Shepherds Are Called to Protect

shepherd


 “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel. Prophesy, and tell them, even the shepherds, ‘The Lord Yahweh says: “Woe to the shepherds of Israel who feed themselves! Shouldn’t the shepherds feed the sheep? You eat the fat. You clothe yourself with the wool. You kill the fatlings, but you don’t feed the sheep. You haven’t strengthened the diseased. You haven’t healed that which was sick. You haven’t bound up that which was broken. You haven’t brought back that which was driven away. You haven’t sought that which was lost, but you have ruled over them with force and with rigor. Ezekiel 34:2–4


God holds leaders to a higher standard because their choices affect many. Spiritual authority is never meant to shield wrongdoing but to guard those entrusted to their care. Ezekiel’s rebuke reminds us that neglecting protection is a form of failure before God. True shepherds intervene, confront, and act decisively to keep the flock safe. Leadership that prioritizes image over integrity abandons its calling. Faithful leadership reflects God’s heart by choosing protection over popularity.

Thoughts to Ponder
Pray for leaders to act with courage and accountability.

Journal Prompt:
How do I define faithful leadership according to Scripture rather than culture?

Closing Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, raise up shepherds who protect, guide, and lead with integrity. Lord give them Your heart, help them to see the way You see, and do and act the way You would. In Jesus Name Amen.

Getting to Know Him

Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him your Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…...

And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!”
Matthew 21:9

The Outlook for Immigration Policy

The Administration has taken sweeping actions to reduce both legal and illegal entry into the US, driving sharp declines in encounters at the US border and inflows of authorized immigrants. However, labor…

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You Can’t Demand Respect While Giving None: The Silent Crisis Between Generations

man in gray suit

“You Can’t Demand Respect While Showing None: The Leadership Failure Fueling Today’s Cultural Divide”

Everywhere you look, people are demanding respect, but fewer people seem willing to give it. Many older voices insist younger generations must honor them simply because of age or position, yet too often those same voices model criticism, ignorance, arrogance, or dismissal toward others. This contradiction has quietly shaped the culture we now live in. When respect is demanded but not demonstrated, trust collapses, resentment grows, and entire generations begin rejecting the very idea of honor. If we want to understand why society feels increasingly divided and hostile, we must first examine the example set by those who have expected respect the most.

Respect has been something that has been spoken of as something that should automatically be given to our older generations. While Scripture does encourage honoring elders (You shall stand up before the gray head and honor the face of an old man, and you shall fear your God: I am the Lord. Leviticus 19:32). If we read the bible we can see that biblical honor is closely connected with character, humility, and wisdom. A serious problem arises when individuals demand respect based solely on age or authority while consistently showing disrespect, harshness, or disregard for others. When we allow it, respect becomes something demanded rather than modeled, it loses its moral authority.

As we grow up we learn far more from what we observe than from what they are told. If older leaders, whether parents, elders, teachers, community figures, or church leaders, speak about honor while acting with impatience, arrogance, ignorance, or hypocrisy, the message becomes confusing. This contradiction breeds cynicism. Young people begin to associate “respect” with control rather than mutual dignity. Over time, they may reject the entire concept because they see it as unfair or one-sided. Why wouldn’t they?

This continual pattern has contributed to the broader cultural breakdown of civility. When respect is not demonstrated by those asking for it, society begins to treat respect as optional or transactional. Public discourse becomes harsher, authority is distrusted, and generational relationships fracture. What should have been a chain of wisdom passed down becomes a cycle of resentment.

Biblically, leadership and maturity are meant to be examples. Older believers are called to model patience, gentleness, and integrity so that younger people can see respect lived out in action:

 “ That older men should be temperate, sensible, sober minded, sound in faith, in love, and in perseverance, and that older women likewise be reverent in behavior, not slanderers nor enslaved to much wine, teachers of that which is good, that they may train the young wives to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sober minded, chaste, workers at home, kind, being in subjection to their own husbands, that God’s word may not be blasphemed.Likewise, exhort the younger men to be sober minded. In all things show yourself an example of good works. In your teaching, show integrity, seriousness, and incorruptibility. Titus 2:2–7”

True authority grows from humility and consistency. When respect is both given and demonstrated, it restores trust and helps rebuild the moral fabric that healthy communities depend upon.

