​What is the central issue of our warfare with the demonic realm? This question can be answered with another question: "Whom will you worship?" Will we be faithful to worship the one true God or will we allow Satan's distractions, diversions, and attacks to pull us toward him and his way of life? Let us be reminded that we were created to have fellowship with the Lord, so we were made in His image. (Genesis 1:27) All of us were designed to have intimacy with God and as His image bearers we were given specific characteristics. A footnote to Genesis 1:26 and 27 in The Passion Translation defines God's image in us like this: "It includes personality, the capacity for worship, the ability to make moral decisions, and the ability to reflect God.”
 
We are three weeks away from Passover. If we looked back in history, we would find Moses and Aaron trying to convince Pharaoh to release the children of Israel. God instructed Moses to say to Pharaoh, "The Lord, the God of the Hebrews, has sent me to say to you: 'Let my people go, so that they may worship me in the desert...’" (Exodus 7:16) Why would God want to take His people into the wilderness for this purpose? Perhaps God's desire was to teach His children what true worship looks like. It is true worship that protects us from the enemy of our souls. The Israelites would have a long journey to the Promised Land, one fraught with difficulties and enemy attacks. The soul that is not protected by true worship of the Lord is prime territory for the enemy. True worship of God, not based on circumstances, sets up a barrier against the demonic and gives us victory in warfare.
 
As we draw closer to end times, we can count on increasing warfare. What or who will we worship during these times? Worship is a part of the culture of heaven, and it is God's desire, as expressed in the prayer taught to the disciples, that His "will would be done on earth as it is in heaven." (Matthew 6:10) Revelation 7:11,12 describes what takes place in heaven. "All the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They fell down on their faces before the throne and worshiped God saying: 'Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever. Amen!'" But there is a worship that blesses God more than what comes from thousands of angelic hosts. It comes from earth through those who are faithful to worship the Lord amid trials, tribulations, and suffering. When our spirits worship God during our battles, we give God pleasure, and He is drawn toward us.
 
The purity of our worship will dictate its fragrance. I have long desired to have a deeper understanding of the verse in John 4:23. "Yet a time is coming and has now come when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks." May I suggest that when we give God glory in the middle of pain and suffering, our love comes forth as true worship. We must look at every difficulty as an opportunity to become the kind of worshipers God desires.

​Included in the short list of animated films up for an Academy Award is a thirteen-minute film called "The 21." It was put on the Internet for free screening on February 14 - 17, 2025 as a way to honor those who were martyred by ISIS ten years ago. After I viewed the production, I wanted to learn more about the cinematic approach to telling this story.
 
Producer of faith-based Hollywood films, Mark Rodgers, desired to create a film with three objectives: (1) Those who view the film would have "a deeper understanding of our own Christian heritage in this region." (2) "It would be wonderful to see this film be promoted widely so that people inside the Church can see the courage and the faith of the martyrs and be encouraged in their own faith." (3) It is hoped that the film would "promote a freedom of religion that people can practice whatever they want to believe without persecution." He and his team also desired to produce a truthful account of the events from the time the Coptic Christians were captured until they were martyred on a beach in Libya that would counter the propaganda video produced by ISIS.
 
Because of the gruesome nature of the story, Mark Rodgers and his partner Mandi Hart did not think a typical documentary would be appropriate. Through prayer, God gave Mark an idea to make a short, animated film. The animation is done using Egyptian iconography; iconography being the use of visual images, figures, or symbols to represent certain action or objects. One of the benefits to using this type of animation is that its producers could project the spiritual images of angels and Jesus that ISIS terrorists saw intermixed with their captives. It says on the film's website (the21film.com) that seventy artists and animators from over twenty-four countries worked on the film. 
 
The word Copt is an ancient Greek word meaning Egyptian. Copts declare John Mark, author of the Gospel of Mark, as their founder and first bishop sometime between AD 42 and AD 62. They tend to emphasize meritorious works in salvation along with liturgical rituals rather than salvation through a personal relationship with Jesus. They believe that Jesus is God Himself, the Incarnate Word. Copts are the largest Christian denomination in Egypt and the Middle East.
 
