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November 10, 2024 Religion That God Our Father Accepts The Weekly Post One day, a group of Pharisees criticized Jesus because His disciples didn’t follow their traditions. “John’s disciples often fast and pray, and so do the disciples of the Pharisees, but yours go on eating and drinking” (Luke 5:33). The Pharisees had transformed God's commands into a checklist of man-made rituals. They fasted twice a week, prayed aloud three times a day, and scrupulously gave just ten percent of their earnings. Originally intended as expressions of devotion, their religious practices had morphed into markers of religious status and tools of control. One Pharisee’s prayer revealed the heart behind these acts: “God, I thank you that I am not like other men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get” (Luke 18:11-12). They flaunted their superiority, added layers of human tradition, and November 3, 2024 A Prayer for a United America The Weekly Post Heavenly Father, You have instructed us not to be anxious about anything, yet we confess our hearts are uneasy as we await this week’s election results. We’re concerned not only about who our next president will be but also about how our nation will respond once the outcome is known. You warned us, “...every house divided against itself will not stand” (Matthew 12:25). Our country is deeply divided, and the atmosphere feels charged with animosity. These are truly perilous times. No matter who wins, we ask for a miracle of healing in our land. We know Satan thrives on violence and chaos, but You, Lord Jesus, are the Prince of Peace. May our streets be free from violence and may the transition of leadership be marked by peace. Lord, You call us to be peacemakers and instruct us, “If it is possible, as far October 27, 2024 On Election Day, Be Discerning, Not Disengaged The Weekly Post What should Christians do when neither presidential candidate aligns with their values? I’ve heard sincere believers say, "I just can’t vote for someone who is blatantly immoral, dishonest, egotistical, and hedonistic. I might just sit this one out or vote third-party to make a statement." Of course, I wonder which of the candidates they are referring to since both have questionable pasts, and neither embodies godly character. But I understand why many Christians are disillusioned this year. It’s difficult to stand before the ballot box with such limited choices. Our vote should reflect our values, our convictions, and our understanding of God’s will for our nation. However, this election, like every election, presents Christians with both challenges and opportunities. While we are not of the world, we are called to engage with it (see Matthew 5:13-16). Discouragement shouldn’t lead us to retreat October 20, 2024 For Revival, There Must Be Humility The Weekly Post "For America to survive, we need a spiritual revival." That is something many believe, and I agree. But the question is, what’s first needed for revival? Is it prayer? Repentance? In 2 Chronicles 7:14, God gives us the answer: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” The first step to revival is humbling ourselves before God. Revival cannot come without it. Jesus stressed this when He said: “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3-4). Humility October 13, 2024 “But I’ve Still Got My Jesus” The Weekly Post “I can’t believe it... everything I owned was swept away in one night.” The North Carolina farmer’s words, heavy with grief, echoed the voices of many throughout the region still trying to process the devastation left in the wake of Hurricane Helene. A violent flash flood had torn through his property, leaving behind nothing but debris and memories. The sobering reality that lives had been lost made the destruction even harder to bear, a stark reminder of how quickly the things we hold dear can be taken away. Jesus warned us about the fleeting hopes of this world. "…everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it October 6, 2024 In Times of Need, the Church Responds First The Weekly Post Our family has spent considerable time in the Smoky Mountains. My wife and I honeymooned in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, almost six decades ago. For years, our family vacationed in the region. I’ve taken golf trips to Waynesville and Maggie Valley in North Carolina and have often spoken at The Cove in Asheville. I know the area and some of the people who live there fairly well. News of the recent havoc from Hurricane Helene was heartbreaking for me to hear. Who would have ever guessed that the most devastation and death from a storm that initially hit the Gulf Coast would take place in western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee? But when as much as 20 inches of rain fell in just a few days, it was more than the winding creeks and canyon rivers could hold. Mudslides and flash floods created September 29, 2024 Joyful Because We’re Getting Closer to Home! The Weekly Post Several months ago, I received a really nice compliment from my twenty-year-old grandson, Andy. He came home after his first year of college, and when the whole family was eating together, he asked, “Pop, how come you and Nana aren’t grouchy like a lot of older people?” Now, I know preachers aren’t supposed to make themselves the hero of the story very often, but I have to brag about my grandson’s grandad. I have many flaws, but I am a joyful person. This week, I turn 81 years old, and I’m probably more joyful than ever. I laugh more and enjoy life more than ever. I was pleasantly surprised by my grandson’s observation, but it allowed me to remind him that the secret of joy is our confidence in Christ. If we believe what we say we believe, then older believers
One day, a group of Pharisees criticized Jesus because His disciples didn’t follow their traditions. “John’s disciples often fast and pray, and so do the disciples of the Pharisees, but yours go on eating and drinking” (Luke 5:33). The Pharisees had transformed God’s commands into a checklist of man-made rituals....
Heavenly Father, You have instructed us not to be anxious about anything, yet we confess our hearts are uneasy as we await this week’s election results. We’re concerned not only about who our next president will be but also about how our nation will respond once the outcome is known....
What should Christians do when neither presidential candidate aligns with their values? I’ve heard sincere believers say, “I just can’t vote for someone who is blatantly immoral, dishonest, egotistical, and hedonistic. I might just sit this one out or vote third-party to make a statement.” Of course, I wonder which...
“For America to survive, we need a spiritual revival.” That is something many believe, and I agree. But the question is, what’s first needed for revival? Is it prayer? Repentance? In 2 Chronicles 7:14, God gives us the answer: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble...
“I can’t believe it… everything I owned was swept away in one night.” The North Carolina farmer’s words, heavy with grief, echoed the voices of many throughout the region still trying to process the devastation left in the wake of Hurricane Helene. A violent flash flood had torn through his...