“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life, No one comes to the Father except through me’” (John 14:6).

The simplicity of this verse jumped out at me recently! How could anyone miss it? Yet, many do.

Jesus is the way: 

To salvation – Acts 4:12

To live a righteous life – 1John 3:7, Romans 10:1-4

To holiness – Hebrews 12:10, 14

To see the Father – John 1:18, John 14:9,

Jesus is the truth: 

About who God is – John 1:5, John 14:10-13, Romans 5:8

About who we are – Psalm 139:13-15, Psalm 103:14-16, Romans 3:23

About our purpose – Genesis 1:28, Matthew 28:19-20, Ephesians 2:10

About marriage – Mark 10:6-9

About gender – Genesis 1:27

Jesus is the life:   

Abundant life – John 10:10, Jude 1-2

Fruitful life – John 15:5-8

Everlasting life – John 3:16

Oh, my! Researching these verses has taught me this is a big subject and worthy of more study on my part.  But the message of Jesus is still simple. There is no way to get out of this world alive without Jesus. He is the WAY, the TRUTH, and LIFE.

He proved His power and authority to be Who He is, in submitting to a horrible death by crucifixion. He is innocent. We are guilty. He took the penalty of sin on Himself so we would not have to pay. He stands between us and hell. He defeated death so we do not need to fear it. Hallelujah! He is alive! He ascended to heaven to sit at the Father’s right hand interceding for us.  (See Romans 8:34) He is coming again. Are you ready?

“So Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him” (Hebrews 9:28).

Happy Resurrection Day!

“For look, the wicked bend their bows; they set their arrows against the strings to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart.  When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?” Psalm 11:2-3

Do you ever feel like evil arrows are coming at you from all directions? Morals are turned upside down and many don’t think God and the church are important anymore. Christian families are seeing their children or grandchildren deceived by Satan’s lies. The government tries to take more control of our lives and we struggle to hold on to our Constitutional freedoms. Some days I feel like the foundations of life as we knew it are crumbling.

Praise be to God!

“But God hasn’t moved to the mountains; his holy address hasn’t changed. He’s in charge, as always, his eyes taking everything in, his eyelids unblinking, examining Adam’s flesh and blood inside and out, not missing a thing. He tests the good and the bad alike; if anyone cheats, God’s outraged. Fail the test and you’re out, out in a hail of firestones, drinking from a canteen filled with hot desert wind. God’s business is putting things right; he loves getting the lines straight, setting us straight. Once we’re standing tall, we can look him straight in the eye” (Psalm 11:4-6 The Message).

The Psalmist encourages me by writing about his struggles and ultimately his reliance on God. God was his refuge, fortress, strength, rock, and deliverer! We, as God’s people worship and serve the same God David worshiped. We must never forget His power and authority over the universe.

My prayer list is long. I agonize over the wrongs of the world and the wayward souls caught in Satan’s trap. But pray, I must! I cannot let my reliance on God waver. I, too, am subject to Satan’s temptations so I must guard my heart.

Dear friend, take heart. God is still in charge.

“I love you, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies” (Psalm 18:1-3 NIV)

“Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus; Who being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness” (Philippians 2:5-7). 

Is this the year for an attitude adjustment? I asked myself that question and have decided that, yes, I need to be more careful about my attitude. The Apostle Paul is very clear in the verses above what the attitude of a Christ follower ought to be. Our attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus. That’s a lofty goal and one we need to strive for.

As I looked at the next verse (Philippians 2:8) I noticed two qualities exhibited by Jesus, humility and obedience. As a Christian I need those qualities in my life. There are examples of these in the teachings of Christ.

When Jesus’ disciples asked Him who was the greatest in the kingdom of heaven, he called a little child to them and explained they needed “to change and become like little children.” (Matthew 18) Children are completely dependent on adults to supply their needs for life. It takes humility for us to completely surrender to Jesus and depend on Him for all we need.

When James and John ask for places of honor next to Jesus, He taught them to be servants if they wanted to be great. (Mark 10) Jesus, Himself, “came to serve and give His life as a ramson for many.”

I think about the ten lepers that came to Jesus for healing (Luke 17). As they obeyed Jesus’ command to go show themselves to the priest, they were healed! The blind man was healed when he obeyed and washed the mud from his eyes (John 9). The paralytic was healed when he obeyed Jesus and stood up, took his mat, and went home (Luke 5).

According to Jesus’ teachings, then, humility and obedience must be evident in my life. With God’s help I will strive for that goal!

Have a blessed year in 2024 honoring Jesus with an attitude like His!