When ISIS began their reign of terror their goal was to cleanse North Africa of Christians. In December 2014, they captured twenty-one Copts and placed them in an underground prison. Initially they were offered money to deny their faith. When this did not happen, ISIS began torturing them by making them pull heavy bags of wet sand down the beach. If they fell, they were beaten. Cold water was poured on them regularly so that they could not sleep, and their skin was cut with sharp knives. Their methods of torture only drew the men closer together, and they prayed, "Lord have mercy." When they did this the earth shook, and the terrorists were fearful. Every Copt was fitted with an orange jump suit and marched down the beach. It is reported that the terrorists saw angelic figures with the men and that the sky seemed to change color. One by one every Coptic Christian refused to deny Christ, and one by one they were beheaded.
 
Psalm 116:15 says, "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His faithful servants." The Passion Translation says it this way: "When one of God's holy lovers dies, it is costly to the Lord, touching His heart." We know that God's heart was touched on this costly day. Pray that the death of these men will not be in vain and that the film will impact many. May we be faithful witnesses to the unbelieving individuals around us and never be tempted to deny our Lord no matter what the consequences.

​God speaks through the fire! An article published in "All Israel News" and written by their reporter Jo Elizabeth reveals the miraculous hand of God in the Los Angeles, California fires. The "Eaton fires" burned 14,000 acres in the Pasadena area. Homes, houses of worship, and stores were decimated. The Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center was in the path of the fire, and the roof and three walls crumbled to the ground. However, one wall remained standing.
 
Before the fire hit the Temple, some of the congregants were able to save thirteen Torah scrolls. After the fire, these people returned to the synagogue to find it completely destroyed except for one wall. The fire burned the sheetrock and stucco off the standing wall but left a mural of what looks like a Biblical scene from ancient times in Israel. A member of the synagogue and professor of Hebrew history, Kristine Garroway, was "stunned" by the mural. She estimates that it dates back to the 1920s and said, "It feels like this is a phoenix that's risen up out of the fire."
 
For me, the interesting part of the story is that no one in the Synagogue was aware of the presence of this mural. It lay hidden behind the wall and depicts Middle Eastern men and women along with animals and trees. A large palm tree is etched in the center of the picture. The Biblical meaning of this tree did not escape the congregants. According to The Prophet's Dictionary, written by Paula Price, Ph.D., a palm tree is a symbol of victory and triumph over death. It also signifies resurrection and ascension. Palm branches were used in the celebrations of military triumphs in Biblical days. Jesus rode a colt into Jerusalem as the Son of David and King of kings and as a proclamation that He is the One who conquered sin and sickness. The people laid their cloaks at his feet and waved palm branches as He went by and praised God by declaring, "Hosanna! Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord..." (Mark 11:9)
 
Psalm 118:26 and 27 recounts a Passover celebration in Jerusalem. "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. From the house of the Lord, we bless you. The Lord is God, and He has made His light shine upon us. With boughs in hand, join in the festal procession." Revelation 7:9 and 10 refers to the saints of the Lord at His throne celebrating their victory over the devil. "After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people, and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in loud voices: 'Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.'" 
 
The revelation of the mural on the Temple wall has been a great encouragement for the community of the Jewish faith in Pasadena. One member believes that this mural is teaching them a lesson that they can overcome hardship. Another called the discovery "a miracle." Still others think that the picture portrays Israel's 40-year wandering in the desert and believe that the time of their discovery is "profound." Like the Israelites, the Jews from Pasadena Temple have been displaced and are wandering until they can find a new home. Their leader, Rabbi Joshua Levine Grater says, "We're a people of history. We know in Jerusalem and the land of Israel that you find murals on top of murals and stones on top of stones. The fact that this was a hidden mural...is a very Jewish idea."
 
Those of us who belong to The Church need to be praying for the Jews in this season. God has a home for them in heaven with Him, but they have not yet discovered the way to find it. Will you join me in praying for the salvation of the Jewish community? Let us pray that their blind eyes would be opened to the truth that their Messiah, Yeshua, is waiting to introduce them to Father God in heaven.

​For a moment, let us try to imagine what God gave up when He came into our world. Let us ponder the most magnificent, glorious, majestic setting we can envision. Let us remember the three words that describe our Lord: Omnipotent, Omniscient, Omnipresent. Now, let us turn our minds to the environment that Jesus first experienced when He came to earth as an embryo planted in the damp, dark womb of a teenage girl named Mary. He was bounced around on a donkey on a trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem where it was ordained that He would be born. The Word would become flesh. He who authored the story entered the story. That is what we celebrate at Christmas time.
 
