From Selfish to Selfless...

Selfishness places personal needs and gain above everyone else, while selflessness puts the needs of others ahead of one's own. In Christianity, selfishness is the root of sin—putting one’s own will, desires, and pride above God and others—whereas selflessness is the path of grace, humility, and sacrificial love modeled by Jesus Christ.

Here is a short devotion on the subject...

Selfish to Selfless

Our default setting is selfishness.

Don’t believe it? Try hanging out with a toddler for a day.

Toddlers want what they want, and they want it now. Toddlers will fight (and sometimes bite) to maintain dominion over their prized possessions. Toddlers have little concern for schedules, agendas, or perfectly white walls.

The good news about toddlers—and people in general—is that they have the capacity to change into selfless people as they grow. But, if toddlers aren’t lovingly redirected and taught how to consider others, that selfishness will continue.

So if we’re naturally self-centered humans, how do we train our minds not to default to selfishness?

The Bible encourages us to model our lives after Jesus…

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus…”   Philippians 2:3-5 NIV

Jesus didn’t leverage His authority for personal advantage—power, pleasure, control, or comfort—but took on the nature of a servant.

Jesus spent His time investing in others. Jesus focused His attention on helping others. Jesus gave up His own life for others.

If you find yourself becoming self-obsessed, self-indulgent, or even a little self-righteous, consider asking God for His help.

• Ask Him to help you see people the way He does.
• Ask Him to use any knowledge you gain to love Him and serve others. 
• Ask Him to put opportunities in your path to lead others toward Him.

The Word of God, the Holy Spirit, and relationships with other believers are what refine our hearts. And with God’s help, we can change our tendency from living selfishly into living selflessly. 

Every day we face powerful battles within our heart. It is not always visible, but it shapes every decision we make. Those decision are driven either by selfish ambition or by selfless direction that God calls us to walk in. At times our motives can be hidden behind deception,-masked by attitudes and behaviors that appear right on the surface. 

But God is not concerned with what we do, he is more concerned with the heart behind it. 

How do you know if your ambition to land that promotion, buy that house, or lose 50 pounds is selfish or godly? The truth is, our ambitions are almost always a mixed bag. Jeremiah 17:9 says that the human heart is desperately wicked, and so I'm not sure it's even possible for any of us to ever have a perfectly pure motive. So how can we decide if our mix of selfish and godly ambitions should keep us from pursuing a goal?

Here's a simple 5-step process that can help make this call. 

1. Write down one of your goals. 
2. Borrow David's prayer from Psalm 139. Ask the Lord to search your heart and reveal your motives for your goal. 
3. Write down every single reason you can think of for why you want to achieve that goal, from the super-spiritual to the superficial. 
4. Write the letter G next to the motives you believe are godly, and S next to the ones you think are selfish, and a question mark next to the ones that you're honestly not so sure about. 
5. Finally, share your list with a fellow Christian. Ask them to help you discern the balance of the motives in your heart. If your spirit-filled friend believes that your motives are mostly self-serving, drop the goal. But if your primary ambition is clearly God's glory and the good of others, move forward in faith. Don't let a mixed bag keep you from the good works God has prepared in advance for you to do.

Jesus didn’t leverage His authority for personal advantage, power, or pleasure, control or comfort – but to serve others. When you take the time to notice, serve, or encourage others, you are magnifying Christ as you live out your faith.

 

Friday Fun - Robert Mac

Today we feature comedian Robert Mac.

More about Robert Mac...

"I grew up outside Seattle, in a little town called Tucson, Arizona."

Well, technically, he’s correct.

Robert studied writing and graduated from the University of Arizona. As Robert explains, “I always wanted to write real bad, and now I can.”

He earned degrees in creative writing and media arts, graduating magna cum laude in both. His academic record speaks for itself:

“My brain is so dense with ideas … I’m probably the densest person in this room.”

Along the way, he developed an appreciation for Steve Martin and Steven Wright, the first comedian he saw perform live. (He is not interested in comedians without the first name Steve.) Their carefully written jokes helped shape his interest in making every word count. Getting those words onto a stage took a little more encouragement.

At an open mic in Tucson, Robert was too self-conscious to perform, so a friend went onstage and told Robert’s jokes. The audience laughed. Robert wanted those laughs for himself. The following week, he took the microphone himself.

Sometimes all a young artist needs is encouragement. Sometimes he needs someone else getting his laughs.

More than 30 years later, Robert’s career includes the Grand Prize in Comedy Central’s national Laugh Riots competition, appearances on Last Comic Standing, and performances at Montreal’s Just For Laughs festival. He has not one, not three, but two Dry Bar Comedy specials.

Those years of writing and performing have given Robert a particular way of looking at the world. He cleverly connects dots you hadn’t noticed, brings back details you’d nearly forgotten, and keeps you guessing right up to the punchline. His material is witty and his understated delivery makes the surprises land all the harder. 

Music Spotlight - Chosen Road

Happy National Donut Day! Yes, this is also celebrated on the first Friday in June, but we love donuts so much that there are two national donut days. Glazed, sugared, or plain, jelly or custard filled, frosted with or without sprinkles... enjoy your favorite today.

Now to today's post...

Chosen Road is an American bluegrass, Americana, and Christian gospel band originally founded in Princeton, West Virginia, in 2009. They are well-known for combining world-class Appalachian instrumentation with tight harmonies to breathe new life into traditional hymns and contemporary worship music.

Here is how they describe their group:

Chosen Road believes music still matters.

Rooted in bluegrass and built on faith and family, the band has spent more than seventeen years traveling churches, festivals, and concert halls across the country with a clear purpose: to create music that honors Christ, strengthens families, and reminds audiences of the hope they carry.

Founded in the mountains of West Virginia, Chosen Road was shaped by front porches, small-town churches, and harmonies learned the old-fashioned way — standing close enough to hear each other breathe. Their sound is grounded in traditional bluegrass, yet unafraid to stretch into country, gospel, and Americana influences. It has never been about fitting neatly into a genre. It has always been about making music that feels honest.

Known for tight harmonies, strong musicianship, and a live show that is both polished and heartfelt, Chosen Road brings a sense of purpose to every stage they step onto.

Over the years, the band has released multiple albums, including Appalachian Hymns and the recent project American Morning, a collection celebrating faith, heritage, and the enduring spirit of our nation. Their music has been featured on bluegrass and gospel radio nationwide, earning charting singles and building a loyal and growing audience.

But longevity and accolades are not what defines them.

What defines Chosen Road is testimony.

Songs born from real life.

Redemption stories set to melody.

Musicians who understand that every stage — whether a church platform or a festival field — is an opportunity to serve.

At its heart, Chosen Road exists for something simple and lasting: to bring light into rooms, encouragement into hearts, and excellence to every stage they step onto.

The band consists of founding member Jonathan Buckner alongside Zachary Alvis, Tyler Robertson, and Josh Hicks. Over the years, they have enjoyed significant chart success, including reaching the top 5 on Billboard’s Top Bluegrass Albums chart with their records Appalachian Worship and Appalachian Hymns. Most recently, they celebrated winning their first GMA Dove Award and performed live at the 2026 awards show.

Here is that performance of their song, "A God Thing"...

I really like this group. They are a lot of fun and have great harmonies. Check out some more of their music on their YouTube website.

