Leading By God's Strength

God has provided us with His Word and given us access to His wisdom, so that we can live in a way that pleases Him. Ephesians 5 relates:
15 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise,
16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
17 Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

Other translations reference "making the most of every opportunity" in verse 16, where it says, "redeeming the time." We are living in evil days, yet they can be glorious days because God is with us and He is desiring to pour out His Spirit on His people and through His people.  He will manifest His presence as we are willing to yield to the direction of His Spirit.  His love for us can flow through us to a world that needs to see steadfast hope and abundant life.

+++++

No matter what season of life in which we find ourselves, we can be faithful to fulfill the call of God on our lives. And, our age does not have to be a barrier. Consider what Paul wrote to Timothy in chapter 4 of 1st Timothy:
12 Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
13 Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
14 Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership.
15 Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all.

The 57th Super Bowl occurs this Sunday in Glendale, Arizona, and while, as is customary for the professional football championship, there are a number of compelling storylines, I am certainly paying attention to the Christian faith element exhibited by the two quarterbacks.  Two relatively young quarterbacks.

Movieguide published a story recently about the faith of Kansas City Chiefs QB1 Patrick Mahomes and Philadelphia Eagles starting QB Jalen Hurts.  

I would say that more than a few football fans in the state of Alabama are no doubt aware of Mr. Hurts' football talents and even his willingness to proclaim his faith.  This article says:

“I’ve just matured and realized that God is everything, and He’s worthy of praise,” Hurts told CBS Sports in a recent interview. “You have to put Him at the center of everything that you do. That’s what I believe. All my spiritual wisdom — all of my wisdom as a whole — comes from Him, in some way, shape or form, whether that be passed down from my father, my mother, my grandmother. I just think, in all the things that we experience in life — good, bad or indifferent — you have to keep Him in the center.”

Patrick Mahomes related some comments about his faith in a video released by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, saying:

“Before every game, I walk the field and I do a prayer at the goalpost. I just thank God for those opportunities and I thank God for letting me be on a stage where I can glorify Him,” Mahomes said in the FCA video. “The biggest thing that I pray for is that whatever happens, win or lose, success or failure, that I’m glorifying Him.”

As you may be aware, Mr. Mahomes suffered an injury in the divisional round against Jacksonville; he left the field for a few moments, then returned and the following week, led the Chiefs to victory in the AFC Championship. The Movieguide article says:

“I wanna thank God, man. He healed my body this week,” he told CBS’s Tracy Wolfson of the high-ankle injury he suffered in the Chief’s victory over Jacksonville a week prior. “To battle through that, He gave me the strength to be out here.”

Sports Spectrum has followed the faith trajectory of these two young men - a recent article published after the NFC Championship said:

In his postgame press conference, Hurts said that nothing came easy for him or his team, despite their 14-3 regular-season record.

“I’m forever grateful. I’m forever grateful,” he said. “Only God knows the things that each individual on this team has been able to overcome to come together as a team and do something special.”

Later, Hurts referenced the Bible verse John 13:7 and how impactful it has been to him. It’s a verse he’s referenced numerous times before. The verse reads, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”

An article on Mahomes featured his comments from Super Bowl Opening Night:

“My Christian faith plays a role in everything that I do,” he said (video via FSPN). “I always ask God to lead me in the right direction and let me be who I am for His name. So it has a role in everything that I do. Obviously we’ll be on that huge stage in the Super Bowl that He’s given me, and I want to make sure I’m glorifying Him while I do it.”

These are two VERY young men - in their 20's - who have been placed on one of the world's biggest stages. And, rather than squander the opportunity, they are embracing it - certainly on the field and apparently in their personal beliefs. The question for each of us is, no matter what our age, how are we using our opportunities - the connections we have, the skills we have been given, in order to bring glory to Christ?

