Tag: good news

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

Delight yourself also in the LORD, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:4

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

This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.
John 15:12

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

Therefore be imitators of God as dear children.
Ephesians 5:1

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

I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.
Galatians 5:16

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

Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, But the LORD weighs the hearts.
Proverbs 21:2

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

As a father pities his children, So the LORD pities those who fear Him.
Psalm 103:13

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

In God is my salvation and my glory; The rock of my strength, And my refuge, is in God.
Psalm 62:7

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

And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same.
Luke 6:33

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

When pride comes, then comes shame; But with the humble is wisdom.
Proverbs 11:2

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

He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.
Mark 16:16

Ireland Out of Gas

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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

The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious, But the lips of a fool shall swallow him up.
Ecclesiastes 10:12

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

The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious, But the lips of a fool shall swallow him up.
Ecclesiastes 10:12

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 My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD.
Isaiah 55:8

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

He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
John 3:18

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.

car salesman

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.

hurricane

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.”

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

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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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Jeremiah 23:16

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Thus saith the Lord of hosts, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you: they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the Lord.

God warns us against voices that speak from their imagination, not from Him. Not every message that claims spiritual insight carries God’s truth. Wisdom requires discernment. Compare every word against Scripture, not emotion or popularity. Today, ask God for clarity to recognize His voice and reject teaching that leads hearts away from Him.


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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“Be careful that you don’t let anyone rob you through his philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the elemental spirits of the world, and not after Christ.”

Colossians 2:8 is a warning to guard our minds carefully. Not every proposed idea that sounds wise leads to truth. This world offers hollow philosophies that distract from Christ, slowly reshaping our beliefs without us even noticing. God calls us to filter every influence through the exemple Jesus gave us His example was the fullness of truth. When we stay rooted in Him, we are not easily captured by cultural trends, opinions, or empty promises. Let the Bible shape your thinking today. Ask the Holy Spirit to expose what pulls you away from Christ and strengthen you to walk in wisdom grounded in Him.


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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The heart is deceitful above all things and it is exceedingly corrupt. Who can know it?

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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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Renewing the Mind in a Corrupted Culture

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The moment you give up your principles, and your values, you are dead, your culture is dead, your civilization is dead. Period. Oriana Fallaci

Text: Romans 12:1–2; Ephesians 4:22–24

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind…”

We are currently living in one of the loudest cultures in human history. Everyone has an opinion screaming out loud. The multiple algorithms are trying to shape our beliefs. Truth many times gets replaced with what feels right or what might get the most clicks, clickbait. Most believers will not lose their faith all at once. Instead they slowly drift because their minds are slowly influenced and shaped more by the current culture than by Christ.

Our culture is something that doesn’t just influence us, it forms us. Without realizing it, people can wake up one day believing things they never consciously chose. This confusion has become normal. Anxiety has sadly become common in all aspects of our lives. And truth, your truth, my truth, their truth, has become negotiable.

When we read the Bible we’ll see that it never tells us to escape the world. On the other hand we are warned not to be conformed by who is currently screaming the loudest. The battle we fight daily is largely is a constantly battle for our mind. Yet God gives each of us something radically different not just forgiveness, but transformation.

Biblical Foundation

Paul uses powerful language in Romans 12:2:

“Conformed” which means to be pressed into a mold from the outside. He then uses the word “Transformed” meaning to be changed from the inside out. Culture works externally constantly shaping us through repetition and outside influences. Oppositely God works internally by renewing us through truth. Notice Paul did not say “behave differently,” but to “think differently.” Having a renewed life begins with a renewed mind.

waterfall flowing into a river

Imagine a river that is flowing swiftly in one direction. Anything placed in it will naturally move with the current. That is how local culture works. If we do nothing, we will drift and follow the current. But when we renew our mind it is like swimming upstream, it requires intention, effort, and strength. Spiritual drift is always easier than spiritual growth.

Cultural Reality

Our culture has normalized the things Scripture warns us against and it questions truths that God has already settled. What was once clearly wrong is now celebrated as truth. What was once sacred is now mocked. This constant negative exposure subtly influences and reshapes how we think, the solution we have to have is being solidly anchored in God’s Word.

