Not long ago, I read something from Sienna Krieg: "We must be scrutinizing the words behind every church sermon." That sent my thoughts somewhere unexpected, to pulpits. Not the sermons themselves, but the actual wooden structures churches build for their leaders to stand behind. For most of my life, something about them bugged me, and I couldn't put my finger on why. It took getting older, collecting a few hard lessons along the way, and sitting with some uncomfortable realizations before it finally made sense. Here's what I've come to notice: pulpits, over time, have shifted into something they were never designed to be. What started as a purely practical fix (a sturdy stand for scrolls and heavy early Bibles) has become a kind of divider between the person speaking and the people listening. And if I'm honest, I think that divide is only going to grow. A Trophy Called the Pulpit A pulpit is treated like a trophy now, not in every case, and I’m not claiming that either, but there absolutely is an ego boost that can come from standing behind a pulpit. It’s similar to a promotion in the military that comes with a new pin or patch, or how doctors collect abbreviations behind their names. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with advancement, leadership, or being in the spotlight. That’s not my issue with pulpits. The issue I have with them is the part of us, our flesh, that craves status, recognition, and the feeling of being above others. “Pulpit Pride” is what I learned this is dubbed. I’ve seen far too many pulpit pounders puffed up with pride, treating the pulpit as if it were a hand-delivered gift from God meant to elevate their rank. The pulpit becomes a symbol of status instead of a place of service to God. The Slow Drift From Purpose Originally, something sturdy was needed simply to hold the Scriptures. Scrolls were large, heavy, and needed to be rolled out safely, and early printed Bibles weren’t much better because they didn’t have the thin paper we have now. So a pulpit made sense; it was practical and functional. But it was never meant to be a throne. As with anything that can become an idol and be plagued with pride, that has happened with pulpits; their basic and logical function has been changed. It’s become a source of pride, power and prestige, a place where status is assumed rather than earned. This doesn’t just happen at large churches or “mega” churches, either; it can and does happen in any size of church. I’ve watched this play out with my own eyes over the years. I’ve had the privilege of attending churches of every size, ones with only a handful of people to thousands in attendance. I’ve seen large ones where the pastors purposely had clear pulpits made for holding their Bibles and notes while they walk around and preach, and I’ve seen smaller churches with huge wooden pulpits and the pastor standing behind it, pounding their fist on it in anger at their congregation for not giving enough money in the last quarter. I’ve seen it all. That brings me back to Sienna Krieg's words: we absolutely should be “scrutinizing the words behind every church sermon.” And that means the person from whom those words are coming, not just the words themselves. She was calling for awareness, and so am I, because getting behind a pulpit has become a pride-filled idol in a lot of churches. What They Need From Us That’s why our prayers matter so much. Not just for the message, but for the person standing behind that pulpit. If we want pulpits to be places of humility rather than hierarchy, then our pastors and church leaders need to be supported and prayed for every day without fail. I can honestly say that I would not want to be a pastor of a church these days. I have looked into seminary school and theology programs a few times. I have been told that people would come to any church I talked at just to hear my weirdness and thoughts in person, but I do not envy pastors or any church leader trying to teach Scripture, the real, truthful Scripture, in this current era. I can see why the pull of flesh can be so strong with earning a pulpit to stand behind. I know myself well enough to know not to ever put myself into that position. Everyone has something, a something that is their fleshly glitch, that is their biggest battle. Mine is pride. God has had to crash me out so many times for me to finally see it, and I’m glad He did; I needed it. Now I am doing this; I am in the background, and hopefully a supporting piece of the Body of Christ. I love it here. I am happy here in my role, and I do not for a moment think the life of a pastor is easy. As much as we need to keep them accountable, we also need to be there praying for them, supporting them, thinking a little extra for them. They are carrying a burden we do not understand, and as a person who has had the chance to become a pastor but listened to discernment and was self-aware enough to realize that's not a good mix for me, I can say confidently that we don’t understand their burden. Just as they serve us in the ways we need, we must serve them in the ways they need. We are all one gigantic Body of Christ; let’s start praying for our local church leaders, and I don't care if they are not your “denomination”; that’s not for us to determine how God will use a person. We’ve built entire walls between each other over denominational lines, as if God only works through the ones that look like us or believe exactly like we do. I think we will be mightily surprised, all who are in heaven, on that great and wonderful day. © 2026 Jane Isley. Keep Reading If this resonated, here are a few more pieces worth your time: Speaking the Whole Truth: When Churches Soften God's Word It's Not the Church's Job to Validate You; It's to Disciple You When Church Makes You Feel Stupid. That Is Church Hurt Want a curated selection of the best from Faithful Writers delivered to your inbox? Subscribe here. Press Ctrl + P (Windows) or Cmd + P (Mac) to print this article or save it as a PDF.

