• Starting today August 7th, 2024, in order to post in the Married Couples, Courting Couples, or Singles forums, you will not be allowed to post if you have your Marital status designated as private. Announcements will be made in the respective forums as well but please note that if yours is currently listed as Private, you will need to submit a ticket in the Support Area to have yours changed.

  • CF has always been a site that welcomes people from different backgrounds and beliefs to participate in discussion and even debate. That is the nature of its ministry. In view of recent events emotions are running very high. We need to remind people of some basic principles in debating on this site. We need to be civil when we express differences in opinion. No personal attacks. Avoid you, your statements. Don't characterize an entire political party with comparisons to Fascism or Communism or other extreme movements that committed atrocities. CF is not the place for broad brush or blanket statements about groups and political parties. Put the broad brushes and blankets away when you come to CF, better yet, put them in the incinerator. Debate had no place for them. We need to remember that people that commit acts of violence represent themselves or a small extreme faction.

your Old men will have...

Here is another dream of the "to come situation type". it was short and I had it around 4 am. There was an exploded natural gas drilling site on fire shooting flames up above the conifer trees around the site. So it was a somewhat northern site like you would see in northern Canada or Northern Europe.... someone was saying something about it being a 200 million dollar site so the well on fire must have been only one of several in a project. One well site doesn't cost that much..
I had the feeling it was a disaster of some kind ,but maybe man made. And that was it. Lets see in the next year if something like that happens in a forested environment in the north somewhere on Earth.My dream of a hurricane moving north of the Gulf happened about a year after I had it and it was Helene that flooded the mountains in Tenn, and NC.

No Peace for The Wicked

“Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel,
‘I am the Lord your God, who teaches you to profit,
Who leads you in the way you should go.
If only you had paid attention to My commandments!
Then your well-being would have been like a river,
And your righteousness like the waves of the sea.’
‘There is no peace for the wicked,’ says the Lord.” (Isaiah 48:17-18,22 NASB1995)

Again, we will translate this into New Testament terms, under the New Covenant that God has with his people Israel, both Jew and Gentile by genuine biblical faith in Jesus Christ. But the context is largely concerning those who make professions of faith in Jesus Christ with their lips, but not in truth nor in righteousness. They are the stubborn, the strong-willed, the self-indulgent, the addicted to sinful behaviors who are obstinate and unwilling to repent of their sins, in truth, and to obey God with their lives.

But faith in Jesus Christ is not a “get-out-of-jail-free-card.” It is not forgiveness of all sins and the guarantee of heaven when you die based on a profession of Christ alone. And it is not carte blanche (complete freedom) to live however you please now that you think that all your sins are forgiven and that heaven is a guarantee for you. Biblical faith results in biblical repentance which results in changed lives living in submission and in surrender to the will of God in walks of obedience to his commands.

And by faith in Jesus Christ we enter into a spiritual marriage relationship with Christ as our husband, and with us as his bride. And he is also Lord (Owner-Master) of our lives who teaches us what is good for us, that which is for our benefit spiritually, morally, physically, emotionally, and mentally. And then he leads, guides, and directs us in the way that we should go, which is the way of moral purity, honesty, faithfulness, righteousness, godliness and obedience to his commands, no longer living in sin.

But sadly, not everyone who gives lip service to the Lord are those who are being led of the Spirit, who have died and who are dying to sin daily, and who are walking in obedience to our Lord’s commands, led by God, and empowered by God, by his grace. Many are those who are not listening to the Lord, some of whom fake their Christianity and who deny him by their sinful practices and by their refusal to obey him. And sadly, they will not inherit eternal life with God unless they repent of their sin and obey God.

For Jesus Christ taught that to come to him we must deny self, take up our cross daily (die daily to sin), and follow (obey) him. For if we hold on to living in sin and for self, we will lose our lives for eternity. But if we deny self, die daily to sin, by the Spirit, and we walk in obedience to our Lord and to his commands, in his power, then we have eternal life with God. For not everyone who calls him “Lord” will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one DOING (obeying) the will of God (see Luke 9:23-26; Matthew 7:21-23).

