​The Church is defined as the Bride of Christ and Christ as our Bridegroom. Our time on earth is meant as a time of preparation so that we can present our lives to the Bridegroom as pure and spotless just as our spirits are now. The season of preparation can be difficult because it involves sacrifice and discipline. God's people, whose stories are told in the Bible, had to spend time in the wilderness. This is the place where we learn to focus on the Bridegroom. That means we must be willing to leave familiar places to follow the Holy Spirit into the wilderness.
 
One of the women in the Bible who exemplifies this bride is Rebekah. Before we meet her in the Bible, we read the story of Abraham and how he was preparing for his death. His servant, Eliezer (meaning "God is my help"), was directed to travel to Abraham's homeland to find a wife for his son, Isaac. The woman he would bring back had to be willing to follow him. In other words, she had to follow him into the wilderness. In this story, Eliezer represents the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is looking for a pure, virgin bride who is not enticed by the gods of this world.
 
Before meeting Rebekah, Eliezer had a talk with God and asked Him to bring him a woman who had a servant's heart, came from a godly family, and would be willing to leave her family to follow him. This expectation for Isaac's wife sounds like what Jesus told his disciples in Matthew 10:37-39. "Anyone who loves his father and mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me; and anyone who does not take his cross and follow Me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for My sake will find it."
 
Eliezer was able to see Rebekah's servant heart when he met her at the well. Not only did she give him a drink, but she also offered to water his camels. Imagine how long it took her to draw water for ten thirsty camels! Next, her brother Laban came to the well and invited Eliezer to bring his camels to their home. As food was being prepared and set before him, Eliezer insisted on telling Rebekah's family the reason for his journey. They agreed that she should go back to Abraham's son. Rebekah sealed the deal when she agreed to go and said, "I will go." (Genesis 24:58)
 
Rebekah was sent off with a family blessing. "Our sister, may you increase to thousands upon thousands; may your offspring possess the gates of their enemies." (Genesis 24:60) This would not be an easy journey for Rebekah. I read that she would have had to travel about 600 miles on a camel. She left her place of comfort to be tested in the hot, dry desert. During the journey, Eliezer, her Holy Spirit, helped to prepare her for her commitment to Isaac, her bridegroom. Once Rebekah made her commitment to Isaac, she would have another wilderness to traverse—the wilderness of barrenness. Isaac was sixty years old before she gave birth to twins. It was Rebekah's faith that sustained her until the promise of her family blessing was realized.
 
All of us must go through wilderness seasons in our lives. God will use these seasons to develop our character and to teach us how to overcome the giants that war against our souls. It is vital that we keep our eyes on the Lord and remember the promises that He has given to us. He has planned every portion of our wilderness journey, knows what we are experiencing, and what we need to move through it. The Lord will teach us how to pursue His heart and follow Him no matter what the cost. There is an end to every wilderness, and God wants us to exit it leaning on Him, our Beloved, not leaning on our own understanding. (Song of Solomon 8:5)

From the very beginning of creation, God was intentional about the way He made the earth and all the creatures in it. However, His crowning glory was the making of human beings. "Then God said, 'Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground.' So, God created human beings in His own image. In the image of God, He created them; male and female He created them." (Genesis 1:26, 27 - NLT)
 
I want to look more deeply into two parts of this Scripture. First, why is the plural "let us," used? The word for God in Hebrew is Elohim. It is used to emphasize the majesty of the One True God who is the Lord of all lords. Included in this name is all the attributes of Elohim. Our God is all powerful, all knowing, good, wise, trustworthy, and loving, just to name a few. This plural form of God may also be directing us to the Trinity--Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
 
Next, we should note that we were created in the image of God. He created us with His nature and attributes. Ephesians 4:23 and 24 explain that we are being made new in the attitude of our minds. It says, "...Put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." When God made a covenant with Noah, He made it clear that we are to honor life. "...I will demand an accounting for the life of his fellow man. Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for in the image of God has God made man." (Genesis 9:6) I believe that the image of God speaks of our entire being, the special relationship we can have with Him, and our mandate to reign over creation. Our self-worth is based on the knowledge that we are made in God's image. In our recognition of God's image in all people, we can see qualities that are not included in the rest of creation.
 
