For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. Romans 8:6-7 ESV

According to organizers, the “No Kings” protest over the weekend drew 8 million people across all 50 states. They were rallying together in their opposition to President Trump. 1

I mostly avoid politics in my ministry because I want to be able to share Christ with anyone, regardless of political party, but this protest did get me thinking.

The idea of “no kings” is one of the reasons that some will not acknowledge Jesus Christ as their Savior, or even acknowledge that there is a God. These individuals want to control their own lives.

One author said, “They simply hate the idea that anything—or any One—should have control over them. What they do not realize is that Satan himself is controlling them, blinding them, and preparing their souls for hell.” 2

He’s speaking, of course, about 2 Corinthians 4:4, In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. (ESV)

Before coming to Jesus, we were also blind until the Holy Spirit helped us see Christ. For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:6 ESV

Let’s pray that these precious people living in spiritual darkness will meet the true King!

Dear Heavenly Father, Help me remember that I am surrounded by those who do not know You. Today, open doors for me to speak for Christ. And as I speak, please open the eyes and minds of these precious people so that the glorious Gospel might shine through. In the Savior’s Name, I pray, Amen.

1 https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2026/03/29/no-kings-rallies-a-red-flare-for-trump/89306058007/

2 https://www.gotquestions.org/evangelize-atheists.html

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

In Vineland, New Jersey, a mysterious hum is keeping people up at night and causing them anxiety.

The source of the noise is a nearby AI Data Center that is under construction.

The article that I was reading said,

“It is unclear exactly what residents are hearing. The 2.6-million-square-foot, multi-building data center — which will eventually be more than twice the size of the nearby Cumberland Mall — isn’t close to finished yet.

The company overseeing the project says residents are hearing construction-related noise and the project isn’t violating any local noise ordinances.”*

Lots of people in our world have a similar experience. They are kept up at night by the “hum” of their own worries, fears, and anxiety. But this is not the way that God wants us to live, and He has given us a way to silence the hum that keeps us awake.

The solution?

Give those worries to Him.

And He tells us to give “everything” that troubles us to Him.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

What a promise!

Now, sleep well.

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for giving us the peace that passes all understanding as we give our cares and worries to You. You are great, and greatly to be praised. In Jesus’ Name, we pray, Amen.

I recently preached a sermon on this very topic. You can listen to it here.

* https://www.nj.com/news/2026/03/this-mysterious-humming-is-driving-nj-town-crazy-as-a-massive-ai-data-center-rises.html

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Matthew 6:19-21

A rat in India got into an ATM machine and chewed up more than $17,500!

Talk about a rough way to lose a bunch of cash.

This reminded me of Jesus’ words in Matthew 6 concerning laying up treasures on earth. In the passage, He warns that moths, rust, or thieves can harm or even take away our treasure.

While money has a place in our lives, we dare not trust in it. If a moth or rat can take away our security, we’re in Big trouble. Our only true security is found in the Lord. Even our cash reminds us of that, with the inscription, “In God We Trust.”

So, today, who or what are you really trusting in?

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for providing for me. All that I have comes from Your good hand. Help me to never trust in money or wealth. You alone are my provider, protector, and true source of security. I trust in You today. In Jesus’ Name, I pray, Amen.

https://www.cnbc.com/2018/06/22/hungry-rat-shreds-more-than-17500-of-cash-inside-atm-in-india.html

And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4

The article* referenced a medicine cabinet.

Do newer and updated homes even have them anymore?

Our home doesn’t, but I know what they’re talking about. It’s the place where you store all those little pills that keep you going.

And the older we get, the more room we have to make in those cabinets for more and more bottles.

I’m happy to report that in heaven, you will not have a medicine cabinet. Or a medicine drawer. In fact, there are no pharmacies or pharmaceutical companies.

While I am grateful for these wonderful little pills here on earth, I am more grateful that we will not need them in the new heaven and new earth! Not even aspirin or ibuprofen, for the verse says “no more pain.” Hallelujah!

But until then, will you pass me the Tylenol?