Ephesians 4:22–24 tells us to:

  • Put off the old self
  • Be renewed in the spirit of our minds
  • Put on the new self, created to be like God

This is not a one-time event. It is a daily process.

We can look at this from a scientific point of view, science shows us that our muscles will weaken without resistance. In the same way our mind weakens spiritually without intentional renewal. If we chose passive faith it will lead to cultural conformity.

Practical Application

Renewing the mind requires intentional replacement, not just casual resistance. You cannot overcome lies by merely rejecting them, you will need to overcome lies by replacing them with truth.

Ask yourself:

  • What voices shape my thinking the most?
  • What consumes more of my attention; Scripture or screens?
  • Do I filter culture through the Bible, or the Bible through my culture?

If we choose to fill our minds with fear, confusion, and compromise, we should not be shocking when our faith feels weak. But if we saturate our minds with God’s truth, discernment will grow naturally.

Thermostat

Did you realize that your mind is a lot like a thermostat, not a thermometer. A thermometer tells us what the temperature around it. A thermostat sets the temperature. There are some believers that try to reflect the culture instead of setting the tone through Christ like thinking. God has called His people to be thermostats in a confused world full of thermometers.

Reflection Thoughts

  • What beliefs have you adopted without realizing where they came from?
  • In what areas might culture be discipling you more than Scripture?
  • What would change if God’s Word became your primary influence again?

Renewal can only happen when we slow down, listen carefully, and allow the Holy Spirit to re-train how we think.

Hopeful Encouragement

The final goal is not isolation from culture, it is transformation when we are living it. God never told us to fear the world, but to discern the chaos in it. Having a renewed mind leads to clarity, peace, and a confident faith even in confusing overwhelming times. Renewal is possible and it does not matter how far you’ve drifted, God is ready to begin again. The same Spirit who raised Christ from the dead can renew your mind today.

“God is not asking you to figure everything out. He is asking you to stay rooted in truth.”

Prodigal Son

“A certain man had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of your property.’ So he divided his livelihood between them. Not many days after, the younger son gathered all of this together and traveled into a far country. There he wasted his property with riotous living. When he had spent all of it, there arose a severe famine in that country, and he began to be in need. 

He went and joined himself to one of the citizens of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed pigs. He wanted to fill his belly with the pods that the pigs ate, but no one gave him any. But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough to spare, and I’m dying with hunger! I will get up and go to my father, and will tell him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. I am no more worthy to be called your son. Make me as one of your hired servants.”’

“He arose and came to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was moved with compassion, and ran, fell on his neck, and kissed him. The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ “But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf, kill it, and let’s eat and celebrate; for this, my son, was dead and is alive again.

He was lost and is found.’ Then they began to celebrate. “Now his elder son was in the field. As he came near to the house, he heard music and dancing. He called one of the servants to him and asked what was going on. He said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and healthy.’ But he was angry and would not go in. Therefore his father came out and begged him. 

But he answered his father, ‘Behold, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed a commandment of yours, but you never gave me a goat, that I might celebrate with my friends. But when this your son came, who has devoured your living with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him.’ “He said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. But it was appropriate to celebrate and be glad, for this, your brother, was dead, and is alive again. He was lost, and is found.’” (Luke 15:11-32)

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, I am here to come before You aware of how easily my mind is shaped by the world around me. Forgive me for the moments I have allowed culture to define truth instead of Your Word. Renew my mind through Your Spirit. Help me to recognize what is false, cling to what is true, and walk in Your wisdom and discernment. Shape my thoughts, desires, and decisions so that my lives reflect Christ. In a confused world, make me clear. In a dark world, make me a light. I surrender my mind to You today.

Lord, lift me eyes to see beyond what is temporary. Help me not to fix my gaze on what is seen, but on what is unseen, on Your promises, Your presence, and Your eternal Kingdom. When suffering feels close and answers seem to feel far away, anchor my heart in the truth that my present trials are not wasted, but are preparing me for a glory that far outweighs them all.

