truth

Heap of Trouble

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

I was in the grocery store earlier this week for my weekly shopping trip. I always start in the produce section, since it’s near the door. I’ve noticed lately that a lot of the refrigerated produce is limp or the shelves are bare. This week, there were no honeycrisp apples. Being a honeycrisp lover, I was stumped. I asked the lady stocking the produce displays if they were out of the apples. She said they were. Then she went on to tell me that that particular day was the first day of the week they had received shipments of any fresh produce. Their warehouse is in a city at least two hours away, and because of the bad winter weather they couldn’t make their previously scheduled deliveries.

When I first saw that the entire display of my favorite apples was bare, I was a bit perturbed. It was in the morning hours and the store wasn’t crowded, so why wouldn’t their shelves be full? I saw that the apples were on sale, but how could they be sold out at ten o’clock in the morning? After a short conversation with the lady just doing her job, I cooled off a little. I realized there was more to the story that what I knew. I hadn’t taken into account the harsh weather conditions of the past few days. So I made the painful decision to choose another apple variety that I had never tried and hoped it would be good. It wasn’t.

It’s easy to become disturbed when we see or hear a story in the news. It seems these days that the news stories are lopsided and political opinions of the journalists take precedent over the actual facts. And at times, the full story isn’t being told. That’s exactly what I was doing in the grocery store. Oh. I wasn’t letting my politics affect my attitude, but my attitude was affected by my expectation of full shelves of fresh produce. I was disappointed in what I saw. But I didn’t know the full story, and the full story explained a lot more than what the first glance offered. I had to readjust my expectations. It was pretty simple. The truth is not always visible to the naked eye, and at times we must dig to find the truth. It would have been wrong for me to assume that the grocery store workers were being lazy, when all along they didn’t have the produce in stock. They were doing the best they could.

 Discernment is not a matter of simply telling the difference between right and wrong; rather it is telling the difference between right and almost right. ~Charles Spurgeon

We’re in a heap of trouble. You know that, don’t you? At least, that’s what some people are saying. That’s what the news organizations and influencers would tell you. Look at all the trouble in this country and in this world. Some people point the finger at just one man for causing all the problems. Others look at someone else. No one wants to own up to any of the issues that we see. It’s always someone else’s fault. Regardless of my response, I’m not at fault. It must be him. Or you. But never me.

We even hear stories from both sides telling how horrible the other side is. And our side is always right. Right? We don’t seem to have any wiggle room in our way of thinking. It’s either them or us. That’s what we’re told.

But I just wonder. Do we have to continue down this snaking path of us versus them? Me versus you? When do we sit down and talk it out? When do we actually admit that we could be wrong? Both of us. And I’m not taking sides here. I’m just admitting that each and every one of us is flawed. No one is ever right all the time. Can’t we just agree to disagree? Or better yet. Why don’t we actually examine both sides of the argument and see where the truth really lies? Let’s be openminded and be willing to admit we’re wrong and change our opinion, if needed.

What am I really saying? Let’s think before we speak. Let’s stop and check out the facts before we repost someone else’s opinion. Let’s not make up our minds about a situation before we’ve heard both sides of the story. And let’s listen to both sides. We can’t assume the person we trust is always the most reliable news source. We might be surprised by what we learn if we have an open mind about an issue we strongly support or oppose. Not everything is black and white. There’s a lot of fuzzy gray swirling around that we don’t even consider. We just believe what’s easiest for us and we go on about our business.

The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever. Isaiah 40:8

Here’s the truth. There are some black and white issues in life, and people these days don’t want to admit it. There is a red line when it comes to biblical truth. Some people and even some pastors won’t talk about it these days. It’s called the truth about sin. What is sin and what isn’t? There’s only one book that tells us for certain where the red line is. Oh. I know. There are some gray areas in that book. Not everything is spelled out specifically, but many things are. Rights and wrongs. Dos and don’ts. Some practices in the Old Testament are obsolete now that the Promised Messiah has carried out his mission by dying on the cross for our sins. But truth is always truth. Regardless of what we believe, the truth doesn’t lie.

We can’t really tell how crooked our thinking is until we line it up with the straight edge of Scripture. ~Elisabeth Elliot

For example, if we read through the Ten Commandments, which ones would we say are no longer valid today? Do we still believe we should abide by all of them, or do we pick and choose only the ones that don’t make us squirm? As Allie Beth Stuckey says, politics matter because policies matter because people matter. We can’t ignore politics because we’re a Christian, and we can’t ignore biblical truth because our politics don’t line up with it.

We can deny God’s Word, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t true. The Word of God stands forever. It’s also easy to twist the original meaning of Scripture to support our beliefs. We can’t cherry pick certain Bible verses or phrases and then cut out the parts that make us uneasy. If Scripture makes us uneasy, that’s where we need to stop and examine our own hearts. What is God trying to say when we feel uncomfortable when confronted with the truth? When the truth of God’s word is distorted, it is sinful.

Avoid a sugared gospel as you would shun sugar of lead.

Seek that gospel which rips up, and tears, and cuts, and wounds, and hacks, and even kills, for that is the gospel that makes alive again; and when you have found it, give good heed to it.

Let it enter into your inmost being. As the rain soaks into the ground, so pray the Lord to let his gospel soak into your soul. Open the windows of your heart; God help you to do so, by devout attention and prayerful meditation, that the blessed, perfumed gospel may come floating through, and penetrate into the deepest recesses of your soul.

~Charles Spurgeon

Testing Her Religion

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

I had a Monday morning hair appointment scheduled. I arrived a few minutes before my stylist, so I waited. When she walked in, she told me that she was sitting in her car reading. We both are hobby readers, so I asked what she was reading. She said she had started reading about the forty days of Jesus. And she had inspired a group of coworkers in the salon to read the book with her. She was on day two, but she wasn’t sure if the others had started their reading yet. She also mentioned a couple other Christian books that she’s reading. She’s all shook up about the recent assassination of Charlie Kirk. Because of it, she said she’s testing her religion and wants to help her co-workers understand the Bible more.