As Christians, we should be growing in our understanding of our image of Christ in us. Over the holidays I became aware that we think that God looks like us. My husband and I visited the Glencairn Museum. It is a castle-like home in Bryn Athyn, Pennsylvania, designed by Raymond Pitcairn, an industrialist and collector. There are more than ninety rooms on ten floors of the Romanesque-style building constructed between 1928 and 1939. The reason for our visit was primarily to see the collection of nativity scenes from around the world.
 
We saw elaborate nativity scenes from Italy, China, Switzerland, Haiti, Zimbabwe, Peru, Columbia, and the United States, to name a few. Here is what struck me as I looked at the variety of nativities: Each character in the set was made to reflect the nature of the people in the country from which it originated. The figures—Joseph, Mary, Jesus, the shepherds, and the wise men—had faces and bodies and clothes like the individuals who made them.
 
While I understand that it may help us feel closer to God by imagining Him in our image, the truth is that God wants us to look like Jesus. This is the reason He came to earth. Romans 8:29 tells us, "For those God foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brothers." Father God makes it clear in His Word that He wants us to reflect the image of Jesus to the rest of the world. Jesus told the crowds of people in Israel when He delivered the Beatitudes, "You are the light of the world...Let your light shine before men that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." The call on our lives is to look like Jesus. 

​As we have moved into a new year, it is time to consider the call of God on our lives. Integrated with the new year is the tenth month on the Hebrew calendar called Tevet. The number ten is not only the number of testimony, (The Ten Commandments were in the Ark of the Testimony.) but the number of godly authority. When we consider our own lives, we should also be praying for godly authority for our Commander in Chief and other leaders of our country. The enemy of our souls tries to get to us through our leaders. This is why we are instructed to pray for them. 
 
The word Tevet means "good." God's will for us is to move toward the light. The natural light of each day will be increasing as we go into the new year. When we consider our plans for the new year we should be charting a course of righteousness. Proverbs 4:18 tells us, "The path of righteousness is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day." New life flows in the light. Isn't it fitting that the Hebrew letter associated with Tevet is AYIN which pictures an eye and a spring or well? We must see with spiritual eyes for new life to flow like a fresh spring.
 
The Lord desires for our eyes to be focused on the good. 2 Chronicles 16:9 talks about the eyes of the Lord. They "range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him..." This Scripture corresponds with the one that my pastor, George Matthew Clash, Lead Pastor at The Crossing in Washington Crossing, PA, gave to us last Sunday. “Come out from among them and be separate,” says the Lord. “Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you. I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters..." (2 Corinthians 6:17, 18 - NKJ) This word was delivered by the apostle Paul to the Corinthians when he was encouraging them to stay in the light and to live according to the righteousness of God. He asked a question that is pertinent in the month of Tevet. "And what agreement has the temple of God with idols?" (2 Corinthians 6:16)
 
The reason that this Scripture from 2 Corinthians hits home in Tevet and the beginning of the new year is because this month is associated with the tribe of Dan. Dan means to rule or judge. Grouped with the tribes of Naphtali and Asher in their camp and when they marched, they formed a rear guard and were called to help in the protection of the Israelites. Sadly, the tribe of Dan became the first one to worship idols. It was in Dan's territory that King Jeroboam set up golden calves where the people came to bow down and worship them. The constellation in the sky during this month is Capricorn, the goat. It should be a sign to remind us not to make wrong alignments. Goat nations formed alliances that show us their break from God's covenant.
 
Our desire should be to align ourselves with God and His plans and purposes for our lives. This will mean that we will need to make sacrifices in the new year. Psalm 33:18 and 20 says, "Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him, on those who hope in HIs mercy...Our soul waits for the Lord; He is our help and our shield." (NKJ) Tevet and the beginning of 2026 mark the start of a season of preparation. Ask the Lord for His divine strategy and vision for the year to come. He made a promise to His people in Isaiah 52:12. "...For the Lord will go before you. And the God of Israel will be your rear guard." What more could we ask for? Let us walk into the year ahead with willingness to be set apart from the world, to pray for those in authority over us, to focus on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, and to walk in righteousness and holiness to advance the kingdom of God.

