Video of the Day: Scene from the 2005 film “The Pacifier”
Bible Verse of the Day:
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms, Ephesians 6:12.
Biblical Connection:
After recovering from a failed rescue operation, Navy SEAL Shane Wolfe played by Vin Deisel is handed a new assignment. Unlike any other detail, Deisel is tasked with protecting the five Plummer kids from enemies of their recently deceased father. With Mrs. Plummer overseas helping with the investigation of her husband’s death, Deisel is faced with taking care of an infant, 2 children and 2 teenagers. When Seth Pummer played by Max Theiriot is bullied by his wrestling coach, Deisel’s intervention turns into an afterschool wrestling match.
The apostle Paul points out a key fact about all bullies. Although certain types of people will rub you the wrong way, there are spiritual forces going on behind the scenes which prompt bullies to act out. Meanwhile, bullies often have a back story, something that triggered this type of behavior within them. Therefore, the next time you encounter a bully, you might want to pull them off to the side and start asking probing questions. If there aren’t willing to listen, wait for another moment as you pray for them. The more you see people through the realm of Ephesians 6:12, you’ll begin to understand why bullies act the way that they do.
Closing Song:
Don’t allow bullies of your past to continue to push you around. Rather, put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the Devil’s schemes.
Depending upon your education, how you were raised, and your spiritual upbringing, the concept of conscience and faith will vary. After being introduced to the book Restoring the Foundations through a Sunday School class, my perspective has changed. Due to ungodly beliefs, personal opinions that deviate from the Bible, that are picked up over the course of your life, these flawed mindsets block you from being the person who God wants you to become, Romans 12:1-2.
And the king assigned for them a daily portion of his own rich and dainty food and of the wine which he drank. They were to be so educated and so nourished for three years that at the end of that time they might stand before the king. 6 Among these were of the children of Judah: Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. 7 The chief of the eunuchs gave them names: Daniel he called Belteshazzar [the king’s attendant], Hananiah he called Shadrach, Mishael he called Meshach, and Azariah he called Abednego. 8 But Daniel determined in his heart that he would not defile himself by [eating his portion of] the king’s rich and dainty food or by [drinking] the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might [be allowed] not to defile himself, Daniel 1:5-8.
Based upon the beginning of this book, Daniel was blessed with intellectual and physical features. Meanwhile, Daniel’s parents introduced the teachings of Moses to him at an early age, Deuteronomy 6:4-9. Subsequently, when the Babylonians begin to force customs which are in direct conflict to the Old Testament, Daniel’s conscience and faith go hand in hand as if to sound a spiritual alarm inside his heart.
But I say, walk and live [habitually] in the [Holy] Spirit [responsive to and controlled and guided by the Spirit]; then you will certainly not gratify the cravings and desires of the flesh (of human nature without God). 17 For the desires of the flesh are opposed to the [Holy] Spirit, and the [desires of the] Spirit are opposed to the flesh (godless human nature); for these are antagonistic to each other [continually withstanding and in conflict with each other], so that you are not free but are prevented from doing what you desire to do, Galatians 5:16-17.
The apostle Paul explains this sensation as an internal war between the Holy Spirit and sinful nature. This human flaw described in Romans 3:9-12 has caused every individual to fall short of God’s glory. Nonetheless, when Christians begins to keep in step with the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25, your conscience serves as a flashlight to point you in the right direction. May today’s blog inspire you to hold your ground by uniting faith with your God given conscience to follow the narrow path, Matthew 7:13-14, in a world of darkness.
The Christian fundamentalism movement in American Protestantism arose in the late 19th century in response to theological modernism. While theological modernism can be defined in multiple ways, take the 1960’s in the United States for an example. This decade was defined by sex, drugs and rock and roll. As church leaders struggled to address this issue in a biblical manner of love, Christian fundamentalists replied with fire and brimstone messages designed to scare the hell out of teenagers.
Now listen and give heed, O Israel, to the statutes and ordinances which I teach you, and do them, that you may live and go in and possess the land which the Lord, the God of your fathers, gives you. 2 You shall not add to the word which I command you, neither shall you diminish it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you, Deuteronomy 4:1-2.
Whenever any belief, command and exhortation is forced down the throats of any society, resentment and rejection often follow. This brash response caused several to leave the church, inspiring others to go into education to spawn a New Age of Fundamentalism. Fifty years later, the tables have turned as now Christianity is no longer the dominant worldview in the United States. Syncretism, the blending of multiple worldviews have opened minds beyond what Adam and Eve experienced after the spiritual fall of mankind.