The truth is simple but uncomfortable: respect cannot be forced, demanded, or commanded into existence, it must be demonstrated. When those with age, authority, or influence fail to show humility, patience, and dignity toward others, they weaken the very standard they claim to defend. Over time, younger generations stop listening not because they hate wisdom, but because they rarely see true wisdom and respect practiced. If society is ever going to recover a culture of honor, it will not begin with louder demands for respect. It will begin when people, especially those in positions of maturity and leadership, choose to model the very respect they hope to receive. Real honor is not claimed; it is earned through consistent character.

If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.
Matthew 18:15

Getting to Know Him

Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him your Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…...

Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.
Proverbs 13:11

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 Light Exposes, It Does Not Hide

photo of person covering his face


“Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” Ephesians 5:11


God’s word is a message of light, not concealment. The Bible calls believers to expose evil, not protect it through silence. When wrongdoing is hidden “for the sake of unity” or reputation, darkness becomes empowered and held up. God’s healing and justice begin with truth. Exposing harm is not divisive; it is redemptive. A church that walks in the light creates safety, accountability, and trust. Truth may be painful, but secrecy always destroys.

Thought to Ponder
Commit and walk in truth, even when it feels too costly.

Journal Prompt:
What fears tempt me to avoid bringing issues into the light?

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, remove fear from my heart and help me walk in truth and obedience even if it seems scary, impossible, or useless. Lord, put a hedge of protection around me giving me the strength to move forward. In Jesus Name Amen

Getting to Know Him

Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him your Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…...

Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal.
John 6:27

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1 Corinthians 10:13; Fearless

“No temptation has taken you except what is common to man. God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but will with the temptation also make the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”

Thoughts to Ponder

Temptation is never unique, and it is never unbeatable. Paul reminds us that God knows our limits and remains faithful in every trial. He does not promise a temptation-free life, but He always provides a way through it. When pressure feels overwhelming, look for God’s escape route, often found in obedience, prayer, Scripture, and wise choices. This verse invites confidence, not fear. You are not alone, you are not trapped, and you are not powerless. With God’s help, endurance is possible, faith can stand, and victory is within reach.



Dear Heavenly Father, be my guide and protect me from these things that surround me that I do not understand or that influence me in ways that are not from You. Lord I want to be and act as close to You as You’ve always wanted Your children to be. Lord give the strength to stand against the evil in this world, the distractions and influences. Help me to not fear and worry about these issues that continue to affect everything around us. Thank you Lord for Your protection, direction, and love. In Jesus Name Amen

Getting to Know Him

Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him your Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…..

Two teens injured in Bloomington shooting

Two teenagers were injured in a shooting in Bloomington, Minnesota, Monday night, police said. It happened around 10:10 p.m. on the 7900 block of Bloomington Avenue South, according to the city’s police department. Responding officers found a 16-year-old girl…

By The Hand

There seems to be something going on everywhere we turn. The division that has become an expected normal. The violence that appears to have gasoline being pored on it, always keeping it going. The lies that are getting told and accepted as truth. It feels like we are in a flood with our heads under the water not being able to breathe. Never forget God is there to help you walk through everything that is going on. No matter if it is around the world or if it is your personal life He has your back.

What God Says

The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. Psalm 121:5-6

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, I feel like I am surrounded by so much uneasiness, there seems to be turmoil every place I turn. Lord I need You. As I open this bible show me the direction and directive that You intend me to walk, Lord surround me with Your fiery chariots that Elisha had around him in 2 Kings 6:17 and have them remove the attacks, whispers, and distractions. In Jesus Name Amen

Getting to Know Him

Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him your Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…..

Citation:

Open bible info
Editor: Stephen Smith. Publication date: Apr 10, 2020. Publisher: OpenBible.info.

ESV

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

YouVersion

“YouVersion” Android Bible app: A mission to share the word with the whole world. https://www.youversion.com/

Bible Gateway

“BibleGateway.” BibleGateway.com: A Searchable Online Bible in over 150 Versions and 50 Languages., http://www.biblegateway.com/‎.

Division

It Has To Stop

There seems to be something going on everywhere we turn. The division that has become an expected normal. The violence that appears to have gasoline being pored on it, always keeping it going. The lies that are getting told and accepted as truth. It feels like we are in a flood with our heads under the water not being able to breathe. Never forget God is there to help you walk through everything that is going on. No matter if it is around the world or if it is your personal life He has your back.

What God Says

I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. Romans 16:17 ESV

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, I feel like I am surrounded by so much uneasiness, there seems to be turmoil every place I turn. Lord I need You. As I open this bible show me the direction and directive that You intend me to walk, Lord surround me with Your fiery chariots that Elisha had around him in 2 Kings 6:17 and have them remove the attacks, whispers, and distractions. In Jesus Name Amen

Getting to Know Him

Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him your Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…..

