Then, they want to rage when you speak anything other than with what they agree…
As believers in Christ:
Let us never remain silent when a life is at stake.
Let us never speak quietly among friends when the person in danger cannot hear our warning.
Let us never turn a blind eye when a child of innocence is in peril.
Let us never nod and turn our back to the helpless being attacked.
May we stand firm for Truth.
May we stand tall for Integrity.
May we stand solid in convictions.
May we stand unwavering in the face of persecution.
Our fight for Truth, freedom, and the preservation of everything good may not always be popular.
But let us never give in, never give up and never walk away from the fight of faith to which He has called us.
Lives are on the line and precious souls can be lost when we do.
But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”
I watched this trailer today, coupled with this new song titled, “I Will.” It’s so moving and truthfully, convicting, and began a series of questions within my heart and mind…
Often as Christians, we sing songs like this with bold, declarative statements of Christiansese: “I will,” “I surrender all,” “Tear Off the Roof (to get to You),” and “Champion;” yet, I then see the conflicts within the Christian culture, and I wonder are we really ready to give our all? Are we truly at the place where we’d do all it takes to be in His presence and to share the gospel to save a life, even if it cost us our own?
If I’m honest, I’ve struggled with this question numerous times; so, I’m not pointing the finger as if I’m ready and you’re not. But that doesn’t void the validity of the question. My personal struggle and prayer that I’d be ready doesn’t nullify the urgency that we all should be searching our hearts for this answer.
There will come a day soon when the liberties we now enjoy may not be so welcomed. There will come a day, maybe not as far off as we might think, that grabbing a Bible, going to church, or freely sharing the gospel with someone on the street corner might not be overlooked by those who can arrest us, charge us, and take our very lives.
And we need to be prepared NOW for that probability. We need to be searching our hearts NOW. We need to be allowing God to refine us of the self preservation in which we live and drawing us closer to Him to become the soldiers of the cross whom we claim to be in this present day, rather than live under the pretenses that we might be that person.
If we don’t prepare now, we will never become tomorrow what we aren’t becoming today.
So, let me end with these heart checks. It’s not for me to know, but I’d love to know maybe you struggle with these honest questions, too.
Yet, if for nothing more, my prayer is these questions will awaken your soul to any slothfulness that might hiding in the recesses of your heart. My prayer is these might cause us all to do a deep heart evaluation and “report for duty,” if you will, to a King who is coming to take His children home and Who has commissioned us to win the lost because He desires to take more than just you and me…
When’s the last time you invited someone to your church? And they came?
When’s the last time you shared your faith with someone who doesn’t know Him?
When’s the last time you prayed the “sinner’s prayer” with someone and watched God transform their life?
When’s the last time you discipled a new convert? And stuck with him/her through the highs and lows of their faith)?
When’s the last time you saw someone veer from the Truth, and you confronted them with that truth?
When’s the last time you saw someone living in sin, and you confronted them of the wrong and the dangers of it to help them see the Truth?
…and the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.
Acts 2:47
And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added tothem. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.
What brings you joy? I’m not talking about the happy go lucky, goofy smile you plaster on while your heart is shattered. I’m not talking about the stoic half grin you portray as darkness closes in. I’m talking about the deep down, overwhelming joy that overflows into that guttural laugh that can’t be quenched. I’m talking about the pure “spring in your step” that only gets lighter when the rain begins to fall.
That kind of joy is everlasting. That kind of joy isn’t man made. That kind of joy can’t come from any other source but in the depths of your soul where faith is born. That kind of joy can only come from the One who created you, loves you, died for you and longs to redeem you and take you to eternity one day. That kind of joy is worth everything you’ve got.
The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
What unsettles you? What brings you panic? What brings chaos to your mind?
What disheartens you? What brings you deep sorrow? What brings you guttural pain?
What creates apathy within? What brings aloofness? What brings neglect and avoidance to your soul?
The answers to these question can be found more in your actions rather than your words. As the old adage goes, “Words are cheap…. (But) Actions speak louder than words.”
Seek out those answers with passion. And then, turn to the One who can bring peace that surpasses all understanding. He can settle all that unsettles you.
…and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7
You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.
Is it in the stock market, your bank account, or you job?
Is it in your friendships, your families, or your loves?
Or is it in your education, your wisdom, or your intellect?
All these things will pass away on this earth. All these things will be in vain.
If you will but trust in the One who created all things.
If you will but trust in the One who gave you breath and strength to breathe.
He will be all you need. ❤️
But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. 8 Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ
My thoughts for the day… If we are to be Salt & Light, how salty and how bright should we be? Salt cures food from rottenness (dying). A light shines to dispel the darkness. If we are to be Salt & Light in this lost, dying and dark world, we may need to evaluate our hearts and our intent.
If our intent is to live without conflict, peace with everyone, never causing a stir, we may be serving the wrong God. Jesus was so bold and told so many of their wrong that they killed Him just to get Him to shut up.
Salt can bring life, flavor, and enjoyment to a midday meal. It can also be bitter, irritate and bring sting to a wound, but it will bring healing through the pain. Light can bring comfort, strength, and clarity to eyes in a darkened room. It can also be glaring, burning, and explosive to those same eyes when concealment is desired.
May we be the Salt & Light that brings life, that brings healing, that brings strength, and ultimately, brings redemption and hope to a lost and dying soul.
You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men,that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
Valiant men and women signed on the dotted line to fight for the freedom we have. Strong and ready young men and women gave up the comforts of home, the easy living, the enjoyments of friends and family to lend us their courage to fight, to serve, to do the hard things to make this country what it is today.
So, we pause in this hour to say Thank You.
Our thanks could never be enough, but it’s all we have to give. So, we give it sincerely, and we mean it deeply, more than words can adequately express
Thank you for all that have served and who are now serving.
God bless you, each and every one.
❤️🇺🇸❤️
Happy Veterans Day!
Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.
3 John 1:2
The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.
My journey didn’t stop with mere time travel or writing; it led me to become one of the most sought-after empaths, a soulful psychic who reads the hidden depths of the human spirit. I’ve been blessed—or perhaps burdened—with an ability that allows me to feel the emotions of people from every corner of time.
I am a licensed psychologist based in Greece. My love for housekeeping has inspired me to create this blog about home management and family relationships. I hope you enjoy reading as much as I enjoyed writing!
Dedicated to movie nerdom, nostalgia, and escape. In the late 90s, I worked at Blockbuster Video where they let me take home two free movies a day. I caught up on the classics and reviewed theatrical releases for Denver 'burbs newspapers and magazines. Today, while raising two young, beautiful daughters with my amazing wife, I look forward to anything rated R and not Bluey. Comments and dialogue encouraged!
the grizzle grist mill 