Monday, July 31, 2023
Russian Proverb
“With God, go over the sea — without Him, don't evem go over the threshold.”
Russian Proverb
The Return of the Spies
The Return of the Spies by Dr. D. James Kennedy
“Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses, and said, ‘Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it.’” Numbers 13:30
Have you ever faced a daunting task, one that looked not even remotely feasible? At times like this, God, who can do the impossible, wants us to have faith in His presence and in His ability to see us through.
The ancient Israelites serve as an excellent example of what not to do under pressure. Faced with an overwhelming task, they failed to respond in faith. Moses had just sent twelve spies (one representative from each tribe) into the land to spy it out and bring back intelligence reports concerning the nature and strength of their adversaries. After some days, the spies returned from their trip throughout Canaan. They gave two reports: the majority report given by ten and the minority report given by two, Joshua and Caleb.
The majority report said: “It [the land] truly flows with milk and honey . . . Nevertheless the people who dwell there are strong; the cities are fortified.” Upon hearing that, Caleb could not restrain himself. He had heard enough negative nonsense. He leaped to his feet and said, “Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it.” But the ten other spies shot back: “The land through which we have gone as spies is a land that devours its inhabitants, and all the people whom we saw in it are men of great stature.” Then the people’s hearts melted within them; all night they “raised their voices and wept aloud.” Joshua and Caleb submitted the minority report, reminding the Israelites that with God’s help, they could take the land. But the people wouldn’t listen. These two men were the only ones with faith in God. And they became the only ones from that generation who eventually entered the Promised Land.
These two men based their faith on God’s promises. That’s how they overcame their fears and fought to enter the Promised Land. We need to do the same thing. When circumstances overwhelm you and the task at hand is daunting, place your full faith in God and trust that He will deliver you into your promised land.
Sunday, July 30, 2023
Acts 1:11
"This same JESUS, who you have seen going into Heaven shall return in like manner as you have seen HIM go." Acts 1:11
Quote from C.S. Lewis
“Jesus' teaching on the subject of His return quite clearly consisted
of three propositions:
1. That he will certainly return.
2. That we cannot possibly find out when.
3. That we must always be ready for hHim.”
C. S. Lewis
HE Shall Return
Thursday, July 27, 2023
You Can
You Can!
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
Do you dream big dreams for your life? If you were given absolute assurance of success, would you act on those dreams? Well, God has promised us such victory. Read Paul’s claim from Philippians again: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” What an incredible promise. But all too often we talk ourselves out of our dreams with two simple words: “I can’t.” These words of unbelief crush our dreams. Instead of trusting God’s promise to strengthen us for all things, we rely on our own volition, our education, our physical prowess, or perhaps even our social standing. And when we perceive a lack of resources to accomplish our dreams, we fail to even try.
Jesus said, “Without me ye can do nothing.” If we ever want to fulfill our dreams, we must keep our eyes on Jesus Christ. And as we do, the possibilities are limitless. But first, we must align our aspirations with God’s Word and with His will for us. Second, we must steadfastly work toward our goal, never losing sight of it. Paul serves as a great example of this two-step strategy. He had a dream that every nation, tongue, and tribe would know the Gospel. Paul’s goal was completely in line with God’s truth. And despite his suffering as he strove toward his goal, Paul never lost sight of it. Because of his perseverance and his reliance on God’s strength, Paul’s dream lives on as the Good News continues to spread to the ends of the earth.
God intended His children to soar like eagles. He wants us to live in His world of infinite possibilities, relying on His strength to make our dreams realities. Do you have a dream, something you think you could never achieve? Then ask God for strength to achieve it. As you set your faith in God and seek His will, He will make your dreams come
History vs. Hollywood
History vs. Hollywood
2d
·
In its third weekend of release, 'Sound of Freedom' achieved its own mission impossible by beating 'Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning' at the weekend box office. Dead Reckoning was only in its second weekend. Making Sound of Freedom's weekend haul even more impressive was that it took in more money in its third weekend than it did in its first.
The based-on-a-true-story movie stars Jim Caviezel as Tim Ballard, a Special Agent with Homeland Security who quits his government job and devotes his life to rescuing children.
#SoundofFreedom #SoundofFreedomMovie #TimBallard #JimCaviezel #SOF #SOFMovie #SOFMovie2023
Saturday, July 22, 2023
The Alchemy of God
The Alchemy of God by Dr. D. James Kennedy
“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28
Have you ever had a rock and wished you could change it into a diamond? Years ago, before the advent of chemistry, a science called alchemy existed, and alchemists had a similar passion: finding a way to transform worthless metals into gold. Of course, they never succeeded.
But God is the master alchemist. He has a passion for taking all things and working them for good. Charles Spurgeon tells about one man who had complete faith that God would work everything for his good. During the reign of Queen Mary I of England, this man was captured for preaching the Gospel. He received the sentence of being burned alive at the stake in London. When he heard the sentence, he said, “Well, never mind. God will work all things together for my good. I don’t know how, but He will.” On his way to London, the guards treated the man roughly. In fact, they even threw him down to the ground, and in doing so, they broke his leg. Then they mocked the man, saying, “Well, tell us how this will work together for your good.” He said, “I don’t know, but it will.” Before they could continue their trip, the guards had to take time to put the man’s leg into a splint. Because of this delay, the group arrived in London a day later than the guards had planned. But the night before they arrived, Queen Mary died, and Elizabeth had taken the throne. Instead of burning the man at the stake, Elizabeth pardoned him. So, although his broken leg was a bad thing, God used it for his good, saving his life through the delay it caused.
Do circumstances often seem to work in opposition to your expectations? Do you sometimes despair of any good coming from your situation? Remember that God is in charge. He sees the big picture; He knows the future. He controls all things, and He loves you more than you can imagine. Through your experiences, He’ll shape you, transforming you into the best person you can be. Trust Him and even thank Him for situations that seem bad, because He works all things together for your good.
Friday, July 21, 2023
Taking the Strain Out of Life
Taking the Strain out of Life by Dr.D. James Kennedy
“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee …” Isaiah 26:3, kjv
Many people run themselves into the ground because of stress, strain, worry, and anxiety. I suppose a proper epitaph for most people in America today would be “Hurried, worried, buried.”
Did I just write your biography?
Many times we wish we could wash our hands of all our responsibilities and worries. The executive of one small company decided he would. Even though his company was headed for bankruptcy, he decided to quit worrying about it. So this executive called in his first vice-president and said, “I have had it with worrying about this company. If you’ll take over and handle all my worrying for me, I will add $50,000 to your salary.” Startled and perplexed by this generous offer (knowing the financial condition of the company), the vice-president asked, “But where are you going to get an extra $50,000?” The boss replied, “That’s your first worry.”
William Gladstone, perhaps the greatest Prime Minister England ever had, was a fine Christian man who served the Lord. On the wall of his bedroom hung a large plaque embroidered with this text: “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee.” It was the first thing Gladstone saw when he awoke in the morning and the last thing he saw before retiring at night.
“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee.” There is the secret of peace. We can have this peace because we know that the One upon whom we’ve stayed our minds is the One who works all things together for our good.
Is the frantic pace of modern life robbing you of your peace today? If so, slow down and refocus on the Lord. Realize that He’s with you, and He’s in control no matter what comes your way. Stay your mind on Him, and let Him grant you His peace.
Global Take-down of U.S. Empire
Global take down of the American empire shifts into HIGH GEAR
By Mike Adams // Jul 19, 2023
TAGS: America, banking, BRICS, Collapse, cryptocurrency, currency, De-dollarization, debt, debt collapse, dollar, economic collapse, empire, failed state, fiat currency, financial collapse, history, Joe Biden, risk, USA
We are living in the last days of the American empire. The No. 1 weapon of the empire -- the US dollar -- has been targeted for termination by most of the other powerful nations across the planet, including China, Saudi Arabia, Brazil and Russia
It turns out that no one likes to be hit with weaponization of the currency, and with the US government regime under Biden, the bullying tactics of the American empire are convincing other nations to abandon the dollar and build their own systems for international financial settlement.
That's why next month -- August, 2023 -- BRICS nations are meeting and announcing what is reported to be a gold-backed cryptocurrency.
This cryptocurrency will reportedly be decentralized, meaning that no nation can alter its ledger or print more coins (i.e. money) out of thin air. The fact that this BRICS-based ledger cannot be counterfeited will give it intrinsic value that will instantly make it a better store of value than the US dollar (which is losing purchasing power by the day). We can expect a rapid adoption of the BRICS cryptocurrency system by the nations of the world. And when those nations no longer need dollars to carry out transactions with other nations, they will dump the dollar.
Since they no longer need dollars, they also don't need dollar-denominated debt instruments. This means international holders of US treasuries will offload them, causing a supply glut of treasury debt instruments on the open market, making it far more expensive for the U.S. Treasury to try to auction new debt instruments that provide funding for the government's debt habit.
Brighteon.TV
And just like that, America's annual cost of servicing its own national debt will skyrocket into multiple trillions of dollars. Before long, the mad money printing machine will be cranking out dollars just to buy up treasuries so that the bankrupt government can service its own exploding debt with counterfeit money. This is a lot like a dog eating its own tail... and gagging with every bite.
The end result will be hyperinflation (of the prices of goods and service) combined with rapid devaluation of the dollar currency, which will ultimately go to zero.
This process won't happen overnight, but it will accelerate in a geometric fashion that will take most people by surprise. By the time they figure out their dollars are worthless, it will already be too late to head for the exits and convert those dollars to something else. Like gold, silver or crypto, for example.