In the few months I’ve been seeing her, I’ve learned that she is politically conservative. We’ve had some interesting conversations about politics in our state and country. We agree on some things, but not everything. And we don’t really dig deep into our agreements or disagreements. We’re cordial in our discussions. She’s talked about God and the Bible and church. She’s expressed interest but made no outward signs of getting back in church. At one point, she mentioned that she wanted to start reading the New Testament. When I followed up with her a month later, she admitted that she hadn’t opened the Bible.

I’ve read that there is a spiritual surge happening in our nation since the assassination. Many people are returning to church and seeking solace in God in answer to the harmful rhetoric and violence that’s continuing to roar loudly in our country. People are seeking to be filled with something more than hatred and anxiety. They’re looking for something to fill that deep longing of the heart. They’re searching for the meaning of life. Honestly. They’re searching for God.

Just as multitudes are turning to church to find the answer, so is my hair stylist. Oh. She knows a lot of the answers. She’s attended church. She’s read parts of the Bible. She’s familiar with Christianity and Bible stories. But she’s searching for more. And she’s searching in the right places. Oh. We’ve had conversations about church and God. I’ve invited her to my church. When I saw her earlier this week, she said she’s back in church. She and her kids. I guess her husband hasn’t had the awakening that she’s had. She’s hungry for biblical truth. I pray that she finds a deep and fulfilling relationship with her Creator. And I pray that she keeps seeking that close relationship with Him.

But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil. 1 Peter 3:15-17

The sad truth is that regardless of how many turn to God in these early days of awakening revival, many others will harden their hearts. They will want nothing to do with God. They will seek vengeance and resistance to the God of truth. Some will turn to violence and criminal activities. Others will harbor bitterness and hatred in their hearts. Many will numb themselves with alcohol and drugs or just plain scrolling. Others may end their lives and even the lives of others. God help us.

For those of us who come face to face with those who have experienced this renewed attention to spiritual matters, let’s keep the door of conversation open and civil. Let’s hear what they have to say. Let’s listen to their questions as they seek truthful answers. Let’s guide them to the ultimate truth, the Savior of the world. Let’s follow up with them in their search. They may need help in getting to the truth and may not really know where to turn. Let’s not be afraid to share the gospel with them. Because if we don’t share the message of salvation that we know to be true, someone who doesn’t know the truth may misguide them. We who have experienced the saving grace of our Lord and Savior must speak up. We must live our faith boldly in front of those who are searching and in front of those who are condemning us. We can’t look the other way and hope someone else takes up our cross. We must willingly take up the cross ourselves. Each of us. It’s our call. It’s our responsibility.

How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” Romans 10:14-15

Regardless of where we’re sitting, be it a crowded hair salon or a quiet coffee shop, and someone asks us a spiritual question, let’s not shy away from the answer we know in our heart of hearts. Let’s share boldly. Even if others around us hear our conversation, let’s speak up. God is working in the hearts of many, and we each have a part in responding accordingly. People are opening up to the truth of Christianity, so we must speak it out loud. It’s not the time to be shy. God does not give us a spirit of timidity but of hope and power and self-control. Let’s spread the Good News in the power of the Holy Spirit.

For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his purpose and grace which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began. 2 Timothy 1:7-9

For when we brought you the Good News, it was not only with words but also with power, for the Holy Spirit gave you full assurance that what we said was true. And you know of our concern for you from the way we lived when we were with you. 1 Thessalonians 1:5

He Finished Well

~ mercyfortheday ~ 1 Comment

We’ve been planning this day for a while now. Two years, in fact. The time when he can leave behind the cares of employment. The day when he can close the door one last time for being on call twenty-four hours seven days a week. The time has come for others to take his place. Oh. It was hard letting go of a job he truly loved. But it was also a sweet relief to turn in his badge and sign off one last time. No regrets. 

Sure. There was a celebration for him. He was honored and applauded. Many kind and gracious words were spoken of his leadership, strong decision making and dedication to always doing the right thing. He treated others with respect and never backed down from speaking words of truth and wisdom when needed.  And many noted that at times he was the only one to use tough love.

As many lauded his actions and achievements, he wiped tears from his eyes. He knew he was well loved and respected. He would be missed. His replacement told him that he had big shoes to fill. Their kind words will make for many memories as he walks away from many years of service in a place he dearly loved and fought for. As one whose love language is words of affirmation, his cup was filled to the brim and running over that day. Those words of respect and kindness will stay with him for years to come.

He worked hard and found great enjoyment in serving others. As I mentioned, he showed tough love when it was appropriate, but he showed it with kindness and respect. He has never been one to mince words when speaking the truth, and some are uncomfortable with strong truths. But that didn’t stop him from having hard conversations with those who needed correction and direction. He always found the right way to say the words that needed to be said without demoralizing the listener, and many he worked with acknowledged him for it.

He can walk away with his head held high and his heart full of accomplishment. He finished well the course of a forty three year career. Oh. There were tough times. And there were many lessons learned. There were multiple job losses and new paths forged. But he walked through each new door ready to learn and accomplish much. As he now lays all those years of service aside, he won’t become lazy. He’ll find a new path to walk and new faces and names to learn. He’s ready for a more leisurely pace, but he hasn’t given up on life. He’ll walk through this new door and find a new contentment and enjoyment he’s totally unaware of at this point. He’ll find his way.

Oh. He’ll face new challenges as he crosses the threshold of retirement,  but he can look back on the years of rising early, knowing he did a job well done. There’s nothing wrong with finishing a career. It’s expected. But there is still a journey ahead that will have its own twists and turns. That, too, is expected.  It’s called life.

So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 7:12

Never think that your acts of service and words of truth go unseen and unheard. In the right moments, others are watching and listening. They see and hear you, and your godly example does not go unnoticed. Oh. They may never publicly or even privately acknowledge your efforts, but trust me. They notice. And they may be envious of the ease in which you carry yourself. Don’t ever walk away from honest living. 