I like holding on to things I enjoy or that have special significance to my life. I wanted to hold on to my kids, but they grew up and moved on with their own lives.  Letting go is hard to do sometimes. We recently had our first freezing frost and I wanted to hold on to my flowers. They still had beautiful blooms!  So, I cut a couple bunches to “hold on” to. But of course, I had to let go of them, too. They faded, withered, and lost their beauty.

I hold on to some items from my home place, things my parents used and a few things from my grandparents. I also have letters from years ago. Most likely, some I should let go.

I am learning as I get older to get rid of some things. Books are finding new homes. Goodwill has gained a few dishes from my cupboards. And a few things are trashed. I find myself cleaning out areas of my house from time to time.

Some things should be held tightly but we should loosen our grip on other things.  I find myself wasting too much time on things like Facebook. Taking a walk is more beneficial. I’m not against social media. Sometimes I can keep up with distant friends that way. So, it takes discipline to limit my time there. And, of course, my dog helps me hold on to my daily walks.

Joshua, in the Old Testament, exhorted the Israelites to “hold fast” to the Lord and serve Him with all their heart and soul. Jesus taught us to abide in Him as branches attached to the vine. We cannot bear fruit apart from Jesus, the Vine. Hold on. The writer of Hebrews says, “let us hold firmly to the faith we profess” (Hebrews 4:14b). That’s our faith in Jesus, our Great High Priest! Jesus, The Word!

We live in a selfie world today. Too often everything is about me. Jesus didn’t say we could bear fruit for Him by living separating from the Vine. He said, “Abide in me” (John 15).  It’s hard to hold on to selfish ambitions and hold on to Jesus at the same time. We all have demands on our time, but if we are not spending time with the Lord in prayer and reading His Word, we will lack the fruit of the Spirit God wants to grow in our lives. So, if we hold on to nothing else, let us hold on to God and His Word.

“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and even more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10: 23-25).

It seems evil is everywhere and we are in a spiritual battle. We know God is the Champion and we can trust Him through all our battles.  Hold on!

There are evil forces at work in our world. Nothing new about that, but I believe the devil and his demons are trying to take over the United States of America. I also believe many are standing against this evil, and I pray more will stand up for what’s right. Our country needs fearless warriors in this battle.

After David had been chosen by God to be the king of Israel to replace King Saul, he found himself an enemy of the king.  He was running for his life and at war with those in power. First Samuel gives us a glimpse of what David did in the face of his enemy’s pursuits. The Psalms reveal much about David’s heart and his relationship with God during this time of his life. I see some similarities with our situation today.

First, David knew his enemy. He knew evil forces were working through King Saul and his army. “Now the Spirit of the Lord had departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the Lord tormented him” (1 Samuel 16:14). David was able to escape from Saul’s threats because of his awareness of them. David knew his enemy, and with the help of his cohorts he knew where his enemy was and acted accordingly.  He was alert!

Second, David had a friend close to his enemy. Jonathan, son of King Saul was David’s friend and confidant.  (1 Samuel 20) Jonathan reveals his father’s intentions against David and defends David when speaking to the king. Because David knew what King Saul was up to he could prepare, and escape to safety.

Third, and most importantly, David walked with God. He was not afraid to cry out to God and plead for his life.

“O God, whom I praise, do not remain silent, for wicked and deceiful men have opened their mouths against me; they have spoken against me with lying tongues. With words of hatred they surround me; they attack me without cause. In return for my friendship they accuse me, but I am a man of prayer. They repay me evil for good, and hatred for my friendship” (Psalm 109:1-5).

David prayed to and praised God. He trusted God to take care of him.

“With my mouth I will greatly extol the Lord; in the great throng I will praise him. For he stands at the right hand of the needy one, to save his life from those who condemn him” (Psalm 109:30-31).

Today, we have an enemy! Satan has deceived people, even government leaders who are taking our country down the wrong path! Like David, let’s be aware of Satan’s attacks and be alert.

“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings” (1 Peter 5:8-9).

We need to be informed of what’s happening in our local, state, and national governments. We need to communicate with our representatives and especially if they are trying to do the right things. They need our encouragement! Show them your support and friendship as much as possible. Pray for them. Also, pray for those who are not doing what’s right. Let them know what you think about their policies and actions. You can even call the White House! All the while, remember our enemy is the devil who is deceiving and working through many bad characters.

Finally, stay close to God! In Ephesians chapter 6, Paul encourages us in this war against the devil! We are not without recourse. God has given us the necessary armor!

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 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. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand” (Ephesians 6:10-13).

To summarize the rest of the Ephesians passage:

The armor: truth, righteousness, readiness, faith, helmet of salvation and sword of the Spirit (God’s Word). 

