Category: Character

Water pouring from a garden hose onto dry, cracked soil beside green grass

Depravity: When the Heart Becomes Corrupt 

Depravity begins in the heart, but healing begins when truth comes to light. Let us reject hatred, repent sincerely, and walk in the love, justice, and mercy of Jesus.  Depravity means corruption. It can describe a corrupt act, a wicked practice, or a condition where evil has taken deep root. We often hear the word connected to things like the depravities…

Open Bible on wooden surface facing a cross with radiant sunrise

Draped in Hate: When Power Dresses Itself in Righteousness 

“Therefore the law is slacked, and judgment doth never go forth: for the wicked doth compass about the righteous; therefore wrong judgment proceedeth.” — Habakkuk 1:4, KJV  Sometimes you can watch or hear something and one phrase drops into your spirit: “draped in hate.” It is a heavy phrase, but it speaks to a serious danger. Hate does not always…

Open Bible on wooden surface facing a cross with radiant sunrise

What Makes a Nation Great in God’s Eyes? 

History has a way of coming back around. As Harry S. Truman once said, “There is nothing new in the world except the history you do not know.” In plain words, if we refuse to learn from the past, we are likely to repeat its mistakes.  America has made serious mistakes before. We have seen racism, fear, division, cruelty, and…

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Do Unto Others: A Biblical Call to Healing, Mercy, and Unity

Opening Scripture Reading: “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you.” — Matthew 7:12  “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” — Luke 6:31  The church and the nation needs healing. We have been through too much bitterness, anger, fear, and division to pretend that everything is fine. Healing will not…

Lord, Help Me Tame My Tongue: Speaking with Grace and Wisdom 

“Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.” — James 3:10, KJV  James 3 reminds us that our words matter. The tongue may be small, but it can do great good or great damage. A few kind words can encourage someone who is tired, broken, or discouraged. But a few…

Diverse group holding hands in a circle behind a banner reading "COMMUNITY RISING" at sunrise.

Living in the World, but Not Being Part of It 

“I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.” — John 17:14, KJV  Lord, help us remember that while we live in this world, our hearts belong to You. We go to work, raise families, deal with bills, use social media, and…

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Living the Gospel in a Divided World: Faith, Politics, and Christian Integrity

Opening Scripture Reading: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” — Romans 3:23  “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” — Matthew 5:16  “My kingdom is not of this world.” — John 18:36  Sometimes, just talking about the gospel isn’t enough. We also have…

Jesus Is the Light in the Darkness 

Opening Scripture Reading: “In Him was life, and the life was the Light of mankind. And the Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not grasp it.” — John 1:4-5  Jesus is the Light that came into the darkness, and the darkness could not overcome Him, understand Him, or take hold of Him. The world did not know what…

Open Holy Bible on a marble altar with golden scales of justice and two lit candles

Justice and Righteousness: A Biblical Perspective

Opening Scripture Reading: “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; unfailing love and truth walk before You as attendants.” — Psalm 89:14  “The Lord has told you what is good, and this is what He requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” — Micah 6:8  Years ago, I…