In today's Brighteon Broadcast News, I cover this and more with Dave Hodges from The Commonsense Show:
- Commercial real estate fire sale has begun as one building sells for nearly 64% discount
- Ford slashes prices of its failed F-150 EV truck, while Tesla rolls out its ugly Cybertruck
- Nigel Farage deplatformed from UK bank for being friendly to Trump
- A warning about all financial services and platforms: Your access will be FROZEN if you oppose the trans cult or #climate cult
Thursday, July 20, 2023
The Cause and Cure of Sadness
The Cause and Cure of Sadness by Dr. D. James Kennedy
“Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me with Your generous Spirit.” Psalm 51:12
The greatest lie that Satan has ever told the human race is this: We shall find joy through sin; we’ll achieve true happiness by disregarding the commandments of God and letting ourselves follow our passions. Have you ever believed and trusted this lie, only to find yourself miserable and defeated?
Sin is a great deceiver. Before it binds, it blinds. Think of Samson, who was blinded and made to grind grain like an ox. Sin is subtle, a slippery slope that pulls us into things we never expected we’d do. When the prophet predicted that Hazael would become king of Syria and massacre thousands—not only men, but women and children as well—Hazael replied in horror, “But what is your servant—a dog, that he should do this gross thing?” (2 Kings 8:13). Yet, Hazael did the very things he abhorred. Robespierre, who in his younger days resigned his position as judge because he didn’t want to give criminals the death penalty, sent thousands of people to the guillotine during the reign of terror in Paris.
Sin not only brings death; it brings sadness. David wept because he knew his own sin had caused his beloved son Absalom to rise against him in rebellion. What had originally seemed so good brought grief into David’s life.
Although sin brings death and sadness into our lives, we can have joy again. As we submit to Christ’s will, we find true joy and fulfillment. The King of Joy has washed away our sins forever and put new spirits within us. Today, thank God that, despite this sad, dying, sinful world, we can have fullness of joy in Him today and for eternity.
Wednesday, July 19, 2023
What's Going On
What's Going On by Bill Wilson
The Secret Service apparently has ended its investigation into the great cocaine finding at the White House. They don’t know. Inconclusive. Can’t figure it out. The only thing that would be more surprising is if they tried somehow to blame it on Donald Trump. Given the ridiculousness of this scam investigation, and the obvious attempt to cover it up by telling everyone that they just can’t find the person who put it there, they must take everyone in America to just be stupid. With all the visitor logs, the security clearances, security cameras and time stamps, it just doesn’t meet the “straight face” test that the most powerful investigative agencies in the world can’t find the cocaine stasher at the White House.
On July 5, Trump asked on Truth Social, “Does anybody really believe that the COCAINE found in the West Wing of the White House, very close to the Oval Office, is for the use of anyone other than Hunter & Joe Biden. But watch, the Fake News Media will soon start saying that the amount found was “very small,” & it wasn’t really COCAINE, but rather common ground up Aspirin, & the story will vanish.” Trump also asked where the security tapes were, “which will quickly show where the cocaine in the White House came from ,” adding that they already know the answer, but probably don’t like it. Certainly, Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre refused to answer whether Biden or his son may be responsible or whether the White House supports prosecuting the unknown cocaine smuggler.
As Trump predicted, the mainstream news media took sort of a “ho hum” approach to coverage. NBC’s Kelly O’Donnell tweeted, “Sources say the FBI crime lab used advanced techniques to attempt to lift a usable print. The packet was tested at two federal labs.” This followed her previous tweet: “New information on cocaine packet found in the WH July 2. Sources tell me no information resulting from forensic testing or video review has been able to identify a suspect. A list of several hundred individuals was compiled who may have had access to area.” Well, I guess that about wraps it up. Maybe they will move on to more in-depth coverage of something far more dangerous to national security—like Trump’s classified documents that exposed all of the US military secrets to the world—I’m being facetious.
The House Oversight letter demanding a briefing on the topic revealed that “According to a senior law-enforcement official, the cocaine was found in a storage facility that is “routinely used by White House staff and guests to store cell phones.” Maybe add to it and “secluded enough to snort cocaine without any possible detection.” I don’t know. But this is the type of investigation and wordplay that the leftists in charge think is fine and dandy to satisfy the peasants’ curiosity on things they just are too ignorant to understand—get my drift?
Take heed. For as in 2 Corinthians 2:11, “Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.” While many believe what they want to believe, we are not ignorant of what’s really going on.
Acts 1:11--Will You Be Ready?
"This same JESUS, who you have seen go into Heaven, shall return in like manner as you have seen Him go." Acts 1:11
JESUS came as a Babe. HE grew up to be a humble carpenter. HE began a ministry at the age of 30 that continued until HIS crucifixion. Through the time of HIS ministry to the needs of those around HIM< HE healed the sick, gave sight to the blind, opened deaf ears, and even raised the dead.
As HE hung on the cross, slain for my sins, HE said, "FATHER, forgive them, for they know not what they do."
HIS dead body was placed in a borrowed tomb. HE decended into Sheol, the place of the dead, and from there, led the righteous dead from their grave to ascend with HIM into Heaven. On the third day, HE arose from the dead as HE said HE would, taking those who had died, looking for their MESSIAH with HIM.
HE ministered to many during the interlude between HIS resurrection and HIS assent into Heaven and the crowd that followed HIM saw HIM ascend into the heavenlies. It was then that the angels appeared who challenged the throng with the words of Acts 1:11.
When our LORD and SAVIOR comes again, it will not be as a humble servant but as THE KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS."
Will you be ready?
Luke 10:19
- “Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you.” (Luke 10:19)
Newer and Newer
Newer And Newer by Dr. D. James Kennedy
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17
Have you ever felt discouraged because you’ve noticed a wrinkle where you once had smooth skin or a little extra “padding” where you once had muscle? Maybe recently you’ve spied just one gray hair too many.
In this world, the Second Law of Thermodynamics (which asserts that all things tend toward disorder) constantly works upon everything, including us. All things eventually run down, wear out, and grow old. You’ve seen it at work. As soon as you buy or make something new, immediately it starts to age, decay, wither, and disintegrate.
We can never overcome the Second Law of Thermodynamics—we can’t even break even. But in the kingdom of Christ, we do not wear down, disintegrate, or age as the things of this world do. God makes us new creations, and He’ll continue to do so until that day when He will make all things new. We can never mend or repair our old, broken-down, corrupt, evil nature. Instead, we allow Christ to remove them. The old must diminish while the new grows. The diminishing of the old nature is called mortification. The growing of the new nature is called vivification. Put the two together and the result is sanctification—one of the great doctrines of the Christian faith.
If we walk with Christ each day, He renews us. As we come to know Christ better, our spirits change more and more. He molds us day by day into His image, chipping away at our old nature and replacing it with the new. Only Christ can do this work, and He does it by the continual supply of His grace.
Do you feel the need for renewal today? Then invite God to do His work of grace in you. Submit to His rejuvenating power, and watch as He continues to make you a new creation for His glory.
Trump Target
Trump Target
Trump Received Letter Stating He Is Target of January 6 Investigation.
Former President Donald Trump said that he received a letter on July 17 informing him that he is a target of the special counsel investigation of the Jan. 6 Capitol breach.
Mr. Trump said the Sunday letter from special counsel Jack Smith gave him four days to report to a grand jury. In a message posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, on July 18, the former president suggested that the short deadline may mean he would be arrested and indicted.
Mr. Trump called the letter “HORRIFYING NEWS for our country” and framed it with the backdrop of the two other indictments he is facing amid a heated presidential reelection campaign in which he is dominating the GOP field.
Mr. Trump was charged earlier this year in connection to payments for a non-disclosure agreement in a state case in New York. He was later charged in a federal case in Miami in connection to his handling of classified documents after leaving the White House.
“THIS WITCH HUNT IS ALL ABOUT ELECTION INTERFERENCE AND A COMPLETE AND TOTAL POLITICAL WEAPONIZATION OF LAW ENFORCEMENT,” Trump wrote.
Mr. Trump’s campaign did not immediately respond to The Epoch Times’ request for a copy of the target letter. The Epoch Times has also asked Mr. Trump’s campaign to answer whether he would present himself to the grand jury as the letter reportedly ordered. (The Epoch Times)
- Lord, these continual attacks against President Trump need to cease. We can’t imagine the sorrow of being targeted so many times by political opponents. We ask that You speak wisdom in his ears, and healing to his heart. We bind these attacks and curse them to their roots by the power and authority of the Name of Jesus.
- “And seeing a fig tree by the wayside, he went to it and found nothing on it but only leaves. And he said to it, “May no fruit ever come from you again!” And the fig tree withered at once. When the disciples saw it, they marveled, saying, “How did the fig tree wither at once?” And Jesus answered them, “Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen.” (Matthew 21: 19-21)
Tuesday, July 18, 2023
Calling Evil Good
NOTE: When writing about God and Jesus, The Daily Jot means YHVH as God and Yeshua Ha Mashiach as Jesus--the actual original names and the true nature and character of them.
Calling Good Evil by Bill Wilson
The ranking Democrat on the House Oversight Committee told MSNBC’s “All In” that Donald Trump’s only purpose for being president was to use the position as a “moneymaking operation.” On July 11, Jamie Raskin (D-MD) explained that Republican attacks on Joe Biden were to distract from Trump converting the presidency into an instrument of profit maximization for himself and his family and he wants to keep this grift going.” Raskin claimed, “So there’s gotta be an effort to bring down Joe Biden by putting him in the same category which is ridiculous and it is not convincing to the American people.” In other words, Raskin and the Democrats are saying Trump did what Biden is being accused of doing.
