Tag Archives: judgment

discipleship, Finding Answers to Stuff Churches Don't Discuss, Finding the End of the World, Uncategorized

When Two Kingdoms Collide

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Initially, God’s world and ours intersected and cohabitated. This was Eden until humankind rebelled and broke its relationship with the Creator. Now, the two separate realms (kingdoms) have two kings: God and Satan. Because we’re made of mammal fleshiness and God-made spirit, we feel the draw of this appealing-to-the-flesh earth ruled by Satan and heaven ruled by God. We can’t serve two masters and must choose one. And not choosing God’s Kingdom will put you in the other by default. Let’s learn more about each to help you choose well. By the way, I published “The Supernatural God: Rebellion & Disinheritance!” in May 2023. You might want to revisit it for more background.

Satan’s Kingdom. After the dispersion at Babel, God disinherited most of the earth and its people (except for Israel), giving them to others in His council (Deuteronomy 32:7-12; Psalm 82). Those other spiritual beings have managed most of humanity ever since. Satan is their ruler; he has authority over the earth and anyone who isn’t God’s. He couldn’t have offered Jesus his earthly kingdom in Matthew 4:8-10 otherwise! Other biblical examples of Satan’s rulership: “Satan, the ruler of this world . . .” (John 12:31) and “Jesus said, ‘The ruler of this world approaches . . .’” (John 14:30). Jesus also confirms “My kingdom is not of this realm” in John 18:36 and “the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.” (1 John 5:19) But, this won’t always be the case!

God’s (YHVH’s) Kingdom. Despite Satan’s temporary rulership of this earth, God’s Kingdom has been attainable since Jesus gave His life to satisfy our debt to the Creator. Why did He do that? To return us to our Maker (1 Peter 3:18). For now, His Kingdom is ‘already, but not yet’ because it is available through Jesus but isn’t physically among us. One day, the two kingdoms will engage in a final conflict, and the ruler of this world will be ousted and destroyed. God’s realm and ours will intersect again as they did in Eden. When? We don’t know for sure, but here are reminders of the certainty:

  • “Then the seventh angel sounded; and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, ‘The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ; and He will reign forever and ever.’” (Revelation 11:15)
  • “Now the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come . . .” (Revelation 12:10)

To summarize, the Devil runs things on earth for now, establishing lots of wickedness inside and outside the churches. However, God will one day reclaim what’s His and recombine His realm and ours in a new world. Where should we go next? Let me share my Orthodox Lent journey with you in an enlightening multi-parter. Meanwhile, choose your king and kingdom wisely and stay!

Blessings and peace,

Dr. Ron Braley, MDiv, DMin.

discipleship, Finding Answers to Stuff Churches Don't Discuss, Finding the End of the World, Uncategorized

Dirt & Fruit

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I once heard the saying, “No root, no fruit!” It’s true, especially where God is concerned. Dirt that lacks nutrients, whether natural earth or spiritual soil, stunts root growth. Here, we’ll look at the spiritual stuff.

Jesus addressed spiritual seeds, sowers, and receivers in Matthew 13:1-9 and 18-23. The “seed” is an introduction to God’s Kingdom made by a sower (e.g., teacher, evangelist, or disciple-maker); the soil is the recipient. Depending on the sower and receiver, the result can be spiritual fruit or fuel for the burn pile (John 15:4-6). In Matthew 13, Jesus offered examples of the different seed recipients and their conditions to illustrate growth opportunities and outcomes. I’ll present each scenario one at a time.

Roadside (13:4 and 19): “When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart.” A lack of wisdom hides God’s Kingdom; erroneous church leaders and teachers can be at fault. Flawed or incomplete evangelism, encouraging someone to enter a one-sided selfish relationship with God without understanding the terms and conditions, is also at fault. The cure? Find a mature Christ-follower and imitate what you see and hear!

Rocks (13:5-6 and 20-21): “… this is the man who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no firm root in himself, but is only temporary…” This person understands at least the appealing parts of Christianity and perhaps entered it emotionally. Once the feelings are gone, so is any motivation for growth. As with the roadside receiver, causes include bad teaching, inadequate evangelism, and the absence of discipleship.

Thorns (13:7 and 22): “… this is the man who hears the word, and the worry of the world and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.” This person probably understands the Kingdom but chooses self-centeredness, where the “lust of the flesh and eyes” rules over all else (1 John 2:15-17).