​Did you ever wonder about the preparation that Joseph and Mary would have had to make for their journey to Bethlehem? The book of Luke tells us why that had to make the trip. "In those days, Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world...and everyone went to his own town to register. So, Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem, the town of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child." (Luke 2:1-5)
 
I read that the distance between Nazareth and Bethlehem is about 90 miles on the route that follows the Jordan River valley and then climbs into the hills around Jerusalem. An average, healthy person might be able to travel about twenty miles a day; however, Mary's condition would surely have slowed the pace. The trip may have taken them an entire week. We should also consider that this arduous journey included rough terrain, the possibility of difficult weather, and attacks by wild animals or bandits.
 
Before Joseph and Mary left Nazareth that would have had to do much preparation. First, water would have to be collected and stored in wineskins for drinking. Also, food needed to be prepared, and firewood gathered for cooking and warmth. The food was probably simple and might include bread, herbs and oil, and dried fish. In addition, I would imagine that blankets were packed for bedding and to help keep the couple warm. Though we do not know for sure, I think we can speculate that a donkey may have carried Mary. That being the case, he would need food.
 
The preparations that Joseph and Mary made would enable them to successfully arrive at their destination. It was prophesied through the prophet Micah. "But you Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel whose origins are from of old, from ancient times." (Micah 5:2) Imagine how Mary must have felt as she prepared to go to Bethlehem (The House of Bread)! Her journey had a purpose, and her arrival would bring fulfillment of what Father God had planned before she was even born. I am sure that she and Joseph were in prayer for the entire journey.
 
God knew exact what this couple would need to fulfill His plans for their journey. We have another story in the Bible of Jesus telling His disciples to go on a trip to "heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons." Jesus went on to say to them, "Freely you have received, freely give. Do not take along any gold or silver or copper in your belts, take no bag for the journey, or extra tunic, or sandals or staff. For the worker is worth his keep." (Matthew 10:8-10) How do you think the disciples prepared for this journey? My guess is that they prepared on their knees, praying for God's wisdom and guidance for each step.
 
Our lives are made up of journeys with multiple destinations. May I suggest that our most important preparation is praying so that our faith is built up. It is faith in God that carries us to our destinations. Here is how Jude 1:20 puts it: "Build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit." I am sure that Mary and Joseph needed to pack their faith along with their physical supplies just as the disciples did when they were sent out by Jesus. If we prepare for our life's journeys as they did, we will reach our destinations and fulfill the purposes of God for our lives.

​About thirty miles off the Alaskan mainland there is an island on the Bering Sea called Nunivak Island. It should be no surprise that there is only one inhabited village on the island that is on the north coast. Weather is always a challenge with frequent rain, snow, fog, and gale-force winds. Nearly all the permanent residents of Nunivak (about 200) live in the village called Mekoryuk. Most of the natives are Cup’it Eskimos. They are used to living a subsistence lifestyle. A dilapidated building served as the island's only church meeting place. It came to the attention of the organization, Samaritan's Purse, who decided to build a new church on the island.
 
You may wonder how a church came to be built on such an isolated island. An Inupiaq missionary named Jacob Kenick visited Nunivak in the mid-1930s. As he preached the Gospel, mass conversions took place. However, it was not until the early 1960s that a church building was constructed. The structure left much to be desired as it was too small for the congregation and quickly deteriorated and became difficult to heat. Under the umbrella of Samaritan's Purse, volunteers from twenty-six states came together to build a new church in the summer of 2024. The 4,000 square-foot building was successfully completed in October 2024 and quickly became a year-round meeting place for the entire village.
 
Imagine the challenges of getting material for construction to the remote island! One of the greatest ones was placing a foundation on the ground that could withstand the yearly freeze and thaw. The one that was used is called a triodetic foundation. Made of engineered steel or aluminum, its rigid platform sits on top of the soil and keeps the building level even when the soil is heaving and settling. These foundations can support heavy commercial, multi-story buildings. They are strong enough to withstand flooding, permafrost, and difficult soils.
 
How this speaks to me when I think about the shakings that are going on in our nation and around the world. All of us need to be secured to a stable foundation. The stability for our times can only come from the Lord. This is what Isaiah, the prophet, tells us. "He shall be a sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure." (Isaiah 33:6) We must never forget that God is our eternal foundation. It is also interesting to note that both Psalm 89:14 and Psalm 97:2 describe the foundation of the Lord's throne as righteousness and justice. Isaiah quotes the Lord when he says, "Look! I am placing a foundation stone in Jerusalem, a firm and tested stone. It is a precious cornerstone that is safe to build on. Whoever believes need never be shaken." (Isaiah 28:16 - NLT) What a promise!
 
