not.  But, this nation occupies land that was promised to its ancestors, not by the U.N. or some multinational group, but by God Himself.   The nation of Israel is where it is today by the hand of God. That has set off a new and highly relevant section of the prophetic timetable.  And, we recognize that the Messiah has come to redeem Israel, yet not all see it - yet. 

ADVENT DAY 11 (I Belong to Jesus): Raising Up the Church

We have been brought into a relationship with our Savior, the Son of God, and we have been called children of God. Out of that sense of belonging can come a satisfying Christian life. Romans 14 says:
7 For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself.
8 For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord's.
9 For to this end Christ died and rose and lived again, that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living.

Romans 8 tells us that we have a spirit of adoption that has been placed in our hearts, and that we can call out, "Abba, Father."  God is our Heavenly Father, and Jesus has made things right between Himself and us. We have been brought near to Him, and the Lord lives in our hearts.  Isaiah 41 says that we have been redeemed and called by His name.  During this season, we can rejoice that we belong to Him - and that has a profound effect!

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Welcome to the 11th day of our 25-day spiritual "Advent-ure" from Faith Radio. This year's Faith Radio Advent Guide, found in the center of the Faith Radio Ministry Magazine has, as its theme, "Because of Jesus...," and we are reflecting on what He has done for us - we have been saved, sealed, and forgiven, and we have been given the resources that enable us to live a life that glorifies God. The Bible tells us in 1st Corinthians 6:
19 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?
20 For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.

We were bought with a price, we have been redeemed because our Savior paid the ultimate price by giving His life on the cross - we should keep that meaning at the forefront of our celebration of the birth of Jesus at Christmas.  And, not only did He come to earth in the form of a child, live a perfect life, and die on a cross, but He has been raised to new life and we have been raised up with Him.  His resurrection power resides in our hearts. We can be reminded of today's theme: "I belong to Jesus."

Jesus is the One who makes old things new.  And, He expresses that new life through His Church, described as the Body of Christ.  

McFarland Hill Baptist Church is located in Dalton, Georgia - that is just over a half-hour south of Chattanooga in the foothills of the North Georgia mountains.  Over a decade ago, the church almost died, according to The Christian Index, which reported recently that just after the church had turned 70 years old:

...the congregation had dwindled to about 35 regular attendees, and they were shouldering some $330,000 in church debt. They had cut off electricity to the gym and canceled the insurance on the church vans to save money. They didn’t see a path forward. They were considering shuttering the church permanently.

That, says current Pastor Charles Rogers, is when God showed up in a big way, restoring the church and touching off a wave of thankfulness that is still sweeping across the congregation.

The article notes:

Darey Kittle, mission strategist in the Conassauga Baptist Association based in Dalton, said McFarland Hill was in serious trouble before Rogers arrived.

“They probably would have dissolved the church,” Kittle said. “They were having a difficult time, and the church just wasn’t going anywhere. People were leaving, as they’re prone to do. Now all that debt is paid off, and the crowds are back, sitting shoulder to shoulder in that sanctuary.”

Church attendance has grown to 250 people on average, and there have been 250 baptisms in the last dozen years. Pastor Rogers, in a recent sermon, reflected on God's faithfulness, saying: “I don’t know what God has in store for you...But I can tell you this: You can trust God.”  The pastor still wonders how it happened, but as The Christian Index states: "It's a testament, Rogers said, to what God can do when people put their trust in Him." The article adds:

The church has created ministries geared toward every age group and has beefed up the music ministry with a worship team and a choir that have brought a renewed vibrance to worship services.

In the past 12 years, more than a dozen young men from the church have been called to ministry, which, denominational leaders say, is a sign of a truly healthy church.

“We try our best to get people to answer God’s call on their lives, whether it's a call to salvation or a call to serve,” Rogers said. “And we allow people to exercise their gifts.”

Writing for The Baptist Paper, George Bullard offered observations about struggling churches looking for answers and he used references to the Lone Ranger.  He writes:

Struggling churches often want a silver bullet, a simple solution that will restore them to past glory or a program or event that will bring spiritual revival to the church.

Often, the silver bullets for which churches are looking are things that worked in the past when their situations were different.

Silver bullets are not the answer for churches. No guaranteed short-term fix will work for churches that are struggling.

Instead, churches who struggle need deliberate efforts, Bullard writes:

Struggling churches are not well served by focusing on a Lone Ranger or a silver bullet organizational approach.

Instead, they need to get ready, shoot and aim.

They get ready by acknowledging they need to try new and different ways for their churches to have fresh, vital and vibrant ministries. This is the toughest step.

They shoot by seeking outside guidance for strategies and ministry practices in which they have the capacity to engage. This is a humbling step in that they admit they need help.

They aim when trying new strategies and ministry practices and hear the voice of God speaking clearly to them about His focus for their next seasons of ministry. This is the most important step.

We recognize that Jesus loves His Church and its people.  We belong to Him, and He specializes in making old things new, in raising up new things in place of what is old and stale.  That applies to a church and it applies to a person.  If our walk with Christ isn't fresh and vibrant, that is not due to His lack of desire to bring that about in our lives.  Our hearts have to be right before Him and we must develop the desire to see God move in a profound way.

It's perfectly acceptable to have goals and strategies in our Christian life.  But, we have to be avoid being trapped in legalism and attempting to be a good Christian in our own strength.  We need the Spirit of God to provide us with the direction and the strength to carry out what He has called us to do. During this Advent season, we can gain a fresher sense of our belonging to Him and draw closer to Him in the dynamic relationship that He desires.