What was to greet Jesus after he came down the birth canal? He was greeted by a stable filled with animals, a bed of a stone, animal feeding trough filled with hay, first-time parents who did not know how to raise a child, let alone the Son of God, and a jealous king who tried to kill Him. But these humble circumstances were ordained. Jesus would spend thirty years with His parents and siblings, working with Joseph in a carpenter's shop and then three years ministering to humanity.
 
Jesus came to earth to experience life as a human. He came to mentor twelve disciples who would continue His ministry after His death. He came to "preach the good news, bind up the brokenhearted, proclaim freedom for the captives, and release of the prisoner in darkness." He came "to comfort those who mourn and provide for those who grieve in Zion." He would "bestow on them a crown of beauty for ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair." (Isaiah 61:1-3) Here is how Philippians 2:6 and 7 describes what Jesus did:  "Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped but made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness."
 
In agreeing to give up His kingship and crown, every jewel in that headpiece would be removed. But the largest jewel of all was not removed until the end of His life. That jewel represents His life and the sacrifice He made as described in Isaiah 53. "...He was despised, and we esteemed Him not. Surely, He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered Him stricken by God, smitten by Him, and afflicted. But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed."  (Isaiah 53:3-5) Isaiah goes on to explain that it was Father God's will to crush Jesus so that His life would be a guilt offering for all of us. (Verse 10)
 
On the night that Jesus was born, the angel of the Lord proclaimed the bottom line to the shepherds. It was the real reasons Jesus came to earth. "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:10-12) The Lord gave up everything for love! That love required a sacrifice for our sins. In return for our belief in what Jesus did, we get to spend an eternity with Him. This is what He wanted.
 
In the traditional French carol, "Angels We Have Heard on High," verse two asks questions of the shepherds:  "Shepherds why this jubilee? Why your joyous strains prolong? What the gladsome tidings be which inspire your heavenly song?" I think we can see that these lowly shepherds got a glimpse of heaven and heaven's desire to save them and all of humanity. During this season of celebrating the Lord's gift, should we not rejoice with all of heaven over the magnanimous gift of our Savior?

​An unusual synchronization of our month of December with the ninth month on the Hebrew calendar (Kislev) happens this year. Kislev began at sunset on December 1 and runs until December 30. We should also note that both Christmas and the beginning of Chanukah occur on December 25. The messages of both holidays are the same:  Light overcomes darkness and good overcomes evil. It is fitting that people from both the Jewish and Christian faiths will be celebrating together this year.
 
Though we are in the season of increasing darkness, by the time Christmas and Chanukah roll around that cycle will be slowly changing. The winter solstice, which marks the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, occurs on December 21. After this date, the days will slowly get longer, and the nights will get shorter. Also, let us remember that we are celebrating the entrance of Jesus Christ or Yeshua into the world. In John 8:12 He is called "The Light of the World." In the meantime, the Jews are lighting the candles on the Menorah for eight nights and recalling how the Maccabees overtook the evil armies of Antiochus in 164 B.C. after three years of battle.
 
I think the nightly candle lighting of the Menorah is representative of the ever-increasing amount of light that is shed upon the earth. It is significant that the number eight represents new beginnings. The eight candles are lit by the ninth candle, positioned in the middle of the Menorah and named the "Shammas" or "Servant" candle. We can see how God paints a picture through the lighting of the eight candles. Yeshua, Jesus, came to earth as a servant to provide light in the darkness. What a prophetic picture!
 
When Jesus was born the Roman empire had placed King Herod in charge of the region around Jerusalem. Being one who despised those he was to oversee and who was jealous of anyone who might challenge his position, he put in place an evil plot to kill Jesus the Messiah and Light of the World. He had learned from the magi who came to worship the "King of the Jews" about the prophecy that was written in Micah 5:2, 4. "But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel." (Also written in Matthew 2:6) Herod was so disturbed by this prophecy that he ordered all the baby boys in the Bethlehem area to be killed.
 
The star that God placed in the sky at the birth of Jesus shed a path of light to the place where He was born. After worshiping Jesus and leaving gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, the magi returned to their homeland by a different route from the one they came by. God had warned them in a dream not to return to Herod. Later, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and warned him of Herod's plans. He was told to flee to Egypt with his family where they would be safe. This is where they would stay until God called His Son out of Egypt, fulfilling the prophecy of Hosea 11:1.
 
