Faithful Writers

Framed artwork photographed by Author in a Luxembourg Castle I heard this quote from one of The Minimalists on their podcast this morning during “pithy comments” shared at the end of episode 509 “The Fix.” To be honest, I don’t recall all the brilliant wisdom he shared after that quote, as my mind began to drift to the mindset matters business I share with others in one form or another from IG reels to professional counseling sessions to evening debriefing with my spouse each day. The ways in which we choose to “frame” events/pictures/perspectives in our mind, empowers us to shift from feelings of self-pity or even depression to attitudes of gratitude and thanksgiving with practice and purposeful intentionality. Honestly, I am learning so much from this podcast on minimalism. I wish I could take notes as I listen to them speak, but because I listen during my work commute, and already struggle enough with leaving my phone down while I’m driving, I feel compelled to remember my favorite golden nuggets of wisdom to the best of my ability. Yes, I could visit their website to read the essays they share, but I’m afraid I would want to quote all of it instead of simply focusing on one or two sentences that really stand out for application purposes in my own life. Recently one of the hosts shared an essay on “Regrets.” It was so well written and deeply profound, filled with lines like this one: I regret every time my actions did not align with my values. At the end he tied it all up neatly with a beautiful releasing bow stating that he will now let all of these regrets go… Before reading the essay on regrets they also shared this thought: To worry is to pray for something bad to happen. Wow. What a powerful concept, right? It immediately made me think of Matthew 6 where Jesus teaches us what to do about worrying in verse 34: Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. In the forth chapter of the book of Philippians, the apostle Paul also reminds us not to be anxious (or worry) about anything: Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (v. 6–7) Therefore, if I choose to frame my picture within the context of knowing worrying is praying for something bad to happen, I GET TO intentionally replace worry or anxiety with hope, healing, and joy! That sounds much more like praying for something good to happen. Wouldn’t you agree? The purpose for sharing this precious girl and her dog portrait in this love letter to you is this: But ask the animals, and they will teach you,or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you;or speak to the earth, and it will teach you,or let the fish in the sea inform you.Which of all these does not knowthat the hand of the Lord has done this?In his hand is the life of every creatureand the breath of all mankind. (Job 12:7–10 NIV) It may very well happen that I will think of 2–5 more ideas I will later wish I had included here before publishing this essay; but I have learned overtime that it is better for me to write and post consistently with the objective of progress over perfection, rather than wait for my work to be complete. My written work is a reflection of me, and I am clearly a work in progress to be sure. But guess what?!? I am CONFIDENT in this promise: … being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:6 NIV) Until next time, happy reading, writing, coffee (or other beverage of your choosing) delighting, and Sweet Dreams … P.S. If part of reframing your picture includes taking a break from social media to hit the reset button to clear your mind from the numbing effects of “doom scrolling”, you may be interested in checking out this video series on The 40-Day Social Media Fast shared with you by yours truly, © Grateful Gwen .

To many see it as “just a death,” not realizing the gravity of the situation He faced for us. I am preparing to lead communion on Thursday for my Bible study group. I always feel this pull in my heart when it is time, and with that pull, there is always a specific topic that is weighing on my heart that I want to share before communion. I decided to share what I have prepared to say for communion. Trust me when I say, yes, I know I don’t do it “traditionally,” but then again, I’m definitely NOT your “traditional” person either, and this is written with the vocal inflection I talk with. Here it is: “The leather thongs and sheep bones cut into Jesus’ skin and tissues, into his underlying skeletal muscles, and produced quivering ribbons of bleeding flesh. Among the Jews, it was customary to limit the strokes of the lash to thirty-nine for fear of infringing by mistake upon the letter of the law fixing the maximum at forty, 114 Such caution was unknown to the Roman law which prescribed no maximum number of strokes. 115 The whip was made up of thongs of hardened leather studded with small pieces of bone and lead, sometimes with sharp points called “scorpions.” The sufferer was bound by the hands to a low column and was kept from moving out of the bending position so that all the strokes might reach their mark. At first, the skin became livid and bloody and soon it was torn to shreds, with the flesh coming off in strips. We read in the passion stories of certain martyrs that the bloody anatomy of a body was exposed to the horror stricken gaze of the onlookers, and it was not infrequent that the condemned man succumbed during the torture. 