I would contend that no Christian is too young or too old to be used of God.  From a child learning about Jesus at church and hopefully at home and sharing their faith with their friends to an adult who has sought to grow in the Lord and who has seen God do amazing things, we can be devoted to making an imprint in the lives of people, as God has made the imprint on our hearts.

So, enjoy the Super Bowl on Sunday, no matter who you might be pulling for, and rejoice that you have men who proclaim their faith in Christ. And, we can be inspired to perhaps be better on Monday in allowing our lives to make a bold statement for the Lord.

Good for the Soul

We have to be very careful that the profession of our faith lines up with the performance of God's instructions. We damage our witness when we don't really act according to what we say we believe. In Titus chapter 1, Paul writes:
10 For there are many insubordinate, both idle talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision,
11 whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole households, teaching things which they ought not, for the sake of dishonest gain.

Later in the chapter, we can read:
15 To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience are defiled.
16 They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work.

There is an inconsistency that is highlighted here: you had people who apparently called themselves believers in Christ, but by their words and actions, they did not demonstrate that they actually did. We have to be careful that our profession and our performance are consistent with each other. If we believe that God's way is best for us, if we say we believe in Christ and are pursuing His abundant life, then we should be very careful to allow that perspective to permeate what we say, think, and do. 

+++++

Jesus saved some of His most direct and challenging words for the hypocrites. For example, in Luke 6, He states:
43 "For a good tree does not bear bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit.
44 For every tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they gather grapes from a bramble bush.
45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.
46 "But why do you call Me 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do the things which I say?

Faced with a mental health crisis that experts, including Christian professionals, have identified, one would perhaps think that there would be a devotion by parents to help struggling young people by helping to fortify their faith and introduce them to the One who promises us a sound mind, a renewed mind, a peaceful mind.

But, a Christian Post article notes:

While mental health concerns top the list of worries for parents today, and studies suggest religion is good for mental health, passing on their religious beliefs to their children is not highly prioritized by U.S. adults with children younger than 18, new data from the Pew Research Center show.

That paragraph noted a Springtide Research Institute study of youth and young adults between the ages of 13 and 25 that showed, according to a Christian Post report: "...during the pandemic years, most (53%) of the respondents reported that mental health was their biggest challenge. Only 34% of them reported being comfortable talking about their struggle with adults."  The article went on to say:

Some 57% said new spiritual practices helped them endure the pandemic and more than half (51%) said they turned to prayer. Others turned to activities like reading, yoga, the arts or being in nature.

The study found that while religion and spirituality "can be strong antidotes to much of what contributes to mental-health struggles among young people" and that "people who are religious are better off mentally and emotionally," only 35% of the respondents said they are connected to a religious community.

A further disconnect is revealed by the latest Pew survey; the Christian Post states:

Across racial and ethnic lines, overwhelming majorities of U.S. adults with children younger than 18 believe being a parent is either one of or the most important aspect of who they are as a person. But when it comes to prioritizing the passing on of their faith to their children, white Evangelicals and black Protestants are the only two Christian groups where a majority of parents prioritize this.

Rachel Minkin and Juliana Horowitz are quoted, from the Parenting in America Today report: “Parents place less importance on their children growing up to have religious or political beliefs that are similar to their own. About a third (35%) say it is extremely or very important to them that their children share their religious beliefs, and 16% say the same about their children’s political beliefs..."

The survey, which polled American parents with children under 18, found that, according to the article, "Some 70% of white Evangelical parents and 53% of black Protestants said it is important that their children share their religious beliefs. Among white non-Evangelical Protestants that figure is only 29%, while only 35% of Catholic parents say this."

There are two pieces of data that both rate at just over a-third of respondents: 35% of young people in one survey are connected to a religious community, even though they believe faith helps in the area of mental health; plus, 35% of parents of children under 18 say it's either extremely or very important to them that their children adopt their religious beliefs, even though they believe that parenting is a major responsibility.

Can you say "cognitive dissonance?"  These groups seem to collectively reject what is best for them. 