God Bears Our Burdens...

Are you sometimes overwhelmed by daily routine and responsibilities? Do daily anxieties wear you down? Sometimes its hard to deal with our burdens.

Sometimes we think that God is only concerned with the major issues in our lives. The big stuff. The large crises. But Psalm 68:19 tells us that the everyday anxieties are neither too small, nor too big, nor too common for God to carry. God “daily bears our burdens”. His mercies are new every morning. He is never too tired, too overwhelmed, too busy, or too inconvenienced to walk alongside us.

So next time you are feeling the weight of burden and someone tells you “you got this”, we can respond by saying, “No I don’t, but my Savior does!”

Here is a short devotion for today...

Help is Near

We weren’t created to go through life carrying heavy burdens that weigh us down.

Thankfully, we don’t have to. 

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”  Matthew 11:28-30 NIV

When Jesus came to earth, He took our burdens onto Himself. Even though we were far from God, Jesus carried the punishment for our wrongdoing and bore our suffering. And because of that, we have a Savior who understands and has compassion on us. 

This Savior meets us in our mess, and invites us to find rest in Him. This Savior is God with us. 

Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens. Psalms 68:19 NIV

King David wrote that Psalm hundreds of years before Jesus’ arrival. But even then, God was illustrating to people that His character was constant, and He was trustworthy. 

God watched over Noah when the earth was flooded (Genesis 8:1), and He made a covenant with Abraham to bless, protect, and multiply his descendants (Genesis 17:4-7). He took care of the Israelites when they wandered through the wilderness (Deuteronomy 2:7), and He comforted David when people were trying to kill him. 

God has never stopped being true to who He is. He is our ever-present help in time of need. He is our constant source of strength. He is our comforter and our provider. The God that David praises in Psalm 68 is our God. He is the One who continually takes care of us, stooping down to meet us in our mess and carry us out of brokenness. 

He daily bears our burdens.

Will we still endure hard times? Yes. But we will never have to go through them alone. The Savior of the world is near. God is with us.  

Burdens big and small, God sees and cares for them all. Our tribulations can sometimes make each day feel unbearable, and that is the point of Psalm 68:19's promise. When we encounter agonizing pain and circumstances, God Himself will bear it for us. God is not indifferent to what is happening to us. The Book of Hebrews tells us that nothing is hidden from Him, and everything is seen by Him. God cares about all the details of our lives.

If your burdens seem overwhelming,, take a moment to relax and listen to this new song from Caleb & John, "Breathe In, Breathe Out"...

Tuesday Testimonial - Ben Fuller

Ben Fuller is one of Christian music's most compelling voices, combining country influences, heartfelt songwriting, and an unmistakable story of redemption. Raised on his family's dairy farm in Southern Vermont, Ben's life was transformed after an encounter with Jesus in 2018 set him free from addiction and gave him a new purpose: sharing the hope and freedom he found in Christ through music. 

He played his first show in 2017 at a small bar called Sherry's Place. Soon afterwards, he decided to move to Nashville to pursue a career as a singer and songwriter. An early single "Spark," which he wrote about dairy farmer gained Fuller some radio airplay. Fuller released a few more singles from 2017-2019 which gained him some popularity online. In 2020, he released his first album of 10 songs titled ‘Witness’.

Since 2020, Fuller has had a string of CCM hits including "Who Am I" reached No. 1 on multiple Christian radio charts, "If I Got Jesus" has surpassed 136 million streams and generated more than 1.9 billion short-form video views. Both songs were certified RIAA Gold in 2026. Followed by "Black Sheep" which he impressively performed at the 2026 K-Love Fan Awards show, "Turn", and current airplay hit with Carrie Underwood,  "If It Was Up To Me" which they performed together at the 2025 Dove Awards.

Ben has performed at the Grand Ole Opry and CMA Fest and toured alongside some of Christian music's biggest artists. His first major headline tour, The Black Sheep Tour, sold out nearly all 28 cities, establishing Ben as a rising headliner and expanding his reach into major fairs, festivals, and international markets. Through every song and performance, Ben remains committed to sharing the story of a life transformed by Jesus and pointing others toward the hope he has found in Christ.

In this video, Ben Fuller shares the raw story behind the songs we know well: From his attempt to take his own life, to drugs and alcohol as a way to numb emptiness, to the moment an invite to church changed everything. You’ll hear how Ben went from a dairy farm in Vermont to playing bars in Nashville, why hiding in plain sight can be more dangerous than rock bottom, and the exact moment he said, “Jesus, will you help me?”

If you’re carrying pain, trying to outrun emptiness, or wondering whether God can actually use your worst chapter, this episode is for you. Ben’s story is proof that redemption is real, hope is not cliché, and sometimes the most powerful prayer you can pray is the shortest one: help.

Ben continues to make great music and has a brand new release called "Falls Through".

Religion & Politics...

Tomorrow is midterm election day. As we get closer, it's becoming harder to deny to connection between faith, politics and personal identity - but has it always been this way? The idea that our beliefs shouldn’t impact our politics stems from the lie that there is such a thing as neutrality. But there is no neutrality. Scripture makes this plain. 

We cannot leave our Christian beliefs—our biblical worldview—at the door when we engage in politics as a citizen or as a politician. We’re not neutral, and neither is the sphere we’re entering. We’re to seek the good of the nation we’re in and use our influence to be salt and light for such a time as this as we follow Jesus' instructions until He returns. Don’t buy the lie that your religious beliefs don’t matter at the ballot box or in the halls of your state capitol. Everyone has a religion, and it’s folly to pretend otherwise. Christians need to be light and salt in politics.

The following is an informational article from GotQuestions.org.

If there is anything that will spark debate, if not an outright argument, it is a discussion involving politics—even among believers. As followers of Christ, what should be our attitude and our involvement with politics? It has been said that “religion and politics don’t mix.” But is that really true? Can we have political views outside the considerations of our Christian faith? The answer is, no, we cannot. Our faith should inform our political views. The Bible gives us two truths regarding our stance toward politics and government.

The first truth is that the will of God permeates and supersedes every aspect of life. It is God’s will that takes precedence over everything and everyone (Matthew 6:33). God’s plans and purposes are fixed, and His will is inviolable. What He has purposed, He will bring to pass, and no government can thwart His will (Daniel 4:34–35). In fact, it is God who “sets up kings and deposes them” (Daniel 2:21) because “the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes” (Daniel 4:17). An understanding of this truth will help us see that politics is merely a method God uses to accomplish His will. Even though evil men abuse their political power, meaning it for evil, God means it for good, working all things together for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28).

Second, government is not the remedy for all our social ills. We are not saved through politics. Only God can save, and He provides the answer to society’s problems. We never read in the New Testament of Jesus or any of the apostles schooling believers on how to reform the pagan world of its idolatrous, immoral, and corrupt practices via the government. The apostles never called for believers to demonstrate civil disobedience to protest the Roman Empire’s unjust laws or brutal schemes. Instead, they preached the gospel and lived in a way that gave evidence of the gospel’s transforming power.