Good soil (13:8 and 23): “… this is the man who hears the word and understands it; who indeed bears fruit and brings forth, some a hundredfold, some sixty, and some thirty.” This person likely benefitted from truthful teaching and has a fertile heart, ready to take in and put to work what they learn about God and His Kingdom! No burn pile in their future!

To summarize, receive truth and engage in foundational discipleship and formational spiritual disciplines to grow fruit! Live and prosper by imitating authentic Christians who teach and model the Kingdom. What’s next? It’s often difficult to reconcile God’s realm “in the skies” and Satan’s kingdom on the earth and see how all things will be fixed one day as God takes back what’s His. So, let’s go there next time. Meanwhile, always test what you hear or read to ensure it resonates with God’s nature and desires.

Blessings and peace,

Dr. Ron Braley, MDiv, DMin.

discipleship, Finding Answers to Stuff Churches Don't Discuss, Uncategorized

God Versus Evil: Part Two

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In Part One of this two-parter, we learned that biblical evil represents something bad, adversarial, distressful, or disagreeable and can be trouble disguised in beauty. Disobedient spiritual beings from God’s Counsel were evil. Satan and Christian leaders who misrepresent God’s ways and allow wickedness into their churches are also evil. The cure? Build a solid Christian foundation to recognize and resist what God hates.

I also explained that God doesn’t test or tempt people, trip them up, or do evil to them. But He has used distress, adversity, and evil people to accomplish His plans. I promised examples, so let’s begin with Joseph and his brothers!

Joseph. Roughly 3,700 years ago, Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery. Why? Jealousy! But, instead of calamity, Joseph gained great fame and position in Egypt, second only to Pharoah. During a later famine, his brothers confronted the now-powerful Joesph as they sought food in Egypt. How did he respond? Lovingly, as he said, “What you meant for evil, God meant for good.” (Genesis 50:20)

God works all things for good. Read Ephesians 1:11 and Romans 8:28, and you’ll find that God works all things, good or evil, to accomplish His desires. Please note that the verses do NOT mean that God works all things for the benefit of self-centered individuals!

Other examples of bad-for-good. Proverbs 16:4 states, “The LORD has made everything for its own purpose, even the wicked for the day of evil.” In Genesis chapter 38, you’ll read about Judah and Tamar and how sexual evil paved the way for God’s salvation. And Romans 5:3-5 reminds us that tribulations—things that may seem ‘bad’—can build perseverance, character, and hope. Finally, God used the ancient and evil Chaldeans to turn Israel’s hearts back to Him (Habakuk 1:5-11).

Hardened hearts and lying spirits. Egypt’s Pharoah subjugated God’s people and worshipped a plethora of lesser gods. God the Creator took advantage of his wicked heart and religious practices to show him that the mighty YHVH (the God) always wins as He crushed personifications of Egypt’s gods and liberated His people. In another example of bad-turned-good, an Elohim from God’s Divine Council took advantage of evil King Ahab and his wicked priests by making them lie (the king loved tickled ears!). Why? To set the king and his prophets up for destruction and clear the way for God to fulfill His plans (see 1 Kings chapter 22).

Jesus’ death. Finally, seemingly evil torture and death by crucifixion were predetermined predecessors to Jesus’ resurrection and our hope (Acts 2:22-24).

To summarize, anything against God’s instructions and Christ’s charitable love is evil and must be avoided! Yet, God has used human-designed adversity/bad for good to show His greatness and fulfill His plans. Spring is nearly upon us, so we’ll have fun with dirt and fruit next time. Until then, remember that God asks for your devotion, not religion.

Blessings and peace,

Dr. Ron Braley, MDiv, DMin.

discipleship, Finding Answers to Stuff Churches Don't Discuss, Finding the End of the World, Uncategorized

God Versus Evil: Part One

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Just as the word ‘God’ can conjure different ideas from a benevolent cosmic dude to a celestial judge, ‘evil’ may mean various things—usually because of different cultures and worldviews. The truth is that ‘evil’ probably doesn’t mean what you think, and its use By YHVH (God) has produced good. Let’s dig in by defining it first.

Evil defined. The word usually evokes responses like ‘scary’ or ‘spooky’ and images of fiery demons or people with spinning heads. However, these aren’t biblical representations of evil but imaginations working overtime. The truth is worse because evil is more subtle and can sneak up on you! Original biblical language and contexts suggest that it more or less represents something bad, adversarial, distressful, or disagreeable. Not spooky or frightening, but trouble often clothed in beauty that can be disguised as good despite the distress it brings.