“…not one sparrow falls to the ground without your Father’s consent. As for you, even the hairs of your head have all been counted. So, do not be afraid; you are worth much more than many sparrows!”— Matthew 10:29–31 (GNT). Photo by Cédric VT on Unsplash Did you know the average human head has somewhere between 80,000 and 150,000 hairs? And that we shed about 50 to 100 hairs every single day? Also, there’s no official Guinness World Record for counting every hair on one person’s head. That’s probably for the best. Nobody should even think about doing that. It’s ridiculous and unnecessary. Anyway. Jesus says these words to His disciples before sending them out to preach the Gospel. He was preparing them, giving instructions, setting expectations, offering assurance, and also warning them: persecution is coming. And then, He starts talking about fear. In Matthew 10:26–31, Jesus says three times, “Do not be afraid.” He tells them that not a single sparrow falls to the ground without God’s knowledge. But the verse does not say sparrows never fall. They do. Every day. So, where is the comfort here? The comfort is not that nothing bad will ever happen. The comfort is that nothing happens outside God’s knowledge. God’s absolute sovereignty does not guarantee a pain-free life. It guarantees that whatever happens is happening within His full awareness. The sparrow is not the ultimate custodian of its own life. God is. Falling to the ground is not a pleasant experience, but even that fall is known by God. And because He knows it, He also knows its outcome. The application of this illustration is “Do not be afraid." When people talk about God’s sovereignty, they usually talk about power, control, His omniscience. All true. But rarely do we talk about sovereignty as comfort. If we think sovereignty means no falls, then we’ve misunderstood it. We all fall. There’s no escape from that. God’s sovereignty doesn’t cancel evil or suffering, but it does extend over all of it. That’s why a sparrow can start its day flying freely. Nothing comes to pass without the Creator’s knowledge. And knowing that the Creator is also caring is the foundation of “Do not be afraid.” Think about our daily lives. If we start our day by carefully calculating/planning every possible scenario/risk in front of us carefully and meticulously with attention to every tiny detail, then we probably won’t be able to get much done because many things are unpredictable and a fall will never come with an announcement. If we focus on those things and become slow to the execution of important and necessary things in our lives (like in this case, disciples preaching the Gospel), then that’s already a victory handed to Satan. Fearing humans, fearing the world is most definitely equals fearing Satan and God doesn’t like that. Satan likes to inject fear into us to cripple us. If he cannot stop us, at least he’ll try to slow us. When we meticulously plan every step to avoid every stone and ditch in front us, then we’re relying on our minds (Proverbs 3:5) and this can lead to stress and unnecessary worldly yokes that are heavy compared to the yoke that Jesus has for us (Matthew 11:30). So, leave the possibility of a fall, and the aftermath of that fall, in the hands of a caring Creator. Then get on with the day’s work. We’re more precious than sparrows. We’re called to fear our Creator and Comforter more than we fear worldly worries. He knows us better than we know ourselves. Just like He knows how many hairs are on our heads. Sometimes, when falls do happen, people often say, “Everything happens for a reason” or “God works in mysterious ways.” But the truth is “In all things God works for good with those who love Him…”— Romans 8:28 (GNT). Not some things or few things but all things. If someone loves God, they don’t love Satan. If someone fears God, they don’t fear Satan or the world. “No one can serve two masters” (Matthew 6:24). That’s the truth. And “If we’re the world’s friends, then we’re God’s enemies” (James 4:4). So, let’s live boldly. Not cravenly. Let’s step out under His grace and mercy without fear. Let us not keep track of the number of hairs on our heads every day. We have been assigned way more important things to do for Him while we live our lives on this planet! Writing helps me slow down and listen better to God. Some of the reflections like this one are in my debut book, Seeing Through God’s Eyes: Discerning Biblical Wisdom for Faithful Living, available for FREE. The download link(s) are here, if you feel like checking it out. Thanks for reading! © Dr. Anudeep Manne Press Ctrl + P (Windows) or Cmd + P (Mac) to print this article or save it as a PDF.

