Verse of the Week

The recent midterm elections have revealed what Americans place their faith in. Those who look to political and military leaders to resolve issues, as well as the funding necessary to support their solutions, have expressed strong opinions about the results, whether they are for or against the change in the congressional majority. Have you placed your hope in the Lord and His word, through prayer, and by His promises?

Several worship songs highlight the power in Jesus’s name. His Name brings salvation, His Name works miracles. His Name brings healing and casts out demons. His Name brings answers to prayer. His Name is the source of life.

As you observe the increasing unrest and division in this nation and the world, you may be tempted to wonder sometimes what is going on and why evil seems to so often prevail. The Scriptures outline that the Lord Jesus will return, but only God the Father knows the timing.

The amazing thing about flamingos is that they are not naturally pink. They get their color from the food they eat—algae and brine shrimp that their bodies metabolize as pigments, which turn their feathers pink. The result of what they feast upon is clearly seen by others.

The apostle Peter was concerned about false teachers and false prophets presenting themselves as truth-tellers who were infiltrating the early church. In his letter, Jude also wrote that they had “crept in unnoticed.”

Jesus stated that humanity is like sheep. Sheep are unable to navigate and easily become lost. They cannot bear loads or carry burdens. And sheep are defenseless – they need someone to shield or remove them from danger. Sheep need a shepherd.

An influencer is someone, or something, whose personality, opinions, or convictions carry weight. In the realm of social media, an influencer is someone who has carved out a niche for themselves as being credible or authoritative. These folks may influence thousands – and in some cases, millions – of followers with their particular message, recommendations, or promotions.

When you consider the context of being more than a conqueror, you see that the apostle Paul is referring to the sufferings Christians may be called to endure, not simply the everyday life of the believer. While it has always existed in this world, hostility toward God and toward those who follow Jesus has increased over time in the United States.

The medical community has studied heart health for decades, making and updating recommendations. It is vital to care for your spiritual heart health as well!

In times of illness, doctors will usually order a variety of blood tests. Those with appropriate training look through microscopes or develop cultures to investigate the numerous tiny cells and determine a diagnosis. The prophet Jeremiah is calling for a similar type of spiritual evaluation in this week’s verse—close scrutiny