Father, forgive me for the times when I have allowed fear, anxiety, or the voices of this world to shape my perspective more than Your Word. Teach me to set my heart and mind on the things above, where Christ is seated at Your right hand. Remind me that my life is hidden with Christ, secure, held, and never forgotten.

For those who are weary tonight, bring renewal. For those who are discouraged, restore hope. For those who are suffering in silence, let Your Spirit be near and gentle. Give me strength not just to endure, but to trust, to believe that You are working even when I cannot see it. I place my life, my struggles, and my future in Your hands. 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…..

When Walking the Walk Feels Exhausting

Doing the right thing over and over can feel exhausting when nothing seems to change. But what if your quiet obedience is building something eternal that you can’t yet see? Faithfulness Isn’t Easy, But It’s Worth It”  Bible Verse: “As for you, brothers and sisters,…

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When Your Body Is Weak, God’s Strength Takes Over

Waiting can feel exhausting, but God renews your strength. He lifts you when you are weary and helps you keep going.  Bible Verse:But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run,…

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Don’t Quit Before the Breakthrough

When you feel like quitting, you’re closer to your breakthrough than your feelings are telling you, don’t let exhaustion make you quit early. What if the answer you’ve been praying for is on the other side of your decision to keep going?  Bible Verse:“Let…

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Daniel 3:17–18

If it happens, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace; and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we will not serve…

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Ephesians 4:11-16

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 He gave some to be apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, shepherds and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, to the work of serving, to the building up of the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a full grown man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, that we may no longer be children, tossed back and forth and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in craftiness, after the wiles of error; but speaking truth in love, we may grow up in all things into him who is the head, Christ, from whom all the body, being fitted and knit together through that which every joint supplies, according to the working in measure of each individual part, makes the body increase to the building up of itself in love.


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…..

Never Forsaken

When sickness tries to convince you that you’re alone, God’s presence speaks louder than your pain. Even in your weakest moment, you are not abandoned, you are held.  Bible Verse:Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor…

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Faith That Endures the Fire

When the fire comes, it does not come to destroy your faith, but to reveal it, refine it, and make it unshakable.  Scripture: 1 Peter 1:6–7, Daniel 3:16–25  Walking the Walk There is a certain kind of faith that…

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1 Peter 1:8-10

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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.


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…..

Don’t Waste the Fire

The fire you’re walking through isn’t meant to destroy you, it’s meant to refine you. What feels like an ending may actually be God forging something eternal within you. You can either run from the fire or let it…

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Daniel 3:24–25

Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonished, and rose up in haste, and spake, and said unto his counsellors, Did not we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered and said unto the king, True,…

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Psalm 27:1

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? In this verse we see that when darkness presses in, fear tries to convince you it’s bigger…

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Romans 8:28

We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose. In this verse we are reminded that God works all things together for good, but that…

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What the Fire Burns Away

The fire you’re walking through isn’t here to destroy you, it’s here to refine you. What feels like pressure is often God producing power you didn’t know you carried. Sometimes God doesn’t remove the fire because it’s the only…

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John 15:8

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In this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; and so you will be my disciples.


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…..

Fear Shrinks in God’s Light

Fear grows loud in the dark, but it loses its power in the presence of God. The moment His light enters your situation, what once overwhelmed you begins to fade.  Bible Verse: The Lord is my light and my salvation;…

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You’re Not Alone in the Fire

The fire doesn’t mean God abandoned you, it proves He is already there. You may be in the flames, but you are never in them alone.  Bible Verse:Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonished and rose up in haste. He…

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Hope in the Storm

Hope flows from God, filling your heart with joy and peace as you trust Him. It’s not fragile or uncertain, it overflows through the power of the Holy Spirit, anchoring you even in life’s hardest moments.  Bible Verse:Now may…

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Even If He Doesn’t

Real faith doesn’t hinge on outcomes, it stands firm no matter what. “Even if He doesn’t” is where fear ends and unshakable trust begins.  Bible Verse: If it happens, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from…

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Acts 17:11

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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.


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…..

