Let's Not Avoid Controversy

This week I got feedback from two readers about the Propaganda Dictionary. One said I was wrong to share politics in my devotions. The other asked what she could do when her Bible study refused to let her share how Talarico's political claims contradicted Scripture. 

 

We need to understand that our Christian faith is important in every aspect of life, including politics.

 

I'm featuring Talarico in this series because he is a prolific source of propaganda claiming that the Bible, Jesus, and Christianity support ungodly laws that break God's heart. You'll discover more of his claims as this series unfolds.

 

Here's the rub: Talarico's opponent, Ken Paxton, calls himself a Christian, and his platform will save unborn life and promote other things important to Christians. But he appears to have some immoral behavior and legitimate fraud charges in his past.

 

My devotions aren't candidate campaigns. Texans must vote their conscience. My goal is to expose terrible lies about God and provide Scriptures that refute them. God hasn't prompted me to expose the personal lives of political candidates.

I've interrupted my devotions using Talarico quotes to make this point:

 

It's important that we speak truth graciously, without mockery, profanity, or sarcasm, (Colossians 4:6; 1 Peter 3:14-17), but we're commanded to “contend for the faith” (Jude 1:3).  
 

Philippians 1:27-28 tells us to strive for the gospel “without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you.”
 

2 Corinthians 10:5 says, “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God.” 

 

Colossians 2:8 warns us not to be taken captive “through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.”
 

If someone uses Scripture to promote things which mock Scripture, we must speak up. I pray my devotions using Talarico quotes will help you do that.

 

And please check out Lies in Disguise. It's a book that can help you discern lies in every area of life: Lies in Disguise. 

 

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What Scripture Means by "Love" Your Neighbor

The word “love” has different meanings in Scripture.

For example:

“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:37-40 

We're told to love God with heart, soul, and mind...fully, wholeheartedly, above all others (Luke 14:26).

We're told to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. 

This is perhaps the most misunderstood form of love. Psychology tells us we should have warm, fuzzy feelings about ourselves, think highly of ourselves, and demand that others treat us with respect.

If that were true, we'd have to adore our neighbors. 

But loving our neighbor as ourselves is the kind of love that treats all people with respect, helping them if they're in need, treating them humanely with grace and kindness. This love means doing to others what we'd want them to do to us (Matthew 7:12).

We don't even have to like our neighbor to do this. We can “love” our enemies with this kind of love (Matthew 5:44; Romans 12:20-21). 

Love for God is unique, a love that is based on His perfection and goodness, a love that causes us to obey His commands (John 14:15). Love for ourselves and for others is based on forgiveness and grace, knowing we are all imperfect sinners.

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This misunderstanding of love for neighbor leads to another misunderstanding explained here: Most Misused Scripture by Self-Esteem Advocates.

 

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Rejecting the Propaganda Dictionary

Twisting language is a key to successful propaganda. For example:

“I was told that if you wanted to be a Christian, you had to hate gay people.… You had to want to control women.… You had to reject science.” James Talarico

In this quote, Talarico shares a series of popular cultural lies. 

To understand them, we need a “propaganda dictionary”:

Hate – Believing in God's commands about sins that damage people's souls.  

“The one who keeps God’s commands lives in [God], and he in them.” 1 John 3:24

Controlling women – Rescuing unborn babies and preventing women from lifelong guilt. (See More Than One Victim.)

“Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter.” Proverbs 24:11-12

Science – The unprovable theory of evolution; the dangerous, unscientific claims about gender; the excuse that life begins nine months after it began. 

“In the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires.… They deliberately forget that long ago by God’s word the heavens came into being and the earth was formed.” 2 Peter 3:3-7 

Why do so many people in our world believe the “propaganda dictionary”?

“The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.” 1 Corinthians 2:14

Language is a powerful tool for good or bad, and Satan loves blinding people to the light of Christ. More than ever before, we must be alert and discerning!!  

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I encourage you to read about one of many news networks that are helping to spread propaganda: BBC Splices Truth. We must learn to check everything we hear!

Note: Over the next few weeks, I'm sharing a series on “rejecting propaganda,” and I'll be addressing James Talarico's statements in this series. My goal is much broader than simply focusing on the errors of one political candidate. My prayer is that this series will give Christians resources to refute these oft-repeated lies-in-disguise. And Talarico is an excellent spokesperson for propaganda about Christianity, so I'll be using his quotes to address them. 