116 Josephus records that he himself had some of his opponents scourged until their entrails were visible. 117 The soldiers tore off the robe of Jesus which reopened the scourging wounds. 118" (1) My Part: Jesus sat that night, celebrating the Passover with His disciples. He sat with them, knowing Judas would betray Him just a few hours later. Why, you might ask. Why sit with the man who would betray Him? The answer is simple: because we are all, despite our sins, loved and invited to His table. It is up to us whether we accept the invitation or not. Jesus knew what He was about to go through, and it should be remembered this was not as a mere act of simple martyrdom. To many see it as “just a death,” not realizing the gravity of the situation He faced for us. He was carrying the weight of every single sin for all mankind, past, present, and future, with Him to the cross, He was feeling the darkness and pain of every single sin ever committed. He did this so we could live again. “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” 1 Peter 2:24 You see, it wasn’t just His body that was crucified that day; it was also His heart, mind, and soul that were beaten, bloodied, and shredded. Jesus gave us a loving remembrance that night, despite who sat next to Him and despite what was coming for Him. We are to remember what He did for us, and that was to free us from sin and death so that one day we would be sitting with Him, in a new kingdom, raising a toast to God. Let us never forget the hell He went through for us. Now, I will be reading from Mark 14:22–25 before we take communion. When we do each, I will remain silent for a moment so you can have time with God. Bread- While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take it; this is my body. Juice- Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and they all drank from it. “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many,” he said to them. “Truly I tell you, I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.” Now, let us go out in this world, shine brightly for God, and remember Jesus’s sacrifice, which is the truest gift of love anyone could receive. Sources: (1) The Trial of Christ; page 297 by Dee Wampler Bible Gateway: NIV © Jane Isley

ChatGPT This is more of a teaching blog than an entertaining one. It may not be an easy read because there is more here than a normal, well-adjusted person would generally want to know. But the time will be well spent. The detail that makes me a boring person brings the Bible alive for me. If, however, you happen to like what you read, there’s more to be found here . Someone has the daughters in his sights The quip, “Satan’s best trick is convincing us that he doesn’t exist,” is true, regardless of who coined it (and many claim they have). The entire redemption story begins in Genesis 3:15, where Yehovah Elohim declares war on Satan, and the Plan begins: " And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel.” From there is the Crimson Thread is played out through the Scriptures until The Revelation. In Genesis 3:15 the promise is made about the “Seed of the Woman.” In Matthew 1 and Luke 3, the promise is kept with the “Woman of the Seed,” as shown in Figure 1. Prophecy It is written in Amos 3:7 || “ Surely the Lord God does nothing, Unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets”. Further , the equal Greatest Commandments are defined by, “ On these two Commands hang all the Torah and the Prophets. ” The Bible has many facets. One of them is that it is a legal document where the Lord lays out the Promise of His Redemption Plan so that all Creation can see it and confidently expect it to come to pass. If you are interested, this topic is expanded further in the posts: PROPHECY 101 Introduction to Bible Inerrancy INSPIRED? INERRANT? INFALLIBLE? Absolutely! From the very beginning. INSPIRED? INERRANT? INFALLIBLE? (Appendix) Israel is back in the Land — Déjà vu all over again Unfortunately, Prophecy is not a popular subject in the distinct majority of the NT Church. There are a number of Milestones laid out by the Lord, most regarding Israel, God’s Record keeper. Anyone who knows the narrative can remember a multitude of times that Satan almost snuffed out the Bloodline of the Messiah, only to be thwarted by some deftly executed intervention. The Resurrection being the Trump Card. Satan is far from stupid. He is aware of the Prophecies and devises plans to foil the Lord all through the Scriptures. But God is God and is always a number of steps ahead. Satan was defeated at the Cross. Why does he keep on trying? It’s in the book! T wo things must happen before Hamashiach Nagib, Christ the King, returns. 1. The prerequisite number of Gentiles be drawn into the Kingdom. Romans 11:25 || For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. Obviously, this requires human birth. This is why there is an attack on God’s design of family, and on today’s Youth. 