Faith That Doesn’t Burn

When life turns up the heat, your faith isn’t falling apart, it’s being revealed. What feels like pressure is actually God proving that what He placed in you can’t be destroyed.  Bible Verse:In this you greatly rejoice, though now…

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God Is Your Healer

What feels broken isn’t beyond God’s ability to restore, your healing story isn’t over yet. Even in the aftermath of sickness, God is already working to rebuild, renew, and make you whole again.  Bible Verse:For I will restore health…

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Colossians 2:14

wiping out the handwriting in ordinances which was against us. He has taken it out of the way, nailing it to the cross. In this verse, Paul reveals the power of Christ’s sacrifice, our record of sin, the debt…

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Romans 8:25

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Hopeful sunset

 But if we hope for that which we don’t see, we wait for it with patience.


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…..

Luke 23:34

Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” In this verse it demonstrates that even as He hangs on the cross, Jesus speaks words that defy human nature: “Father, forgive them, for they do not…

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John 19:30

When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, “It is finished!” Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. In this verse, Jesus declares, “It is finished,” and gives up His spirit, marking the completion of His mission.…

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Psalms 22:1

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from helping me, and from the words of my groaning? In this verse we see that David cries out, “My God, my God, why have…

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Matthew 27:46

About the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lima sabachthani?” That is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” In this verse, as Jesus hangs on the cross, He cries out, “My God, My God, why…

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1 Corinthians 15:55

O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? In this verse, Paul triumphantly declares that death has lost its power through Jesus Christ: “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?”…

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John 11:25

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will still live, even if he dies. In John 11:25, Jesus declares, “I am the resurrection and the life,” revealing His authority over both…

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What Is Truth?

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Jesus before Pilate

Truth in an Age of Confusion

Verses: John 18:37–38; John 8:31–32; Psalm 119:160

Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing happened. 

Winston Churchill.

As the years pass there is more and more information it is everywhere. Opinions are endless, AI videos about everything, doctored pictures it has made us start to doubt what we see and hear. We now can access more voices in one day than people once heard in their entire lifetime. However, with all this noise, many are even more confused than ever. The question Pilate asked Jesus nearly two thousand years ago is even more important today that it ever has been: “What is truth?” (John 18:38).

When Pilate asked this question he was not sincere, it was weary and heavily cynical. He was surrounded by politics, pressure, and competing narratives, kind of sounds familiar. They created an environment that made truth felt slippery. There are so many ways today that our world feels the same. Truth is often treated as flexible, “my truth, your truth, it’s personal”, or even optional. We can see that Jesus never treated truth as a narrative, a statement or some weird rendering.

In John 18:37, Jesus declares, “For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world to bear witness to the truth.” Truth is not something that is merely a concept or a philosophy. Truth is something Jesus embodies. He does not say, “I teach truth,” instead he said: “I am the truth.” (John 14:6)

Something to Think about

Imagine you are in the woods, turned around a little bit, trying to navigate with a compass that changes direction depending on how you feel. One day north is north; the next day north is wherever you think it should be. You would never reach your destination. In the same way, a culture without fixed truth cannot find its way it only wanders. Truth must be stable, or it cannot guide us.

Jesus offers truth that does not shift with trends or emotions. His truth anchors us. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)

bible

Biblical Foundation

In John 8:31–32, Jesus says, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Pay attention to the order: abiding leads to knowing, and knowing leads to freedom. There are many that want freedom without truth, but Jesus teaches that freedom is the result of truth, not a replacement for it.

Psalm 119:160 declares, “The sum of your word is truth.” Not part of it. Not the convenient parts, the definition of sum: the whole amount. All of it. God’s Word is not shaped by culture. On the other hand, culture is meant to be shaped by God’s Word.

Perception

One of the biggest dangers of a loud culture is that when the volume is turned up it gets mistaken for authority. There is a mistake that some will fall for, just because something is repeated over and over again does not make it true. Even when something feels right does not mean it is right. Having biblical discernment requires slowing down, opening Scripture, and asking, “What does God say?”

Truth is not discovered by following the crowd; it is revealed by listening to Christ.

