Faithful Writers

free bible images- rev. henry martin What do you think of when you hear, “come as you are?” For me, it’s a mix of the Nirvana song and spiritual hippies. I used to love saying “come as you are” before I was a Christian. It felt warm, open-minded, and welcoming. This was back when I was a New Ager who read tarot cards and believed that everything and everyone was God. However, when I surrendered to Christ, I knew deep down that I would go through a difficult shedding process of these beliefs. I held onto many stubborn, even selfish, beliefs that were hurting both me and others. I thought my way was the highway, and that anyone who disagreed with me was dead wrong. I thought I was the most moral person on the planet, and I dreamed of being someone people looked up to. To put it simply, I was ignorant. An example of this is that I once believed Satan was not real. I also thought sin was not real either. I genuinely thought the devil and sin were made up to scare people into following Christianity. Although after I experienced intense suicidal thoughts the night I came to Christ, I just couldn’t follow through with that anymore. I mean, the world has so many deaths, attacks, and pain… how can you not believe that Satan is real? He is a major reason why our world is broken and why we need Jesus. When I came to Jesus, I had a confusing time coming to terms with the fact that Satan is, in fact, real and very much working against humanity. I was basically deciding to follow beliefs that directly opposed my old ones. But when I accepted it, the weight I was carrying felt so much lighter. It felt like I could finally admit I was broken and needed Jesus to help me. This isn’t the only stubborn belief I held onto… I had many others that the world shares as well. A few months after surrendering to Jesus, I started feeling really convicted about fully supporting any/all political groups and their agendas. For my first draft for this article, I had so much to say about this particular conviction that I’m going to make a separate article about it! So, stay tuned… It’s going to be called “Stop Idolizing Your Political Party.” Anyways, back to the main idea, if you are going to follow Jesus, it is imperative that change comes along with it. This change will not occur the second you come to Jesus; it will take time. Jesus literally calls us to deny ourselves, take up our crosses DAILY, and follow Him (Luke 9:23). We cannot stay set in our stubborn ways… if we want to follow Jesus, we have to follow Him the whole way. We cannot be lukewarm Christians; we cannot pick and choose Bible verses to follow. We must follow Him fully in His way every single day. We are called to shed off beliefs that are holding us back from Him. We are called to leave behind what has dragged us down beforehand. As Jesus said, “Anyone who is not for me is really against me; anyone who does not help me gather is really scattering” (Matthew 12:30). I know this is pretty intense, but that is what it means to follow Jesus. Yes, it is comforting to be in His light, but we also have to accept that shedding old beliefs and embracing new ones may be uncomfortable. Nobody really talks about this, but sometimes it is HARD to let go of beliefs and opinions you’ve held so dearly for your whole life. It is hard to live for Christ in a world that strives to live for individual happiness. Yes, people are not always going to agree with us for following Christ, and many will not take our beliefs lightly, but we’ve got Jesus to lean on. So what’s the main idea? Please do come as you are to Him. It doesn’t matter what you’ve been through. Maybe you have an addiction, or have hurt someone on a deep level, or you don’t think you’re ‘Christian’ material. That will never stop Jesus from loving you and saving you. He can do what is seemingly impossible to you. But you also must accept that you have to change, for the better. Again, this does not happen within minutes. Pray to the Lord, ask Him to help you surrender and guide you in His everlasting way. Ask Him to convict you of those beliefs or behaviors that are keeping you from Him. If you are serious about Jesus, He will change you in the best way possible. He changed me, and I used to mock him heavily. So yes, come as you are, but don’t stay as you are. © Sienna Krieg

