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Let’s Fight Together with the Salvation Army (New Video)

By
Editorial Staff
-

COVID-19 Is No Different, Let’s Fight Together for a Cure!

salvation armyThe Salvation Army has been on the frontlines of outbreaks and pandemics since the likes of typhoid, smallpox, and polio. Today, during the coronavirus pandemic, The Salvation Army’s support will be no different.

In the United States, one in six people live in poverty, and more than 550,000 are counted as homeless. These populations severely lack access to proper care, hygiene, updated information, and medical resources, which makes them more susceptible to the virus. This is where The Salvation Army comes in.

Watch their inspiring and hopeful new video, “There Was A Time.” This video chronicles key moments throughout the last century where our society has bravely overcome other notable health scares.

If you would like to support The Salvation Army and its efforts, please do so and spread the word in your community.

The Power of Pornography: Guard Your Idle Time

By
Keiston France
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pornography

Anyone who has gone through puberty has struggled with lust. What is lust? Sexual lust refers to moving from simply appreciating the physical beauty of another to imagining a sexual fantasy. While men and women are both guilty of lust and improper sexual thoughts towards one another, men’s struggle is often more challenging. It’s a daily battle no matter how godly or spiritual a man may be.  With that in mind, pornography is like lust on steroids.

Pornography has always existed. But it wasn’t until the mid 20th century with the introduction of magazines like Playboy and Penthouse that pornography became more pervasive in American culture. Combine that with the sexual revolution of the 60s and we see a cultural shift away from the Judeo-Christian value system towards a “new morality.” Over time, Hollywood followed with more sexually explicit films, then TV and even advertising joined in.

Today, with computers, iPads, and smartphones in the home and office, pornography has permeated every sphere of society. And, where there is increased idle or downtime, porn can easily become a person’s favorite way to pass the time.

It’s so easy; it’s just a click away – and no one has to know.

What’s the Problem with Pornography?

pornographyOver time, pornography desensitizes a man’s view of women to that of a sexual object – to be used and thrown away for another. It’s all about selfish, entitled pleasure. Yes, many will “pay themselves” with pornography after a long, hard day. But it doesn’t stop there.

Think about the incredible abuse towards children with the worldwide growth of millions of child sex slaves. Out of the billions of dollars spent in the pornography industry, 20% comes from child pornography. As David Platt has written – If you are joining the masses to demand an end to sex slavery but still engage in porn, you are one big hypocrite.

Pornographic lust is never satisfied; there’s always a desire for more. Eventually, what begins as a casual activity can turn into an inescapable addiction.

So, What’s The Play Call?

If you’re struggling with pornography and lust, confess it to God. There’s incredible freedom in the forgiveness of Jesus Christ through the cross. Pornography is a killer in marriage and in men’s relationships with women. If you’re married, confess your struggle with porn to your wife and ask for her forgiveness, help, and prayers. Seek God daily for the strength to resist this temptation.

Secret sin exposed tends to lessen in power. If you’re a teenager or single adult, find a trusted friend or safe community to hold each other accountable. Think about it.

Stay Calm, Don’t Panic: God is Still in Control

By
Alecia M. White
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panic

I’d gone to the store one evening, just as the toilet paper panic hit. Hopefully, you weren’t one of those Americans out here fighting over toilet paper.

Side thought: We received one instruction, “wash your hands”, and everybody cleared all the toilet paper and hand sanitizer. I’m still confused about what went on between CDC’s instruction and our translation, but anyhoo.

I only went to the store to grab some yogurt. I figured that nobody would really be out since people had wiped out the shelves earlier that day.

As I grabbed a mini cart and walked to the dairy section, I noticed random items were gone like fresh broccoli. What are y’all doing with the broccoli? There was, however, plenty of yogurts. I suppose that wasn’t on the national snatch-and-grab list. I got my yogurt and proceeded to the checkout line.

When Panic Knocks, Don’t Answer.

I walked past the toilet paper aisle and noticed there were about 4 twelve-packs on the shelf. I’m sure this was an oversight by the toilet paper hoarders, but I quickly grabbed one and threw it in my cart.

Just then – hilarious moment – my heart started to beat kind of fast. My mind started racing and wondering if someone would try to fight me over these twelve double rolls. Comedy, I know, but folks out here in these streets are crazy.

A woman and her husband passed me, and she began giving me the stare down as she looked in my cart. At that moment, I started to prepare myself for the worst-case scenario. I then heard her whisper, “Honey, she has toilet paper. Let’s get over there quick.” Whew… I didn’t have to throw hands over a basic household item LOL…too funny!