God will not be outsmarted or outdone! No matter what kind of darkness tries to overcome the light or evil that tries to prevail over goodness, the Lord is a step ahead and has plans that He will bring to fruition. We would do well to remember these stories in the difficult season we presently live in.

​George Mueller, Christian evangelist, and director of the Ashley Down Orphanage in Bristol, England experienced tests of faith on multiple occasions, many through caring for over 10,000 orphans in his lifetime. That is why his conclusions on how faith grows are ones we should respect. He said, "The only way to learn a strong faith is to endure great trials. We learn faith by standing firm amid the most severe of tests." "Faith does not operate in the realm of possible. There is no glory for God in that which is humanly possible. Faith begins where man's power ends." "Trials, difficulties, and obstacles are the food of faith. God delights in increasing the faith of His children."
 
Looking at these statements, I cannot help but wonder if we are in a time where God is expanding our faith. The recent losses and challenges that are before us tend to shake our faith. The catastrophic events of the past year, including fires, floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, terrorist attacks, severe illnesses, economic downturns, and financial challenges, have landed in our backyard bringing great loss and resulting in emotional shock and trauma. It is during these times that we find it easy to question the truth upon which our lives have been built. Trust in God and His Word is where we must take a stand, especially during trials.
 
King David, the King of Israel that was hand-picked by God, had multiple opportunities to express his trust in God, and his psalms are ripe with the fruit of it. He made a choice to trust in God and His plans for his welfare. Here are a few of my favorites: Psalm 16:8 - "I have set the Lord always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken." Psalm 62:1, 2, 8 - "My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress; I will not be shaken...Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to Him for God is our refuge." Psalm 125:1, 2 - "Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds His people both now and forevermore."
 
It is our focus and our confession that will help to build our faith. We must focus on the Father heart of God when circumstances shake our foundation. He is a dad of compassion and love that promises to redeem whatever shakes our faith. As we stand on the Word of God, we must confess it. Hearing the truth from our own lips will strengthen our foundation. Before Jesus returned to heaven He reminded His disciples of this truth:  "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33) And let us remember 1 John 5:5. "Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God."
 
When George Mueller had a need, he and those who helped him at the orphanage kept it a secret. They agreed that they would only share their needs with God in prayer. There were times when George did not know how he would feed the orphans. But provision always came, albeit frequently at the eleventh hour. Imagine what this practice did for his faith! Pastor John Maxwell said, "There are a lot of things in life that our difficult to understand. Faith allows the soul to go beyond what eyes can see."
 
Let us cling to the words of Peter in his first book. "...You may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith--of greater worth than gold, which perishes even through refined by fire--may result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed." (1 Peter 1:6, 7) It is through our faith that we reveal Jesus to others, and isn't this what we are called to do?

Recently I finished reading South Carolina Senator Tim Scott's book, America, A Redemption Story. In a chapter titled, "Grit and Innovation" he describes several "average Americans” throughout history who refused to accept the world as it was as they pioneered their way through seemingly impossible circumstances." (Page 54) Throughout his book, Tim Scott encourages us to step out to be creative because our country is "brimming with opportunity."
 
One of the people Senator Scott highlights is John Wanamaker, who established a department store at the corner of Sixth and Market Street in Philadelphia. Originally, he called his store "Oak Hall" as Oak was the national tree of the United States. This tree is a symbol of strength and is "often associated with honor, nobility, and wisdom." (Page 49) Hall implied greatness and grandeur. In addition, the location of the store was adjacent to George Washington's presidential home. Wanamaker wanted his patrons to be aware of the history of our country. I admit that I took particular interest in this portion of Scott's book because my parents used to take our family to this store all throughout my childhood.
 
John Wanamaker's concept for his store was like none other before it. As a devout Christian, he believed that "if everyone was equal before God, prices should be equal too." (Page 50) Up until the opening of John's store, haggling and bargaining were a part of the shopping experience. By putting a price tag on the items for purchase, every shopper was treated fairly. His motto was, "One price and goods returnable." The sales industry was transformed by the John Wanamaker method of doing business.
 
