Month: September 2021

News of the Day – September 30th

Leave a Comment / Uncategorized / By

Biblical Archeologists Find Formation Resembling Noah’s Ark

Biblical archaeologists used ground penetrating radar to study a boat-like formation on Mount Tendürek in eastern Turkey, which has long been rumored to be the location of the legendary vessel from the Book of Genesis. But Geologists on the other hand claim the mountainous lump, which was discovered half a century ago, is simply an unusual rock formation. In the Book of Genesis, the mountains of Ararat in what is now eastern Turkey is the region in which Noah’s Ark comes to rest after the Great Flood – which is close to Mount Tendürek. Read more about the images here.

 

New Film Called The Jesus Music Hits Theaters October 1st

Featuring artists such as Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, TobyMac and Michael Tait, “The Jesus Music” is a documentary which tells the untold story of how Christian music became a worldwide phenomenon. The film shares some of the stories of popular contemporary Christian artists. This fascinating documentary reveals the music’s uplifting and untold story, from its humble beginnings at the Calvary Chapel in Costa Mesa, California, through its transformation into the multibillion-dollar industry of Christian contemporary music today. Read more about the film here.

 

Lutheran Pastor Goes On Fast Until Climate Change Bill Passed 

A Kenosha pastor has begun a fast until the passage of the federal climate bill being debated in the U.S. House and Senate. The Rev. Jonathan Barker, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church, started fasting on Saturday. Barker said, “As a Christian, I am called to be on the side of love for neighbor. Love for neighbor means making sure my neighbor has a livable future, a family-sustaining green job, clean air to breathe, and clean water to drink. In the words of Martin Luther, ‘Here I stand and I can do no other. So, I am praying and fasting that this love-your-neighbor-as-yourself bill passes.” Read more about his fast here.

 

Goodbye Kisses Jar Offers A Last Treat For Dogs Before They are Euthanized

An Alabama animal hospital’s bittersweet tradition is bringing tears to the eyes of those on the internet. Smiths Station Animal Hospital shared a photo showing a glass jar filled with Hershey’s kisses, with the outside of the jar labeled “goodbye kisses.” Along with the photo was the caption, “This jar is reserved for our euthanasia appointments… because no dog should go to Heaven without tasting chocolate.” Hospital staff said they have gotten messages from people from all over the world about how their post touched their hearts. Read more about the treats here.

 

 

 

 

 

September 30th – Proverbs 6:8

1 Comment / Daily Devotional / By

Proverbs 6:8

As believers, we know not to be anxious about the future. But God also warns us against being foolish and lazy. Throughout the book of Proverbs, we are told the value of hard work. Because hard work can often be the difference between success and failure. Look at the ants. Without needing to be told what to do, or having to be supervised, they get busy at the work at hand. They are called wise because they plan ahead. The ants work diligently in the summer, gathering their winter supply in the harvest. This toil protects themselves and their families from starvation during hard times. Solomon tells us, a wise man understands the value of hard work, for “In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty.” (Prov. 14:23) There is no more rewarding work than the work we do for God. Because not only are ensuring blessings for today, but storing up wonderful riches in the bank of heaven!

September 29th – Psalm 85:11

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional / By

Psalm 85:11

Psalm 85 is a cry for peace and revival from the people of Israel to God. And despite their rebellion and sin, God answered their prayer. Why? Because God’s grace is greater than our sin. And out of that grace, God, from His lovingkindness and righteousness, restored peace to the land. A peace that our present land so desperately needs. Because of His never ending patience and love, God promises restoration to all who come before Him in true confession and repentance. And if we come to Him in such a manner, His truth will spring from the earth, and His righteousness look down from heaven. In His grace, He will remember our sins no more, and the Lord in His goodness, will provide a bountiful harvest. All to bring us into a right relationship with Him and each other, so that His glory may dwell in our land.

 

News Of The Day – September 28th

1 Comment / Uncategorized / By

Pastor Jessie Duplantis Claims Jesus Hasn’t Returned Due to Lack of Christian Giving

Long criticized for his teaching of a prosperity gospel, evangelical pastor, Jessie Duplantis, claims Jesus hasn’t returned to Earth because people aren’t donating enough cash to their churches. Speaking at a four day fundraiser, Duplantis said, “I honestly believe the reason why Jesus hasn’t come is because people are not giving the way God told them to give.” Duplantis then urged people to pick up their phones and call the number on screen where they could donate cash. Read more about his claim here. 