Panic is a Liar. 

panicNo, this isn’t about my adventures in grocery shopping during a national pandemic. Although, I have a couple more stories that I’ll spare you for now. Rather, this panic has made folks overbuy stuff that they’ve probably never purchased before (really, what are y’all gonna do with all that broccoli?). And, it causes people to do things in the moment that are not related to the solution, e.g. purchasing all that Charmin after the initial solution was to “wash your hands”.

In life, when we panic over a situation, it’s easy to overdo things. We overspend because “running out” gives us anxiety. And, by overspending, I don’t just mean financially.

Nope, we can overspend in loyalty and energy because we fear that others will run out on us. This leads us to do things that won’t produce the solution we need or desire.

We buy all of this toilet paper and still don’t wash our hands. We go through all these changes and still don’t confront the actual problem. Examples include avoiding proper communication, refusing help and resources from others, or even isolating ourselves from support – even when we know those things are our solution.

Panic also causes us to prepare for the worst. Now, that can be a good thing, but when we allow certain scenarios to enter our minds due to panic, it becomes an overreaction. Just like my mind drifted when that woman started eyeballing my cart, we begin to drift. This creates issues because we then spend all our efforts ready to solve a problem that will never come.

So, What’s the Play Call?

I know that with all that’s going on, it’s easy to panic and fear the worst. I’m not telling you not to prepare, but I am saying to trust the One with the solution. Here are a few things to keep in mind when we’re in a season filled with panic:

  1. God has given us many tools but fear is not one of them. We must recognize the difference in being cautious and wise and fearing the unknown due to current circumstances. “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7
  2. Trust God. There are so many fluctuations in the news and instructions that we’re being given. Be sure you’re placing your trust in the One that has all power. “It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.” Psalms 118:8
  3. Be sure that you are connected to wise, positive people. The wrong communication can cause our actions to shift negatively. “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearketh unto counsel is wise.” Proverbs 12:15
  4. Let God give you peace. With the chaos and crazies we are surrounded by, and the bad news we are being spoon-fed, peace is imperative. Without it, we’ll succumb to the chaos and become one of the crazies. “And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.” Colossians 3:15, NLT

I know it seems hard not to panic when there are so many logical reasons to do so. But, it’s easier to embrace peace when we realize we serve a God who is not bound by logic. Trust Him and accept His peace.

 

The Regret Wish List: Tomorrow is Not Promised, Now What?

By
Brandi Hawthorne
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regret

Over the last few years, my family has experienced a lot of sudden death.

My great-aunt died while sleeping on the couch. My great-uncle was found dead in his bed. Another great-uncle dropped dead in the yard. My grandfather was found dead in his home. My cousin went in for a simple surgery and found out in recovery that her body was riddled with cancer and was given 2 weeks to live. My aunt fainted and never woke up. My grandmother was diagnosed with cancer and lived another 6 months. And, recently, my cousin passed away.

My mom said something that made me pause. She said, “While attending the funeral of their loved one, none of them had any idea the next funeral would be their own.”

Silence.

And then I thought, my cousin’s funeral could be the last one I attend!

Heart in throat.

What if Today Was Your Day?

Steve Jobs is famous for the quote:

“If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I’m about to do today?”

It’s hard to imagine not being here tomorrow. How can that happen when I have so much left to do? But, death isn’t logical. And, it often doesn’t announce itself (James 4:14).

For those who died without warning, they can’t come back and re-live their last day. Their bodies have returned to the dust and their spirits are with the Lord (Ecclesiastes. 12:7).

But, for all of us who still have breath in our body, we still have an opportunity to live a full life without regret (John 10:10, ERV).

So, today, I challenge you to make a regret wish list. If you didn’t wake up tomorrow morning, what would be your regrets? What are the things you wished you would have accomplished?

What Would You Regret, If Today’s Your Last Day On Earth?

This is the question I often ask myself. And, here are some of my answers and my action plan.

1. Not Tapping In.

I often give in to my circumstances. I concede and mope and pray desperate prayers. The Bible says we have more power than the enemy. We’ve been given the authority to stand on his head and not be injured (Luke 10:19). That power is directly linked to my prayer, my praise, and my words.

Action Plan:

I usually go straight to my journal when I’m having a particularly hard day. And, I mope. I’m going to put scripture on the cover of my journal with a note that says, “You’re powerful, girl! Use your mouth to change your circumstances! Tell your problems about God!”