May I suggest that Father God is our spiritual John Wanamaker. He sent His Son, Jesus, to pay the price for our salvation. As God’s children, we are separated from Him through our sin. His great love and compassion for us brought about the plan for His Son to become the atonement for our sins. As it says in Romans 3:23, "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." To rectify this situation and satisfy the justice of God, all of us must be led to repentance. God's kindness is intended to lead us to repentance, it says in Romans 2:4. Jesus Christ shed His blood and died for us on a cross. His death was for every person on the face of the earth, no matter what sins were committed. But we must complete the transaction by accepting, through faith, what Jesus did and believing that He was raised from the dead and ascended to heaven.
 
Romans 3:30 reminds us that there is only one God who justifies both the Jew (circumcised) and Gentile (uncircumcised). All are justified by faith in Jesus Christ. It is said of Abraham, the father of all who believe, that his "faith was credited to him as righteousness." (Romans 4:9) Verse 13 expands on the details: "It was not through the law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes through faith." Jesus paid the price once and for all time. "He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification." (Romans 4:25)
 
Just like John Wanamaker, Father God has one price for all for salvation. His name is Jesus! Not only was He the “price tag,” but He is the one who paid the price for us. This is the bargain of a lifetime! How can we show our gratitude?

​Something new came to our attention as we vacationed on Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire this year. It is common for some of the homeowners to anchor a swim platform a few hundred feet from their docks. It gives swimmers a destination and a place to rest or catch some sun. The problem is that the Lake ducks also use the platforms. We frequently saw several ducks preening and sunning themselves on these structures. 
 
This year we saw artificial, but very real looking owls and coyotes on the platforms to scare away the ducks. We all had a good laugh when we saw two ducks resting on either side of a coyote. Daily, these ducks took up their restful positions with the fake animal. They seemingly know that this predator has a bark much worse than its bite. As they bravely fly aboard the platform and lay down next to the nasty-looking deterrent, they seem to have no concerns.
 
Does this remind you of the defeated enemy we call Satan? "...He prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." But Peter tells us to "Resist him and stand firm in the faith." (1 Peter 5:8, 9) In addition, James 4:7 says, "Resist the devil, and he will flee." Those of us who know our power and authority in Christ will not succumb to the devil's attempts to take us down. We know the one who defeated him completely at the Cross. There is no need to be concerned about his attempt to place fear in us. In fact, like the ducks at Lake Winnipesaukee, we can lay down next to him and rest.
 
That being said, let us remember that we can give the demonic realm permission to attack us when we behave or speak in agreement with what they say. There are times when we unwittingly make a vow or judgment, or hold someone in unforgiveness, or take on self-righteousness or a haughty spirit that opens us up to a battle with the demonic. These behaviors that send a message that agrees with the kingdom of darkness can be easily rendered null and void by rebuking any offense, declaring our repentance, and asking the Holy Spirit to fill us where sins have been emptied out.
 
Whenever we experience the attack of the enemy let us remember the ducks sleeping at the feet of the ineffective coyote. We are destined to be overcomers. We should have no fear. Our confidence is in the Lord who made us with power and authority to take charge of the environment around us. Our inheritance from the Lord includes victory over our enemies.

​Psalm 33 comes to mind as I contemplate the events of last weekend. "Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the people of the world revere Him. For He spoke, and it came to be; He commanded, and it stood firm. The Lord foils the plans of the nations; He thwarts the purposes of the people. But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of His heart through all generations. Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He chose for His inheritance. From heaven the Lord looks down and sees all mankind; from His dwelling place He watches all who live on earth--He who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do. No king is saved by the size of his army, no warrior escapes by his great strength. A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength it cannot save. But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear Him, on those whose hope is in HIs unfailing love, to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine." (Psalm 33:8-19)
 
Prime Minister Netanyahu said it well..."The shooting of Trump is an attack on America and an attack on democracy." Our country got a wakeup call on Saturday, July 13, when a 20-year old man climbed up on a roof and shot Donald Trump as he was making a speech in Butler, PA. Details as to who he is and why he would do this are slim, but his actions have awakened the people of America. My hope is that everyone will contemplate their frailty and open their hearts to the Eternal God who holds our lives in HIs hands.
 
