Tag: good news

Detective Spends Months Searching for Stolen Dementia Patient’s Ring–Finds it in a Pawnshop Miles Away

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Investigation board with suspect photos, maps, notes, and red string connections

Going from a small town to the big city, a police detective went far beyond the call of duty to retrieve a woman’s stolen wedding ring. In LeRoy, New York, an elderly nursing home resident suffering from dementia—unable to care or speak for herself—had a wedding ring stolen from her hand. The theft was noticed by the victim’s family, who reported it to police after realizing the ring was missing, according to a statement from the LeRoy Police Department. Enter Kaden Vangalio, a police detective whose outstanding diligence and persistence resulted in getting the valuable heirloom back—after months of dead-end investigations. During those months, Vangalio conducted interviews and database checks with no immediate leads.

The case eventually brought him to Buffalo, the nearest major city, where he went from pawn shop to pawn shop looking for the stolen wedding ring himself. His persistence paid off when he located the victim’s ring at a Buffalo pawn shop, where he was able to secure both the ring and the bill of sale with the signature of the suspect, who is now charged with larceny for taking the victim’s ring while working at the nursing home. “During the investigation, Clark was evasive and avoided contact with investigators for months,” the department wrote. “Through persistent follow-up and continued investigative work, she ultimately turned herself in to face the charges.” “This may not be the crime of the century, but you cannot put a price on the sentimental value of a wedding ring. We are proud to help bring closure to this family and grateful for the excellent work of Detective Vangalio in making that happen,.”

Source: Detective Spends Months Searching for Stolen Dementia Patient’s Ring–Finds it in a Pawnshop Miles Away

For it is written: “As I live, says the LORD, Every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall confess to God.”
Romans 14:11

A Father Who Leads with Wisdom

Godly leadership requires more than strength; it requires wisdom. Dads are called to seek God’s direction so they can guide their families according to His truth.  Bible Verse:”Trust…

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A Father Who Loves Like God

A Dad’s love can leave a lasting imprint on a child’s heart. God calls dads to reflect His unconditional love through patience, grace, and compassion. “Do everything in…

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Not Meant For the Government

“The Constitution is not an instrument for the government to restrain the people, it is an instrument for the people to restrain the government.” Patrick Henry Patrick Henry…

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What is the Pentateuch?

At times, another person’s insight can help us see God’s Word in a fresh and meaningful way. In this article, we share content designed to encourage your faith,…

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When Silence Protects the Wrong

One of the deepest forms of church hurt happens when abuse, misconduct, or harmful behavior is ignored, minimized, or covered up—especially when trusted leaders or respected members are…

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A Baby Coyote Was Covered Head to Toe in Cactus Spines. Then Rescuers Stepped In

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coyote in natural plains habitat

A young coyote in Arizona is getting a second chance after surviving what wildlife experts described as one of the worst cactus encounters they have ever seen. The tiny pup, believed to be just four to six weeks old, was found in Surprise, Arizona, covered from head to tail in hundreds of painful Cholla cactus spines. Thanks to the dedicated team at the Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center in Scottsdale, the little survivor is now recovering and expected to return to the wild. Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center When the rescue center received the call, veterinary technician Berkeley Martineau knew the situation would be challenging.

Cholla cacti are notorious for their sharp, barbed spines that cling stubbornly to anything they touch. “He had spines just about everywhere,” Martineau said. “We’ve seen it in the face and paw, but this was head to tail. Everywhere. There were spines in the nose, mouth, tongue, tail, and back; it was everywhere.” The pup was lightly sedated while rescuers carefully removed the spines one by one. The painstaking procedure lasted more than two hours. “You could see some of the spines had gone through the ear,” Martineau said. The effort was tedious, but it likely saved the young animal’s life. As difficult as the rescue was, the story now has a happy ending. A week after the procedure, the coyote is eating well, gaining strength, and beginning to socialize with other orphaned pups at the center.

Martineau suspects the whole ordeal may have started with a simple mistake. “It was probably a goofy little coyote who stumbled into the wrong cactus,” he said. If all continues to go well, the pup will spend the next couple of months in rehabilitation before being released back into the wild, where hopefully he’ll steer clear of Cholla cacti from now on.

Source: A Baby Coyote Was Covered Head to Toe in Cactus Spines. Then Rescuers Stepped In

There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling.
Ephesians 4:4

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Meet Casper, the Single Owl Mom Who Has Raised More Than 500 Orphaned Babies

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close up of eurasian eagle owl in italy

For the past 26 years, one remarkable owl in British Columbia has been quietly helping raise hundreds of orphaned babies and giving them a second chance at life in the wild. Casper / OWL Orphaned Wildlife Rehabilitation Society Casper, a great horned owl living at the Orphaned Wildlife Rehabilitation Society, has become something of a legend at the wildlife rehabilitation center after fostering more than 500 rescued owlets since 1999. And according to staff, she’s still going strong. Casper first arrived at the center after suffering injuries that made it impossible for her to survive on her own in the wild. While she could no longer be released, the team soon discovered she had a very special gift: she was a natural foster mom.

Since then, she has helped teach generations of rescued baby owls the skills they need before returning to nature. Right now, she’s caring for four more owlets. Casper and her foster babies / OWL Orphaned Wildlife Rehabilitation Society Staff say Casper plays a critical role in preparing the babies for survival. The young owls learn by watching her fly, hunt, and react to the world around them. “They look up to her, they follow her, they mimic her,” said Rob Hope, manager of the rehabilitation society, in an interview with CBC.

Source: Meet Casper, the Single Owl Mom Who Has Raised More Than 500 Orphaned Babies

For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
Matthew 6:14

1 Peter 1:6–7

In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though…

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1 Timothy 1:13-15

Though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love…

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Psalm 1:1–3

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers;  but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and…

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James 1:14–15

But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown…

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Galatians 6:7

Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. This reminds us that our choices have consequences. God is not fooled by…

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Proverbs 13:20

Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm. This reminds us that the people we spend time with have a powerful influence…

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1 Corinthians 15:33

Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals. We can see here that Paul gives a powerful warning: the people and influences we allow into our lives can shape…

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Ephesians 4:29

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who…

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Proverbs 18:21

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits. This verse reminds us that our words carry tremendous power.…

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Proverbs 23:7

For he is like one who is inwardly calculating. “Eat and drink!” he says to you, but his heart is not with you. This verse reminds us that our thoughts…

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Matthew 6:22

“The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, In this verse Jesus teaches that what…

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Luke 6:45

The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the…

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Christian Persecution June 2 – May 28, 2026

Christian persecution published between May 28 and June 4, 2026. These come primarily from specialized monitoring organizations like International Christian Concern (ICC) and Global Christian Relief. No large-scale violent…

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Hundreds Of Farmers Stay Silent During Auction So Family Can Buy Back Their Family Farm

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aerial view of agricultural land

This is a story from from 2019 that will give you hope for humanity as hundreds of farmers in Nebraska stood in silence during an auction so that a young man could buy back his family’s farm. Credit: Cornwall Holiday Guide David’s family had been farmers for decades but, unfortunately, an ancestor decided to sell the 80-acre farm. This made the entire family upset but David was determined to win it back again. When the land went up for sale again through an auction, David and his father decided that they would save up money to buy the land back. On the day of the auction, more than 200 farmers were present. David thought there was no way they would have enough money to outbid the other farmers. But the farmers did something nobody was expecting.  