2. Israel, repent and call upon the Lord to return. Hosea 3:4–5 || For the children of Israel shall abide many days without king or prince, without sacrifice or sacred pillar, without ephod or teraphim. Afterwards the children of Israel shall return and seek the Lord their God and David their king. They shall fear the Lord and His goodness in the latter days. Again, obviously, that requires Israel to be in the Land and alive. No matter how many people he slaughtered, Satan could not prevent the Birth of the Messiah. But if he changes his strategy and prevents the mortal children necessary for these Prophecies to come to pass, in his mind, he may be in with a chance to thwart God’s Plan. Where do children come from? (Duhr!) It is not God who hates girls. It is Satan. The enmity prophesied in Genesis 3:15 is now coming to pass at breakneck speed. Satan knows his days are numbered because, despite appearances to the contrary, the Kingdom is on the move. The Lord is stirring. But the Bible is so much against women Before deciding that the Father regards women as second - rate people, it is worthwhile delving into L-A-W rather than the rumours which have become the L-O-R-E entrenched in today’s (and yesterday’s) church. If you go through the Bible, women figure in a number of places, but only two will be specifically dealt with here. It is better that you find the others yourselves. The church is in desperate need of self-feeders. What value does God give to women? In Leviticus (that long, long, boring book), the Regulations for Purification After Childbirth are written in Chapter 12. Superficially, they seem misogynistic. The key verses, however, are 6–8 where the Offerings to the Lord for both the girl child and the boy child are IDENTICAL . The unspoken words heard here are that GOD GIVES EQUAL VALUE TO BOTH SEXES . Armed with this insight, it is hoped you will look at the verses immediately prior in Chapter 12 through different eyes. Strange that God should choose the Jews. This begins a widely known saying from days of yore. It seems to make sense , but it goes on. Even stranger those who reject His choice. I don’t know why He chose them. You can argue with Him when your turn comes to have a chat with Him. But He did choose them, and it is obvious in the OT that they were misogynists. It is too long a topic, but sons were a big deal to them. It is still the same today in some parts of the World. Imagine a guy to whom is born a son. He’s satisfied — at least for now. He can give his wife a rest. But a daughter? He’d better start to know his wife (Biblically speaking) asap. The period of uncleanliness after childbirth was to protect the mother. She might not be strong enough to keep a randy hubby away, but if God declares something unclean — say no more. The double length of time for a daughter keeps him away longer in order to allow more recovery. The rate of violence against women is increasing worldwide Who do you see as the culprit? Israel is back in the land. The (big ‘C’) Church is growing. It is reported that the most fertile places are Iran (the Mad Mullahs can’t stop the Holy Spirit on the move) and China. The Taliban is overreacting, even for Mad Mullahs. Perhaps the Holy Spirit is on the move in Afghanistan, and Satan is panicking?? The fullness of the Gentiles is coming to pass. Satan is running out of time. What can he do? Cut off the supply of Gentiles. How? Attack the producers — the women. His weapons of choice are Men, but not all men, and Women, some women. Mean Girls is not a myth. Neither is Mongrel Men. How easy is it for him? Unfortunately, very easy. In a God Fearing culture, there would be no need for a #MeToo Movement. “God says no” would be an effective protection for the slightest woman against any big bruiser. But who is the god of this world? Who is the one that those who complain loudest against this unjust, intolerable situation listen to? The answer to the problem is in knowing the Name of God, not extra money spent on lessons in ethics. The fault does not lie with the politicians. The burden is directly on the shoulders of the church to step up. We are told exactly what to do in 2 Chronicles 7:14. God has given the pattern. He will keep His Word. Here is just one other example of many that show that God has no favourite sex. Resurrection Morning: it is written in Matthew 28:9 || And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, “Rejoice!” So they came and held Him by the feet and worshipped Him. This was the first Worship Service of the Church. Women were chosen to be the first to see AND first to worship. What to do now? Keeping this information in mind, go through the books of the Book with a new set of eyes and see if you detect the Pattern that every apparently anti-woman law is a protection for women in a misogynistic culture that Satan has distorted. It is hoped that you will hear the unspoken words. If not, so be it. It would be surprising if there were not a torrent of, “Aw yeah, but . . .” comments but they will get no response. Rather than a knee-jerk reflex, wait and see what you see as you read the Scriptures now that you have this information. Don’t judge a Doctrine by its abuse. The foregoing evidence has not been presented to convince any reader but to allow a personal decision to be made. There is much more to know about this subject. Perhaps you’ll pay another visit sometime. All Glory to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. (We all have a plank in our eye. It’s bigger than we think.) © ネ Brad Banardict First published in The Dove on Medium. Revised and edited by Jane Isley. Part 2 is here !