Pictures of Talarico

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Let's Grow Up!

To watch/listen to Gail share this devotion on YouTube, see Let's Grow Up!

 

A Christian once told me, “If you knew MY parents, you'd understand why I don't honor them.”

 

This attitude is prevalent in our culture—and it's increasing among Christians, whether they openly admit it or not.

 

But God doesn't give us the power to decide when to apply His commands, and He offers no exceptions to His fifth commandment. See note at bottom.*

 

Whether we like it or not, our attitude toward our parents reflects our attitude toward God. 

 

1. When we refuse to move past our family difficulties, we doubt God's ability to use all things for good (Romans 8:28). 

 

2. When we judge our parents harshly without taking responsibility for our sins, we become hypocrites (Matthew 7:1-4). 

 

3. When we refuse to forgive our parents, we become bitter (Ephesians 4:31-32).

 

4. When we ignore the command “Honor your father and mother” (Ephesians 6:2-3), we damage our well-being (Exodus 20:1-17).

 

“As a noun, honor in the Bible means ‘esteem, value, or great respect.’ To honor someone is to value him highly or bestow value upon him. The Bible exhorts us to express honor and esteem toward certain people: our parents, the aged, and those in authority (Ephesians 6:2; Leviticus 19:32; Romans 13:1).” (source)

 

Even if you aren't neglecting, rejecting, or resenting your parents, examine your heart and ask God if you're truly honoring them. 

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I strongly encourage you to do the short Bible study with this devotion. You'll find it HERE. And check out these other helpful one-minute devotions on this subject: 

Takers & Givers

Underestimated Command

I also encourage you to check out the Wisdom for Life devotional. It contains 100 one-minute devotions to challenge, encourage, instruct, and inspire your love for God's Word: Wisdom for Life. Read the story behind Wisdom for Life HERE. And find out about the two free Bible studies with purchase HERE. You can read the first four devotions in the book by clicking “look inside” on Lifeway or Amazon.

 

I also encourage you to sign up for a free subscription to Bible Love Notes and get a free e-booklet. Find out more HERE.

 

* Note: This devotion does not address children who have been physically or sexually abused by parents. They must seek godly Christian counsel in handling their relationship with their parents. But I'm talking about genuine abuse. If your parents are annoying or difficult or non-affirming, that is not abuse. Those are things that adult Christians learn to handle with the Lord's help. Don't buy into the victim mentality promoted by many psychologists. Instead, grow up in your faith!

 

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Prayerful and Practical

When my friend broke her wrist, she was grateful that many of her friends told her they’d pray. But she was especially blessed by those who helped her in practical ways. 

It made her evaluate her own attitude, and she realized she’d often failed to “love” her Christian friends in practical ways when they were facing difficulties. 

 

Scripture gave her further motivation. Paul emphasized love for the body of Christ in 1 Thessalonians 3:12, and in 4:9 he praised the church saying, “God himself has taught you to love one another.”

We’re told in Scripture that when sin is rampant in culture, “the love of many will grow cold” (‭‭Matthew‬ ‭24‬:‭12). 

‬“The surrounding darkness will cause many to abandon wholehearted love for God and faithful love toward His people. Pressure, fear, compromise, and disappointment can harden hearts that once appeared devoted.” Study Bible 

My friend’s self-reflection encouraged me to do the same. Am I sensitive to the needs of my brothers and sisters in Christ? Am I letting God teach me how to love others as promised in 1 Thessalonians 4:9? Am I remembering the important message of the verses below?

“Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.” 1 John 3:18 

“Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” James 2:14-26 

 

Prayer is important, but there are times it should be accompanied by practical actions to help others, “especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (Galatians 6:10).  

 

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For more insights, see The Prayer Excuse and Scripture Harmony.

 

Joy in Jesus Is Healthy — Part 1

Enjoy! Rejoice! Be blessed! Delight in the biblical truths in these three devotions and improve your spiritual health!!

Joy Produces Energy

Six ways to avoid legalism and bring joy to your Christian obligations. A one-minute devotion to encourage you.

 

 

 

A Cheerful Heart Is Good Medicine 

Science confirms Proverbs 17:22. Enjoy this joyful news!  

 

 

 

Science Proves “Laughter Therapy” Is Effective

No wonder God recommends joy and laughter in Scripture! 