Who’s evil, anyway? The disobedient Elohim (spiritual beings from God’s Divine Counsel) were evil. The devil we call Satan is evil. So were the ancients who opposed God’s instructions. And so is anyone behaving in wicked ways that oppose God whether they call their actions ‘good.’ Church leaders and teachers allowing distressful, adversarial, and disagreeable-to-God doctrine and people into the assembly of believers are evil. The apostle Paul called them out 2,000 years ago while also reminding Christ-followers that evil and its deceit can be beautiful: “For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. Therefore, it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their deeds.” (2 Corinthians 11:13-15)

Guarding against evil. It’s easy to be deceived by evil or call bad good if you don’t know what good looks like! This is why a solid Christian foundation is critical to discerning good from bad and righteousness from evil. Learn well and surround yourself with godly people, practicing what you see and hear. Deal with temptation in the mind before thoughts produce bad speech or behavior. Don’t give the adversary—the ‘evil one’ of Matthew 6:13 —a foothold! And always determine how your thinking or actions will affect your relationships with God or people.

Can evil be used for good? God doesn’t test or tempt people, trip them up, or do evil to them. However, He has used distress or adversity (often termed ‘evil’) and evil people to accomplish His plans. From Joseph’s brothers and Abimelech and Saul to the prophets of King Ahab, God has turned evil into good. I’ll explain more about this in Part Two.

In summary, evil can be anything opposed to good (e.g., God’s instructions). Next time, we’ll examine how God has used evil (adversarial things) for good in Part Two.  Meanwhile, behave, be kind, and beware of evil—inside the church and out!

Blessings and peace,

Dr. Ron Braley, MDiv, DMin.

discipleship, Uncategorized

The Kingdom and Culture: Part Two

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In Part One of “The Kingdom and Culture,” I explained that much of the Bible describes thoughts, feelings, events, and problem-solution situations besides providing historical information. We can use much of what we read to understand YHVH (God) and Christ better and sometimes assist our Christian walk. On the other hand, the Bible prescribes instructions that apply to all people and are non-negotiable. They include the Ten Commandments and further moral instructions. Unfortunately, we tend to make the descriptive, prescriptive—force behavior not meant for everyone in all situations. Let’s dig deeper into my previous three examples of hair, women’s leadership, and Eldership.

Long hair for heaven? Some claim that Paul commanded all women to have long hair (and men short). The misinterpretation has resulted in many foreign church leaders believing their female congregants will go to hell because of cultural baldness or short hair. Understand that 1 Corinthian 11 describes Paul admonishing Greek Christian women to honor their culture, which believed long female hair and short male hair were essential to fertility. Why admonish them? To reduce the risk of creating barriers to God’s Kingdom through unnecessary contention between the culture and the Christian community. The requirement is certainly not going to pertain to all women everywhere!

No women leaders or preachers? Many Christians teach this by misapplying Paul’s localized instructions. For instance, in 1 Corinthians 14 and 1 Timothy 2, Paul addresses unruly women who were falsely teaching and bucking the Greko-Roman-Jewish cultures through newfound Christian freedom (causing scandal). He didn’t prohibit women Church leaders and teachers in general! Anyone claiming women can’t lead or ‘preach’ should remember there was an ancient Jewish judge over women and men (Deborah), and female leaders and teachers were instrumental in establishing the early churches. Who? Mary Magdalene, Philip’s daughters, Priscilla, Deaconness Phoebe (Romans 16:1–2) …

No polygamous Elders? Paul established moral guidelines for being a deacon or elder (e.g., 1 Timothy 3:2-5). Included is marital fidelity (being a ‘one-woman man’). Unfortunately, some claim that no elder anywhere can have multiple wives (or have been divorced). Recently, a Ugandan Christian with two wives asked about leading in his church, part of a polygamous community. Someone demanded that he honor the [English] ‘letter of the law’ and not allow anyone with multiple wives to become an elder. What was his suggestion instead? Pray that God would kill one of the wives so that he will have only one and be able to be an Elder! Sigh … Christ’s Law of Love and the need to effectively manage the church in a unique culture certainly trump Pharisaical-like law-mongering and biblical misinterpretations!