After David and his father placed their bid, not a single person spoke up. As it turns out, those 200 farmers did not attempt to bid because they wanted the family to get their land back. After many attempts to solicit another bid, the Auctioneer took a break. Three times they took breaks, and each time everyone remained completely silent. Eventually, the auctioneer had to slam down the gavel and give David and his father the winning bid. “I’ve had two profoundly humbling days in my life,” David said. “The first was the day my son was born. The second was that unforgettable day at the auction house.”

Source: Hundreds Of Farmers Stay Silent During Auction So Family Can Buy Back Their Family Farm

Thus I establish My covenant with you: Never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of the flood; never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth.
Genesis 9:11

God Sees Your Unseen Efforts

God has not overlooked a single act of your faithfulness, not one prayer, not one quiet sacrifice. Even when no one else sees, He remembers, and your labor in love is never…

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This 10-Year-Old Saved Up for a 3D Printer and Built a Business From Scratch

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Most 10-year-olds spend their free time playing video games, but Ernesto Gael Hernandez is busy running his own 3D printing business and dreaming of buying his mom a house someday. Ernesto / Credit: KRGV News What began as a fun way to make custom keychains for classmates has quickly grown into a thriving small business for the young entrepreneur from Brownsville, Texas. Now, with multiple printers running at once and products being sold in a local store, Ernesto is already turning creativity into success while most kids his age are still deciding what game to play after school.

Inside a small workshop at home, Ernesto spends his days designing and printing colorful creations including keychains, whistles, can openers, and fidget-style items meant to help people dealing with anxiety, ADHD, and stress. “I would wake up early and set something to print while I’m at school or after school,” Ernesto said. “Before football practice, I would also print something.” The idea first took shape just a few months ago when Ernesto told his mother he wanted to earn money through 3D printing. Instead of simply buying him a machine, she encouraged him to work and save for it himself. “My mom said that I could save up my chore money and buy my own 3D printer with my money,” Ernesto explained.

After saving $500, Ernesto bought his first printer and launched Prestige 3D Labs. He taught himself how to create custom designs by watching online tutorials and quickly realized there was real demand for his products. “I saw tutorials on YouTube on how to edit and make custom keychains for other people,” he said. Business has grown fast. Ernesto says he has already made around $1,500 in profit, and demand became so strong that he partnered with a local Brownsville clothing store called Jungle to help sell his creations. “The business is called Jungle and I wanted to sell my product there,” Ernesto said.

“I told them if they wanted to sell my product.” Now, three printers run regularly to keep up with orders coming in from across the Rio Grande Valley. For Ernesto’s mother, Samantha Quezada, the business has become more than just a way for her son to earn money. It has also become valuable time spent together. “It’s a handful, but honestly I enjoy that we get to do it together,” Quezada said. “It is part of our quality time.” She admits balancing school, football practice, and a growing business can sometimes be stressful, but she believes the experience is teaching Ernesto lessons that will last a lifetime.

“As tiring as it may be, sometimes it’s a little bit stressful. Time management is hard,” she said. “But it’s been one thing that we enjoy doing. We get to do it together and it keeps him on the right path.” And while Ernesto is already enjoying success at an age when many kids are just beginning to explore hobbies, his motivation is surprisingly heartfelt. “I just like doing it because I want to invest in a house for my mom and me when I grow older,” Ernesto said.

Source: This 10-Year-Old Saved Up for a 3D Printer and Built a Business From Scratch

For in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also His offspring.’
Acts 17:28

Finding Refuge in God During Life’s Storms

When life feels like it’s falling apart, God remains your safest place. Even when everything shakes, His strength never does.  Bible Verse:God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore…

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A House Divided

Division within the church is one of the enemy’s greatest tools because it weakens unity, damages witness, and distracts believers from the mission of Christ. I personally believe that all of the denominations and…

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Ecclesiastes 3:1

For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven: In the Book of Ecclesiastes verse 3:1, we’re reminded that life moves in seasons, every moment has a divine purpose…

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Hosea 4:6

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you, that you may be no priest to me. Because you have forgotten your God’s law, I…

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Man Carries Stranded Moose Calf Across Busy Highway to Reunite It With Its Mother

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close up of a moose calf lying on grass

The drama unfolded near Prince George, BC, when a mother moose attempted to lead her newborn twin calves across Highway 97. While the mother successfully made it to the other side, her two calves became trapped in the highway’s center median, unable to climb over the concrete barrier separating the lanes. Motorist Sandie, who witnessed the scene and recorded video, said traffic began slowing as drivers noticed the stranded animals. The worried mother remained nearby, keeping a watchful eye on her babies from the opposite side of the highway. One of the calves eventually managed to scramble over the barrier on its own and reunite with its mother.

The second calf, however, remained stuck. As more time passed and traffic continued to back up, one bystander decided something had to be done. Duane Hogberg carefully approached the frightened newborn, lifted it over the concrete median, and then carried the tiny moose across to safety while its mother waited nearby. The touching moment was captured on video, showing the calf being reunited with its family after the rescue. Thanks to Hogberg’s actions, the young moose was able to safely reach its mother, bringing a stressful situation to a happy ending and earning praise from viewers who called the rescue both brave and compassionate.

Source: Man Carries Stranded Moose Calf Across Busy Highway to Reunite It With Its Mother

Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God.
Matthew 5:9

The News Part 2

Dear Heavenly Father, as I enter this day please give me the words that I need to share who you are and help…

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The News Part 1

Dear Heavenly Father, as this is read give understanding and conviction to those reading this. May there be understanding where there needs to…

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Santa Rosa police officers, volunteers transform family’s apartment thanks to nonprofit

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man working on a construction site

More than a dozen Santa Rosa police officers and volunteers helped transform a family’s apartment as part of an effort to give children a safer, more stable place to sleep, study and grow. The makeover was done through the Healthy Room Project, a nonprofit founded by retired police officer Mark Kirunchyk. The program partners with police departments and volunteers to redesign rooms for children living without basic essentials. For Jennifer Alvarado, the project is personal. More than a decade ago, police officers came to help her when she was a 13-year-old girl growing up in the Imperial Courts housing project in Los Angeles. Alvarado became the first recipient of the Healthy Room Project.

“Even just getting a new set of bed sheets was very exciting,” she said. “A bed, a desk, a lamp. We painted my room purple.” Now, Alvarado serves on the board of the nonprofit that once helped her. In Santa Rosa, officers and volunteers spent the day painting, building desks and assembling beds for a family of six living in a two-bedroom apartment. It was the first time a Sonoma County family received help through the program. “When you’re invited inside of someone’s home to do good, it just makes everybody’s day better. We’re lucky, and we are blessed that we have this opportunity to help,” Kirunchyk said. Kirunchyk founded the nonprofit and eventually hired Alvarado after she graduated from college. “I’ve watched her from being a 13-year-old girl living in Imperial Courts Housing Projects to now on the board of the Healthy Room Project. It just shows how one act of kindness can really make a difference,” Kirunchyk said. Santa Rosa police said the project also gives officers a rare opportunity to connect with families outside of emergencies and traumatic calls.