Perspective

Consider how a doctor when diagnosing an illness. A good doctor does not change the diagnosis to make the patient feel better. The doctor tells the truth because healing depends on it. In the same way, God’s truth may confront us, but it always heals us. Lies may comfort temporarily, but truth transforms permanently.

Application

To follow Jesus in a confused world means we:

  • Measure every voice against Scripture
  • Choose obedience over popularity
  • Seek truth even when it challenges us

Truth is not something we customize; it is something we submit to.

Reflection Questions

  • What voices shape your thinking the most?
  • Where might you be believing something because it is popular rather than biblical?
  • Are you abiding in God’s Word, or just visiting it occasionally?

Conclusion

Jesus stands before Pilate, and before us, calm, unshaken, and certain. In a world asking, “What is truth?” Jesus answered not with an argument, but with His life. To know Him is to know truth. To follow Him is to walk in freedom. For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. (Galatians 5:1)

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, I come before You as one of Your people, living in a world that often feels heavy, uncertain, and overwhelming. You are the truth. In a world full of noise, quiet my heart to hear Your voice. Give me discernment to recognize what is true and courage to live by it. Align my mind, choices, and life with Your Word. You see the outward pressures I carry, the weariness of my body, and the burdens of my heart. Yet You remind me that while the outer person may be wasting away, You are renewing me inwardly day by day.

Lord, lift me eyes to see beyond what is temporary. Help me not to fix my gaze on what is seen, but on what is unseen, on Your promises, Your presence, and Your eternal Kingdom. When suffering feels close and answers seem to feel far away, anchor my heart in the truth that my present trials are not wasted, but are preparing me for a glory that far outweighs them all.

Father, forgive me for the times when I have allowed fear, anxiety, or the voices of this world to shape my perspective more than Your Word. Teach me to set my heart and mind on the things above, where Christ is seated at Your right hand. Remind me that my life is hidden with Christ, secure, held, and never forgotten.

For those who are weary tonight, bring renewal. For those who are discouraged, restore hope. For those who are suffering in silence, let Your Spirit be near and gentle. Give me strength not just to endure, but to trust, to believe that You are working even when I cannot see it. I place my life, my struggles, and my future in Your hands. 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…..

Peace Beyond Understanding; Help In the Dark

God offers peace that doesn’t depend on circumstances, it guards your heart and mind.  Bible Verse:And God’s peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its…

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The Silence Is Deafening

The night is real, but it is temporary. In God’s timing, sorrow gives way to victory, and what felt like silence becomes the very space where faith is strengthened and morning is born.  Bible Verse: “Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in…

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A Good Friday Introduction: The Weight of the Cross

The cross wasn’t the end, it was the moment everything changed. What looked like defeat on Good Friday became the greatest victory the world has ever known.  Bible Verse:So Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a…

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You Are Not Alone; God Is With You

You are not walking this road alone, God is right beside you in every moment of fear and uncertainty.  Bible Verse:Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you,…

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Five Words That Changed The World

Jesus teaches us to trust God’s plan, even when it’s painful. Surrendering our will allows God to work in ways we cannot understand.  Bible Verse:“Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.”— Luke 22:42…

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Environmental

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Consider how a mould works. Whatever is poured into the mould takes its shape. The culture we choose to surround ourselves in constantly presses us into its mould using media, pressure, and fear. But God says and shows you that you don’t have to fit that shape anymore. Jesus came not only to save us from sin, but to restore us to truth.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8 (ESV)


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…..

Luke 22:42

“Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” In Gospel of Luke 22:42, Jesus models the ultimate act of surrender, praying, “Not my will, but yours be done.” In…

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God Goes Before You

When taking the next step you are never alone.  Bible Verse:And the Lord who is your leader, he himself will be with thee: he will not leave thee, nor forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed. Deuteronomy 31:8 When…

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The Servant King

Real leadership isn’t about power, it’s about serving like Jesus, even when it costs your pride. If you want to live out authentic Christian faith, start by lowering yourself and lifting others.  Bible Verse: “Now that I, your Lord…

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