Omni Modal AI If you grew up in church like I did, you probably heard John 14:6 quoted more times than you can count. You may even have it underlined in your Bible, circled, highlighted, maybe even on a coffee mug. It’s the most well-know and quoted verse from the Bible “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” If you were raised in Evangelical circles, (as I was) that verse likely became the backbone of the salvation message: “If you don’t believe in Jesus exactly like we do, you don’t get to go to Heaven.” Note: I’m not writing this article because I backslid (as they say) or left Christ behind. Not at all. He is my Savior on many levels. But, I discovered getting the most from Scripture is to learn its context, or else you may miss the actual point. John 14:6 is treated like a line in the sand. You’re in or you’re out. Jesus said so. End of discussion. But here’s the thing: that’s not what Jesus was saying. Not even close. And if we stopped yanking this verse out of the middle of a very intimate, emotional conversation — if we actually slowed down and listened to what was really happening — we might hear something much more human. Much more hopeful. And far more powerful than a doctrinal threat. The Upper Room, Not a Podium Let’s set the scene. John 14 doesn’t take place in a stadium or temple or courtroom. This is the night before Jesus is arrested. The room is dim, the air is heavy, and His friends are scared. Jesus has just told them He’s leaving — and they can’t come. They’re confused. Anxious. Trying to make sense of what’s coming next. Thomas even says what they’re all thinking: “Lord, we don’t know where you’re going. So how can we know the way?” That’s the question Jesus is answering when He says, “I am the way.” This wasn’t a theology class. This wasn’t Jesus laying out a step-by-step conversion plan. It was a moment of comfort, not correction. “I Am” — Not Just What, But Who In John’s Gospel, Jesus uses the phrase “I am” repeatedly. And it’s never casual. Every time He says it, He’s pulling from something ancient and sacred — echoing God’s name given to Moses: “I AM.” But when Jesus says, “I am the way,” He’s not handing out a password to Heaven. He’s saying: You don’t need to know the roadmap. Knowing Me is enough. The disciples were looking for directions. Jesus gave them Himself. Totally Ignoring the Context Now, I get why they grabbed hold of this verse. It sounds exclusive. It sounds like Jesus is drawing lines. And that’s what we did. We drew lines in the sand. We basically were saying (and say today), “If you interpret Jesus’ words like I do, you’re in (because we’re the real Christians). If you don’t, then you’re out (because you’re a God rejecting heathen). Here’s the problem: that interpretation totally ignores the context . This wasn’t Jesus preaching to the masses or debating a Pharisee. He wasn’t holding an altar call. It was a heart-to-heart. A pastoral moment. And we’ve twisted it into a doctrinal checklist. No One Comes to the Father Except Through Me…? Let’s talk about the second half of the verse. That’s the part that gets wielded like a sword. “No one comes to the Father except through me.” My church read that as a narrow gate. But what if Jesus wasn’t narrowing access? What if He was revealing access? Think about it — Jesus is telling His friends, You don’t need to go through a temple. You don’t need a priest. You don’t need a sacrifice. You already know the Father because you know Me. You see, the common teaching of the day was Torah obedience. It was know and the way and the truth. Jesus was saying, “Nope. I’m the way.” What the Disciples Heard Try to hear this like a disciple in that room. The one who just left everything to follow this strange Rabbi. The one who’s suddenly being told He’s going away. You’re scared. You’re confused. You’re not sure what comes next. And Jesus leans in and says: “I’m not giving you a five-step plan. I’m not telling you to memorize the Torah better. I’m telling you — stick with Me. You’ve already seen the Father. You’re already on the way.” That’s not a warning. That’s comfort. When Doctrine Becomes a Detour We’ve taken this gentle, intimate moment and turned it into a gatekeeping slogan. “Believe this or else.” But what if John 14:6 isn’t about belief versus unbelief? What if it’s about presence ? Jesus didn’t say, “Believe in the way.” He said, “I am the way.” He wasn’t inviting people to a belief system. He was inviting them to trust a person. Him. As Peter Enns puts it, “Faith isn’t about certainty. It’s about trust in the midst of uncertainty.” Beyond the Verse Here’s what we miss when we reduce this to doctrine: the very next verses in the chapter are just as rich. Jesus says, “If you’ve seen me, you’ve seen the Father.” He says, “I will not leave you as orphans.” He promises the Spirit. He promises peace. He keeps pointing back to relationship. Not once does He say, “Make sure to sign the correct doctrinal statement.” He simply says, “Abide in Me.” So What Now? Maybe it’s time we stop using John 14:6 as a battering ram. Maybe it’s not a test of orthodoxy but an invitation into intimacy. When we yank it from its context and frame it like a courtroom declaration, we miss the whisper behind the words: “You’re scared? I’m the way forward.” “You’re confused? I am the truth you’re looking for.” “ You feel dead inside? I am life itself.” Not someday. Not in heaven. Right now. A Better Way to Read It Let’s stop reading this verse like lawyers. Let’s read it like friends sitting at that table with Jesus. Let’s hear it like scared people who aren’t looking for a loophole or a threat, but for hope. Because that’s what it was. And it still is. Takeaway We’ve been taught to read John 14:6 as a line in the sand. But Jesus meant it as a bridge. Not a formula. Not a threat. But an invitation. He’s not saying, “Get your theology right or you’re out.” Let’s stop misquoting Jesus to scare people into heaven. Let’s start listening to Him the way His friends did that night — scared, honest, and leaning in close. Because maybe the truth isn’t a proposition or transaction at all.Maybe it’s the Person who sits with us in the dark and says, “There’s no need to fear. I’ll be with you always. © Gary L Ellis