When Jesus was speaking to the crowd of people about the wise and foolish builders, He told them to be like the wise man who built his house on a rock. "The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock." (Matthew 7:25)
 
Only the Lord can provide the foundation that we need for stability throughout our lives. Circumstances of life battle against our faith, but we cannot allow difficulties to move us off our foundation. We become securely attached to our precious Cornerstone through our faith in Him.

​One thing I like about our church is that the children are encouraged to come to the front of the sanctuary during worship time. Some of them wave flags, some sing, and others dance about. There is one little girl who comes to Sunday service in her pretty dress with a puffed-out skirt. You can see the delight on her face as she twirls around. I so enjoy watching her! However, the best part is that with every step she takes her shoes light up. I had to look up how this can happen and read that in the sole of the shoe is a LED (Light Emitting Diode) bulb that is activated by a small button-style battery. An electric current is generated when pressure is applied by the foot stepping down and the bright illumination is created. Watching this young girl worship the Lord with abandon got me thinking about how we are to be Christ's light to the world.
 
Psalm 89:15 says, "Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim You, who walk in the light of Your presence, O Lord. They rejoice in Your name all day long; they exult in Your righteousness. For You are their glory and strength, and by Your favor You exalt our horn." We can acclaim the Lord by shining His light to others. Christians have a responsibility to do this through our kindness, peace, and joy. How we walk demonstrates the goodness of God.
 
God ordained that the people of Israel would be a light to all the other nations. Isaiah 60 talks about the glory of Zion. "Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you, and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you, and His glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn." (Isaiah 60:1-3) We, as Believers in Christ and by virtue of our connection to the forefathers of our faith, carry the light of God. Wherever we step we should emanate a brightness and light that attracts others to us. When Jesus came to earth, He told the people of Israel, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life." (John 8:12)
 
God's plan for sending Jesus to earth is expressed in John 12:46. "I have come into the world as a light so that no one who believes in Me should stay in darkness." When Jesus was delivering His Sermon on the Mount, He gave those who listened to Him keys to living a blessed life. He defined us as being salt and light and said this about carrying His light: "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:14-16)
 
Psalm 119:105 explains how to walk in the light of the Lord. It says, "Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." Our dedication to the Word of God is what will help us stay on the right path. In verse 59 of the same Psalm the writer tells us, "I have considered my ways and have turned my steps to Your statutes." As we keep in step with the Spirit of the Living God, we will be shining His light for others to see and delighting the Lord with our walk.

It was during this month, the eighth month on the Hebrew calendar, that God implemented His plan to cleanse and restore the earth. He found one man who was righteous at the time when He proclaimed, "I will wipe from the face of the earth the human race I have created...for I regret that I have made them." (Genesis 6:7) He gave instructions to Noah to build an ark for himself, his family, and two of all living creatures, male and female. Then God said, "Go into the ark, you and your whole family, because I have found you righteous in this generation." (Genesis 7:1)
 
The story of Noah's obedience to God should be an example for us. As he and his family followed God's instructions concerning the building of the arc, they bore witness to the righteousness of God. Noah's behavior reflected Matthew 5:16. "...Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Let us remember that Jesus warned His disciples about the days before His return, saying that they would be like the days of Noah. "Just as it was in the days of Noah, so also will it be in the days of the Son of Man. People were eating, drinking, marrying, and being given in marriage up to the day Noah entered the ark. Then the flood came and destroyed them all." (Luke 17:26 and 27)
 
Would you not agree that our society today looks very similar to the one from Noah's days? So, it would be a suitable time for us to proclaim the righteousness of Christ. And why not do so in the month that Noah and his family entered the arc, the eighth month of Cheshvan? It is interesting to note that there are no Jewish feasts or fasts during this month. The Jews say this month is reserved for Messiah. Perhaps this is the month in which Messiah will return. Regardless, our responsibility is to declare the righteousness of God while we still have time. He could return any day!
 