Yesterday, with a fellowship group I consistently meet with, we discussed meditation , which seems to flow more naturally for some than others. It’s no secret that my favorite meditation is based on the forth chapter in the book of Philippians. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about [ meditate on] such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me — put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8–9 NIV Some in our group believe that the goal of meditation is to clear one’s heads of all thoughts. Others feel that the focus should be on breathing while noticing thoughts, emotions, or physical sensations as they pass through our minds and bodies. Often, meditation leads to peaceful sleep, which is simply an added bonus when that occurs. Mindfulness meditation may lead to a greater sense of gratitude or clarity [visions] for building toward future dreams. Top meditations from scriptures* according to an AI overview: Joshua 1:8 : “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful” (NIV). Psalm 1:2 : “But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night” (NIV). Psalm 119:15 : “I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways” (NIV). Psalm 143:5 : “I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done” (NIV). Philippians 4:8 : “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right… think about such things” (NIV). Psalm 63:6 : “On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night” (NIV). Proverbs 4:20–22 : “Keep my words… for they are life to those who find them and healing to all their flesh” (NIV). Themes for Biblical Meditation God’s Works & Character: Psalm 111:2, Psalm 145:5. God’s Promises & Law: Psalm 119:148, Joshua 1:8. Peace & Presence: Philippians 4:6–9, Matthew 11:28. How to Meditate on Scripture: Biblical meditation often utilizes the Hebrew word hagah , which can mean to ponder, imagine, or even mutter/mumble the words to oneself. For those readers who may be curious about my top ( evidenced based ) 5 Reasons to Meditate previously shared at my former blog site (pictured above), I will provide a brief recap here: Reduces anxiety and stress, resulting in better overall mental, emotional, and physical health. Enhances positive mindfulness by intentionally replacing negative self-talk or resentments toward others with neutral objective observations, or loving affirmations for self and others . Lengthens attention span and may reduce age-related memory loss . Improves quality of sleep and minimizes addictive behaviors May decrease blood pressure and aid in chronic pain management . Whether you choose to use a guided meditation from an app or a website or to meditate on sacred scriptures* such as the examples listed above; Be still and know that you are not alone and You Are Loved . ❤️ © Nora Gwen Curious… Do you enjoy coffee too? ☕

My absentee ballot arrived, and I’ve been reading, watching interviews, and praying for God’s guidance on how He wants me to vote. In Wisconsin, voters are choosing between Judges Maria Lazar and Chris Taylor for the Supreme Court. While the race is officially nonpartisan, Lazar is generally conservative-leaning, backed by Republicans, and Taylor is liberal-leaning, supported by Democrats, with prior leadership at Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin. This seat could potentially influence abortion laws, and for me, that matters deeply. Elections should be forcing us to weigh these issues. Many Christians hear the same advice: vote for the “lesser of two evils.” But I’ve been convicted to go deeper and ask -what does that mean for a Christian to approach voting morally and faithfully? When abortion enters any conversation, even if it is not the central focus of a campaign, the question becomes more than political. It becomes a matter of conscience, faith, and obedience to God. The Scope of Abortion in Wisconsin In Wisconsin, abortion is currently legal up to 20 weeks gestation under existing state law, with exceptions for the life or health of the mother. Judge Maria Lazar has said she does not intend to legislate from the bench but will uphold the law as it exists. Although she personally would not have chosen abortion, she has described a potential six-week fetal heartbeat law as a “middle ground,” noting that it reflects what Wisconsinites might support rather than a personal or judicial directive. But here’s the issue: no matter how “pretty” it’s dressed up, compromise or “middle ground” of any kind still kills innocent life. Whether at six weeks, 20 weeks, or any other arbitrary line, the result is the destruction of a child who, in God’s image, bears intrinsic worth and dignity. Scripture does not say, “Thou shalt not murder—except before six weeks.” It says “You shall not murder.” Exodus 20:13   Babies are among the most vulnerable, unable to speak or defend themselves. Paul prayed on behalf of those who had no voice: “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.” Proverbs 31:8   Resolving the debate around abortion by supporting a lesser window still treats innocent life as a compromise rather than an absolute moral good.  