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for giving us doctors, pharmacists, and scientists who help us to live better while we live for You right now. And thank You that You are going to take away all sickness and pain from those who know You. We long for that day, and most of all, we long to be with You. In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen.

* https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2026/03/16/common-medications-guidance/

When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Colossians 3:4

This verse was on my heart this morning, and I can’t get away from that phrase, “Christ who is your life.”

Does that honestly describe our life at this current moment?

I’m afraid that the whole “Jesus first” idea, based upon Matthew 6:33, has gotten a lot of people off track. They see Jesus as the first of a long list of priorities. But the problem with this kind of thinking is that, like a to-do list, we “check off” Jesus and then move on to other matters.

While it is true that Jesus should be at the top of our list, that is not enough. He is not just One among many, He is supreme.

Another way of looking at this that has been helpful to me is to think of it not as a list of 1, 2, 3, but as a wheel.* At the hub that of that wheel is Christ. All of my life flows from Him. He is not just a part of my life, He is my life.

Father, Today help me to center my life upon Christ. May I do everything that He desires, and nothing that He doesn’t. Thank You for giving me life in Christ. In His Name, I pray, Amen.

* https://www.navigators.org/resource/the-wheel-illustration/

We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps. Proverbs 16:9 NLT

I’m writing this after a winter storm rolled through much of our country, leaving behind ice, snow, and even death. Businesses closed, and schools were canceled.

Storms like this remind us that we can make all the plans we want, but we are not really in control. In an interesting verse where God is questioning Job, God said to him, “Have you entered the place where the snow is stored? Or have you seen the storehouses of hail” (Job 38:22). The obvious answer is “no.”

God is sovereign and in complete control. Sometimes, He chooses to bring our world to a screeching halt. That is His prerogative, and His plan is always perfect!

In all honesty, we need the reminder that He is God and we are not. This truth is humbling and helpful. It should cause us to humble ourselves in worship, and it should help us to depend on Him more.

Father, Thank You that You are in complete control of our world, and of our lives. We are not being tossed around by the whims of nature, but we are being guided by Your good and loving hand. It’s in You that we rest, Amen.

https://weather.com/news/weather/news/2026-01-26-live-updates-deadly-winter-storm-fern-january-26

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:16

I have a confession to make: I hate buying light bulbs!

It’s just so complicated. There are so many options, and they are so expensive. And the manufacturers lie. Bulbs that are supposed to last years and years dim and go out long before their time.

I miss the old days where the greatest decision was wattage - 25, 50, or 75?

They just don’t make lightbulbs like they used to. How do I know? Because there is a bulb that has been burning since 1901! It doesn’t burn as brightly, but it still burns.

This reminded me of Matthew 5:16, where we as believers are told to burn brightly for Jesus. Our good works should cause others to glorify God.

How bright are you shining today?

Dear Father in Heaven, Thank You for life and light. Help me this day to shine brightly for You that others may bring honor to You. In Jesus’ Name, I pray, Amen.

https://historyfacts.com/science-industry/fact/worlds-longest-burning-lightbulb/

And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins. Matthew 1:21

Japan has introduced a human washing machine. You simply lie back and let the machine do the work. Thankfully, it doesn’t spin you like a clothes washer!

The article that I read about this machine included this sentence: “According to company spokeswoman Sachiko Maekura, the new machine not only cleans the body but also ‘washes the soul,’ using sensors to monitor the user’s heartbeat and vital signs throughout the process.”

As much as they’d like to, no person will ever invent a machine that can cleanse the human soul. It might wash away the grime on the outside, but only the blood of Jesus can wash away the grime on the inside.

That’s why He came. As Matthew 1:21 clearly states, “He shall save His people from their sins.” That little baby in Bethlehem grew and went from the cradle to the cross. He entered the tomb, but didn’t stay there!

Because of His finished work, we can be clean on the inside and the outside.

Do you know Him? If not, check out this site.

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for sending Your Son to die for our sin. Without Christ, we know we are lost, condemned, and doomed. Lord Jesus, thank You for giving Your life and taking it back up again. We rest in You today. Help us to share the glorious message of the gospel this Christmas season with all that we meet. In Your Name, we pray, Amen.