Floods are usually devastating for those who live through them. Yet God used the flood of Cheshvan to bring about cleansing and restoration. He used Noah as an instrument of redemption for the world so that all humankind could be saved. This shows us that God's plan for humanity never changes. God was repositioning humankind to be "fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and every living thing that moves on the earth." (Genesis 1:28 - NKJ) Is it not appropriate that Cheshvan is the eighth month when the meaning of eight is new beginnings?
 
We, as Believers in the Lord, have been made heirs to Him. This truth means that we have authority in the earthly realm. Our assignment is the same one given to Adam and Eve: to be fruitful, multiply, subdue, and have dominion over the earth. Are we living out God's plan for our lives? We must realign ourselves with the plans and purposes of our Lord and Savior. Like Noah, we want to demonstrate the righteousness of the Kingdom of Heaven in the hope that others might join the family of the Lord. 

​Did you know that every year since 2022, in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the Bible is read on our Capitol steps? According to our state legislator, Stephanie Borowicz, an "amazing group comes and reads the Bible in like seven days...They said every time they read at each State Capitol, crime goes down." Breaking Christian News reports that this year "Pennsylvania state legislators Stephanie Borowicz and Doug Mastriano spearheaded a move that now declares September 12 the 'Day of the Bible' in Pennsylvania."
 
With America's 250th anniversary about to begin, our two legislators introduced in Congress a resolution to recognize this day nationwide. Mastriano says, "We are the rock that dropped into the lake, and I believe we're taking this land back." Last month there was a celebration at Philadelphia's Independence Square. At Congress Hall in this square, the first Congress of the United States met from 1790 to 1800. As our founders met in this location, the Bible was at the center of their planning.
 
It was on September 12 that the Continental Congress approved the printing of the Aitken Bible. This was the first complete English-language Bible printed in America. Borowicz had this to say: "We're restoring the Bible back. And this is, like you said, this is a battle of good versus evil, right? And we don't fight flesh and blood. We fight principalities and rulers of this dark world."
 
Somehow the intentions of our founding fathers concerning the Word of God have become skewed. The many Scriptural quotations that appear in the writings of our founders let us know that they knew and respected the Bible. According to a web site called "Got Questions," "Our government structure, laws, morality, education, and family values were all founded on principles that came directly from the Bible. The Founding Fathers, Presidents, and foreigners visiting a young America identified the key to the nation's success as the biblical influence embraced by its society. When a nation honors God, it develops a respect for all of God's creation. Where there is no honor of God, a society will fail to respect His creation, and people will suffer as a result."
 
We only need to look at the nation of Israel to see the ramifications of their choices concerning following God's Word. When Israel was following God's laws, their society functioned well, but when they turned away from it, their society had trouble.  We can also look at the history of the United States. Our prideful attitude that we know better than God has left us in tumult. Our words and actions do not reflect the goodness of our Lord. We must remember that when we agree with the kingdom of darkness, we give the demonic realm permission to operate in our lives. This results in chaos and destruction. When we agree with the Kingdom of God, the Kingdom of Light, we empower the Lord and invite Him to impact our nation.
 
Mastriano points out that "The Word of God helped make a difference in the founding of our nation." He admonishes us: "Study it, read it to your children at night, read a Psalm a day, do something with it, because our foundation, our virtue, our nation, our republic can only be sustained with it." Hebrews 4:12 tells us about the power of the Word of God. "The Word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." Let us pray that the resolution introduced in our Congress will pass and that Pennsylvania will be a leader in making the Bible a priority in our daily lives again.

​What do you do when life throws you a curve ball? My first inclination is to ask God why. The problem is that I rarely get an answer to my "why question." In return for my question, I hear, "Do you trust me?" Then, I review some of my trust Scriptures:
 
Psalm 9:10 - "Those who know Your name trust in You, for You, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek You."
Psalm 13:5 - "But I trust in Your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in Your salvation."
Psalm 84:12 - "Lord Almighty, blessed is the one who trusts in You."
Psalm 125:1 - "Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken, but endures forever."
 
Proverbs 3:5, 6 - "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."
 
Isaiah 12:2 - "Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord Himself, is my strength and my defense; He has become my salvation."
 
Nahum 1:7 - "The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him."
 