Raskin said that Democrats are “still in the thick of this fight to defend American democracy and democratic institutions against the autocrats and the theocrats and the kleptocrats like Donald Trump.” In politics, whenever someone accuses an opponent of doing something without any evidence, it is generally a sure bet that the accuser is doing exactly what he is accusing. In this case, Biden is proven to have used his position as Vice President, and quite possibly President, to enrich himself and his family through influence peddling. It is proven in emails and voice recordings documenting Biden’s son, Hunter, shaking down communist Chinese businessmen for millions of dollars. There are also bribery allegations and many others.
Raskin’s remarks are untruthful and belie any factual evidence. But there is even a deeper meaning to Raskin’s rant. His words characterize a brand of “democracy” that doesn’t exist in the US Constitution. This type of democracy involves an all powerful government that can impose its will on the American people through assumed and unelected administrative authority, redistribution of income to political causes and extremist organizations. This type of democracy stands for plying children with the most vile of sexual predation, killing the unborn, and promoting godlessness through public schools and institutions at taxpayer expense. This is the type of democracy that opens the borders and foments human trafficking. This is the type of democracy that spends billions to support proxy wars without Congressional consent or oversight.
Isaiah 5:20 says, “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” And as Job 17:12 says, “They change the night into day; ‘The light is near,’ they say, in the face of darkness.” They are the ones described by Proverbs 17:15, “who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the just, Both of them alike are an abomination to the LORD.” When all the Biden corruption was being reported before the 2020 election, it was being censored and called conspiracy theories by liars. Now the undeniable facts are revealing truth, yet the evildoers remain committed to calling evil good and trying to convince everyone that it is saving democracy.
Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!
Bill Wilson
Loyalty
Loyalty by Dr. D. James Kennedy
“And Ittai answered the king and said, ‘As the Lord lives, and as my lord the king lives, surely in whatever place my lord the king shall be, whether in death or life, even there also your servant will be.’” 2 Samuel 15:21
Have you ever been betrayed by a friend? Have you experienced the heartache of disloyalty? In our mobile society where divorce, the breakdown of families, corporate mergers, and hostile takeovers are commonplace, loyalty is sometimes a rare quality. Often it seems that everybody’s out for “number one.” Yet loyalty is one of the most fragrant and lovely of all the flowers that grow in the garden of the soul. Does it grow in your soul?
We can learn about loyalty from an obscure Bible character, Ittai the Gittite. When David’s rebellious son, Absalom, tried to steal the throne from his father, forcing David into temporary exile, many within the kingdom went over to Absalom’s side. Others remained loyal to David and fled with him. When David saw Ittai the Gittite among those who had followed him, David warned Ittai to turn back lest he be killed. But Ittai said that he would follow David to help him, even if it meant death.
Ittai was a tremendously loyal person. He was willing to sacrifice his life to be in the presence of the one who held his affections. Something about David captured Ittai’s heart. Despite David’s one great fall, he had a great, generous, and noble spirit that attracted so many. Ittai was drawn to him and attached his heart to him, pledging his loyalty even to the point of death.
We, too, have Someone to whom we must remain loyal, Someone of great, generous, and noble spirit—our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He is worthy of our attaching our hearts to Him. As we pledge our loyalty to Christ, we could change the world.
Monday, July 17, 2023
Result of Ignoring Biological Reality
Result of Ignoring Biological Reality
Girls On West Virginia Track Team Displaced by Male Athlete
News Staff (July 17, 2023)
"When you ignore biological reality and allow males to compete on girls' sports teams, girls are harmed and denied athletic opportunities—even in middle school. This male athlete's athletic success demonstrates that the injunction against West Virginia's women's sports law is undeniably causing multiple girls to suffer, and we urge the 4th Circuit to take immediate action and restore a fair playing field for female athletes." -ADF Senior Counsel Christiana Kiefer
(Richmond, VA) — [*This article originally appeared at adflegal.org] Newly obtained information has revealed that a middle-school male athlete competing on a West Virginia girls' track team and suing to challenge the state's law protecting women's sports has displaced more than 100 female athletes more than 280 times and denied two girls spots in the conference championship. In light of the significant new facts, attorneys with Alliance Defending Freedom and the state attorney general's office filed a motion Tuesday with the US Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit asking it to suspend the injunction that is holding up full implementation of the law. (Image: Pexels)
The law at issue in the case B.P.J. v. West Virginia State Board of Education was enacted to ensure equal athletic opportunities for women. The male athlete, who attends Bridgeport Middle School, asked the 4th Circuit to halt enforcement of the law while on appeal so the athlete could compete on the girls' track team. The court granted the request, relying on the athlete's repeated assurances that the injunction "will harm no one." But the motion to dissolve the injunction on appeal explains that significant changes have occurred since the court entered the injunction three months ago: The male athlete's physical advantage and athletic ability have dramatically improved to the point that the athlete is now repeatedly taking away athletic opportunities from girls.
"When you ignore biological reality and allow males to compete on girls' sports teams, girls are harmed and denied athletic opportunities—even in middle school," said ADF Senior Counsel Christiana Kiefer. "This male athlete's athletic success demonstrates that the injunction against West Virginia's women's sports law is undeniably causing multiple girls to suffer, and we urge the 4th Circuit to take immediate action and restore a fair playing field for female athletes."
The new motion askes the court to suspend the injunction while the appeal moves forward to ensure that female athletes in West Virginia endure no further harm. As they explain, "The results from the recent spring track-and-field season speak for themselves: [The male athlete] is displacing girls out of top spots in competition and off of coveted roster spots at championship and other meets. This undeniable, quantitative evidence constitutes a significant change that make it inequitable to leave the injunction in place because it will injure yet more girls in the fall season."
"West Virginia passed its women's sports law to protect female athletes, requiring males to compete on teams consistent with their sex. This path is legal, logical, and longstanding," said ADF Vice President of Litigation Strategy and Center for Conscience Initiatives Jonathan Scruggs. "In light of the consequential new facts in this lawsuit, we're urging the 4th Circuit to allow West Virginia to enforce its validly enacted law that protects female athletes and their athletic opportunities."
ADF attorneys represent Lainey Armistead, a former West Virginia State University soccer player who intervened in the lawsuit to defend the state's law.
In a recent op-ed, West Virginia middle-schooler Taylor Allen wrote about her experience as a female athlete and urged the court to defend the state's law protecting women's sports: "The case in my home state, like others around the country, is about whether boys should be able to play in girls' sports if they identify as girls. The truth is, if West Virginia allowed that at my school, I'd lose my dream. There's no way I could be one of the best players if there were boys on the court with me."
Fifth Great Awakening
History teaches that there have been four Great Awakenings, or spiritual revivals, since the 1700s.
I believe we’re standing on the precipice of another revival — or else a revolution "that will plunge human society and civilization into chaos and utter confusion," to quote pastor and evangelist R. A. Torrey.
A Fifth Great Awakening can happen. And this has been our collective prayer for some time.
I want to ask you as a believer in Christ to pray with me for a God-sent revival across our country and around the world.
R. A. Torrey taught that revivals always begin with prayer and that every prayer of power requires four vital characteristics:
Our prayers must be passionate. The time has passed for believers to waffle in our convictions. The only safe space is all in for Christ.
Our prayers must be specific. Our prayers must apply Biblical truth, crying out for God’s intervention in specific ways in our culture.
Our prayers must be continual. Like the persistent widow in Luke 18, you and I must "always pray and never give up" (v. 1).
Our prayers must be collective. One of my prayers is that Christians know they’re not alone. We stand together in our love for God and heart for his kingdom. Our prayers must reflect the same unity.
Prayers like this move the heart of God, and they shatter enemy strongholds.
Please pray with me in crying out to God for a spiritual awakening in our culture. If we continue the path we're on, we will arrive at our own destruction.
Heaven
Heaven by Dr. D. James Kennedy
“And I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away … Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.” Revelation 21:1–2
Do you ever wonder what Heaven will be like? I know none of us can possibly imagine its splendor. In the last two chapters of Revelation, we do get a glimpse of the glory to come as John pulls the curtain aside for a few moments. What marvelous pictures he paints as he dips his hand into all earthly beauty and heavenly light. He has taken the most magnificent things known to humankind and used them to paint the picture of the holy city, the new Jerusalem. What a marvelous place it must be—a city with foundations and walls made of precious stones, with streets and buildings and towers made of pure gold. The Tree of Life will stand by the crystal river, and all the treasures of the nations will be brought in. Should we take John’s picture literally, or is it merely a symbol? If John’s representation is just a pale picture of some greater reality, then Heaven’s glory is beyond the ability of the human tongue to declare.
When earth seems intolerable to you, think of Heaven, our true home. It seems our longing for Heaven diminishes with the increase of our material goods. But when we have great need, when our troubles increase, then we long for Heaven. Perhaps God even allows a certain amount of our needs to go unmet or certain troubles to come our way so that our longing for our true home will not grow too dim. “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
We are pilgrims and strangers here, so let’s not get too attached to our earthly existence. Our true citizenship is in Heaven. Today, whether you endure great trial or experience tremendous joy, set your sights on Heaven. Remember and long for your true home.
Sunday, July 16, 2023
I Corinthians 13
I Corinthians 13
If I speak in the tongues[a] of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast,[b] but do not have love, I gain nothing.
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. 11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. 12 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
Quote from George Washington
"Worry is the interest paid by those who borrow trouble." George Washington
Quote from Thomas Paine
"The more difficult the conflict, the more glorious the triumph." Thomas Paine
Quote from Thomas Jefferson
"When tyranny becomes law, then rebellion becomes duty." Thomas Jefferson
To Temper Our Temper
To Temper Our Temper by Dr. D. James Kennedy
“‘Be angry, and do not sin’: do not let the sun go down on your wrath …” Ephesians 4:26
How is your temper? Do you keep your anger in check, or have you let anger sink its roots into your life?