Article mentioned above: https://www.ndtv.com/offbeat/japan-launches-human-washing-machine-for-public-use-after-expo-success-9721446

Then he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was obedient to them. His mother kept all these things in her heart. Luke 2:51 CSB

This month, we’re celebrating the incarnation of Jesus. God took on flesh and became the God/Man. I’m amazed by the humility of the Lord Jesus and the way He came.

He didn’t just step out of the clouds into the streets of Bethlehem. No, He came the way we do, as a baby! Virgin-born, but still a bundle of joy who was helpless to care for Himself. Can you imagine?! The One Who created His own mother abiding in her womb for nine months.

This humility didn’t stop with the birth and growth process. While we aren’t told much about Jesus’ growing-up years, we are given a glimpse of Him at twelve. My youngest son is twelve, so this is quite interesting to me at the moment. Luke 2:51 says that Jesus was obedient to Mary & Joseph. Remarkable! The One Who created the entire world patiently and obediently followed the instructions of his earthly parents. He was perfect; they were not, but he obeyed them.

What condescension, 
Bringing us redemption;
That in the dead of night, 
Not one faint hope in sight,
God, gracious, tender, 
Laid aside His splendor,
Stooping to woo, to win, 
to save my soul.
- Wiliam Booth-Clibborn

Lord Jesus, thank You for humbling Yourself that I might live with You eternally. I am amazed at how much You love me. May I emulate Your love by humbling myself as a servant this day. In Your Name, I pray, Amen.

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. 2 Peter 3:18 CSB

I grew up watching The Jetsons cartoon with George, Jane, Judy, Elroy, Astro, and a host of other characters like Mr. Spacely. And who could forget the robotic maid named Rosie?

Well, if you wanted to have your own robotic maid, the day has arrived. It’s not just a cartoon concept any longer. Meet Neo, your humanoid robot. Standing just 5 feet, 6 inches tall, and costing $20,000, you too can have a robot that does your household chores. And it’s available in various colors as pictured above!

While help around the house would certainly be nice, there are some things that robots, computers, and AI will never be able to do for you. A robot cannot pray for you, study the Bible for you, or grow in your relationship with Jesus. If those important things are ever going to happen, you’ll have to be the one doing them.

And they are not a chore, but a privilege!

As this year winds down, it’s a good time to take a look at what adjustments need to be made in your spiritual growth plan.

Don’t have a spiritual growth plan?

Then that’s all the more reason to pause and assess next steps to grow in your faith.*

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for the privilege of knowing You. Help me today to grow in my faith, deepen my relationship with You, and to become more like Your Son, the Lord Jesus. Please help me to prioritize my time so that I can spend more time with You in Bible study and prayer. In Jesus’ Name, I pray, Amen.

* Want to take a deep dive into assessing your spiritual growth? Check out this resource from Lifeway: https://blog.lifeway.com/growingdisciples/files/2013/08/Spiritual_Growth_Assessment.pdf

Article Referenced: https://www.cnet.com/tech/this-20k-humanoid-robot-promises-to-tidy-up-your-home-but-there-are-strings-attached/

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

I’m a big proponent of regular church attendance. Coming from a pastor, I’m guessing that’s not surprising to you.

Church attendance is not just a good idea; it’s God’s idea. He knows that we need the fellowship that comes with regularly assembling with fellow believers. This helps us spiritually, but you might be surprised to learn that it has physical benefits, as well.

Research coming out of Harvard “suggests that attending religious services brings about better physical and mental health.” It even lowers the risks of dying!

What a great God we serve! Imagine, we come together to exalt and worship Him, and He blesses us in return.

Make regular attendance at a Bible-preaching church a top priority in your family’s life. All of you will benefit from it.

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for the gift of the church. And thank You for making us a part of it. Help us to make gathering with our brothers and sisters a regular part of our weekly routine. May we bless them, as they bless us. And thank You most of all, for Your blessing. May we worship you in spirit and in truth. In Jesus’ Name, we pray, Amen.