No fetus is “less human” at any stage of development, and nothing in Scripture suggests a sliding scale of moral worth based on gestational age. Your Role and Responsibility You can point to Lazar’s comments on believing Wisconsinites might support a fetal heartbeat law as a positive step forward in protecting babies as a reason to support her. Some may see Lazar’s comments about a fetal heartbeat law as a positive step forward in protecting babies. But here is the heart of the issue: upholding any law that permits abortion still affirms a system where innocent lives are taken. A conservative leaning does not automatically make a candidate the “lesser evil." We cannot claim to uphold the sanctity of life while honestly considering this talking point as a good thing, or a great “compromise,” when children are still being openly killed. It is permissive of murder, and Christians must reject evil in all forms, not merely in its most extreme expressions. Christian Discernment Totally radically and critical thinking thought here. But what if we didn't listen to the politics and instead surrendered our vote into God's hands? Will He have me vote for Taylor, or Lazar, or not at all? Not a clue yet, but it's out of my hands and in His. “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind… that you may discern what is the good, pleasing and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:2   Discernment does not mean choosing the least offensive  immoral option. It means praying, standing with God and firmly for what is right, even when the political system presents only flawed choices. Christians are rightly called to participate in civic life, voting, advocating for justice, supporting the vulnerable, yet our allegiance must always be to Christ first. Obedience to Scripture sometimes means refusing to settle for moral compromise, even when that choice is difficult for us to understand or an unpopular decision. Many Christians treat their vote as if simply casting a ballot guarantees they have made the “right” choice. But the more important question is: did you bring that choice to God first? If not, your vote holds no weight in His eyes. True Christian discernment means surrendering your vote to God before all else. Doing so demonstrates a heart fully trusting Him and a willingness to align our civic actions with His will, rather than following party lines, church pressure, or popular opinion. Closing Challenge to Believers Christ calls His followers to a higher standard, not a political party. Israel in the Old Testament was called to separate themselves from practices that harmed the innocent; likewise, Christians today must not shrink from advocating for the most vulnerable among us. Whether at six weeks, 20 weeks, or any point in development, abortion is still the taking of innocent life . Christians are commanded to stand for life without compromise. To read and settle for any middle ground as "better then it was before" that still excuses, permits and doesn't stop the innocent bloodshed that society calls "health care" now. It's not health care, it's a demonically elected cosmetic procedure. © Jane Isley

pexels- Tara Winstead Before I became a Christian, I had no idea what idolatry was. Funny enough, I actually confused it with adultery. When my mom gave me her Bible, and I began reading it, I started noticing how often the word idolatry would pop up. At the time, I was also watching many Christian YouTube videos, and I noticed how creators would bring it up as well. Obviously, something about it was important. Originally, I thought I didn’t struggle with it. I wasn’t hanging onto a celebrity’s every word or following other Gods. However, as I continued to learn about it, I realized I had been idolizing people. It wasn’t in the normal sense where I was obsessed with a celebrity or a character; rather, it was the obsession with how other people thought of me. I continuously worried, and still worry about how other people perceived me. Was I nice enough? Pretty enough? Outgoing enough? Confident enough? The list goes on. I am a huge people pleaser, and that in itself is a form of idolatry. I basically made it a God. I would do a lot to get people to like me, and I get extremely sensitive when I find out that someone has a poor opinion of me. Rather than focusing on Jesus, I get swept up in how others will praise or belittle me. But the thing is, people are fickle. People’s opinions shift depending on their mood, how much food they eat, what stage of life they’re in, etc. I cannot base my self-worth on how the human brain works. I must see myself through the eyes of Jesus. Jesus never changes. Jesus loves. Jesus reveals light in the darkest pits. It ’s harder to follow Jesus than it looks. We are surrounded by a diverse number of people in our everyday lives. Sometimes we forget about Jesus and get caught in our day-to-day relations. This happens to the best of us. While people’s opinions can really make a difference in our lives, it’s important not to idolize them or rank them above our God. The Lord is all-powerful, and that is why we should look to Him. People change their minds about their love for others, but He never does. Nobody sacrificed themselves quite like Jesus. He literally died for us. I doubt you can say that about most other people. That is why “I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave his life