Then: PRAY

God, have mercy and bless the USA!

“How long, O LORD, must I call for help, but you do not listen? Or cry out to you, ‘Violence!’ but you do not save? Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrong? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and conflict abounds. Therefore the law is paralyzed, and justice never prevails. The wicked hem in the righteous, so that justice is perverted” (Habakkuk l:2-4).

Every time I read the words of the Old Testament prophets it seems like I’m reading about the United States of America. Our Nation has slipped very far from what our founding fathers intended when they established our plan of government.

The corruption in our government is mind boggling! How will this ever be untangled? Will justice ever be served? There are slivers of right actions happening. Oh, how I pray for the voices of truth to become louder and persistent in overcoming the evil of our time. We know, in the end, truth will triumph. In the meantime, we, like the prophets of old, must continue to voice the truth of God’s Word.

At our church we are completing a course called, Biblical Citizenship in Modern America published by Rick Green and Patriot Academy. If you are not familiar with this, I encourage you to investigate the possibility of using this course at your church or even in your home. It is video-based and teaches about our founding fathers and the Constitution of the United States. The web site is BiblicalCitizens.com.

Did you know there is a federal law stipulating that every September 17^th, public schools are to read and study the Constitution? I didn’t know that either until I went through this course. I wonder if we would be in a different place in our country if public schools followed that law. According to Rick Green, ninety percent of public schools do not. He even suggested that we, as citizens, should approach our school districts and volunteer to be an ambassador for the Constitution.

I highly recommend this course and hope it spreads far and wide over these United States. This country is worth saving! I leave you with Habakkuk’s prayer.

“LORD, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, O LORD. Renew them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy” (Habakkuk 3:2).

“The Lord was with Jehoshaphat because in his early years he walked in the ways his father David had followed. He . . . sought the God of his father and followed his commands rather than the practices of Israel” 2 Chronicles 17:3-4

Considering today’s situation in the United States of America, I was struck by the simplicity of what King Jehoshaphat did during his reign over Judah. This was a difficult time for God’s people. The kingdom was divided, and many kings no longer followed God’s ways. But Jehoshaphat had a plan, and the result was peace and power. We would do well to follow his plan today.

The Scripture records, in the third year of his reign he sent officials to teach in the towns of Judah. Second Chronicles 17:8 and 9 tell us he sent Levites with the officials to go around to all the towns of Judah.  They took the Book of the Law of the Lord and taught the people. Education was important to Jehoshaphat. In those days teaching was done by word of mouth. Books were not readily available. Levites were the ones who served at the temple and had access to the Book of the Law.

Jehoshaphat also built up his military. “He stationed troops in all the fortified cities of Judah and put garrisons in Judah and in the town of Ephraim” (2 Chronicles 17:2). The surrounding kingdoms were fearful and did not make war with Jehoshaphat. (2 Chronicles 17:10).  King Jehoshaphat became more and more powerful and there was peace in his kingdom.

Today, God’s law, the Bible is readily available.  According to Wordsrated.com there are an average of 100 million Bibles printed each year.  Twenty million are sold each year with the US  accounting for a quarter of newly printed Bible sales every year. Imagine if all those Bibles were read and those people taught someone else about the Bible, I think our country would be in a much better place.

It is the church and families who must educate the people in the things of God. We must ask ourselves if we are fulfilling the Great Commission Jesus gave to his followers. (Matthew 28:19-20) It starts in the home. Our children need parents to stand strong on God’s Word, so they know the truth and won’t be swayed by the lies of today’s culture.  Strong families make strong churches and strong churches make strong communities. Strong communities make strong states and strong states make a strong nation! Do we stand strong on the truth of God’s Word?

Our government’s job is to maintain a strong military.  Article 1 Section 8 of our Constitution gives this duty to the legislature. Congress is to provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States. We must pray for our leaders to fulfill their duties well. We need a strong military.

It seems like a simple plan to educate people in God’s word and to maintain a strong military as Jehoshaphat did. If we followed that plan in the United States, I think we would be well on the way to solving many of the problems in our country. Keep praying friends! Keep praying!

“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness” (1 Timothy 2:1-2).

“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne” (Revelation 3:20-21).

Eight years ago, my husband Wayne left this world for his eternal home with the Lord. It’s a day I’ll never forget, but today I choose to focus on a special memory I have of Wayne. It was the day of my retirement celebration (Unknown to me at the time) and Wayne had been asked to be a part of it. My second graders tried very hard to keep the secret that this was the day their teacher was to be celebrated. As they lined up for our walk to the usual chapel service on Wednesday I could see and hear them whispering to each other with suspicious smiles and giggles.