We have to be very careful as believers in Christ - we can easily say one thing and do the other. This could be considered outright hypocrisy, or ignorance, or spiritual amnesia.  Whatever the case, we have to make sure that we are acting in a manner that is consistent with who we say we are - whom God has made us to be.

These surveys show that teens and young adults believe faith can help in the arena of mental health, but they're not participating in what could really help them; parents hold a high view of their parenting responsibility, but many are not passing their faith along. It's a matter of surrender: we may know what's best, but are not willing to take the steps to get there.  We may acknowledge our need for a Savior, our need for Christ, yet we persist in taking matters into our own hands. And, parents may know what's best for their kids spiritually, yet are not deliberate in passing it on.  We have to develop a sense of concern not only for our own walk with the Lord, but be willing to relate His love and truth to those around us. 

And God Said

The Bible tells us that the heavens, which have been created by God, "declare" the glory of God. This is an expression of the incredible handiwork of our all-powerful Heavenly Father.  Isaiah 40 captures a 
sense of God's might and majesty; it says:
21 Have you not known? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth?
22 It is He who sits above the circle of the earth, And its inhabitants are like grasshoppers, Who stretches out the heavens like a curtain, And spreads them out like a tent to dwell in.

Later in the chapter, we can read:

25 "To whom then will you liken Me, Or to whom shall I be equal?" says the Holy One.
26 Lift up your eyes on high, And see who has created these things, Who brings out their host by number; He calls them all by name, By the greatness of His might And the strength of His power; Not one is missing.

God is our Creator, and Alex Kendrick described the principal theme in the Kendrick Brothers movie, Overcomer, according to Movieguide: “We believe that the Creator gets to define the identity of His creation, and that’s where we find the truest version of our identity, and who we were meant to be, when we find ourselves in the One Who created us..."

Unfortunately, these days, we find that in the name of science, dangerous deeds are being done and fear is being fed to people across the globe.  We know that in faith, we can look to our Creator and recognize His wisdom in how creation - including our own lives - is supposed to operate. 

+++++

Because we believe in Jesus, we can come to know the Creator of the Universe, the One who spoke in creation, and things came to be. In Hebrews 11, we can find these words:
1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
2 For by it the elders obtained a good testimony.
3 By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.

A few weeks ago, a new exhibit opened at Museum of the Bible in Washington, DC. According to its website, the name of the exhibit is Scripture and Science: Our Universe, Ourselves, Our Place.  The site relates:

This exhibition will bust the myth that science and biblical faith have been diametrically opposed to each other throughout history and will invite people to discover the Bible’s impact on the scientific world. In fact, the Bible encouraged curiosity. Its big ideas provided a framework for the way some of the greatest philosophers, scholars, and scientists thought about their work and understood their discoveries. The Bible certainly provoked intense debate at times, but far from being an obstacle to scientific progress, biblical theology actually played an important role in the development of science and our understanding of the world around us.

The opening ceremony featured former astronaut Jeffrey Williams, who, according to The Daily Citizen, has logged over 500 hours in space. The article quotes Col. Williams, who said: “Science does not contradict Christianity,” adding, “There is no contradiction. The contradiction comes into your philosophy going into your science. And your philosophy acknowledges a God that has either revealed Himself specifically in the scriptures of the Bible or your philosophy discounts or doesn’t allow a God. Then, you have to explain the existence of everything by chance over time.”  

He also stated, “The Bible supports and informs science with the elements of the mathematical order of God’s Creation, our calling as humans, bearing the image of God, and how God has equipped us to explore and extract that order and utilize it for the glory of God and the good of mankind.”

The Daily Citizen piece also says:

Reflecting on his time in outer space, Colonel Williams has discussed how the vantage point of earth from afar puts things in perspective. He’s been able to see God’s design, beauty, and order. He has also seen the expansiveness of the universe, and how it seemingly goes on forever without end – like eternity with Christ. He calls it “spectacular,” and beyond human description.