For by God-gifted faith in Jesus Christ, which is not of our own doing, we are crucified with Christ in death to sin and raised with Christ to walk in newness of life in him, no longer to live as slaves to sin but as slaves to righteousness in walks of obedience to God’s commands. We are no longer to permit sin to reign in our mortal bodies to make us obey its desires. For if sin is what we obey, it results in death. But if obedience to God is what we obey, it results in sanctification, and its end is eternal life with God (see Romans 6:1-23).

And we learn in 1 John 1-3 that if we claim that we have fellowship with God, but yet we walk in darkness (sin), we are liars. If we claim that we know God, but we do not obey his commandments, in practice, we are liars. For it is not the one who claims he is “in Christ” who is “in Christ,” but it is the one who has denied self, died with Christ to sin, and who is now walking in obedience to our Lord and to his commands, in practice, and no longer in sin. They have the hope and the promise of eternal life with God in heaven.

Walking in The Light

Based off 1 John 1-2
An Original Work / November 16, 2011
Christ’s Free Servant, Sue J Love


When I lift up my voice, and
Sing praise unto God,
I will fellowship with my
Lord and Savior, King.
In Him there is no darkness.
He is in the light of truth.
If we walk in His light,
From sin He purifies.

If we repent of our sins,
He’ll forgive us now,
When we humble ourselves, and
Before Jesus bow.
The man who says, “I know Him,”
But does not obey His truth,
There is no truth in him.
In darkness still he’s found.

Do not love the world of sin,
For it is hell bound.
If you follow the world, you’ll
Not in Christ be found.
The world and its desires
Will not last; they’ll expire.
The one who does God’s will,
Receives eternal life.

See that what you have heard from
Christ remains in you.
Then, you’ll remain in Christ, and
In His Father, too.
This is what He promised us –
His eternal life with God.
So, continue in Him, and
You’ll receive a crown.

Login to view embedded media
No Peace for The Wicked
An Original Work / September 3, 2025
Christ’s Free Servant, Sue J Love

When the 'real you' doesn't want to sin

"I need to stop doing it. After all, I am a Christian."

Do you ever find yourself feeling this way after becoming entangled in a particular sin? Deep down you hate that thing because you know it is unrighteous, but in moments of temptation and weakness, you go back to it.

First of all, thank God that the Lord places a holy hatred for sin within every one of His children. Just imagine if, rather than hating to sin, you relished sin and couldn't wait to engage in it over and over again. Thankfully, believers in Jesus want to live a different life, a holy life.

Born-again people are "a new creation" (2 Corinthians 5:17) who want to say "no" to temptation and sin. We desire to please Christ who now lives in us, and our body is "a temple of the Holy Spirit" (1 Corinthians 6:18).?

At the same time, a "basement room" sinful nature remains within your soul. Your old nature previously dominated your life, back when "you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of the world" (Ephesians 2:2).

Your old nature is the old you, while the real you today is who you want to be as a follower of Christ. Your sinful nature was put to death when you were converted, (see Romans 6:6-8) but these sinful desires are still hanging around in the basement. And although somewhat dormant, these desires are extremely dangerous and spiritually toxic, especially when willfully pursued.

Continued below.https://www.christianpost.com/voices/when-the-real-you-doesnt-want-to-sin.html

What are Works of supererogation?

So, recently I've been reading Rev Hooker's 1888 edition of the first volume of his works
and in its preface/introduction, I came upon this point of "works of supererogation"
regarding his discourse with a Rev Hoo. What are "works of supererogation" and how
does it fit theologically?

Has mutual aggravation with Trump accelerated SCO's rise as an Anti-WTO / NATO?

With SCO meeting in China recently - and even Kim Jon Ung attending - they are trying to promote an Asian alternative to the WTO and NATO.

ANTI-ALLIANCES?
Anti alliances don't seem to last long? It helps to also be FOR something mutually beneficial. EG: The West was anti-USSR and anti-imperial Russia and China and North Korea - but also FOR democracy and trade. (At least until Trump!)

EG: Nations that used to go to war with each other every few generations formed the European Coal and Steel Community - and are now the EU. They're a Confederation on the verge of Federating (or splitting up! But that's another subject.)