2. Not Standing Up.

Sometimes, I feel like a wimp because nowadays even Christians are offended by the Word. And, I don’t want to get into a shouting match or petty wars about what’s written in the Bible if God doesn’t ask me to.

But, I think there’s a fine line between protecting your peace and neglecting the call to speak truth. Just because we don’t defend the Bible like the next person, it doesn’t mean we should avoid it altogether. If we take our ego and need for agreement out of the equation, we should be able to have a conversation where we help a brother or sister find truth for their circumstance. Even if we have to say, “Let me do some research and get back to you.” We must remember that we can only plant and water. God gives the increase.

Action Plan:

Look for situations to share God’s truth with others. But, speak with them only after my mouth and mind are dripping with prayer. And, also, study, study, study. I should always be ready with a Word for others. (1 Peter 3:15)

3. Being double-minded.

You can be in the same vicinity as a person and still not be there with them. I spend lots of time with my husband and children. Sometimes, I feel like I can’t get away from them! But, it’s not always quality time. If I’m always doing two (or more) things at once, one thing will always suffer.

Action plan:

Schedule quality time with the ones you love. Start with 10 minutes and increase as you are able. But, remember that this is a no-phone and no complaint zone.

4. Not Discovering & Doing.

We’re all wired differently. What makes me cry may not make you cry. What makes you furious may not make me furious. But, you know what we have in common? Those things that anger us, excite us, and move us are telling of how God made us and how we can bring Him glory.

I think I learned this early on. In fact, writing for Team Jesus Magazine is an example of me doing something I discovered was a God-given gift. They didn’t come searching for me. I emailed them and asked if I could be a contributor. We can’t sit back and wait for things to fall in our laps. If you know that you have a knack for doing something, find ways to exercise that talent in a way that gives God glory.

Action plan:

Every day I’m finding ways to give God glory, Brandi-style. Mostly, I share my personal experiences with others through blogging, coaching and speaking engagements so that others can learn the lesson without having to make the same mistake. But, God is not short on creativity and He created me in His image. So, be on the lookout! You never know what I might do next!

So, what’s the play call?

Get it done! Is what you’re doing today the way you’d choose to spend your last day? What would you regret if you passed away suddenly?

Start to squeeze those things into your life daily and go to sleep peacefully knowing that you didn’t let the most important things remain on the back burner.

UMC Split and SBC Votes Wait for Next Year with Conferences Canceled

By
Christianity Today
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coronavirus

Last week, the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) called off its annual meeting scheduled for June 9-10, its first cancellation since World War II 75 years ago. The week before, the United Methodist Church (UMC) announced it would have to push back its quadrennial General Conference another year after its venue, the Minnesota Convention Center, canceled events through mid-May.

While members understand the circumstances, the decisions still come as hard news. Besides the denomination-wide fellowship and morale-building that happens at these gatherings, they are the vehicle for important decision-making affecting churches and ministries.

Leaders from both denominations say the delay puts some business on hold—but in most cases, the votes can wait. That includes the long-anticipated decision over how the UMC could split over irreconcilable differences on LGBT issues.

UMC split delayed

Postponing the UMC conference to 2021 gives leaders more time to deliberate their disunion. In January a group of traditional and progressive denominational leaders agreed on the “Protocol of Reconciliation & Grace Through Separation,” which proposed allowing conservative congregations to break away and form a new body. Rather than voting on the protocol in May, delegates will hold off until the 2021 General Conference. Many UMC churches had already begun to discuss whether to stay or go—with exiting churches keeping their buildings and taking $25 million to form the new denomination under the proposed protocol—but it’s unlikely any could afford to jump the gun and leave …

Continue reading…

4 Ways the COVID-19 Outbreak Impacted Prayer for Italian Christians

By
Christianity Today
-
covid-19
An Italian flag hung outside of a window in Bologna with the slogan "Andrà tutto bene" (Everything is gonna be fine) during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed how Italian Christians pray and live their faith, amid a nation reeling from 7,500 deaths—the highest tally in the world—among 74,000 confirmed cases (second only to China).

During the lockdown, we can no longer gather on Sundays or in-home groups. Social gatherings, travel, and weddings are suspended, as are most businesses. If someone is caught outside their home without a valid reason, there can be a heavy fine.

But this season of exile has helped us discover three facets of prayer we often neglect in times of abundance.

1) Prayer of Lament

Psalms of lament often felt hyperbolic a month ago. For example, Asaph’s complaint that God has made his people “drink tears by the bowlful” could seem overdramatic; David’s cry to God of “How long will you hide your face from me?” was a distant feeling.