Job said, "He thwarts the plans of the crafty, so that their hands achieve no success." (Job 5:12) After spending time in considerable suffering and complaining to his friends, Job acknowledged that he had been talking over his understanding. Also, after meeting the Sovereign God and realizing that God was with him through it all, his testimony was, "I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted." (Job 42:2) Several verses in Proverbs agree with Job's testimony. "In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps." (Proverbs 16:9) "There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord." (Proverbs 21:30)
 
None of us can presume on tomorrow or even the next minute as the attempt on Donald Trump's life so visibly shows us. James 4:14 warns, "But you don't have a clue what tomorrow may bring, for fleeting life is but a warm breath of air that is visible in the cold only for a moment and then vanishes!" (TPT) The writer of Ecclesiastes tells us that God makes everything fit together in its timing. He says, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven." (Ecclesiastes 3:1) Chapter 8, Verse 6 says, "For there is a proper time and procedure for every matter."
 
The life of Donald Trump has been spared by our Sovereign God. Dutch Sheets articulates the perspective of many: "If Trump ever questioned God's hand and destiny on him, he should now be fully assured of it." President Trump himself recognizes the protection of God and the mandate that he must move forward. He wrote a social media post that says, "Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers yesterday, as it was God alone who prevented the unthinkable from happening. We will Fear Not, but instead remain resilient in our Faith and Defiant in the face of Wickedness...In this moment, it is more important than ever that we stand United, and show our True Character as Americans, remaining Strong and Determined, and not allowing Evil to Win. I truly love our country, and love you all, and look forward to speaking to our Great Nation this week from Wisconsin."
 
What should our response be in light of the events of July 13? May I suggest that we live every day as if it were our last. The Psalmist reminds us that our days are numbered. (Psalm 90:12) We must use every opportunity to love and encourage those around us and to nurture our relationship with the Lord. Let us also pray for protection over, wisdom to infuse, and fear of the Lord to overtake those who are running for office and who have a call on their lives to lead America into the future. Another quote from Donald Trump should be kept in mind. "None of us knows God's plan, or where life's adventure will take us. But if the events of last Saturday make anything clear, it is that every single moment we have on Earth is a gift from God.”

​Friends of ours who are missionaries in Kenya had to be particular about the way they built the foundation of their home. It sits on the Rift Valley on land where the earth's tectonic plates move apart or rift. The rift is approximately 5,950 km long and runs through eastern Africa up to the Red Sea and into Western Asia. The tectonic plates are constantly in motion, shifting against each other in the fault zones. Since the foundation is the lowest part of a building, it interacts with the soil and transmits the load of the structure to the soil below. Homes built in the Rift Valley need a deep foundation that is reinforced with extra rebar. Some have expansion joints (springs that function as shock absorbers). 
 
The Bible records the words of Jesus about wise and foolish builders in Luke 6. He was talking to the crowds of people, sharing with them about how to live godly lives. He told them, "Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like: He is like a man building a house who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against the house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock. (Jesus) But he who heard and did nothing is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation, against which the stream beat vehemently, and immediately it fell. And the ruin of that house was great." (Verses 47-49- NKJV)
 
As Christians we must also establish a sturdy foundation to endure the shakings of our age, the attacks from the demonic realm, and the trials that come our way. We started building our foundations when we professed faith in the Lord Jesus. We must be continually adding to our faith through standing firm in our belief that God who "calls us is faithful, and He will to it." (1 Thessalonians 5:24)
 
Isaiah 28:16 and 17 have words of encouragement for us. If we embrace these verses they will help to build our faith foundations. "See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who trusts will never be dismayed. I will make justice the measuring line and righteousness the plumb line. This verse introduces the word “trust." It is our faith in the Lord that helps us to trust in Him.
 
Isaiah 33:6 ushers in another aspect of foundation building. "He will be the 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." The fear of the Lord means we are in awe of Him and that we have a deep reverence and respect for Him. There are many benefits to having the fear of the Lord. Here are a few:  "But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear Him, on those whose hope is in His unfailing love." (Psalm 33:18) "The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and He delivers them." (Psalm 34:7) "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom..."  (Psalm 111:10) "Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in obedience to Him." (Psalm 128:1) "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge..." (Proverbs 1:7) "The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death." (Proverbs 14:27) "The fear of the Lord leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble." (Proverbs 19:23)
 
To add strength to our foundations we must be in The Word daily, infusing ourselves with His truth. I believe that as we walk out His Word, the quakes and shakings will not make an impact on our foundations, and we will be able to stand through trials and temptations. It would be faith-building for us to meditate on 1 Peter 1:3-7 this week. "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy He has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade—kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed." Let this truth be a shield and fortification for our faith foundations.