So Jesus said to those Jews who had believed in Him, If you abide in My word [hold fast to My teachings and live in accordance with them], you are truly My disciples. 32 And you will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free, John 8:31-32.
Truth is now relative in this New Age of Fundamentalism. Ask a supreme court nominee how to define a woman and you won’t get an answer. Meanwhile, expert panelists on cable television believe that men can have periods and give birth to children. Environmentalism has surpassed and replaced Judeo-Christian values as the dominant religion, worshipping every aspect of mother earth. As liberals and progressives are elevated into political positions of power, anyone who does not share their same beliefs are bullied to confirm or else face the consequences. This is the unfortunate reality of a society controlled by social media. May God helps us all.
One of my greatest regrets in life was taking for granted my education as a child. Despite having several amazing teachers, I was never really impressed by the topic of English. If I had only paid attention in class to grammar back then, my career as an aspiring writer probably would have taken off by now. Nonetheless, the trinity within the Bible is revealed early in the Bible by Moses through the words “let us.”
God said, Let Us [Father, Son, and Holy Spirit] make mankind in Our image, after Our likeness, and let them have complete authority over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, the [tame] beasts, and over all of the earth, and over everything that creeps upon the earth. 27 So God created man in His own image, in the image and likeness of God He created him; male and female He created them, Genesis 1:26-27.
As the Classic Amplified Version of the Bible reveals in the passage above, Let Us refers to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Holy Ghost is used in the King James version to highlight this powerful invisible force. One of the ways I came to grasp the trinity was one person with three distinct personality traits. God the Father is the spiritual adult in the room, the disciplinarian who reminds you whenever you stray off course. Jesus the Son is the youthful version of God with the Spirit who serves as our spiritual guide.
In the beginning [before all time] was the Word ([a]Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God [b]Himself. 2 He was present originally with God. 3 All things were made and came into existence through Him; and without Him was not even one thing made that has come into being. 4 In Him was Life, and the Life was the Light of men, John 1:1-4.
One of Jesus’ disciples refers to Him as homoousias. This theological term was first used at the Council of Nicaea which was presided over by the emperor Constantine. The Nicene Creed was conceived at this council which agreed that Jesus is the same in being and the same in essence with God the Father. Jesus introduces the Holy Spirit of a counselor in John 14:14-16. Therefore, when you see the expression “Let Us” in the Bible, this united agreement was the force behind the Creation of the World.
Critical Race Theory is one of those hot button issues that many people try to avoid. As a former high school teacher, I try to keep up with trends in education. As I looked for an article explaining CRT so I could grasp its premise, the majority of online posts are politically one-sided. After several search requests, I discovered that CRT is built on the intellectual framework of identity-based Marxism.
Train up a child in the way he should go [and in keeping with his individual gift or bent], and when he is old he will not depart from it, Proverbs 22:6.
Critical Race Theory has evolved over the past hundred years as educators have adapted and progressed with changing societal trends. One aspect of CRT claims that discipline is racist. Perhaps, this is the motive behind the recent political move to close prisons, eliminate cash bail, and for district attorneys to stop prosecuting criminals. If CRT continues to spread in America, CRT and discipline can’t co-exist.
For the time being no discipline brings joy, but seems grievous and painful; but afterwards it yields a peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it [a harvest of fruit which consists in righteousness—in conformity to God’s will in purpose, thought, and action, resulting in right living and right standing with God], Hebrews 12:11.
As a former educator, I struggled with classroom discipline in my early years. When disruptions are allowed to occur daily, chaos reigns and education is stunted or ceases completely. While I don’t claim to be an expert on CRT, I do know the importance of discipline inside a classroom and in the real world. According to the passage above, discipline is used by God to shape and mold individuals into the people the Lord wants us to become. Without discipline, prodigals will continue down their wayward journeys.
Life is full of adjustments as individuals advance from elementary education, toward higher education and begin chasing a career, dream and goal. This process of development goes through many phases and stages, often bringing unforeseen barriers and obstacles. Unfortunately, not everyone is able to complete or reach their full potential as death rudely ends the pursuit toward being content and happy.