In summary, keep the descriptions and applications of Biblical texts in their contexts unless they prescribe behavior for all people all the time! Next, let’s understand evil better in “God Versus Evil.”  In the meantime, honor God and care for people.

Blessings and peace,

Dr. Ron Braley, MDiv, DMin.

discipleship, Finding Answers to Stuff Churches Don't Discuss, Uncategorized

New & Renewed Beginnings

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Recently, I reposted an ‘untold’ Christmas story—a behind-the-scenes look at God’s peace and redemption Jesus set into motion with His arrival on earth. Because the new year begins a week after Christmas, I thought we should revisit new and renewed beginnings. Here are a few examples of New Year celebrations and why we use them to make resolutions.

American/European: January 1st. We often gather the evening before and bring in the new year with shouts, parties, countdowns, and resolutions. And some of those parties bring regrets and spawn resolutions of their own.

Chinese (Also known as the Spring Festival): The 23rd day of the 12th lunar month of the Chinese calendar. The idea is like that of the American and European New Year celebrations.

Jewish, Religious – Pesach (Passover): The 1st Jewish month, when the time of the covenant between God and His ‘bride’ Israel began. It was a new beginning for her.

Jewish, Agricultural – Rosh Hashanah: The 7th month of the Jewish calendar. Interestingly, this is the official State New Year, but it also closely relates to God’s covenant. This New Year begins with the Feast of Trumpets and introduces a time of repentance, forgiveness, and rest.

Because we know of the good and bad things we’ve done or that the current year has brought, the thought of a ‘better’ new year can bring anticipation of good things to come! We want to change what we don’t like; this is where ‘repentance’ (even for the non-religious) comes into play. We’re sorry for the behaviors we don’t like and, therefore, vow to change. It’s more complicated than it seems! Here are three guidelines for helping you achieve your dreams and goals.

First, you must set goals for yourself. Follow the SMART principle:

Specific. Be clear about what you would like to accomplish!

Measurable. How will you know whether you’re succeeding?

Attainable. You probably won’t be a millionaire by the age of 50 – especially if you’re, well, 60.

Relevant. Why try to be a better poker player if your goal is to overcome gambling addiction?

Timely. When should you achieve your goals?

Second, if you intend to have a new beginning in Christ or embrace a lifestyle change, you must PLAN to achieve your goals! To quote some silly movie line: “Those who fail to plan, plan to fail!”

Third, we can rarely accomplish large tasks independently, especially when dealing with weaknesses or temptations. God’s Spirit can provide strength and guidance, and accountability partners give us direction, wisdom, strength, and discipline to be successful.

In summary, it’s never too late to begin again if our heart still beats! Make goals and be accountable for success. Next, let’s find out what King Solomon says matters most at the end of the day.  In the meantime, keep your ‘love, honor, and cherish’ vows to God.

Blessings and peace,

Dr. Ron Braley, MDiv, DMin.

discipleship, Finding Answers to Stuff Churches Don't Discuss, Uncategorized

Christmas, the Retold Story!

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Published initially in December, 2021

Christmas is full of traditions, including the story depicting Jesus’ birth. Some renderings sport sheep, camels, and donkeys with costume-clad humans for effect. The event makes us feel good and can be a great time of fun and family. But is there more to the story—perhaps stuff behind the scenes that would make it more meaningful if known? Let’s see.

First, the Son of God, born a son of man, has been around since the creation of our universe (John 1:1-4).

Second, this Son of God had to live and die as a human for a reason: to restore the relationship between Creator and creation by paying the penalty for the first humans’ rebellion and crushing evil (e.g., Genesis 3:15). Why? Paying the price could only be done by someone who had never rebelled against God. He began sending clues about this coming perfect Savior through various prophets like Isaiah: “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14)

This Prince would be born in about 4 BC and eventually crucified, as shown to the prophet Daniel 500 years before Jesus came to earth (Daniel 9:25-26). His birth brings God’s peace to the people with whom He is pleased (Luke 2:14), but it prompted the wrath of a man, Herod (Matthew 2:1-12). For Jesus’ safety, an angel told Joseph and Mary to escape to Egypt until Herod’s death (Matthew 2:13-15). How would the journey be possible? After all, travel and daily life were costly, just as they are now. Allow me to introduce the wise men.

