Faithful Writers

Why I’m a “Lite Brite” unsplash.com “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭14‬-‭16‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬ I’ve always thought about being a light for Christ as a well-defined, bright, holier-than-thou looking light. I’m not sure where exactly I came up with that idea, perhaps as a small child attending an occasional VBS , but the truth remains. I always see a bright, white, or yellow light! Which is amazing, and I wish I could say that my light for Christ was that refined, that dazzling that you are blinded and left struggling to see anything after beholding that type of beauty, but I am afraid, my friends, that is simply not me. No. Instead, it’s more like move over, Lisa Frank! I’m a “treasures in darkness” kind of gal. A bed flooded with tears, type Psalmist, and way too acquainted with suffering. But perhaps that’s why the Holy Spirit has revealed to me exactly what type of light I am. I’m more of a disco ball, or better yet, a “Lite Brite” because it is the gut-wrenching stab of each pain, grief, and horror-filled peg I’ve experienced that causes my light to show so colorfully through those particular breaks. Wild ride though, because my entire life, I’ve just wanted to be a normal, run-of-the-mill light. I’d even settle for dim, but the more the Lord rubs the tarnish off of what he’s been up to, the more I can clearly see. I was created to emit many different colored lights. I wouldn’t not have chosen to light myself up this way. I did not intend yo twinkle like a well lit Christmas tree, man-handled by small children and sticky pine, but approaching fifty, it’s pretty clear. The Lord wants to use this little “Lite Brite” to shine, and I guess since I can not undue the large amounts of trauma, stress, pokes, and prods it’s gotten me to see straight, it’s best I now just plug in and allow his glory to flow. Man. The price tag on Rhema. 😮‍💨 Yet I am determined. We are indeed his workmanship created in Christ Jesus to simply walk in the good works he’s prepared for us so long ago. So I’m learning. I’m transforming. And I’m allowing Christ to further refine me so that I may be used as he’s like me to be used, not as some type of plea deal to get him to approve of my flow. Yes. Jesus is a marvel. He assuredly works ALL things together for our good, but ouch, hallelujah, I hope there are enough holes that I can now simply radiate the Lord as He is because, wowzers, this process has hurt! However, this is my final thought: “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now. And not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body. For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he already sees?” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭18‬-‭24‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬ Shine on, my friends! We are LOVED. 🍋 © Stay

ChatGPT Burnette, R.L. (2025) “All of Creation Groans” Another fiery sunset awaits me, yet I gently turn the page to more weighty matters. I love nights like this, but even Vegas, full of encapsulating beauty, fails to capture my greatest pondering. The passion burning deep within my chest can not be described in a picture, even a heavenly one; it needs words. Perhaps worth a 1,000, but how do I know it passes the test of authenticity, of creativity, and lasting joy, as opposed to some hyper-inflated, overly used, safe-sounding algorithm? I don’t, except to say, these eyes have crash landed on plenty of life’s finest depravities, and the contrast, furiously-feasting pain affords, creates incredulous landing pads. Through decades of hard-fought experience, I’ve come to glean, hope is greater. Can an actual sunset provoke resolve? Yes Can, these same moments, pausing and silently reflecting fully eliminate perplexing burdens of a soul? No Depression, stress, and pitted anxiety remain, yet the golden hues beckon me. Their nod is a refreshing pause, to distractions, I, otherwise, daily behold. As my emotions linger, my thoughts long for relief: What about my physical senses? Will they betray me? Why should they? Who drew a distinction to begin with? Why did someone demand my flesh become incomplete, my face so easily forgotten? If every sunrise and sunset differ, why can’t I be embraced for who I am, in my entirety? Is not the created image of God his greatest light bearer for all to see? Do we, as humans, somehow fail to reflect the very presence of God, and doesn’t our enemy already possess this knowledge? Men are deceived into thinking we can diminish our purpose or relieve our hope. We simply can not. It is as intrinsic a rhythm, and holy unto God, as the rise of my breathing chest, or the calming of my faithful, beating heart. Why, then, do we work so hard to deny hope’s reality? Is it to convince ourselves there is a part of us that can never be perfected, or made right before God? Have we bought the lie that there is to be a