This isn’t a divine game of hide and seek. We’ve all said it. “I just want to know God’s will.” I sure have, but it was based on a misunderstanding. It’s not a matter of following God’s purposes aren’t important. They are. But here’s the truth that finally settled into me after years of wrestling: God’s will isn’t lost. It’s also not hiding. What if it’s not a tightrope? I used to think one wrong move and I’d fall off “God’s path.” Take the wrong job, marry the wrong person, move to the wrong town — and boom — off the rails. But show me where Jesus said that. I’m waiting. When the Psalmist wrote, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord,” he didn’t say that they’re hard to find, specific steps.” There’s wiggle room. There’s grace. There’s space to learn as you go. God doesn’t yank the rug out every time you hesitate. A friend of mine had dedicated her life to be a missionary. She believed that missions was God’s will for her life. Then she met a man. It turns out, he had no interest in the mission field. So, she never went and felt guilty for years. The thing is, she has gifts and talents that she’s using right here at home. They would have made her a great missionary. But, as it turns out, she has a very effective ministry here…without going to a specific location overseas. God’s will isn’t a puzzle You don’t need to crack some holy Da Vinci code. You’re not on a scavenger hunt through every life choice hoping to stumble across “the one” or miss “the one.” No. It’s not about that. It’s about walking with Him. Staying close. Trusting He’s not just in the destination but in the journey. Even the boring parts. Even the confusing parts. You can be smack in the middle of God’s will doing laundry or bagging groceries or driving your kids to school. He’s not looking for impressive. He’s looking for available. But what about Romans 12:2? “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good , and acceptable , and perfect , will of God.” In Greek (the original language), the words “good,” “pleasing,” and “perfect” are stacked adjectives — all describing one thing : the will of God. Romans 12:2 isn’t about finding one of three wills. It’s about transformation — having your mind renewed so that you’re not swept up in the values and noise of the world. Once that happens, you become the kind of person who discerns God’s will naturally. And when you do, you discover that His will really is: Good (it leads to flourishing) Acceptable (not just to God but often to you, too) Perfect (complete, lacking nothing) It was never about categories of God’s will as has often been taught. And, which has caused a lot of shame and guilt. Unfortunately, religious Christianity is very good at shame and guilt. Jesus never handed out a GPS Seriously. No maps. No spreadsheets. He just said, “Follow me.” That’s it. No instructions on how to land the dream job or whether to move to Nashville or Nebraska. Following Jesus doesn’t come with stage lighting. It comes with trust. One step. Then another. Then maybe a stumble. Make the best decision you can Look, you’ve got a brain. Use it. Pray. Talk to wise people. Listen. And when you’ve done all that? Make a choice. Don’t freeze waiting for some holy voice to boom from the clouds. God’s not sitting up there wagging His finger saying, “Don’t mess this up!” He’s a good Father. And good fathers don’t punish kids for trying. Maybe the will of God is…right where you are? There’s a good chance you’re already in it. Right now. In the job you’re unsure about. In the marriage that takes work. In the quiet Tuesday morning when nothing feels particularly holy. Maybe the point was never to “find” God’s will. Maybe the point was to live your life, making the best decisions you can as you follow and live out the attitude and actions of Jesus. © Gary L Ellis

Bing’s Copilot/Designer The other day, as I was listening to the Quick Start podcast of CBN, I heard about how an armed intruder was found in minister and evangelist Ray Comfort’s business warehouse. Ray’s wife and staff usually work in the building, but for some reason, no one was there at the time. Ray gave thanks and glory to God by saying that those who are committed to Him have their steps ordered by the Lord. Meaning that this was no coincidence that his wife and staff “chose” not to come to the warehouse this morning. Ray Comfort quoted Psalm 37:23 from the KJV translation: “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and He delighteth in his way.” In another translation, the GNT version, this becomes a bit clearer: “The Lord guides us in the way we should goand protects those who please Him.” As a believer, there are no coincidences. There may be incidents and events that are tragic, difficult, or shameful — but no matter what, God always works them for good. I know this to be true in my life. My first husband, Aaron, and I got married in our early twenties. Our marriage lasted only eighteen months. It was the second day of my college spring break. Aaron received a call from our Pastor who needed a ride to the hospital. Aaron asked me to ride with him, but I declined as I had to read and study for