Near-Miss

The Bible is clear: there is one way to God - through Jesus, who said that He is the way, truth, and life. And, there is one way to heaven. But, these days, there is a tendency out there to blur the lines - it's a product of seeing God as more tolerant of sin, redefined with a false sense of benevolence, even to the extent of admitting people to heaven that do not meet the Biblical conditions. Jesus taught in John 14:
1 "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.
2 In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.
4 And where I go you know, and the way you know."

The way you know, Jesus said - but Thomas probed further:
5 Thomas said to Him, "Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?"
6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

In a Biblical view of the afterlife, close does not count.  In order to live with God forever in heaven, we must embrace Jesus. But, Blake Shelton offers a different view in a new song called, Let Him in Anyway.

Plugged In describes it this way:

For Christians, it’s an agonizing thing when a close friend or relative dies before coming to know Jesus. And that’s precisely what country icon Blake Shelton is singing about in his tear-jerking new ballad “Let Him in Anyway.”

The review of this song states that the singer "...gets more specific about, it seems, his attempts to evangelize a friend that fell on a deaf ears and a resistant heart: 'I tried and I tried, he was startin’ to listen/I brought him to church, he was feeling conviction/But you took him away ‘fore I could convince him.'”  Plugged In goes on to say:

Shelton strongly implies that he believes salvation isn’t universal, as so many other voices in our culture suggest. Instead, he fears getting to heaven himself and finding that his friend isn’t there: “So I’m here on my knees, sayin’/Hey God/I know you know what I’m ’bout to pray, God/I just had to suck it up and say goodbye to my best friend/And I don’t ever wanna never see him again.”

A grain of Biblical truth is hijacked as Shelton sings, "And I know the only way to get in is through you/And he wasn’t quite the Christian he was supposed to be/And Lord, it ain’t my place/But could you let him in anyway?”  So, was this friend a Christian or not?  The review notes:

None of us are the Christians we should be, no matter how “good” we think we’re doing in our faith. That’s why Jesus gave His life on our behalf, because even our tears of repentance must be washed in His blood. Shelton hints that salvation is about God, not about our spiritual performance, but the waters get slightly muddier here when talking about whether someone was a “good enough” Christian to make it in.

Clearly, as the article points out, Blake Shelton suffers some guilt for not getting his friend into heaven.  And, while we should all be faithful to share with others about Jesus, it is ultimately up to the person who is being witnessed to to make the decision for Christ.  As Adam Holz, writing for Plugged In, states:

It’s not our job to convince someone that Jesus is who He says He is, “the way, the truth and the life” (John 14:6). Rather, my job and yours—if you’re a follower of Jesus—is to faithfully bear witness to who He is and to pray for our friends while they’re still with us. The rest is up to the Holy Spirit.

It seems like Blake Shelton did that in this case. I love that he’s singing about his passion for people to come to know Jesus, and that he understands the consequences of that not happening. But whether Blake’s friend is in heaven or not, in the end, is not because he ran out of time to coax him into the kingdom. And it’s important to keep that in mind, too, even if you’re reaching for the tissues to dab your eyes after listening to this beautiful song.

Well, certainly you should not expect accurate Christian doctrine in a forum - in this case, country music - that is not devoted to it.  That doesn't mean that God will not use various musical styles and genres to communicate His message.  But, we have to be careful these days.

Bottom line: there is no such thing as a "near miss" with regard to where you will spend eternity - Jesus is very clear.  The Bible says that "now" is the day of salvation, so here and now, we should all examine our lives and determine whether or not we believe in Jesus and have been saved. It's not a matter of how kind you are to people, even though true kindness is a fruit of the Spirit.  Nor, is it related to church attendance, although we are called to not forsake the assembly of believers together. Salvation comes through confessing that Jesus is Lord and believing in our hearts that God has raised Him from the dead.  That results in true life change.  

Embracing faith-adjacent concepts that are not Biblical can lead people astray and create a misunderstanding of what it means to be saved, what it means to be a Christian.  It's not done in our own strength, in the power of our own good works, but in the strength of the Lord as we allow Christ to live His life through us.  A 2021 article at The Christian Post said that, "Nearly 70% of born-again Christians disagree with the biblical position that Jesus is the only way to God, according to a new survey from Probe Ministries, a nonprofit that seeks to help the Church in renewing the minds of believers with a Christian worldview."  We must search and study the Scriptures to make sure that our beliefs line up with what the Bible teaches.

Parents + Church = Positive Growth

While parents are given the primary responsibility to raise their children and to teach them the ways of the Lord, the partnership with the local church can be vibrant and effective. Parents can rely on the Lord to strengthen their families and to mold a right relationship with their children. Deuteronomy 6 has this exhortation:
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.

The Lifeway Research website published a summary of a new study exploring the relationship between parents and student ministry. It announces:

A study from Lifeway Students and Lifeway Research explores the perspective of churchgoing parents of teenagers and those who lead student ministries in local churches. Both emphasize the spiritual health of their students and say they want to work together to see the next generation become disciples of Christ.

The indicators are good; for instance, the survey found: "Around 9 in 10 parents (89%) feel they have a great relationship with the leader of their church’s student ministry. For their part, only 16% of student ministry leaders say they feel tension with parents, while 79% disagree."

Lifeway surveyed just over a thousand parents with at least one student in grades 6-12. The report notes that "When asked their biggest priority for their student’s future, 2 in 5 (41%) say their main goal is spiritual well-being."

Around 7 out of 10 parents described as "churchgoing" report that they are "actively" promoting their children to practice the Christian faith, with a similar percentage reporting that effort has been successful.  But, high numbers of parents report concern over their students not pursuing that faith due to worldly influences.  

And, there's a significant percentage of parents who don't reflect confidence in their ability to perform the task of helping with their students' spiritual development. The summary states: "Most parents (62%) say they’re equipped to help their student develop spiritually, while 36% feel the opposite. Yet, 94% agree they want to become more equipped for this, and just 5% disagree." 72% say they are willing to partner with student ministry leaders.

Those ministry leaders are also desirous of partnering with parents; the Lifeway Research summary article says: "Around 7 in 10 say they’d want to increase their equipping of parents with tools to disciple their students (70%) and training of parents to disciple their students (67%)."

Over 7 out of 10 student ministry leaders say they see parents "concerned" about the spiritual growth of their students and involved in the process. But..."Despite all the desire to partner with parents and do more training, most student ministry leaders (57%) say they don’t have a clearly defined strategy for ministering to parents."

But, these church leaders report some difficulty in helping parents to teach their kids at home.  The summary notes:

Around 3 in 4 (73%) say they have sought to partner with parents to encourage spiritual activities at home, but some have been disappointed with the results.

More than 2 in 5 leaders who have tried to partner (43%) say parents don’t even try to engage at home in the spiritual activities they suggest, while 40% of leaders say the parents at least try it. Three in 10 (30%) say the parents like it, but half as many (15%) say the students enjoy it.

In the article, Chad Higgins, coauthor of a book called Define the Relationship: Growing a Parent Ministry that Brings Families and Churches Together, which correlates with this data, is quoted as saying, “For believing parents, a key goal is that their teenagers develop a genuine faith in Christ—a desire shared by student ministry leaders,” adding, “Both want students to grow spiritually healthy and mature in their walk with Christ. To align on this, we need to move beyond tracking church attendance as the sole measure of faithfulness and help parents understand and discuss terms like ‘spiritually healthy’ or ‘growing in Christ’ in meaningful ways.”

It does seem as if priorities is a big component here - if parents prioritize their children's relationship with Christ and student ministry leaders are doing the same thing, then the common goals could drive a productive relationship.  But, Christian parents should make sure that they realize that the primary responsibility is theirs to teach Biblical truth and to generate an atmosphere for growth in and through their homes. The Church is a great source of truth and direction and can be a valuable resource as it supports the work of the parents and is devoted to providing an excellent spiritual foundations for families. 