for me” (Galatians 2:20). Additionally, you can make items an idol in your life. Food , work, clothing, and money are prime examples. Don’t get me wrong, I am a foodie and fashion person at heart, but there is a difference between enjoying God’s blessings and obsessing over them. Your phone is also an example of what could be an idol. I often reach for my phone in times of trouble because it helps me get my mind off stress. But I know that it ends up creating more anxiety due to my untouched problems sitting in the back of my head. Yes, scrolling on the phone can feel relaxing in some ways, but once you get off it, you have to eventually deal with your problems. I am actively struggling with this kind of idolatry and often push Jesus to the back of my mind while I take out my phone. I haven’t done much about it, but writing this is showing me how much of a problem it actually is. As I mentioned in a previous article, I have not been taking Jesus seriously in the past couple of months. I have been struggling with a lot of spiritual warfare, and idolatry is a huge part of it. I pray that each and every one of us, including myself, has the strength blessed by God to overcome our idols. That we can have the spiritual sense to realize what we idolize is wrong, and that our Lord and Savior is much more fulfilling than any item or person, or false God could ever be. I pray that we open our hearts to Jesus, and that we may never forget His sacrifice for each and every one of us. He never forgets us; let us remember that. Jesus, pour your love onto us! Holy Spirit, come to overflow! Thank you for reading! This article serves as a reminder that you can make anything become a God in your life. It’s important to realize that this is dangerous. Jesus is the one true God. He is the way, the truth, the life. He is love. He is better than anything you could imagine. Keep that in mind, my lovely friends :) © Sienna King

By Guest Author: Jeff Barlatier Some Christians are waiting for a Third Temple that the New Testament says Christ already fulfilled. That is the irony. Christians who glory in the cross sometimes sound eager for the return of the shadows. Some Christians watch Jerusalem the way traders watch markets. Every rumor becomes a signal. Every archaeological headline becomes a prophecy update. Every red heifer becomes a countdown clock (Numbers 19). A priestly garment appears. A golden menorah is displayed. A group trains Levites. Suddenly prophecy blogs explode. “The Third Temple is coming.” May 2025 The End Times Pre-Trib Believers Group  Facebook Post But beneath the excitement sits a harder question: Why would Christians celebrate rebuilding a system the New Testament says Christ fulfilled? That tension is not political. It is theological. Because the New Testament does not restore the Temple. It redefines it. The Temple Was Always a Signpost For ancient Israel, the Temple was the center of the religious universe. Sacrifice happened there (Leviticus 1–7).Priests served there (Exodus 28–29).Pilgrims traveled there (Deuteronomy 16:16).God’s presence filled the sanctuary (1 Kings 8:10–13). But the Temple was never meant to be the destination. It was theology carved into architecture. The New Testament explains that the entire sacrificial system functioned as a shadow pointing forward. “We have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all” (Hebrews 10:10). “Where there is forgiveness… there is no longer any offering for sin” (Hebrews 10:18). If Christ offered the final sacrifice, the system finished its task. The altar did its work. The symbol delivered its meaning. Shadows vanish when the sun rises. Jesus Claimed to Replace the Temple Jesus did not merely reform the Temple. He relocated it. “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up” (John 2:19). The audience thought he meant the building. The Gospel clarifies: “He was speaking about the temple of his body” (John 2:21). The implication was enormous. God’s presence would no longer be centered in a building. It would be centered in Christ himself . Jesus becomes the meeting place between heaven and earth (John 1:14; John 1:51). The Temple did not disappear. It became a person. The Temple Moved The apostles pushed the idea even further. “Do you not know that you are God’s temple?” (1 Corinthians 3:16) "You yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house” (1 Peter 2:5) The Temple moved. From one building in Jerusalem to a global community filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 2:19–22). From architecture to people. From stone to Spirit. Cosmic Geography: Sacred Territory The Bible assumes something modern readers often miss. Geography is spiritually charged. Mountains were meeting places between heaven and earth (Exodus 19; Psalm 48). Sacred territory represented divine authority. “When the Most High gave the nations their inheritance… he fixed their borders according to the number of the sons of God” (Deuteronomy 32:8). Daniel even describes spiritual princes connected with nations (Daniel 10:13–20). History unfolds on earth. But it reflects unseen realities. Sacred geography produces sacred conflict. 