a class I was struggling in. Less than an hour later, he was dead — his car collided with a dumpster truck. I battled with guilt and anger for a very long time. Why, God? Why him and not me? Why did I not go with him? Would he have survived if I did? Questions. So many unanswered questions. Aaron was severely asthmatic. His biggest fear was suffocating to death. His death in the collision was instantaneous. My comfort is knowing he was a believer. Over twenty-nine years have passed since that fateful day. Two years ago, I had my own brush with death, and soon after, I recommitted my life to God. Until that point, I had no peace in my heart, only bitterness. Before my heart attack, I knew about God and the Bible. It wasn’t until my heart attack that I felt the overwhelming need to be close to Him. I don’t want to just know about Him. I want to know Him intimately . It took me most of my life to see this truth. God could have taken me on that day with Aaron, or He could have taken me two years ago. But He didn’t. Instead, today, I’m freed from resentment and anger and am relishing in getting to know my Lord and Savior more and more each day. I’m so grateful that God never gave up on me, even when I’d given up on Him. By © This Broken Clay

“The world doesn’t fall apart when you take a nap.”— Shauna Niequist There’s something both comforting and convicting about that line. Comforting, because who doesn’t like a good nap? I know I do. How about you? Here’s the unfortunate reality: most of us live like we secretly believe the world might unravel if we’re not holding it together. Sometimes it’s not about the world . It’s about whatever is stressing you. We call it being responsible. But often, it’s just fear in work clothes. The Fear of Letting Go Rest feels risky. But, to close our eyes, even for a few minutes, is to surrender control. We’re not producing, fixing, replying, or managing. We’re trusting the world to keep turning without your supervision. That’s faith disguised as a nap. Psalm 127:2 puts it bluntly: “In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat — for he grants sleep to those he loves.” It’s as if God is whispering, “I can run the universe while you rest.” We say we believe that, but our calendars tell another story. Our exhaustion has become a badge of honor. We brag about being busy the way monks once bragged about fasting. And yet, what if true faith looks less like striving and more like surrender? What if holiness sometimes looks like curling up under a blanket and trusting that you’re not holding the world together — God is? Rest as Resistance In a world that worships productivity, rest becomes an act of rebellion. When you take a nap, you’re not just closing your eyes — you’re defying a culture that says your worth is tied to your usefulness. Jesus Himself napped in a boat during a storm (Mark 4:38). Think about that: the disciples are panicking, the waves are crashing, and Jesus is snoozing. Not because He didn’t care — but because He wasn’t anxious. His peace was rooted in trust, not control. That’s the kind of rest that comes from knowing we’re safe in a story much bigger and more important than our to-do lists. The World Will Keep Spinning Here’s the hard truth: the world will keep spinning without you. Your job will function, your phone will survive unanswered notifications, and the sun will still rise even if you don’t. I’m not suggesting you pull the covers over your head and call it “spiritual growth.” There’s a big difference between avoiding your problems and resting in the middle of them. Avoidance numbs you — it’s escape disguised as peace. Rest, on the other hand, restores you — it’s surrender that makes you strong again. One runs from life; the other catches its breath so it can re-enter life with clearer eyes and a steadier heart. The nap isn’t the solution — it’s the pause that helps you remember you’re not the solution either. God’s grace doesn’t need us to keep everything running. He doesn’t hand us the steering wheel of creation; He invites us to sit beside Him, rest our heads, and enjoy the ride. Brennan Manning once wrote, “To live by grace means to acknowledge my whole life story, the light side and the dark. In admitting my fleshy side, I learn who I am and what God’s grace means.” Rest does that, too — it confronts our flesh. It exposes how addicted we are to being needed, to being productive, to being the hero. And when we finally stop, even for a nap, we make space for grace to find us in our humanness. Sabbath Isn’t Laziness Sometimes we mistake rest for laziness, but Sabbath was never about doing nothing — it was about stopping our efforts to remember who’s actually in charge. It’s a rhythm of release. When God rested on the seventh day, it wasn’t because He was tired. It was because He was satisfied. Creation was complete, and He called it good. We’re invited into that same rhythm: work, yes — but also the sacred pause that declares, “This is enough for today.” Taking a nap, then, becomes a miniature Sabbath. A way of saying, “I’m not God, and that’s okay.” The Invitation to Breathe If you’ve been running on fumes, maybe this is your permission slip to stop. You’re not weak for needing rest — you’re human. And being human is holy. Yes. You heard me right. Being human is holy. Being human means you and I were made after His image and likeness. Religion has it wrong. Jesus didn’t call us to burnout. He called us to come. “Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) Rest isn’t a luxury; it’s a commandment written in compassion. It’s God’s way of saying, “You don’t have to keep proving your worth. You already have it.” So take the nap. Let the dishes sit for a while. Let the text reply wait. The world won’t fall apart. In fact, you might find that when you wake up, it’s a little more beautiful than you remembered. The Point: Rest isn’t retreat — it’s renewal. Every nap, every pause, every moment you choose peace over productivity is a way of practicing trust. The world doesn’t fall apart when you take a nap. It quietly keeps spinning — held together not by your effort, but by His grace. Now, I encourage you let Lauren Daigle’s song, “Rest in Your Arms,” finish this devotional: © Gary L Ellis