separate, shameful piece of who we are and how we reflect God’s hues doesn’t matter? Is our flesh simply to be enjoyed, then destroyed? Is our body not a temple, a sumptuous home to the very spirit of God? A sunset can say a lot. And much like itself, it seeks a marvelous audience. It evokes meaningful understanding, and, like its eventual setting, we too can dusk despair and rise in hope. Indeed, we can persist until its inevitable rise the next morning knowing there is a God in heaven, who intends to create a brand new one for you to gaze upon tonight, and, much like our lives, it will never be the same as yesterdays or tomorrows. Armed now, with that knowledge, we might as well stoke hope’s fire, fully assured hope’s object will arrive and satisfy the deepest hunger of our weary souls. Only hope, God is never late. Remain, and rejoicing will be yours. He promises, and what He says never returns void. Just like the breaking of the morning sun, death’s grip will lose its hold on you. Replaced by hope that leads each of us, heaven finally revealing to His ultimate, inevitable, and powerful reckoning. “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his lov e.” You Version Romans 5:3–5 NLT © Stay

unsplash Burnette, R. L. (2025) The Ripple Effect “Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone — especially to those in the family of faith.” ‭‭Galatians‬ ‭6‬:‭8‬-‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Enjoying another beautiful Vegas sunrise, and a thought strikes me. We truly reap what we sow. Some religions teach this as karma or various other lines of thought, and we’ve witnessed each other and plenty of others reap, but why does this matter? When I was a young teen mother, I had a bad temper. I was angry at my choices, angry I’d ruined my life at such a young age, and angry at various family members who had their hand in my demise. All of that set aside, I was always thinking of the way I treated others and seeing it as a ripple effect. For example, if I gave someone a dirty look, perhaps that person would go home and slap his wife, who in turn would berate her child, who would kick their family dog, who’d die in a month due to his silent suffering of an injury that could’ve been avoided. Do you ever stop to think about the look on your face? Is it full of judgmental glares? Do you see yourself as better than others, never making a moment to offer a friendly hello or a nod someone’s way that you visibly watch their eyes light up, knowing they've been seen? Do you even have the bandwidth for that, or are you yourself full of the pain and frustration of daily living in a society that rarely looks up? When we take a moment to smile, offer a gentle nod in favor of someone’s presence, or open a door for another weary traveler, we are not only doing something that will keep our hearts alive, but God only knows the timely, far-reaching effects our actions have. We are meant for community. We are designed to be there for one another, and we are called to do that despite how we’ve been treated. This is tough, and can be hard to swallow, yet the truth remains. We reap what we sow, and oftentimes we reap much more than we’ve sown, so why not practice? Why not make an effort today to extend one kindness, knowing that God is keeping the final score and countless people could be impacted in a positive and meaningful way simply because we laid down our rights to feel, think, and act anyway we please and open our eyes to the reality of a world in desperate need of our smiles. © Stay

Photo by Alex  on Unsplash Talking with a legend I remember sitting in the basement of a U.C. Berkeley law professor who went to my church watching videos of a Christian debater with an intern from the same church. The professor was upstairs writing a book while we were downstairs learning about the intellectual credibility of the Christian faith. The intern later became the chair of the philosophy department at Biola University, where that debater, William Lane Craig, was a professor. And the Berkeley professor in whose house we were sitting was Phil Johnson, whose book “Darwin on Trial” started a firestorm in the relationship between religion and science. Dr. Johnson said something I’ve never forgotten. He told me they were trying to get Christian professors to sign on to open statements about their beliefs, but these religious professors were hesitant to do so for fear of reprisals. The academic community had a vendetta against anyone who would admit to being Christian. But Johnson was undeterred. “Bunch of chickens,” Dr. Johnson said. I’ve gone on to earn a Master’s in the Philosophy of Science from the University of Edinburgh (same school Darwin went to, except I got a degree and he was a dropout), and it’s worse than I realized. Years later, the truth is coming into the light. Bigoted academics are perfectly willing to silence evidence when it doesn’t jibe with their preferred