There was a time I prayed with all my heart but couldn’t seem to hear God. I waited, fasted, listened and yet all I felt was silence. I began to wonder if something was wrong with me, or if God had gone quiet. But the truth is, God doesn’t stop speaking. Sometimes, our hearts just become too crowded to notice His voice. He still speaks through His Word, His peace, and His Spirit but life gets noisy. Our minds fill up, our emotions overflow, and our spirit becomes too restless to receive what He’s been saying all along. Here are a few quiet blockers that often stand between us and His voice, and how to open the line again. 1. Sin and Misalignment Sin doesn’t make God love us less, but it makes us less sensitive to His presence. It clouds our discernment and dulls our awareness of Him. Isaiah 59:2 says, “Your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden His face from you.” When I realized that disobedience makes hearing harder, I stopped asking “Why can’t I hear God?” and started asking “Where did I stop obeying?” Repentance isn’t about shame; it’s more about returning home. When your heart turns back, His voice becomes clear again. 2. Busyness and Noise In a time that glorifies constant motion, I mean scrolling, planning, and rushing from one task to another, it’s pretty easy to confuse activity with connection. But God’s voice rarely shouts; it whispers most of the time, more like a gentle nudge. Elijah didn’t find Him in the fire, earthquake, or ways that seemed loud, but in a still small voice (1 Kings 19:12). If your days have no silence, your soul will have no space. Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is stop, sit in the quiet, and let your spirit breathe again. 3. Emotional Overload When fear, anxiety, or bitterness take over, they drown out the peace that helps you recognize God’s presence. I’ve learned that I hear Him most clearly when I’m still inside, when I zero in and I’m not striving for answers, just resting in trust. Philippians 4:7 says, “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” His peace often comes before His words. When you feel that peace return, know that His presence has already arrived. 4. Neglecting His Word Sometimes we want a new word, but we haven’t sat with the written one. The more we read Scripture, the more familiar His tone becomes in our spirit. His Word is the tuning fork for every other way He speaks. Make Room If you’ve been struggling to hear God, don’t assume He’s far. He’s closer than your thoughts and even nearer than your next breath. Make room for stillness, put the noise away, and open His Word again. You’ll find that He never stopped speaking, He’s just been waiting for your heart to pay attention or quiet down enough to listen. © Favour

“Stop bringing meaningless offerings!...I cannot bear your worthless assemblies...Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed.” Isaiah 1:13–17 Throughout Scripture, God abhors empty religion that sounds good but lacks spiritual depth. He hates superficial piety and superficial repentance. Prayer that is divorced from justice and truth is not only ineffective but also offends Him. And yet, in the public square, we hear a call for the National Day of Prayer on May 7th as though it were a grand act of righteousness we should be proud is happening once a year, as if the announcement itself confers spiritual credibility of our leaders and the ones that decide to participate in their finest attire. The official theme for the National Day of Prayer this year is: “Glorify God Among the Nations — Seeking Him in All Generations.” This sounds poetically beautiful, like the nation is coming together in unity for our children, it sounds humble, and more importantly, it sounds hopeful to the people whose world just got ripped to shreds when that veil lifted on what has really been going on behind the scenes. But what’s missing? If you don't really pay attention to these themes or history, you probably missed this one. Repentance is missing. National Prayer Historically Included Repentance If you trace the history of national prayer in America, even before the formal National Day of Prayer, the emphasis was on public confession, humility, fasting, and turning from sin. Early proclamations often called for days of fasting and prayer with confession, penitential observances in times of crisis. Acknowledging that the nation had strayed from righteousness. Notable examples include New Hampshire in 1786, which called for a day to “penitently confess ... sins and transgressions,” President James Madison’s 1814 proclamation linking public humility to divine pardon, and George Washington recording in June 1774: “Went to church, fasted all day,” modeling personal fasting and national repentance. The National Day of Prayer, created in 1952, was intended to mobilize public prayer and repentance for America, rooted in a Judeo-Christian understanding that leaders and families need divine intercession. Over the decades, however, the emphasis on repentance has faded. Why Repentance Matters 2 Chronicles 7:14 commands: “If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways...” And Psalm 66:18 warns: “If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.” And Jesus’ first proclamation in the Gospel was a call to repent: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 4:17 Repentance is not some soft add‑on, and repentance is not optional. It is central to Biblical teachings. It is absolutely necessary for our salvation and effective prayer. Invoking Scripture without genuine repentance undermines the Biblical pattern of national humility we are to have and becomes hypocrisy, or what I call a "PR stunt." When Ritual Becomes Empty Scripture repeatedly warns against religious performance that ignores justice and righteousness. Isaiah 1:13–17 is blunt: God rejects meaningless offerings and assemblies when the oppressed are ignored, and injustice continues. Similarly, Amos 5:21–24 declares that God despises feasts and songs if justice does not flow like a river. Prayer without repentance or accountability from anyone who participates appears righteous outwardly, but masks the reality of hearts unconverted to Christ. Such displays can mislead