You are so loved John 3:16

22/09/2025

21/09/2025

As for me and my house, we will….

19/09/2025

I saw this pic shared on FB today and it reminded me of a book. I highly suggest it.

"The Real Meaning of the Zodiac," written by prominent evangelical theologian and pastor Dr. D. James Kennedy, presents a biblical reinterpretation of the zodiac constellations as a divine "Gospel in the stars." Drawing from Genesis 1:14, which states that God created the lights in the heavens "for signs," Kennedy argues that the original purpose of the zodiac was not pagan divination or personal horoscopes, but a universal proclamation of God's plan of salvation through Jesus Christ. He posits that these star signs were established at creation as a silent witness to humanity, predating the written Scriptures and accessible to all ancient cultures.
Key Themes and Structure
The Divine Origin of the Zodiac: Kennedy claims that God Himself designed the constellations to tell the story of redemption. He traces this idea back to early civilizations, suggesting that the same zodiac symbols appear across diverse cultures (e.g., Egyptian, Babylonian, and Hebrew) because they stem from a common, God-given revelation. Archaeologists and historians, he notes, have puzzled over this global consistency without recognizing its theological roots.
The Gospel Narrative in the Stars: The book systematically decodes the 12 zodiac signs as chapters in a cosmic drama of sin, suffering, and salvation. For instance:
Virgo represents the promised seed of the woman (foreshadowing Christ's virgin birth).
Libra symbolizes the price paid for redemption.
Scorpio depicts the conflict between the serpent (Satan) and the seed.
The sequence culminates in Leo (the Lion of Judah), signifying ultimate victory. Kennedy connects these to biblical prophecies, asserting that the stars "preach" the Messiah's coming, death, and triumph long before the Bible was recorded.
Critique of Modern Astrology: In contrast to this "biblical astrology," Kennedy condemns contemporary horoscope-based practices as a satanic distortion originating at the Tower of Babel. He views them as an occult perversion that shifts focus from God's global redemptive plan to self-centered predictions, leading people away from true faith.
Tone and Purpose
The book is written in an accessible, devotional style, blending historical research, scriptural exegesis, and apologetic arguments. Kennedy aims to equip Christians with a response to rising interest in the occult amid world uncertainties, while encouraging wonder at God's creation. It's particularly praised by readers for its eye-opening perspective on how the heavens declare God's glory (Psalm 19), though some critics question its speculative elements.
Overall, at around 144 pages, this 1989 work (with later editions) serves as both an evangelistic tool and a defense of biblical cosmology, urging readers to see the night sky not as a tool for fortune-telling, but as a testament to Christ's eternal story.

10/09/2025

There is much to be said right now, and people are saying it. Christians are feeling it and praying as well.

Prayers for his wife and children for comfort in this time.
Prayers for America as well.

We are in a war, whether you choose to acknowledge it or not.
This is good versus evil. The battleground is at our doors.

Ephesians 6:11 - Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Ephesians 6:12 - For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

09/09/2025

1 Corinthians 6:19 "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God?

06/09/2025

ARE WE READING THE SAME BOOK?
WHY YOUR VERSION OF THE BIBLE MATTERS

I met someone who told me that being angry was holy. I asked if they were talking about righteous anger, and they did not understand what that meant.

The Bible verse "Be angry and sin not" comes from Ephesians 4:26 in the New Testament. The full verse, in the King James Version (KJV), reads:

"Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath."

This verse, written by the Apostle Paul, advises believers that feeling anger is permissible but warns against letting it lead to sinful actions. It also encourages resolving anger quickly, before the day ends, to avoid harboring resentment. The context is about living a life of righteousness and maintaining healthy relationships within the Christian community.

However, the phrase is often associated with Psalm 4:4, which in the King James Version says, "Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still." Some translations of Psalm 4:4, like the New International Version (NIV), render it as "Tremble and do not sin," which can be interpreted similarly to "Be angry and sin not." This has led to occasional confusion.

Righteous anger is anger that arises from a moral or just cause, driven by a desire to see justice, truth, or God's will upheld, rather than from personal pride, selfishness, or sinful motives. It is anger that aligns with God's character and is expressed without leading to sin, as referenced in Ephesians 4:26 ("Be ye angry, and sin not").