Ben Berwers Remember getting up early, dressing to fit in, racing to your assigned seat on time, the rumors, the cliques, being ostracized, the teachers that scared the hell out of you, and the others who couldn’t care less about you? One would think I’m reminiscing about the “glory days” of high school. Unfortunately, I am not — I’m talking about church. Let me clarify quickly — When I say “church” I’m talking about the Christian church as seen and understood as a whole by society, not the Webster dictionary definition. There are exceptions within “the church” that do not do what I’m talking about, but in my experience, those churches are rare. If you find that rare church, hold onto it and nurture it diligently. The church has discredited itself so many times; it’s insane. Do you know what non-believers see and why so many are driven away? Insane salaries for pastors , million dollar buildings, way too many interpretations of the Bible , cliques, judgement (lots of that!), fire and brimstone lectures, told what to believe to “belong”, scandals, cover-ups, doctrine held in higher regard than the Bible, not allowed to ask questions, crazy church traditions to enter Heaven, false teachers galore, hatred, and forced tithing to the church. Hypocrisy at its finest. These actions are seen by non-believers across the world. This is why I choose to stand apart. Not just from the world but from “the church” as well. I’ll go to church if God leads me to and for the duration He wants me there. I have no issue with that; currently doing that right now. But I will never become a “member” of a church, as in going through the process to be officially recognized by their counsel. I am already a member of His church, and I won’t allow any man to step on my faith. There’s a lot of work that needs to be done, and it starts with us. The church now is not what Jesus wanted or commanded. He did not say go and take what I’ve said, build some buildings, and come to me once a week in your finest clothing. Too many in the church are stuck behind their precious little pews, pretending to do God’s work and following His instructions. It’s like the act of going to church is a prized accomplishment or something. Remember what Jesus did to the Scribes and Pharisees, the so-called “religious elites” of their day? He blasted them because they were hypocrites. Do you really want to be at the end of that conversation with God one day? Start anew in God. “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” Acts 3:19 It is ok and encouraged to ask questions. “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” 1 John 4:1 And go out in the world. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matt 28:19–20 The church is not some private club. It is a mission to bring as many to God’s table as possible. © Jane Isley First published in Never Stop Writing  on Medium. Thank you for taking the time to read, and please consider  supporting my work . Your gift helps keep this work going, blesses others, and means the world to me. You can visit me at Faithful Writers  on Medium, where other Christian writers have joined me in sharing the word of God. You can also find me on   Tumblr  and   Facebook.

Here’s the uncomfortable truth: a lot of what we were told about Jesus isn’t from Jesus. It’s our denominational image. It’s from church, family, culture, and fear. That complicated knot of expectations and shame. The things we picked up and carried because we thought they were sacred. Turns out, some of it was just heavy baggage. Here’s the reality: Holding on to Jesus does not mean holding on to everything you were taught about him. If you’re in midlife and feeling like your faith is cracking at the edges, that’s not a sign of failure. That’s the Spirit at work. You are not betraying God by letting go of things that no longer ring true. You are being invited into something deeper. Jesus didn’t hand you the baggage In Matthew 11, Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me… For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” If what you’re carrying feels suffocating, maybe it didn’t come from him. Maybe it came from a system that needed you to be afraid. Maybe it came from a theology that prioritized control over compassion. Maybe it came from people who meant well but never questioned what they were handed either. Let’s not sugarcoat it. Letting go is hard. Especially if those beliefs were once lifelines. Especially if they still connect you to people you love. But there comes a point where you have to choose : cling to the baggage, or cling to Jesus. Jesus doesn’t need defending. He needs following The weird thing is, when you start to release the baggage, people might get nervous. You might get nervous. Why? Because baggage gives us a sense of belonging. It’s shared language, shared answers. But here’s the good news: Jesus didn’t ask you to have all the answers. He said, “Follow me.” Not, “Be right about everything.” Not, “Defend your theology at all costs.” Just follow. Dorothy Søelle put it like this: “The point of theology is not to prove God. The point is to participate in God.” And that means a shift. Away from