70 AD: The Day the Temple System Ended In the year 70 AD, the Temple system came to a violent end. Roman legions under General Titus surrounded Jerusalem during the Jewish revolt. The city starved. Civil war erupted inside the walls. Then the Romans breached the defenses. The historian Flavius Josephus described the moment the Temple caught fire: “The temple was now in flames… the blood was larger in quantity than the fire.”— The Jewish War (Josephus, 1987) The sanctuary burned. The altar was destroyed. The sacrificial system ceased. Even today, Judaism functions without Temple sacrifice. The event also fulfilled something Jesus had predicted decades earlier: “Not one stone here will be left upon another that will not be thrown down.”— Matthew 24:2 For early Christians, the destruction confirmed a theological shift already underway. The Temple era had ended. Christ had become the final sacrifice (Hebrews 9:26). How Dispensationalism Created the Modern Temple Expectation For most of Christian history, the Church did not expect a rebuilt Temple. But in the 1800s, theologian John Nelson Darby developed a prophetic framework dividing history into dispensations . Darby taught that Israel and the Church had separate prophetic destinies. This idea spread widely through the Scofield Reference Bible. Soon prophecy charts and conferences popularized the expectation of a future Temple. But many scholars argue the New Testament points in a different direction. The story moves from Temple to Christ, not from Christ back to Temple (Sproul, 1999; Wright, 1996). C. S. Lewis: When the Symbol Gives Way to the Reality C. S. Lewis often explained that Christianity is the moment when symbols become reality. In Reflections on the Psalms , he wrote that what once appeared as shadows in Israel’s worship became historical reality in Christ (Lewis, 1958). For centuries the Temple functioned as sacred symbolism. A priest stood between God and humanity. An altar carried sacrifice. A sanctuary represented God’s presence. But Christianity claims these symbols reached their fulfillment in Christ. Jesus becomes the true High Priest (Hebrews 4:14–16). Jesus becomes the final sacrifice (Hebrews 10:10–12). Jesus becomes the true Temple (John 2:21). Lewis compared religious symbols to maps. Maps guide travelers. But once the destination is reached, the map is no longer the focus. The Temple was the map. Christ is the destination. Why the Third Temple Debate Is Really About Jesus At first glance, the debate about a Third Temple seems like an argument about prophecy. It isn’t. It is a question about identity. If Jesus is the Messiah, the Temple fulfilled its purpose. If he is not, the Temple remains unfinished business. Jesus becomes the true meeting place between God and humanity (John 1:14). He becomes the final sacrifice for sin (Hebrews 10:12). He becomes the great high priest who mediates between God and humanity (Hebrews 4:14–16). Everything the Temple represented pointed forward. The New Testament claims the moment arrived. The shadow met the substance. The map reached the destination. Which leaves one final question. If Christ fulfilled the Temple, why would Christians want to go back? © Jeff Barlatier (Doctoral Candidate)MDiv candidate References The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. (2001). Crossway. Heiser, M. S. (2015). The unseen realm: Recovering the supernatural worldview of the Bible . Lexham Press. Josephus, F. (1987). The Jewish War (G. A. Williamson, Trans.). Penguin. Lewis, C. S. (1958). Reflections on the Psalms . Harcourt Brace. Sproul, R. C. (1999). The last days according to Jesus . Baker Books. Wright, N. T. (1996). Jesus and the victory of God . Fortress Press. Temple Institute. (n.d.). Temple preparation and artifacts. https://templeinstitute.org

There are truths so foundational to the Christian life that, once grasped, they quietly reshape how we see every sunrise, every hardship, and every breath we take. One of those truths is this: God is good, and His goodness is not fragile. It does not rise and fall with our circumstances, nor does it depend on our performance. It flows from His character, steady and unchanging, like the mercy described in Lamentations 3:22–23 , renewed every morning before our feet ever touch the floor. Many believers can look back over their lives and trace the fingerprints of God’s goodness long before they recognized them. The psalmist reflected on this when he wrote of God’s hand holding him from the moment he awoke until he lay down again, a reminder echoed in Psalm 139:5 and Psalm 23:6 . Whether we were aware of it or not, the Lord has been faithfully present — guiding, protecting, correcting, and sustaining. This is why the song “Goodness of