But SCO only has Anti-Trump going for it. Sure - being Anti-Trump has paused the conflict between Russia and China. But what if the next President is a moderate? What other forces would have member countries invest in SCO - even if China gives free 'aid' of $230 million to each member?

The EU formed to encourage more and easier trade - but member states had to give up a little sovereignty at each step. Can anyone see that happening with SCO?

Anyway - maybe we should give Trump a new Nobel Prize category - the "Peace through mutual hatred of Trump" award!

Ted Cruz torches Tim Kaine for describing God-given rights as 'very, very troubling'

Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, ripped his colleague Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., on Wednesday for describing the idea that human rights come from God and not the government as "very, very troubling."

"I have to say, it is stunning to me that the principle that God has given us natural rights is now deemed by Democrats some radical and dangerous notion," Cruz said during a nominations hearing of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Kaine, who unsuccessfully ran as former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's vice presidential candidate in 2016, had earlier described himself as "a devout person" before likening the concept of God-given rights to the Iranian regime.

Continued below.

The Best Burger in Every State

Whether thick and juicy, piled high with toppings or oozing with cheese, the best burgers in America prove that nothing hits the spot quite like the classic dish.

Best burgers from coast to coast​

Burgers aren’t just one of America’s favorite foods, they’re a national obsession. The average American eats about 36 burgers a year outside the home, and there are more than 86,000 burger joints across the country, all ready to satisfy that craving. And it’s no mystery why: The perfect hamburger hits every sensory button—juicy, savory beef; melty cheese; a toasty, slightly sweet bun; creamy spreads; and savory toppings like caramelized onions, crispy bacon and crunchy pickles that provide a satisfying contrast of textures with every bite.

But a burger is more than just a delicious dish. “I think for most people, it ties them back to their childhood,” says food blogger and influencer Sef González, aka Burger Beast, who says he became obsessed with burgers at age 6 or 7.

“My earliest memories of enjoying them are tied to going to Burger King, McDonald’s and Wendy’s with my family,” he adds. “However, my deeper appreciation for the hamburger grew from stopping on road trips and vacations at diners, drive-ins and luncheonettes.”

And the best burger in America isn’t always where you’d expect. Sometimes it’s hiding in a small-town cafe, a roadside shack or even a food truck; other times, it’s served at a fine-dining restaurant. “There is much to learn and try when it comes to the diversity in styles of America’s favorite sandwich,” González writes in his book All About the Burger. “Folks in different parts of the country have made the burger their own, sometimes by just adding a topping that’s popular in their neighborhoods. You need to get out there and explore your community.” To that end, Reader’s Digest has assembled this list of the best burger in every state.

How we chose the best burger in every state​


Continued below.

Trump administration blocks nonpartisan groups (e.g. League of Women Voters) from voter registration at naturalization events, ending long partnership

LINK

The policy, which was issued Friday, says "that only state and local election officials will be permitted to offer voter registration services at the end of administrative naturalization ceremonies."

Groups like the League of Women Voters criticized the decision. They often partner with local and state election officials or supplement their work to administer registration services — and that includes during naturalization ceremonies.

"For decades, the League of Women Voters has been a trusted partner of both USCIS and federal courts to register new voters at naturalization ceremonies," she said. "This work has resulted in hundreds of thousands of new citizens registering to vote with League volunteers across the country."

Several Republican-led states have in recent years enacted new laws to crack down on registration drivesconducted by third-party groups. Some organizations have shut down their efforts in the face of prohibitively high financial and criminal penalties.

Celina Stewart, CEO of the League of Women Voters, said in a statement that this new policy "is an attempt to keep new citizens from accessing their full rights."
  • Informative
Reactions: DaisyDay

Archaeologists uncover Samaritan estate, believed birthplace of magician mentioned in the Bible

A mosaic attesting to the great wealth and prosperity of the ancient Samaritan community has been uncovered in Kafr Qasim.
A mosaic attesting to the great wealth and prosperity of the ancient Samaritan community has been uncovered in Kafr Qasim. | Emil Aladjem/Israel Antiquities Authority

A large complex with multiple grand rooms and evidence of ancient agriculture has been uncovered in Kafr Qasim, near Petach Tikva. Archaeologists say the site is believed to be the birthplace of Menander, a Samaritan magician who succeeded Simon Magus, mentioned in chapter 8 of the Book of Acts.