This research shows that there is a "want to" on the part of parents and student ministries, but the numbers could definitely be better. But, we can recognize that these two amazing institutions - the family and the Church - ordained by God - when working together, can produce incredible spiritual growth and impact the next generation in its knowledge of God and practice of Christian faith.

In the Beginning

Science - true science - deals with what can be tested and proven. And, there are those that would characterize religion as perhaps a theory or even superstition. But, at its core, I would submit that science is the study of God's creation. And, what has been tested and proven by scientists throughout the years points to the hand of Almighty God. Consider this passage from Isaiah 45:
18 For thus says the Lord, Who created the heavens, Who is God, Who formed the earth and made it, Who has established it, Who did not create it in vain, Who formed it to be inhabited: "I am the Lord, and there is no other.
19 I have not spoken in secret, In a dark place of the earth; I did not say to the seed of Jacob, 'Seek Me in vain'; I, the Lord, speak righteousness, I declare things that are right.
20 "Assemble yourselves and come; Draw near together, You who have escaped from the nations. They have no knowledge, Who carry the wood of their carved image, And pray to a god that cannot save.
21 Tell and bring forth your case; Yes, let them take counsel together. Who has declared this from ancient time? Who has told it from that time? Have not I, the Lord? And there is no other God besides Me, A just God and a Savior; There is none besides Me.

I came across a thought-provoking piece about science and faith recently at The Blaze.  It was written by Diane Schrader, who originally posted it on her Substack blog called, She Speaks Truth. 

Let's begin at the end of this piece, in which she makes this incredible declaration:

We should not acquiesce to a theory that has never and can never be proven; a theory that tells us we are random cogs in a wheel with no greater meaning; a theory that is presented as “the science” without the evidence to back it up.

I’m confident stating this: Christianity is a complete, evidence-based worldview that stands on its own — and the whole Bible, including the opening chapters, supports that big picture.

At the beginning of the article, she decries what erroneously passes for "true" science these days:

What we call "science" in Western culture has been weaponized for many decades to legitimize whatever narrative the powerful want to push.

This should be self-evident after the COVID-19 debacle, where nearly everything that was labeled a "conspiracy theory" turned out to be true, and nearly everything the powerful told us turned out to be false. Remember President Biden threatening us with a “winter of death” or promising that the shot would prevent contracting COVID?

Schrader goes on to say:

Now, in the "I didn't see that coming" department, there was a recently published peer-reviewed medical journal article that criticizes corrupt medical journals and their corrupt peer-reviewed studies. Um, what?

Since virtually all the "science" that gets reported in the media — the "science" on which public policy is made and the "science" that subsequently affects our everyday lives in countless ways — tends to stem from peer-reviewed research in medical journals, this is a significant admission.

She notes that "...for many decades now, the most unquestionable, absolutely carved-in-solid-rock 'truth' from 'science' is this: Everything evolved from something else, and we are all a product of nothing but random chance."  

The article states: 

The reality is that until the Fall, described in Genesis 3, there was no death in the world God had created.

This is where the theory of evolution crumbles, according to scripture.

The theory of evolution requires death — and a lot of it — before humans even come on the scene. But if death had been part of God's original creation, He would not have described it as "good." The Bible, therefore, easily discredits the "science" of secularism's evolutionary golden calf.

And, Schrader issues this reminder:

It bears repeating: God made humans in His image. Animals are not equivalent to humans. Nature is not equivalent to humans. Each and every human being is a precious creature made in the image of God. This is why believers must be pro-life and opposed to any philosophy that places any other creature or creation above human life.

She adds: "...the scriptural worldview — that God created the world and He specially designed humans — is just one of the preliminary arguments that explain why believers must not try to fit the 'evolution square peg' in the 'creation round hole.'"

The consideration of a Creator, who not only established the heavens and earth - "the world and everything in it," as Paul declared in Acts - can help to lead someone to Jesus.  If you think deeply about the topic of origins, you have to believe that all we see around us started somewhere.  But where?  The Bible offers an explanation in Genesis, as it's been noted, "In the beginning, God..."

Colossians 1 reminds us that Jesus existed at the beginning:
15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.
16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.
17 And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.

So, when people say "follow the science," what they really seem to mean is to follow a progressive  agenda that has been labeled and mischaracterized as science.  At its core, I contend that science is the study of the handiwork of God.  Scientists throughout the ages have exercised belief in a Creator and set to study His ways.  The earth and the universe are part of a cosmic order that has been ordered by God Himself.  When we consider that the heavens and earth are created by God, and that each of us are divinely crafted by Him, we can gain a greater appreciation for the One who can order our lives according to His plan.

Promoting Freedom of Religion

The Alabama Legislature is in the midst of its 2025 regular session, and this week, perhaps the budgets will be taking center stage. The conventional wisdom is that gambling will not be dominating the session this year, which is a refreshing change, but stay tuned on that one. It's important to pray for our governmental leaders, and 1st Timothy 2 instructs us regarding the effects of that:
1 Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men,
2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.
3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,
4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

First Liberty Institute released its latest Religious Liberty in the States report last year. The Top 5 states for religious liberty in America were: Illinois, Florida, Montana, Arkansas, and Ohio.  The bottom 5 were: Wyoming, Vermont, California, Alaska, and, at #50, West Virginia.  In this study, conducted by First Liberty's Center for Religion, Culture, and Democracy, Alabama was ranked at #20. Georgia was at #30.

Alabama Policy Institute issued a report recently based on this study. The report included some pertinent questions:

Given our mid-tier ranking in Alabama, several questions leap to mind. Do Alabamians
still understand and appreciate the gift of religious liberty? Do Alabamians desire to
honor the transcendent moral authority of nature? Do Alabamians still possess the
knowledge and courage to keep alive the sacred fire of liberty?

API proceeded to list a number of bills that have been proposed by the Alabama Legislature - it notes: 

Many of these bills are languishing in their houses of origin. Our leadership and lawmakers need to know that the people of Alabama value religious liberty and we expect them to represent our values. Alabama’s state motto is, “We dare defend our rights”. May we so all we can to defend the first freedom that our founding father’s acknowledged on our behalf: the right of every American (and Alabamian) of any faith to follow their conscience and live according to their beliefs. Please join API as we ardently advocate to expand and defend religious liberty in our state.

Here are some examples that the Institute noted:

* Providing for religious instruction & providing for elective credit for release time from public schools for religious instruction.

* Vaccines; religious exemption for K-12 students, further provided for; religious exemption for students at public institutions of higher education, provided.

There has been a bill introduced that would prohibit schools and public libraries from sponsoring drag shows, another allowing schools to hire school chaplains, and legislation to require the Ten Commandments to be posted in schools.  There's a bill that would offer a Constitutional Amendment to require the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer in schools each day. A bill would provide immunity for students and employees who do not wish to use gender pronouns.

These are pieces of legislation at various stages of passage - or not - that have been introduced that would contribute to the moral fiber of our state.  In addition to these direct bills, there has been legislation that would provide safety protection for cell phones, guarding children from inappropriate material.  Legislation dealing with various dangerous substances has also been introduced. 

There is a tremendous opportunity here for our legislators, but perhaps religious liberty is not a priority for some of those who have been entrusted with this responsibility.  They certainly have been placed there, I believe, to carry on important work, and that includes to protect children - and adults - from exposure to practices that can cause mental, emotional, and certainly spiritual harm.  Instead of promoting gambling, as many lawmakers are prone to do, they should be going in the other direction and attempting to codify into law protections against these harmful activities. 

So, we can continue to pray for our lawmakers, that God would use them in powerful ways to carry out His work, to do what is right for our citizens.  We should not draw a circle around religion and say that we should not promote the practice of it - after all, our nation was founded on principles consistent with Scripture.  Just because actions are religious in nature doesn't mean they are automatically banned in the land of the free - a land where freedom of religion is one of our constitutionally-guaranteed rights. 