paradigms. Science keeps getting it wrong What’s a bit stunning is that the sophomoric vision of a scientific community that are simply objective truth-seekers who are persecuted by religious intolerance still persists, despite the fact that the roles are plainly reversed. Scientists have used the tools at their disposal to hide evidence, silence disagreement, and persecute challengers. A few case studies make this painfully clear: Eugenics . The history of eugenics is a sordid, racist one, in which the most educated, wealthy, and empowered scientists sought to diminish the reproductive capabilities of non-whites in America and then elsewhere. Sir Francis Galton, father of modern eugenics and cousin of Charles Darwin, was educated at the premier English universities of his day. He studied medicine and rejected traditional Christianity for masonic practices and the masons’ Scientific Lodge. He did extensive research into the inheritance of traits, and ultimately argued that Africa should be populated by the Chinese to replace the inferior races. Anglo Saxons, he asserted, were the superior race worldwide. Eugenics would go on to be used to justify the unconsented sterilization of non-white women who had come to hospitals to deliver babies. The Tuskegee Syphilis Study. For decades, US government scientists allowed hundreds of black men to suffer from syphilis without treatment even after penicillin had been discovered. The stated reason was to observe the progression of the disease. The US Public Health Service oversaw the study, and the CDC was complicit. Men died, suffered permanent disabilities, and passed the disease on to their wives and children. Piltdown Man. The discovery of the missing link that tied human development to the apes was allegedly found in 1912. For 40 years the scientific community ran with it. The problem was that it was an intentional hoax, with bones chemically stained to appear ancient and teeth filed down by hand. It appeared a dozen years before the Scopes Monkey Trial, just in time to tilt and bias popular thought as debates were being hammered into policy. Tobacco. By the mid-1950s, internal research had already shown that smoking caused cancer and that nicotine is addictive. But well-educated, wealthy members of the scientific community asserted publicly that the science was inconclusive and then created misleading studies to muddy the data. Read Richard Lewontin’s Biology as Ideology to see how this works — he’s a Harvard scientist who has lifted the lid off the illusion of objective science. How to cheat at science and get away with it Those who think that science is a library filled with objective, established facts that stand as a fortress against superstition and religion are really living in a fantasy world. Science is an ever-evolving investigation that resists final claims of certitude, and its halls are filled with materials that are biased and manipulated. Here are a few filters to keep in mind anytime we read what “the science” says. Research has to be funded . The people paying the money usually want results favorable to their cause. Boring papers don’t get published. If 10 studies are done, and 9 turn up nothing, but the last one hints at some possible correlations (especially if they might be controversial), the 10th one is the only one that gets published. And remember, to keep their jobs and salaries, scientific researchers need to publish. They are inclined towards what will keep them employed, not merely what is true. Peer reviews are essential to gatekeeping and validating studies. However, the people doing the reviews are often senior researchers who also want to keep their jobs and salaries. That means that someone with a fossilized bias is going to be predisposed to reject alternate findings from their peers. Max Planck famously said, “A new scientific truth does not triumph by convincing its opponents and making them see the light, but rather because its opponents eventually die and a new generation grows up that is familiar with it.” This is often paraphrased, “Science advances one funeral at a time.” Thomas Kuhn in his The Structure of Scientific Revolutions essentially says the same thing. Peer review doesn’t eliminate bias; it institutionalizes it. Religious scientists are better at their jobs Christian ethics proposes a remedy to this: the classic virtue of humility. Intellectual humility requires one to admit when one is wrong, to be open to alternative views, and to be willing to change one’s mind when truth demands it. A Christian scientist is, at the end of the day, just going to be a better scientist than another. This is because empirical science presumes morality; it cannot establish morality. Morality comes before good science, not vice versa. Science has always relied on moral scientists, even while pretending it does not need morality at all. Honesty in reporting data, courage in publishing unwelcome results, and