The estate, identified as Samaritan and dating back some 1,600 years, was discovered by the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA), which has been excavating the area before a new neighborhood was built at the location.


As is so often the case, those wishing to construct new buildings had sought the necessary permits and a dig was ordered to see what lay beneath the surface before building began.

The Israeli Ministry of Construction and Housing financed the salvage excavation at the site, which falls within the boundaries of the archaeological site Kafr Ḥatta, before the new foundations were laid. It was during that dig that archaeologists found multiple buildings featuring beautiful mosaics, along with well-preserved ritual baths and an olive press.

Continued below.

DeSantis to make Florida first state to end *all* vaccine mandates for schools

DeSantis to make Florida first state to end all vaccine mandates for schools

Florida surgeon general equates vaccine mandates to ‘slavery’ while announcing new policy push

Equating vaccine mandates with “slavery,” Joseph Ladapo, the state’s surgeon general who has a history of promoting health-related misinformation, said the Florida Department of Health and the governor’s office would work together to end every single vaccine mandate.

“Every last one of them is wrong and drips with disdain and slavery,” Ladapo said.

[Currently, school] vaccines are mandated to prevent life-threatening illnesses such as measles, mumps, and rubella, polio, tetanus, Hepatitis B, and many more.

“Who am I as a government or anyone else, or as a man standing here now, to tell you what you should put in your body?"


Well, you're supposed to be the state's top public health official.

Immunization rates among Florida kindergartners have dropped significantly [through exemptions] over the last five years, according to the Florida Department of Health. In 2020, 93.5 percent of kindergarteners were vaccinated. In 2024, that number has dropped to 89.8 percent.
  • Wow
Reactions: Larniavc

Trumps interactions with global leaders

Since January 2025, President Donald Trump has met with at least 15 foreign leaders during his second term, based on available information from various sources. Below is a detailed breakdown of these meetings, focusing on confirmed interactions with heads of state, government leaders, or their representatives:

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu - Met on February 4, 2025, at the White House to discuss Gaza, ceasefire agreements, and U.S. sanctions on the International Criminal Court.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba - Met on February 7, 2025, at the White House, focusing on regional security (China, North Korea, Taiwan, South China Sea), the Quad alliance, and U.S. LNG exports to Japan.

Jordan’s King Abdullah II - Met on February 11, 2025, at the White House, discussing Gaza and Palestinian issues, with Trump proposing controversial plans for Gaza's redevelopment.

In addition:
  1. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi - Met on February 13, 2025, at the White House, discussing trade, tariffs, migration, energy cooperation, and the Quad alliance.
  2. Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin - Met on March 12, 2025, at the White House, discussing U.S.-Ireland relations and trade, with Trump criticizing Ireland’s tax policies.
  3. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni - Met on April 17, 2025, at the White House, discussing U.S.-EU trade and extending an invitation for Trump to visit Italy.
  4. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre - Met on April 24, 2025, at the White House for a bilateral lunch and Oval Office meeting on trade and other matters.
  5. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa - Met in May 2025 at the White House, where Trump confronted him with articles about alleged violence against white farmers.
  6. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney - Met in May or June 2025 at the White House, with discussions marked by tense exchanges.
  7. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy - Met on February 28, 2025, at the White House in a contentious Oval Office meeting, and again on August 18, 2025, with European leaders to discuss the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
  8. Russian President Vladimir Putin - Met in August 2025, prior to the August 18 White House summit with Zelenskyy and European leaders, to discuss the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
  9. Finnish President Alexander Stubb - Met on August 18, 2025, at the White House as part of the summit with Zelenskyy and other European leaders, noted for his close relationship with Trump.
  10. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer - Met on August 18, 2025, at the White House during the summit, discussing security guarantees for Ukraine.
  11. French President Emmanuel Macron - Met on August 18, 2025, at the White House during the summit, emphasizing the need for a ceasefire in Ukraine.
  12. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte - Met on August 18, 2025, at the White House as part of the summit, noted for his ability to engage with Trump.