The people who influence us the most are not those who detain us with their continual talk, but those who live their lives like the stars in the sky and “the lilies of the field”–simply and unaffectedly. Those are the lives that mold and shape us.

Oswald Chambers

Oh. A life lived well isn’t without stress and suffering. It’s a testament to the strength and graciousness of a loving God who walks by your side each and every day. The responsibility should not be taken lightly, but at the appointed hour the burden is lifted. The torch is passed to the next generation. And that time has come for him. 

So. Welcome to retirement, my dear. The road has been long, but the days are still short. You have earned the welcome relief of a slower pace of life, less stress and long stretches of sleep. I pray you find your way in this new phase of life as we grow old together. You are the best. And I love you.

Let me be clear. Greatness isn’t about being seen. It’s not about platforms or follower counts or fleeting viral fame. It’s not about accolades or promotions, the hollow rewards that come with a title but not always with true fulfillment. It’s about impact. The kind that doesn’t seek applause. The kind that shifts something in another person’s spirit. The kind that ripples on the waters of another’s heart. The kind that opens up new possibilities. The kind that brings healing, clarity, and light where there once was only darkness.

Etienne Toussaint

The Complicity of Silence

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Stephen had been performing miracles and signs among a crowd of people. A few days later, a group of men began to debate him. They hated the wisdom and spirit with which he spoke, so they persuaded others to lie about Stephen. Although Stephen was speaking truth, he was arrested and immediately brought to trial. As he spoke in his own defense, the crowd was outraged. The Jewish leaders were enraged as he preached the gospel message and pointed out their sins. In their rage, they rushed at him and dragged him outside the city gates. There they picked up stones and stoned him to death. They threw their coats at a man standing off to the side. He stood there silently. Watching. Holding coats. Approving of the merciless killing of an innocent man.

You can read the full story of Stephen’s witness and death in Acts 6:8-8:1.

Oh. This man holding coats could have spoken up. He could have pushed aside the crowd and protected the accused man. But he didn’t. Instead, Saul stood there guarding the coats of the killers.  Standing far enough away to claim innocence. Oh.  He didn’t physically throw a stone. But his silent stance of approval said it all. 

Saul stood silent, but he was also in a fight. He was fighting against the message that Stephen had been fighting for. Saul belonged to the group who took their fight public. He went from city to city throwing people in jail and sending them to their death all for their belief in the risen Savior. Oh. He knew where he stood on the issue, and he stood on the opposite side as Stephen. Saul was fighting to bring the innocent believers to a guilty judgment in a court of injustice. He had no concern for their lives or beliefs.

So he didn’t speak up for the man who boldly stood on the opposing side of a religious belief. He stood aside and watched him die. Unwilling to allow someone else to freely speak their beliefs. He was as guilty of Stephen’s murder as those who threw the stones.

Saul was one of the witnesses, and he agreed completely with the killing of Stephen. Acts 8:1

Just as Saul was silent when the crowd stoned Stephen, Adam was silent when the serpent tempted Eve. Oh. Adam was standing right there with her, naked as a jaybird, and he said nothing. He didn’t remind her of God’s command not to eat the fruit from that particular tree. He listened and then took a bite when she offered it to him. There was nothing sacred or holy about that moment. They were both guilty of disobeying God. And they knew it. But they didn’t yet realize the consequences of that one bite. They didn’t realize the consequence for themselves or for the rest of humanity for all times.

The serpent was the shrewdest of all the wild animals the Lord God had made. One day he asked the woman, “Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?” “Of course we may eat fruit from the trees in the garden,” the woman replied. “It’s only the fruit from the tree in the middle of the garden that we are not allowed to eat. God said, ‘You must not eat it or even touch it; if you do, you will die.’” “You won’t die!” the serpent replied to the woman. “God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil.” The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too. At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves. Genesis 3:1-7

In Adam’s case, he knew the truth and ignored it. And look at what it cost him. When we as twenty-first century Christians know the truth and do it not, we place our witness in a precarious position. Particularly if others recognize that we’ve ignored truth for comfort and cultural approval. I find these days that we’ve lost the art of courageous living. We instead lean toward acceptance and comfort. We do the easy thing in the moment, regardless of the consequences.

If we realized the moment before we made that one destructive and sinful decision, would we still do it? Would we still take just one small bite of that forbidden fruit, or would we set aside our eagerness to please others and fit in with our culture? Would we remain silent when a voice of truth needs to be heard? We can’t have it both ways. 

Deceit fills hearts that are plotting evil; joy fills hearts that are planning peace! Proverbs 12:20

Cultural and political events in this country the past few years have caused many people to speak up for causes they believe in. They want their voice to be heard, regardless of which side of the issue they’re on. They want their opinions to be recorded in history. Some push too far. And yet, the vast majority remain publicly silent. Afraid for the career or status they could lose, they remain silent. So their silence is perceived as consent with a crowd they don’t particularly agree with. But how would anyone know that they hold a differing opinion? They surely don’t risk speaking up in public, because they’ve heard of those who do and are socially and professionally cast aside for those in agreement.

I see the same in them as I see in Saul.  Saul stood there holding the coats of those throwing stones to kill Stephen.  He was the official coat watcher.  What an excuse.  He stood by in silent consent as the mob violently threw stones on an innocent man.  Those stones broke bones and injured internal organs. The pummeling of his body with huge stones ushered Stephen into the presence of God Almighty. The silence of Saul was deafening.  In his final breath, Stephen asked God to forgive those who were killing him.

It is tempting to not speak out on an issue when you know you’ll face blow back and courage is so needed.

Gavin Ortlund

And where do I stand when I see or hear of someone being wronged? Do I stand just far enough away so that I can still see it but proclaim innocence? Don’t I know that by being silent, I’m doing Satan’s bidding?  Am I as guilty as Saul when I silently approve of those who participate in ungodly lifestyles by keeping the truth from them?   Have I not learned to stand for my beliefs, lest I fall for less? If I don’t stand for something, will I fall for anything?

