The world wants peace, but rejects the Prince of Peace. The world wants love, but rejects the Author of Love. The world wants life, but rejects the One Who gave His to save theirs. The world desperately wants Jesus, but they're too busy rejecting Him to realize He's the answer.

"What does it mean to believe in God? It’s necessary to believe not only in the existence of God the Creator and in the salvation given us through Jesus Christ, but we must also believe unwaveringly, in all circumstances of life, no matter how difficult, that God is merciful, that He desires our salvation; and seeing in this and knowing not only our temporary well-being, but also eternal, leads us to Him as a loving but wise father for His children, guiding them with equal love, tenderness, and firmness. Therefore, we must accept everything with hope in the mercy of God, asking only for His help in every trial or temptation, whether it comes from outside, from our infirmities, or from men—God’s instruments for our salvation, and often mutual. Our humility will save even those who grieve us."

~St. Arsenia of Ust-Medvedits

(Ballpoint pen art by Sergii Radkevych, 2012)

Ephesians 6:16 ESV

In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one

Whosoever, He said, commits sin, whether Jew or Greek, rich or poor, king or beggar, is the servant of sin. O miserable bondage! ...when wearied with the hardness of his tasks... whither does the slave of sin flee? He takes it along with him, wherever he goes; for his sin is within him. The pleasure passes away, but the sin does not pass away: its delight goes, its sting remains behind. He alone can free from sin, Who came without sin, and was made a sacrifice for sin. [With these truths,] Christ purposely alarms us first, and then gives us hope. He alarms us, that we may not love sin; He gives us hope, that we may not despair of the absolution of our sin. Our hope then is this, that we shall be freed by Him who is free. He has paid the price for us, not in money, but in His own blood: If the Son therefore shall make you free, you shall be free indeed. Not from the barbarians, but from the devil; not from the captivity of the body, but from the wickedness of the soul. [Now] the first stage of freedom is, the abstaining from sin. But that is only incipient, it is not perfect freedom: for the flesh still lusts against the spirit, so that you do not do the things that you would. Full and perfect freedom will only be, when the contest is over, and the last enemy, death, is destroyed. Do not then abuse your freedom, for the purpose of sinning freely; but use it in order not to sin at all. Your will will be free, if it be merciful: you will be free, if you become the servant of righteousness.

Saint Augustine of Hippo

2024 Rapture In The 6,000 Year Plan

What's your salvation story?

I grew up in the church, so I've known about God my whole life. I went to a small private school an hour away from where I lived, I had some great friends, and all that jazz. As a kid I would always say I was a Christian, but I didn't really know what it meant. I said it to make my family happy I guess.

Winter of my fourth grade year we moved, it wasn't like a big move or anything, we moved thirty to twenty minutes closer to our school, and closer to my mom's work. The move wasn't that bad, I still went to school with my friends and we still went to the same church.

Summer after fourth grade driving to my friend's house to pick him up for my birthday party, I was asked if it'd be ok to move schools. I didn't really think about the question and said that it'd be fine. Fifth grade year I was in public school, I knew a few girls from softball, but that was about it. I tried to make some friends, but I was really sad. I just kept my sadness in I didn't bring it to anyone much less God.

Camp really helped me find out who God really is. My relationship with God was brought to life at camp. Sixth grade I made some really good friends. Those friends have helped me grow as a person, I thank God for them. Some really crazy things happened in sixth grade, and seventh. I went to camp for five days both summers.

Somewhere between seventh and eighth grade I dedicated my life to God. I can't give an exact date, because for me it was a slow thing that took twelve to thirteen years to happen.

Now I'm working on growing in my faith, building on everything I've been told as a kid.

Please pray for my friend, James.

For his health and for his salvation; he has been a rather esoteric-minded man, displayed some very non-Christian ideas of God and Christ, but now is really in a dire situation with an unknown illness that has him asking for - and being especially thankful for - prayer.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. Psalm 23:1 NKJV

Mockingbird Melody: A Songbird Steeped in Southern Culture

The mockingbird, with its rich, mimic-filled song, isn't just a delightful backyard visitor in the Southern United States. This tenacious little bird holds a deep cultural significance, woven into the fabric of the South's history, literature, and folklore.

A Symbol of Resilience: Southerners have long admired the mockingbird's adaptability. It thrives in diverse habitats, from bustling cities to quiet countrysides. This adaptability resonates with the South's own history, marked by periods of hardship and triumph. The mockingbird's ability to overcome challenges makes it a symbol of resilience, a quality deeply valued in the South.

Mimicry as a Metaphor: The mockingbird's remarkable ability to mimic the songs of other birds has become a metaphor for the South's cultural identity. The South has a rich cultural heritage, influenced by Native American traditions, European settlers, and enslaved Africans. The mockingbird, like the South, borrows and blends influences, creating something unique and beautiful.

A Voice for the Voiceless: Folklore paints the mockingbird as a champion of the underdog. One tale tells of a mockingbird distracting a hawk to save a smaller bird. This story reflects the Southern value of hospitality and standing up for those who can't defend themselves.

Literary Inspiration: The mockingbird's presence is prominent in Southern literature. Harper Lee's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel "To Kill a Mockingbird" features Scout Finch, a young girl who admires the innocence of mockingbirds. When a mockingbird is killed, it symbolizes the destruction of innocence. Throughout the novel, the mockingbird represents the voiceless and the vulnerable.

A Song of the South: The mockingbird's song is a constant presence in the Southern soundscape. Its melody evokes feelings of nostalgia, reminding Southerners of home and their roots. The mockingbird's music is featured in bluegrass, country, and folk music, further solidifying its connection to Southern culture.

The mockingbird is more than just a bird in the South. It's a symbol of resilience, cultural identity, and the fight for justice. Its song, echoing through the trees, is a constant reminder of the South's complex history and enduring spirit.

Gaither Vocal Band - Through It All / Can't Nobody Do Me Like Jesus / So...

Jesus Son of God thank you for the answer to prayer. Two times Amen 🙏Amen 🙏 Mark 11:22-24

I will admit it, people have used the name of Jesus Christ to do the most terrible things, but that does not mean Jesus is like that and it doesn't change the fact that He is the only way to God (Galatians 2:17).

The unrepentant souls of murderers, rapists, thieves and other terrible people will go to hell, even if they claimed to love Jesus (Matthew 7:21). Nobody needs to join them, nobody needs to hate Jesus and His words because of wicked souls.

If you're asking why God did not punish those terrible people on earth, let us remember that the after life is eternal. The worst thing that can happen to someone is dying unrepentant and without knowing Jesus Christ.

““Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven;”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭6‬:‭37‬ ‭ESV‬‬

“Jesus is King of Kings”

John 14:6 | Verse of the day| The book of John | Uplifting Hope

In this video, I'm sharing John 14:6 with you. John 14:6 is a scripture from the Bible that is the claim above all claims. The claim Jesus’s made that no one comes to the Father except through him. This claim is what we have based our lives on, a claim that we both live and die for.