God” (Bethel Music, 2019) resonates so deeply with so many. Its testimony mirrors the lived experience of countless believers: “All my life You have been faithful… all my life You have been so, so good.” Those words are not sentimental optimism; they are a confession rooted in Scripture. Psalm 100:5 declares that the Lord is good and His steadfast love endures forever. James 1:17 reminds us that every good and perfect gift comes from Him. And Romans 8:28 assures us that even the things we would never choose are being woven for our good by a God who cannot act outside His own goodness. Yet acknowledging God’s goodness is not always easy. Life brings seasons of fire, as 1 Peter 1:6–7 describes, and nights that feel darker than we imagined possible. But Scripture insists that God is near in those moments, not distant. The psalmist testified that the Lord is close to the brokenhearted in Psalm 34:18 . Isaiah spoke of God walking with His people through the fire in Isaiah 43:2 . And Paul wrote of a God who comforts us in all our afflictions in 2 Corinthians 1:3–4 . These passages remind us that God’s goodness is not proven by the absence of trials but by His presence in them. Sometimes His goodness is protective: closing doors we wanted open or redirecting us when we were determined to go our own way. Other times His goodness is corrective, as Hebrews 12:6 explains, shaping us through discipline that ultimately yields peace and righteousness. And often His goodness is simply tender: the quiet assurance of His Spirit, the unexpected encouragement from a friend, the strength to take one more step when we feel empty. These are not coincidences; they are expressions of a Father who knows His children intimately, as Jesus described in Matthew 6:8 . One of the most beautiful aspects of God’s goodness is that it pursues us. David wrote that goodness and mercy would follow him all the days of his life in Psalm 23:6 . The Hebrew idea behind “follow” is not passive; it carries the sense of pursuit. God’s goodness does not trail behind us casually. It runs after us, as the song’s bridge proclaims. This pursuit is seen most clearly in Christ Himself. Jesus came “to seek and to save the lost,” as stated in Luke 19:10 . He pursued us when we were far from Him, reconciled us through His sacrifice, and now leads us as a Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep, as described in John 10:11 . When we recognize this, pursuing goodness, surrender becomes a natural response. Scripture calls us to this same posture. Paul urges believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices in Romans 12:1 . Jesus teaches that following Him requires denying ourselves and taking up our cross in Mark 8:34 . Surrender is not loss; it is the doorway to freedom, peace, and purpose. It is trusting that the God who has been faithful in every season will continue to be faithful in the next. Living in the goodness of God also shapes how we relate to others. When we understand how deeply we have been loved, forgiven, and sustained, we become more patient, more gracious, and more generous. Paul wrote that believers are to imitate God as dearly loved children in Ephesians 5:1–2 . The goodness we have received becomes the goodness we extend. As we reflect on God’s goodness, we are invited to do more than remember. It calls us to worship. Worship is not merely singing; it is the posture of a heart that recognizes the faithfulness of God across the landscape of life. It is the declaration that, regardless of what tomorrow holds, the God who has carried us this far will not fail us now. It is choosing to trust His character when we cannot trace His hand. So today, take a moment to look back. Trace the threads of God’s goodness in your story: the answered prayers, the unexpected provision, the strength in weakness, the peace in chaos, the forgiveness that restored you, the grace that held you. And then look forward with confidence, knowing that the same God who has been faithful in every chapter will be faithful in the ones still to come. Because all our lives, He has been faithful. And all our lives, He has been so, so good. © R andy DeVaul, MA

I'm an avid reader. I started reading at a young age. If I couldn't find anything to read I'd read the information on the cereal box. Yet, I never considered writing even though I had some success early in my life. I entered a competition when I was 8 years old. I wrote a poem, and much to my surprise, achieved third place in the contest. In my early twenties, I won first prize in a writing contest. Still, the penny didn't drop. About a decade later I started journaling after I had a vivid dream where God spoke to me and prevented me from joining my mother and a cousin who were laughing together about something. I love to laugh and dearly wanted to join them, but couldn’t. I couldn't understand it at the time, but both passed on soon after my dream. It was clearly not my time to join