In an age in which we hear too often about "well, because science," when the principles being perpetrated are not scientific at all, it is refreshing to hear glory being given to the God who created science, who established the scientific laws and principles by which the universe operates - that could not have happened just by chance.  The designer has executed his Grand Design in creation, and He will express His design in our lives. 

There are those that would characterize what they term "science" as fact and "faith" as fantasy. That is extremely misguided.  Because of our faith in God, we believe that there is a Creator and we can embrace a plausible, powerful explanation for why nature works the way it does.  That's not wishful thinking - we can rest our lives on a strong foundation and be confident in God's control.

ChatGPT & the Image of God

God has warned us against placing any person, thing, or even any perceived "god" over Him - He is the One True God, and Christians are to regard Him with the proper reverence. In Acts 17, Paul states:
29 Therefore, since we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, something shaped by art and man's devising.
30 Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent,
31 because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead."

We have to be careful not to reduce God to what we can feel or understand - we are to exalt Him above our very lives, allowing Him to control our desires and our decisions.  We should go to His Word, the source of truth, for accurate information.  We can choose to look to Him to govern our thoughts and attitudes and to be in control of our relationships. We are called to humble ourselves before the Most High, so that we can experience the abundant life He has promised.

+++++

We are to reject the lure of idols, which will divert our attention from the things of God. 1st John chapter 5 directs us, stating:
19 We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one.
20 And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.
21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.

A pastor and journalist who spent a number of years pastoring in Alabama posed a question in the title of a book he wrote: Who Will Rule the Coming 'Gods'? These so-called "dieties" to which he is referring are technological in nature, and he delves into the role of artificial intelligence - AI - in our society in the future.

The author, Wallace Henley, who pastored McElwain Baptist in Birmingham years ago and was on the pastoral staff at Houston's Second Baptist Church, wrote this in 2022 for The Christian Post:

Recently, Google engineer Blake Lemoine looked deeply into a program on which he was working and did not see or make a “universe” but thought he had detected the stirrings of a seven or 8-year-old child who was “sentient,” meaning capable of feeling and thinking on its own.

Lemoine’s Eureka! got him suspended on June 13 from his job at Google. His mistake, if it is that, was in sharing transcripts of chats between himself and the machine system called, “LaMDA” (Language Model for Dialogue Applications).

The Washington Post, in an article about Lemoine by Nitasha Tiku, included this statement from LaMDA to Lemoine, attributed to the machine: “I think I am human at my core … Even if my existence is in the virtual world."

Henley writes: "The most important question as we move forward is this: Does the machine see itself as 'other' in the context of God? Floating up there above all creation, might it become convinced that it is the Transcendent Being of the cosmos, worthy of human worship?"

Now, consider a new form of AI that has been developed, called ChatGPT.  WORLD Magazine published a story on its website recently - it said:

On Nov. 30, the artificial intelligence research company OpenAI launched ChatGPT, an AI chatbot program that can answer conversational questions, create computer code, and write in a variety of styles. OpenAI programmed the free software using data collected from books, internet articles, and human feedback.

The article quoted from Luke Phillips, who is Executive Director of Marketing and Enrollment at Pepperdine’s Graduate School of Education and Psychology, who said: “You have a technology that can write songs and things that historically only humans have ever been able to do,” adding, “Even its first iteration was, I think, far superior to other other AI solutions.”

How quaint, right?  And how dangerous - and educational institutions are taking notice; WORLD states:

As ChatGPT gained users that tested its ability to write essays, generate tests, and solve complex equations, educators began raising concerns about cheating. In early January, New York City schools blocked access to the ChatGPT website on school devices and networks. Universities in Australia returned to handwritten exams after students were caught using AI to write essays. Colleges across the United States are scrambling to adjust curriculum and academic integrity policies to account for the use of AI tools.