“These officers deal with families on their worst days. Every call they typically go to is someone else’s worst day. So, for us, it’s almost a wellness component for them,” said Tommy Isachsen with the Santa Rosa Police Department. Community organizers and police hope the Healthy Room Project can become one part of a broader effort to support children and prevent violence. Dozens of police departments across the country have partnered with the program, which has helped more than 600 children by reshaping their rooms and giving them a stable place to study and sleep. “When you have a positive home life where kids are focused on stability, and able to do homework, that translates to having less problems and crimes in the street. Kids aren’t turning to quote unquote street families that cause crime and ultimately lead to people joining gangs and making bad decisions,” Isachsen said. For Alvarado, the Santa Rosa makeover was a full-circle moment, from once receiving help to now helping another child in need.

Source: Santa Rosa police officers, volunteers transform family’s apartment thanks to nonprofit – CBS San Francisco

Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things.
Romans 14:1

🇺🇸 Memorial Day 🇺🇸

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13 Today, we honor and remember the brave men and women who gave…

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Amos 3:7

 “For the Lord God does nothing without revealing his secret to his servants the prophets. This verse reveals that God does not act without warning His people first. The verse teaches that the…

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Isaiah 11:2

And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord Isaiah…

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The tale of a Ford, a nest, and a Robin

A Ford dealership in Kansas can’t let a customer take home an already-bought F-250 Super Duty, and the reason is for the birds—quite literallySee, Olathe Ford of Olathe, Kansas, which posted…

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The King is Coming

They shouted “Hosanna” like a King was arriving, but didn’t realize a Savior was surrendering. Don’t just celebrate Jesus for what you want Him to do, honor Him for who He…

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Break Free and Run the Race

Break free from sin, and run your race like it matters. We must understand, getting rid of our anchors will still keep us in the race. ⚓️ 📖Therefore, since we are…

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The News Part 1

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journalists hands holding microphones around man in suit
men wrestling on dirt

Dear Heavenly Father, as this is read give understanding and conviction to those reading this. May there be understanding where there needs to be understanding and conviction where there needs to be conviction. Please soften the hearts of those reading this and open them to receive Your message. In Jesus Name Amen


Over the last few days I have seen all of the fighting, the name calling, insults, character bashing and I wonder why. We as Christians and human beings are told that we should not return evil with evil: 1 Peter 3: 9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.

That is one definition of Respect. With that said I do not blame any of the uncertainties that there are out there. I will just say one thing and that is CAKE, we all know what happened. But we have been commanded: Romans 12: 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.

I know that when we observe the respect that we are expected to give others yet receive disrespect in every manner that you can imagine, it gets disheartening. We are still told that 1 Peter 23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.

We should always respond with meekness: Matthew 5: 39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.

We have been instructed to follow in the footsteps that Jesus gave us, to walk on the path that he took. 1 Peter 21: 21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.

There are two things that we should never forget, his commandments to LOVE one another: Matthew 22: 37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. And with that said never forget: Luke 6: 31 Do to others as you would have them do to you. Jesus did not say these things were acceptable but he did say we need to Love everyone. Continue……

Abortion Survivor; Amy’s Story

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ultrasound of an unborn child

My story is unique in that it has two beginnings. I was born on June 6, 1980, in Ashland, Oregon. A young lady, probably a student at a nearby university, learned that she was pregnant. Medical records tell me that she discovered her pregnancy in May of that year, not even a month before I was born. She may have been alone, scared, and unsure of what to do. Meanwhile, in a small coastal town a few hours away, a young couple had hopes and dreams of starting a family of their own. After years of unsuccessful attempts, they turned to adoption agencies to increase their chances of starting a family.

The young couple was turned down twice. Heartbroken and exhausted, they gave up hope of having a child of their own. A neighbor across the street, knowing their heartache, ran over one day in the driveway to give them the name of an adoption agent in town “who had babies.” Grief-stricken, the young wife stated, “I can’t do this anymore.” A few weeks later, she had a change of heart and decided to contact the adoption agent. Soon, the agent heard of a new baby up for adoption, one who was born early. The agent raised her hand and told her team, “This one is mine.” Not long after this, the young couple was connected with a little baby girl who had entered the world early and was placed in a large hospital in Medford, Oregon.

This is the part of the story that is hard to read, but I believe it was all part of God’s plan. The young woman in the first paragraph had come to the decision, one way or another, that her only way to deal with an unwanted pregnancy was to end it. As a result of an attempted abortion procedure, I was born… alive. It is unknown whether the young woman thought she was early in her pregnancy or if the doctor at the clinic believed so, but either way, I survived. I was born anywhere from 28 to 30 weeks gestation. I was a viable birth. I am a person, an individual with my own thoughts and feelings. I don’t know what that young woman was told by those around her or what she was told when she entered that clinic, but I do know this—I am so much more than “just a clump of cells.”

On July 9, 1980, I was given to Nancy and Richard, the young couple who had wished and hoped for a child of their own. My parents were nervous, frightened, but overjoyed to bring their precious new baby home. They adopted me soon after this date and became my number one advocates and supporters, and they continue to be some of my biggest fans today. An added blessing to my beginnings is that two years after adopting me, my parents found out that they were pregnant and were going to have another baby—my sister, Katie.

Source: Amy’s Story – Abortion Survivors Network

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9

Letting God Take the Lead

God doesn’t guide the loud, the proud, or the self-sufficient, He leads the humble who are willing to follow. Lay down your pride, and watch how clearly His…

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Primary Elections; May 19, 2026

Today, Tuesday, May 19, 2026, is a major primary election day in six states: Alabama, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Oregon, and Pennsylvania. These are mostly partisan primaries (Democratic and…

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What does Hosanna Mean?

Hosanna: 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?…

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Matthew 25:21

“His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things, I will set you over many things. Enter into…

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2 Peter 2:1-3

But false prophets also arose among the people, as false teachers will also be among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, denying even the Master who…

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Recognizing the Trap of Offense

A wounded heart builds walls higher than pride ever could, harder to win back than a fortified city. Choose your words carefully, because one broken relationship can become…

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Abortion Survivor; Michele’s Story

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ultrasound scan on screen

“My story began in the pre-Roe v. Wade era of 1962. As the youngest of seven children in a large, financially struggling family, my conception came at a particularly challenging time for my parents. With the assistance of her OBGYN, my mother attempted to end her pregnancy. Miraculously, I survived the abortion attempt, even after being exposed to 18 methotrexate pills and three days of saline injections.“

What Michele wants you to know: Seeing the pain, shame, and guilt my mom suffered through her two abortion attempts shows the trauma of abortion. Only for the babies who suffer in the womb, but for the women who endure the abuse of those who have reduced the life of a baby to just a procedure. A procedure that will not remove pain or difficulty from a woman’s life, but will only worsen it as they seek forgiveness from the pain of an abortion. I am here to tell you that, as painful and wrong as it is to take the life of your own child, there is complete freedom and forgiveness for anyone who has been down this road.