Unfortunately, an untold number of people go through their entire lives angry. Virtually any psychiatrist or psychologist would say that as many as ninety percent of their patients have problems somehow related to anger. Sadly, our anger seeps its way into our happiness, homes, and friendships, eroding the foundations of these blessings. Clearly, God desires better for us.
So how do we temper our temper? The Bible has a few pointers for us.
First of all, we need to realize that any unjustified anger is a serious sin. Jesus said, “But I say to you, that whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment.” Knowing that unjustified anger is a sin, we need to repent of it, and by God’s grace, do all we can to rid ourselves of it.
Second, we need to forgive those who have slighted us. Remember that when the Jews and Romans wounded Jesus, He did not wound in return. Rather He said, “Father, forgive them.” We need to forgive from our hearts those who have injured us.
Third, we need to redirect our anger. If possible, we need to turn our anger away from those who hurt us and use it constructively to resolve the problem at hand. We need to live by the important Biblical advice given to us: “A soft answer turneth away wrath.”
No emotion in and of itself is evil, including anger. It becomes evil when we allow it outside the limits and structure that God has established. When our anger gets to that point, we need to confess it and repent of it.
If you feel angry today, don’t let the sun go down on your wrath. Bring it to God, and allow Him to begin a healing work in your heart. Do what you can to reconcile with the person you feel angry with. Determine, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to forgive and to work constructively toward a solution.
Saturday, July 15, 2023
The Christian at the Judgement
The Christian at the Judgement by Dr. D. James Kennedy
“… each one’s work will become manifest; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. 1 Corinthians 3:13–14
Let us get it clear once and for all: Heaven is a “free gift,” not an “earned reward.” I once saw a pamphlet with this question on the cover: “What must you do to go to heaven?” I opened it up, and the inside was blank. This pamphlet clearly communicated the message that we can do nothing to earn our salvation. Jesus has already paid the price in full for you and for me. Isn’t that an incredible truth?
We can’t save ourselves through good deeds, but we can do good works as a way of thanking God for our salvation. The Bible says that God will reward us in Heaven for these works of thanksgiving. Scripture doesn’t tell us what rewards we’ll receive, but it does tell us how to earn them. God sets aside rewards for those who experience persecution for Christ’s sake (Matthew 5:12). He also rewards those who are good stewards of the things God has given to them (Matthew 25:21). God has also planned special rewards for those who love their enemies (Luke 6:35) and especially for those who faithfully witness to others (John 4:35–36).
Keep in mind that at the Final Judgment the fire will try our works to see which will last as heavenly rewards. According to the Bible, some of us build with gold, silver, and precious stones, while others of us build with wood, hay, and stubble. Through the fire, the gold, silver, and precious stones will remain, but the wood, hay, and stubble will go up in smoke. The worst disaster that could befall a human being is to lose his or her soul, but those of us who believe in Jesus’ gift needn’t fear that fate. However, we may face the second-worst disaster—watching all the work of our lifetimes burned up in the fire at the Final Judgment (1 Corinthians 3:15).
Are you investing your time this day to make an eternal impact? Are you building with gold, silver, and precious stone or with wood, hay, and stubble? I encourage you to do good deeds with eternity in mind, so that at the Final Judgment you may receive the best reward of all—hearing God say to you, “Well done, good and faithful servant!”
Friday, July 14, 2023
Romans 8:38, 39
What is it that can separate us from pursuing and exhibiting the love of God? We are “persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39
Sound of Freedom
"Sound of Freedom:" Choosing hope in the face of fear:
When Sound of Freedom first came out, I was hesitant to see it. As the father of two, there are few things more difficult to watch and contemplate than the horrific abuse and unconscionable evil portrayed in the film. And while none of the heinous acts were shown on camera, the movie leaves no doubt as to the nature of what was done to those precious children.
It's really hard to watch, and that's the point. The film doesn't allow its audience to avoid the pain or ignore the tragedy.
And while not every instance of human trafficking will resemble what's portrayed on the screen—Emily Belz's article in Christianity Today offers an excellent profile of what it often looks like closer to home—Sound of Freedom still grants us an important glimpse into the horrors faced by far too many around the world.
Inspired by a true story
The movie is inspired by the real-life experiences of Tim Ballard—a former Special Agent for the Department of Homeland Security's Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force—and portrays Ballard's efforts to save children trapped and exploited by human trafficking.
The movie is not a documentary and never claims to be, with details and events altered in an effort to, in the words of the film's director, "take entertainment and marry it to meaning." That said, the overarching story is based largely on Ballard's work with police in Columbia to break up what CBS News called at the time "a major sex-trafficking ring" in a country that had "become a destination for tourists looking for sex with boys and girls."
And what happened in Columbia is hardly unique to Columbia.
UNICEF estimates that "every two minutes a child is being prepared for sexual exploitation," and well over one million kids are trafficked every year. Almost a third of trafficking victims are children, with that proportion more than doubling in areas like Sub-Saharan Africa, Central America, and the Caribbean. And they warn such statistics likely underestimate the reality of the situation.
All of that to say, even if the details of what is portrayed in Sound of Freedom have been altered for the sake of the movie, the reality it portrays remains unspeakably horrific. And those horrors are as relevant here as anywhere else in the world, with America one of the most prevalent destinations for trafficked people—children and adults alike.
A QAnon conspiracy?
Despite, or perhaps because of, Sound of Freedom's success and powerful message, many have been quick to decry it as a "QAnon-adjacent thriller seducing America," "a superhero movie for dads with brainworms," or a host of other inaccurate and misleading insinuations.
To be clear, there is none of that in the film.
To whatever extent connections can be drawn, they do not come from the movie and are typically based more on some questionable claims made by the film's lead actor—Jim Caviezel—about subjects like adrenochrome in interviews leading up to Sound of Freedom's release.
The film itself is, as Variety's Owen Gleiberman describes, "a compelling movie that shines an authentic light on one of the crucial criminal horrors of our time, one that Hollywood has mostly shied away from."
If that's true, though, and the allegations of QAnon conspiracy theories and attempts to brainwash the masses are false, why have they been accepted by so many?
Wrong solutions to real problems
As our culture becomes increasingly polarized, rejecting the wrong views is often a higher priority than accepting the right ones. For some, that means ignoring the very real and tragic truth about human trafficking and the sexual exploitation of children because conspiracy theories exist about the same subject. That, again, the film itself never crosses that line or even hints in the direction of such beliefs is inconsequential to them.
Unfortunately, those who have denounced the film are not the only ones to have made the mistake of favoring an unreasonably extreme solution to an otherwise real problem.
Many who support Sound of Freedom have been quick to allege that Hollywood is either in league with or passively supporting human trafficking as the reason why the movie struggled to make it to the big screen. Justifiably moved by the horrors presented in the film, it can be easy to see anyone who would stand against its message as standing in favor of the problems it portrays. That the film's release was delayed for five years has only added to such theories.
Sound of Freedom finished filming in 2018, but its rights were originally held by Fox. When Disney purchased Fox around the time of its scheduled release, Disney chose to shelve it, and it took more than a year for them to release the rights to the film back to its creators. While such behavior can be construed as suspicious, Sound of Freedom was far from the only project that received such treatment.
However, such difficulties—when coupled with viral reports of technical glitches during showings of the film—have caused some to allege that Hollywood has been trying to suppress the movie. To be sure, Hollywood is certainly no bastion of biblical morality, and sexual abuse has long been a problem within their ranks. Yet fears that the film would not be profitable—which, ultimately, proved incorrect—offer a more reasonable explanation for the resistance it has experienced than the notion that the industry favors the sexual exploitation of children.
Choosing hope over fear
Whether it’s giving undue credibility to conspiracy theories or avoiding hard subjects because they make us uncomfortable, we must never allow the truth to become secondary because it does not fit neatly into how we would prefer to see the world.
God calls us to more than that.
So if you see Sound of Freedom or read about the sexual exploitation it portrays and leave feeling outraged and motivated to do something to help those trapped in such horrific circumstances, great. Just make sure that your enthusiasm to do something doesn’t cause you to run right past the truth of how you can make the greatest difference.
But if your initial response, like mine, is to leave feeling disheartened and overwhelmed, that’s ok too. But the fear that the problem is too big should never keep us from doing something.
As Caviezel said in his message at the film’s conclusion, “Living in fear isn’t how we solve this problem. It’s living in hope. It’s believing that we can make a difference—because we can.”
Will you?
Quote from John Witherspoon
“He is the best friend of American liberty who is most sincere and active in promoting pure and undefiled religion.” John Witherspoon
Liberty vs. License
Liberty Versus License
“Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.”
— 2 Corinthians 3:17
Are you ever confused about what’s right and wrong in our world today? You’re not alone. Part of the problem is a confusion between liberty (which we could define as the freedom to do right) and license (which we could define as the freedom to do wrong).
Our salvation is not a license to sin. It is a deliverance from sin. When Jesus first began His public ministry, what did He say? Repent. Though we have saving faith in Christ, we must still turn from sin and to God. The apostle John writes, “Do not love the world or the things in the world” (1 John 2:15), for loving the world is antithetical to loving the Father.
Neither God nor the founders of this country intended for anyone to abuse liberty as license. However, today many openly confuse liberty with license to do whatever their desires lead them to do. Sin has become flagrant in our society. Many people today look upon Christianity as an impediment to their “freedom,” that is, their freedom to sin. But these people have transformed liberty into license, and in the worst form of licentiousness, they don’t want anybody speaking against their actions or in any way restraining them.