There is no doubt that government is necessary, and our responsibility is to obey the laws and be good citizens (Romans 13:1–2). God has established all authority, and He does so for our benefit, “to commend those who do right” (1 Peter 2:13–15). It is the government’s responsibility to rule—hopefully for our good—to collect taxes, and to keep the peace (see Romans 13:1–8). Good citizenship includes taking seriously our duty to be informed and vote for leaders who promote Christian principles. Where we have a voice, we should exercise the right to vote. Candidates or proposals at odds with the Bible’s teaching on life, family, marriage, or faith should never be supported (see Proverbs 14:34). Those who uphold biblical values should be helped.

Even as we advocate for godly values and vote for principled leaders, we recognize that our hope for morality in the culture does not depend on politicians. A nation’s hope for change is not to be found in any country’s ruling class. People need the Lord.

The government has its purpose, and so does the church. Our primary mission lies not in changing the nation through political reform, but in changing hearts through the Word of God. Our Christian mandate is to spread the gospel of Christ. Yes, we take a stand against the sins of our time, and we advocate for “political” policies that would help curb wickedness. Through it all, we pray that individual hearts are changed by Christ. Only as individuals are transformed through the new birth will the culture begin to reflect godliness.

Believers throughout the ages have lived and even flourished under antagonistic, repressive, pagan governments. This was especially true of the first-century believers who sustained their faith under merciless political regimes that created immense cultural stress. They understood that they were the light of the world and the salt of the earth. They adhered to Paul’s teaching to obey their governing authorities, even to honor, respect, and pray for them (Romans 13:1–8). And they trusted in the protection that only God supplies.

Political entities are not the savior of the world. The salvation for all mankind has been manifested in Jesus Christ. God knew that our world needed saving long before any national government was ever founded. He demonstrated to the world that redemption could not be accomplished through the power of man, economic strength, military might, or politics. Peace of mind, contentment, hope, and joy—and the salvation of mankind—are provided only through Jesus’ death and resurrection. Christians should be voters, and they should be bearers of the gospel.

On this episode of Bigger Than Belief, Adam sits down with Dan Hofrenning, longtime political science professor at St. Olaf College, to examine the role religion plays in American politics, and what happens when political identity begins to rival, or even transcend, religious belief.

With the midterms approaching, this is a conversation about more than candidates and campaigns. It's about the values that shape us, the identities that divide us, and whether faith can help Americans approach politics with a little more humility.

Get out and vote for the midterm election tomorrow, November 3. It’s crucial Christian citizens be informed on the issues, make their voices heard and vote according to their Christian values.

Happy Halloween - Reformation Day

Happy Halloween Reformation Day! I would like to share the following article from Christianity.com...

Reformation Day and its Connection to Halloween 

There’s a curious connection between Halloween and Reformation Day, and it’s more than just proximity on the calendar. Why did Martin Luther nail his famous 95 Theses to the Wittenberg church door on October 31, 1517? He was confronting two religious observances that promoted false saintliness and exploited people’s fear of judgment and purgatory. 

What Is Reformation Day?
Reformation Day (October 31) commemorates Luther’s posting of his 95 Theses on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany on October 31, 1517. This act triggered the Reformation, as they were immediately translated and distributed across Germany in a matter of weeks. The Protestant Reformation was the rediscovery of the doctrine of justification—that is, salvation by grace alone (Gal. 2:21) through faith alone in Christ alone. It was also the protest against the corruption within the Roman Catholic Church. The century before the Reformation was marked by widespread dismay with the corruption of the leaders in the Roman Catholic Church and with its false doctrines, biblical illiteracy, and superstition. Monks, priests, bishops, and popes in Rome taught unbiblical doctrines like the selling of indulgences, the treasury of merit, purgatory, and salvation through good works.

What Is Halloween?
Halloween (October 31) is celebrated by millions each year with costumes and candy. Halloween’s deepest roots are decidedly pagan, despite its Christianized name. Its origin is Celtic and has to do with summer sacrifices to appease Samhain, the lord of death, and evil spirits. Those doing the pagan rituals believed that Samhain sent evil spirits abroad to attack humans, who could escape only by assuming disguises and looking like evil spirits themselves. Christians tried to confront these pagan rites by offering a Christian alternative (All Hallows’ Day) that celebrated the lives of faithful Christian saints on November 1. In medieval England, the festival was known as All Hallows, hence the name Halloween (All Hallows’ Eve) for the preceding evening.

What Is All Saints’ Day?
All Hallows’ Day or All Saints’ Day (November 1) was first celebrated on May 13, 609, when Pope Boniface IV dedicated the Pantheon in Rome to the Virgin Mary. The date was later changed to November 1 by Pope Gregory III, who dedicated a chapel in honor of all saints in the Vatican Basilica. In 837, Pope Gregory IV (827-844) ordered its church-wide observance. Its origin lies earlier in the common commemorations of Christian martyrs. Over time, these celebrations came to include not only the martyrs but all saints. During the Reformation, the Protestant churches came to understand “saints” in its New Testament usage as including all believers and reinterpreted the feast of All Saints as a celebration of the unity of the entire Church. 

What Is All Souls’ Day?
All Souls’ Day or the Day of the Dead is normally celebrated, primarily by Roman Catholics, on November 2. This is a day dedicated to prayer and almsgiving in memory of ancestors who have died. People pray for the souls of the dead, in an effort to hasten their transition from purgatory to heaven by being purged and cleansed from their sins. All three of these days—Halloween, All Saints' Day, and All Souls' Day—are part of what is sometimes known as "Allhallowtide" or "Hallowmas," which is an entire season observed in many liturgical churches to honor the saints and the souls of the departed. 

What Does Halloween Have to Do with Reformation Day?
Spiritually earnest people were told to justify themselves by charitable works, pilgrimages, and all kinds of religious performances and devotions. They were encouraged to acquire this “merit,” which was at the disposal of the church, by purchasing certificates of indulgence. This left them wondering if they had done or paid enough to appease God’s righteous anger and escape his judgment. This was the context that prompted Luther’s desire to refocus the church on salvation by grace through faith on account of Christ by the imputation of Christ’s righteousness to us. To those spiritually oppressed by indulgences and not given assurance of God’s grace, Luther proclaimed free grace to God’s true saints:

God receives none but those who are forsaken, restores health to none but those who are sick, gives sight to none but the blind, and life to none but the dead. He does not give saintliness to any but sinners, nor wisdom to any but fools. In short: He has mercy on none but the wretched and gives grace to none but those who are in disgrace. Therefore no arrogant saint, or just or wise man can be material for God, neither can he do the work of God, but he remains confined within his own work and makes of himself a fictitious, ostensible, false, and deceitful saint, that is, a hypocrite (Luther W.A. 1.183ff).

Why Reformation Day? Instead of the treasury of merit that was for sale, Luther protested, “The true treasure of the Church is the Most Holy Gospel of the glory and the grace of God” (Thesis 62). This was Luther's desire for Reformation Day.

Though Halloween and Reformation Day seem unrelated, they are historically connected. On October 31, 1517—what we now observe as Reformation Day—Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the church door in Wittenberg, challenging corrupt practices in the Catholic Church and sparking the Protestant Reformation. At the time, October 31 was observed as All Hallows’ Eve, the night before All Saints’ Day. Luther intentionally chose this date, knowing many people would be attending church, ensuring his theses would be seen. While Halloween has become a secular and often spiritually confusing holiday, Reformation Day reminds Christians to return to Scripture alone, grace alone, and faith alone—the foundation of true spiritual freedom.