Additional Notes:​

  • Multilateral Meetings: The August 18, 2025, White House summit included multiple European leaders, but only those explicitly named (Zelenskyy, Stubb, Starmer, Macron, and Rutte) are counted here to avoid duplication. Other leaders may have been present but are not specifically identified in the sources.
  • Pre-Inauguration Meetings: Some sources mention meetings before January 20, 2025 (e.g., with Polish President Andrzej Duda, British Foreign Secretary David Cameron, or Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman), but these are excluded as they occurred before Trump’s second term began.
  • International Trips: Trump has made 5 international trips to 8 countries (Canada, Italy, the Netherlands, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and Vatican City) since January 2025, which likely involved additional meetings with foreign leaders, but specific leaders are not always named.
  • Sources: The count is based on reports from reputable outlets like CNN, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and Wikipedia, cross-referenced for accuracy.


And today he hosts the President of Poland.​

Combine that with brokering seven cease fires/peace deals in as many different nations.

This has to be some type of record for a President interacting internationally.

An isolationist he sure isn't

Is belief/non-belief a morally culpable state?

What is the relation between belief and moral culpability? Is it wrong to believe/not-believe certain things?

Is it wrong to believe X if a more thorough investigation would show that X is false? In other words, do we have a moral obligation to do as thorough an investigation as possible before accepting the truth/falsity of X? If so, how would we know when our investigation is sufficiently thorough?

I assume the answer may differ depending on the belief in question. Beliefs that lead to right/wrong actions will clearly have a moral component. But what about beliefs regarding evolution or that the earth is flat/spherical?

Do we have a moral obligation to seek the truth? I'm not sure that we do. Is it wrong to believe what is false?

Please avoid theological subjects such as whether one is morally culpable for belief/non-belief in God since such subjects are not allowed in this forum. I know that's a big ask, but I believe we can do it! Maybe I'm wrong in so believing, i.e., such a belief is false, but is it morally wrong for me to so believe?

Question on Gun Control - real life question asking for practical answers.

Background:

Key Details About ATF Form 4473:​

  • Purpose: The form collects information to verify that the buyer is not prohibited from purchasing or possessing a firearm under federal or state law. It facilitates a background check through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).
  • Information Required:
    • Personal details: name, address, date of birth, and government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver’s license, passport).
    • Questions about eligibility, including whether the buyer is a felon, fugitive, has certain mental health adjudications, domestic violence convictions, or other prohibiting factors listed in 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) and (n).
    • Details about the firearm: make, model, serial number, type, and caliber.
    • A short affidavit stating the buyer is eligible to purchase firearms and is the actual buyer (not purchasing for someone prohibited, i.e., no straw purchases).
  • Background Check: The FFL submits the buyer’s information to NICS or a state equivalent to check for criminal history or other disqualifiers. The check typically takes minutes but can be delayed for further review.
  • Retention: The FFL must keep the completed Form 4473 for 20 years after the transaction, whether the sale is approved or denied. Denied forms are retained for five years.
  • Penalties for False Information: Lying on Form 4473 is a federal felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and fines, though prosecutions are rare unless a felony is committed with the purchased firearm.
Question:

What would you add, expand on or remove.

Examples:

Some want an expanded view on the person's mental health
  1. How would you do that?
  2. What about HIPPA laws?
  3. What type of exam and by whom?
Some want private gun sales to require form 4473
  1. How would you track the 300,000,000 plus guns already out there?
  2. Would you be in favor of a national registry for all guns?
Some call for mandatory sentencing for gun crimes

Let's keep personalities out as much as possible and talk about practical application. What do your changes look like in real life.

Colorado sheriff's deputy disciplined for helping immigration agents resigns, ending lawsuit


I'm somewhat surprised the liberal establishment in Colorado decided to drop the lawsuit in exchange for him resigning. You would think this is the kind of guy they would enjoy seeing in prison for a long time.

Seattle allows pro-Trump worship leader Sean Feucht revival event despite pushback

Franklin Graham expresses support for Feucht

Activist missionary and worship leader Sean Feucht held a peaceful revival event in Seattle, Washington, over the weekend after its Democrat mayor declined to revoke his permit despite protests from LGBT groups.