humility in the face of contradictory evidence are not scientific discoveries; they are moral virtues science quietly borrows and then forgets to credit. And right now, the scientific community is struggling with the reality that the evidence points towards an intelligent designer. Christianity, in particular, has historically produced scientists who understood their work as an act of faithfulness rather than self-assertion. Galileo pursued the intelligibility of the cosmos because he believed it reflected a rational Creator. Isaac Newton saw his laws not as replacements for God but as descriptions of divine order. Gregor Mendel’s genetics emerged from the patient discipline of a monastery, not the hunger for prestige. Michael Faraday’s experimental rigor flowed from a theology that prized truth over status. And in our own time, Francis Collins has spoken openly about how his Christian faith compelled intellectual honesty rather than obstructed it. These figures were not good scientists despite their beliefs; they were good scientists because their beliefs trained them in virtues science itself cannot generate. Science presumes morality at every step, requiring truthfulness, restraint, and responsibility, while lacking the resources to justify why any of those virtues should matter at all. Christianity doesn’t compete with science; it supplies the moral soil in which good science actually grows. The most dangerous scientist is not the religious one. It’s the one who believes his work is morally self-justifying. Conclusion: The moral blind spot Science is extraordinary at describing the world, but it is silent about why truth should matter more than power, why people should matter more than progress, or why some lines should never be crossed even if they can be. Those judgments cannot be cooked up in the laboratory. The real conflict, then, is not between science and religion, but between science that acknowledges moral limits and science that imagines itself morally self-authorizing. History has already shown us which of those two becomes dangerous. If science is going to guide the future, it will need more than better instruments. It will need better, and specifically religious, people. © James W. Miller First published in Faith Seeking Wonder

Let’s be honest. Most of us were taught how to pray to God. But few of us were ever taught how to talk with Him. Like, actually have a conversation. Back and forth. Real. Relational. Less like a monologue. More like real talk with a friend. The Bible is more than an ancient book of rules or comfort verses stuck on fridge magnets. It’s a conversation starter. A way in. A way back. A way through. So let’s explore how to have a living, breathing, two-way conversation with God using Scripture — not just reading it but talking through it. 1. Start with Listening, Not Talking “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.” — 1 Samuel 3:9 We usually come to God ready to unload.But good conversation starts with listening. Scripture gives us God’s side of the conversation — His tone, His heart, His repeated themes of mercy, justice, presence, and love. Instead of jumping in with “Dear God, please fix everything,” try opening the Psalms and listening . Psalm 139, for instance, reminds you that He already knows your words before you speak them. That’s not to shut you up — it’s to invite you deeper. Ask questions like: What are You, Lord, revealing about Yourself here? What might You be saying to me right now through this passage? As the conversation continues, more questions will come to mind, and a sense of His answers will arise from your heart. Listening to Scripture this way tunes your ears to a frequency deeper than your own anxieties. It’s also very important to remember what God’s voice will sound like as He answers. They’ll sound like love. I don’t mean Hallmark Card sayings love. I mean, 1 Corinthians 13:4–8 kind of love. His thoughts will also match the fruit of His Spirit found in Galatians 5:22–23. As well as the words of 1 Corinthians, Paul speaks about the qualities of prophecy. In other words, God’s communication with us will be of the same qualities. “But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging, and comfort.” — 1 Corinthians 14:3 (NIV) 2. Turn Verses into Questions “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find.” — Matthew 7:7 Scripture was never meant to be studied like a science textbook. It’s more like a conversation starter or even a love letter, with lines that beg for interaction. Try this: Read a verse. Then turn it into a question. Example: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”Ask: What am I wanting right now? Am I letting Him shepherd that part of me? God’s Word is layered. Every verse can become a doorway to reflection, vulnerability, and unexpected answers. If you let it. 3. Insert Yourself Into the Story “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us…” — Romans 15:4 Jesus spoke in parables for a reason. Stories stick. They invite you in. Take a story like the woman at the well (John 4).Now imagine you’re her. You’re showing up tired and empty and carrying shame. And Jesus starts a conversation with you. What does He say? What do you say back? Don’t just study the story. Step into it. That’s how the Bible becomes alive. And that’s how prayer stops being a monologue and starts becoming a meaningful exchange. 