Praying in the Face of Danger

When believers in Christ call upon the name of the Lord, with the right spiritual posture and the proper attitude, with clean hearts before Him, we can have an expectation that He hears us and that He will work according to His will. There is something supernatural and powerful that happens as we pray individually, and collectively, led by the Spirit of God. Jesus taught in Matthew 18:
18 Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.
19 Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.
20 For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them."

On the political front, of course, there is great concern about China and the threats it poses.  And, the speculation is that Taiwan, an island nation about which the Chinese Communist leadership desires to reclaim as its own, is in grave danger of an attack by China.  This is an anticipated event that will demand a response by the U.S. - and there seems to be no shortage of discussion about what America will do if and when it occurs.

Taiwanese Christians are preparing - in a powerful way!  A CBN.com article recently reported:

The tiny island off the mainland coast is now facing almost daily Chinese military harassment. "Taiwan is beefing up its military and training with new U.S. weapons," reported CBS News, as its military prepares for possible full-scale war.

While the war drums grow louder by day, Taiwan's Christians are taking to their knees by night.

The article quoted Brian Lu, who serves as pastor of Shekinah House of Bread of Life in the capitol of Taipei, who said: "The united prayers and fasting prayers of the churches in Taiwan are much more than ever before. It's an unprecedented prayer movement..."  CBN says: "All across this island, people are meeting every day, 24 hours a day, to pray for revival, unity, repentance, and protection over their land."

Gordon Huang is pastor of what the article describes as "one of Taiwan's most well-known congregations; he said: "I believe something so simple is starting to have such a huge impact upon people in the church and also the people around the church..." He also said, "I think one thing for sure is that people are going to be so shaken and people will want to hear the Gospel. Are you ready or are you going to be on the run yourself?"

Don Young, who was a missionary in West Africa, related that the Lord had spoken to him about a coming "shaking," something he shared with church leaders.  That led to the founding of what the article termed as a "movement" called Revival Prayer Group, or RPG.

Young said: "Prayer is the only way that you can get through anything shaking," adding, "Jesus said everything by prayer. He did nothing apart from prayer. Before it was just kind of a moment with God, we all have them, but now it was shaping up to become a movement for God. There's a huge difference between a moment and a movement."

And Pastor Lu touts the importance of RPG groups being small; because of that, he said: "...if one day a war happens and there are no physical buildings that people can meet in, we can still pray in small groups so the church will not be affected..."

How widespread is this movement?  CBN reports there are over 40,000 RPG's and since there are about five people to a group, that means around 200,000 people are in these prayer groups - representing a powerful force.   

Pastor Huang said: "Many people came and joined RPG because they heard testimonies of how God is answering prayer so you have a lot of unbelieving people joining RPG and as they open their mouths and prayer, they experience the Lord so they are coming to the Lord as well..." And Pastor Lu was quoted as saying: "We ask churches around the world to pray for this most dangerous place in the world today so that God's peace can come upon cross-strait relations," adding, "Ethnic Chinese should not kill one another, but instead, we should together fulfill the end-time missions' movement, to bring the Gospel back to Jerusalem."

Certainly, residents of Taiwan are feeling the ever-present threat of mainland Communist China, which has designs on taking over the island nation. Believers are leading the way by calling upon the Lord for safety in the midst of this danger. 

What is interesting, as Pastor Lu had asked for prayer for what he calls "cross-strait relations," is that there are millions and millions of Christians across the strait in mainland China - the Church is growing there in a tremendous way - at some point, perhaps believers in China will be used of the Lord to bring down the ambitious Chinese government, which has demonstrated hostility to committed Christians living there. That would bring peace to the region. 

The Taiwanese Christians can be an inspiration to us when we face fearful situations, perhaps circumstances beyond our control.  When fear comes, we can feel helpless, disarmed.  But, armed with the Spirit of God, we can be strengthened within and confident that the Lord will hear us as we come before Him.   When we feel powerless, we can go to our source of strength - as the apostle Paul said in 2nd Corinthians, when we are weak, He is strong. 

Jesus taught on the importance of prayer and the power of corporate prayer - groups of believers praying together, in agreement, which releases the Holy Spirit to do His work.  When we agree, when Christians pray with one another in unity, great things can happen.  That's why the National Day of Prayer is so important - it is observed the first Thursday of May, which this year is May 1st.  The theme is "Pour Out to the Lord our God and Be Filled," based on Romans 15:13.  You can find information through our Prayer Resource Page at FaithRadio.org and through the Events section at our website and through our app.

Past Panic

There are all sorts of stimuli that can produce panic in our lives, and we can trust in the Lord to produce peace - the peace that passes all understanding, according to the Scriptures; peace that can enable us to stay calm and focused, despite what we may be experiencing at the moment. In John chapter 14, we can read these words of Jesus:
26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.
27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

The presence of our Savior produces peace.  That is a principle upon which a young lady named Lola relied on recently.  Lola is a high-profile individual and is in demand by the media. The Christian Post related that, regarding a recent visit to New York City:

During her marathon of interviews, Lola said, “I wasn't reminding myself of God’s truth and filling my mind in anxious moments with God instead of believing these lies that aren’t from God.”

She also reflected on the self-doubt she experienced during her time in New York City. “I’d wake up with all these anxious thoughts like, ‘What does this person think of me?’ or 'What if I said something wrong in that interview?'”

“When I feel really anxious, I start to feel really bad physically. I will feel dizzy, lightheaded, nauseous, just all of these really bad feelings,” she added. “And then I start to freak myself out, that there’s actually something physically wrong with me.”

This occurred during this incident in New York.  The article goes on to say that Lola said...

... “It was so scary because it was like everything felt like it was going in phases. It was like I couldn’t remember what I said five seconds ago.”

After going into her sister’s room at the hotel, Lola began playing worship music on the television. “I actually convinced myself I died. I literally was like I felt so out of body, I felt so disconnected from where I was. I literally was like, ‘oh my gosh, did I die.’”

Lola then called her “sisters in Christ” and began to feel "the presence of God" and the "peace of Jesus.”

In that conversation, she relates this: “Basically, what we did is we went through every single lie I was believing in that moment and I repented against the lie and I came out of agreement with what the enemy was telling me,”  The article says, "During that conversation, Lola said she and her sisters in Christ then replaced 'every lie I was believing with Scripture.'"  She added:

“There was a moment where the peace of God literally [...] washed over my mind. It felt like Jesus put His hand on me and instantly, every single feeling I felt was gone. It left. It literally was gone instantly. The second I start speaking Scripture over myself, the second I start replacing every single lie from the enemy with God’s truth, the power of God that I experienced was unexplainable.”

Lola shared these comments on her podcast. She comes from a show-business family and is a relatively new Christian...the Christian Post article reports:

Lola Sheen, the daughter of famous actors Charlie Sheen and Denise Richards, recently revealed how she drew closer to Jesus Christ during a "very bad panic attack."

The 19-year-old first began sharing her newfound Christian faith on Instagram in January when she posted a clip of her baptism and a follow-up post detailing how her embrace of Christianity made her life “worth living.”

The Christian community has certainly been calling attention to the arena of mental health. Because, when we accepted Jesus as our Savior, He has given us a new heart, a new life.  And, that includes the capacity to develop of sense of soundmindedness, according to 2nd Timothy chapter 1.  It's that stability of our minds that helps us to counter fear that the enemy would bring against us and to reject the anxiety that seems to be so prevalent. 

In an age that is conducive to producing panic, even to the extent of people being manipulated to act in a certain way, we can choose the way of Christ, which is a way of peace and security. But, we cannot effectively find that security in the world's answers - we must turn to the Scriptures and the abiding presence of God so that we reject fear and panic and accept God's faithfulness and His peace.