observers, giving the impression that participants are true believers when, in fact, their actions, or lack thereof, reveal otherwise. This not only confuses the public about what genuine faith is, but it grieves God, who detests empty worship. As Psalm 24:4–5 reminds us: “He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to what is false and does not swear deceitfully. He will receive blessing from the Lord and righteousness from the God of his salvation.” Those whose hands are unclean, yet present a façade of piety, will not claim His favor. A Notable Omission On February 24, 2026, President Donald Trump delivered the State of the Union address. Amid coverage of many topics, he did not once recognize the horrific abuses detailed in the Epstein files, despite the clear and urgent call from the public for justice. There were many difficult topics covered in the speech, so it wasn’t a matter of timing or appropriateness. It was the perfect moment, especially as people from across political divides were willing to work together on this issue. While some undoubtedly had ulterior motives, those motives still aligned with advancing investigations, arrests, and justice. Members of Congress from both sides wore pins during the speech referencing the release of Epstein documents, and survivors of Epstein’s abuse were invited as guests by Democratic lawmakers to highlight the ongoing lack of accountability. Yet Trump’s silence stood in stark contrast, failing the Biblical pattern of leaders confronting wrongdoing and calling for repentance. Words Without Action Trump has publicly addressed the Epstein files, but only to claim exoneration, dismiss the matter as a “Democratic hoax,” or express indifference. Recent reporting suggests the DOJ may be withholding facts related to Trump and the Epstein files, raising serious concerns about transparency and the faith he claims to practice. Talking about wrongdoing is not the same as acting on it, and this silence should be a warning signal to all congregations. From a Biblical perspective, all leadership roles (not just the presidency) carry a responsibility to repent, act justly, and defend the oppressed (Isaiah 1:17). Silence, denial, or dismissal creates a widening gap between publicly invoking God and pursuing true justice. And Scripture does not treat that gap lightly. Isaiah 1 is blunt: “When you spread out your hands, I will hide my eyes from you; even though you make many prayers, I will not listen; your hands are full of blood.” God rejects prayer that is divorced from repentance and justice. If a National Day of Prayer omits repentance, this is what remains: A public performance without confession, and a spiritual appeal that is blind to God Hypocrisy as Defined by Scripture Jesus reserves His sharpest rebukes not for pagans, but for religious leaders who appear righteous externally but are corrupt internally (Matthew 23). He calls them Blind Guides. Hypocrisy in Scripture is more than inconsistency with one’s stated beliefs or principles. It is the deliberate substitution of outward form for inward obedience, where ritual, piety, or moral pretense is used to create an illusion of righteousness. The Bible does not use the phrase “act of following satan” for every instance of hypocrisy, but it makes clear that satan is the source behind such behavior, exploiting deceit and pretense to advance his aims. In doing so, the heart turns from genuine repentance, justice, and humility, substituting human approval for God’s approval. This is not merely a personal failing; it is a distortion of God’s law and the ethical truths the prophets worked to reveal. The consequences of hypocrisy are profound. It misleads both the hypocrite and the people they influence, masking the reality of sin, injustice, and moral decay. Satan benefits from this deception, using it to confuse, misdirect, and weaken God’s people, while spiritual leadership becomes a tool for appearance rather than a reflection of God’s truth. Discerning believers must be vigilant to recognize true obedience from mere performance. Conclusion I do not write this out of fear or to attack any one person or party, nor am I telling anyone what political side they should stand on. I see good and evil on all sides, so I choose no side but God's. I write to open eyes to what Scripture calls us to see. We cannot ignore patterns of misconduct simply because a leader does something good or claims to be a Christian. The occasional right decisions do not erase ongoing failures of justice, nor does lip service to righteousness equal true obedience. Perhaps the most important question we each must ask ourselves is: to whom are you truly pledged? A party, a person, a campaign slogan, or to God? Are we evaluating leaders’ words and actions against Scripture, weighing the fruit they produce over time, and letting Christ guide our discernment? Or are we letting politics and personality shape our faith, instead of letting our faith shape our view of politics? I am not naive; no person, leader, or politician is perfect by any standard, but we are called to seek discernment in how God wants us to engage with the world. When we center Christ in our lives first, He will guide our decisions—in prayer, advocacy, voting, support, and giving—and we must refuse to turn a blind eye to wrongdoing and evil, resisting the temptation to excuse the behavior of others. By doing so, we become far less susceptible to satan’s deception. In living faithfully, we can serve as beacons of light, spreading God’s Word and helping restore the authority and truth of Scripture in our communities. I leave you with this: "First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way." 1 Timothy 2:1-2 © Jane Isley Sources & References: National Day of Prayer 2026 Theme History of Prayer in America / Early Proclamations Mission and Vision of National Day of Prayer Trump Longest State of the Union / Epstein Omission Congressional Pins Highlighting Epstein Files PBS News "Hoax" Comment NPR Justice Department withheld and removed some Epstein files related to Trump PBS News Doesn't Care About Files Comment Epstein Accusers at State of the Union Trump Exoneration Statements / Video Clip Trump on Epstein Files as “Hoax” DOJ Withholding Some Epstein Files / NPR Coverage Congressional Democrats Investigating Epstein Files 2 Chronicles 7:14, Psalm 66:18, Matthew 4:17, Daniel 3, Proverbs 10:9, Isaiah 1:15, Matthew 23:1–36, Ephesians 5:11,Isaiah 1:13–17, Isaiah 1:17