Ironically, claiming freedom to do whatever they want, these people are actually in bondage to their sinful natures, for whoever sins is a slave to sin. But Christ came to free us from sin and from the penalty of sin. Let’s walk, then, in that liberty today by yielding ourselves to Him afresh.
Apocalyptic Weather
We are Starting to Experience the Apocalyptic Weather of the End Times – Discern Report
Have you noticed that we are being hit by an endless series of weather emergencies? Here in the middle of 2023, farms in the Midwest are being devastated by a seemingly endless drought, massive dust storms are happening as far north as Illinois, residents of Vermont just experienced the worst flooding that they have seen in nearly 100 years, and the Southwest is being baked by unprecedented heat. I realize that this is a very sensitive topic.
A large portion of the population insists that what we are witnessing is “normal”, while another large portion of the population believes that we can fix the weather by changing our behavior. Unfortunately, both groups are wrong. What we are beginning to experience is the apocalyptic weather of the end times, and things are only going to get crazier during the months and years that are in front of us. Right now, the horrifying heat wave that is frying the Southwest is making headlines all over the nation…
Across a wide swath of the U.S. from Texas to Nevada, a major heat wave that is threatening to break temperature records continued to bake parts of the South and Southwest on Wednesday, sending people scrambling for relief and adding to what has become a series of weather extremes that researchers say fit the pattern of a warming environment. Temperatures well into the triple digits are expected this weekend from California to Texas to Florida, with parts of Nevada forecast to reach 116 degrees Fahrenheit and cities in Arizona expected to hit a staggering 118 F.
Temperatures this high are life-threatening, and it is likely that quite a few people will die from the heat in the days ahead. (Read more)
- HOLY FATHER, We are experiencing temperature extremes and we ask that YOU protect us and our children from any weather calamity. We do expect wild weather fluctuations in the last days, please spare us and let us live and prosper with YOU. We acknowledge YOU are in control. We praise YOUR name. AMEN & AMEN
- "They were scorched by the fierce heat, and they cursed the name of God who had power over these plagues. They did not repent and give him glory." (Revelation 16:9)
China's Warplanes
China Sends Swarms of Warplanes, Navy Ships to Taiwan Ahead of Annual Invasion Training – Fox News
The Chinese People's Liberation Army
(PLA) deployed swaths of navy ships and warplanes toward Taiwan over the last two days as Taipei prepares for its annual defensive training aimed at countering a possible invasion.
A reported 68 warplanes, including fighter jets and bombers, have been sent from China’s shores in the direction of Taiwan, with some even crossing the median line within the Taiwan Strait, which serves as the unofficial border that divides air and sea parameters between the island and mainland China.
China sent some 38 warplanes and nine navy vessels Tuesday morning, followed by another 30 planes deployed near the island by 1 p.m. on Wednesday local time, Taiwan's defense ministry reported.
Psalm 46:10-13
- "Be still, and know that I am God!
I will be honored by every nation.
I will be honored throughout the world.
The Lord of Heaven's Armies is here among us;
the God of Israel is our fortress." (Psalm 46:10-11)
Thursday, July 13, 2023
Never Give Up
85-Year-Old Man Whose Family Thought He’d Never Find Jesus Gets Baptized at Greg Laurie’s Historic Event: ‘Never Give Up on People’
Greg Laurie's mass baptism: As thousands of people lined the stony pathways leading to Pirates Cove, an elderly man made his way down to the water to publicly express his commitment to the Lord.
The Love of God
The Love of God lyrics. A classic English hymn written by Frederick Martin Lehman (1868-1953), a Jewish author and composer.
Lehman shared that this song was inspired by the third stanza which was a Jewish poem written in 1050. It was penciled on the wall of a room of an insane asylum and found only after the resident died. Read more about this at the Hymnstudies blog.
"The Love of God"
Could we with ink the ocean fill
And were the skies of parchment made
Were every stalk on earth a quill
And every man a scribe by trade
To write the love of God above
Would drain the ocean dry
Nor could the scroll contain the whole
Though stretched from sky to sky
I wonder what the patient was struggling with. I hope the words brought comfort to him or her.
The Love of God Lyrics
The love of God is far greater
Than tongue or pen can ever tell
It goes beyond the highest star
And reaches to the lowest hell
The guilty pair bowed down with care
God gave His Son to win
His erring child He reconciled
And pardoned from his sin
When years of time shall pass away
And earthly thrones and kingdoms fall
When men who here refuse to pray
On rocks and hills and mountains call
God's love so sure, shall still endure
All measureless and strong
Redeeming grace to Adam's race
The saints' and angels' song
God's love so sure, shall still endure
All measureless and strong
Redeeming grace to Adam's race
The saints' and angels' song
Could we with ink the ocean fill
And were the skies of parchment made
Were every stalk on earth a quill
And every man a scribe by trade
To write the love of God above
Would drain the ocean dry
Nor could the scroll contain the whole
Though stretched from sky to sky
O love of God, how rich and pure
How measureless and strong
It shall forevermore endure
The saints' and angels' song
Wednesday, July 12, 2023
Transsexual Surgeries on Children
Surgeon Admits Performing Transsexual Surgeries on Young Children - Breitbart
A pro-transgender university surgeon says he is performing irreversible sex surgeries on pre-pubescent children who have had no experiences of sexual feelings and little ability to consent or accomplish the required post-surgical procedures.
“It’s a very complicated issue,” Dr. Blair Peters, a Canadian-trained “queer” surgeon at Oregon Health & Science University, told a friendly interviewer. “But I think definitely something that we’re going to learn a lot more about in the next five to 10 years as we’re doing just increasing numbers of these cases,” Blair said in the now-archived video.
Many of these medical problems are mentioned in accounts by young people who go through the surgeries, such as “Jazz” Jennings.The surgeons know little about the long-term outcomes of the experimental surgery on children, according to Blair, who describes himself as a “queer” surgeon:
You know, we’ve maybe done a couple, a handful, of pubertily suppressed adolescents as a field and no one’s published on it yet. OHSU is, we’re just putting our first series [of studies] together as we’re kind of learning and figuring out what works. (Read more)
- Oh Holy King, we bind this wicked deception and its vile outcomes, in Jesus name. These people are deceived and deceiving others in order to play "god" and experiment on vulnerable children in order to publish their so-called "research" and get lots of money for it. This is an intolerable crime against humanity and we stand against every element of this nightmare from the pit and we oppose every person who is promoting and pushing the agenda against young people, in Jesus holy name. We call them to repentance and command this butchering and experimenting on children to cease and desist in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. We pray for the glory of God to come in like a flood against this tide of demonic evil, in Jesus name. Amen!
Sound of Freedom
Sound of Freedom
'Sound of Freedom' Hits $40M, Resonating With Viewers That 'God's Children Are Not for Sale' - CBN News
Faith-based thriller "Sound of Freedom" has officially sealed its place as the unlikely box office hit of the summer scoring $40 million in its opening week. After becoming the number one film in America on July 4th, the film finished at the number 3 spot over its first weekend, right behind Walt Disney's "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny."
"Sound of Freedom has taken on a life of its own. We're getting messages from all over the country telling us about packed theaters, sold-out theaters, and spontaneous standing ovations for the film in numerous locations. Seeing this film has become a must, thanks to incredible word-of-mouth," said Brandon Purdie, Head of Theatrical Distribution at Angel Studios.
The film is based upon the true story of former government agent Tim Ballard who quit his job to go and rescue a little girl from sex traffickers in the Colombian jungle. In the process, Tim ends up saving 123 people, 55 of whom were children, from one mission alone. (Read more)
- Oh King Jesus, we ask for Your continued hovering over this movie and the people involved, so that revelation of this cruel evil in our land and the world is exposed and stopped. We bless You for protecting this truth so that conversations keep taking place, especially in the body of Christ, where much work still needs to be done removing sexual sin and pornography, etc. May there be a great groundswell of people who will fight to break the back of this evil. We pray Father for those involved in any form of child abuse and trafficking who are spewing venom right now against the movie, to be brought to their knees in repentance or to jail in justice, in Jesus holy name.
- "'But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea.'" (Mark 9:42)
As the Twig Is Bent
As the Twig Is Bent by Dr. D. James Kennedy
“… these words which I command you today shall be in your heart; you shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.” Deuteronomy 6:6–7
Are you ever discouraged with your children? Let me encourage those of you who have children or hope to have children someday—whatever challenges you face in parenting, don’t ever give up. “As the twig is bent, so grows the tree.” This familiar saying contains a Biblical truth: “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Knowing how much parents love their children in all their moods and phases, God has given parents the responsibility for “bending the twig,” for training children in all aspects of life.
Surprising as it may seem, the American habit of sending children to public schools with the expectation that the schools will teach them everything is a relatively recent development. From the time the Pilgrims landed in the early 1600s to the middle of the nineteenth century, parents maintained responsibility for their children’s education. When public education first began, parents didn’t need to worry about what the schools would teach their children because, for the first hundred years, the curriculum included Bible reading and prayers. Today, I am sad to say, our society has allowed the eradication of both of these.
Because we can no longer rely upon the school system to support our Christian views, we must work even harder to ensure that our children grow in Christ. How do we bend the twig? Our children need a God-centered education, one that teaches sound moral principles, emphasizes their creation in God’s image, and presents the salvation message. They need to have high academic standards set for them and to have direction toward attaining these standards through discipline that includes guidelines, boundaries, and rewards. And we need to teach our children patriotism. Though our country has many flaws, it is still the most blessed nation on earth.
So don’t give up. Keep bending the twig. If you do, you will one day have a tree that stands tall and bears much fruit for God’s glory.