Praised (honored, blessed) be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah)! By His boundless mercy we have been born again to an ever-living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 [Born anew] into an inheritance which is beyond the reach of change and decay [imperishable], unsullied and unfading, reserved in heaven for you, 1 Peter 1:3-4.
Despite the harsh reality of being mortal, the Bible speaks of resurrection power. This supernatural force made it possible for Jesus to be beyond the reach of change and decay. From a strictly earthly sense, if the Holy Spirit was able to raise Jesus from the dead, then human beings can change for the better. However, unless belief and faith is present, the worries of this world will wear you down over time.
But if Christ lives in you, [then although] your [natural] body is dead by reason of sin and guilt, the spirit is alive because of [the] righteousness [that He imputes to you]. 11 And if the Spirit of Him Who raised up Jesus from the dead dwells in you, [then] He Who raised up Christ Jesus from the dead will also restore to life your mortal (short-lived, perishable) bodies through His Spirit Who dwells in you. 12 So then, brethren, we are debtors, but not to the flesh [we are not obligated to our carnal nature], to live [a life ruled by the standards set up by the dictates] of the flesh, Romans 8:10-12.
According to the apostle Paul, Christ must reside within your heart to successfully overcome a sinful nature. Whenever Christians allow their faith to become dormant, the flesh will get the best of you and cripple your ability to change for the better. If you’re serious about the afterlife, remember your obligation to live according to the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25. This is the only force that will enable you to go beyond the reach of change and decay.
While growing up in high school, teaching was considered one of the lowest paying occupations. Most of the teachers I grew to admire coached multiple sports or had another job in the summer to pay their bills. Without realizing it, the majority of my friends in college went on to major in Education. Something about teaching attracted me, leading me to eventually become a youth pastor and Bible teacher. Almost 10 years have passed since I taught my last class so as I look toward the future the question is to teach or not to teach?
Not many [of you] should become teachers ([a]self-constituted censors and reprovers of others), my brethren, for you know that we [teachers] will be judged by a higher standard and with greater severity [than other people; thus we assume the greater accountability and the more condemnation], James 3:1.
I don’t miss the countless hours creating Power Point Presentations for my next lecture. Nor do I miss all the emails and phone calls from disgruntled parents wondering why their child didn’t receive a certain grade. Ditto on mind numbing hours spent grading homework assignments, quizzes and tests every weekend. Yet, when you connect with a student or begin to get through to someone that you almost gave up on is what I miss most about teaching. Shaping the minds of future leaders is why I was called to teach in the first place, a form of giving back to society.
Every Scripture is God-breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God’s will in thought, purpose, and action), 17 So that the man of God may be complete and proficient, well fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work, 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
Yet, the Bible has high standards for anyone called to teach. Whether you’re leading a small group, filling in as a substitute or make teaching your career, are you ready to be held accountable? I was fortunate to leave education before Common Core was enforced. Based upon my interactions with a few teachers still in the field, Common Core hinders an individual’s ability to be creative. The older I get, the less likely I would consider a return to the classroom, but never say never when God is involved. All I can do now is keep in step with the Holy Spirit to see what the future holds, Galatians 5:25.
Early on in a new school year, trying to get students to participate and share their thoughts can be difficult. As a former high school teacher, the only willing participants tend to be the class clown and teacher’s pets trying to earn brownie points. When all of their curriculum, education, and teaching methods fail to produce increased participation, don’t be afraid to pray for students to open up their hearts in your classroom.
[And I pray] that the participation in and sharing of your faith may produce and promote full recognition and appreciation and understanding and precise knowledge of every good [thing] that is ours in [our identification with] Christ Jesus [and unto His glory], Philemon 1:6.
In an obscure first century epistle, the apostle Paul writes to one of his servants in the ministry. While writing from prison, Paul prays for the participation in and the sharing of testimonies. As Christians reflect upon how they came to faith in Christ, your personal story will strike a nerve with a specific audience. The more you find opportunities to weave your faith into daily conversations, other people will begin to appreciate and understand your relationship with God.
But in your hearts set Christ apart as holy [and acknowledge Him] as Lord. Always be ready to give a logical defense to anyone who asks you to account for the hope that is in you, but do it courteously and respectfully, 1 Peter 3:15.