True Happiness

We are promised in our Declaration of Independence a God-given right to something called the "pursuit of happiness." And, indeed people pursue that in different ways - sometimes the tangible things will, such as financial resources, can produce a good feeling, maybe a sense of security and satisfaction. But, what about the intangibles, the happiness - and the joy - of the soul? Psalm 16 highlights that sense of joy that humans long for:
8 I have set the Lord always before me; Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved.
9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; My flesh also will rest in hope.
10 For You will not leave my soul in Sheol, Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.
11 You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

The World Happiness Index was released recently, on what is called, "World Happiness Day."  It's a project of the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network and the Wellbeing Research Centre at Oxford University, according to an article at The Free Press.  The Gallup organization is also involved.

The involvement of the U.N., not necessarily favorable toward the U.S., certainly has a hint of globalism. And, indeed it seems the top countries are not named the "United States."  A Yascha Mounk at The Free Press contends:

...far from measuring how happy people are with some sophisticated mix of indicators, it simply compiles answers to a single question asked to comparatively small samples of people in each country:

“Please imagine a ladder with steps numbered from zero at the bottom to 10 at the top. The top of the ladder represents the best possible life for you and the bottom of the ladder represents the worst possible life for you. On which step of the ladder would you say you feel you personally stand at this time?”

Wow, that's a subjective question, isn't it?  The piece goes on to say:

The obvious problem with this question, commonly known as the Cantril Ladder, is that it doesn’t really ask about happiness at all. We know from many surveys that people tend to give very different answers to questions about what makes them satisfied with their life and to questions about whether they are feeling good in the moment. Having children, for example, tends to raise parents’ assessment of how meaningful their life is; but notably it does not make them report higher levels of happiness at any particular moment, including when they are spending time with their kids. At most, a ranking based purely on the Cantril Ladder could therefore give us something called a World Self-Reported Life Satisfaction Report—and it’s easy to see why such an honest title wouldn’t entice many journalists to write about it.

Mounk notes: 

As August Nilsson and his colleagues painstakingly demonstrated, some of the specific language in the question—such as the metaphor of the ladder and its emphasis on the “top” as well as the “bottom step”—primes respondents to think about social hierarchies. Their conclusion is sobering: “The Cantril Ladder is arguably the most prominent measure of well-being, but the results suggest caution in its interpretation—the Cantril Ladder’s structure appears to influence participants to attend to a more power- and wealth-oriented view of well-being.”

He adds:

But perhaps the biggest problem with the World Happiness Report is that metrics of self-reported life satisfaction don’t seem to correlate particularly well with other kinds of things we clearly care about when we talk about happiness. At a minimum, you would expect the happiest countries in the world to have some of the lowest incidences of adverse mental health outcomes. But it turns out that the residents of the same Scandinavian countries that the press dutifully celebrates for their supposed happiness are especially likely to take antidepressants.

Certainly, the "Report" is focused on material things.  As the Fortune website notes:

Jan-Emmanuel De Neve, professor of economics at the University of Oxford, leader of the Wellbeing Research Centre and editor of the World Happiness Report, tells Fortune. “Life satisfaction of young people in the U.S. has declined.”

He adds, “It is really disheartening to see this, and it links perfectly with the fact that it’s the well-being of youth in America that’s off a cliff, which is driving the drop in the rankings to a large extent..." De Neve also says: “In these Nordic Scandinavian countries, a rising tide lifts all boats, so the levels of economic inequality are much less, and that reflects in well-being as well...In Finland, most people will rate [their happiness] as seven or an eight, whereas if you look at the distribution of well-being in the States, there’s a lot of 10s out there, but there’s a lot of ones as well.”

Finland tops the chart at the happiest country on earth, followed by Denmark and Iceland.  The U.S. is at #24.

There were other factors that went into this ranking, such as the ability to trust others and the degree of social interaction. Fortune noted that "The report focused more this year on the strength of a country’s social support and how much people trust in others—a key predictor of personal well-being."  Plus, whether or not a person dined alone was also an indicator - over half of Americans are in the "dining alone" category.  Plus, there was an exercise about whether or not a respondent would believe that a person would return a lost wallet he or she found - apparently, Americans don't trust their fellow citizens to do that as much as, say, the enlightened Scandinavians. 

It all sounds rather random to me, but there are some principles that emerge.  First of all, if we want to determine what makes what would be termed a "happy" life, we should focus on enduring qualities such as satisfaction and ultimately, joy in the Lord. It's been said that happiness is dependent on externals and joy comes from within.   Financial resources can produce security and perhaps a measure of satisfaction, but we can be joyful in the Lord despite the size of our bank account, or lack thereof. 

The whole notion of trust in and interaction with our fellow citizens is certainly a legitimate cause of concern.  We have become a more segmented society, thanks to a greater use of the Internet and social media.  And, that can lead to relationships that might not be as healthy as they could be.  The Church offers people an awesome social structure in which people can enter into deep relationships and have fellowship together, functioning as a body through which they can find encouragement and a sense of belonging.  It's true, while we can abide in the Lord and find joy in His presence, we also know that He provides and works through human contact.

So, what makes us happy?  For the believer, we have to recognize in what or whom we can trust for the true sense of satisfaction - where we can go to experience joy.  The world cannot produce it; we have to look within.  And, God is everywhere - He has offered His free gift of salvation and a relationship with Jesus to the whole world.

Keep Speaking

There are consequences to what we say.  Sometimes our words can get us in trouble; that's why we have to allow the Holy Spirit to control our tongues.  But, there are times in which we speak Biblically-informed truth, and there are those who will want to shut us up and shut us down. 

In Acts 4, there was a so-called "council," led by the High Priest, who tried to keep Peter and John from doing the work of the risen Christ and attempted to shut them down. We can read this:
18 And they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.
19 But Peter and John answered and said to them, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge.
20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard."
21 So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way of punishing them, because of the people, since they all glorified God for what had been done.

Perhaps you have heard about the case of a real estate agent in Virginia named Wilson Fauber, who also has served as a minister. The Christian Post reported that while running for public office, he shared Biblically-based posts on Facebook about the sanctity of marriage.  The article stated that his attorney, Michael Sylvester...

...explained that Fauber “posted the biblical view on marriage,” sharing thoughts from the Rev. Franklin Graham on the matter. “He never faced any ... blowback or pushback,” Sylvester said.

Fauber’s social media post highlighting the biblical position on marriage came up when he was running for public office eight years later. Asked if he “still stands by his Christian beliefs on this topic,” Sylvester told CP that his client answered in the affirmative: “He loves everyone. He serves everyone. He doesn’t hate anyone, he doesn’t discriminate against anyone, but he stands with the Word of God.”

Seems the National Association of Realtors had implemented a rule that said that realtors "must not use harassing speech, hate speech, epithets, or slurs based on race, color, religion, sex disability, familial status, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity.”

In February of this year, Sylvester's organization, the Founding Freedoms Law Center, shared:

Founding Freedoms Law Center (FFLC) attorneys argued the final ethics appeal on behalf of our client, Wilson Fauber, who had been found guilty by the Virginia Association of REALTORs (VAR) of ethical violations, including “hate speech” against the “LGBTQ+ community” for Biblical messages he shared about marriage and sexuality on his personal Facebook page. VAR also found him to be in violation of another ethics provision simply for sharing publicly the ethics charges brought against him – VAR’s gag rule for anyone it seeks to punish. The VAR appeals panel has now ruled against Fauber, upholding the original decision as final.

Fauber is quoted as saying: “This is an attack not only on my Christian faith, but on every REALTOR who wishes to express their conscientious or faith-based opinions about important moral issues.”

You might say that Fauber's words and actions echoed what Peter and John said in Acts 4: "we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard."  There may be loss involved for speaking out, for being obedient to the Lord.  

You might even be called a "biblical terrorist."  That's what happened to Julie Mauck, a Georgia real estate agent who faced harassment at the hands of transgender activists who wanted to shut her down and lose her job.  The Daily Signal reported on March 23:

Transgender activists tried to hound a Georgia real estate agent out of business because the realtor urged a public library to move a sexually explicit book out of the children’s section. When she sued, the judge dismissed her case.