Saul? The legalistic Pharisee knew all the laws. He could quote Scripture, but he didn’t believe in the Messiah who was prophesied about in those same Scriptures. He stood silently watching an innocent man die for his belief that the promise of the Messiah had actually been fulfilled. Saul’s silence was consent to the murder. Sure. He only held the coats of the killers. But that doesn’t make him innocent.

Another great apostle, Peter, remained silent three times when asked if he was one of Jesus’ followers. Three times he denied knowing Jesus, as Jesus stood on trial for crimes he didn’t commit. Three times Peter remained silent about his relationship with the man he followed with a passion. Why? He didn’t want to stand in harm’s way. He didn’t want to face an unknown future by admitting that he was one of Jesus’ disciples. Yet, earlier in the evening when Jesus had warned him that he would speak words of betrayal not once but three times, he defiantly said that he would be willing to die for Jesus. Yet outside the courtroom where Jesus was on trial, in the moment of truth, he denied even knowing Jesus.

Peter declared, “Even if everyone else deserts you, I will never desert you.” Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, Peter—this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny three times that you even know me.” “No!” Peter insisted. “Even if I have to die with you, I will never deny you!” And all the other disciples vowed the same. Matthew 26:33-35

You can read the full story of of Peter’s betrayal in Matthew 26.

I have to ask myself. 

Would I continue to speak up if I was publicly ridiculed or if my livelihood was threatened? Would I continue to speak the truth if I knew it could cost me everything? Including my life? What is the truth worth these days? Would I speak up for the one charged with a crime he didn’t commit?

I think of the Germans standing by silently as their leader ordered the Jews to be hunted and marched off to prison camps. Many of the Jews were killed and still others were never seen or heard from again.  But the Germans.  They knew the wrong that was being done to their neighbors. Their friends.  Yet they did nothing.  Nothing.  They stood by silently while their neighbors and friends disappeared into the unknown.  How could they be silent?  We ask. 

Would I stand silent because I thought my life could be on the line if I spoke up? What harm does my silence do? I opened an email the other day that asked “when truth is erased, who fights back?” Think about it.

Every Church Is Not Alike

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My new neighbor. The good one. The one who works hard to support his family. The one who’s been very kind and generous to his new neighbors. I’ve talked to him more than almost anyone else since I’ve moved. The mister of our household had noticed this particular neighbor was wearing a shirt for a local church. It’s actually the church that some of my family attends. He asked the neighbor if he attended the church named on his shirt and was told yes. When his family attends church, that is. He told the neighbor the first weekend we moved in that we were visiting a church close to our house on our first Sunday.

The neighbor happened to be doing an installation at my house a couple weeks later, and he asked if I had been attending the church near us. When I said yes, he mentioned that his family had attended there for awhile, because it had a good children’s program for his daughter. But now they attend the other church when they attend church. He told me of the church he grew up in, and he added that they’re all the same. All the churches are the same, so it doesn’t matter. That’s what he said.

I didn’t beg to argue his point or correct him, but it made me question why he felt that way. Oh. I didn’t question him, but I pondered his words in my heart. Perhaps there will be room for further conversations about faith and beliefs and churches down the road. Perhaps he’s searching for a deeper relationship with Christ and doesn’t know it yet. Perhaps his new neighbors have been divinely placed next door to be Jesus to him and his family.

Now. It’s not my place to say he isn’t a Christian. I don’t know. He may be a solid believer, yet I know he isn’t in church every Sunday. And some may say people don’t have to attend church every Sunday in order to be a Christian, but there is a verse in the Bible that tells us not to stop meeting with others as some are in the habit of doing because the day of Christ’s return is close. Attending church doesn’t make one a Christian, but avoiding church is not the way to go. A Christian should have a desire to meet with likeminded people to worship God.

And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. Hebrews 10:25

And I’ve been at this new address for several Sundays so far, and he hasn’t attended his sometime church in these few weeks. I know what time the service is that he attends, and he’s been home at that time. I’m not judging him. I’m just observing. As, I’m sure, he’s observing us. And that’s ok. We’re all under someone’s observation, whether we know it or not. Whether we like it or not.

But there were also false prophets in Israel, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will cleverly teach destructive heresies and even deny the Master who bought them. In this way, they will bring sudden destruction on themselves. Many will follow their evil teaching and shameful immorality. And because of these teachers, the way of truth will be slandered. 2 Peter 2:1-2

But back to all churches being the same. They’re not, and there’s plenty of proof for that. Just because a church claims to be a Christian church doesn’t mean they preach the Bible accurately. There are churches that don’t preach sound doctrine. They may not even preach the Bible. The pastor may give book reports. Or political commentaries. Or politically correct speeches. Or really motivating ted talks. Or he may just share his opinions. They may never preach from the Bible or even quote a Bible verse.

Some churches preach a gospel other than the gospel of the Bible. The goal of some churches is for those attending to have a great experience. They don’t look to bring the person closer to Christ or to learn a biblical truth. Their goal is hyping up feelings and making people comfortable. And that isn’t a biblical church. Biblical churches preach the Bible, and that isn’t always comfortable for the listener. We may hear things that tell us we need to make changes in our lives. Preaching biblical truth should be a common denominator, but it isn’t. And the Bible warns us that there will be churches and teachers whose aim to to push away from the truth rather than toward it. We must be on our toes and know what to listen for at church. We need to be able to identify sound teaching and teaching that isn’t so sound.

When we turn away from the true gospel, we’re turning away from Jesus Christ. We can’t be fooled by teachers who call themselves Christian but don’t teach biblical truth. The apostle Paul thought it serious business if someone taught something other than the truth. He called down curses on them.