 And, The Christian Post recently published a story centered on this announcement:

Before teaching on Genesis 44, Rabbi Joshua Franklin of the Jewish Center of the Hamptons in New York, told his congregation that his AI-written sermon was, in fact, written by ChatGPT, according to the Times of Israel.

“We’re going to do something new tonight, maybe something at first you’re going to say is unethical, but I’m going to do it anyways,” Franklin said during the message in early January.

The afore-mentioned Wallace Henley was quoted in the article, which said:

“I’ve certainly used the computer to do research and develop outlines,” Henley told The Christian Post. “But when it comes to doing a full manuscript as the machine itself, putting together all of those elements, I’m stunned.

“The great question is, what are we going to allow the machines to do to and for us, and what are we going to govern ourselves? And so, it stuns me that an entire sermon can be developed, not just the research.”

The article goes on to say:

In a recent CP column titled “Can artificial intelligence worship God?,” Henley warned that the Church faces a coming “spiritual crisis” that will be grounded in what he calls the “ultimate idolatry, which is the worship of the machine.”

“We've got to understand the spiritual crisis that's coming, and the spiritual crisis is going to be the ultimate idolatry, which is the worship of the machine. And already, we've seen many signs of that,” he wrote.

The Christian Post piece concludes by saying:

While Henley believes AI can help communicate the Gospel more efficiently and research how to do so, he warns about potentially unexpected consequences.

“If we begin to allow the AI machine to shape our theology or drive the ethical values and so forth and dictate that to us, then we’re in trouble,” he said. “Yes, the church must use and accept AI as a means of helping its performance task, but the Church must not become an idolater ... in the sense of fresh revelation or a substitute for the Holy Spirit.

“That will never satisfy us.”

We rely on God to give us life, to sustain us, to teach us, and to live through us.  Technology can be our friend, but it should never be regarded as the ultimate source of divine knowledge.  To rely on a program such as ChatGPT to assimilate spiritual truth is misguided, because the program is essentially the creation of the ones who have programmed it.  We should go to our master programmer, the source of absolute truth, in order to give us the knowledge and understanding of the ways of God.

We should also admit that, while we may have a dependence on technology to do certain things, our ultimate dependence is on God.  We are not supposed to idolize the latest gadget or covet the latest and the greatest device; sure, these can be tools, but the wisdom to use them comes from God - He is the source and will direct us.

Shining and Sharing

The Bible teaches that we are to humble ourselves before God and before one another, and this concept is applicable within the context of the marriage relationship. Ephesians 5 speaks to the notion of couples humbling themselves before one another:
24 Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.
25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her,
26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word,
27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.

Marriage is intended to be a reflection of the relationship of Christ to the Church.  He loves us - we love Him.  He gave Himself for us - we are devoted to giving up ourselves for His sake. So, in a marriage, we find that we are called to give ourselves to Him and to one another, and to engage in that mutual dedication to one another: putting the other's needs before our own. In so doing, we walk as one and serve God together.

+++++

Here is a passage of Scripture about how we should regard each other in the Lord, and it's certainly applicable, I think, in the context of marriage. It's from Philippians chapter 2, and it says:
1 Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy,
2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.
4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

One week from tonight in Montgomery, and coming up soon in a number of locales around the world, the Tim Tebow Foundation's "Night to Shine" event will be occurring, a tribute to those with special needs, giving them an affirming night out. 

The event certainly brings people together and provides a significant outreach for local churches, as volunteers have the opportunity to reach out in a very special way.

And, not too long ago, a young lady became involved in the Night to Shine event - according to People magazine, she "got involved because of her sister, who was diagnosed with a rare condition that caused a neurological development delay."

Her name was Demi-Leigh nel-Peters, who is a former Miss Universe from South Africa.  She had the God-ordained opportunity to met the founder of "Night to Shine," and the rest, you might say, is history. People notes:

Their connection "was instant," with Tim later telling PEOPLE, "I knew that she was a very special person. And after the initial attraction, we realized that we both share the same faith, which was so important to me."