Article Referenced Above: https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2016/10/28/religion-church-attendance-mortality-column/92676964/

And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8 NKJV

I was leading a meeting full of pastors, and the subject of introvert versus extrovert came up. Because I was curious, I asked for a show of hands. Believe it or not, all but a couple were self-proclaimed introverts!

Isn’t that interesting? The same guys who thunder away in the pulpit on Sunday morning are most comfortable out of the limelight. As the old saying goes, “in a nook with a book” served as a happy place for many of them, I’m sure.

This speaks of God’s enabling grace. He called these introverts to do extraverted stuff, and He gives them the power to do it. God’s calling comes with God’s equipping.

So, what about you? What is God calling you to do? Seems too hard or out of character for you to do? Good! That means you have to lean on Him to accomplish it.

By the way, I was in the introverted group, too.

Today, let’s walk in His grace and enablement, knowing that He will help us to do His will.

Dear Father in Heaven, Thank You for Your saving grace and sustaining grace. Today, we look to You to guide us, provide for us, and to empower us to do service in Your Name. We rest on Thee, our strength and redeemer. In Jesus’ Name, we pray, Amen.

Therefore, angels are only servants—spirits sent to care for people who will inherit salvation. Hebrews 1:14 NLT

On Sunday at church, we sang the chorus “Holy Ground.” Part of the song goes like this: “We are standing on holy ground, and I know that there are angels all around.”

When those words are sung, we are not singing about the people around us, or our loved ones who have died; we are singing about special beings that God created called angels.

I have noticed that more and more people believe their loved ones become angels when they die. While I understand that thought might bring comfort, the idea does not line up with Scripture. In fact, the truth is even more comforting.

Your loved one who dies in Jesus is still your loved one, not an angel. In fact, you will know your loved one when you see them again! The disciples recognized Jesus after His resurrection, and they also recognized Moses on the Mount of Transfiguration (Elijah never died).

While angels can take on the form and appearance of a human, they are still spirit beings. Even our verse above draws a sharp distinction between Angels & Christians. The Bible teaches that your Christian loved one who died is with Jesus in soul/spirit, while their body remains here. One day, their body will be resurrected, glorified, and reunited with their soul/spirit. They haven’t become an angel, but they will be perfect. What a glad day that will be!

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for helping us to understand the difference between angelic beings and humans. We know that You created both, and have a plan for both. Thank You for the promise of the resurrection and glorification of those who die in Christ. We look forward to the day when we will be with our loved ones again, and especially with You. In Jesus’ Name, we pray, Amen.

To read more about what happens when a Christian dies, go here.

Let all that you do be done in love. 1 Corinthians 16:14 ESV

The headline was in bold print: “Robots will be able to do everything better.”

On second glance, in smaller letters under a picture, it went on to read: “So says the world’s richest man. And it’s already happening.”

Turns out, it was a link to invest in a robotics company.

I get that robotics, AI, and technology are rapidly changing the way we work and live. Like it or not, we will have to interact with artificial intelligence more frequently. Even our nearest Bojangles’ has AI taking orders in the drive-through. But whoever said that quote above is wrong!

Robots will never be able to do everything better.

1 Corinthians 16:14 says, “Let all that you do be done in love.” While a robot can make a milkshake for me, it can’t love me. Not really. It can be programmed to be kind and respectful (according to the programmer’s definitions), but it can never love us like the Bible commands.

Interestingly enough, even we (as humans) can’t do that! At least, not on our own. We have to have someone “program us” that way, too. God the Holy Spirit is working that out in us. According to Galatians, love is part of the “fruit” that He is bringing about in our lives. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 ESV

What does this look like? It looks like Jesus. Think about Him as you read this description: Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 ESV

Dear Heavenly Father, I know that You desire for me to walk in love. I acknowledge that I cannot accomplish this by myself. Please help me to cooperate with the Spirit’s work in my life so that I can bear fruit that brings You glory. Help me to love like Jesus loved. In His Name, I pray, Amen.

I sought the Lord, and he answered me and rescued me from all my fears. Psalm 34:4 CSB

Believe it or not, Adult Pacifiers are a thing now.