Citation:

Open bible info
Editor: Stephen Smith. Publication date: Apr 10, 2020. Publisher: OpenBible.info.

ESV

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

YouVersion

“YouVersion” Android Bible app: A mission to share the word with the whole world. https://www.youversion.com/

Bible Gateway

“BibleGateway.” BibleGateway.com: A Searchable Online Bible in over 150 Versions and 50 Languages., http://www.biblegateway.com/‎.

By The Hand

There seems to be something going on everywhere we turn. The division that has become an expected normal. The violence that appears to have gasoline being pored on it, always keeping it going. The lies that are getting told and accepted as truth. It feels like we are in a flood with our heads under the water not being able to breathe. Never forget God is there to help you walk through everything that is going on. No matter if it is around the world or if it is your personal life He has your back.

What God Says

The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. Psalm 121:5-6

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, I feel like I am surrounded by so much uneasiness, there seems to be turmoil every place I turn. Lord I need You. As I open this bible show me the direction and directive that You intend me to walk, Lord surround me with Your fiery chariots that Elisha had around him in 2 Kings 6:17 and have them remove the attacks, whispers, and distractions. In Jesus Name Amen

Getting to Know Him

Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him your Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…..

Citation:

Open bible info
Editor: Stephen Smith. Publication date: Apr 10, 2020. Publisher: OpenBible.info.

ESV

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

YouVersion

“YouVersion” Android Bible app: A mission to share the word with the whole world. https://www.youversion.com/

Bible Gateway

“BibleGateway.” BibleGateway.com: A Searchable Online Bible in over 150 Versions and 50 Languages., http://www.biblegateway.com/‎.

By The Hand

Kept

The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. Psalm 121:5-6

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, I feel like I am surrounded by so much uneasiness, there seems to be turmoil every place I turn. Lord I need You. As I open this bible show me the direction and directive that You intend me to walk, Lord surround me with Your fiery chariots that Elisha had around him in 2 Kings 6:17 and have them remove the attacks, whispers, and distractions. In Jesus Name Amen

Getting to Know Him

Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him your Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…..

Citation:

Open bible info
Editor: Stephen Smith. Publication date: Apr 10, 2020. Publisher: OpenBible.info.

ESV

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

YouVersion

“YouVersion” Android Bible app: A mission to share the word with the whole world. https://www.youversion.com/

Bible Gateway

“BibleGateway.” BibleGateway.com: A Searchable Online Bible in over 150 Versions and 50 Languages., http://www.biblegateway.com/‎.

Remember Who You Are

1 John 4:4 when it's dark He's got you

Fight for it

We’re going to have times in our lives that everything around us is making us feel surrounded like we cannot breath. Do you realize that you are a child of the creator of everything. You, through Him have overcome this stop listening to the whispers, the negative people, even yourself. Have faith understand it’s done you’ve overcome the “stuff” DON’T let it come back fight it you’ve got this He is there with you walking beside you.

Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 1 John 4:4 ESV

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, I feel like I am surrounded by so much uneasiness, there seems to be turmoil every place I turn. Lord I need You. As I open this bible show me the direction and directive that You intend me to walk, Lord surround me with Your fiery chariots that Elisha had around him in 2 Kings 6:17 and have them remove the attacks, whispers, and distractions. In Jesus Name Amen

Getting to Know Him

Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him your Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…..

Citation:

Open bible info
Editor: Stephen Smith. Publication date: Apr 10, 2020. Publisher: OpenBible.info.

ESV

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

YouVersion

“YouVersion” Android Bible app: A mission to share the word with the whole world. https://www.youversion.com/

Bible Gateway

“BibleGateway.” BibleGateway.com: A Searchable Online Bible in over 150 Versions and 50 Languages., http://www.biblegateway.com/‎.

Fear Not

Fear not

Don’t be Afraid

I have been talking with people who are afraid, frustrated, and confused. It is normal to be afraid when there is something going on that can harm us and even worse that we cannot control. God has told us over and over again not to be afraid, I know it is hard when looking around and everything seems to be going crazy. Being concerned for family, friends, and loved ones recall and meditate on what God says: For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” Romans 8:15 ESV For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.” Isaiah 41:13 ESV “Do not fear, only believe.” Mark 5:36 ESV

Getting to Know Him

Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him you Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…..

Citation:

Open bible info
Editor: Stephen Smith. Publication date: Apr 10, 2020. Publisher: OpenBible.info.

ESV
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.