certainty. Toward trust. Away from gatekeeping. Toward hospitality. Midlife is the perfect time to drop the act When you’re younger, you hold on tight to certainty. It keeps you grounded. Safe. You follow the map someone gave you because you trust they knew the terrain. But as you get older, you start to notice the map doesn’t match the landscape. And then you have a choice. You can keep pretending the map is right. Or you can actually walk with Jesus, even if that means going off-map. And let’s be honest: pretending is exhausting. That’s why Jesus said, “The truth will set you free.” But before it frees you, it messes you up. Because it wrecks the illusion. It asks for your honesty. And it gives you Jesus in return. So what does letting go look like? It looks like taking a deep breath and admitting: I don’t believe that anymore. It looks like skipping church some Sundays because your soul is tired and you meet God better in the woods. It looks like saying no to fear-based religion, even if it means losing status, relationships, or roles. It looks like trusting the Spirit to guide you, not just doctrine. It looks like grace. Holding on to Jesus looks like liberation Jesus didn’t come to endorse a system. Actually, He came to upend one. He didn’t show up to preserve tradition. He came to call people out of their comfort zones. He healed on the Sabbath. He talked to outsiders. He critiqued the religious elite. So if holding on to Jesus feels like disobedience to the religion you were raised with, you might just be on a better path. One that leads to the real Jesus. If your prayers have shifted from polished formulas to groaning sighs, God is still listening. If your theology is unraveling but your compassion is growing, Jesus is near. And here’s the clincher: you don’t owe anyone an explanation You don’t have to justify your spiritual journey to those who don’t see the terrain you’re walking. You don’t have to make your doubts palatable. You don’t have to fake it to protect someone else’s comfort. Paul said it in Galatians: “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Religious baggage is a kind of slavery. And you’re allowed to say no. So yes, it’s possible It’s possible to hold on to Jesus while letting go of fear. To hold on to Jesus while letting go of fundamentalism. To hold on to Jesus while walking away from certainty, rigidity, and shame. You can let go of what’s breaking you without letting go of Jesus. In fact, that might be the most faithful move you make. The baggage isn’t sacred — Jesus is. And he’s not asking you to carry it, explain it, or defend it. He’s just asking you to follow. © Gary L Ellis

Photo by  Sam Barber  on  Unsplash He tilted his head back, swallowing the cold, creamy milk. Within seconds, the entire glass was empty. “Were you thirsty?” I laughed. “I guess I forgot how much I like milk! At college, I really haven’t been drinking milk. I think because I grew up drinking milk, I figured everybody else did too, but people at college don’t do things the way we do, Mom. I think we’re different.” That’s an understatement, I thought. “What else is different? Is there anything I didn’t teach you when you were homeschooled that would have been helpful in college?” “Yes!” “Really?  Like what?” “Like swear words! Mom, it felt like I landed on a different planet and didn’t know the language for my first few days in the dorms. I kept typing 4-letter words into my phone to figure out what they meant. I understand why we don’t use them, but it would have been helpful to be prepared and at least know they existed.” Good feedback from my wise son. He was a freshman in college eight years ago. If he were leaving for college this year, that conversation would have never happened. Why? Because expletives have become the norm. I hear inappropriate language while choosing produce at the grocery store, pumping gas, talking to my neighbor, and listening to politicians. What used to be reserved for rogue members of society has now infected portions of the population who would have never before considered using foul language.  So why do people swear?   I asked AI, which actually had a lot of positive character qualities regarding people who like to cuss.  “ People who swear frequently are often found to be more honest, expressive, and potentially more creative. They may also be more extraverted and have a more relaxed attitude towards social norms.” Hmm. That’s very gracious, and not what I expected. But AI is not God. Does God give us any standards for language?   “ Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking , which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.” (Ephesians 5:4) “ Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” (Ephesians 4:29)  “ If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is…rid yourselves of all of them: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene speech from your mouth.(Colossians 3:1, 3:8) The comparison here is: Filthy talk vs. Thanksgiving Corrupting talk vs. Grace-filled speech Obscene talk vs. Seeking Christ If we are filled with thanksgiving, grace, and Jesus, then obscenities will not be loosely flying from our lips.  "Out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” (Luke 6:45b)  What is the overflow of your heart?  It will be evidenced by the words you speak.  If you are struggling in this area, meditate on God’s word until your speech is transformed.  Read God’s Word. Memorize God’s Word. Listen to God’s Word. Do it until your life looks like this: God’s Word In - God’s Word Out “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2) First published in Pursuing Perfection on Substack by © Tessa Lind,  tessalind.substack.com