Now, the Georgia Court of Appeals has taken up her case and her attorney just filed her official brief Thursday, a copy of which was exclusively provided to The Daily Signal. Her supporters say the case may set a precedent that gets to the heart of cancel culture.

“They completely misstated, misquoted me in order to try and cancel me,” Julie Mauck, the realtor, told The Daily Signal in a Friday interview. “They actually filed an ethics complaint for hate speech against me” based on the misquote.

She also recalled activists attacking her as a “biblical terrorist.”

When Mauck filed a defamation lawsuit against the activists, a trial court judge struck down the lawsuit, claiming that it violated an anti-SLAPP law (a law designed to protect people from frivolous defamation lawsuits).

There may be a price to pay for speaking out.  The spirit of cancel culture is strong, but there is a Spirit who is stronger.  And, if we're following the Holy Spirit, what we may lose on earth may in fact be a gain for the Kingdom, and we can be confident that God will take care of us.

There may be a price for obedience - but there's also a price for disobedience. And, obedience has its rewards, including the satisfaction of knowing that we are following the Lord. So, we have to make the choice: are we going to follow Christ and depend on Him to enable us to handle the consequences or are we making ourselves vulnerable to the consequences of disobedience?  

Considering the Ark

In Exodus 25, we find that Moses was given specific instructions - to build a sanctuary and what was termed an "ark."  This "Ark of the Covenant" was, as BibleStudyTools.com notes, "a symbol of the presence of God in the midst of His people is the common teaching of the Old Testament..."
8 And let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them.
9 According to all that I show you, that is, the pattern of the tabernacle and the pattern of all its furnishings, just so you shall make it.
10 "And they shall make an ark of acacia wood; two and a half cubits shall be its length, a cubit and a half its width, and a cubit and a half its height.
11 And you shall overlay it with pure gold, inside and out you shall overlay it, and shall make on it a molding of gold all around.

The Ark of the Covenant has certainly been a subject of intrigue - the movie, Raiders of the Lost Ark, was centered around the search for the Ark by an archaeologist named Indiana Jones.  Now, comes news, maybe speculation, that the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency has information related to the Ark's location.

The New York Post related recently:

The CIA claimed to have confirmed the existence of the Ark of the Covenant by way of remote viewing — aka extra sensory perception or ESP — alleging the mysterious and sacred object is guarded by “entities” with an “unknown” power, a recently resurfaced declassified document claims.

In a remote viewing session on Dec. 5, 1988, remote viewer #32 was tasked with identifying a target that, unbeknownst to them, ended up being the storied Ark of the Covenant, according to document, which was declassified on Aug. 8, 2000, and has been circulating on social media.

The Post quoted from a remote viewer named Joe McGoneagle - known as "Remote Viewer 1," saying that he "does not believe that this remote viewing is worth the paper it’s written on." The article quotes him as saying, “Using remote viewing against any target for which ground truth does not exist or is impossible to obtain, such as UFOs, UAPs, the surface of Mars, or the locations of historical relics, is a waste of time and resources,” adding, “If someone claims that remote viewing proves the existence of something, such as the Ark of the Covenant, they must produce the Ark to substantiate their claim.”

Worthy News recently published a report that not only has the CIA identified a location for the Ark of the Covenant, but the site of Noah's Ark, as well.  The article points out that:

Some historians believe the Ark of the Covenant was initially kept inside the Holy of Holies, the innermost chamber of the ancient Temple of Jerusalem before it disappeared during the Babylonian seige of Jerusalem in 586 BC.

There is also a legend that the artifact was taken to Ethiopia and now resides in a local church. However, the CIA document declassified in 2000 claims it was discovered in 1988.

However, the world’s most influential spy agencies didn’t only use sophisticated equipment or spies to find one of the most famous Biblical relics.

In the 1970s and 1980s, the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) and several other intelligence agencies, including the CIA, employed individuals ‘alleged to have paranormal capabilities’ as means of acquiring intelligence about ‘distant events.’

So, if you go beyond the headlines, you find some questionable means in order to identify the location of the Ark of the Covenant. But, it has certainly aroused some curiosity. Writing in 2012 for the Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry website, the late Jimmy DeYoung recounted having talked to "two rabbis and a Temple Mount expert who have gone on record as having been to the location of the Ark of the Covenant."

He wrote about King Josiah, who "...recognized the threat posed by the Babylonians and Egyptians. These two empires were battling each other at the time, and Israel was caught in the middle. To protect the Ark from being stolen by either nation, King Josiah—a man ahead of his time—ordered the Levites to put the Ark in a secret, secluded hiding place underneath what is now the Dome of the Rock." That is consistent with what those individuals to whom Jimmy referred said. So he wrote then, "The Ark of the Covenant has never left Jerusalem. I believe it now sits in a safe, secret, secluded hiding place prepared by God through King Solomon to protect it for when it will be needed in the last days in the next Temple—the Third Temple, the Tribulation Temple—that will be built shortly after the Rapture of the church."

I think it is intriguing that within the past few days, there have been news stories about the CIA's alleged involvement in finding the Ark of the Covenant, by what could be considered questionable means.  But, it is interesting that this "remote viewer," a.k.a psychic, mentioned "entities" that were guarding it.  That actually seems plausible.  That power was "unknown" to the psychic.  The Bible speaks against certain spiritual and mental practices that leverage the power of spirits or powers that are not of God.  What you may have seen here is some sort of supernatural conflict.  

Whether it's Indiana Jones or the CIA, there is fascination with this Biblical artifact. But, keep in mind, as Jimmy DeYoung wrote, "The Ark is a type or picture of the promised Messiah. When the real thing arrives, the type is unnecessary."  The Ark was a visible, anointed reminder of the presence of God with His people - because of sin, and because the Messiah had not come, God did not dwell in the hearts of human beings. But, He did manifest Himself upon them.  Jesus told His disciples during His earthly ministry that He would no longer be with them, but in them. 

We can truly come to know God through a relationship with His Son.  The presence of Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, resides in our hearts to lead us and empower us to walk the Christian life.  Even though there may be fascination with the Ark of the Covenant, when you consider that represents the power and presence of Almighty God, it therefore becomes a challenge to the explorers to consider the significance of this incredible piece and consider the One who has come to earth to bring redemption for our souls.

To the Sidewalks

The Holy Spirit will open up doors through which we can share our faith and He can provide us with creative ideas in order to communicate His truth. Colossians 1 tells us that the saints of God, those who know Christ, have been given an important message - it says:
27 To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
28 Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.
29 To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily.

Students at Western Kentucky University were inspired to communicate the gospel in a creative way recently.  According to Crosswalk.com:  "A group of Christians at Western Kentucky University recently took the biblical call to spread the gospel to a new level recently, writing the entire book of John in chalk across the campus sidewalks."  

It was organized by three campus ministries and "involved writing all 21 chapters of John’s Gospel in vibrant chalk colors across the pathways where students walk each day. According to the College Heights Herald, the project took approximately two and a half hours to complete."

Around 70 students were involved in this chalk project. The Vice President of Baptist Campus Ministry, Luke Alford, noted: “People look for answers in a lot of different things, and I think it’s really good to have answers right in front of them..."

Crosswalk noted:

The students came together for the project on a cool evening around 9:30 p.m. on March 11 and wrapped up around midnight. They drew the verses on a popular path that extends from Grise Hall to WKU Health Services and the Raymond B. Preston Health & Activities Center, Here Bowling Green reported.

The article included a quote from student Ryan Cantabeni, who had spoken with the Herald, saying: “It’s my goal for the year, to get more connected with God," adding, “It’s really nice to have some kind of sign showing me [to] keep doing this.”

Embedded in the Crosswalk piece was a Facebook post from Christa Frost, who said:

CHECK THIS OUT… last night someone(s) wrote the entire book of John in chalk on the campus of WKU!! Wow!! I want to see it! It stretches from Grise hall all the way down to Preston center. Fall Holy Spirit…You say your Word does not go out and return void! Let fresh oil pour out over this land!! I’m Jesus name, Amen!