 

Scientists Say Sodom Destroyed By Meteor

A fireball exploded over the northern shore of the Dead Sea around 1650 BC, according to the findings of a team of 21 scientists. The explosion laid waste to the entire lower Jordan River Valley, ruining agriculture for several hundred years. The findings help solve the mystery of why one of the most productive agricultural regions suddenly died and remained barren for several hundred years. It also possibly offers a source to the biblical account of the destruction of the city of Sodom that was described in Genesis 19. Read more about the findings here.

 

Boy Scouts Bankruptcy Leaves Churches Liable For Abuse Suits

The Boy Scouts of America (BSA), sought bankruptcy protection in February 2020 in an effort to halt individual lawsuits and create a huge compensation fund for thousands of men who say they were molested as youngsters by scoutmasters or other leaders. Now there is worsening friction between the BSA and the major religious groups that help it run thousands of scout units. At issue are the churches’ fears that an eventual settlement, while protecting the BSA from future sex-abuse lawsuits, could leave many churches unprotected. Read more about the churches concerns here.

 

Dutch Diplomat Was Punished For saving Jews In The Holocaust

A new book tells the story of Jan Zwartendijk, honorary counsel of the Netherlands in Lithuanian who rescued perhaps 10,000 Jews from annihilation during the Holocaust by helping them get out of Europe.  Zwartendijk gave fleeing Jews destination visas to Curacao, then a Caribbean island colony of the Netherlands. Some of those rescued by Zwartendijk nicknamed him “the angel of Curacao.” He was helped by Japanese envoy, Chiune Sugihara. Read more about these brave men here.

September 28th – Deuteronomy 16:13

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional / By

Deuteronomy 16:13

Because it was held after the harvest, the Feast of Tabernacles, or booths, (also know as Sukkot), was a time for great rejoicing for the Israelites. The people dwelled in temporary shelters, or “booths”, to remind them of God’s abundant provision and never ending faithfulness. And it’s a reminder for us as well. For forty years, during the Exodus, God faithfully cared for His people. He brought them safely out of Egypt and the hands of their enemies, delivering them to the promised land. And during the trip, the people dwelled with God and He with them. And like the Israelites, we can rejoice over God’s faithful provision in our own lives. Because as we wander through the wilderness of life, God preserves and protects us each step of the way. One day soon, Jesus will return to deliver us to our eternal promised land. And we will dwell with Him and He with us forever!

September 27th – James 5:7

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional / By

James 5:7

Endurance can be defined as the act of bearing or suffering; a continuing patience under pain or distress without being overcome. As Christians, our lives should be shining examples of patient endurance. One that waits expectantly and joyfully for the return of the Lord; no matter what. To illustrate patience, James uses the example of a farmer. From seeding until harvest, he must wait to see the result of his work in the precious produce of the soil. And the same goes for us. The work we do for the Lord, we do with the sweet anticipation of laying our precious produce before the Lord. For one day soon Christ will be returning. James tells us the “Judge is at the door”. So until then may we be over-comers of the world. Workers of God’s kingdom, who patiently endure the trials of life. And May we follow the advice of James who tells us to, “strengthen our hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near.” (James 5:8)

September 26th – Isaiah 9:3

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional / By

Isaiah 9:3

The prophet Isaiah often brought with him words of doom and gloom for the nation of Israel. And for the disobedient Judah, a promise of destruction at the hands of the king of Assyria. But God never disciplines without a promise of restoration. And that restoration came through His begotten Son, Jesus Christ. Because He is holy, perfect, and true, God cannot leave sin unpunished. Yet in His great love, He Himself paid the penalty for our transgressions through the blood of Christ. And the Lord’s victory at the Cross forever broke the yoke of burden and the rod of oppression of the Enemy. So now, like Israel, we can rejoice with gladness. For one day soon, Jesus will return as our conquering King. And like the time of harvest, there will be great gladness, where we will celebrate the Lord’s complete victory over Satan!