So should Christians celebrate Halloween? It's true that the Bible encourages Christians to avoid engaging in practices that align with pagan traditions or suggest the worship of false gods. Ephesians 5:11 says, "Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them." This teaching influences many Christians who feel that Halloween’s connection to darkness, spirits, and magic contradicts their faith. However, others point out that while Halloween’s origins were pagan, the way it is celebrated today can be reframed. Activities like costume parties, pumpkin carving, or trick-or-treating may not carry any spiritual significance and can be seen as harmless fun, especially if the intent is to celebrate community or engage with neighbors.

Ultimately, our Christian liberty allows for differing approaches as long as believers honor God in their decisions (remember the admonition of Romans 14). Whether by avoiding or reimagining Halloween celebrations, as long a the focus remains on living in a way that reflects God’s truth and love we will be following God's will.

Friday Fun - All About Halloween

Since tomorrow is Halloween instead of featuring one comedian, I thought I would share this special compilation of Halloween comedy...

Also just for fun, here is an article from the Babylon Bee...

Lot Wins Halloween Couples Costume Contest Dressed As Pepper Shaker

THE PLAIN OF JORDAN — Lot won first prize in a local Halloween couples costume contest this weekend after dressing up as a pepper shaker.

Though the judges felt the costume pushed the limits of good taste, its ingenuity was enough to bring home the top prize.

"Wow, that is brilliant. Super dark, but brilliant," said one of the judges, Ahaz. "We were a bit uncomfortable when he wheeled his wife in on a dolly, but you have to respect the commitment."

Despite the controversy, Lot said he was proud of their accomplishment and planned to display the first-place ribbon prominently on his wife. "We had talked for years about doing a couples costume," explained Lot. "She would always pick something, then change her mind a dozen times, and it would never actually happen. This year, she was pretty set, you might say. I know she would have been pumped to win"

At publishing time, tragedy had struck after Lot entered his wife in the apple-bobbing contest.

Hope Nation...

Hope Nation is a Christian faith-based media and encouragement platform that shares music, artist interviews, and inspirational content. This is a great site for some encouraging entertainment.

Here is their self description:

Life can be hard and we know what it’s like to feel overwhelmed by the divisive world around us. If you want to build a more confident and joyful faith in Jesus, you are in the right place! 

Through fun and meaningful videos, podcasts, and blogs, we help connect you more deeply with God so you can live with hope.

Whether you found us on social media, our YouTube channel, or through listening to WayFM, KSBJ, NGEN, or Vida Unida, WELCOME! Hope Nation is a community-supported, non-profit ministry part of Hope Media Group. Our mission is to love Jesus, serve others, and spread Hope.

This is an entertaining website with fun and meaningful content for a confident, joyful faith!

We live in a world that can leave us feeling angry, anxious, and broken. Hope Nation helps us wrestle with this hopelessness and replace it with love and truth. Hope Nation is a place to learn, laugh, be challenged, and be encouraged. The truth of the Gospel and the teachings of Jesus will serve as the foundation for all of our interactions.

We know that hope doesn’t come from ignoring challenging topics, but from embracing and examining how the Gospel applies to them. Hope Nation equips us with genuine purpose and hope in Jesus. Their mission is to influence this generation to love and follow Jesus through culturally relevant media.

Take a look at some great interviews, podcasts, news stories, and more. Have some fun with the Song Battles videos or enjoy your favorite artists on Songs From A Mug. One of my favorite episodes from several years ago is with Sidewalk Prophets... 

Music Spotlight: Joe L. Barnes

Joel Barnes, known as Joe L, a Kentucky native, is a songwriter and worship leader at The Shepherd’s Tent in Covington, Georgia. He not only has a passion for song writing, but also burns to teach and equip others with the tools needed to create and release their sound of authenticity. Joe L believes that every dreamer should find home and family. “Everyone has a seat at the table and deserves a nice pair of sneakers.”

“I grew up in a house full of people and their music,” says RCA Inspiration recording artist Joe L. Barnes. The 29-year-old singer/songwriter, who’s just released his first solo LP entitled The Good Shepherd, remembers listening to every type of music with his huge family.

From his mother’s gospel favorites like The Clark Sisters, Yolanda Adams, Kirk Franklin, and Israel Houghton, to his father’s selections such as Hootie and the Blowfish, Tracy Chapman, Amy Winehouse, and The Fray, to his brother’s serious Hip Hop and R&B choices—the full range of musical genres has deeply affected Barnes.

Singing for two years with the multi-award-winning collective, Maverick City Music, the former group member penned their massive hit “Promises” and received a Grammy® Award, along with four other Grammy nominations in 2022.

Barnes’s songwriting can be sparked by a concept, a conversation, a lyric, or a melody. Songs range from traditional worship music to ballads to more upbeat tunes. 

His debut album in 2023, "Good Shepherd," incorporated his promise and praise musical approach which he sums up as “kind of like gumbo – my mix of Gospel, Roots, Urban, R&B, Quartet and Worship.”

From his first album, “Good Shepherd” musically soars in acknowledging the psalm to let people know they belong right here. “Roll It Over,” a soulful, R&B-flavored track, urges everyone to put it “onto Jesus as he’s more than able to carry it on” and features a honky-tonk piano plus an old-school Hammond organ. On the upbeat “Living Proof,” Barnes’s powerful voice combines with fellow worship singer Aaron Moses. And on “Count Me In,” Barnes and Hip-Hop artist Aaron Cole joyfully urge everyone not to worry, as love is all around. The LP’s last track ends with the encouraging “Wind of Love,” which gently calls for spirit “to come and take control and let the wind of love blow.”

Joe L. Barnes is committed to changing lives through his music, nurturing a core of people who are closest to him and his community. Under his “Feed the 25” initiative, those people can then reach out and spread the word on a wide-ranging scale. With a grounded vision for his life and career, he’s looking forward to a truly harmonious balance—marriage and children, thriving success in the music industry, but most importantly, going wherever God takes him.

Joe L believes that every dreamer should find home and family. Learn more about this artist in the following interview...

His latest single release is a collaboration with Seph Schlueter, "Road Less Traveled"...

Tuesday Testimonial - Olivia Lane

Olivia Lane is a Houston-raised, Nashville-based Christian artist, songwriter, and radio personality whose journey from country music to faith-based music has resonated with audiences worldwide. 

After building a career in Nashville as a country singer-songwriter and appearing on NBC’s Songland, Lane experienced a life-changing spiritual transformation in 2018 that inspired her move into Christian music. 

She gained widespread attention with her breakthrough single “Woman at the Well,” followed by “I Believe It Now,” a collaboration with Sidewalk Prophets. In addition to her recording career, Lane serves as a host on SiriusXM’s Christian music channel, "The Message", using both her music and platform to share relatable messages of faith, hope, and growing in relationship with God.

Hear is Olivia's testimonial about the journey from atheism to faith and the encounter than changed everything for her. 

“The Olivia Lane Show” airs on "The Message" every weekday from 6am–12pm ET, where Olivia shares songs and stories of encouragement along with the faith, hope, and music you and your family need.

Her latest song released last month is "Ask Him"..