But as humanity struggles to contain a fear- and anxiety-provoking pandemic, lament feels newly relevant to all of us. In March 2020, Psalm 44 now sounds pitch-perfect:

Awake, Lord! Why do you sleep?
Rouse yourself! Do not reject us forever.
Why do you hide your face
and forget our misery and oppression?

We are brought down to the dust;
our bodies cling to the ground.
Rise up and help us;
rescue us because of your unfailing love.

Few Western Christians have experienced poverty, injustice, or persecution. Consequently, our worship usually reflects the moods of resourceful individuals in times of prosperity and peace: composed and mainstream. We do suffer individually; however, seldom is our corporate worship fueled by protest and mourning before God.

Lament is suffering turned into prayer. It’s the worship of people who feel out of balance and out of place. Historically, …

Continue reading…

The Pandemic in Prison: Remember Those Who Are Incarcerated

By
Christianity Today
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prison

The advice to slow and curb the spread of the novel coronavirus is by now familiar: Practice social distancing. Don’t congregate in large groups. And always, always wash your hands.

But, what if you live with another person—or two or three—in a 6-by-8 foot cell, and you eat every meal in a cafeteria that seats dozens, and you have no soap?

That’s the situation facing around 1.5 million people in state and federal prisons in America and another 700,000 in local jails. As the COVID-19 pandemic escalates, detention facilities risk becoming “superspreader” sites, rapidly overloading inmates’ medical resources. The United States has the largest prison population and highest known incarceration rate in the world, and incarcerated people are uniquely at risk in this pandemic.

As Christians, we are called to their aid. Jesus listed “proclaim[ing] freedom for the prisoners” among the Spirit’s purposes for his ministry (Luke 4:18-21), and he described care for those in prison as an identifying mark of his followers, connecting those imprisoned to himself (Matthew 25:36-46).

Scripture is replete with stories of the wrongfully detained—Joseph, Daniel, Peter, Paul, and Christ, for a night—yet it never makes one’s innocence a condition of our call to care.

Rather, as in Hebrews 13:1-3, we are simply exhorted to “remember those in prison as if [we] were together with them in prison,” to treat them as we would hope to be treated if were we, but for the grace of God, in their place.

Polling commissioned by Prison Fellowship finds Christians—and especially evangelicals—are more likely than most Americans to want “safe and humane” prison conditions. COVID-19 creates a desperate need to put our faith into action (James 2:14-18).

Remembering Those in Prison

The single best and most achievable way to do that is to get people out of jail. Most people held in American jails are in pre-trial detention, meaning …

Continue reading…

Iran Releases Several Christian Prisoners Due to Coronavirus Concerns

By
Christianity Today
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christian

Forced by the new coronavirus, Iran took the tiniest of steps to placate global advocacy for religious freedom.

A temporary release of about 85,000 prisoners to curb the spread of COVID-19 disease included Ramiel Bet Tamraz, an Assyrian Christian serving a four-month sentence for holding illegal church meetings.

He was one of seven Christians set free, some on bail.

The release—which also pardoned 10,000 prisoners in advance of this past weekend’s celebration of Nowruz, the Persian new year—did not include four Christians recently granted a retrial.

Ramiel’s father Victor was the pastor of the Assyrian Pentecostal Church of Tehran until 2009 when it was shut down by the government for holding services in Farsi, the Iranian national language. Arrested in 2014 for conducting services at home, in 2017 he was given a 10-year jail sentence. Released earlier on bail with his wife Shamiram, they are awaiting the outcome of court appeals.

Ramiel’s sister Dabrina has advocated for her family all the way to the White House.

“Raising awareness always helps,” she told CT, prior to her brother’s release. “When the US and international bodies speak out and address persecuted Christians, they have an enormous amount of influence.”

According to the latest annual report of violations against Christians in Iran, 17 believers ended 2019 in prison on account of their faith. Culled from public statistics describing sentences from 4 months to 10 years, the report—released in January and jointly produced by Open Doors, Article 18, Middle East Concern, and Christian Solidarity Worldwide—warned the true number could be much higher.

Open Doors, which ranks Iran No. 9 among the world’s worst persecutors of Christians, …

Continue reading…

Repentance and Righteousness: The Cure for a Global Pandemic

By
Kristina Bolton
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repentance

There is nothing new under the sun (Ecclesiastes 1:9). Yes, this includes the current pandemic surrounding the Coronavirus. God is well-acquainted with events like this, it’s just new to us.