Hailed as “soothing” and “safe,” pacifiers are helping some adults deal with stress.

An article I was reading (link below) included this line: “Cue: TikTokers sucking on their binkies during periods of stress, before professional meetings, during rush-hour traffic, when confronted with the existential dread decrying from troubling news…”

In other words, when things go bad, turn to your binky.

I want to be careful here. I’m not downplaying the trouble or stress that some are facing. But I am crying, not laughing, over the fact that they have decided to place their hope in a piece of silicone.

The Lord wants us to turn to Him during times of stress, unrest, and anxiety. Jesus said, “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.” John 14:1 NLT

Rather than sucking on a pacifier, we should turn to the Lord in prayer and thanksgiving. Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 NLT

The peace He gives is better than a pacifier any day!

Dear Heavenly Father, Help me to turn to You in times of stress and fear. I desire to have the peace that You promise in Your Word. I also pray today for those who do not know You, as they turn to all sorts of things to find help and relief. I pray that they will come to know You. I ask all of this in the lovely Name of Jesus. Amen.

https://www.euronews.com/culture/2025/09/17/why-are-pacifiers-becoming-a-growing-and-viral-trend-among-adults

For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Romans 8:22 NLT

When discussing architecture, people will likely end up talking about Frank Lloyd Wright.

Knowing this, I was surprised by what I discovered in an article about Wright’s legendary Fallingwater house in Pennsylvania, which is under renovation:

“The homes of the legendary architect, who pushed the limits of design and technology, are well-known for their drip, drip, drips, even when they aren’t perched on water features.

‘In the Wright community we describe our houses by how many buckets it requires to capture all the leaks,’ Gunther says. ‘We’re hoping to get to no buckets.’”

Even one of the greatest architects ended up with a homes that leak!

This article reminded me of just how broken our world really is. The reason for decay, deterioration, and even death is all tied to the Fall. Adam & Eve willfully disobeyed God, and that led to our broken world.

Thankfully, this is not the end of the story! One day God will restore everything with a new heaven and a new earth! (Revelation 21:1-4) A return to Eden, if you will.

Right now, there is sorrow, suffering, and sadness. But one day, nothing but joy! (John 16:21-22)

Dear Heavenly Father, We know that You are perfect, but we messed things up. We disobeyed You, and we now live with broken bodies in a broken world. Thank You for the promise of new bodies and a new heaven and earth for those who know You. Please help us share this truth with everyone. In the Savior’s Name, we pray, Amen.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/home/2025/08/25/fallingwater-renovation-project-leaking/

Then God said, “Let the water swarm with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the expanse of the sky.” So God created the large sea-creatures and every living creature that moves and swarms in the water, according to their kinds. He also created every winged creature according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. God blessed them: “Be fruitful, multiply, and fill the waters of the seas, and let the birds multiply on the earth.” Evening came and then morning: the fifth day. Genesis 1:20-23 CSB

Hammerhead sharks are really strange-looking. Of course, they might say the same thing about me! But in all seriousness, they are the way they are because God made them that way. Plain and simple.

But why all this talk about hammerhead sharks? A recent article I came across posed this question: Why Do Hammerhead Sharks Have a Hammerhead?

Their answer: The hammerhead has evolved time and time again throughout the natural world, from hammerhead worms (Bipalium) to extinct creatures like Diploceraspis. It's a clear example of convergent evolution, which shows how similar ecological pressures can lead to remarkably similar adaptations, even in lineages of animals that are very distantly related.

As I read their response, it struck me just how refreshingly simple faith can be. If someone asked me the same question about hammerheads, my response would be, “Because God made them that way.”

While scientists might laugh and scoff at my simple belief, they have to believe that a worm became a hammerhead shark. I’m going to stick with God’s Word on this. How about you?

Dear Father in Heaven, Thank You for being such an awesome Creator. I believe that You created the worms, sharks, and everything else. For Your pleasure, they were created. Thank You for how faith at times simplifies our lives. I pray for those who deny Your existence. I pray that they will come to know You. In the Savior’s Name, I pray, Amen.