What Scripture Says & How to Stay Anchored There are few words in Scripture that sound as sobering as apostasy. It’s not a term we use often, yet the Bible treats it with deep seriousness. Apostasy means a deliberate, intentional departure from the faith. It’s not a moment of doubt, not a season of spiritual dryness, not confusion or weakness. It is a willful turning away from truth once known, a rebellion of the heart that chooses deception over devotion. The warnings about apostasy are not meant to frighten believers but to anchor us. They remind us that truth is not fragile, that Christ is faithful, and that the Spirit is not silent. God’s people are not helpless in the face of deception. He equips us to stand firm, even when the world around us drifts. Reality of Apostasy Scripture tells us that a great falling away will precede the return of Christ (2 Thessalonians 2:3). It will be a time when truth is rejected, when the man of lawlessness exalts himself, and when deception spreads like wildfire. The word “falling away” describes an active rebellion, not accidental, but intentional. Hebrews 6:4–6 gives a sobering picture of those who have tasted the goodness of God and yet turn away. It’s not that God refuses forgiveness; it’s that the human heart can become so hardened that repentance no longer seems desirable. Apostasy begins not with denial but with a slow, subtle drift, a movement away from truth until the heart no longer feels the pull of conviction. Nature of Deception The Bible repeatedly warns, Do not be deceived. Deception is the enemy’s oldest weapon. It questions God’s Word, elevates self as the authority, promises spirituality without repentance, redefines sin, disconnects believers from the church, and minimizes or replaces Christ. Jesus warned in Matthew 24:4–5 that many would come claiming His name, offering ideas that sound like Him but are not rooted in His Word. Paul cautioned in 1 Corinthians 6:9–10 that sin cannot be redefined to fit culture. In 1 Corinthians 15:33, he reminded us that bad company corrupts good morals. Galatians 6:7 warns that we reap what we sow, and Ephesians 5:6 exposes empty words: spiritual talk without substance. The pattern continues: 2 Thessalonians 2:3–12 describes the great deception that comes when truth is rejected. 1 Timothy 4:1 warns of counterfeit spirituality and deceitful spirits. James 1:16 reminds us that trials do not mean God is untrustworthy, and 1 John 3:7 affirms that holiness still matters, that true faith transforms behavior. All deception has one thing in common: it replaces God’s truth with human reasoning. It whispers, “Did God really say?” and invites the heart to trust feelings over faith. It Begins in the Heart Before apostasy ever becomes visible, it begins quietly within. The heart grows vulnerable through hurt, pride, or betrayal. Hypocrisy wounds deeply, and disappointment can harden the spirit. Desire reshapes doctrine when lifestyle choices become more important than obedience. Confusion arises from spiritual noise and competing worldviews. Temptation, loneliness, and isolation pull believers away from community. Influence plays a powerful role. Friends, teachers, and social media voices can sway the heart. Even spiritual hunger, when misdirected, can lead to deception if it seeks meaning apart from Christ. The drift begins long before denial. That’s why Scripture calls us to guard our hearts, for from it flow the springs of life. Standing Firm God does not leave His people defenseless. He gives us anchors to hold us steady when the winds of deception blow. Anchor #1: Scripture — Truth is the antidote to deception. Jesus prayed, “Sanctify them by the truth; Your Word is truth” (John 17:17). Steady reading strengthens the soul, and God’s Word anchors both mind and heart. Anchor #2: Discernment — Hebrews 5:14 teaches that discernment grows through practice, obedience, and testing everything by Scripture. It’s not automatic; it develops as we walk faithfully with God. Anchor #3: The Holy Spirit — John 16:13 reminds us that the Spirit guides into truth, convicts, protects, and illuminates Scripture. He is our internal compass, pointing us back to Christ when confusion clouds our way. Anchor #4: The Church — Ephesians 4:14–16 and Hebrews 10:25 show that community stabilizes and fellowship strengthens discernment. We are not meant to stand alone. The body of Christ helps us stay grounded and accountable. Anchor #5: The Gospel — The Gospel keeps Christ central. Every false teaching either replaces, reduces, or reimagines Christ. The cross must remain at the center of our faith, reminding us that salvation is by grace through faith alone. Standing firm is not complicated, but it requires consistency. Read one chapter of Scripture daily. Pray short, simple prayers throughout the day. Keep worship music playing to fill your heart with truth. Stay in fellowship and community. Ask questions when something sounds “off.” These small habits build spiritual strength and keep the heart anchored. Final Encouragement Apostasy is a real threat, but believers are not helpless. The truth of God is not fragile. Christ is not threatened. The Spirit is not silent. And God’s people are not alone. We stand firm because the Shepherd is faithful, and He will keep us. The same grace that saved us will sustain us. The same truth that called us will preserve us. The same Spirit that convicted us will guide us home. As Philippians 1:6 reminds us, He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion. So do not be deceived. Do not drift. Stand firm in the truth. The world may shake, but the Word of God stands forever. © 2026 Randy DeVaul, MA. Want more content like this? Explore more articles in Rethinking Doctrine. "Apostasy in the Bible is not the final word for those who stay anchored in Christ, because the same God who warned us is the same God who keeps us." Press Ctrl + P (Windows) or Cmd + P (Mac) to print this article or save it as a PDF.