September 25th – Proverbs 3:9

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional / By

Proverbs 3:9

Throughout the Bible we are warned about the dangers of the love of money, and the evil that results. Evil not only in our lives, but in the church as well. And maybe that’s why tithing has become such a hotbed issue among Christians. Tithing was a commandment given to the Israelites to do out of gratitude for God’s bountiful provisions. But since we no longer live under the Law, nowhere does Jesus command us to tithe. So does that exempt us for giving? Absolutely not! Out of hearts of love and gratitude for all God has given us, we should want to give back. And not just what we have leftover. For God doesn’t give us His leftovers. He always gives us His best. And to honor Him, we should be giving our best back to the Lord. There are a myriad of ways we can tithe, with money, time, etc. But whatever we give, we should do so eagerly and cheerfully. For God deems the heart of the giver of greater value than the gift itself!

September 24th – Hebrews 12:11

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional / By

Hebrews 12:11

As parents one of the hardest things we have to do is discipline our children. But we do it out of love, to guide and train them into mature adults. The same goes for God. He doesn’t like punishing His children any more than we do. But because He cares, the Lord disciplines us to grow into mature Christians with a deep and lasting faith. God loves us too much to just leave us where we’re at. So He “trains” us, exercising our faith muscles so that no matter what we face, we can do so with unshakable spiritual confidence. The writer of Hebrews uses the Greek word, “gegymnasmenois”, which literally means “vigorous exercise.” Athletes train to produce the endurance needed to win. And God allows trials into our lives for the same reason. To produce an endurance to help us reach the finish line, resulting in a harvest of fruitful righteousness. All for our good, and God’s glory.

 

News Of The Day – September 23rd

Leave a Comment / Uncategorized / By

Southern Baptist Convention Mandates Covid-19 Vaccines For Missionaries

Truly wanting to protect others, and do no harm, the global agency of the Southern Baptist Convention, the largest evangelical Protestant denomination in the U.S., announced this month it is requiring vaccinations for missionaries going into the field amid the pandemic. “This is a very common-sense decision,” said Ed Stetzer, a Southern Baptist who is dean of Mission, Ministry and Leadership at Wheaton College. “Mission-sending agencies from the United States have the real opportunity to be vaccinated, and they’re going to places around the world that don’t.” Read more about the decision here.

 

Megachurch Charter Bus crash Injures Over 30

“We ask that you would continue to pray for each student and their families during this very difficult time,” David Ashcraft, senior pastor of Lives Changed By Christ Church in Lancaster County, is asking for prayers for the students and their families after a bus crash injured dozens. A church statement said that the bus was carrying 31 students and leaders and the driver, and that the buses were returning from a high school ministry retreat at Lake Champion, New York. The bus went off the right side of the road and onto the shoulder, then through a grassy area, crashing through a guardrail that divides the lanes, and about 50 yards into a wooded area before it stopped, still on its wheels. Read more about the accident here.

 

Pope Francis Declares He’s Still Alive Though Some Want Him Dead

Pope Francis has joked that some people in the Church hoped he would not survive his recent colon operation. Asked about his health by one of the Jesuits, Francis was quoted as replying: “Still alive. Although some people wanted me dead. I know that there were even meetings between prelates who thought that the Pope was in a more serious condition than was being said,” he added. “They were preparing the conclave (to elect a new pope). So be it. Thank God, I am well.” Francis, who was elected pontiff in 2013, underwent colon surgery on July 4, and spent 11 days in hospital. He has since resumed a full work schedule. Read more his remarks here.

 

Firefighters Saving Sequoia By Wrapping Tree In Blankets

The KNP Complex Fire in California, has now burned 23,743 acres and is 0% contained, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks said in an update Monday morning. The fire has grown by thousands of acres in each recent day. And now, to save he world’s largest tree, a sequoia named General Sherman, recently got a blanket to help protect it from a raging wildfire. The sequoia was wrapped with house-wrapping material, kind of an aluminum-foil fabric that goes around the base of the tree. A fire-resistant foil capable of withstanding 1,200°F. The September 9th “Windy Fire,” was started by a lighting strike, burned 25,000 acres in Peyrone Sequoia Grove and the Red Hill Grove before it converged on Sequoia National Park. Read more about the efforts here.