Article Referenced: https://www.iflscience.com/why-do-hammerhead-sharks-have-a-hammerhead-80573

And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away. Revelation 21:4 NKJV

In the last 5 days, I have made pastoral visits to six different hospitals. At the time of this writing, two patients are still in the hospital, two have been discharged, and one is now in heaven.*

The verse above is a precious promise that we need to remember.

Right now, we live in a broken world with broken bodies, but one day that’s all going to change. For those who have Jesus as Savior, there is a hope that keeps us going even on the toughest days: no more sickness, sorrow, pain, or even tears. Hallelujah!

Growing up, we used to sing this old song:

There is coming a day
When no heartaches shall come
No more clouds in the sky
No more tears to dim the eye
All is peace forevermore
On that happy golden shore
What a day, glorious day that will be

Chorus
What a day that will be
When my Jesus I shall see
When I look upon His face
The One who saved me by His grace
Then He’ll take me by the hand
And lead me through the Promise Land
Oh what a day, glorious day that will be

I'm looking forward to that day, aren't you?

Dear Heavenly Father, Today we pray for those who are weeping, sick, in pain, and filled with sorrow. May Your comfort encourage and strengthen them. We also plead for those who do not know You, please save them. Thank You for the precious promise of a day when we will be broken no longer. Even so come, Lord Jesus. In Your Name We pray, Amen.

Listen to the Song Here

*I know the math doesn't add up at first glance, but one patient was in two different facilities

Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. Do not add to His words, Lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar. Proverbs 30:5-6 NKJV

Do you know what delulu means? How about skibidi?

If you don’t recognize them, don’t feel bad. These are just a couple of the thousands of new words in our language. In fact, Cambridge Dictionary added 6,000 new words to the dictionary this year!

Our language and words are constantly changing. We revise, correct, and update our work, but God is not altering or adding to His written word, the Bible. The canon of Scripture is closed, and we have a complete revelation inspired by God the Holy Spirit.

This is why we must be careful when someone tells us that “God said” or “God told me” something. If they can’t show you a verse, beware! Extra-biblical revelation can be an icy slope.

This is not to say that the Holy Spirit does not give direction and wisdom to Christians, but be careful attributing a message outside of the Bible as divine. There have been times when I thought the Lord was clearly directing in one way, and it turned out I was wrong! The problem rested with me, not God.

Stick with the Bible and you’ll never go wrong. Don’t go seeking “fresh revelation” when you hold a Bible in your hand.

If you want to hear God speak to you, just read your Bible out loud!

Dear Father in Heaven, Thank You for Your Word. Help me to learn it, love it, and live it. Also, please help me to be discerning with all the messages floating around today to ensure that they line up with Your Word. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

https://apnews.com/article/cambridge-dictionary-new-additions-skibidi-tradwife-delulu-095e16163ed4f8bdb19893181cdb1a26

https://www.gotquestions.org/extrabiblical.html

https://www.gotquestions.org/canonicity-scriptural.html

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:16 KJV

The headline caught my attention: What would happen if everyone turned the lights on at once?

The article the link took me to addressed how power plants handled extreme surges in demand. That topic didn’t interest me much, but the headline reminded me of Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:16, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

What would happen if every Christian turned their light on at once?!

How bright would that be?

The “light” that we're talking about here is the light of Jesus. We are not the source of light; Jesus is. We simply reflect Him. Ephesians 5:8 says, “For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:”

We shine our light when we live like Jesus. That could be serving others, turning the other cheek, being generous, or a multitude of other good works. We certainly do it when we share the Gospel.

It is essential to notice the end goal, though - we live this way not for our glory, but for His. We are careful to point others to the Source of our light, King Jesus.

As children, we used to sing that little chorus “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.” That song’s truth is not just for kids. In fact, we never outgrow it!

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for bringing us from darkness into light. Today, as we go about our responsibilities and duties, help us to live like Jesus. Help us to shine brightly that You may receive the glory due Your Name. Please use our witness to help bring others into the light. In Jesus’ Name, we pray; Amen.