One of Jesus’ former disciples chimes in on this topic as well. Simon Peter who was never afraid to voice his opinion appears to have gotten wiser in his later years. Based upon the passage above, Peter learned the necessity to be courteous and respectful when sharing his faith. One of my favorite hymns in college was Blessed Assurance which promotes sharing your faith. Whenever I hear the chorus, “this is my story, this is my song,” I am inspired to participate and share my faith. This continues to be a worthy cause to pray for daily.
Thirteen British Colonies declared their independence on July 4th, 1776 with a goal to form the United States of America. Despite the odds against our founding fathers, this rebellion lasted eight years until their quest for freedom became official on September 3rd, 1783 with the end of the Revolutionary War. Before public education was formed in the United States, local churches started schools and colleges to teach biblical values to the first generation of students in this new country. Unfortunately, it only took sixteen years for young people to turn their hearts and minds away from God. By 1799, Christians began to meet secretly on campus as their classmates held mock communions. This spiritual darkness set the stage for the first Great Awakening to spread throughout the East Coast via concerts of prayer and tent revival meetings.
Be strong (confident) and of good courage, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. 7 Only you be strong and very courageous, that you may do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you. Turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go, Joshua 1:6-7.
As I fast forward to the present, today’s age of technology has transformed what Americans believe about current events, education, and social norms. Between big tech, cable news, newspapers, and the social media giants, a few elite individuals control the content of information distributed to American citizens. Thus, if any beliefs, convictions, and opinions posted or shared on the internet is deemed controversial in any manner, actions are immediately taken. While anyone can be get into trouble, the last four years have seen a growing number of Christians, Conservatives, and Republicans banned, censored, de-monetized and removed from social media sites. As this trend continues, banks, credit cards, and insurance companies have bowed to progressive demands to punish these offenders even more by refusing to do business with non-conformists. As I have sat back and watched what has happened since the 2020 Presidential Election, the first amendment is under attack without many Americans raising an eyebrow.
This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good success. 9 Have not I commanded you? Be strong, vigorous, and very courageous. Be not afraid, neither be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go, Joshua 1:8-9.
Although Freedom of speech is a principle that supports the right of an individual or a community to articulate their opinions and ideas without fear of retaliation, censorship, or legal sanction, recent court decisions provide a glimpse of what lies in wait for the future. America’s current tract reminds me of the 2005 film The Lost City. Andy Garcia stars as Fico Fellove, a wealthy Havana club owner in Cuba prior to the rise of Communism. When a new leader takes over his country, freedoms of wealthy Cubans began to vanish. Thus, Fico’s family is torn apart by the violent sociopolitical upheaval brought about by the transition from the dictatorial regime of Batista to the Marxist revolution led by Fidel Castro in 1950s. Viewer discretion is advised as this is one of the saddest true stories that I’ve ever seen. Nonetheless, I’m fearful that if leaders of the United States reject their spiritual heritage as it appears, the future of America is leaning toward a modern day Cuba. Yet, if God can send a Spiritual Awakening to America in 1800, another revival is possible to save freedom and faith for future Americans.
When puberty begins in junior high, teenagers undergo a series of changes. Depending upon the choices made and friendships established, this will shape the path individuals take in high school. For those who are able to continue their education in college, majors, professors and relationships will further dictate who you become. Despite this journey, many adults awake to an epiphany “how get I get this way?”
Blessed [fortunate, prosperous, and favored by God] is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked [following their advice and example], nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit [down to rest] in the seat of scoffers (ridiculers), Psalm 1:1.
Skarlett Riot sings about this in the song Voices. The opening stanza refers to whispers which restrict what you hear. The next stanza refers to being paralyzed, unable to control your mind. Finally, this British rock band uses imagery of Cain’s conversation with God in Genesis 4:6-7 to suggest demons can get into your head. The moment individuals begin to listen to these demonic influences, souls can relate to the words of the apostle Paul in Romans 7:13-20, doing the opposite of you want.
But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His law [His precepts and teachings] he [habitually] meditates day and night. And he will be like a tree firmly planted [and fed] by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season; Its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers [and comes to maturity], Psalm 1:2-3.
The Psalmist has a much easier explanation for how did I get this way. The author lists three basic distractions in life: following the crowd, hanging around those who bend the rules and joining this behavior by lowering your standards. The best way to avoid giving into temptation is by embracing the Bible. Those who make a habit of following biblical teaching will be to endure spiritual droughts that cause faith to waver. Thus, if you are shocked by the person that you have become, follow the Psalmist advice to flee any voices in your head.
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