To fully appreciate their contribution, we must return to Persia 500 years earlier when Daniel earned great respect and treasure. He was also well-trained in Babylonian arts, including astronomy. He knew when Jesus would be born and would’ve been familiar with Micah’s prophecy about Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2). 

So, Daniel, the Jew who spent his life in Persia, had treasure, knew how to chart star movements, and knew where Jesus would be born and the timeframe. Therefore, we shouldn’t be surprised that Persian magi (wise men) knew that Jesus fulfilled prophecies, and the alignment of the stars at the time and place of His birth. Daniel’s great wealth was likely the resource that funded Jesus’ trip to Egypt until Herod’s death. Our God is the master orchestrator who crafts everything according to His pleasure! “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

God and our Christian traditions can bring great blessings, peace, and joy! Next, let’s revisit my New Year 2022 article on new and renewed beginnings.  Meanwhile, give what God desires: charity justice, mercy, and pure heart.

Blessings and peace,

Dr. Ron Braley, MDiv, DMin.

discipleship, Finding Answers to Stuff Churches Don't Discuss, Uncategorized

Puttin’ the ‘Be’ Back Into Be-Attitudes!

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Most of us have heard of the ‘Beatitudes’ (Matthew 5: 3-11 or Luke 6:20-23). You may have even heard them read recently in liturgies. But hearing them reminded me that we may not fully understand them or the action-and-reward implications. And what is ‘Blessed?’ Who are the ‘poor in spirit?’ We’ll unpack those things as we explore each Beatitude, which I call “Be-Attitudes!”

Some religious teachers say the blessed in the Beatitudes are ‘happy people.’ In other words, ‘blessed’ means happy. For instance, that would mean that the ‘blessed who mourn’ in Matthew 5:4 are happy in their mourning. This isn’t necessarily true. Happy depends on happenstance—external influences. The mourner could be joyful, which comes from inside by the Holy Spirit, despite sorrow or tribulation. However, in the case of the Beatitudes, the blessed receive a reward for their ‘being.’

According to the original language and context, a blessing is something received. So the blessed have received something. For instance, in the beatitudes, the blessed are recipients of God’s good favor in various forms like His Kingdom, rule over the earth, satisfaction, mercy, and the right to be His child. Let’s look at each Beatitude in more detail, and you’ll see what I mean.

  • “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” People more interested in the things of the spirit than earthly riches will receive something beyond wealth: God’s Kingdom.
  • “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” God’s favor in comfort received (see also 2 Corinthians 1:3-4).
  • “Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth” God’s favor in power and authority received.
  • “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” God’s favor in righteousness received.
  • “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.” God’s favor in mercy received.
  • “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” God’s favor in His presence for purity—removing all that hinders His Spirit.
  • Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” God’s favor in receiving adoption into His family for those who seek peace, not violence (including in religion!).
  • “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.” Like verse 3, these persevering folks will receive the Kingdom.

Summary: The blessed aren’t always happy but receive something more valuable than emotion. In the Beatitudes, they receive from God because they persevere and bless others according to His desires for peace, purity, and perfection. Next, we’ll prepare for Christmas by revisiting my December 2021 ‘Christmas, the Retold Story.’ Listen and do more and speak less in the meantime.

Blessings and peace,

Dr. Ron Braley, MDiv, DMin.

discipleship, Finding Answers to Stuff Churches Don't Discuss, Uncategorized

The Ultimate Sacrifice

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Veterans Day is upon us (November 11)! Initially set apart to honor WWI veterans, ‘Armistice Day’ became dedicated to world peace and all war veterans. Jesus taught there’s no greater love than sacrificing life for others’ sake (John 15:13). Honoring those who’ve given their lives defending others makes sense. So, please do this on the 11th! Here, I’d like to introduce folks from the Christian community who’ve sacrificed life, limb, time, treasure, and talents to serve others and present God’s Kingdom to the unchurched: martyrs, missionaries, evangelists/apostles, and helpers. Martyrs first.

Martyrs. A martyr is someone killed for their beliefs (e.g., religious). Notable Christian martyrs include Stephen, stoned to death in about 30 AD, and eleven of the twelve original apostles killed for their faith. Later, faithful Lawrence was grilled to death in 258 AD. Perpetua was a 22-year-old nursing mother killed by a wild beast in the coliseum for her unshakable faith in the third century AD. Another example is Margaret Clitherow, pressed to death in 1586 for ‘illegally’ harboring priests in her home. Others suffer hardship, even if they don’t always die for their faith.