them. I had the privilege to translate Christian literature from English to Afrikaans for a local publisher. This eventually led to writing two books, published by this publisher. I still lacked the confidence to pursue writing. In April 2025, I discovered Medium and I decided to take the plunge. I would describe myself as a wallflower. I'm not into parties or crowds. I prefer one-on-one conversations. I constantly converse with God, both silently and verbally. We have the most interesting conversations. I firmly believe in Jesus as my Lord and Savior. Without Him I am nothing and I can do nothing. My life with Jesus is a journey. Sometimes it's more exciting or challenging than I would like, but it's never boring. I don't know where my writing will go, or where it will take me, if anywhere at all, but it's another interesting path I believe God has led me on, and I'm willing to take this journey with Him. I share my own experiences, thoughts, ideas, and struggles. In doing so I hope to encourage readers to walk with God, and take this journey we call life with Him. 'This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It’s adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike "What’s next, Papa?" God’s Spirit touches our spirits and confirms who we really are. We know who he is, and we know who we are: Father and children. And we know we are going to get what’s coming to us—an unbelievable inheritance! We go through exactly what Christ goes through. If we go through the hard times with him, then we’re certainly going to go through the good times with him!' (Romans 8:15-17 MSG) Medium

I’m David (DJ), a pastor serving college students at Purdue University. I came into college chasing pleasure and purpose on my own terms, but through a community marked by uncommon love and conviction, I became persuaded of the truth of the gospel—a decision that reshaped the direction of my life. Since then, I’ve spent my life investing in students across Berkeley, Irvine, Minneapolis, and now West Lafayette. I write about faith, formation, and the deeper questions beneath everyday life. Husband, father of two very different boys, lifelong LA sports fan. I enjoy hooping, reading, and the theological significance of fast-food chains. Medium YouTube Substack

I’m a Christian writer focused on faith, culture, and the tension between modern Christianity and its historical roots. I write about spiritual integrity, nationalism, church culture, and the psychological undercurrents shaping contemporary belief. I’m especially interested in recovering a Christianity that is intellectually serious, morally courageous, and resistant to tribal distortion. My goal is not just critique, but clarity — calling the Church back to depth, honesty, and spiritual strength. I write on Medium , engaging theology, identity, and cultural critique with conviction and candor.

Randy DeVaul, MA ( pastorintheword@gmail.com ), is a pastor, Bible teacher, speaker, and author. He is also a retired 40+ year safety professional and EMT/BLS instructor/responder. He lives in central Florida, where he lives with his wife of more than 33 years. His ministry to senior adults has recently expanded with adding his weekly messages on YouTube ( Randy DeVaul - YouTube ) and Spotify ( ForEVER READY SAM | Podcast on Spotify ).   In his pastoral teaching role, he invests in helping followers of Christ walk the Christian life as God intended, with Bible-centered teaching and practical life examples. He chairs the Spiritual Life department of the church’s Bible institute, where he teaches courses that equip believers for practical, everyday discipleship. He founded Pastor in the Word ( Pastor in the Word - Home ), for which he is available to assist pastors and churches with preaching, teaching, and conducting themed workshops and seminars on the Christian life.   Randy holds both an MA and BS degree from Liberty University, majoring in Cross‑Cultural Studies with minors in Aviation and Sociology. Before being called to his current role, his ministry background includes missions work, young adult and singles ministry, and the forming of a thriving senior adults ministry.   Beyond the church, Randy has served as a Rapid Response Team Chaplain with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association/Samaritan’s Purse, ministering primarily to first responders in communities facing crisis. Throughout his safety career, he has written dozens of articles, conducted over 600 national webinars, served as a safety expert for a national attorney firm, and served on federal and state legislative and training teams. He has held global leadership roles with Fortune 100 companies.   Randy is the author of four workplace safety books, home safety books, and seven Christian Life series books, available on Amazon ( Amazon.com : Randy DeVaul MA: books, biography, latest update ) in addition to over 100 Christian Life articles at  Randy DeVaul, MA – Medium .