Let God’s curse fall on anyone, including us or even an angel from heaven, who preaches a different kind of Good News than the one we preached to you. I say again what we have said before: If anyone preaches any other Good News than the one you welcomed, let that person be cursed. Galatians 1:8-9

And then, some people don’t want to hear the truth. They will surround themselves with teachers who teach anything but biblical truth, and they seem to thrive on it. But they are only fooling themselves because there will come a day when the truth will be brought to light. And it may be too late for them to change their tune.

So, no. All churches aren’t the same. There are a host of theological and doctrinal beliefs that cause biblically sound churches to teach different biblical concepts, but that doesn’t mean they’re teaching false ideas. If a person studies the Bible, they will see there aren’t always black and white to all the teachings. Some passages of Scripture are left up to interpretation and conviction. The reason for the different church denominations is based on interpretation of Scripture and practices of worship.

The bottom line is this. We need to gather with fellow believers to worship God in a biblically sound church.

For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths. 2 Timothy 4:3-4

When to Take a Stand

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He’s worked for the company for years. And he loves his job. Oh sure. There are aggravations he deals with on a regular basis. But overall, he’s been very satisfied with the work that is set before him. The company was founded by a solid Bible-believing person, who has since left to join another firm. And those who are now in charge don’t have the same biblically sound principles that the former leader had. So changes have taken place over the years. And some are good changes, but others are not.

The company has a diverse range of employees. Americans. Internationals. Different languages. Different walks of faith. Young people starting their careers. Older ones heading toward retired. And many in between. Yes. It is culturally diverse.

With the change in leadership came a change in values. Subtle changes at first. But through the years, the changes are becoming more visible. Diversity is the name of the game these days, so a DEI leader was hired to keep the company in line with today’s ever changing values. Oh sure. A spiritual advisor is also on staff. The company now participates in pride events. Preferred pronouns aren’t mandatory, but some individuals have made sure to include theirs where they deem appropriate. Book clubs for the management team have offered discussions on racism, equity and inclusion. Movie nights that further the leftist agenda have been scheduled for employees. Discussions of biblical beliefs are spoken in quiet and behind closed doors by those who hold firmly to their faith but are unsure whether to make their faith more public.

Some employees who are committed to their faith in God have noticed the shift toward wokeness. Dare they say anything? If they can stay under the radar of the leftist leanings, can they stay employed? Will there come a day when they will be expected to participate? If so, what will they do? How do they know when to go against the flow when the flow goes against everything they believe?

In schools, some teachers are facing backlash against their stance on issues that have nothing to do with education. Commencement speakers are threatened with being canceled when they publicly support family values. Pro-life advocates trying to help women make life-saving choices for their unborn child are being sentenced to prison. Female athletes are being forced to share private spaces with males who change their pronouns. Males are forcing their way into female sporting events and calling it fair when they win. And so many applaud.

There’s a cultural agenda being pushed that is pushing biblical values out of the mainstream. Uncommon issues are now becoming commonplace. And everyone is expected to comply and agree. Or else there will be trouble. Christians are being asked to go along with the agenda just to get along. And many are. Many are forced into silence in order to stay employed. Or to stay on the right career path.

If someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. 1 Peter 3:15

Has it hit you yet? Has anyone come for you because of your stance on biblical values? Or, do you keep quiet? Are you unsure of when you should speak and when you should be silent on issues that you firmly stand for or against? When your beliefs and your voice are in the minority, how can you be heard? When should you be heard? Oh. Perhaps the time hasn’t come for you, but it most likely will. And then you’ll be forced to decide how to navigate the pond of wokeness. And the decision you make could change the course of your life. Are you willing to pay the price?

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were literally put in the fire for refusing to bow to the manmade idol that King Nebuchadnezzar had built. Even after being given a second chance to bow, they still refused. Oh. They had bowed to other requests and requirements the king had previously demanded. They had been taken exile to a foreign land. They had changed their names. They had learned witchcraft and sorcery. They were forced to become eunuchs. They were indoctrinated into the ways and customs of Babylon. But this time, the king had drawn a line they weren’t willing to cross. And so they said no. Not once, but twice. And they were thrown into a fiery furnace. Because of their faithful witness, God showed favor on them and spared their lives.

You can read the story of these three brave young men in Daniel 3.

We may not be thrown into a literal fire, but we may get burned. And we may not survive without being scorched and scarred. We may not be as fortunate as these three young men. But God is with us when we call on his name. He will not leave us to fight our battles alone. He fights for us, even when we don’t see it.

I recently listened to a couple of episodes of the Biblical Worldview Show podcast. The guest speaker gave some tips on knowing when to take a stand for our faith. The first step was to make sure we’re not looking for the fight. We shouldn’t be the one to throw the first punch. The second tip is to know who the enemy is. If you don’t know your true enemy, you may win the wrong battle. A third suggestion is to make sure the battle we’re facing is the one we really want to fight. Will your conscience be clear if you step away from this battle? Fourth, make sure you have counted the cost of fighting the battle. We must know what we are willing to risk before we enter the ring.

In the second episode, the speaker gave four tips on how to appeal to authorities. First, ask the authority to make a change about the situation. Ask them to concede on the issue. Two, make sure you have the right words. Know your subject well and know what you want to say. Three, make sure the time to approach the individual is appropriate. Lastly, make sure you have the right response regardless of what happens. Prepare your response before you get into the fight. You may be able to change their mind at a later time if you handle the situation correctly.

You can watch the episodes here and here.

Above all, we must be in prayer about how, when and why we are to ever stand up for our beliefs in a hostile environment. There are times when it’s best to remain silent. Other times, there is no choice but to voice our opposition to the situation. We must also seek wise counsel from godly people in our lives. Perhaps someone else has faced a similar situation and can give guidance.

We will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. Ephesians 4:15

Sons of Abraham

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

God promised Abraham that he would be the father of a great nation. The only problem was that Abraham and his wife Sarah had no children. And a nation can’t be built without children. The other thing. This couple was past their prime. As in, the woman’s childbearing years were behind her. But God told them that they would have a son. He just didn’t give them a timeline for when to expect this baby. And the years continued to roll on with no child.