4. Don’t Just Memorize Scripture — Respond to It “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly…” — Colossians 3:16 Memorizing verses is good. But even better? Answering them. When Jesus says, “Come to me, all who are weary…” (Matthew 11:28), you can pause and say: “Okay Lord… I am tired. I’m worn out. I don’t even know what kind of rest I need. But I’m coming. Here I am.”That’s not recitation.That’s relationship. Think of it like this: When someone tells you they love you, you don’t just quote them back. You respond. Scripture is God’s ongoing “I love you.” So talk back. Engage with it. 5. Let Lament Be Part of the Conversation “How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever?” — Psalm 13:1 God can handle your hard questions.Your grief. Your confusion. Even your silence. The Psalms are filled with people yelling into the sky, doubting, weeping, cursing, and then circling back to trust. That’s not unspiritual. That’s honest . So if you’re mad at God, say so. If you’re confused, tell Him. If you’re numb, whisper that too. Use the Psalms to find your words when you have none. That’s still a conversation. And it’s some of the most sacred kind. 6. Pause and Ask, “God, What Do You Want Me to Notice?” Sometimes we come to the Bible looking for something we want to say. But what if God is trying to say something first? As you read, pause and ask: “What’s standing out to me?”“What emotion is surfacing?”“Is this a nudge, a comfort, a challenge?” Then write that down. Sit with it. Let that verse or phrase echo throughout your day. You’ll be surprised how often it circles back around at just the right time. 7. Don’t Just Quote Scripture. Let It Quote You. “The word of God is alive and active… it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” — Hebrews 4:12 Have you ever read something in Scripture and thought, “Ouch. That hit a little too close”? Good. That means it’s working. Let the Bible read you . Let it call you out. Not in shame. But in that soul-level honesty that only God can get away with. You don’t have to pretend with Him. You don’t have to come polished. You just have to come open. And let His Word reflect what’s real. 8. Remember: Jesus is the Word — So You’re Never Just Reading a Book “The Word became flesh and dwelled among us…” — John 1:14 When you interact with Scripture, you’re interacting with the living Christ. This isn’t about Bible study methods or memory drills. This is about communion . A living, back-and-forth friendship with the One who already knows you and loves you through every chapter of your story. You’re not just talking about God.You ’re talking with Him.And He’s still speaking. To Sum It Up: Conversation, Not Performance If your “quiet time” feels more like a checklist than a connection, maybe it’s time to stop performing and start conversing. Scripture is not just the thing we study. It’s the table we sit at, across from a God who says, “Talk to me. I’m listening.” Questions for Your Journey: What verse could I read today as a personal invitation, not just a rule? Am I willing to sit with a passage long enough to hear something unexpected? Where might I be turning Scripture into a script, instead of a conversation? © Gary L Ellis

Dr. Anudeep Manne is a licensed pharmacist whose journey brings together science, faith, and a steady commitment to service. Originally from Telangana, India, and now based in the Kitchener-Waterloo region of Ontario, Canada, he earned his Pharm.D. (Post-Baccalaureate) in 2015. His professional path began as a Junior Research Analyst with Pfizer, followed by serving as an Assistant Professor in his hometown, where he taught Pharmacotherapeutics and also served as a Sunday school teacher at his local church. Faith continues to shape his work and writing. In his free time, Anudeep enjoys writing non-fiction, volunteering, staying active at the gym, and sharing reflective essays on his Medium blog. Anudeep has three published works available on his Amazon author profile . His most recent book, Seeing Through God’s Eyes: Discerning Biblical Wisdom for Faithful Living , explores Biblical wisdom for faithful living. He also writes poetry, with two pieces published in Stones Before the Ocean: A Worship Poetry Anthology , which you can explore here . You ca n connect with Anudeep on X , where he shares thoughts on faith, writing, and life, and also connect with him on Medium . Those who wish to support his ongoing work are invited to do so here .