Tuesday, July 11, 2023
Quote from Alexi Leonov
"Guns don't kill beople; bad asses with beards kill people." Russian General Alexei Leonov
Lyin' Biden
Joe Biden's Seventh Grandchild
Joe Biden has a reputation for being a creep. But this one takes the cake. What Joe Biden did to a four-year old girl will leave a knot in your throat.
Joe Biden – with the help of the left-wing media – created an image of himself as the most empathetic and dedicated family man to ever grace the political scene. Of course, this is all built on a foundation of falsehoods. Joe Biden mistreats the youngest and most vulnerable members of his family.
Navy Joan Roberts is the daughter of Lunden Roberts and Hunter Biden.
Joe Biden has never met Navy Joan Roberts and will not acknowledge her existence. Hunter Biden successfully fought to lower his $20,000 per month child support payment and forced an agreement to prevent Navy Joan from using the Biden last name.
For months, Joe Biden ran around claiming to be a great family man while falsely claiming he has six grandchildren – Navy Joan Roberts is grandchild number seven. Some attributed this to Biden’s cognitive decline, but it turns out that Joe Biden pretending a four-year-old granddaughter doesn’t exist was a ruthless political calculation to try and keep Hunter's other misbehavior out of the 2024 election.
“His public image is centered around his devotion to his family — including to Hunter, his only surviving son. In strategy meetings in recent years, aides have been told that the Bidens have six, not seven, grandchildren, according to two people familiar with the discussions,” the New York Times reported.
“Several of the President’s allies fear that the case could damage his re-election prospects by bringing more attention to a son whom some Democrats see as a liability,” the Times added.
Biden has always been a heartless political operator who lies about family for his own political benefit.
“He has exploited the biography of his first wife, who died 50 years ago, with his daughter,” Fox News contributor Charles Hurt stated. “He, of course, has taken that story and twisted it around to talk about how the driver of the truck was somehow drunk, which is completely false.”
In his 2008 campaign for President, Biden sought to generate sympathy for himself by falsely claiming the other driver in a tragic car accident that killed his first wife and daughter back in 1972 was drunk at the wheel.
“A tractor-trailer, a guy who allegedly — and I never pursued it — drank his lunch instead of eating his lunch, broadsided my family and killed my wife instantly and killed my daughter instantly and hospitalized my two sons,” Biden falsely claimed during the 2008 campaign.
The press is only now starting to report on Joe Biden’s cruel treatment of Navy Joan Roberts.
Joe Biden is not a blank slate. Biden has a record and a backstory that voters are now familiar with.
And the polls show they are no longer buying what Biden is selling.
Cocaine Mule
Cocaine Mule
Cocaine was found in the highly secure and closely monitored West Wing of the White House. The White House invoked the Hatch Act to avoid answering whether the cocaine could belong to Hunter or Joe Biden. The Hatch Act primarily prohibits “employees from engaging in partisan political activity while on duty, in a federal facility or using federal property.” Later, White House Press Secretary Jean-Pierre responded to reporters asking the same question, “to ask that question is actually incredibly irresponsible. And I’ll just leave it there.” She said that neither the President nor family members were at the White House when the cocaine was found. It doesn’t matter when the Bidens were there, but if the cocaine is theirs.
Thursday, July 6, Deputy White House Press Secretary Andrew Bates was asked, “You know, former President Trump has made some pretty wild posts recently on social media. One of them was that the cocaine found in the White House had belonged to either the President or his son. Are you willing to say that that’s not the case, that they don’t belong to them?” Bates responded: “I don’t have a response to that because we have to be careful about the Hatch Act.” He then pivoted to talking about how the Trump campaign must be facing increasing frustration because of Trump’s record of failures against the middle class where Biden has succeeded. Bates couldn’t answer whether the cocaine was Biden’s because of the Hatch Act that prohibits partisan politics, but he can bash the Trump campaign. Either way, he dodged the question.
While a public embarrassment, the incident has prompted the House Oversight and Accountability Committee to investigate. Chairman James Comer (R-KY) sent a letter to US Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle demanding a briefing on the matter. Comer wrote: “This alarming development requires the Committee to assess White House security practices and determine whose failures led to an evacuation of the building and finding of the illegal substance. The Committee requests the U.S. Secret Service (USSS) provide additional information. The presence of illegal drugs in the White House is unacceptable and a shameful moment in the White House’s history.
“According to a senior law-enforcement official, the cocaine was found in a storage facility that is “routinely used by White House staff and guests to store cell phones.” According to reports, USSS agents discovered a suspicious white powder inside the White House, prompting an evacuation of White House staff and personnel. The substance has since been confirmed to be cocaine. This incident has raised additional concerns with the Committee regarding the level of security maintained at the White House.” Indeed, the real issue is whether Biden or members of his staff are using drugs, which truly affects national security.
Certainly, everyone is scrambling to divert attention away from it. As Christ said in Matthew 24:4, “Take heed that no man deceive you.”
With all the cameras and visitor logs, we should know by now who’s the mule.
Isaiah 5:8
"Woe to you who add house to house and join field to field till no space is left and you live alone in the land." Isaiah 5:8
Ford Fisher Affair
Ford Fisher Affair by Dr. Jim Denison
Harrison Ford’s affair with Carrie Fisher is back in the news
Harrison Ford is making headlines again these days with the fifth installment in his iconic “Indiana Jones” film series. Consequently, his affair with Carrie Fisher when they were filming the original Star Wars movie in 1976 has been back in the news as well.
Fisher made their relationship public in 2016 as part of her memoir released shortly before her death. She was nineteen at the time of their affair; Ford was thirty-three and the married father of two. She claimed that the affair was not the cause of Ford’s divorce from his wife, which happened around the same time, reportedly calling their relationship a “minor digression.”
In all the coverage of their affair, I have seen no suggestion that what they did was immoral. In a day when more Americans than ever before consider sexual relationships of all kinds to be acceptable and half of US Christians say casual sex between consenting adults is sometimes or always acceptable, perhaps I should not be surprised.
But I am grieved. And, much more to the point, so is God.
What “the fool says in his heart”
This one sentence explains our moral crisis: “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God’” (Psalm 14:1a). Here’s why: if we are not accountable to God, we will be accountable only to ourselves or to other people. However, we are all “corrupt” (v. 1b). Consequently, we “do abominable deeds; there is none who does good” (v. 1c). This fact applies emphatically to us all: “There is none who does good, not even one” (v. 3).
However, one of the delusions of sin is that we are not sinners. World religions lead adherents to claim holiness by their standards, ameliorating the need for repentance and the one true God. Western secularism does the same, convincing us that we are good enough not to need the one true Source of all morality.
In fact, some in our culture celebrate the “fact” that they know what the rest of us do not and can therefore dismiss biblical truth as outdated, irrelevant, and even dangerous to society. On sexual morality, for instance, some are certain that Paul was wrong. (I once heard a religious leader say confidently, “We now know that Paul was a homophobe.”) Others assure us that the church has been misinterpreting the Bible on this issue for two thousand years, but they know better.
If we suggest that sexual relations are immoral outside of monogamous marriage between one man and one woman, we are ridiculed as hopelessly naïve, backward, and worse.
“Wage the good warfare”
This state of affairs is not new. For example, cultural elites in the ancient metropolis of Ephesus, called lumen Asiae (“the light of Asia”) by Pliny the Elder, claimed the same.
Paul exposed their delusions to Timothy, who was pastoring the Ephesian Christian community: “The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. Certain persons, by swerving from these, have wandered away into vain discussion, desiring to be teachers of the law, without understanding either what they are saying or the things about which they make confident assertions” (1 Timothy 1:5–7).
In so doing, they rejected biblical truth that is “not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine, in accordance with the gospel of the glory of the blessed God with which I have been entrusted” (vv. 9–11).
The good news is that God’s grace is available to all: “This saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (v. 15). Sharing the gospel and the morality it advances is God’s charge to Timothy and to us as we “wage the good warfare, holding faith and a good conscience” (vv. 18–19)
“The ultimate experience of life”
According to Dr. Billy Graham, “The ultimate experience of life is knowing God.” He pointed to Isaiah 6 as the archetypal text for knowing whether we truly know the Lord:
We are convicted of our sinfulness: “Woe is me! For I am lost” (v. 5a).
We confess our sin: “I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts!” (v. 5b).
We are cleansed from our sin: “Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a burning coal that he had taken with tongs from the altar. And he touched my mouth and said: ‘Behold, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away, and your sin atoned for’” (vv. 6–7).
We are commissioned to tell others: “I heard the voice of the LORD saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ Then I said, ‘Here I am! Send me’” (v. 8).
By these standards, do you truly know God? If not, why not?
This issue could not be more urgent for your sake and that of your nation. The prophet warns us: “Multitudes, multitudes, in the valley of decision! For the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision” (Joel 3:14). Again, quoting Dr. Graham: “There will be an end of history and the end of a world that has been dominated by evil. Jesus will come again and set up his kingdom of righteousness and social justice, and hatred, greed, jealousy, war, and death will no longer exist.”
Then he asked, “Are you ready for that day?”
Is America?
Are you?
Cloud vs. Freedom
Cloud vs. Freedom
Woke extremist athletes are alienating fans from the game. But no one saw this coming.
And this former NBA star’s message about America on July 4 will leave you totally flabbergasted.
Natasha Cloud, a guard for the WNBA’s Washington Mystics, became the latest anti-American athlete to claim she hates the country in which she’s able to play a game for a living.
In a post on social media ahead of the July 4 holiday weekend, Cloud blasted America as “trash” after the Supreme Court ruled college and universities could not discriminate against applicants on the basis of their race.