There is no condemnation or judgment from your loving Heavenly Father. He longs for you to come to Him and share your pain. After all, He already knows everything about it and is just waiting, longing, for you to let His love heal your heart. Please don’t run from Him; run to Him and to those of us who are here with open arms, ready to help you heal.

Source: Michele’s Story – Abortion Survivors Network

I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, My soul shall be joyful in my God; For He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, As a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments, And as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
Isaiah 61:10

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First Human Cornea Transplant Using 3D Printed, Lab-Grown Tissue Restores Sight in a ‘Game Changer’ for Millions Who are Blind

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human green eye in close up

The first successful human implant of a 3D-printed cornea made from human eye cells cultured in a laboratory has restored a patient’s sight. The North Carolina-based company that developed the cornea described the procedure as a ‘world first’—and a major milestone toward its goal of alleviating the lack of available donor tissue and long wait-times for people seeking transplants. According to Precise Bio, its robotic bio-fabrication approach could potentially turn a single donated cornea into hundreds of lab-grown grafts, at a time when there’s currently only one available for an estimated 70 patients who need one to see.

“This achievement marks a turning point for regenerative ophthalmology—a moment of real hope for millions living with corneal blindness,” Aryeh Batt, Precise Bio’s co-founder and CEO, said in a statement. “For the first time, a corneal implant manufactured entirely in the lab from cultured human corneal cells, rather than direct donor tissue, has been successfully implanted in a patient.” The company said the transplant was performed Oct. 29 in one eye of a patient who was considered legally blind. “This is a game changer. We’ve witnessed a cornea created in the lab, from living human cells, bring sight back to a human being,” said Dr. Michael Mimouni, director of the cornea unit at Rambam Medical Center in Israel, who performed the procedure.

Source: First Human Cornea Transplant Using 3D Printed, Lab-Grown Tissue Restores Sight in a ‘Game Changer’ for Millions Who are Blind

However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life.
1 Timothy 1:16

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Now 5, Minnesota boy who received heart transplant at 10 months old making remarkable progress

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an illustration of a heart

At 5 years old, William Staley Olesen is a ball of energy. He loves Nintendo, NASCAR, Minnesota sports and talking about becoming a firefighter someday. Watching him run around, laugh and play, it would be hard to know just how much he has already been through. William received a heart transplant when he was 10 months old after doctors discovered, before he was born, that he had a rare condition called heterotaxy syndrome, which caused severe abnormalities in his heart and other organs.

His parents, Katie Staley and Betsy Olesen, said their journey began during a 20-week anatomy scan while they were living in Fargo. “We were so ecstatic that we were having a little boy,” Olesen said. “And then just when our midwife came in, and you could tell something was up, and she just told us right away.” Further testing in the Twin Cities confirmed William had heterotaxy syndrome, a condition that can cause organs in the chest and abdomen to form abnormally or be misplaced. Staley said William’s condition was complex. In addition to problems with his heart, he was born with malrotation in his intestines, webbing in his intestines that required surgery when he was 7 days old, and a tethered spinal cord that later required surgery. William was delivered at Abbott Northwestern Hospital and then transferred to Children’s Minnesota for specialized care. Staley said one of the moments she remembers most from the day he was born came when she first saw him. “What really I remember is the moment I got to see him, and they rolled me back into the room, and he just grabbed my finger, and he looked directly in my eyes, and he just, like, was completely calm,” she said.

Source: Now 5, Minnesota boy who received heart transplant at 10 months old making remarkable progress – CBS Minnesota

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.
James 3:17

Bystander helps rescue man who fell into the river near Pittsburgh’s Mister Rogers statue

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iconic yellow bridge in pittsburgh s clear sky

A man was rescued from the river along the North Shore River Walk thanks to some quick action by a bystander. 

According to Pittsburgh Public Safety, just before 3 a.m., police, fire, and EMS were called to a reported drowning near the Mister Rogers Memorial on the North Shore. 

Prior to first responders arriving on the scene, a bystander heard a man screaming for help in the river. He was able to locate the man, call 911, and hold onto his arm while they waited for help to arrive. 

Once police, fire, EMS, and the River Rescue Unit arrived, they joined the bystander and were able to pull the man from the river. 

The man was ultimately pulled from the river, treated at the scene for hypothermia, and is now in the hospital in stable condition. 

It’s unclear what caused the man to fall into the river. 

Source: Bystander helps rescue man who fell into the river near Pittsburgh’s Mister Rogers statue – CBS Pittsburgh

And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.
Ephesians 6:4

Edgewater firefighters rescue 8 ducklings trapped in storm drain

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selective focus photography of ducks

On April 7, members of the Edgewater Fire and Rescue’s crew 57 received a dispatch call about eight baby ducks trapped in a storm drain in the Florida Shores. When driver engineer Zach Shannon and firefighters Scott Schenke and Aidan Rivero arrived on scene, they saw exactly what the resident had described. “A mother duck was on top of the storm drain, and we heard the duckling in the storm drain,” Shannon said, adding that the incident happened on Fern Palm Drive near 27th Street. After a rescue that involved both scooping some of the ducklings out of the drain and guiding the others out through the drainpipe, they safely rescued all eight of them. Here’s how they did it.

Edgewater firefighters used a hose line to flush ducklings out of storm drain Shannon said that although it is not uncommon for him and his crew to respond to animals rescues, circumstances are often different and require responders to adapt. “With this (storm drain) in particular, it had a couple of access (points) to it, and there was water in the drain and flowing out of each exit and entry,” Shannon said. The team had to lift the drain’s cover to go inside, but they faced a slight complication. “As soon as we would go in, the ducklings would scatter and go into the tubes,” Shannon said. “We had to wait for them to come back into the drain.”

Source: Edgewater firefighters rescue 8 ducklings trapped in storm drain

For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
Galatians 5:13

Homeless ex-con rescues lost 6-year-old boy he spotted wandering through Miami streets

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green and white street sign on the bridge

A homeless ex-con rescued a lost child he spotted wandering through the streets of Miami late Wednesday night — earning him high praise from officers, who warned there was no telling “what would have happened” to the boy if he hadn’t stepped up. Arnett Johnson has slept on the same bench in Miami’s Allapattah neighborhood since he was released from prison six months ago. On Wednesday, Johnson was stunned to see a young boy walking around on his own just before midnight, according to Local10.

Source: Homeless ex-con rescues lost 6-year-old boy he spotted wandering through Miami streets

He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.
Proverbs 16:32

Iraqi militia releases kidnapped journalist Shelly Kittleson

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Control room with people at computer stations monitoring global financial cyberattack crisis

Iraqi militia Kataib Hezbollah on Tuesday released journalist Shelly Kittleson, whom it abducted in late March, an Iraqi official told the Associated Press. The group had previously announced its plans to release Kittleson as a show of gratitude to Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani. They did, however, assert that Kittleson would be required to leave the country upon her release. Kataib Hezbollah is part of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), a coalition of militias with official status in the Iraqi military. It was formed to combat ISIS at the height of its power in northern Iraq. Kittleson’s release reportedly came in exchange for Baghdad releasing several of the militia’s own members from custody.