In Scripture, the term used to describe a pandemic was “pestilence” or “plague”. According to Google, “pestilence” is defined as “a fatal epidemic disease.” Coronavirus is not the first fatal epidemic disease, and it is certainly not the last.

But, as the world scrambles in chaos, worry, and panic, you and I must remember God and turn to His Word to understand the cause and treatment for anything that He would allow us to face.

The Healing Power of Repentance and Righteousness

spiritual warfareAs I studied the Word of God (KJV), I began to dissect each of the 48 mentions of the word “pestilence” and noticed that they were permitted to enter the world (and at times sent by God) for judgment and punishment due to wickedness of man. Interestingly, the wickedness was not exclusive to non-believers but included the people of God. Colossians 3:6 says that the wrath of God comes on the children of disobedience; this means that the presence of pestilence or what we call pandemics are a sign that God is displeased.

Here is when I began to see something powerful. Considering yourself a child of God by confession does not automatically grant you immunity to God’s judgment or include you in the promises of God.

There were times that God turned on Israel because of their wicked actions (Amos 2:6-8). But there is a specific type of person the promises of God identify. Who are they? The righteous. David said, “I never seen the righteous forsaken nor his seed begging bread.” (Psalm 37:25) He didn’t say, “the people of God.”

You may think, “Aren’t all people of God considered righteous?” No.

You see, Christianity is evidential through the confession of our hearts and the works of our life. The grace of God never eliminates the pursuit of righteousness (Proverbs 15:9). John the Baptist said it best, “show forth fruits meet for repentance.” God should be able to see your confession of Christ by the way you live.

People often misinterpret the biblical concept of Abraham and his belief. The Bible says, “…Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.” (Romans 4:3) Yet James 2:19 says that demons believe God.

So, does mere belief equate righteousness? Are demons righteous?  No.

Abraham’s belief was solidified in his obedience that followed the confession of his heart. It was no different than when he went up Mount Moriah to sacrifice Isaac. God was sure of Abraham’s fear of Him, not only in his “yes”, but in the rising of Abraham’s hand to slay his son (Genesis 22:12).

I Say These Things Because I Love You.

As a servant of God and His people, I find it a disservice when people are soothed and not given the truth. The prophets of old came with the Word of God and sometimes it was uncomfortable. The people were scared when Samuel came to town, wondering did he come in peace (1 Samuel 16:4). As a servant of God, I have no choice in the assignment; my responsibility is to deliver.

I could come with all the comforting scriptures, but if I fail to reveal the truth, the Word of God would appear false because there is no manifestation of change. I could not say I truly loved you if I knew the cure to disease and never offered it to you.

So, with all that is going on in the world, the help to the people of God is in two words…

Repentance and Righteousness

2 Chronicles 7:13-14

13 If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people;

14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

This passage of scripture provides the cure. The Bible says that if the people of God would turn from wickedness, then God will hear and heal. It does not require the repentance of the world – but the Christian.

What About the Plagues During Moses’ Time?

Indeed, another time when plagues occurred is when God was about to deliver His people. I sought God on the matter, and believe there is a two-fold event happening.

God is about to do something special for His righteous, but there is a great cry from the heavens urging people to repent. As I prayed for the world, I asked the Lord to make the people desperate. God replied, “The people are desperate, just not for me.”

Sadly, we live in a world where people want the blessings of God, but don’t want to live for Him. God likens it to offering a homeless person food and they reject it, asking for a cigarette or beer instead.

This is how people are right now; they are rejecting the bread of life (Jesus) for fleshly gratification.

SO, WHAT’S THE PLAY CALL?

Teammates, God is looking for people who will not only profess their faith in Jesus Christ but live a life that represents their confession. Repentance and living a righteous lifestyle does not mean we are perfect or without a struggle. It simply means constantly pressing toward God by rejecting sin and living a life that is pleasing to Him.

Romans 12:1 says it’s our reasonable service to present our bodies as a living sacrifice. When we accept Christ, our life is no longer our own. He is the Lord and Governor of souls.

What we do should not be based upon our desire, but His. When this happens, we will receive healing in the land. If pestilence comes into the land, the righteous can run into the strong tower of the Lord and be safe.

I pray this helps you.

 

View the Global COVID-19 Interactive Dashboard

By
Editorial Staff
-
covid-19

 

Use the interactive dashboard below to view, zoom, and monitor COVID-19 cases in areas of interest.
Click any dot to see data from that geographic area.


 

 

 

Official dashboard source: Johns Hopkins University

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