The Truth About Death

Halloween is coming at the end of this week. Halloween, also known as All Hallows' Eve, or All Saints' Eve, is a celebration observed in many countries on 31 October, the eve of the Western Christian feast of All Hallows' Day. It is at the beginning of the observance of Allhallowtide, the time in the Christian liturgical year dedicated to remembering the dead, including saints (hallows), martyrs, and all the faithful departed. It seems like an appropriate time to talk about death. Here is a short devotion for today...

No matter what part of this planet you live on, how well you take care of your body, or how much money is in your bank account, there is no escaping death. 

Sound a little depressing? Sure. But there’s still good news! Really, really good news.

For those who belong to Christ, we have a hope that’s beyond this world…

“The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.”
Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Death is the greatest tool of our enemy, which is why Jesus came to defeat it. That’s why He became human, took the ultimate punishment, and put death in its rightful place—under the authority and dominion of God. 

For the believer, death is only temporary. And the Spirit of God can do what no human can—give life to the lifeless and redeem what has been lost. 

The truth about death is that it’s not the end of the story.

Soon, God will wipe away every tear and make all things new. Just as a baby is given the miraculous and mysterious breath of life, His Spirit will revive the seemingly perished and bring the dead back to life.

And that is the really, really good news. 

Romans 8:11 gives us two back-to-back mentions of the resurrection: the audacious claim that followers of Jesus have made for 2,000 years, that three days after Jesus literally died, he literally came back to life.

And this verse uses the resurrection of Jesus not just to make a point about life after death, but about life before death. Most people tend to think of life as kind of an either-or thing: either you're alive or you're dead. But the Bible often talks about life as if it's on a kind of continuum. In John 10:10, Jesus says, "I have come, that they may have life, and have it to the full." In other words, it's possible to be living but not fully alive. So what does it mean to be fully alive?

Well, Romans 8:11 doesn't give us an explicit answer to that question, but I think the rest of Romans 8 does give us a few clues. Being fully alive, as the Bible talks about it, means living a life without fear of condemnation. It means living a life of freedom, a life of righteousness, and a life of belonging to God and to others. In short, when God gives life to our mortal bodies, as this verse talks about, we get closer to the sort of life he originally created humanity to have.

Friday Fun - Brad Upton

Comedian Brad Upton has spent 36 years in the standup business. Brad was teaching the fourth grade and coaching high school track in Pasco, WA when he first stepped on stage in 1984. He quickly decided that he wanted to do standup instead, so he quit teaching in June of 1986 and never looked back.

He made several cable TV appearances in the early 90’s, headlined comedy clubs from coast to coast, opened for big name music acts and was hired to perform at corporate events. He never sought the brighter lights of LA or New York and chose instead to remain based in Seattle where he and his wife of 35 years raised their now 28-year old son and 26–year old daughter and he could continue his offstage hobby.

As his reputation grew and his work became renowned, Brad began working on the occasional cruise ship in 1999.  He then won the Las Vegas Comedy Festival in 2002 and appeared at Caesars Palace as part of the HBO Comedy Festival. He toured briefly with the late, great Joan Rivers and has spent the past 15 years as the opening act for the legendary Johnny Mathis. He has also been seen in concert with The Smothers Brothers, Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton, George Jones, Glen Campbell, Little Big Town, Smokey Robinson, Pam Tillis, Joe Diffie, Lewis Black, Jeff Foxworthy,  Neal McCoy and others. 

In 2017 he taped a special for a brand new comedy platform called Dry Bar Comedy. Things would soon change in ways he never expected.  Dry Bar released a clip of Brad in June of 2018 about millennials that went viral in ways very few comedy videos have ever done. It had 12 million views in 48 hours, then 33 million views in 10 days. It sent his CD to number 1 on the iTunes Charts and had him trending on Twitter.  The world  became suddenly aware of this ‘new’ comedian.  That video today has nearly 90 million views and according to Dry Bar, is the most viewed standup video ever. He has released two very successful specials on Dry Bar and now has well over 200 million views on the internet. His immense internet fame drew the attention of the iconic Grand Ole Opry where he had the ultimate honor to step into the circle and make his debut in September of 2019 and has since become a regular guest.

Here is that original special where Brad Upton shares humorous observations on generational differences, comparing modern technology and safety standards to the chaotic upbringing of previous decades. Upton covers topics from childhood danger to smartphone addiction and the absurdity of modern marketing.

YouTube Scripture Videos

A while back I featured the resource BibleFix. There has been an explosion of YouTube channels that are presenting videos attempting to explain scripture in an easy to understand format. Often featuring inspiring Bible stories, powerful prayers, biblical wisdom, and practical lessons for everyday life through engaging minimalist animations.

As always, I cannot verify the accuracy of the Biblical interpretations of some of these videos, but they do often made for interesting viewing. The following list is a sampling of the many channels that are currently available. They are all similar in style. 

• Word Made Clear
  Word Made Clear is dedicated to making biblical truth clear, practical, and easy to understand. Through simple, verse-by-verse explanations, we explore Scripture, Sabbath School lessons, and challenging Bible passages without unnecessary religious jargon.
  
  
• The Open Scriptures
  The Open Scriptures is about making God’s Word understandable. We break down Bible passages, Sunday School lessons that feel complicated, and the big story of bible in a way that is clear, thoughtful, and accessible.
  
  
• God Built
  Welcome to God Built: The channel where faith meets creative outlet to reach hearts all over the world & expand the Kingdom - in a raw, relevant & creative way! No fluff. No hype. Just truth, transformation, and unapologetic kingdom wisdom explained like never before. 
  
  
• Simply Scripture
  Simply Scripture makes the Bible clear, simple, and easy to understand. Each week, we break down Scripture into straightforward explanations that help you grasp what God’s Word is really saying. From verse-by-verse Bible studies to book summaries and practical Christian insights, every video is designed to strengthen your faith and deepen your understanding of Jesus Christ.
  
  
• Biblical Truth Explained
  Biblical Truth Explained helps break down Bible teachings, Sabbath School lessons, and difficult Scriptures into simple and clear explanations anyone can follow. Each week, we study the Bible step by step, explain important passages, and make complex topics easier to understand without confusing language or religious jargon.
  
  
• Faith Sketch
  FaithSketch is a Christian channel dedicated to simple sketches that carry powerful biblical truths. Each video is designed to help you grow in faith, reflect on God’s Word, and draw closer to Him in your daily life. Through visual storytelling and Scripture-based messages, we turn simple drawings into deep spiritual insights.
  
  
• Discernment Made Clear.
  Christian discernment is where the Bible stops feeling complicated and starts to make sense. Scripture is deep — but that doesn't mean it has to be confusing. This channel takes the Word seriously and breaks it down in a way that's clear, honest, and grounded in truth. From Sabbath studies to hard-to-understand passages, everything here is designed to take you deeper without losing you along the way.
  
  
• Bible Interpretation
  Bible Interpretation is dedicated to explaining the Bible in a clear, accurate, and easy-to-understand way. Explore Scripture, discover its historical context, and uncover timeless biblical truths that strengthen your faith and enrich your daily life. Follow us and subscribe to the channel to continue growing in God's Word and deepen your understanding of the Bible with every new video.
  