Please SHARE!! I made it public…get the WORD out!

She shared a post from a WKU graduate named Graham Martin, who said:

There is a movement spreading across the college campuses of America over the past few months. Where students have been writing the book of John stretched across campuses all over the US. (Mainly towards the end of 2024). A few weeks ago I had the thought on why can’t we do that at the college where I graduated. So late last night with 50-60 people spread across 4-5 campus ministries we came together with $60+ of chalk and spread the 879 verses in the book of John across the campus of WKU in just over 2 hours. The purpose of this is to evangelize and share the true gospel and make Jesus known to all the college students across WKU and be a light to all. It was so much fun to be able to have a part in this opportunity!

There's actually an Instagram page called "gospelchalkmovement," where there are accounts of various campuses where this has been done.  Schools include UAB, N.C. State, Appalachian State, and others. 

Talk about taking the gospel to the streets - literally - on the sidewalks of various college campuses. This illustrates a creative mean that students are using to share their faith.

The question each of us can ask concerns how God is calling us to share our faith.  It may be through a one-on-one conversation, and perhaps the display of the love of Christ with someone in need. We should always be on the alert to the leading of the Holy Spirit into divine encounters.  

In two and a half hours on a campus in Kentucky, dozens of students were intent on making their faith known, and we can be confident that the Word will not return void, as the Bible says.  And, as students walk, literally, on the Word, we can be reminded how we are called to walk according to God's truth.

Divine Consequences?

The Bible teaches us that sin has its consequences. We have all sinned and continue to do so although a Christian believer, while not sinless, as it's been said, should sin less. We have an advocate when we do sin, but sin has its consequences - the Bible also says that as we sow, we shall reap. That is true certainly individually, but I think we should consider that collectively that is so, as well. Galatians 6 says:
7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.
8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.

A recent piece at The Western Journal by a C. Douglas Golden opened this way:

On Jan. 5, the Golden Globes took place in Los Angeles. Hollywood royalty arrived to be roasted by host Nikki Glaser, to see and to be seen, and to hopefully pick up a trophy on the way.

About halfway through the ceremony, Glaser noted who’d gotten thanked.

Most often: cast and crew. Second least-often: Mario Lopez of “Access Hollywood.” Least-often: God.

Glaser noted, “It’s no surprise in this godless town..."  Obviously, that was played for laughs.  But, when you think about it, it is no laughing matter.  The article points out:

On Jan. 7, the California wildfires started, burning down the homes of thousands of residents, but — unusually for natural disasters — seeming to target the rich and famous particularly.

Coincidence?  Maybe, maybe not.  Consequences?  Divine judgment? X users chimed in to offer that possibility. Well...here's what Golden had to say:

The morally unhinged “Emilia Pérez” — about how a Mexican drug lord basically became a secular saint merely by identifying as a transgender woman — won “Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy” over pictures like “Anora” and “The Substance.”

I mention those two because the fact they both earned R ratings as opposed to NC-17, proof the Motion Picture Association of America has just given up trying at this point.

This is what we might call a conversation starter, so the writer has given us something to think about.  Golden wrote:

Now, whether or not this was some sort of divine plan — I doubt God was simply provoked by Glaser’s words, not having realized the state of California was a modern Babylon, but it could be a not-so-gentle reminder that God shall not be mocked — is way above my pay grade, as they say.

Golden also stated:

...it’s worth noting that the four major fires formed a semicircle around the Beverly Hilton, where the awards were held.

And it’s worth noting that Hollywood is a town that consistently thumbs its nose at God — which, well, we’ve seen how that worked out for Sodom and Gomorrah.

We love to talk about the love and grace of God, and we can be thankful that He sent His Son to die for our sins to spare us from the wrath of God.  But, it doesn't mean that the wrath of God isn't real, and for those who are unrepentant sinners, they are unprotected from God's mercy, even though it is available.  That should produce the fear of God in a person's life and drive him or her to believe on Jesus and repent.  

Erwin Lutzer was a guest on The Meeting House just yesterday.  Regarding the book, The Eclipse of God, he told WORLD Magazine:

I was motivated by an article in The Economist that said God is becoming more liberal: He is beginning to approve of same-sex marriage. It said almost nobody believes in the “smitey Almighty” of the Old Testament. In other words, the God we used to believe in is irrelevant. What I do in the book is to help people understand where this eclipse of God, this darkness, came from, and why we have to get back to the Biblical concept of God and not the gods of popular culture.

Lutzer adds: "In America today, even among evangelicals, God has been domesticated. He’s been brought down and made much more sin-friendly. Americans don’t mind saying that they believe in 'God' as long as they can choose the god in whom they believe. And oftentimes this god turns out to be their own consciousness."

And, regarding the wrath of God, he shares: "We have essentially said that in the New Testament era, it is safe to sin because we live under grace and not under law. It’s an overemphasis on the love of God, which needs to be preached, but where’s the wrath of God? There are two doctrines that destroy the church: the essential goodness of man and the endless tolerance of a nonjudgmental God. I think in some instances, those doctrines have come into the evangelical church, and when they have, the essence of the gospel is lost."

So, God has not changed - and God will not be mocked.  One way that I believe that we see the judgment of God is that he turns people over to what is called in Romans 1 - New Testament - a "debased mind," or as other translations say, a "reprobate mind."  The consequences of their choices; the victimization of their own self-pursuit.  And, perhaps even our choices, as Bible-believing Christians, can cause us pain when we don't submit ourselves to Almighty God.  

The principle of sowing and reaping is certainly alive and well, and while we should always love God and devote ourselves to Him, we should be mindful that we were under judgment for our sins, and a God who is active in the operation of humanity is certainly capable of making Himself known, even in unpleasant ways, for the disobedient.  The Old Testament reminds us that even though His own people disobeyed Him and rebelled against Him, He did not completely forsake them, and to this day, He reaches out in His mercy, so that human beings would come to know Him.

Disconnected

Despite the evidence of God all around us, there are many who do not believe that He even exists, according to a recent survey. The Bible shows us how God has worked throughout the ages and is an authoritative and reliable source to show us that indeed He exists and is actively working in the world today, including through the lives of His people. Here are three verses in Hebrews 11 about possessing faith in this wonderful God:

1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

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.

6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

The Christian Post reports that, according to a new survey...

The research found that overall, 60% of Americans do not believe God exists or that He “affects lives.” Nearly half of self-identified Christians (47%) and a slightly smaller share of theologically identified born-again Christians (40%) said the same.

That data is from the American Worldview Inventory 2025, published by the Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University, where George Barna is Director of Research.

Barna says, according to the article: “The more time you spend thinking about what this research tells us, the more you are likely to conclude that nothing short of sweeping national repentance and spiritual renewal can save America from itself.”  The article goes on to say:

He added, “It seems obvious that political, economic, legal, or institutional improvements are not what America needs most desperately today. Those cultural arenas merely provide prescriptions that address the symptoms, but not the disease."

The report, he said, is evidence that God has been “reconfigured into our own image in order to fit within our personal comfort zone.” 

And, even among that 40% of Americans that believes that God exists and affects lives, "a plurality (38%) defined God as the 'most important element' in their lives, while 23% described God as 'extremely important' in their lives, and 18% characterized God as having a 'very important' influence on their lives."

The survey summary notes that among certain groups of Christians, between 40% and 47% of whom do not believe in the existence of God nor His affecting of lives, 40% of self-identified Christians and 52% of theologically identified, "born-again" Christians say that God is the "most important element" of their lives.

Even among so-called "Integrated Disciples," just under three-fourths cite God as that most important element.

Furthermore, according to The Christian Post:

Just 20% of “those who believe the God of the Bible exists and affects lives” told pollsters they had “an intimate and interactive spiritual relationship with Him, with constant two-way communication.” Another 45% classified their relationship with God as “close,” defined by frequent prayer and trust in Him to “do what is best and right.”