Missionaries. Jesus said, “GO and make disciples!” (e.g., Matthew 28:18-20). Some people do this close to home. Others travel to foreign lands or new communities. We call the latter missionaries, and they often sacrifice life, limb, and significant comfort and resources to serve God. Examples include 18th-century William Carey, known as the “Father of Modern Missions.” He was the first missionary to India and translated the Bible into Bengali. And there was David Livingstone—a 19th-century Scottish physician who evangelized Africa. Speaking of Africa, Joanne and I just returned from a two-week mission to Kenya and Uganda, Africa, training about 400 church leaders in Christian Leadership and Discipleship principles.

Evangelists and Apostles. These preachers of God’s Kingdom to the yet-to-be-churched are another sacrificial group (where they preach determines whether they’re an evangelist or apostle). An apostle is sent into new communities to start new churches; evangelists usually preach closer to home. These obedient folks often undergo hardships and sacrifice comfort and familiarity to introduce God’s Kingdom to the spiritually needy here and abroad.

Humble Helpers. We also must recognize the folks who work humbly, obediently, and quietly behind the scenes to support and promote God’s Kingdom. They don’t seek recognition but deserve it because they sacrifice time, treasures, and talents! These folks are rare, accounting for less than 20% of a typical congregation! You’ll find them teaching, cooking, cleaning, greeting, fixing, mowing—serving selflessly in these and many more ways!

Summary: On November 11, remember those who’ve died for others. We should also honor the people who willingly sacrifice everything to introduce God’s Kingdom to the lost. Next, in anticipation of the Thanksgiving holiday, I’ll write about being thankful. Meanwhile, remember that God expects you to BE the Church, not DO church.

Blessings and peace,

Dr. Ron Braley, MDiv, DMin.

discipleship, Finding Answers to Stuff Churches Don't Discuss, Uncategorized

Make a Difference!

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God didn’t create us just to consume resources, tend only to ourselves, and then pass out of this life without making a difference. He made us to be like Him. He loves; we’re to love. He’s merciful; we’re to be merciful. He created us for partnership and to make a difference while we can—not suck air and be selfish. Check out what Paul wrote in Ephesians 2:10, and you’ll see that we’ve been created for good works. Read Matthew 25:31-40; you’ll discover the demise of all who don’t do them. By the way, Luke 10:28 tells us that we will live [spiritually] if we honor God and love people through our works.

Anyway, I thought, “Hey Ron—what examples of making a positive difference can you think of?” As it turns out, there are plenty! I’ll offer a few to encourage you. What follows is just a sample—plenty of organizations and people in Taylor and around the world make quite a difference. I’m not playing favorites (although I AM partial to Shepherd’s Heart!).

A Lucky Starfish. Do you ever feel that nothing you do matters? A boy once walked the beach throwing washed-up starfish back into the water. A man observing him yelled, “There are so many! You’ll never make a difference!” The boy responded while throwing another starfish into the sea: “Well, it matters to that one!” The smallest efforts can have the biggest impact!

The Good Samaritan. Ancient Jews and Samaritans were enemies. Yet, a Jewish Jesus spoke about a charitable Samaritan who found a man beaten, robbed, and left for dead (even bypassed by a Jewish priest) and nursed him back to health. I guess we CAN all get along!

“Good News” by Isabella Tebeau. Looking for encouragement and examples of positive differences and influences? Check out Isabella’s Taylor Press article, which has challenged us to “Always remember there is goodness everywhere and kindness matters!”

Shepherd’s Heart. Our renowned food pantry and thrift shop feeds hundreds of people every week. Money donated by good-hearted folks and earned in the thrift shop continues to provide utility relief for families in danger of being without electricity or water. Shepherd’s Heart certainly reflects God’s heart!

Anchored in Grace Fellowship. Albert and his small crew love the community in big ways! This fantastic church provides hygiene items such as soap and toothpaste to hundreds of people each year. They also often come to the rescue with socks, gloves, food, blankets, and school supplies. Look no further for a model of true love!

Summary: The world can seem dark and unloving at times. But there are always bright spots of love and difference-making. The following article will be the first of a two-parter addressing how we can be confident of the biblical texts and the people in them, including Jesus. Until then, be kind and pure.

Blessings and peace,

Dr. Ron Braley, MDiv, DMin.