My why question has been directed by the unexpected death of my husband's dear daughter. She was taken from her family too early in life. Her quiet, gentle personality will be sorely missed. So, we declare our trust Scriptures, and we take comfort in who God is and in the way our Church family has poured their love on us. My other "go to" is a book written by Elisabeth Elliott titled On Asking God Why. The author knows what it is to suffer loss and has compiled her thoughts on how to deal with different kinds of loss. Here are some of them:
 
Page 11 - "A true faith must rest solidly on His character and His Word, not our particular conceptions of what He ought to do."
Page 140 - "I wanted God to explain Himself to me when my expectations were turned upside down. God knew what I really needed was not explanations but sanctification and purifying. My notions about myself, my work, and my God needed to be put through the fire. My heart needed deep and painful scouring. 'Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.'"
Page 147 - Elisabeth quotes Evelyn Underhill: "If God were small enough to be understood He would not be big enough to be worshipped."
Page 149 - "Whatever dark tunnel we may be called upon to travel through, God has been there...Things are a mess, yet to turn our eyes back to the Cross of Calvary is to see the irrefutable proof that has stood the test of the ages: 'It is by this that we know what love is: that Christ laid down HIs life for us.'" (John 3:16 - NEB)
 
The conclusion I came to before and come to again and again remains the same. God's love for us is unfathomable. He demonstrated His love through the death of Jesus on the Cross. In this unimaginable act He took our sins upon Himself so that we can spend eternity with Him in heaven when we acknowledge what He has done. His mercies are new every morning. He has walked every road we must walk and is prepared to lead us into a place of peace and love. Great is His faithfulness! Bill Johnson of Bethel Church in Redding, California, says it all: "When I don't understand, I trust."

​At the end of our lives, we all want to hear the same thing from the Lord: "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful in a few things. I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!" (Matthew 25:21) It is clear that we are all born with different gifts and abilities. It is our responsibility to make the best of our own. We may not be able to achieve the same things as others, but we can make an equal or greater effort. All of us will be asked the same question at the end of our lives: "What have you done with what I have given to you?"
 
This past week, the Lord would have asked Charlie Kirk that question. I am sure that he was able to answer that he used all his gifts fully, to the glory of God. There are times when it is particularly difficult to understand why someone is taken from this earth early in life. There are many asking God that question about Charlie. At the age of thirty-one, Charlie was taken from us through an assassin's bullet as he engaged with students at Utah Valley University. Raised in the Chicago suburbs, it became obvious to those around him that Charlie was wise beyond his years. He grew up to be a principled man who stood up for his beliefs. He was a kid with a dream who worked to make it happen.
 
At a young age, he discovered that he could inspire others, especially young people. He loved to debate. Though students at college campuses became his main target, Charlie dropped out of Harper College, near Chicago, to pursue his dreams. In 2012 he founded an organization called "Turning Point USA" whose main focus is defending religious freedom, democracy, and justice. Through podcasts on social media, he reached 100,000,000 young people every month. Turning Point now has over 850 college chapters.
 
Yearly, Charlie scheduled multiple meetings to college campuses throughout the United States for what he called his "Prove Me Wrong Tour." He encouraged debate in the public square and always demonstrated his wealth of knowledge. As he was well-spoken and well researched, he was effective in helping young people think for themselves and inspired them to participate in the life of our country. Charlie's faith was central to everything he did so he defended Biblical values and spoke the truth boldly. He was a patriot who loved our country and thought we could be so much better than we are. His message was one of revival and reformation. President Trump said that Charlie went about "championing ideas with courage, logic, humor, and grace."
 
A Scripture I have always grappled with comes from Psalm 116:15. "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints."  Footnotes in my Bible help me understand. The word precious in Hebrew means valuable and costly. Another suggestion is that God rejoices when we arrive in heaven. Either way, I know that He feels our pain and grieves with us over this monumental loss.
 
John 12:24 says, "...unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain." Charlie is a casualty of the internal war in our country. His message to "welcome without judgment, love without conditions, forgive without limit" must spread. The seed of Charlie has been planted, and we must pray that all the young people who were inspired by him choose to rise up like him in loving God and loving others. Pray for the soul of our nation and that the flames of revival would burn brightly as others pick up the torch that Charlie left for us.