“Our country is trash in so many ways,” Cloud ranted. “And instead of using our resources to make it better we continue to oppress Marginalized groups that we have targeted since the beginning of times.”
But former NBA star Enes Freedom – who changed his last name from Kanter to Freedom after becoming an American citizen – has a different perception after growing up in Turkey.
Freedom has been unable to travel back to his native Turkey for years after he began speaking out against the corruption within Turkey’s government, leading the government to arrest and charge his father – who publicly disowned his son in a bid to save himself and his family – as a terrorist, while also issuing a warrant for the former NBA player’s arrest as well.
As such, Freedom responded to Cloud on Twitter by pointing out the absurdity of her comments, telling her to travel to authoritarian countries, like North Korea, Communist China, Russia, Turkey, Iran, or Venezuela, criticize their governments and see what happens.
“Calling America trash huh?” Freedom tweeted. “Let me know when your season is over, I’ll buy your ticket and we can go together to counties like China, Russia, IRAN, North Korea, Venezuela, Cuba, & Turkey. Forget about calling them trash, I would like to see if you can even criticize those regimes!! You and your family members would be thrown in jail, tortured to death, and raped.”
“People have NO idea how lucky and blessed they are to be in a country like America,” he continued. “I’m not saying America is perfect, but trust me, you don’t wanna see the other side.”
Freedom has been one of the most outspoken pro-America athletes in sports today, and suggested that his playing career came to an end last year due to his criticism of Communist China’s authoritarian regime and genocide against Uyghur Muslims, which the NBA has gone out of its way to ignore in order to continue having access to the country’s more than 1.4 billion citizens.
“Let me give you a very easy stat, it is not rocket science: [in 2020-2021], I played for the Portland Trail Blazers and averaged a double-double,” Freedom explained. “We made the playoffs. And they are telling me that six months later, I forgot how to play basketball? Even the kids on the streets will laugh at that notion.”
“I believe I could start in many cases right now, but because the things I say are hurting the NBA financially, they wanted me out of the league,” he continued. “It’s that simple. I just turned 30, and they are pushing me to retire. I can play another six or seven years easily. But unfortunately, with a league like this and with the players in it like this, it looks like it’s not possible.”
If anyone should recognize the blessings of America, it is pro athletes who achieve riches and fame beyond anyone’s wildest dreams because sports are the ultimate meritocracy.
Death Swallowed Up
Death Swallowed Up by Dr. D. James Kennedy
“O Death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?” 1 Corinthians 15:55, kjv
Someone once asked, “Who has not at some time in his life trembled at the thought of death? Who has been able to resist him?” All of our might and wisdom, all of our cunning and power have been to no avail before death’s invincible might.
But do you know that the great specter of death that has always clouded the horizon has been vanquished? Do you know that you no longer need fear the grave?
Against the heartless monster of death, God commissioned His Son, who sat at His right hand. Jesus willingly responded, “Lo, I have come to do Thy will.” Christ took upon Himself the task of confronting and overcoming our temptations, and He bore our sorrows. Finally, Jesus Christ gave Himself to mortal combat with death, laying down His life for us. He passed through that greatest of all ordeals so we wouldn’t have to; He allowed Himself to be bound in the grave that He might once and for all “break the bands of death.”
By His substitutionary death, Christ undermined the power and foundation of the grave. Christ’s light has overtaken the darkness of the grave, and His victory has disempowered the king of terrors—death. Because we share in this victory, we Christians should rejoice. The world over, people lack hope when anticipating death. But we who trust in the great Prince of Life need no longer fear death. We can look forward to Heaven, where the shadow of that specter shall never fall upon the threshold. Those dark, hollow eyes of the king of terrors, that have so inspired horror in millions, will then have become a joke. No longer will that bony finger of death beckon to anyone to come and follow him.
In light of Christ’s resurrection, Paul wrote, “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?” In the same way, you and I can rejoice today, knowing that death has been swallowed up in victory—all thanks to Jesus Christ.
Isaiah 55:11
"My word, which goes forth from My mouth; will not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it." (Isaiah 55:11)
Monday, July 10, 2023
Quote from President Dwight D. Eisenhower
"In spite of the ... problems we have, I ask you this one question: If each of us in his own mind would dwell more upon those simple virtues -- integrity, courage, self-confidence and unshakable belief in his Bible -- would not some of these problems tend to simplify themselves? ... Free government is the political expression of a deeply felt religious faith." President Dwight D. Eisenhower
The Conquests of the Conquered
The Conquests of the Conquered by Dr. D. James Kennedy
“Therefore He says: ‘When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, And gave gifts to men.’”
Ephesians 4:8
What does the phrase “He led captivity captive” mean? It may seem like a puzzle, but it’s not as confusing as it seems. Let me explain.
Before Christ came, all who died went to a place called, in the Hebrew, “Sheol.” Some people believe there were two compartments in Sheol, one for the wicked, and one for the righteous, but the Bible simply says that everybody went there. In this shadowy land controlled by Satan and his demons, believers waited for the Messiah to come set them free. After His crucifixion, before He ascended into Heaven, Jesus went to Sheol and rescued from the bonds of eternal death and torment all the saints of the Old Testament (those who had trusted in the promised Anointed One). Jesus led His beloved saints triumphantly to Heaven. This triumphant procession was the greatest victory march of all times, greater than any this world will ever see.
Because Jesus “led captivity captive,” we as Christians are all winners. We can partake in His victory and in the spoils of the spiritual war that rages all around us. However, in order to partake, we must first totally surrender our lives to Christ. We can’t hang onto control of our own lives. When British General Cornwallis surrendered to George Washington, he came dressed in his finest uniform and began to praise the American’s skill as a commander and military tactician. He continued in this way until Washington interrupted him and said, “Your sword, sir!” You see, Cornwallis hadn’t fully surrendered until he handed over his weapon. In the same way, we will not experience spiritual victory until first we have been conquered by Christ and have surrendered our lives to Him. Then by faith we can enter into that triumph as we identify ourselves with Him. By faith we can know that He has already won the victory. Since He turns our defeats into triumphs and works all things together for our good, we know we can face today with confidence in Him, come what may. Jesus is the ultimate “Commander in Chief.”
Is there anything that stands in the way of your complete devotion to Christ? If there is, I encourage you to surrender it to God right now. Don’t waste one minute before you start enjoying the spoils of your victory in Christ.
Sound of Freedom
Sound of Freedom
Sound of Freedom’ becomes No.1 movie in America on July 4, beating Disney's 'Indiana Jones'
"Sound of Freedom" hit theaters on Tuesday, and due to the "Pay It Forward" technology used by Angel Studios, the true-life thriller, which was reported as tied with Disney/Lucasfilm's "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny," actually beat out the studio giant for the No.1 spot at the box office on Independence Day. As recorded by Box Office Mojo, "Sound of Freedom" grossed over $14 million in total: $11.5 million in direct box office sales and $2.6 million from the Pay It Forward tickets sold through the July 4 holiday. According to Deadline, "Indiana Jones" brought in $11.698M in total despite showing in double the amount of theaters. "Sound of Freedom," shown in only 2,600 theaters, tells the true story of one man's journey to combat child sex trafficking. The Angel Studios film is based on the life of Tim Ballard, a former U.S. Department of Homeland Security agent who left his job because he wanted to do more to rescue children from modern-day slavery.
The film delivers a bold message calling for the freedom of millions of children enslaved in human trafficking, declaring that "God's children are not for sale." The film received an A+ CinemaScore, an 85% critics score and a 99% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. "Thanks to fans around the country, 'Sound Of Freedom' earned the top spot as America's number one movie on Independence Day. We've received numerous messages telling us theaters are either packed or sold out. This movie has now taken on a life of its own to become something more than that, a grassroots movement," Neal Harmon, CEO of Angel Studios, shared in a statement with The Christian Post. "With an A+ CinemaScore rating, we're the top-rated movie in America, and we're going to see word-of-mouth spread even further going into the weekend. The world needs to see 'Sound of Freedom,' and we know that our biggest competitive advantage — our incredible fans and investors — are going to make sure that happens." (Christian Post)
- Abba we lift PRAISE for answered prayer in the success of the "Sound of Freedom" movie! In Jesus name, we declare the exposure of trafficked-children will bring an unstoppable movement to fight against sexual-trafficking within this nation and around the world! May righteous-Authorities and the Ecclesia be given strategies to end this demonic organized-crime, exposing the locations of children, traffickers and ALL those who participate in this evil!! -By the blood of Jesus and in His mighty name-Amen
- "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." (John 1:5)
-"But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it will be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea." (Matthew 18:6)
Sunday, July 9, 2023
Psalm 5
Psalm 5
(To the chief Musician upon Nehiloth, A Psalm of David.) Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my meditation.
2Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto thee will I pray.
3My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.
4For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee.
5The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity.
6Thou shalt destroy them that speak leasing: the LORD will abhor the bloody and deceitful man.
7But as for me, I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple.
8Lead me, O LORD, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before my face.
9For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is very wickedness; their throat is an open sepulchre; they flatter with their tongue.
10Destroy thou them, O God; let them fall by their own counsels; cast them out in the multitude of their transgressions; for they have rebelled against thee.
11But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee.
12For thou, LORD, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield.
Beer Into Carpets
Beer into Carpets by Dr. D. James Kennedy
“… One thing I know: that though I was blind, now I see.” John 9:25
In nineteenth-century England, a nonbeliever once taunted a Christian who was a converted drunkard. The nonbeliever sneered, “Surely you don’t believe those Bible miracles, such as Christ turning water into wine.” The ex-drunkard replied, “If you think that’s a miracle, come to my home, and I’ll show you how Christ changed beer into carpets, chairs, and even a piano!” Christ had come to dwell in the heart of that converted drunkard and had transformed his inward life as well as his outward circumstances. As the Bible says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Have you allowed Jesus Christ to transform your life?