Source: Iraqi militia releases kidnapped journalist Shelly Kittleson: AP | Just The News

May He grant you according to your heart’s desire, And fulfill all your purpose.
Psalm 20:4

Mom saves 2-year-old from backseat of submerged car after crash into Vermont river

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A woman was able to escape a submerged car with her 2-year-old son and swim to safety after crashing into a Vermont river on Monday. The Hartford, Vt. fire department said it responded to the area of Quechee Main Street and the Mill Run Condominiums for a report of a car in the Ottauquechee River at about 12:45 p.m. “The driver was hanging onto the vehicle as it floated downstream,” the department said. The toddler was in the backseat of the car, in a car seat.

“The mother was able to unbuckle him, cut through the deployed driver’s-side airbag, and emerge through the window,” the fire department said. “The two were able to swim ashore safely.” First responders got the pair into an ambulance and took them to a hospital to be checked out. No serious injuries were reported. Rescue swimmers also arrived on the scene make sure no one else was in the car. 

Source: Mom saves 2-year-old from backseat of submerged car after crash into Vermont river – CBS Boston

Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:2

Dog saved by vets after eating seven chocolate Easter eggs

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thoughtful labrador retriever resting calmly

A dog has made a miraculous recovery after eating seven Easter eggs. Owner Katrina Gordon had arranged a display of chocolate for her 3-year-old son, Leo. It consisted of seven Easter eggs and other bars nestled in the back of a toy tractor and covered with plastic. But while the pair were out, Golden Labrador Holly ripped through the plastic and devoured nearly every piece of chocolate. Thankfully, the family was able to take Holly to an emergency clinic in their hometown of Belfast, where veterinarians administered medication to encourage vomiting. The family is eager to raise awareness of the dangers of leaving chocolate around dogs at Easter. Katrina said, “We’d got him a toy tractor with a trailer, and I’d filled it with seven Easter eggs and chocolate. “I put clear wrapping over the top to cover it and then had to pop out with Leo.

Source: Dog saved by vets after eating seven chocolate Easter eggs | National | ktbs.com

For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
Romans 8:6

Police officer saves dog after it fell through ice

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ice rescue operation in progress by rescue team

SPARTA, N.J. (WKRC) – A police officer is being recognized for his bravery and professionalism following a daring ice rescue. Michael Poon, who is certified in ice rescue, used department equipment to crawl onto the ice and reach a dog that had fallen through, Sparta police said. Without hesitation, Poon entered the icy water and pushed the dog back onto the ice, allowing it to return safely to dry land. The department thanked Poon for his courage and praised the quick actions of concerned citizens who reported the dog in distress.

Source: Police officer saves dog after it fell through ice

For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.
Hebrews 6:10

Puppy seen peering out of abandoned house’s chimney rescued by Detroit Fire.

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adorable brown and white puppy outdoors

A puppy was rescued from the top of a chimney in an abandoned Detroit home after a neighbor called for help. The foundation of the house was crumbling, so Michigan Humane called the Detroit Fire Department for assistance. Video shows fire crews using their fire truck’s ladder to reach the puppy inside the chimney. “This little guy was discovered at the very top of a chimney in an abandoned home. Yes, the top,” Michigan Humane said in their Facebook post. “A neighbor made the call, and with help from the @detroitfiredepartment, he was safely brought down and into our care.”

The puppy appeared exhausted as fire crews handed him off after the rescue.

The puppy, which appeared to be a pit bull or a mix breed, was examined by medical staff. The fire department gave the dog the name Stack.

Stack remains under the care of Michigan Humane at the Mackey Center for Animal Care while working to gain weight.

“Good calls, quick action, and the right people at the right time made this rescue possible,” Michigan Humane said.

Source: Puppy seen peering out of abandoned house’s chimney rescued by Detroit Fire. See the video. – CBS Detroit

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Matthew 6:33

New Jersey State Police rescue lone bear cub found along I-78 in ditch

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bear cub on grass

New Jersey State Police troopers rescued a young bear cub found alone along Interstate 78 Wednesday afternoon. Troopers from Troop B out of the Perryville Station responded at around 1:37 p.m. to reports of a lone cub spotted in a roadside ditch on I-78 East in Union Township, according to a New Jersey State Police Facebook post. When officers arrived, they found the small bear by itself and in need of help. The cub was safely secured and transported back to the station for temporary care before being turned over to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, the post noted. “Thanks to the swift response of the troopers, the cub is now safe and receiving the attention he needs,” the post said.

Source: New Jersey State Police rescue lone bear cub found along I-78 in ditch | Fox News

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.
1 Peter 3:15

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Michele Hundley Smith: Woman found alive after being missing for 24 years reunites with daughter

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News studio broadcasting "MISSING WOMAN FOUND ALIVE! Sarah Jenkins located after 72 hours" with anchors and cameras.

ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, N.C. (WGHP) — It was a hug 24 years in the making: a woman who disappeared in Rockingham County, embracing the now-adult daughter she left behind. The sweet moment caught on video took place outside of the Rockingham County Courthouse on Thursday morning as Michele Hundley Smith, now 62, came to court regarding a failure to appear charge stemming from a DWI she was charged with immediately before she disappeared in December of 2001. It was an emotional, raw moment for both women. For the very first time in 24 years, Smith and her daughter Amanda are holding each other.

They walked into court together. While it wasn’t the ideal meeting spot, because they couldn’t really talk as much as they wanted to, they had a hard time stopping. In court, the bailiff even had to ask them to stop talking several times, eventually asking Amanda Smith to leave. It was hard to stop talking, she said, because they had two and a half decades to catch up on. When asked if she forgives her mother for leaving, she said: “Yes, yes, I do. We all go through things. I understand. Life happens and we all go through things.” Smith had someone pick her up at court, her daughter get into the car with her and they left in a hurry, but Amanda said she’s looking forward to building a relationship with her mother after all of these years.

Source: Michele Hundley Smith: Woman found alive after being missing for 24 years reunites with daughter

With my soul I have desired You in the night, Yes, by my spirit within me I will seek You early; For when Your judgments are in the earth, The inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.
Isaiah 26:9

6-year-old Pennsylvania girl holding art auctions to raise money childhood cancer patients

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patient lying in bed

Life for a child should be a time of wonder and discovery, but children with cancer are sometimes robbed of those wonders. A 6-year-old girl from Pennsylvania is making it her mission to help those patients through art.  It all started when Kaylin Lundell, who loves to draw and color, was in the car with her mom and a commercial for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which specializes in care for kids with cancer, came on the radio. “She wanted to do something about it, and I wanted to support her,” said Kaylin’s mom Tea Lundell. 

That’s when Tea Lundell said she came up with “a conspiracy of kindness.” She proposed an art auction to raise money for St. Jude’s. The artists would be children, just like her daughter.  “Right now, we have four businesses that we have scheduled the event for, they are fully committed,” she said.  The kids can draw whatever they want. Then it’s up to the highest bidder to claim the creation. The money collected is all going to St. Jude’s.  Kaylin Lundell said she’s trying to raise $100,000. She sad she wants the kids to enjoy something other than fear and pain.  “Kids should just dream about other kids, being a kid and having ice cream after dinner from their parents,” she said.  Kids who make art for the auction will have their creations embossed with the official seal of Kaylin Lundell’s Draw for a Dream campaign. They’ll also have a signed certificate of authenticity. 