  
• Bible Journey
  BibleJourney is your simple guide to growing closer to God through His Word. Discover inspiring Bible stories, powerful prayers, biblical wisdom, and practical lessons for everyday life through engaging minimalist animations that make Scripture easy to understand.
  
  
• Deep Made Simple
  The Bible is deep. It doesn't have to be complicated. Deep Made Simple breaks down Sabbath School lessons, Bible studies, and Scripture into clear, honest, and thoughtful explanations anyone can understand. Each week we walk through the quarterly lesson, explore what the Bible actually says, and make sense of the passages that feel overwhelming.
  
  
• Holy Word Explained
  At Holy Word Explained, we go deep into Scripture — every book, every covenant, every prophecy, every figure — and show you what most people completely miss. Not to impress you with theology. But because once you see how it all connects, you will never read your Bible the same way again.
  
  
• Gentile Christ
  Gentle Christ is a faith-based YouTube channel dedicated to sharing peaceful, powerful, and meaningful messages inspired by Jesus Christ and the Holy Bible. This channel focuses on short, impactful content that brings hope, healing, faith, and inner peace to everyday life. Each video is created to deliver simple yet deep spiritual reflections that connect Bible teachings with real-life struggles, emotions, and personal growth. Our goal is to help viewers feel calm, inspired, and closer to God through gentle and meaningful words.

Take a look through the videos offered and check out some that may be of interest to you. 

2026 GMA Dove Awards

 The 57th Annual GMA Dove Awards took place a couple weeks ago on October 6th.  The Dove Awards honors the best recordings, compositions, and musicians within the Christian music industry.

It was a great show, hosted by Tauren Wells, with performances from Brandon Lake, Lainey Wilson, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Elevation Worship and more, but only available for subscribers to the Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN). If you missed to program, it is now available to stream for free...

Congratulations to all the winners and nominees.

Tuesday Testimony - Jamie MacDonald

A little over a week ago singer/songwriter Jamie MacDonald received the Dove Award for New Artist of the Year. 

MacDonald's father Jim was a professional boxer who challenged for the world light heavyweight championship three times. Her mother and father divorced while she was young. When she was 15, her stepfather forced her out of her house for singing. In her teenage years, she became addicted to drugs, and when she was 16, she dropped out of high school. She moved to Los Angeles, California, and suffered of homelessness. While in her early 20s, she saw many of her friends suffering from drug overdoses, participating in gang violence, or being sent to prison; she decided that she was "tired of that life", prompting her to become a Christian and participate in prison ministry.

She began her music career independently in 2014; she later gained prominence in 2025 following a signing with Capitol Christian Music Group and subsequent release of the singles "Desperate", "Left It in the River", "Ain't No Way", and "Who He Is", each of which went on to experience chart-topping success on the Billboard Christian Airplay and Christian Adult Contemporary Airplay charts. Her self-titled debut album was released in early 2026.

After years of honing her craft behind the scenes, MacDonald quickly emerged as a breakout artist, earning widespread attention for her powerful debut and authentic storytelling. With over 1.1M monthly Spotify listeners, 135M+ global streams, and 130M+ social views, she has built a rapidly growing fanbase. Her career includes major radio success—including multiple #1 hits before her debut album release—alongside collaborations with top Nashville songwriters and producers. Jamie’s music has also been featured across film, television, and major network placements.

Here is her testimony...

Here is Jamie MacDonald' performance of "Left It In the River" at the 2026 Dove Awards ceremony...

Being "Set Apart"...

"Set apart" is an idiom that means to reserve something for a specific purpose or to show that someone or something is distinct and better than others. In the Bible, being set apart means being holy or chosen by God for a specific, distinct purpose rather than following worldly ways.

As I have stated before, we are studying Genesis in our Sunday morning Bible study group.

"Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array. By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done." Genesis 2:1-3

God rested on the 7th day. Not because He was tired of creating and needed a break. He was setting us an example that we need a day of rest. He "set apart" the 7th day and made it holy for our sake.

Here is a short devotion about being set apart...

In modern language, "holy" often means something religious or spiritual. But in the Bible, “holy” simply means “set apart.” It means something (or someone) different and distinct from everything else. 

God is unlike any other gods the nations knew. The Lord is holy, and called His people to be distinct—or holy—too.

Some of the distinctions that set the Israelite practices apart were religious and spiritual. They offered sacrifices in a certain way and had specific instructions for how priests, worship, and the temple operated. Other practices that set Israel apart involved everyday things like food, clothing, and their weekly calendars. These habits and customs were meant to reflect and reinforce that they were truly different—or holy—because they belonged to God.

The fourth commandment given to Israel is to "remember the Sabbath day" and keep it holy—a reminder to Israel of the blessed pattern God laid out in Creation. Just as our Holy Creator worked for six days and rested on a seventh, He calls His holy people to do the same.

What's holy about the Sabbath? It's a day set apart to be different from all the other days of the week. God intends for one day a week to look and feel different. As people who belong to Him, we can delight in His designation of some days as productive days for work and then other days set apart for reflection and refreshment.

Remember, God created special times for rest—keep those times set apart. 

I remember that my grandmother has a set of fine china dishware that was kept in a hutch in the dining room. It was only brought out and used for special occasions: Thanksgiving, Christmas, or special celebrations. She had other dishes that were for everyday use that were cheaper, sturdier, and easier to replace.

In Biblical Hebrew terms, that china was "kadosh". It was holy - set apart for our family's special purposes. Not used for everyday life. What my grandmother's fine china was to every day dishes is like the Sabbath is to the rest of the week. But the question is: for what? Or better said, for who?

The Sabbath is an entire day that is set aside, not just for stopping, or resting, or delighting, but for God Himself. Put another way: it is a day for worship. In the biblical sense, to worship at its most primal level is to orient and reorient your entire life around God, our Creator, and our Center. It's to lay your entire life before Him in love, and to deepen your surrender to His love. 

There are so many ways to do this: through worship, through singing, giving our time, our resources, our attention, and our affection to God in prayer, yielding our will over to God in decision-making. Anything we do to center our life on God, and to intentionally direct and redirect our heart in love toward His glory in the language of Scripture, just meaning His goodness and His beauty. Anything we do like that is a form of worship. Yes, the Sabbath is a day to stop, and rest, and refill our tank.

But what does it really mean to rest?

Here is an interesting podcast about the Sabbath and rest. 9941 Podcast talks about what it means to honor the Lord’s Day in a culture that never seems to slow down. From Sunday youth sports and missing church to the biblical command not to neglect gathering with other believers, the guys ask a difficult question: Have Christians become too casual about Sundays?

But the conversation goes deeper than simply asking whether Christians should work on Sunday. What is true rest? Is scrolling Instagram, watching Netflix, taking a vacation, or doing nothing actually giving us the rest we’re looking for? Or have we confused entertainment and escape with genuine rest? Jesus says, “Come to me,” and the guys explore what it looks like to find rest in Christ through Scripture, prayer, worship, and time with the Lord.

They also turn the conversation toward the biblical value of work and Colossians 3:23: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” Rather than living for the weekend, the next vacation, or retirement, what would change if Christians viewed both their work and their rest as opportunities to glorify God?

This is an honest conversation about the Sabbath, Sunday worship, Christian work ethic, burnout, entertainment, spiritual disciplines, youth sports, church attendance, and ultimately finding the kind of rest that can only be found in Jesus Christ.