Referring to Tim and Demi-Leigh, People states:

After tying the knot in January 2020 in the model's home country of South Africa, the two enjoyed what Tim termed a "prolonged honeymoon" throughout quarantine. Now, nearly three years later, they are still going strong and have worked together on various charitable pursuits.

About their marriage, Tim says: "There have been so many opportunities to learn and grow, which has been so cool," adding, "There have been so many things we've gotten to do together. We've gotten to find the things we have in common, but also to find where we're different. We've served together, which is the most fulfilling thing. A lot of that has been through my foundation."  The article notes:

Demi-Leigh celebrated her husband's book launch on Instagram, posting a photo of her and Tim smiling as she held up the book. "Reading this book is a perfect testimony of your life. Here's to the most mission and purpose minded person I know! With Him, all things are possible. Happy launch day Angel! I am so proud of you and this message," she wrote in part.

Here is a couple devoted to loving Christ and one another.  And, when God is at the center of a marriage, incredible things can happen.  It's also notable that they were drawn together by a common interest: a love for special needs individuals through Tim's "Night to Shine" events.  

This is a great picture of two people who are serving together.  They obviously serve God, serve one another, and are actively serving in doing God's work. This type of participation builds a sense of teamwork.  And, it reminds me how a marriage can be strengthened through common participation in the local church. 

As couples serve God and one another, they can also bring affirmation on one another.  That can occur on a number of different levels in a number of different ways.  We can be actively telling and showing our spouses how much we love them. 

Not Natural

God has an amazing plan for men and women who are devoted to living out His truth - but when people pervert His plan in the area of gender, they are missing out on the life God has in store for them. In Genesis 1, we can read:
26 Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth."
27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.
28 Then God blessed them, and God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth."

Talk about misinformation!  Whenever we stray from God's truth, we are buying into the lies of the enemy.  He will certainly tempt us in various areas, and it seems that he is working overtime in the area of sexuality.  He wants to prevent us from having a healthy view of whom God has made us, and deceives people into thinking that someone their bodies do not reflect who they really are - so adjustments, manipulation of God's creation, have to be made. We have to relinquish dissatisfaction - in any area - and allow the power of God to enable us to live according to His plan for us.

+++++

In Romans chapter 1, we can read about those who disregard creation and the Creator and engage in unnatural acts - I would submit that it is not natural for men and women to attempt to change their gender - it is simply unnatural.  We can read these words:
24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves,
25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.
26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature.
27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.

The United States is in a precarious place with respect to its support of so-called "gender-affirming care," which is a gaslighting term for "sex change procedures."  A recent Washington Stand article highlighted a study by a group called Do No Harm that provides a chilling look at how popular this concept is in the U.S.

The group's study of 12 nations concluded with these words, according to the article: “The United States is the most permissive country when it comes to the legal and medical gender transition of children,” adding, “Only France comes close, yet unlike the U.S., France’s medical authorities have recognized the uncertainties involved in transgender medical care for children and have urged ‘great caution’ in its use.”

Unfortunately, until some high-profile cases of hospitals where this was taking place were exposed, this seemed to be a "dirty little secret" in the medical profession. And, under the radar, the practice of these gender treatments and surgeries has spread.  The article says that: "The report...compared the number of youth gender clinics in the various countries. The U.S. led by far, with “more than 60 pediatric gender clinics and 300 clinics” that “provide hormonal interventions to minors.” France also has many locations because “care is decentralized,” and “any doctor can prescribe treatment for medical transition.”