Source: 6-year-old Pennsylvania girl holding art auctions to raise money childhood cancer patients – CBS Pittsburgh

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”
John 14:6

Louisiana firefighter rescues dog from mobile home fire

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red and white fire truck

CARENCRO, La. (KLFY) — A family and its dogs were rescued from a mobile home fire Sunday morning, and the Carencro Fire Department has released video of one of the dogs being taken out of the burning structure. The Carencro Fire Department, along with Lafayette and Scott Fire Departments, responded Sunday to a reported house fire at 649 Braquet Road in Lafayette Parish with possible people and animals trapped inside. The homeowner confirmed that all occupants were out, but said one of the family’s dogs was still inside the bedroom.

During the fire, Firefighter/Operator Jake Richard conducted a search and successfully located the family dog, “Chop,” removing him safely from the home. After getting Chop out, Jake returned inside to assist crews with extinguishing the remaining fire, officials said. The Carencro Fire Department released video of the rescue in a post on its official Facebook page. “This helmet camera footage gives a firsthand look at the conditions firefighters face when operating inside a house fire with zero visibility, in a home they had never been in, while fire conditions continued to worsen and temperatures kept rising,” the post read. Watch video of the rescue below.

Source: Watch: Louisiana firefighter rescues dog from mobile home fire

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age.
Titus 2:11-12

Border Collie Who Fell 180 Feet Down a Waterfall Has People in Awe

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energetic border collie in slovak countryside

A woman and her Border Collie recently took a scary fall, dropping 180 feet down a waterfall while hiking in New Zealand last week. The dog, who goes by the name of Molly, was nowhere to be found when this woman was airlifted to safety via a helicopter. As this story broke, people reached out to this woman online to support her in finding her dog, with more than $11,500 raised to support the search efforts for Molly. In an amazing turn of events, Molly was found safe in the Hokitika bushland just one hour into the search.

The video below details more of this incredible story, which has since gone viral. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. This footage, which was taken from the helicopter that rescued Molly, shows that she was found near a pile of rocks, not too far from the waterfall where she fell with her human mama last week. According to rescuers, Molly was incredibly timid when they approached her. She stayed put the entire time and let them load her into the helicopter without much fuss.

Source: Viral Story of Border Collie Who Fell 180 Feet Down a Waterfall Has People in Awe

For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.
1 Corinthians 2:2

When Mission Becomes Negligence: The Church’s Blind Spot

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group of people having a meeting

Good intentions do not excuse harmful outcomes. When churches prioritize growth, image, or outreach over safety, they step into dangerous territory. This is the blind spot Scripture repeatedly warns us against. The church is called to take the gospel into all the world, but mission becomes dangerous when it blinds us to the responsibility of protecting the vulnerable. A church that sacrifices safety for success has already stepped outside the will of Christ.

Scripture: Matthew 18:6, Proverbs 22:3, Acts 20:28, Jeremiah 6:14, James 1:27, Psalm 82:3–4

There is a growing blind spot that has become common in many churches. This is something that is rarely admitted publicly out loud but is painfully real. In our zeal to grow, serve, reach, and expand, some churches have unintentionally allowed harmful environments to develop because mission has become more important than vigilance, reputation has become more important than righteousness, and numbers have become more important than nurturing. This is not simply an oversight, it is a spiritual crisis.

Jesus made His priorities unmistakably clear. In Matthew 18:6, He warns, “If anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a millstone tied around his neck and be drowned in the depths of the sea.” You cannot read that verse and tell yourself that child safety is optional or not important. You cannot hear Jesus’ tone and think that He is soft on negligence. Christ is forceful, direct, and unwavering: the vulnerable matter to Him, and harming them is severely judged and a detrimental mistake.

Sadly many churches operate as though those words are symbolic instead of literal. When warning signs go unreported or confronted because “we don’t want to cause trouble,” the mission becomes negligence. When leaders silence concerned parents because “we need to trust our volunteers,” the mission becomes inadvertence. When reputations are protected while children are placed at risk, mission becomes negligent, sloppy and thoughtless. This is the blind spot the Bible has warned us about. We need to listen to those who are concerned, they see something that we might not. 

The writer of Proverbs 22:3 declares, “The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.” Wisdom does not wait to act; wisdom does not minimize danger; wisdom does not hide in the comfort of denial. A prudent church examines its ministry environment, policies, and leadership practices with humility and seriousness. A simple church keeps doing what it has always done and hopes nothing goes wrong.One of the most tragic patterns in church history is the willingness to tolerate harmful behavior in the name of unity, grace, or mission.

We have seen this come to light so much recently, and we need to. Churches that have tried to hide what has happened instead of confronting it. Others that have attacked victims instead of being their protectors. Some that have plugged their ears and hummed so they thought they could have some sort of plausible deniability.  This is the same error God condemned in the leaders of Israel. In Jeremiah 6:14, He rebuked the leaders for saying, “Peace, peace,” when there was no peace. They were pretending all was well while they allowed the vulnerable to suffer. God called this false peace. Today, when churches refuse to confront danger because it is uncomfortable, difficult, or reputation-damaging, these churches are also practicing and participating in what is false peace.

“During the early days of the Salvation Army, William Booth and his associates were bitterly attacked in the press by religious leaders and government leaders alike. Whenever his son, Bramwell, showed Booth a newspaper attack, the General would reply, “Bramwell, fifty years hence it will matter very little indeed how these people treated us; it will matter a great deal how we dealt with the work of God.” 

W. Wiersbe, The Wycliffe Handbook of Preaching & Preachers, p. 185.

There is nothing godly about pretending that harm does not exist. There is nothing Christian about ignoring risk. And there is nothing righteous about allowing potential predators to remain unchecked in a congregation because “we don’t want to hurt feelings.”

The apostle Paul offers the opposite vision of leadership in Acts 20:28: “Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers.” A good shepherd does not simply feed the sheep, they guard the sheep. They set boundaries. They watch for wolves. They do not leave the gate open in the name of hospitality.

A church that does not guard its children is not practicing biblical leadership.

James doubles down and goes even further. In James 1:27, he writes, “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress.” Basically, if your faith does not protect the vulnerable, your faith is defective. If your church does not shield the innocent, the church is not practicing pure and faultless religion.

If you believe that God’s word is true, then mission, real mission, biblical mission, must involve meaningful protection.

The psalms echoes this reality with prophetic clarity in Psalm 82:3–4: “Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.” Our mission, the church’s mission, should include defense. The mission includes intervention. The mission includes rescue.

The church can create an unintentional blind spot when outreach starts to eclipse oversight, when building well intention programs overshadow building safety, when enthusiasm outruns discernment, and when forgiveness is misapplied to dangerous situations. There are things God calls us to forgive, but there are also things God calls us to confront and remove. Grace is not permission to enable harm.

Truth is if a church that does not feel safe for children it is not faithful to Christ. A church that does not build boundaries around the vulnerable is a church that does not walk in holiness. A church that ignores warning signs is not practicing wisdom.

Not everything is lost, there is hope. If there are blind spots they can be corrected. Cultures can be renewed. If it is a lack of policies they are repairable. Leadership can be strengthened. And churches can reclaim their calling to be sanctuaries not just in name, but in practice.