I have a thing for words; words are fun, they are creative outlets. I use words in my everyday vocabulary that make people look twice at me all the time.  I truly believe words and names are important, otherwise why were we given speech by God in the first place? And when a word from the Bible gets stuck in my head for days, I must investigate why. Hebrew to Greek. Machah : To wipe, blot out, obliterate (Hebrew) “But now, please forgive their sin — but if not, then blot me out of the book you have written.” The Lord replied to Moses, “Whoever has sinned against me I will blot  out of my book.” Exodus 32:32–33 Exaleiphó : To wipe out, to blot out, to erase, to obliterate (Greek) “The one who is victorious will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot  out the name of that person from the book of life, but will acknowledge that name before my Father and his angels.” Revelation 3:5 “Blot” Wasn’t Chosen Casually. One thing I noticed right away, and want to convey, is that this word, in Hebrew or Greek, has many individual meanings. But put together, these meanings reveal a more profound and painful final action. We know the Holy Spirit was heavily involved in the Bible being written, but I also believe, despite glitches, personal choices, and knowledge unknown at the time, that the Holy Spirit also had a hand in corralling humanity as they translated it, hence why we have such good translations. “Blot” was chosen to make us see, literally, the act of our name being erased, wiped out, poof, obliterated. It calls up an image of ink on paper being smeared, but ink still left to remind our Father that a name was once there. That is a conscious choice to make that ☝️happen.  So, I’m still sitting here contemplating that word, the finality of it, the seriousness of it, and the fact that there is only one Book of Life at the end. And then something occurred to me: all our names were already written in that book from the moment we were a mere twinkle, and that means something. A big something. Look again at Exodus closely: “But now, please forgive their sin — but if not, then blot me out of the book you have written. ” The Lord replied to Moses, “Whoever has sinned against me I will blot out of my book .”   We were written in the Book of Life from the moment He knew us. He didn’t decide who was worthy or loved later on; we are already there. He excluded no one.  We are the only ones capable of doing that. We force His hand. And when that happens, He has to open that book and blot out a name that was once lovingly written there. Jesus wept. Do you really think God doesn’t when that happens? © Jane Isley Thank you for taking the time to read, and please consider  supporting my work . Your gift helps keep this work going. 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.

A big question with an interesting ending. “[…] The ark is to be three hundred cubits long, fifty cubits wide and thirty cubits high. Make a roof for it, leaving below the roof an opening one cubit high all around. Put a door in the side of the ark and make lower, middle and upper decks.” Gen 6:15–17 Well, for sure, we know it was big. And honestly, that is about it, other than the decks, pitch being used, door placement, and gopher wood, which, btw, the word “gopher” is a hapax legomenon (all I see is Dr. Suess when I see that word) because that’s the only time that word is used in the Bible, ever. So we don’t actually know what type of wood would be in today’s world. Let’s look at shapes. Based on the passage, it could possibly be a giant rectangular barge-like structure, given the dimensions provided. However, it could also have had a round-ish shape, as indicated in verse 14 , where the word tebah   is used. Why this is interesting is that in Exodus 2:3 , the same word is used about the basket Moses was laid in, indicating the possibility of a rounded shape. Kentucky, USA In Kentucky, someone actually built the ark based on the given dimensions and standard knowledge of ships, measuring a whopping 510 feet long, 85 feet wide, and 51 feet high. If you click on the video, you get to see just how big this thing was. wikipedia.com Next, I have an image with dimensions and a comparison to the Titanic if it were built more rectangular (barge-like) shape than a traditional ship design. ChatGPT & Photoshop Why none of that really matters. Well, yes, it does matter to a point, don’t me wrong on that, but not as much as it should, at least not at first. Let me explain. Whether the Ark was a rectangular cube thingy, more ship-like, or a gigantic barge, there’s one small but huge phrase that is often overlooked in all of this debate, and I think it needs to be read, thought on, and acknowledged first before you do a squirrel dive into the science behind the Ark. “Then the Lord shut him in.” Think about that for a moment. Noah was instructed to build ONE door on the side, and when everybody was inside, He shut him in. No matter the shape of the Ark, God took it upon Himself to shut Noah in and protect him and his family. That door was the only door for people to enter. Noah was righteous before God; he had immense faith and showed that by building the ark as instructed, which you have to admit was probably a lot to take in when He got these instructions and knowing what it meant. There was only ever one door. Anyone could have walked through the door and been saved from the flood, but they didn’t by choice. In 2 Peter 2:5  we learn that Noah was also