Friday Fun - Taylor Mason

Taylor Mason is a comedian, ventriloquist and musician. Mason was raised on a farm in the suburb of Chicago, where his father was a farm news broadcaster on radio and TV. Taylor has a unique act, which combines comedy, music, and the fading art of ventriloquism. It's 100 percent clean and can entertain the whole family. 

He has carved out a career in comedy and entertainment that has taken him around the world and into living rooms across the United States for the past 25 years. He’s won multiple, prestigious entertainment awards, appeared on a myriad of television programs, helped craft and performed in television commercials, wrote a book on ventriloquism for Penguin Publishing, and on and on.

There is no way to describe what he does, because combining ventriloquism, music and comedy is unique to Taylor Mason and quite literally needs to be seen to be believed. Google “Taylor Mason” and view hundreds of videos, some home-made, some taken from countless television and DVD projects.

Taylor's favorite book in the Bible is Ecclesiastes (the only person of that opinion other than my eldest son 😊).  As a teen he heard it and thought it was an invigorating book.  He believes in its principles and they are ingrained in him.  This book has taught him the principle of fulfilling what you do to the best of your ability and your faith. Taylor feels that no matter where you are, you are put there for a reason.  Stick to what God has you to do.  God works through people, and sometimes we forget.  He feels he is representing God at all times, whether he performs at a Christian or secular venue.

A Prophecy Flashback...

Paul Harvey was an American radio broadcaster for ABC News Radio. He broadcast News and Comment on mornings and mid-days on weekdays and at noon on Saturdays and also his famous The Rest of the Story segments. 

Harvey was once the most popular radio personality in America. His broadcasts from 1951 to 2008 reached more than 20 million loyal listeners who tuned in every week to hear his unique blend of news and views. Paul Harvey News was the world's largest communications conglomerate with 1,300 radio stations, an additional 400 stations on the American Forces Radio Network, 100 television stations, and 300 newspapers. His broadcasts and newspaper columns were reprinted in the Congressional Record more often than those of any other commentator. 

I know that many people do not remember Paul Harvey, but I grew up listening to him on the radio. I often wonder what happened to his brand of "common sense" wisdom and what he would have to say about society today. 

This broadcast by the legendary Paul Harvey from April 3rd, 1965 seems prophetic and very relevant today, over 60 years later. I have heard this several times over the years and think it is worth revisiting...

This is Paul Harvey... "Good Day!"...

The Untold Story of CCM...

What are the stories behind the Christian music industry? How did it gradually get bought and sold enough that the entire foundation completely changed. How does the church go from burning Elvis and Beatles albums, to just a few years later making music that sounds almost exactly like it?

This is an interesting video series. This series is a bit lengthy (about 5 hours total), but it is great if you are interested in the history of Contemporary Christian Music and how it has evolved. Be forewarned that this series often covers the darker side and failures of the CCM business and can at times come across as negative, but  I enjoyed it because it brought back a lot of memories of the nearly 5 decades that I have enjoyed and followed Contemporary Christian music.

Hosted by Jonathan Allen Wright, self described "creator of weird deep dives, video essays, and investigation series." Jonathan is a content creator and musician based in the North Carolina and Virginia area, and the founder of Entry Media LLC. He creates mini documentaries and long-form video essays that dig into overlooked corners of culture and faith, drawing audiences in with his storytelling and willingness to chase down the strangest niches most people never think about.

Outside of YouTube, Jonathan is also an indie Christian musician who writes and produces his own music. Whether he’s telling a story on film or writing a song, it all comes back to one thing: creating something interesting and hopefully impactful.

There are quite a few interesting videos on his YouTube site.

Here is the first episode of The Untold History of CCM. A series tracing Contemporary Christian Music from the Protestant Reformation all the way to the modern worship industry. We start at the strange beginning: the hymns, the bans, the suspicion of "worldly" sound, and the slow, strange road that turned congregational singing into a full fledged business.

Tuesday Testimonial - Kid Rock?

Kid Rock is not the first person to come to mind when thinking about Christianity. However, he is getting a lot of press about his upcoming faith-focused album Halfway 2 Jesus, a 17-track effort that will also feature a reunion with fellow Detroit artist Eminem.

The record is scheduled for release October 17 and follows the arrival of its first single, “James 1:17 (Jesus Is King)”. The new material finds Kid Rock leaning heavily into Christian themes, with song titles including “Why Don’t You Look Into Jesus,” “Water Into Wine,” “Me And Jesus” and “God Is Good.”

The album’s religious focus represents a notable contrast with some of the more controversial material from Kid Rock‘s earlier career which has led a lot of people to criticize him and express skepticism on whether his faith is genuine or not.

Here's the thing. None of us know the true state of Kid Rock’s heart. What we do know is that he is a human being that needs Jesus, like all of us do, and we need to be concerned with making sure he and everyone else knows the love of our Savior. Rather than trying to deduce whether or not he’s truly saved, why don’t we spend that effort asking the Lord to convict His heart if he’s not living as He should, and to save him if he’s doesn’t truly know Christ? We’re accomplishing nothing saying “look at how fake this dude is!” That’s the wrong heart and it’s the wrong heart for us to be fighting with each other and trying to prove each other wrong with Scripture and passive aggressive comments. If we’re not discussing these things in love, then all we’re doing is fighting and we’re not accomplishing anything except sowing division.

Here is part of a Kid Rock interview on Joe Rogan a couple years ago...

Remember we have not been given the authority to judge someone's salvation. That's God's job. We certainly should question the doctrine that is being spread, but we don't get to decide who is saved and who is not.

God can and will use anyone to spread His message and fulfill His plan. Is what Kid Rock and others doing causing harm? Possibly. Could it be reaching someone that has never accepted Jesus and is deciding to look into Christianity because of what these people are saying? Also possibly.

The Bible is filled with examples of God using people that were not considered good examples. Some of the greatest people used by God had great moral flaws. Jacob lied and connived. Noah got drunk. Samson was immoral. Gideon was fearful. Rahab was a prostitute. David had an affair and then had someone murdered to cover it up. Elijah was deeply depressed and didn’t want to live. Jonah ran from God. And Paul spent a great portion of his life hunting down and killing Christians.

Yet despite their flaws, God changed their hearts and used them for His purpose. I think we will have to wait and see how God works with Kid Rock.

Here is the first release from the album, "James 1:17 (Jesus Is King)"...

"Pumpkin-Spiced" Faith...

Fall time is here. Autumn is that time of year when everything shows up on the store shelves with pumpkin spice flavoring.  We have pumpkin spice yogurt, coffees, donuts, candles, Oreos, creamer, noodles, cream cheese, ice cream, cereal, popcorn, and more. Even Twinkies and Pop-Tarts. (And who could forget the pumpkin spiced SPAM from a few years ago? 😏)

Does everything need a pumpkin-pie spice version to make it more saleable and trendy? That question got me to thinking... Are we doing the same thing in our churches? Have we created a “pumpkin spice faith” for this time of year too? 

Are we trying to add to our faith to make it more fun, more tempting, more contemporary or current? Are we trying too hard to hopefully attract people back to the pews after the summer months? Are we spending more time trying to look relevant, or are we working to be “biblically relevant”? 