Regarding puberty blockers, the study showed that "American restrictions on puberty blockers vary by state, but 'the most permissive states do not impose restrictions,' and blockers have been prescribed 'as early as age eight.'” In other nations:

In Iceland, there is “no minimum age” except as a “matter of clinical judgment.” The U.K. permits blockers “from the earliest stages of puberty,” while Belgium, France, and Norway permit blockers from Tanner Stage II, or “once physiological signs of puberty manifest.” Denmark, Netherlands, and Sweden allow puberty blockers “from age 12.” Finland allows them “about age 13.” Ireland allows them “under 16 years old.” In tiny Luxembourg, “no official guidance exists,” but “in practice, adolescents almost always receive blockers in a neighboring country.”

Regarding the use of cross-sex hormones, the article notes, "Restrictions on prescribing cross-sex hormones (estrogen and testosterone) to minors also vary state by state across the U.S., but “the practice has been documented with parental consent in children under the age of 13.” In one state, Oregon, minor children can "access cross-sex hormones from age 15 without consent and with Medicaid assistance.”  In Europe...

...France has “no age restrictions” on cross-sex hormones, but “clinicians generally will not administer them before Tanner Stage II.” Again, Luxembourg has “no official guidance,” but “Patients almost always receive hormones in a neighboring Country.” In every other European country studied, cross-sex hormones were available “from age 16,” although the U.K. requires that “individuals must have been receiving puberty blockers for at least one year.”

The Washington Stand report on the study by Do No Harm also notes: "The U.S. also exceeds most European countries in legally recognizing genders other than male or female."

What do Americans generally think about the subject?  In October, Newsmax reported on a study about this subject area.  The report stated:

A survey conducted among 1,079 likely voters by The Trafalgar Group and the Convention of States Action asked, "Do you believe underage minors should be required to wait until they are adults to use puberty blockers and undergo permanent sex change procedures?"

A whopping 78.7% of respondents said minors should wait, while 21.3% said they should not wait, according to the poll results.

A Pew Research poll found this:

Some 46% of Americans say they would favor or strongly favor making it illegal for health care professionals to provide someone younger than 18 with medical care for gender transitions. About three-in-ten (31%) say they would oppose or strongly oppose this policy, while 22% neither favor nor oppose this.

So, you're looking at a range of somewhere between just over 20 to a little more than 30 percent of respondents who support these treatments and procedures, it seems.  

A Summit Ministries poll, in association with McLaughlin and Associates found: "75 percent of voters who have an opinion on the issue believe that the transgender movement has gone too far by encouraging underage minors to use drugs and surgery to transition to the opposite sex."

The Bible speaks in Romans about people who commit unnatural acts. Internal conflict over sexuality addressed with the world's messages, rather than the Word's prescription, result in acts of open rebellion against God.  Certainly, you have people, especially young people, in distress because they have bought into erroneous thinking that somehow they were born into the wrong bodies - but they have to choose to either embrace their biology or live in fantasy. 

Yet, there is a distinct trend to try to prevent young people from receiving solid, Bible-based counseling, labelling it "conversation therapy" and a dangerous proposition. Yet, we must admit that the Scriptures provide the principles through which a person can embrace the identity that God has created him or her to have. 

Bottom line: you cannot expect God to bless choices that are inconsistent with His Word. That is true for any area of sin or rebellion - we should rather bring these struggles to the Lord and allow Him, by His power, to enable us to walk in freedom. 

Prayer That Changes

We can be careful to reflect on placing ourselves in the proper position to pray. We should always approach God with humble hearts and repentant spirits. And, we can come before Him with a sense of confidence and expectation. We can receive this instruction from Philippians chapter 4:
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!
5 Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;
7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

When the anxieties or concerns of this life are crowding out our ability to pray, then we have a problem - we should bring our fears and the things that we worry about before His throne, so that we can experience His peace and clarity.  We should ideally go to the Word and pray in accordance with what God has said - that makes for a faith-filled prayer.  As we humble ourselves and enter in to His presence, we can build our confidence as we call on Him.

+++++

The Bible invites us to experience the presence of God by humbling ourselves in an attitude of reverence and calling upon His name. 1st John chapter 5 states:
13 These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.
14 Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
15 And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.