Jesus Christ is in the business of changing lives. He has done it throughout the centuries and continues to do it in our own day. And all of those changed by Him can echo what the blind man said when Christ gave him eyesight for the first time in his life: “One thing I know: that though I was blind, now I see.”
I often express this transforming power in economic terms: Jesus Christ changes many societal liabilities into societal assets. Many who, earlier in their lives, seemed to have nothing to offer have become great spiritual leaders. The Church couldn’t exist without people whose hearts Jesus Christ has transformed.
Have you been changed by receiving Christ’s lovingly offered gift of eternal life? If not, I urge you to give your life to Him today and watch Him change you for the good from the inside out.
Saturday, July 8, 2023
Psalm 4
Answer me when I call to you,
my righteous God.
Give me relief from my distress;
have mercy on me and hear my prayer.
2 How long will you people turn my glory into shame?
How long will you love delusions and seek false gods?
3 Know that the Lord has set apart his faithful servant for himself;
the Lord hears when I call to him.
4 Tremble and do not sin;
when you are on your beds,
search your hearts and be silent.
5 Offer the sacrifices of the righteous
and trust in the Lord.
6 Many, Lord, are asking, “Who will bring us prosperity?”
Let the light of your face shine on us.
7 Fill my heart with joy
when their grain and new wine abound.
8 In peace I will lie down and sleep,
for you alone, Lord,
make me dwell in safety.
The GOD of All Comfort
The God Of All Comfort by Dr. D. James Kennedy
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Have you ever gone through a terrible trial, yet through it all felt completely surrounded by God’s love? God is the God of all comfort, and when we struggle, He comforts us by His presence, His power, and His Word. Here are some of God’s words that might comfort your heart in times of great difficulty:
• When people persecute you: “Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven” (Matthew 5:12).
• When you’re sick: “Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well” (Matthew 9:22).
• When you’re weary: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
• When you’re afraid: “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid” (Mark 6:50).
• When you need help: “If you ask anything in My name, I will do it” (John 14:14).
• When you’re worried: “Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27).
God’s comfort is wonderful in difficult times. But God doesn’t comfort us just for our own sakes; He comforts us so that we may comfort others. I remember when a woman in our church lost her son in a swimming pool accident. Many people tried to comfort her, and she appreciated their concern, but she didn’t experience true comfort until someone who had also lost a child came and talked to her.
When we experience tragedy, we can thank God for the comfort He gives us in our time of need. And later, we may look for opportunities to comfort others who are going through similar trials. Allow God to work through you, maybe even today, to bring His comfort to others with the comfort He has given you.
Friday, July 7, 2023
Psalm 3
Psalm 3
Lord, how they have increased who trouble me!
Many are they who rise up against me.
2Many are they who say of me,
“There is no help for him in God.”
Selah
3But You, O Lord, are a shield for me,
My glory and the One who lifts up my head.
4I cried to the Lord with my voice,
And He heard me from His holy hill.
Selah
5I lay down and slept;
I awoke, for the Lord sustained me.
6I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people
Who have set themselves against me all around.
7Arise, O Lord;
Save me, O my God!
For You have struck all my enemies on the cheekbone;
You have broken the teeth of the ungodly.
8Salvation belongs to the Lord.
Your blessing is upon Your people.
Indiana Jones
Indiana Jones by Dr. Jim Denison
Indiana Jones, the power of artificial intelligence, and the future of our nation are grippingly discussed here.
My wife and I saw Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny yesterday. I won’t give away the plot, but I can comment on a feature of the movie that is getting a great deal of attention: the filmmakers’ ability to de-age Harrison Ford. For part of the film, his character is decades younger than his age today (which is the age of his character for most of the movie). I kept wondering how his “younger” self was so incredibly realistic.
It turns out, artificial intelligence is the secret. Ford explained: “They have this artificial intelligence program that can go through every foot of film that Lucasfilm owns. Because I did a bunch of movies for them, they have all this footage, including film that wasn’t printed. So they can mine it from where the light is coming from, from the expression.
“I don’t know how they do it. But that’s my actual face. Then I put little dots on my face and I say the words and they make [it]. It’s fantastic.”
“It’s sort of the perfect storm”
Using AI to generate lifelike video is now available to nearly anyone who can download and use a computer program. Consequently, it’s getting harder than ever to spot “deepfake” videos. Many are worried that the proliferation of what’s known as “generative AI” will escalate propaganda and campaigns by bad actors.
For example, a right-wing activist recently created a fake video of President Biden announcing a draft to send American soldiers to Ukraine. The video is so lifelike that I would have assumed it was genuine if I didn’t know otherwise. An AI-generated photo faking Donald Trump’s possible arrest circulated on Twitter and was soon viewed 2.2 million times.
Scammers are using AI to create audio that sounds like family members in distress asking for money, stealing thousands of dollars from their victims. “It’s terrifying,” said Hany Farid, a professor of digital forensics at the University of California at Berkeley. “It’s sort of the perfect storm . . . [with] all the ingredients you need to create chaos.”
“There are two wolves fighting inside you”
Like a hammer that can repair a house or crush a skull, the issue is not the tool but the one using it.
For example, AI is being used to detect cancer that humans might not find, revolutionize the development and testing of life-saving drugs, and translate the Bible into rare languages. But it is also being used to develop more advanced cyberattacks, bypass security measures, displace jobs, develop advanced weapons, and spread disinformation across the internet.
We see the same bipolarity in every dimension of human experience: cameras can capture priceless family memories or generate child pornography; cars can speed an expectant mother to a hospital to deliver her baby or kill her and her baby in a crash; palliative medications can be used to ease pain or enable suicides.
Ours is a microcosm of the cosmic story: God creates for good, then Satan seeks to use God’s creation for evil. From the Garden of Eden to today, humans cast the deciding vote.
A grandfather was discussing morality with his grandson. “There are two wolves fighting inside you,” he said. “One wants you to do what is right, but the other wants you to do what is wrong.”
“Which one wins?” his grandson asked.
The grandfather replied, “The one you feed.”
“To forget God is to seal our own doom”
As we close our weeklong Independence Day series on America, let’s apply today’s theme to our country’s future.
Because “God is love” (1 John 4:8), he can only want the best for us and our nation. But because he is “holy, holy, holy” (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8), he cannot tolerate sin.
Consequently, our future as a nation is in our hands.
The King who “rules over the nations” (Psalm 22:28) will rule us as gently as he can or as harshly as he must. The binary choice is ours: “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34, my emphasis).
The path to our best future is clear: “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lᴏʀᴅ” (Psalm 33:12). But so is the path to our demise: “The wicked shall return to Sheol, all the nations that forget God” (Psalm 9:17). Commenting on this verse, the longtime pastor and statesman Paul Powell warned: “To forget God is to seal our own doom as a nation.”
“To stand neutral is to stand for nothing”
Here’s America’s great problem: most secular Americans don’t know the peril they face.
They don’t know that their sins have separated them from God and his best for them (Isaiah 59:2). They don’t know that their rejection of biblical morality is poisoning their minds and corrupting their souls (cf. Isaiah 64:6). They don’t know that they are one day closer to divine judgment than ever before: “While people are saying, ‘There is peace and security,’ then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape” (1 Thessalonians 5:3).
This is why we owe it to them to tell them. A person with the only cure for a deadly pandemic has a moral obligation to share it with everyone they can. Whatever it takes for America’s Christians to lead Americans to Christ will be worth it for all eternity.
Dr. Powell’s words are prophetic: “America needs you standing courageously before evil. The sin of silence is all about us. Our generation needs to remember that silence is often golden; but at times it may be yellow. To stand neutral is to stand for nothing.”
Will you pray, live, and witness for Christ as if America’s future depended on it?
It does.
A Prophecy Concerning Jesus
Psalm 2
A Prophecy concerning Jesus
1 Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain? 2 The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the LORD and against his Anointed One.
Why the question of conspiring and plotting in vain by the kings and people of the Earth? Simply the fallen nature of man.
Everything theCreator did and is doing is for mankind s benefit, but fallen kings and menwant to control the Almighty. Sinful men and kings have always tried tomanipulate their Creator; they rebel against His Love, Mercy and Grace. Now for the Truth; Jesus is the Anointed One! Matthew 16:13-17 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Whodo people say the Son of Man is?" They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets." "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."
Jesusreplied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed toyou by man, but by my Father in heaven. Now the word Christ in Greekmeans Messiah or the Anointed One. Why do men plot against Him? Onesuggestion Matthew 4:17 From that time on Jesus began to preach,"Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." Men and kings of this Earthhave always loved their sin more than the Savior!
Jesus also said John15:18 -25
"
If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is,you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world.That is why the world hates you. Remember the words I spoke to you: 'Noservant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also.They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin. Now, however, they have no excuse for their sin. He whohates me hates my Father as well. If I had not done among them what noone else did, they would not be guilty of sin. But now they have seen thes emiracles, and yet they have hated both me and my Father. But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: 'They hated me without reason.'
3 "Let us break their chains," they say, "and throw off their fetters."
Bishop Horne well remarks, "we may see the ground of opposition; namely, the unwillingness of rebellious nature to submit to the obligations of Divine laws, which cross the interests, and lay a restraint on the desires of men. Corrupt affections are the most inveterate enemies of Christ, and their language is, We will not have this man to reign over us. Doctrines would be readily believed if they involved in them no precepts; and the
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