a “ preacher of righteousness  .” The Bible doesn’t point something out for no reason; Noah would have been preaching salvation and about what was coming. So, why did God “shut Him in?” A couple of reasons actually for us to see and understand, and yes, you can have a couple of answers for one thing that are all equal in meaning. To display His sovereignty and judgment. To keep that world out, the people made their choice. Safety, waterproofing, and it demonstrates His protection to those who choose Him. Sometimes God closes doors because He is choosing to shut certain things out. (figurative) The people knew what Noah was doing; you don’t start chopping down that many trees in your backyard and not have the neighbors notice the giant boat getting built in your backyard. So while all the studies, debates, and science out there are absolutely fun and amazing to read about the Ark, that fascination should not overlook or replace studying everything else being said to us about that time in history. Enter through that door today, while it is still open. © Jane Isley Sources, References & Reads: Genesis 7:16  — “Then the Lord shut him in.” Genesis 6:10–20 Patterns of Evidence  — Was the Ark Sea worthy? Answers in Genesis: Thinking outside the box . Biblical Thoughts — For God’s Glory: Ark of Noah

ChatGPT First, we need to reestablish something: satan is a created being, not an entity that is outside of God’s creation. He is not equal to God in any way. “How great you are, Sovereign Lord! There is no one like you, and there is no God but you, as we have heard with our own ears.” 2 Samuel 7:22 “For who in the skies above can compare with the Lord? Who is like the Lord among the heavenly beings?” Psalm 89:6 There’s plenty more where that came from. We know satan is cunning, a trickster, an antagonist, and our adversary. Of course, he’s going to want people to think he’s this all-powerful being that is equal to God. Why do you think he stole a description of Jesus for himself and goes around with the word lucifer as a name? You can read about that here . The point is, people give satan wayyyyy too much credit. If he were God’s equal in any way, then how did God throw him out of heaven and the Garden of Eden, then turn around and curse him? Not king of anything. This belief came about due to mythology, ignorance, and people actually wanting this. There are people out there who truly believe he is the king of hell, and when they get there, it’s going to be one giant party. It’s not, in fact, satan doesn’t even want to go to hell in the first place. Have you ever explored Revelation to see what is going to happen to him in the end? It’s not pretty; he knows what's coming to him, and his goal is to take as many of God’s children with him by whatever means necessary. He doesn’t love you, he doesn’t care about you, he wants to corrupt and lead people to hell because he’s throwing the temper tantrum of the millennium. Let’s look at what this “king” has coming his way. “And I saw an angel coming down out of heaven, having the key to the Abyss and holding in his hand a great chain. He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan, and bound him for a thousand years. He threw him into the Abyss, and locked and sealed it over him, to keep him from deceiving the nations anymore until the thousand years were ended. After that, he must be set free for a short time.” Revelation 20:1–3 Well, here we see a few things. First, an angel is actually holding the keys to the Abyss.  (not the same as hell, but that’s for a different day)  Second, he is seized and tossed in there, and can’t get out until God releases him in a thousand years. Not looking so tough to me. Don’t pick a fight you can’t finish. “When the thousand years are over, Satan will be released from his prison and will go out to deceive the nations in the four corners of the earth — Gog and Magog — and to gather them for battle. In number they are like the sand on the seashore. They marched across the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of God’s people, the city he loves. But fire came down from heaven and devoured them. And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever.” Revelation 20:7–10 So now he’s out, at God’s discretion, I might add, and starts a big ole fight and loses. Loses so bad he’s thrown into that lake of fire we call hell, that many think he is the king of, and gets to stay there for eternity. Here’s the key to all of this. “They (the beast and false prophet get the join him) will be tormented day and night for ever and ever.” Yes, tormented. Not that big ole party some like to believe. And because I can’t resist looking at original languages and not throw them in my articles, we’re going to look at that word “torment” for a moment. basanizó | βασανισθήσονται | they will be tormented. Which means: “To torment, to torture, to vex, to distress” ( 1 ) There’s no party, no kingship earned or sustained, nothing.  For too long, satan has held a higher position in this world and our minds than he actually deserves. I’m not saying act like he doesn’t cause havoc, but don’t think him equal to God in any way.  We have the power to cast demons out, and we also have the power to think of him differently and not give him what he wants, and that is power. © Jane Isley Thank you for taking the time to read, and please consider  supporting my work . Your gift helps keep this work going. 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.