There was once a hungry beggar sitting by the roadside. A preacher walked past him, looked at him, and began preaching about the coming of Jesus, repentance, confession of sin, and belief in Christ. He even thumped his Bible against the beggar’s head before leaving. Later, another man passed by. He saw the beggar’s condition, went into a nearby store, bought some bread, and gave it to him. The beggar ate immediately. Now tell me: who did the right thing, and who merely did a good thing? Clearly, the man who fed him did the right thing. The beggar needed bread, not a sermon. James 2:8 (GNT) says, “You will be doing the right thing if you obey the law of the Kingdom, which is found in the scripture, ‘Love your neighbour as you love yourself.’” Love sometimes looks very practical. Even Mahatma Gandhi once said, “Even God cannot stand before a hungry man unless in bread’s form.” You might disagree with Gandhi. After all, God can do anything. He could have made the beggar feel full while being preached to. He silenced lions for Daniel, right? But here’s the question: if God always intervened, how would we learn obedience? How would that preacher know what he did to the beggar wasn’t right? James 2:15–17 asks what good faith is without action. And here is something interesting: the right things are always good. But good things are not always right. That difference can change history. Saul: When Good Became Disobedience In 1 Samuel 15, Samuel commanded King Saul to completely destroy the Amalekites: “don’t leave a thing” (1 Samuel 15:3, GNT). But Saul and his men spared King Agag and kept the best sheep and cattle. Why? To offer them as a sacrifice. It sounded spiritual. It sounded noble. But it was disobedience. Samuel responded to Saul’s blunder like this: “Which does the Lord prefer: obedience or offerings and sacrifices? It is better to obey Him than to sacrifice the best sheep to Him” (1 Samuel 15:22, GNT). Saul chose what looked good instead of what was right. And that decision reverberated across generations! Esther 3:1 tells us that Haman was a descendant of Agag. Saul’s incomplete obedience eventually placed the Jewish people in danger centuries later! Disobedience is not always loud. Sometimes it looks reasonable. Even religious. But it spreads. The One Thing In Luke 10:38–42 (GNT), Martha was “worried and troubled over so many things.” Mary, however, sat at Jesus’ feet and listened. Jesus said only one thing was needed. Martha wasn’t doing something evil. She was serving. But Mary chose the right thing. Sometimes, the right thing feels unproductive. It feels small. It feels passive. But it aligns with heaven. Spurgeon said it clearly: “The way to get the revival is to begin at the Master’s feet; you must go there with Mary, and afterwards you may work with Martha.” A Hospital Lesson I’ll Never Forget In 2014, I was an intern in a multispecialty hospital in Bangalore, India. I worked under the Head of the Department (HOD) of General Medicine. One day, a critically ill patient with severe pneumonia was brought in. His lungs were failing. His breathing was laboured. Every possible intervention was considered. But each option would likely cause more suffering. After careful assessment, the HOD made a decision: he signed a DNR form, Do Not Resuscitate. As an intern, I felt uncomfortable filling it out. It felt like writing a death sentence. Like we were giving up. The patient died later that day. It wasn’t good. It didn’t feel good. But it was right. The right choice prevented a violent and painful end. It required wisdom. It required restraint. And later, the HOD was questioned by the administration. The decision looked suspicious. Risky. Even wrong. But it was right. You see, the right thing can look questionable. John the Baptist was accused of having a demon (Luke 7:33–34, GNT). Jesus was called a glutton and a drunkard. Yet both were doing what was right. 1 John 2:29 (GNT) says, “…everyone who does what’s right is God’s child.” We won’t please everyone. That’s impossible. But we must seek wisdom to discern what is right in His eyes. Because sometimes God asks for only one thing. Not the impressive thing. Not the emotional thing. Not even the “good” thing. Just the right thing. Come! Just like some of the “Hall of Faith” members, let’s do what is right and receive what God has promised (Hebrews 11:33, GNT). Writing helps me slow down and listen better to God. Some of the reflections, like this one, are in my debut book, Seeing Through God’s Eyes: Discerning Biblical Wisdom for Faithful Living, made available for FREE. The download link(s) are here, if you feel like checking them out. Thanks for reading! © Dr. Anudeep Manne Press Ctrl + P (Windows) or Cmd + P (Mac) to print this article or save it as a PDF.

“If you use the word “Christian” anywhere in conjunction with your name or introduction to another person. You are voluntarily signing up for higher expectations, whether you like it or not.” ~ Me I was reminded of this recently, and it challenged me to examine Scripture. We are warned about judging others while ignoring the plank in our own eye (Matthew 7:5), but He never said we shouldn’t discern or hold fellow believers to His higher standard. He also doesn’t say we must maintain relationships with those who profess Christianity yet act with duplicity that causes harm or confusion. The Double-Minded Heart James 1:7–8 “For that person ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.” Psalm 28:3 “[…] Who speak peace with their neighbors, While evil is in their hearts.” Matthew 23:28 “So you too, outwardly appear righteous to people, but inwardly you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.” Scripture Makes It Clear When a person reveals instability of character, saying one thing and doing another, trust is broken. And instead of repentance, pride can often take over. Ego, defensiveness, and self-justification pour out fast. That is a heart not of God, but of this world. A torn heart. The Greek word for unstable in James 1:8 is akatastatos, meaning unstable, restless, and disorderly. That paints a vivid picture: a person whose thoughts, motives, and actions are never fully aligned. Someone likely swayed by every emotion or circumstance. That kind of instability produces impulsive reactions and fractured relationships. It’s not a trait of Christ, and it’s not something we should allow to take root in our lives. Yes, we screw up at times, but trust me, there is a cast-iron pan hitting you somewhere in the head when