George Barna says that this data indicates "the list of startling insights into a Christian faith that bears little resemblance to biblical teaching and to God’s intent could continue.”

In Luke 6, Jesus asked the penetrating question: "...why do you call Me 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do the things which I say?"  This research shows an ignorance, even among Christians, of what it truly means to be a Christian - a Christ-follower.  Obviously, there are those that claim to have had an experience with God but have a warped understanding of how He works in our world today and in individual lives. And, even though someone might say he or she believes, that doesn't translate into a vibrant, close relationship with Him. 

So, there's the disconnect - and it is incumbent upon us who claim the name of Jesus to allow the light of truth to shine in each of our hearts in order to determine the degree to which we truly act in a manner that is consistent with the teachings of Scripture, reflecting the presence of Jesus.  Because we are all vulnerable to the influences of this world and the temptation of the enemy, we have to stay connected to our Lord and grow in our faith in Him.

Mockery

There is an enemy, who rebelled against God, has fallen from heaven, and is intent on stealing, killing, and destroying, as Jesus said in John 10:10. His aim is to somehow diminish the work of God on the earth and throughout creation. We should not be ignorant, as the Bible instructs us, of his evil schemes. Ephesians 5 states:
11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.
12 For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret.
13 But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light.
14 Therefore He says: "Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Christ will give you light."

The enemy and his followers have decided to make a mockery of religious ritual in which they call a "Black Mass" this Friday at the Kansas State Capitol in Topeka.  The Topeka Capital-Journal  reports that a group called the "Satanic Grotto" applied for a permit to stage it, and the outlet says:

The group’s application to hold an event on March 28 at the Kansas Statehouse was approved, but Gov. Laura Kelly later directed the protest be outside. The state is prohibited from denying event applications due to religious affiliations.

Kelly cited health and safety as the reason. So far 44 people indicated they will attend on Facebook, but counter-protests are also being organized.

The state's House of Representatives has already passed a resolution denouncing the gathering. The resolution attempted to affirm a constitutional right to free speech, but went on to say:

“The planned satanic worship ritual is an explicit act of anti-Catholic bigotry and an affront to all Christians. It blasphemes our shared values of faith, decency and respect that strengthen our communities..."

The local Archdiocese of the Catholic Church had claimed that the Satanic group had stolen unleavened bread blessed by a priest; the official filed a lawsuit, it was dropped after the Satanic Grotto head testified in court that it had been legitimately purchased. Chuck Weber, executive director of the Kansas Catholic Conference responded by saying: “This alleviates a major concern. It is still sad that a group can get permission for the use of Statehouse grounds when their sole purpose is the mockery and denigration of not just Catholics, but people from all denominations."

Rep. Ken Rahjes said: “We again, fully support, and many of us I’m sure would defend, your right to say what you will at a peaceful assembly. But a satanic ritual goes against what many of us believe, and beyond simply a matter of peacefully assembling..."

Not the Bee said that the planned Kansas meeting is similar to one held last year in Oklahoma City last year; its article said:

A Black Mass inverts the Catholic Mass, focusing the Latin Liturgy on Satan rather than God and requires a consecrated host to be stolen from the eucharist and destroyed.

On a side note, it's a little odd to hold one in March, as usually these things happen during October — around Halloween.

But the Grotto isn't affiliated with other Satanists, so maybe they just don't know. (It's a non-denominational church of Satan.🤣)

Satanic Grotto founder Michael Stewart provided some insight into this event; NewsNation noted:

...Stewart says the event will take place inside the capital even if it means being arrested by the police. He says the group will be protesting “oppression” and religious people imposing their faith on others.

“What we’re going to do is heavily lean into the four blasphemies, kind of representing an alternate to the stations of the cross,” Stewart said.

The New York Post related: "Stewart...brushed aside virulent reactions that his group’s plans for the March 28 Black Mass — a sort of inverted Catholic service he described as 'a cathartic expression of sorrow, rage, and healing' — have inflamed." Stewart said, "You’re going to see a book get torn, a cross get broken, a cracker get crunched, and wine get drunk, and that is the scariest bit of what we were planning to do..."

Not to mention that the group plans on breaking the law to carry out this treachery, and disregarded the requirement that the bread be stolen; apparently, as Stewart said, they got it from "Pope Amazon."

What a piece of work.  While news reports say this bunch doesn't worship the devil, by making a mockery out of organized religion and practices that are, at their core, based on Scripture, they are standing with Satan and carrying out his mission.  While Jesus builds up, the enemy tears down.  Those aligned with the enemy of our souls glorify evil and denigrate the good. 

The good news is that this gathering looks to be small - less than 50, at the time of the Topeka outlet's story a few days ago.  So, we don't want to give it more attention than it deserves.  And, this "Grotto" seems to love attention - just look at all of its news coverage.  But, it does serve as a reminder of a sense of irreverence in our culture that would take aim at Christians, to even make fun of our walk with God and how we carry that out.  But, we need to talk about the nature of evil and continue to be a force for good through the power of the Lord.

Thus Saith the Lord

The Lord will speak to us in so many ways - the question is, are we listening? God has given us His Word and the Holy Spirit will bring that word to light in our hearts. In fact, multiple sources say that the phrase, "Thus saith the Lord," appears over 400 times in the King James Version of the Bible.  Jesus taught in John 10:
27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.
28 And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.

Cameron Cortman is now 24 years old, and due to what was thought to be an ear infection at the age of one, he may not have been alive. The story is told at the CBN website.  He is quoted as saying: “I got sick with an ear infection in the hustle and bustle of moving,” adding, “My mom took me to the doctor. She thought it was just a routine ear infection. I had been getting them a lot lately.”  The article goes on to say:

But Cortman’s mom felt deep in her gut that something else was going on. In fact, after the doctor prescribed antibiotics, she paused to share something she experienced on the way to his office.

“[She said], ‘Actually, on the way over here, the Lord spoke to me and told me that something is seriously wrong and that we need to go to the hospital,’ which is just a wild thing to say to a doctor,” Cortman recounted. “But, thankfully … the doctor was a Christian and he said, ‘Who am I to really argue with the Lord? So we can send you to the hospital.'”

CBN continues to relate the story:

“They start to run pretty much every test imaginable, and they come back a few hours later and say, ‘We’re so sorry, 95% of your son’s blood cells are leukemia. He probably won’t make it through the night,'” Cortman said.

The shocking news, which upended the family’s lives, confirmed everything his mother had felt.

“As you can imagine, it’s just a mix of utter disbelief, and shock, and starting to grieve, and really just confusion of what to do,” Cortman said. “And I think you kind of immediately go into a mode of, ‘OK, let’s figure out next steps.'”

So, as a 1-year-old, Cameron Cortman began chemotherapy.  The family trusted God and prayed through four years of treatment.  Then, the cancer disappeared.  Cameron calls it "miraculous," and says: 

“What’s crazy about that situation — other than the fact that I was completely cured from cancer — is they said to my parents, ‘Although he is cancer free, he’s not out of the woods. So there is a very good chance that he’s not able to speak like everyone else would. He might not be able to walk. He might not be able to talk,'” Cortman said, noting these dire effects could have come from the chemotherapy.

Cameron went on to play collegiate sports and now works in marketing for a Christian media company. His parents' reaction to his illness provided a strong source of inspiration for him.  He says:

“So much of my faith … I credit to them because I think most people in situations like that, it’s very easy for them to turn against God, turn against each other,” he said. “The fact that they relied on God through that and then came out on the other side stronger … their marriage is still very strong and that their faith is still very strong — I don’t think that I would have the same faith that I have today had they not responded the way they did through that whole journey.”

But, keep in mind, the journey really began with what seemed to be a doctor's appointment to treat an ear infection.  Cameron's mother experienced one of those "Thus saith the Lord" moments.  Whether it was audible or just a prompting in her spirit, she knew that God was speaking to her about her son's condition. 