We live in an age where the danger to our faith isn’t just persecution, it’s also persuasion. Every day, believers are invited to bow, and many do. Scripture has warned us that this isn’t a new concept. The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego serves as both a blueprint and a wake-up call for our time. More Relevant Than Ever Before. “Therefore, as soon as they heard the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp and all kinds of music, all the nations and peoples of every language fell down and worshiped the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up.” Daniel 3:7 The key phrase in this passage is,   “all the nations and peoples of every language fell down and worshiped.”   While Babylon didn’t have census records as we have now, history and archaeology allow us to estimate the population of Nebuchadnezzar II’s kingdom.  Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were taken captive (along with Daniel)  around 605 B.C., during the rise of the Neo-Babylonian Empire (Chaldean Era) . Although short-lived, lasting from 539 to 626 B.C., it had some umph. Archaeologists believe the city of Babylon itself housed between 150,000 and 200,000 people, with some estimates reaching as high as 250,000. When the surrounding territories are included, the empire’s population is estimated to be around one million.  Think Delaware, Montana, or Rhode Island-sized population. The Portal of Knowledge For the point I’m about to make, I’m focusing just on the city of Babylon, where the three stood before the king. The estimated range of 150,000 to 200,000 is more than enough for my purposes. “ ALL  the nations and peoples of every language fell down and worshiped.” Seems Impossible.  But is it, though? (Also, I’m not saying everyone there was a believer; that's not the point, the point is they all went along despite their individual beliefs.) Look at our nation today and the societal upheaval and dry heaving that we have experienced in the last few years. How quickly so many have bowed down to inclusiveness, political agendas, and, in many cases, efforts to rewrite Scripture so that everything receives a “thumbs up” from God, somehow to enter heaven’s gates.  You’ve probably guessed where this is going, at least I hope so. When Scripture says, “all the nations and peoples of every language fell down and worshiped.”   God is trying desperately to show us and warn us of something here.  Most people don’t resist pressure for very long, if at all. Standing alone requires courage, and many simply won’t do it. So these people all bowed, a public gesture that said, “I’ll go along.”  Think Mob Mentality , “the phenomenon where individuals in a group often adopt behaviors and attitudes that differ significantly from their own personal beliefs or morals.” Then History Gives Us These Three. Contemplate this situation for a moment; three out of, say, 150,000 people, using the conservative estimate for those who might question whether everyone actually bowed or if there were really that many people there. 3÷150,000=0.00002  That's only 0.00002% of the population. If you’re wondering, that's not an error. I tried 5 different sites to create this pie chart. It’s not even a literal speck in a sandbox, and that pie chart uses the lowest estimate, 150,000. Statistically speaking, not a lot of people are going to make it into heaven. That’s why Revelation tells us of only one  book of life versus all the other books at judgment.  In this situation, we see just one  man, King Nebuchadnezzar, build an idol, call together the higher-ups, demand the people bow, cue the music, and bam, just like that, all but three fell down and bowed. No questions asked, no faith fought for, no battle of the wills, just fallen people. That Golden Image Has Never Gone Away.  It just changed shape. Today’s idols may not be gigantic golden statues in the middle of a city, but they are no less visible. An idol is anything people elevate above God, anything they trust, want, obey, or fear more than Him.  Money, careers, reputation, power, fame, patriotism, sexual identity, the “my truth” mentality, comfort, entertainment, etc. These are some of the things people pursue, protect, and prioritize at all costs.  They believe these things promise security and fulfillment, but when they take the place of God, they become idols. They come in all shapes and sizes, so don’t be fooled. When the Music Starts. The question has never been whether the crowd  will bow. Scripture and history have already answered that for us. The question is whether you will stand.  Will you be able to stand firm when that furnace heats up?  When obeying God costs you your reputation, your career, your relationships, your comfort, maybe even your life?  Will you hold fast or blot out your own name? Faith Stronger Than This World. “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” Daniel 3:17–18 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego trusted God.  They stood firm because their faith WAS GREATER than their fear, that crowd, and that idol. They knew the outcome if they died that day.  So do we; there is no excuse, just choice. Him or bow down, simple as that. We have the Bible, we have His promises to the faithful, we have the book of Revelation, and we know He kicks butt and has made a home for us. “I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Revelation 21: 2–5  Whatever the cost, I hope I see you in heaven. © Jane Isley Thank you for taking the time to read, and please consider  supporting my work . Your gift helps keep this work going. 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.