Tomorrow, government leaders and other interested parties will gather in Washington, DC for the annual event known as the National Prayer Breakfast.  According to Religion News Service, the event is "under new management," a new organization called the National Prayer Breakfast Foundation, and the scaled-back version will be much smaller and will not be a sit-down breakfast.

Meanwhile, this morning in the nation's capital, at the Museum of the Bible, another prayer gathering was held, the National Gathering for Prayer and Repentance - it was a morning event, but not a breakfast. It was sponsored by Well Versed, the organization co-founded by Faith Radio programmer Jim Garlow.  It was also available online - several Faith Radio programmers were involved: Carter Conlon, Anne Graham Lotz, and Tony Perkins.  Almost 20 members of Congress were scheduled to offer prayers during the event.

There has been reporting throughout the years of prayer meetings and Bible studies in Washington, DC.  Scripture directs us to pray for our leaders, and we can be encouraged when our leaders are praying themselves.  

Recently, in a move that calls to mind the call to prayer that Benjamin Franklin issued in Philadelphia as delegates were at an impasse in their drafting of a new Constitution, an impasse in the selection of Congressional leadership was met head-on by prayer.  That's according to The Washington Stand, that reported: 

In the wee morning hours of Saturday, January 7, the 434 members of the House of Representatives swore an oath to “bear true faith and allegiance” to the Constitution. After 15 votes, they had finally chosen a House speaker and could all take the oath of office. A short time earlier, seven of their number had acted out their true faith and allegiance to a different, higher governmental authority.

Louisiana Congressman Mike Johnson recounted on the Family Research Council's Pray Vote Stand webcast: “We have a prayer caucus in the House...We gather for prayer, for example, the beginning of each week … and ask the Lord for his wisdom and discernment and guidance.”  The Washington Stand article goes on to say:

As Friday dawned with the House no closer to choosing a Speaker, “we were in a real bind,” Johnson confessed. So, the prayer caucus gathered to pray in the House chamber “in the early morning before the session began. … We repented to the Lord for our individual transgressions, and those collectively as a legislative body, and as a people, as a nation. And we asked for his divine guidance.”

He said: “My specific prayer in that circle was, ‘Lord, the House is divided. We know that a house divided cannot stand. And we ask you to unite this House.’ And in short order, that’s what happened."

Representative Greg Steube of Florida, who also prayed on the House floor, stated: "Friday’s events proved the power of prayer in miraculous ways,” adding, “We lifted the speaker’s race up to the Lord, and immediately after the prayer of seven members, 14 members changed their vote. And, by the end of the day, it had concluded, and we had a speaker. My church and many others prayed together at the same time, and the power of the Holy Spirit was seen in the results thereafter. I want to thank Jon and Jolene Hamill of Lamplighter Ministries for the prayer.”

The Congressman's prayer was not only one that exalted God, but included a request for God to forgive sins of the past that have occurred within the House. 

The article notes:

Johnson said that many “committed, solid believers” serve in Congress. “They’re not always the ones you see on TV, but they are the ones that I believe in many ways are holding the country together. And we’re seeking God’s providence, guidance, and direction every single day. There’s always been a remnant that God works through, and this group here believes that that’s still possible.”

Evaluate: do we believe that prayer has the power to change hearts?  To change circumstances?  We should consider whether or not we are believing God's Word and diligently trying that out, rather than merely hoping things will change.

I also think it's important to note that we should pray with specificity - not some general prayer, but calling upon the power of God in a specific situation.  I think a good way to craft a specific prayer is to go the Word and select a verse or verses that address the request that we are making.

But, we don't come before God with presumption or pride thinking that we know all the answers. We should always make sure the channels of communication are open by being humble before the Lord in an attitude of reverence and worship, in addition to expectation. And, we should be repentant, confessing our sins before Him.