We can certainly be more "flavorful" in our Christianity. As flavorful Christians, we can show the world the majestic love of God. By showing others that the God who created them finds them more desirable than all the wonders of the world. And in doing so, we are putting the flavor, pumpkin spice, salt, or other – into Christian living; but we need to be careful. Many Christian ministry models or approaches take to mimicking what is prevalent in popular culture. Worship can easily become more "created" than true. We shouldn’t become so open-minded that we make it easy for Satan to drop in his lies. 

Christians have been asked to keep their beliefs quiet, not imposing them on others. We have been accused of being narrow-minded and inflexible. Some people like a pumpkin spice donut, but someone else may want the plain glazed, or the one with sprinkles. Evangelism has been called “imposing” our beliefs on others. 

Yet, Jesus told his disciples, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19–20).  

We can’t add pumpkin spice to the Great Commission:

1. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations.” There is not a nation or a group of people that does not need to receive salvation in Christ.
2. Jesus said to “baptize them” in the name of the Triune Deity. Father, Son, and Spirit are all the character of Jehovah God.
3. Jesus said to teach people “all that I have commanded you.” We don’t get to adapt our theology or flavor it to the season we find ourselves and our culture in. The times have changed, but the Great Commission and the entire truth of Scripture have not.

Finally, it doesn’t matter what season of history we have been born into, the same Jesus who was with the apostles is the person of Christ today. Jesus is unchanging with the times, and that will be true to “the end of the age.”

We have not been given permission to add a different “flavor” to God’s word simply because the culture seems to call for that. Jesus isn’t seasonal. He is “the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). 

I love the changing seasons we experience here in Minnesota. One of the great truths of our earthly lives is that those who are “in Christ” are daily moving forward to the hope of heaven. I just think we need to be careful not to add a false flavor to our worship.  

Cream cheese, ice cream, donuts, and coffee don’t taste like pumpkin spice unless we add it. It might seem better at the time, but it won’t be long before everyone is wanting to taste salted caramel or eggnog or "candy cane" flavored everything that starts to stock the supermarket shelves around Christmas time? It is our nature to change what is natural... It is not God’s nature to change. 

God is eternally consistent in his word, in his character, and in his promises. We shouldn’t think we need to “flavor” our theology to make it more appealing. Biblical truth is what people need. 

If I could add a little flavor to that truth, I would probably try, but I can’t and shouldn't. It is the pure, natural Word of the only true God. People need to hear it in the purest form. Sometimes we Christians might be wise to mimic the flavor... to "pumpkin spice" things up, so long as we remember that flavors are injected merely to help reach other people and not change our faith to try to appease everyone. God's Word is no mere flavor. God's Word is inerrant, natural, life sustaining and most importantly, eternal. Let’s stick with the truth because that provides the real freedom in Christ that people need and leave the "pumpkin spice" for your Starbucks coffee.

Friday Fun - Michael Jr

Michael Jr. is a popular clean and Christian stand-up comedian known for combining wholesome humor with inspiring stories and life lessons.

Exceptionally gifted at combining story with thought-provoking life principles, Michael Jr. exhibits what it means to be a comedic thought leader. Using comedy and dynamic storytelling, he brings laughter and encouragement to audiences all over the world as he inspires audiences to discover and activate their purpose.

This unique skill set has landed him on stages like The Tonight Show on NBC, TEDx Talks, and Jimmy Kimmel Live. You can find him in Sony Pictures’ feature film War Room, as well as starring roles in Selfie Dad, Laughing On Purpose and More Than Funny (shown below).

Michael Jr. brings the funny through stand up comedy, skits, short film, man on the street and a variety of other ways, all-the-while making sure it's good for the whole family. You will most certainly laugh, however you may also find that you are also inspired. As Michael Jr. is not just about the jokes...

Apologist Dr. John Lennox...

John Carson Lennox is a Northern Irish mathematician, bioethicist, and lay theologian. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest Christian apologists of modern times, having devoted a lifetime to showing how faith in God and faith in reason can stand together.

He has written many books on religion, ethics, the relationship between science and God (such as Has Science Buried God and Can Science Explain Everything); he has also participated in public debates with atheists, including Richard Dawkins, Peter Atkins, Peter Singer, Michael Ruse, and Christopher Hitchens. I have enjoyed watching many of his debates and talks. Search John Lennox on YouTube you will find many of his debates and apologist videos which are often fascinating, entertaining, and educational. 

Lennox earned a doctorate in mathematics from the University of Cambridge, followed by second and third doctorates from the University of Oxford and Cardiff University, respectively. As a professor, Lennox specialized in group theory. He is emeritus professor of Mathematics at the University of Oxford, where he is also Emeritus Fellow in Mathematics and Philosophy of Science at Green Templeton College, and has worked as adjunct lecturer at Wycliffe Hall and at the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics. He is also an Associate Fellow of the Saïd Business School and a Senior Fellow at the Trinity Forum.

In John's own words...

In my teenage years I came to a strong conviction that the Christian message was true and I felt increasingly called to be an ambassador for it. I saw two related ways to do this.  The first was to get to know Scripture and learn how to explain it, so that people could grasp its relevance to their lives.  The second was first to learn myself and then teach others how to defend the Gospel both privately and publicly in a world that misunderstood, misrepresented and sometimes downright persecuted it.   

The most important event in history is the incarnation of God in Jesus Christ – “the Word became flesh” and the most important message for the world is that: “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.”

I have been immensely privileged for most of my life to have been able to be an ambassador for this message in an academic context taking it to many countries in the world, often engaging in public discussion with atheists and agnostics in the hope of showing people that Christianity is intellectually and morally credible and is the only world view that makes sense of reality as we experience it.  I have constantly stressed that it is important to listen to what Christianity has to say before turning away from it.  That often happens because people are told that science has left no room for God.  As a scientist I completely disagree, as science properly understood strongly supports the existence of God and have written a number of books showing why. 

What makes John Lennox one of the most winsome and influential Christian apologists of our lifetime? At 82 years old, John has written My Story - John Lennox's Autobiography.  This video includes fascinating stories and insights from his lifetime of boldly defending the Christian faith in lecture halls, debates and the public square. 

More Cowbell Please...

Another great podcast that started about a year ago talking about the stories behind Christian music's biggest artists — told by someone who was actually there. Stories of life, success, fails, career and humor with well credited CCM and Gospel music pros.

Host Ainslie Grosser grew up a missionary kid in Kolkata, India, studied theology at Perth Bible College, and spent 30 years as a Grammy-winning mix engineer inside Nashville's Contemporary Christian Music industry. He's worked with artists, producers, and label executives across the full arc of CCM history — and now he's turning that access into the definitive documentary essay channel for Contemporary Christian Music. Discover untold stories from CCM music icons like Luke Smallbone, Lauren Daigle, & Paul Mabury!

Artist profiles. Industry investigations. The moments that changed everything. More Cowbell Please goes where fan channels can't — because this isn't research. It's witness. Because there's always more to the story.

Not always the most positive stories about CCM artists, but always interesting. Here is an example of his videos. This video names the top 5 the most radical Christian music artists in the recorded music era and what they did that shocked the business. And the church. Were they right? Did they go too far?