The church must adopt the posture of Christ, fiercely protective, deeply loving, unafraid of confrontation, and absolutely committed to righteousness. This means training volunteers, enforcing boundaries and reporting credible concerns immediately. It means creating clear policies that support and empower parents to speak and choosing integrity over image.

The mission flourishes in environments of righteousness, not recklessness.

When mission becomes negligence, the gospel message itself is compromised. Growth, outreach, and influence mean little if they come at the expense of safety and integrity. Scripture consistently places faithfulness above expansion and obedience above appearance. The church must be a place where the vulnerable are defended, not exposed. Safety strengthens witness. Protection strengthens credibility. Responsibility strengthens impact. A church that guards its children guards its future, honors its Savior, and reflects the very heart of God.

Application

Let mission, ministry, and growth never outrun vigilance, choose protection, wisdom, and righteous responsibility in every part of church life.

Thought to Ponder

Where have I allowed comfort, silence, or fear to overshadow responsibility, and how is God calling me to act with greater courage and clarity?

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, open my eyes to every blind spot and forgive me where mission has overshadowed wisdom. Give me the courage to protect, the discernment to see danger clearly, and the strength to act without hesitation. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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The Church in Times of Crisis: Built for This Moment

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in front of a fire

When the world is shaking and systems are failing, God reminds us that the Church is not an afterthought in crisis, but His chosen instrument for hope, truth, and redemption

When you were born, your mother brought you to church…When you were married, your wife brought you to church…When you die, your friends will bring you to church…Why not try coming to church on your own sometime?

Source Unknown.

Scripture: Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 3:10

Throughout history, when moments of crisis have arrived it has never stopped the work of God, they have revealed it. Because of extreme persecution it scattered the early church, but the gospel still spread. Empires rose and fell, but Christ’s Kingdom endured. Pandemics, wars, economic collapse, and moral confusion have come and gone, but the Church remains, not because of buildings, budgets, or cultural favor, but because Jesus Himself sustains it. He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will gather the lambs in his arm, and carry them in his bosom. He will gently lead those who have their young. (Psalm 40:11)

Today, there are many believers that feel unsettled. The world seems louder, angrier, and more unstable than ever. Our trust in institutions is eroding. It seems like truth feels negotiable. Fear always travels faster than faith. In moments like these, it’s easy to ask, Where is God? But the Bible invites us to ask a better question: Where is the Church?

Jesus never promised His followers an easy and calm world, He promised His presence in a broken one. In Matthew 16:18, Jesus declares, “I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Gates are defensive structures. This means that the Church was never meant to retreat and hide; it was meant to move forward with truth, love, and courage. Crisis does not weaken the Church, it should clarify its mission.

When the early church started it did not grow because it was comfortable. It grew because it was faithful. We see In Acts, that believers faced persecution, imprisonment, and martyrdom, yet they prayed boldly, shared generously, and loved sacrificially. Acts 8:1-8 confirms that when persecution scattered the believers, they “went everywhere preaching the word.” What the enemy used to try and silence them, God used to multiply them.

Saul was consenting to his death. A great persecution arose against the assembly which was in Jerusalem in that day. They were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except for the apostles. Devout men buried Stephen and lamented greatly over him. But Saul ravaged the assembly, entering into every house and dragged both men and women off to prison. Therefore those who were scattered abroad went around preaching the word. 

Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ. The multitudes listened with one accord to the things that were spoken by Philip when they heard and saw the signs which he did. For unclean spirits came out of many of those who had them. They came out, crying with a loud voice. Many who had been paralyzed and lame were healed. There was great joy in that city. (Acts 8:1-8)

Ephesians 3:10 says that through the Church, “the manifold wisdom of God” is made known, even to spiritual powers. This means the Church is not merely here to react to the world’s chaos; it is here to reveal God’s wisdom in the middle of it. The Church is God’s plan to display hope where despair reigns, truth where lies dominate, and light where darkness presses the hardest.

Having this calling requires clarity. The Church has to remember what it is, and more importantly what it is not. The Church is not a means to control people, a social club, or a motivational platform. It is the Body of Christ, commissioned to unapologetically proclaim the gospel, make disciples, care for the broken, and stand for truth without compromise and without cruelty. When the Church forgets this, it loses its voice. When it remembers this, it becomes unstoppable.

So then you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and of the household of God, being built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the chief cornerstone;  in whom the whole building, fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord;  in whom you also are built together for a habitation of God in the Spirit. (Ephesians 2:19-22)

Crisis can expose our foundations. It will reveal whether our faith is built on convenience or conviction. In times of ease, it’s easy to blend in. In times of pressure, the Church must decide whether or not it will reflect the current culture surrounding it or reflect Christ. Romans 12:2 calls believers not to be conformed to the world but transformed by the renewing of the mind. That renewal is not abstract, it shapes how we speak, love, serve, and stand firm.

In times of crisis, the Church is called to be more than a building or a program, it is called to be a living witness of hope. When everything is breaking apart, fear rises and certainty fades, the people of God are meant to stand steady, anchored in truth and united in love. Crisis has a habit of revealing what is real. It will strip away comfort and expose whether faith is shallow or rooted.

The Church should not mirror the panic and confusion of the world, instead it needs to model trust in God’s sovereignty and direction. Prayer becomes even more urgent, the Bible becomes essential, and the church family becomes vital. Through disaster, poverty, tribulation, and hardships, believers are reminded that the Church grew strongest not in ease, but when the pressure was on. When believers cared for one another, spoke truth boldly, and refused to compromise the gospel.

Through crisis it also helps refine the Church’s mission. It pushes the church outward, toward compassion, generosity, and courageous, unyielding service. The Church becomes the refuge for the overwhelmed and weary, a voice for truth, and an unquenchable light in the dark places. Rather than retreating, God’s people are invited to rise, serving faithfully, loving sacrificially, not backing down from the message of Jesus, and proclaiming hope that cannot be shaken.

Let’s consider how to provoke one another to love and good works, not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:24-25)

In every generation, crisis tests the true Church. And in every generation, God has proven Himself faithful, using uncertain times to strengthen His people and advance His purposes through unwavering faith and submissive hearts.

This four-week series will explore what it means to be the Church when the world is in turmoil. We will look at why the Church matters more than ever, how believers are called to be salt and light, how to love the world without becoming like it, and how to stand firm without becoming harsh. These are not theoretical ideas, they are survival skills for faithful discipleship.

Now is not the time for the Church to shrink back. Hebrews 10:39 reminds us that we are not those who draw back and are destroyed, but those who believe and are saved. God has placed His people in this generation, in this moment, for a reason. We are not late. We are not unprepared. We are not forgotten. The same Spirit that empowered the early church dwells in us today.

The question before us is not whether the world is in crisis, it is whether the Church will rise to meet it with humility, courage, truth, and love. The darkness does not need more commentary. It needs light. And Jesus has already declared who that light is: “You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14).

God is calling His Church to remember who we are. Not spectators, not survivors, but witnesses. If fear has silenced your faith, if weariness has dulled your hope, or if compromise has replaced conviction, this is the moment to return to Christ’s true one and only mission. Ask God to renew your courage, refocus your purpose, and recommit your life to being part of His work in this generation.