"Under the First Amendment, the City cannot decline a permit based on the anticipated message of the event or views of the organizers," Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell said in a statement, according to Fox News.

Feucht, an outspoken Trump supporter who has denounced abortion, transgender ideology and homosexuality, made a stop Saturday at Seattle's Gas Works Park as part of his "Revive in '25" tour.

Harrell, who has served as Seattle mayor since 2022, expressed support in his statement for the LGBTQ+ community and noted that Feucht's group agreed to the city's request to move their event from Cal Anderson Park and Capitol Hill to a different park for public safety reasons.

Continued below.
  • Like
Reactions: RileyG

Prison chaplain at privately run ICE facility in Pennsylvania accused of sexually abusing immigration detainee

Pastor Mark Melhorn, 67, engaged in "extraordinary misconduct” at the Moshannon Valley Processing Center “under the guise of providing pastoral services,” according to a federal lawsuit obtained by The Independent.

...
From there, it says things got worse until Melhorn one day entered Doe’s cell and allegedly sexually assaulted her. He then warned Doe not to tell anybody about what had happened, because “even if she did, nothing would happen.”

Doe in fact reported Melhorn – twice – to higher-ups at Moshannon, the complaint says. And, according to the complaint, nothing happened.

“The system absolutely failed our client,” Doe’s attorney Trina Realmuto told The Independent. “It takes a lot of courage to speak up, [especially] when you're fighting an immigration case in a detention facility.”

[Doe also told a social worker.]

The social worker told Doe that she was obligated to report the allegations, under the federal Prison Rape Elimination Act, or, PREA, and that she was glad she spoke up “because Melhorn had done things like this before,” according to the complaint. This, the complaint asserts, was corroborated by a nurse at Moshannon Valley, who told Doe that Melhorn had earned a reputation at the facility as “a pervert.”

The 1,800-bed facility has been at the center of significant controversy, once again making headlines last month when a 32-year-old detainee from China died by suicide as he awaited a hearing with the DOJ’s Executive Office for Immigration Review.

ICE and the GEO Group [who operate the site] did not respond to requests for comment.

March for Jesus

Shalom

The first Jesus March will take place in Salzburg, Austria, on October 31st.
Could you please pray that this will be done to the glory of the Lord Jesus and that all the power of darkness will be disarmed and exposed in Jesus' name.

May the Lord bless you abundantly (Luke 6:38, Job 42:10) and may he bless Israel in Jesus' name. Amen!

Soli Deo Gloria

PS And I pray that the Lord will send out harvesters into his harvest (Matthew 9:38).

Prayer for Peace, Courage, and Guidance

I’m going through a difficult time and would appreciate your prayers. I’m feeling afraid that after my father’s surgery, I may be left alone, and this fear has left me feeling stuck and uncertain about what to do.

I also want to be honest about something personal: for many years, I have often treated someone close to me like a mother figure. I’m sharing this now because I want to be truthful with my feelings and seek understanding and stronger bonds in my relationships.

Please pray that I will have peace, courage, and guidance during this season, and that God will help me navigate my emotions with honesty, love, and trust.

Nehushtan, or the image of the serpent on the pole

Why do you think God told the Israelites to look upon the image of a bronze serpent upon a pole to be saved from sickness and death? I am not asking about the obvious symbolism, but why he may have used the symbol to channel his healing and mercy, rather than by some other means.

Make Me Know Your Ways, O Lord

“Make me know Your ways, O Lord;
Teach me Your paths.
Lead me in Your truth and teach me,
For You are the God of my salvation;
For You I wait all the day.” (Psalm 25:4-5 NASB1995)

When I read this passage of Scripture this evening, what came to mind is how this modern day altered “gospel” message, which is so popularized today among the people, is the exact opposite of this. So much of what is being accepted as “the gospel” today is teaching that God does it all and nothing is required of us other than a profession of faith in Jesus Christ. Many are teaching that it is not required of us that we die to sin and obey God with our lives, in practice, as though that is supposed to be good.