So. One day Sarah thought of a brilliant idea and shared it with Abraham. She suggested that he sleep with her maid, Hagar, to see if they could have a son. So Abraham foolishly obliged his wife. And a son was born. Hagar named her son Ishmael. And, of course, as time would have it, Sarah and Hagar had words. After their falling out, Sarah begged Abraham to send this servant and her son away. Abraham loved his son, but he sent them out into the desert to fend for themselves.

Twelve years after the birth of Ishmael, God’s promise to Abraham and Sarah came to pass. Abraham was one hundred years old and Sarah was ninety when their only son, Isaac, was born. God’s promise was fulfilled. Now the promised nation had begun.

After Ishmael was born, God had promised both Abraham and Hagar that Ishmael would be the father of a great nation. Just to be clear, this was a different nation than the initial one God had promised to Abraham. Abraham’s descendants formed two different nations. Two warring nations. The two brothers, Ishmael and Isaac, appeared to be civil to each other in their day, but history has shown that their descendants are still at odds with each other to this day. Ishmael is viewed as the father of Islam, and Isaac is the father of Judaism. Interesting, huh?

What went wrong with the brothers? The first was conceived outside of God’s plan, and the second was God’s promise fulfilled. Abraham and Sarah stepped outside of God’s timeline, and the result was a nation that would not exist today if they hadn’t taken matters into their own hands.

You can read this story of Abraham in Genesis 15-21.

Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord counted him as righteous because of his faith. Genesis 15:6

When we consider the cultural, political and theological differences between the Muslims and Jews, we can get a clearer picture as to why there is so much upheaval in the world. Throughout history, not only the Muslims have been against the Jews, but other nations have joined the fight against God’s chosen people.

I wonder. If Sarah hadn’t made such a ridiculous suggestion to Abraham and if he hadn’t acted on it, would there have risen another nation to take the place of Islam? Am I just fooling myself thinking that perhaps a lot of the discord and turmoil we hear about today in the Middle East could have been avoided if that son had never been born? Is that too simple of a solution?

It doesn’t mean that the Jews would have been deeply loved and valued by others throughout the years if Ishmael had never been born. Others have come along to try to erase them from the face of the earth. The Egyptians tried to destroy the Jews, but God ensured they grew to be a strong nation. Hitler wasn’t a Muslim, and he sure did his part in trying to move the Jewish nation into extinction. Still today, there are many forces working to depopulate the Jewish race. But here’s the secret. God won’t allow that to happen. Once God makes a promise, he keeps it. And it doesn’t matter how long it takes to fulfill the promise, he doesn’t go back on his word.

God loves the Jewish nation and wants the best for them, even though they have strayed from him. They have not remained faithful in following his commands. Sure. There is a remnant of faithful Jews, but they still don’t believe Jesus was the Messiah. But the day will come when the remnant believes and they will be saved.

God promised that he would destroy nations that come against Jerusalem. He says that the nations who come against Jerusalem will only hurt themselves. We must seriously consider the ramifications for our country if our leaders do not stand with Israel. We must stand with Israel at all costs.

On that day I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock. All the nations will gather against it to try to move it, but they will only hurt themselves. Zechariah 12:3

For on that day I will begin to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem. Zechariah 12:9

If you don’t know why there is so much hatred toward the Jewish nation, you might consider reading the entire Bible from cover to cover. I would suggest buying a chronological Bible to take you through the events as they occurred in order. Understanding the history of mankind is an important part of understanding today’s cultural moment.

Well then, has God failed to fulfill his promise to Israel? No, for not all who are born into the nation of Israel are truly members of God’s people! Being descendants of Abraham doesn’t make them truly Abraham’s children. For the Scriptures say, “Isaac is the son through whom your descendants will be counted,” though Abraham had other children, too. This means that Abraham’s physical descendants are not necessarily children of God. Only the children of the promise are considered to be Abraham’s children. Romans 9:6-8

When Death is Gain

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

We’re all alive but we’re heading for death. When we take our first breath, we are inching toward our last. We know we’re on a collision course with the grave. It’s a fact of life and death.  Every day we’ve been given to live is a gift to live for Christ. If we live for anything else, are we even truly living?

As believers, we are called to die to ourselves. That death can be very painful as we dislodge our desires from God’s. When we turn our life of self indulgence over to following God, the shackles fall off. When we turn our backs on sin, we gain everlasting life. When we allow our personal desires to be replaced with God’s will, we live in surrendered peace. When we die to ourselves, we live only for God.

And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father. Colossians 3:17

Paul had been thrown into a prison in Rome. Oh. He hadn’t committed any crimes and he hadn’t been formally charged, but he found himself in prison anyway. There had also been a death threat against Paul because of his teachings. And those who disagreed with his teaching that Jesus had risen from the dead were replacing truth with doubt when they told their story in the courtroom. They were calling him a troublemaker, but they didn’t charge him with any crimes. They knew he wasn’t guilty of any crime but they wouldn’t set him free. By keeping him locked up, the Roman leaders thought they were appeasing the Jewish leaders. And Paul wouldn’t take a lesser plea just to get out of prison.

Paul knew he was unlawfully placed in prison. He knew he was being wronged, and he suffered for someone else’s wrongdoing. But his faith didn’t waver. He preached the gospel to governors who kept him locked up for years. He proclaimed his innocence when others tried to hijack his case. He even shared his testimony in front of a king who claimed he was out of his mind. He demanded to face trial in front of Caesar. That’s how he found himself in Rome. He had appealed to the highest court.

Paul didn’t fear death, because his hope was in Jesus Christ.

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. Philippians 1:21

I recently watched a short video where a man who searches for truth said that most people will do anything to survive. They’ll survive at any price. So he asked what was the right price to accept to remain alive. He asked. Is it ten million dollars? Twenty million? One hundred million? Then the next sentence he said stunned the audience. He said that if you are a truthteller, the price must be your life. Otherwise, you are for sale. And if you are for sale, then you’re not looking for the truth.