Thoughts to Ponder

  1. When you look at the current state of the world, do you respond more with fear or faith?
  2. How do you personally view the role of the Church in times of cultural or moral crisis?
  3. In what ways might God be calling you to step forward rather than pull back?
  4. How can the church better reflect Christ to a hurting and divided world?

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, You are the builder and foundation of the Church. In a world shaken by fear, chaos, confusion, skepticism, doubt, and division, anchor me in Your truth. Renew my courage where I am weary, my love where we have grown cold, and my faith where doubt has crept in. Teach me to stand firm without bitterness, to speak truth with grace, and to shine Your light in dark places. Use us, Your Church, for Your glory in this moment. I trust You, and I will follow You. In Jesus Name Amen

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Testing the Spirits: Discerning Truth in an Age of Deception

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“In late September 1864 Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest was leading his troops north from Decatur, Alabama, toward Nashville. But to make it to Nashville, Forrest would have to defeat the Union army at Athens, Alabama. When the Union commander, Colonel Wallace Campbell, refused to surrender, Forrest asked for a personal meeting, and took Campbell on an inspection of his troops. But each time they left a detachment, the Confederate soldiers simply packed up and moved to another position, artillery and all. Forrest and Campbell would then arrive at the new encampment and continue to tally up the impressive number of Confederate soldiers and weaponry. By the time they returned to the fort, Campbell was convinced he couldn’t win and surrendered unconditionally!”  Today in the Word, June 27, 1993.

Text: 1 John 4:1, Acts 17:11, Matthew 7:15

In 1 John 4:1 the apostle John begins his warning with a word of affection: “Beloved.” Discernment is not rooted in suspicion or fear, but in love for God and truth. John does not say some spirits should be tested but he says every spirit. Every teaching, every prophetic claim, every spiritual movement, every viral message wrapped in religious language must be examined. God calls us to have discernment, not gullibility believing everything that sounds biblical. Every voice is not from Him. Testing the spirits means examining words and experiences comparing it to God’s truth and character. Always stay rooted in Scripture and prayer, so all of the lies and deception gets exposed. That way faith grows steady, wise, and always anchored in Christ through the Spirit’s guidance daily.

Currently we live in a time where information spreads faster than wisdom. So many influencers, social media, podcasts, live streams, and self-proclaimed spiritual authorities have created an overwhelming environment where confidence is mistaken for credibility and emotion is mistaken for truth. We have to always compare everything that is said and suggested to what the Bible says. When we read the bible we can see that Scripture reminds us that not every voice speaking “in the name of God” actually comes from Him.

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John told us why comparing and testing is necessary: “for many false prophets have gone out into the world.” False teaching is not a future threat, it is a present reality. Jesus Himself even warned that the closer we get to His return deception would increase, not decrease, and will continue to get worse until He is finally here. You’ll never hear false prophets announce themselves as being false; they do however appear Biblical, convincing, compassionate, and sometimes even successful.

Testing the spirits does not mean rejecting everything unfamiliar. It means evaluating everything carefully. The Bereans in Acts 17:11 provide a model for us: “Now these were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.” The Bereans listened eagerly, soaked up everything they could, but they always verified everything diligently. They did not reject Paul’s teaching outright, but they did not just sit back and accept it blindly. They searched and compared it to the Scriptures daily to confirm whether what they heard aligned with God’s revealed truth.

This raises an important question: What does it mean to test the spirits? Biblically, it means evaluating the source, the message, and the fruit.

  • First, test the source. John will later say in 1 John 4:2 that every spirit that confesses Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God. At the core of Christian discernment is Christology, “a branch of Christian theology that studies the nature and work of Jesus Christ, focusing on his humanity, divinity, and role in salvation.” Any teaching that diminishes Jesus; His deity, His humanity, His authority, or His sufficiency fails the test. If we allow Christ to be reduced to a moral teacher, a political symbol, or a means to personal gain, we then know that the source is not from the Spirit of God.
  • Second, test the message. Does what the “prophets” are saying align with Scripture as a whole? God does not contradict Himself. Feelings, visions, dreams, and personal revelations must always support and match the written Word of God. We do not validate Scripture by our feelings and experience, every experience is validated by Scripture. If a prophetic message requires twisting verses, ignoring context, or adding to God’s Word, it should raise immediate concern.
  • Third, test the fruit. Jesus told us that we would recognize false prophets by their fruit. Does their teaching produce humility, repentance, holiness, and love for others? Or on the other side of things; does it produce fear, pride, division, obsession, and control? The Spirit of God leads people toward truth and transformation, not confusion and bondage. Don’t be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2

Being able to Test the spirits requires spiritual maturity. Being able to have discernment grows through prayer, immersion in Scripture, and obedience. A believer that is unfamiliar with God’s Word will struggle to recognize error. This is why deception becomes the most effective among those who consume spiritual content but neglect personal study. “An astonishing and horrible thing has happened in the land.The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule by their own authority; and my people love to have it so. What will you do in the end of it?” Jeremiah 5:30-31

It is important to understand that discernment is not about superiority. It does not give us a license to have harshness or arrogance. Our goal is not to win arguments, but to guard hearts. Paul shows us in Ephesians 4:11-16 that immature believers are easily tossed by every wind of doctrine. Having good and proper judgement protects the church from instability and protects believers from spiritual harm.

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Finally, we need to understand that testing the spirits is not optional,  it is a responsibility. God has given His people the Holy Spirit, His Word, and the community of the church so that we may walk in truth together. In confusing times, discernment is an act of faithfulness: For if these things are yours and abound, they make you to not be idle or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he who lacks these things is blind, seeing only what is near, having forgotten the cleansing from his old sins. Therefore, brothers,be more diligent to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never stumble. 1 Peter 1:8-10

Thoughts to Ponder:

  1. What voices most influence your spiritual thinking right now?
  2. Are you more likely to accept teaching because it feels good or because it is biblical?
  3. How consistent is your personal study of Scripture?
  4. Have you ever shared or supported something spiritually without testing it first?
  5. What steps can you take this week to grow in biblical discernment?

Today, God is calling us to move from just a little bit of passive consumption to having active discernment. If you have relied on emotion, popularity, an influencer or culture more than Scripture, it is time to focus and return to the Word. Ask God to sharpen your spiritual awareness, to help you see the light, and align your heart with His truth. Choose to be a believer who tests, examines, and stands firm in God’s truth.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, I want to thank You that You are a God of truth and not confusion. A God of order and not chaos. I live in a world filled with so many voices, help me to recognize Your voice above every other voice. Give me discernment through the Holy Spirit and a deep love for Your Word. Protect me from deception, strengthen my faith, and help me to walk in Your wisdom, humility, and obedience. May I honor You by holding fast to what is true and rejecting what is false. In Jesus Name Amen

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1 Corinthians 10:13; Fearless

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“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.”

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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

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1 John 1:9

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If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

God’s forgiveness is sure and faithful. When we confess, He does not hesitate—He cleanses and restores. Shame loses its power in the light of His mercy. Today, come honestly before God. Freedom begins with confession, and renewal follows as grace washes you clean and makes you whole again.


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

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