you screw up. You feel it, you see it, you can even taste it. It is up to you to listen and be taught by God to walk away from what the world deems “right” and do better. You mature. Anchoring Your Soul A double-minded, unstable person is restless because their internal foundation is unstable. Those who are anchored in Christ are steadier and, at the very least, feel that cast-iron conviction hard enough to shape up. One of our callings as believers isn’t only to walk in alignment with God. It’s to do the work to get there and to fight to stay there; it is also to hold fellow believers to the higher standard that Christ set forth for us. How We React Reveals Who We Are I’ve found that when you truly live your life for Christ, things just naturally occur in a person. It becomes instilled in you, whether you are new to it or not. Especially in how you respond to feedback. When your heart is in line with Christ, I usually see one of two things: You recognize feedback for what it is, appreciate it, learn from it, apply it, and move on; or You feel the sting, step back, have a convo with God, learn from it, and then move on. I remember my interactions with people. They shape how I move forward with them. I trust their words and their love for Christ, but when instability becomes painfully clear, trust is lost. It’s not that I hold onto anything negative against them and dwell on it; it’s that that interaction shows me exactly where they are in life with God, and what they need prayer for. It also shows me that I may need to step away from that harm and hold them to a higher standard, which is what they signed up for when they proclaimed Christianity. Final Thought Moment When others act double-minded, don’t let their instability shake your integrity. Stand firm, call it out respectfully, respond with grace, and walk away if you must. The world will always be pulling at our loyalties, but a surrendered heart will always find its balance in Him. © Jane Isley

I’ve been mulling over a few words lately that are sparking fierce debates among Christians; one of those words is “deconstructionism.” While I may take that on another time, it isn’t the word I’m concerned about today. The word on my radar is discernment. When Discernment Was Respected Discernment was once a respected word. It was a word that belonged to religion; it spoke of faith, wisdom, and connection to God in Christianity. Then somewhere along the way, a snake slithered into the landscape and begun subtly reshaping that word. At first, this may all seem harmless, but look at the current culture we live in; no word is sacred anymore and allowed to hold a concrete definition, and satan is thriving in this confusion; he is thriving in his ability to undermine a definition and use it to his advantage. That is the pattern I’m watching emerge with this word. Dictionary Definition So let’s start with the definition of discernment: “the quality of being able to grasp and comprehend what is obscure” How do I describe discernment to people? It isn’t a “feeling.” It isn’t opinion, logic, your knowledge, or experience. It is a supernatural force of God, crashing into the soul like a battering ram. It is the ability from Him to see past flashy language, “good” intentions, and the appealing packages, and to recognize the snake hiding underneath that no one else sees. It is God having a conversation with your soul. Where It’s All Going Wrong These headlines reveal how far the word has drifted from its original meaning. “News Finds Me as the illusion of competence: evidence for overconfidence in discernment of political misinformation” (1) “Reading news on social media boosts knowledge, discernment and trust” (2) “The media literacy dilemma: can ChatGPT facilitate the discernment of online health misinformation?” (3) “Professor’s “News Literacy” Guide Provides Tools to Discern Fake News” (4) “Expediency Discernment Council of Iran Approves Conditional Accession to CFT” (5) This past weekend, I overheard sports commentators debating a football play. One of them used the word discernment to describe a player’s decision. And earlier, I heard a talk show host use the same word to discuss a cookie recipe. From Respected to Common I’m in my forties, and never in my life did I expect to hear the word discernment used to describe football or a recipe. That’s why I used the word respected earlier, because it should be to us. Discernment should not be a buzzword used to sound intelligent or authoritative, and satan is in bliss right now, knowing the masses are getting hit with this word, and its definition is becoming muddied, just what he wants. Check out this quote: “The term discernment” is most commonly used in a religious context to describe an individual’s decision-making process in regard to a vocation. To think about it, though, discernment is part of many people’s daily lives, without knowing it!” (source) That statement shows the problem perfectly. Discernment is not something people unknowingly practice in daily life; it is not an instinct or a skill that develops through daily experience or work efforts. Discernment comes from a relationship with God. By reframing it as a common human ability, the quote quietly edits discernment out of the spiritual realm and plants it into the self. That is not clarification, it is redefinition. What’s At Stake I get it, by dictionary definition, it technically can be expanded and added to, but, for us, Christians, this word has a full and powerful meaning. If we don’t keep the word discernment safe and correctly used, if we don’t teach what it means Biblically, how are Christians in the future going to be able to recognize discernment as distinct from the self? How will people be able to see that this: “discernment is part of many people’s daily lives,” is a lie unless they are a believer? How will they recognize the deception that is not just coming, but already here, when the very definition of what it means is now mixed up in Google titles and social media comments? Language helps shape belief, and when spiritual language is redefined by culture and media, faith itself is affected. If discernment becomes nothing more than a cognitive human skill, stripped of its spiritual power, then how can it be recognized? © Jane Isley Sources: (1) Oxford Academic: Human Communication Research (2) Natural Human Behaviour (3) Frontiers in Communication (4) News Wise (5) WAWA

