Following “Another Jesus” and Distorted Gospel

“The devil doesn't care at all if you know Jesus or love Jesus or pray to Jesus- as long as it's a false Jesus, a make-believe Jesus, a Jesus made in your own image. A Jesus who is not there, who therefore cannot save you.” - David Guzik

“I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel, which is not just another account; but there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed! As we have said before, even now I say again: if anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed!” - Galatians 1:6-9

“I am afraid, however, that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may be led astray from your simple and pure devotion to Christ. For if someone comes and proclaims a Jesus other than the One we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit than the One you received, or a different gospel than the one you accepted, you put up with it way too easily.…For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.” 

2 Corinthians 11:3-4, 13-15

Freedom of Speech Matters

“Let’s be clear: an attack on one person’s First Amendment rights is an attack on everyone’s. That’s how authoritarianism spreads—by silencing dissent, intimidating critics, and convincing people to sit quietly on the sidelines.”  

- Adam Kinzinger, former Republican Congressman (2011-2023)

Freedom of speech matters in our democracy but our current President wants to silence criticism against him by revoking the licenses of media outlets that allow it. That may sound good to MAGA followers but we need to understand that if Trump can use that to silence his critics, the next liberal President can do likewise only it could be the opposite side being muted. Think about that. 

Restoring Integrity in Leadership

Praying today for the restoration of integrity in our leaders, starting with President Trump, that he would turn to the Lord. 

Proverbs 16 -NASB

The plans of the heart belong to man,
But the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.

2 All the ways of a man are clean in his own sight,
But the Lord weighs the motives.

3 Commit your works to the Lord
And your plans will be established.

4 The Lord has made everything for its own purpose,
Even the wicked for the day of evil.

5 Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord;
Assuredly, he will not be unpunished.

6 By lovingkindness and truth iniquity is atoned for,
And by the fear of the Lord one keeps away from evil.

7 When a man’s ways are pleasing to the Lord,
He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.

8 Better is a little with righteousness
Than great income with injustice.

9 The mind of man plans his way,
But the Lord directs his steps.

10 A divine decision is in the lips of the king;
His mouth should not err in judgment.

11 A just balance and scales belong to the Lord;
All the weights of the bag are His concern.

12 It is an abomination for kings to commit wicked acts,
For a throne is established on righteousness.

13 Righteous lips are the delight of kings,
And he who speaks right is loved.

14 The fury of a king is like messengers of death,
But a wise man will appease it.

15 In the light of a king’s face is life,
And his favor is like a cloud with the spring rain.

16 How much better it is to get wisdom than gold!
And to get understanding is to be chosen above silver.

17 The highway of the upright is to depart from evil;
He who watches his way preserves his life.

18 Pride goes before destruction,
And a haughty spirit before stumbling.

19 It is better to be humble in spirit with the lowly
Than to divide the spoil with the proud.

20 He who gives attention to the word will find good,
And blessed is he who trusts in the Lord.

21 The wise in heart will be called understanding,
And sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness.

22 Understanding is a fountain of life to one who has it,
But the discipline of fools is folly.

23 The heart of the wise instructs his mouth
And adds persuasiveness to his lips.

24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb,
Sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

25 There is a way which seems right to a man,
But its end is the way of death.

26 A worker’s appetite works for him,
For his hunger urges him on.

27 A worthless man digs up evil,
While his words are like scorching fire.

28 A perverse man spreads strife,
And a slanderer separates intimate friends.

29 A man of violence entices his neighbor
And leads him in a way that is not good.

30 He who winks his eyes does so to devise perverse things;
He who compresses his lips brings evil to pass.

31 A gray head is a crown of glory;
It is found in the way of righteousness.

32 He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty,
And he who rules his spirit, than he who captures a city.

33 The lot is cast into the lap,
But its every decision is from the Lord.

31 Days of Praying Over Political Unrest and Corruption

My heart is heavy every day as I watch our current administration lead with arrogance, retaliation, and lack of Godly character. I’ve started praying through 31 Days of Praying Over Political Unrest and Corruption: Seeking God’s Justice, Wisdom, and Peace (at aspireinhope.com) as a way to focus on the sovereignty of God over human leaders and seek His intervention in their lives. My prayer is that He would bring them to humbleness and a saving knowledge of Jesus. 

Mostly, I want the Lord to be glorified instead of a fake political messiah. I truly want Trump to come to the Lord and lead with Biblical integrity and wisdom instead of vindictiveness and pride; to lead according to Micah 6:8 - “He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

From the Aspire in Hope blog author: 

“As you complete these 31 days of prayer over political unrest and corruption, remember that God is sovereign over all nations, and His justice and righteousness will prevail. While we may see turmoil and injustice in the world, we can trust that God’s plan is unfolding and that He hears our prayers for peace, truth, and integrity. Continue to lift up leaders, governments, and nations to the Lord, trusting that He is working all things for His glory.