But what this psalmist expressed here is the very essence of what our salvation is all about! We should want our Lord to make us to know his ways, and we should desire to know his ways and to have him teach us his paths. We should want to be led in his truth and righteousness so that we walk in that truth, and so that we do not follow after the lies which are so popular. Our desire should be for him to do his will, and to live holy lives which are pleasing to him, all for his glory, and in his power, wisdom, and strength.

And his salvation, which he provided for us via Jesus’ death and resurrection, is all about us dying to sin and living for God in walks of obedience to his commands. For by faith in Jesus Christ we are crucified with Christ in death to sin, and raised with Christ to walk in newness of life in him, no longer to live as slaves to sin, but now as slaves to God and to his righteousness. For if sin is what we obey, and not obedience to God, we will not inherit eternal life with God, regardless of what our lips profess.

So, please understand that what the Psalmist wrote here is what the life of a truly born again Christian should look like. We should not be those who are looking for a way out from under having to obey God, to where we can now continue in sinful lifestyles, convinced that God will not judge us. For we are to love God, and to love God is to obey him. And if we do not obey him, and if sin is what we practice, we do not know God, we are not in fellowship with Christ, and we do not have salvation from sin and eternal life with God.

So, be like the psalmist! Be people of God who are Jesus Christ’s true disciples (followers) who love the Lord, and who want to serve the Lord with your lives, and for whom that is joy, and not a drudgery or something to be avoided. Want to know the ways of the Lord so that you can walk in them, in the power of God. And live out the salvation which Jesus provided for us out of our bondage to sin, into walks of surrender and submission to the will and purpose of God for our lives. And then love the people of this world, too.

Gospel:[Matthew 7:13-14,21-23; Luke 9:23-26; John 10:27-30; Acts 26:18; Romans 2:5-10; Romans 6:1-23; Romans 8:1-14; 1 Corinthians 10:1-22; Galatians 5:16-24; Ephesians 2:8-10; Ephesians 4:17-32; Ephesians 5:3-6; Titus 2:11-14; Hebrews 3:1-19; Hebrews 12:1-2; 1 Peter 2:24; 1 John 1:1-10; 1 John 2:3-6; 1 John 3:4-10; Revelation 2:1-29; Revelation 3:1-22]

As the Deer

By Martin J. Nystrom
Based off Psalm 42:1


As the deer panteth for the water
So my soul longeth after You
You alone are my heart's desire
And I long to worship You

You alone are my strength, my shield
To You alone may my spirit yield
You alone are my heart's desire
And I long to worship You

Login to view embedded media
Caution: This link may contain ads

Make Me Know Your Ways, O Lord
An Original Work / September 2, 2025
Christ’s Free Servant, Sue J Love


Video Talk on Same Subject

Login to view embedded media
Caution: This link may contain ads
  • Like
Reactions: timothyu

Minneapolis pastor recalls heroism amid tragedy at school Mass shooting

MINNEAPOLIS (OSV News) — For the first time since the Aug. 27 attack by a shooter who killed two children and wounded at least 21 more victims at an all-school Mass where he was presiding at Annunciation Catholic Church, Father Dennis Zehren publicly described his attempt to save the children.

“If I could have got between those bullets and the kids,” Father Zehren said, his voice breaking with emotion at an Aug. 30 news conference outside Annunciation elementary school.

“That’s what I was hoping to do. … the doors were barred, shut on the outside by the gunman,” said Father Zehren, Annunciation’s pastor. “We tried to get out. I think some of the fathers would have gone out there and gang-rushed him if they could have, and I would have been right there with them.

“But I think by that time, the damage was done,” and the shooter died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, Father Zehren said.

“It’s a difficult memory,” Father Zehren said. “It just was loud (the gunshots). It just kept coming, and my first instinct was to just rush toward where the bullets were coming from. There were some fathers who were heading in the same direction, and I was on the phone with 911 just hoping to peek out the window to see which direction (the shooter) might be going in. So I could give them some help. But it was a flurry, and like I said, it seemed to keep coming.”

The news conference took place before the first parish Mass — held at the Annunciation Catholic School’s auditorium instead of the now-desecrated church — since the shooting. The school is steps away from the church.

Continued below.

Filter

Forum statistics

Threads
5,879,175
Messages
65,430,007
Members
276,429
Latest member
Mika101