It’s easy to assume pastors, preachers, and ministers are always right. But that assumption is all too often dangerous this day in age. Because many leaders are simply no longer teaching the Word of God. They’re dishing out a version of Christianity they’ve shaped to fit their own desires, and far too many congregations nod along without question. “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.” Matt 7:15 I’m seeing it more and more as each day passes. A leader drifts off course, and instead of conviction correcting the moment, silence fills the room. People are reading the room more than they read their own Bible. The conviction stirs inside, but comfort wins out. And just like that, a church stops being the body of Christ and becomes a crowd primed for deception. Psychology calls it mob mentality. Scripture calls it apostasy. That is a deliberate turning away; a conscious rejection of Christ and His teachings. One person stays silent. Then another. Then another. Slowly, conviction collapses in favour of fitting in. As the congregation drifts, satan seizes a foothold, whispering into that leader’s ear. They then test boundaries because they can, knowing the congregation will go along; this is an easily self-feeding cycle. A closed loop of delusion dressed in church language and religious ritual. We were warned. “For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.” 2 Tim 4:3 We were also forewarned of the consequences. “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ Matt 7:21–23 When conviction and comfort clash, where do you fall? © Jane Isley

You cannot claim to follow Christ while seeking mediums, spiritualists, clairvoyants, witches, or fortune tellers, or while entertaining horoscopes, crystals, fortune cookies, zodiacs, or superstitions like knocking on wood. It’s not optional. It’s not harmless fun. God is clear about this, and the Bible doesn’t leave room for debate or loopholes. God’s Warning Is Clear Let’s start with Leviticus 19:31: NASB “‘Do not turn to mediums or spiritists; do not seek them out to be defiled by them. I am the Lord your God.” The original Hebrew adds even more clarity. The word hā’ō·ḇōṯ (mediums) is translated as “Medium, necromancer, spiritist, ghost, familiar spirit.” Very definitive and no wiggle room in there to find a loophole. The word hay·yid·də·‘ō·nîm (spiritists) is translated as “Medium, spiritist, wizard,” also, definitive and no loopholes available for that one. Ancient nations believed these people could summon the dead to reveal mysteries, predict the future, or influence the living. This is not a modern idea, but an ancient deception. But the Bible calls it exactly what it is: defilement. And this warning isn’t limited to one verse. Leviticus 20:6 spells out the consequences. Turning to mediums (or whatever name or shape it goes by) provokes God’s judgment. “As for the person who turns to mediums and to spiritists, to play the prostitute with them, I will also set My face against that person and will cut him off from among his people” “to play the prostitute” That is a very powerful visual aid that should be realized for the filth that God sees in this type of behaviour. liz-nō-wṯ “To commit fornication, to be unfaithful, to play the harlot” If you wouldn’t go out and prostitute yourself physically, why would you go out and play with fire and give yourself a spiritual STD? 1 Chronicles 10:13–14 shows that Saul died because he sought a familiar spirit instead of God, and Revelation 21:8 groups sorcerers among those who, for “their part will be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone” The message is clear. Consulting the dead or relying on any occult practices is incompatible with genuine faith in Christ; the two don’t mix, no matter how hard you attempt to justify it. The Dead Cannot Help You Here’s a question some rarely ask, and others ask way too much: what could the dead possibly tell us? Ecclesiastes 9:5 tells us: “the dead do not know anything, nor do they have a reward any longer, for their memory is forgotten.” And Isaiah 8:19 asks: “should a people not consult their God? Should they consult the dead in behalf of the living?” The answer is obvious, or at least should be. Why would you go to the dead when God is alive? When you try to get “guidance” from those who passed away, you are opening yourself up to deception from satan and his hordes. Worse yet, you just left your back door open for him to come visit anytime he wishes. And modern examples are no different. Just because today’s “mediums,” or whatever cutesy name they go by, wear different sunglasses and don’t hide in shadows, doesn’t change the truth. One should be placing their trust in God. Those things replace God. Big difference. Why It Matters You might excuse yourself by saying, “I’m just curious” or “I just wanted guidance.” But let’s be real here, when you seek out the occult, you are trying to define and replace God on your terms. You’re ignoring His instructions, creating your own version of guidance, and stepping into a spiritual STD. You can not be a Christian AND read tea leaves, you can not be Christian AND use tarot cards, and you can not be a Christian AND be a “white” witch. You are either a Christian or you are not. God does not share His authority; in fact, He is the only authority. He alone is the source of wisdom, insight, and the future. When you consult Him, you receive truth and direction. When you consult the “dead” or “spirit guides,” you open back doors to darkness. Your Way Forward From This So what should a believer do? It’s simple: Seek God directly through prayer. Repent. Study the Bible. Consult Godly mentors, not the “spirits of the dead.” And get rid of all your occult/New Age possessions. If you feel drawn to the occult, step back and ask yourself: Am I seeking God, or am I seeking my own control? It’s a hard question, because your flesh is intoxicated by it, but one you have to ask. Bottom Line Christians cannot dabble in anything occult, whether it’s mediums, witches, spirit guides, tarot, etc. The warnings are clear, the risks are real, and the consequences are eternal. If you claim to follow Christ, turn to Him. Leave the worldly, dangerous practices behind. God alone is your source of truth, guidance, and life. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gracious gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23 “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous, so that He will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9 © Jane Isley Press Ctrl + P (Windows) or Cmd + P (Mac) to print this article or save it as a PDF.