August 18, 2026
Religious Freedom
Americans are privileged to experience freedom of religion. However, if we are spiritually discerning, there are encroaching voices of dissent. Christians and their traditional conservative values are openly ridiculed, called names, and accused of countless social injustices. Every one of these accusations is a lie. Are there people who identify as Christians who behave in ungodly ways? Absolutely. This identity thing is getting old fast. People identify as trees, furries, unknown genders and so much more. Things are explained as ‘science’ that could not be less scientific.
Make no mistake, our religious freedom is in danger. Since we are called to be witnesses for Jesus, things could certainly get worse. Unless He returns soon, criticism of Christians could become persecution. There are Christian martyrs all over the world. Pray for courage to stand firm for our God.
Continue to strive for heavenly goals versus earthly standards. Ego, self-serving endeavors, and disregard for God’s Word lead us far from His favor. Instead, submit your talents and time to God’s greater plan. Human rewards are temporary and shallow. When we joined the family of God, we received faith, power and so much more.
Jesus went about teaching, preaching and healing. He said, “These things and more will you do!” But because miracles, healings and mountain moving are outside the “science” we’ve been taught, we tend to believe the world’s lack of faith. BUT Jesus said if we had enough faith, we could move a mountain. We never saw Jesus move a mountain, but we saw Him feed thousands with two fish and a bit of bread. I would have to fight a lot of doubt to bring Mt Rainier to my back yard, but I think I can hand a difficult problem to God and He will move on my behalf.
We are in constant need of God’s grace and forgiveness. When I read the Word and I pray, I am filled with good intentions. And then I walk out into the world where I may well stumble and fail. In the middle of prayer! How does that happen? I have been praying and had someone cut me off. I am out of my divine space with God in seconds. Yelling at the other driver. This is a poor example of preferring others. My need for God at that moment, for His mercy and forgiveness, is desperate!!!
A journey with God is ongoing, evolving and we are changed into His likeness. We know we are to love others. Faith without works is dead. We are commanded to step out into the world, exhort and uplift others, see to their real human needs, and become an amazing example of love…the Good Samaritan. If we say we love others and yet isolate and insulate ourselves, we need more time in the Word.
I wish we could say to God, “I want to be kind and patient and filled with selfless love.” And God would touch us and it would happen. But it does not work that way. God requires our effort, our sacrifice and our submission to His will. I fight impatience. At times it seems I embrace impatience. But in my heart, I want to be longsuffering.
Lord, I long to be a warrior in Your Kingdom. Help me stand, resilient and confident, in the face of accusation and criticism, and remind the world they cannot know who I am until they understand who You are. Let me travel through life wearing the Belt of Truth, the Breastplate of Righteousness, the Shoes of the Gospel of Peace. I hold up the Shield of Faith, put on the Helmet of Salvation and I wield the Sword of the Spirit. Lord, this is the Armor You gave me, and I wear it most gratefully.
The Church Persecuted and Scattered
On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. Acts 8:1