After our singing of praises to the Lord it was announced what was really happening. Then Wayne appeared at the end of the pew where I sat in the middle of my second graders. He was holding a bouquet of flowers and motioning for me to come. I remember his inviting smile and treasure this memory. There were other memorable moments that day, but my husband’s smile and invitation to come with him was most memorable for me!

I sometimes imagine Wayne standing at heaven’s door ready to welcome me with his beautiful smile and motioning for me to come. I don’t know if he will have a bouquet of flowers or something even more beautiful. But I know this: I want to be faithful in serving Jesus so that I will one day be greeted in heaven by my Savior and Wayne.

Dear Reader, do you know Jesus? He is our only hope for this life and the next.  Life is short so do not delay becoming right with God. He desires you to be His child.

“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).

“When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?”  Psalm 11:3

There is a monument standing 81 ft tall in Plymouth, MA. It is called National Monument to the Forefathers. I recently learned about this monument in a class at our church, called Biblical Citizenship in Modern America by Rick Green. You may have heard of him if you are familiar with WallBuilders Live! w/David Barton. I had no idea this monument existed and was ecstatic when I heard about it! It is on my “to visit” list.

The monument is made up of allegorical figures depicting Faith, Morality, Education, Law, and Liberty. Every part of the statues on the monument has a special meaning. It was built in 1889 to honor the passengers of the Mayflower.  This monument shows the foundation on which our country was built. We find the ideals, depicted on this monument, in the writings of our forefathers and in the documents of the founding of the United States of America: The Declaration of Independence and our Constitution. (There is a website for the monument to learn more. Also, there is a very informative video by Kirk Cameron at https://amac.us/the-important-powerful-message-of-americas-little-known-national-monument.)

That question found in Psalm 11:3 is so very relevant to our situation in America today. What can we do? We are losing the values and virtues depicted on that monument and consequently, our freedoms. The following verses in Psalm 11 give us a place to start.

“The Lord is in his holy temple; the Lord is on his heavenly throne. He observes the sons of men, his eyes examine them. The Lord examines the righteous, but the wicked and those who love violence his soul hates. On the wicked he will rain fiery coals and burning sulfur; a scorching wind will be their lot. For the Lord is righteous, he loves justice; upright men will see his face” (Psalm 11:4-7).

God is in control. Jesus is still King of kings and Lord of Lords. God is a God of justice and the wicked will be punished and the righteous will receive everlasting life with Jesus.  Psalm 27:14 reminds us. “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:13 and 14, “You are the salt of the earth.  You are the light of the world.” So, while we’re waiting for the Lord, we are to make a difference in the world. Are we making things better? Salt enhances the flavor and makes food taste better. It also preserves and heals. Our lives must have that effect on our culture. Light reveals, brightens and illuminates our way.  Do our lives show others the way to Jesus? Do we reveal the truth of God’s Word through what we say and do? Are we showing others the way of salvation and life everlasting?

As you stand strong on God’s truth, learn more about the founding of our country. Read the Constitution. Then, do what you can to help others do the same.  Contact your representatives and senators in the state and federal government. Sign appropriate petitions, listen to what candidates say and vote accordingly. Watch or listen to news outlets that are not biased and stay informed. Vote accordingly. Pray, pray, and pray.  Be an informed, truth-founded, Biblical citizen.

I pray our country can once again be a freedom loving country. Whatever the outcome, “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord” (Psalm 27:14).

“Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth” (Psalm 57:11).

I often feel discouraged. Maybe you do, too. Just listening to the news or reading the newspaper can bring those feelings of discouragement. There is only one way to rise above those feelings and that is to stay connected to God’s Word.

The Psalms speak loudly with encouragement for me. David, as God’s anointed king, had more than his share of troubles, and yet, he continued to trust God. I am not being chased by enemies who seek my life. (At least, I don’t think so.) But I live in a country that is quickly deteriorating before our very eyes! We have government leaders who no longer govern by the Constitution given us by our forefathers who sacrificed much to establish a new government. We seem to have lost our way and hang weak and vulnerable among the nations of the world. Yes, I’m feeling discouragement.

I know I can’t stay in that place. So, I keep going back to the Word. Also, I look for the voices of truth. Satan want us to believe his lies. He has deceived many, but I see God at work. I’m hearing some leaders speaking and acting upon truth. I pray for them! People are responding to the gospel and churches are growing. God’s Word is living and active, drawing people to Jesus, the only Savior we have! I praise God!

“Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. I will praise you, O LORD, my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever. For great is your love toward me; you have delivered me from the depths of the grave” (Psalm 86:11-13).