May these prayers continue to guide you as you seek God’s wisdom and justice in times of political unrest, and may you find peace in knowing that He is in control.”

Here are the first 10 days of prayer. Click the link above for the rest.

• Day 1: Praying for God’s Sovereignty Over Political Leaders
  Heavenly Father, I acknowledge that You are sovereign over all nations and rulers. I pray that You would guide the hearts of political leaders and establish Your will in the governance of our nation. In the name of Jesus, Amen. (Proverbs 21:1)
• Day 2: Praying for Wisdom in Leadership
  Heavenly Father, I lift up those in positions of leadership and authority. Grant them wisdom to lead with integrity, fairness, and righteousness. May they seek Your guidance in their decisions. In the name of Jesus, Amen. (James 1:5)
• Day 3: Praying for Justice to Prevail
  Heavenly Father, I ask that justice would prevail in the midst of political unrest and corruption. Expose the darkness, and let Your truth and righteousness shine in places of power. In the name of Jesus, Amen. (Isaiah 1:17)
• Day 4: Praying for Peace Amid Unrest
  Heavenly Father, I pray for peace in regions facing political unrest. Calm the hearts of those affected, and bring about unity and reconciliation among the people. In the name of Jesus, Amen. (Philippians 4:7)
• Day 5: Praying for Corruption to Be Exposed
  Heavenly Father, I ask that You expose the corruption that plagues governments and leadership. Bring light to the darkness, and remove those who misuse their power for selfish gain. In the name of Jesus, Amen. (Luke 8:17)
• Day 6: Praying for Protection of the Vulnerable
  Heavenly Father, I lift up the vulnerable populations who are most affected by political unrest and corruption. Protect them from harm, and provide for their needs as they face uncertainty. In the name of Jesus, Amen. (Psalm 82:3-4)
• Day 7: Praying for Integrity in Leadership
  Heavenly Father, I pray that leaders in government would act with integrity and humility. Remove any corruption or dishonesty from their hearts, and replace it with a desire to serve the people with honor. In the name of Jesus, Amen. (Proverbs 10:9)
• Day 8: Praying for Unity Among People
  Heavenly Father, I pray for unity among the people in our nation, despite political differences. Help us to work together for the common good, and let peace reign in our communities. In the name of Jesus, Amen. (Ephesians 4:3)
• Day 9: Praying for Freedom from Oppression
  Heavenly Father, I ask for freedom for those who are oppressed by corrupt governments and unjust systems. Break the chains of injustice, and bring liberation to those who are suffering. In the name of Jesus, Amen. (Psalm 9:9)
• Day 10: Praying for Truth to Be Upheld
  Heavenly Father, I pray that truth would be upheld in government and politics. Let falsehoods and lies be exposed, and may those in leadership commit to truth and transparency. In the name of Jesus, Amen. (John 8:32)

The Proper Context of “Be still and know that I am God”.

The true meaning of “be still and know that I am God” is not to seek God in meditation or silence, but rather to quit fretting, worrying, and striving in the midst of trouble or fear and instead embrace who God is in the midst of it. Psalm 46 in its entirety puts the phrase into proper context. 

1God is our refuge and strength,

an ever-present help in trouble.

2Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way

and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,

3though its waters roar and foam

and the mountains quake with their surging. 

4There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,

the holy place where the Most High dwells.

5God is within her, she will not fall;

God will help her at break of day.

6Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;

he lifts his voice, the earth melts.

7The Lord Almighty is with us;

the God of Jacob is our fortress.

8Come and see what the Lord has done,

the desolations he has brought on the earth.

9He makes wars cease

to the ends of the earth.

He breaks the bow and shatters the spear;

he burns the shields with fire.

10He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;

I will be exalted among the nations,

I will be exalted in the earth.”

11The Lord Almighty is with us;

the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Words Matter

 Being careful of my words is probably my biggest challenge, whether spoken or written. I often speak before considering the impact of my words. I have an opinion about everything but am learning that just because something can be said doesn’t mean it should. 

As I continue to read Everyday Gospel: A Daily Devotional Connecting Scripture to All of Life by Paul David Tripp, the June 9 reading based on Proverbs 10 and 11 spoke to me:

“Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.” -Ephesians 4:28

“He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress.” - Proverbs 21:23

When God Doesn’t Make Sense

 I’m reading Everyday Gospel: A Daily Devotional Connecting Scripture to All of Life by Paul Tripp this year. This excerpt from January 9 resonated with me, especially after the outcome of the election and what a Trump presidency may mean for our country. It concerns me and I wonder what God is up to allowing him to be in power but what really matters is while I do not trust Trump, I can trust the Lord. I can rest in the knowledge that He is in control and whatever He allows is for His greater purpose. Everything the Lord does is worthy of my trust so I can be at peace that no man can do anything outside of God’s ultimate will and plan even if I don’t understand how it plays out at the time.