Not only did she hear, but she listened and acted on what she had heard, boldly asking the doctor for additional testing, which revealed Cameron's leukemia.  

We may not hear the audible voice of God, but we know that God is always speaking. His primary mode of communication is the Bible, the Word of God - but as we study and meditate on Scripture, the Holy Spirit will show us ways in which the Word can apply to our own lives.  The word, "quicken" has been used to describe the experience of a verse or passage essentially jumping off the page and into our hearts, our spirits, which are connected to the Holy Spirit because we know Jesus. 

There will also be instances in which we can discern what is described as a "still, small voice" that will guide us in our decision-making.  We may not know literal words, just a sense of knowing the right thing to do, or perhaps avoiding something harmful.  God speaks to us through our conscience, that knowledge of right and wrong.  Some relate having a "check" in their spirit - the experience of God directing us to walk in a different direction, perhaps.  And, we can also be intent on allowing God to speak to us through the proclamation of truth - at Faith Radio, we desire to be a conduit through which God will speak to you: through solid Bible teaching throughout the day and uplifting music that can draw you into His presence, we hope that you will have a greater sense of God's work in your life. 

Thankful in Tragedy

We can consider how quickly we respond to the Lord in thankfulness and praise when we see Him move.  Perhaps it is something huge, even miraculous.  Maybe it's something that could be considered a small thing. But, through large and small, we can be attentive to the way that the Spirit works in, through, and around us. 

Here are some verses from Psalm 107 that contain some helpful reminders for us:

1 Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.
2 Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy...

The Psalmist then mentions the wandering of God's chosen people in the wilderness, stating:

6 Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, And He delivered them out of their distresses.
7 And He led them forth by the right way, That they might go to a city for a dwelling place.
8 Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men!

Christina and Brett Clardy are thankful today - Christina is a teacher at Abundant Life Christian School in Wisconsin.  Their teenage son, River, is a student.  Both are survivors of a shooting in December at that school that left three people dead and five injured, according to The Christian Post.  

Christina was in her classroom and took steps to protect the children in her classroom.  She told a local television station, WMTV, that she then connected with her daughters, and the three were concerned about River. Turns out he was severely injured and had been transported to the hospital with multiple wounds. 

The station's website quotes from Adam Brinkman, who is the medical director of pediatric trauma care at UW Health’s American Family Children’s Hospital. He said, "River was losing a lot of blood from injuries to his neck, to his throat, to his hip to his hand,” adding, “His skin color was very pale. His heart rate was very high. Blood pressure was very low. All the clinical signs that he was very close to dying.”

He had five surgeries and things were touch and go for a while. Christina said, “I was praying the whole time.”

Brett, his father, said it was over a week before he was convinced that River would make it.  But, even though his condition was life-threatening, he came out on the other side, and had to go through therapy to complete even routine tasks, such as swallowing, brushing his teeth and hair, and tying his shoes. 

His mom, Christina said: “River is a kid who is a perseverer. He’s a hard worker,” adding, “We believe that God is a huge part of his healing through natural means like through the body healing itself and through some things that you know aren’t explainable to us. But he is, he’s done better than he should have.” 

Forty-six days after entering the hospital, River was able to go home.  Brinkman counted 263 hospital staff members who were part of the healing process, and hospital employees lined the halls of the facility to send him off. 

Christina offered this perspective: “It’s important to give thanks for the good in our lives. And to recognize, you know, the good around us, like in the people in our community. When our circumstances aren’t good, those things, those are things that are good.... I do have moments where I’m like, I can’t believe he’s alive, you know? I’m just really grateful.”

In the midst of an unspeakable tragedy, here is an instance of finding the hand of God. It truly is unthinkable that someone would go into a school meaning to do harm, and when you consider this was a Christian school - a school representing the presence of Christ in this world - well, it hits close to home. But, as you would expect, there was faith demonstrated in response to River's being shot and almost losing his life.  

In the troubles of life, we can be inspired by Christina Clardy's example to keep praying; 1st Thessalonians 5 reminds us to pray without ceasing.  And, when we see the Lord do something in our lives or the lives of those around us, big or small, we should be quick to thank Him.  Growing in gratefulness can help us to appreciate and adore the Lord even more. 

We can also recognize that God will often surround us with other people to walk with us through a tough journey. And, when we have the opportunity, we can make the effort to say thanks. Our verbalization to the Lord about how grateful we are, as well as to people whom He used to produce an outcome for His glory, can help strengthen us and to remember in all things to recognize the presence of God who is with us and who is moving according to His purposes.

Wrong

One of the key characteristics of a devoted believer in Christ is to admit when we are wrong. We actually did that when we first got saved, admitting that we were a sinner and needed a Savior. We also are directed to confess our sins and to receive forgiveness from the Lord. The Bible tells us in 1st Timothy chapter 2 that Jesus our Savior...
(4) ...desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
5 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus,
6 who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time,
7 for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle...

You may have never heard of him, but you probably have used the website that he co-founded. His name is Larry Sanger.  He is co-founder of Wikipedia.

A Faithwire story quotes from one of his blog posts, in which he declared: "It is finally time for me to confess and explain, fully and publicly, that I am a Christian..."

The Faithwire article goes on to say:

Sanger told CBN News the skepticism he held for most of his life went back to his childhood and his unsure perspective on all religions. Despite that reticence, he did dabble in attempts to communicate with a Higher Power.

“I wasn’t necessarily praying to God, per se, but I had a sort of internal dialogue,” he said. “And sometimes, I even wrote it out …. with some supremely wise being, and, sometimes, I would even call that being ‘God,’ not that I believed that that was God, but in order to just sort of clarify my thought.”

The article also notes, including quotes from Sanger:

“I had a lot of roadblocks in the way to coming to believe that God exists and … that the Christian God exists, and being a Christian,” he said, noting he had to shed presuppositions and ideologies that conflicted with these worldviews, including notions about being driven by self-interest. “When I had children and when I got married, I’d reflected that, ‘Well, I would die for these people.’ So, of course, I put their interest ahead of mine.”

Faithwire says:

This challenged any sort of ideology about putting the self first. Then, he began to become “very disillusioned” by fellow unbelievers — especially the “mocking skeptics.”

He began "thinking deeper, reading the Bible," and ultimately, he began to look toward the truth of the Scriptures, stating: “There was a period of time in which I knew things were changing, but I can’t pin it down to a particular moment when I just decided I now believe that God exists,” adding, “There is a moment when I said, ‘OK, I have to admit that what I’m doing now is praying to God,’ and there also was a moment when I prayed something like the Sinner’s Prayer after, I guess, two months or so into reading the Bible.”

He is apparently learning more and more about walking with Jesus. The article reports: "Like many, Sanger had a litany of questions as he read Scripture and he relied on commentaries and biblical resources to help him navigate and learn. As he studied, he ultimately came to the conclusion that Scripture is true, validated, and provable." And, that is producing life transformation; Larry Sanger says, "The answers are out there...The Bible withstands scrutiny, which was a great surprise to me. I thought it couldn’t. I was wrong." He says, "I've changed a lot."

So, check out the timeline of transformation: disgruntled by the skeptics around him, he began to question his own views of God; ultimately, he was drawn to the Bible, and God spoke to Him. Larry Sanger surrendered his life, and he is now on a road to spiritual growth.  He is seeing the fruit of the presence of God in him - he is experiencing life change through Jesus.

That's a great indicator of how submissive we are to the Spirit - we can consider how we have seen and continue to see change in our lives, in our attitudes, our behavior, and our relationships. We can think about the degree to which we pursue the things of God.  And, as we maintain an attitude of who we are in light of who He is, we can recognize by the Spirit those areas that are not pleasing to Him.  Realizing that He loves us, we can confess our sins and experience true forgiveness - as we are willing to admit we don't have all the answers, that we are "wrong," we can see the presence of Jesus expressed through us.