Characteristics of Righteous Anger:

Rooted in Justice or Holiness: It is directed at sin, injustice, or actions that dishonor God, such as oppression, cruelty, or blasphemy. For example, Jesus displayed righteous anger when he overturned the tables of the money changers in the temple (John 2:13-17), as they were exploiting worshippers and defiling a sacred space.

Controlled and Purposeful: Unlike sinful anger, which is often impulsive or vengeful, righteous anger is tempered by self-control and aims to correct or restore what is right, not to harm or destroy.

Free of Personal Grudges: It focuses on the offense against God or others, not personal slights or ego. For instance, being angry about systemic injustice (e.g., human trafficking) rather than a personal insult.

Leads to Constructive Action: Righteous anger motivates positive change, such as advocating for the oppressed or confronting sin with love and truth, rather than bitterness or violence.

Biblical Examples:
Moses: Became angry when he saw the Israelites worshipping the golden calf, an act of idolatry (Exodus 32:19-20). His anger reflected zeal for God's honor.

Nehemiah: Was angry when he learned of the nobles exploiting the poor in Jerusalem (Nehemiah 5:6-7), leading him to confront the injustice and enact reforms.

God’s Anger: The Bible often describes God’s anger (e.g., Psalm 7:11) as righteous, directed at sin and rebellion, yet tempered by mercy and aimed at restoration.

Contrast with Sinful Anger:
Sinful anger is self-centered, often rooted in pride, envy, or impatience, and leads to destructive behavior like hatred, cursing, or vengeance (James 1:20 says, "The wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God"). Righteous anger, however, seeks to align with God’s justice and love, avoiding malice or personal vendettas.

Practical Application:
To ensure anger is righteous, one should:

Reflect on the motive: Is it about God’s glory or personal offense?
Control the response: Avoid reacting impulsively; seek wisdom (Proverbs 16:32).

Act with love: Address the issue constructively, aiming for restoration (Matthew 18:15).

Forgive quickly: As Ephesians 4:26 advises, don’t let anger fester ("let not the sun go down upon your wrath").

In summary, righteous anger is a God-honoring response to sin or injustice, expressed with self-control and a focus on correction, not destruction. It reflects God’s heart while avoiding the pitfalls of sinful anger.

While all of this made perfect sense to me when I read "Be angry and sin not", I understand that without the scriptural background, it might be easy to become confused. I believe God, in all His wisdom, has allowed multiple versions of His word to reach His children. I also believe that as His children we can do better at studying His word when something doesn't feel just right. God instructs us over and over to love our brothers and sisters.
Anger is often a problem for all of humanity. Be sure your anger lines up with God's standard.

-Vonda Rochelle

29/08/2025

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28/08/2025

Jamie Howard
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Rising contributor
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Today’s discussion will delve into the topic of what emanates from your shout. When we open our mouths to give praise, it is the Ruach that manifests and comes forth. Just as God's breath brought Adam to life in Genesis, His Ruach in the New Testament is associated with the divine power that gives life and animates. We should be imploding His very nature with every moment that we have breath in our lungs. Our shout gives signals out into the atmospheric realm. It should be one that commands the cosmic energy around you to shift and change. The concept of "ruach" is often linked to invisible energy, like the movement of clouds (wind) or the vitality received from breathing (breath), drawing parallels to God's invisible yet powerful presence. Isaiah 42:5 states, "Thus says God the Lord, who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and what comes from it, who gives breath to the people on it, and spirit to those who walk in it." This verse emphasizes God's role as the creator and sustainer of all life, highlighting his power over both the physical world and the spirit within humanity. We should be intentional with every shout that proceeds out of our mouths. Ezekiel 37:5 is part of a prophetic vision where God tells the prophet Ezekiel, "Behold, I am about to bring breath into you, and you shall live". God's instruction to Ezekiel to prophesy to the "dry bones" illustrates the promise of spiritual and physical restoration for the nation of Israel, even when they felt hopeless. This prophecy signifies God's power to revive a seemingly dead nation, bringing them back to life and restoring them to their land. The verse highlights God's promise to bring spiritual life to the people. God's command to bring breath to the bones symbolizes the spiritual power and transformation that God can bring to his people. Today, use your Ruach shout with intention and purpose.
Amen
“REMEMBER YOU MAKE THE DIFFERENCE”