This man said that if I follow my conscience, I may die. But I can lie, and I will live. Truthtellers are strong. Liars are weak. Courage is contagious and intimidating at the same time. To those who are willing to take up the badge of courage, there are as many others who are afraid of those who speak truth. So have no fear. If your life is your price, then take pride in that fact but let it humble you at the same time.

And he’s right. If we can be paid off for keeping silent about the truth, then we’re not really looking for the truth. We’re looking for safety. We’re looking out for number one. Ourselves. But if the price is our life, then we’re willing to forfeit all we have to do the right thing. Telling the truth is costly. Oh. Not always. But in today’s world, the truth is spun so fast that what spills out looks nothing like truth. And it isn’t truth. It’s lies manufactured to make you safe and to put others out of the reach of safety. When if the truth were told, it would be the other way around. Your life could be at risk and others would be saved.

We know that death is not defeat to the Christian. The result of death is a win for those whose sins have been wiped clean. Death ushers forgiven souls into the presence of Jesus Christ for eternity.

Consider Daniel’s three friends. When commanded to bow before an image of the king, they refused. They said no. They would bow only to the God of the universe. So when they were given a second chance to bow, they still refused. Their punishment? They were thrown into a fiery furnace where the flames leaping out killed the ones tossing them in. But God honored their faithfulness, and they survived. Before being thrown into the fire, they said they would not recant their faith in God even if they didn’t survive the fire. Their faith was their priority in life and in the possibility of death. Their life was the price they were willing to pay for truth.

Read the story of Daniel’s friends in Daniel 3.

There was a life that was sold. Except the owner of the life didn’t make the financial exchange. It was one of his twelve closest followers. This follower was obviously living on the fringe. And in a moment of utter weakness, he approached the enemy and offered the life of the man he called Lord. And he sold that friendship for thirty pieces of silver. And when the guard came to collect their prize, Judas kissed Jesus on the cheek as a sign he was theirs for the taking.

Oh. The man who received the kiss knew the betrayal was coming. He knew his life was on the line. During the three years of his ministry, he spoke the truth plainly but eloquently to anyone who would listen. And he offered to them free of charge the gift of salvation and eternal life. It was his physical life that was on the line, though, as the sacrifice for the gift he offered. And as he hung on the cross, he paid the ultimate price. The truth of his message wasn’t silenced by his death. It spread like wildfire around the world, and it’s still spreading today.

The loss of the physical life of Jesus was our gain. Jesus’ death on the cross paved the way for our sins to be forgiven and our worth redeemed. Jesus paid it all. All to him I owe.

You can find the story of Judas Iscariot’s betrayal of Jesus in Luke 22:47-53.

Should I Stay or Should I Go?

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

Oh. The preacher so loved by so many has caused such a stir in recent weeks. He gave advice to a grandmother, and it hasn’t gone over well with others. Oh. It was a message he gave a few months ago that has suddenly come to light. And now it’s created chaos in the Christian community. He has been canceled by some and applauded by others. Many have definite opinions about the subject, while others choose to stay silent. 

The issue at hand is whether it is a sin for a Bible believing person to attend a gay wedding. Should they go or should they stay home? For some, it’s a quandary they hoped to never face. Until it’s staring them in the face. And then a difficult decision must be made. And a tough conversation must take place. Regardless of which side they choose to take, words must be said. Love and compassion must be shared.

How does a Christian respond when asked to do something that goes against their biblical beliefs? Is it ever acceptable to participate in or applaud an activity they believe goes directly against God’s will? Is it acceptable to attend an event in order to show “Christian love”? How do you not support one activity but still show love? When is it acceptable to disapprove another person’s choices without fracturing the relationship? Is it even possible? Can both sides be happy and stay connected?

I’ve read multiple articles and listened to podcasts of Christian leaders who’ve begun to address this pastor’s advice. Someone has asked how to stand their ground and show love at the same time. Is it possible? Should the one who chooses to stand for their biblical beliefs have to tiptoe around the one offending the Bible? 

One writer suggested that, as followers of Christ, we should stop to ask ourselves “What do I know for sure?” when faced with such a defining dilemma. What do I know for sure about loving others unconditionally? What do I know for sure about following Christ’s commands? What do I know for sure about being a faithful Christian witness to those in need of a Savior? What do I know for sure about sin? Another writer said that unconditional love is not unconditional acceptance of someone else’s choices and decisions. 

Love does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. 1 Corinthians 13:6

Should we attend a gay wedding if we don’t support that ideology? Isn’t biblical marriage a covenant between a man and a woman? And witnesses must be present to sign the legal documents. By sitting in attendance at such an event, are we not helping to seal the covenant being signed by these two? Isn’t eating the cake and raising a toast to the couple an endorsement of their union? By offering a gift, are we not celebrating them?

If it’s true that marriage is God’s plan for a man and woman to create the next generation, then it isn’t possible for two people of the same sex to procreate. Since a union between two of the same sex isn’t a marriage in God’s eyes, how can it be a marriage in a believer’s eyes?

One well-known pastor says an invitation to a same sex wedding is a theological test for a believer. How would you respond to that test?

I know. I’m asking too many questions about a delicate matter. But when we’re faced with a difficult moral and spiritual decision, all factors must be laid on the table. We can’t just continue to sweep the dirt under the rug, for soon the rug is dirty. So, I’ll continue on with more questions and thoughts.

How many have ever sat in attendance of two people marrying when they believed the couple was making a huge mistake, even if one is male and one is female? Is there a difference in attending that wedding versus attending a ceremony for two men or two women? If the act violates our conscience, is it a sin to attend regardless of who is getting married? If we wait for the red flag of resistance to fade to white, that means we’ve surrendered our beliefs and standards. 

Are we applauding sin with our attendance? Are we succumbing to today’s culture if we attend? Do we have a better witness by attending or staying home? If we choose to attend, does the couple know our convictions? Do they know that we love them unconditionally? If we stay away, what is our message to them?

Peter preached salvation to the Gentiles. He got called out by Jewish leaders for entering a Gentile home. But he went there to preach salvation, not to applaud their sinful behavior. He didn’t walk in the Gentile door to witness a binding contract or to approve of sin. He was there to witness sinners being saved. And he rejoiced in their salvation, not their sin.

You can read the story about Peter in Acts 10-11.

Jesus invited himself to eat dinner at the home of Zacchaeus, the tax collector who heavily taxed people and pocketed some of the money. Because of Jesus’ love and nonjudgmental actions toward this man he noticed sitting in a tree, Zacchaeus repented of his sins and became a follower of Christ. Not only did he repent, but he paid back everyone he had wrongfully overtaxed. And he gave half of his wealth to the poor. Jesus didn’t encourage him to steal more or applaud his illegal gain of wealth.

You can read the story of Zacchaeus in Luke 19:1-10.

Jesus went into the Temple and saw people buying and selling animals for sacrifice. He turned over the tables of those merchants and kicked them out the Temple. They were desecrating the place reserved for worshipping and offering sacrifices to God. They were not welcome to desecrate the God’s holy place. 

Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out all the people buying and selling animals for sacrifice. He knocked over the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those selling doves. He said to them, “The Scriptures declare, ‘My Temple will be called a house of prayer,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves!” Matthew 21:12-13

Then there’s the story of the prodigal son. He had asked his father for his inheritance, which was freely given to him. Then he left home and squandered all his wealth on careless living. Once he realized his sad, penniless situation, he went home to his father and repented. The father gladly welcomed him home with outstretched arms, not because he approved his son’s poor choices but because his son was repenting and asking for forgiveness. 

You can read the story of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32.

We should consider our motives for being in mixed company. And by mixed company, I mean attending events that applaud and approve those who reject biblical teaching. What is our purpose for being with those who are seeking our approval for their deliberate sins? Our words and actions should not show approval for their lifestyle. Do they know our convictions on the matter? If our actions match the actions of nonbelievers. If our approval is given for unbiblical actions. If our actions speak louder than our words, are we really representing Christ?

Our Christian faith must show consistency. We can’t claim one belief one day and then go against it the next. We can’t condone one sin while calling out another. Yes. Jesus did eat with sinners, but not while they were blatantly acting in sin. Zacchaeus stopped sinning once he ate with Jesus. He repented of his sin of stealing and returned the money. In the parables of Jesus, he said to rejoice when sinners repent. He didn’t tell us to celebrate with them when they continued in their sinful ways.

As Christians, we must be kind and compassionate to those choosing to disobey God’s commands. We can love someone without loving or affirming their behavior. We must be courageous enough to draw a line in the sand when faced with a decision that goes against our Christian convictions. Scripture tells us not to condone sin, for we too will stand in judgment some day.

Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love. 1 Corinthians 16:13-14

Backbone Needed

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

The king was waiting in his palace for Daniel to explain the meaning of his disturbing dream. He knew Daniel could tell him what this dream meant, because he had interpreted a dream for him years earlier, with the help of his God. So he could do it again. So could his God.

And Daniel was given the opportunity and the challenge of speaking God’s truth to the king. Oh. God gave him the meaning of the dream. And he had a slight hesitation as he realized the impact the meaning of the dream would have on the king. He knew it would be life changing. He just didn’t know if his own life would be at risk for telling the truth. But the king, in his love for Daniel, gave him permission to tell the true meaning of the dream. No holds barred.

Was Daniel fearful for his own life or for the life of the king? After all, this news would be devastating to the king who thought he didn’t need God. Daniel and the king had worked together for many years. It would be very difficult to give bad news to your boss. It was news that would cause the king’s knees to crumble. His power would be gone. Daniel begged him to repent.

Some would pray for the opportunity of a lifetime to let one in a noble position know that they’re a sinner in need of a Savior.  Yet Daniel was overcome by emotion and concern.  He knew the gravity of the meaning of the dream.  He knew that it was a judgment from God on King Nebuchadnezzar’s pride and disobedience.  How do you say those words out loud in front of an audience of the king? Were the other wise men still standing there? Would he have to say the difficult words in mixed company?  I mean.  This was a personal message from God himself. No one said that the king had excused everyone else in the room.  So Daniel had to be the bearer of good and bad news. 

Daniel began his dialogue with humility and love for the king. Although they were on different sides of the fence with their faith, they deeply respected each other. Daniel knew just the wrong word or attitude could send him to prison or death. Yet this king also knew of Daniel’s deep, abiding faith in God. He urged Daniel to speak the words of truth to him. Daniel let the king know that he wanted only the best for him, yet this dream told of troubles ahead for the king. A kind of trouble not typically afforded a wealthy, successful king. As he shared the meaning of the dream, Daniel spoke with courage and honesty. He left no detail undone. And then he shared hope. He shared that all would not be lost. The kingdom would be held in trust for when the king returned to his rightful throne. Then he finished his message with a plea for the king to stop sinning and to do what was right.

I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves. Matthew 10:16

Read this part of Daniel’s story in Daniel 4:19-27.

When we’re faced with speaking hard spiritual truths to those in authority or even to family members, we must do so with love and honesty. We come face to face with those in need of a Savior on a daily basis. We must keep them in our prayers and shower them with love and truth. We can’t go along with what’s popular in the world today. We must go with what’s right. Even when there might be a cost for us.

Like Daniel, we must be willing to share with others why they too need a Savior. We may have to tell them that God isn’t pleased with their disobedience and disregard for his commands. Perhaps we will have to share that there is a punishment for disobedience. But those truths can only be given with a gentle and humble attitude. We are all sinners in need of a Savior.

We don’t know what message God may ask us to share with someone who is running from him. But we do know that he will be with us as we share hard truths and genuine love. Let’s not run from those difficult conversations, but let’s put our hand in God’s as he leads us to share his love to a lost world.

But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!” Romans 10:14-15

Keep your heart soft. Pray for people with whom you disagree.

Alisa Childers