 

 

💙 If you enjoy one-minute devotions like these, please check out the Bible Love Notes devotional Wisdom for Life. It features one-minute devotions from Psalms and Proverbs and is for sale on Lifeway and Amazon.  

And please sign up for a free email subscription to the Bible Love Notes online devotions HERE. 

 

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Let's Not Take Our Heavenly Father for Granted

If you'd like to listen/watch this video on YouTube, click here: Let's Not Take Our Heavenly Father for Granted.

 

While there are a growing number of adults who neglect or cut off contact with their parents, the majority (especially Christians) understand that God tells us to honor our parents out of respect for Him. 

 

It means being deliberate and diligent, remembering the sacrifices our parents made for us, and being willing to make sacrifices for them. This attitude is a reflection of the Christian attitude toward God.  

 

Christ made the most significant sacrifice in all of history for us, dying to give us abundant life. But it's easy for us to become self-focused and stingy toward God, taking Him for granted even though He loves us even more than our earthly parents.

“Can a mother forget the baby at her breast

and have no compassion on the child she has borne?

Though she may forget, I will not forget you!” [says the Lord]

Isaiah 49:15  

It's important that we not neglect our earthly parents, but even more important that we not neglect our Lord. Let's seek His guidance daily through His Word because He alone can equip us for everything we face in life (2 Timothy 3:16-17). 

Instead of only praying when we need something, let's remember to thank Him throughout the day, considering His great love for us (1 John 3:1).

“He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.” 

2 Corinthians 5:15

Let's never forget how much we owe our Heavenly Father. 

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For more insights on God as our Father, see  3 Bad Arguments for a Female God. And even though it's not Father's Day, this one-minute devotion offers some wonderful insights on God as our Father: Putting Father's Day into Biblical Perspective.

 

💙 Please check out the Bible Love Notes devotional Wisdom for Life. It  features one-minute devotions from Psalms and Proverbs and is for sale on Lifeway and on Amazon!

 

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Why Good People Suffer

“The real problem is not why some pious, humble, believing people suffer, but why some do not.” ― C. S. Lewis, The Problem of Pain

1. Slander ruins a man's career.
2. A pastor has chronic health problems.
3. An honest man is ruined by dishonest men.
4. Believers are tortured and killed for their faith.

“Why me?” is a common question when faced with difficulty.

But a more reasonable question might be: “Why not me?”

The Bible record refutes the notion that our earthly lives will be fair and easy:

1. Slander ruined Joseph's career and sent him to prison (Genesis 39:1-20).
2. Young pastor Timothy had chronic stomach problems (1 Timothy 5:23).
3. Corrupt King Saul repeatedly tried to assassinate David (1 Samuel 24:1-12).
5. Believers have always been persecuted (Hebrews 11).

God doesn't promise earthly ease and justice, but He promises to comfort us (2 Corinthians 1:3-5) and use bad things for our good if we focus on His purposes (Romans 8:28). 

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For additional insights, see 5 Things to Remember When You're Suffering and Joni Shares 5 Benefits of Suffering. And be sure to check out the three posts below!

✞ Free Subscription to 1-Minute Bible Love Notes. Have a one-minute devotion like this one delivered to your email each weekday.

✞ 10 Reasons You'll Love the Book Wisdom for Life.  A collection of 100 one-minute devotions from Psalms and Proverbs and a great gift for people who love God's Word.

✞ Full Description of the Book Lies in Disguise. A much-needed book to uncover half-truths that misuse Scripture and weaken Christian faith. 

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A Funny Mistake … Or a Double-Edged Sword?

Looking through some Christian journals in a discount store, I found one that said, “For I Know the Plans I Have for You. Jeremiah 19:11.”

I had to laugh.

Jeremiah 29:11 reads, “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”

But Jeremiah 19:11 reads:

“Then break the jar while those who go with you are watching and say to them, ‘This is what the Lord Almighty says: I will smash this nation and this city just as this potter’s jar is smashed and cannot be repaired. They will bury the dead in Topheth until there is no more room.’” (Jeremiah 19:10-11)

The journal was right about one thing, those were God's plans, plans of judgment against Judah's unrepentant involvement in idolatry, injustice, and immorality.

God's plans and His Word are a double-edged sword, dividing truth from error, belief from unbelief, reward from punishment (Hebrews 4:12).

This verse on the journal doesn't make the journal a good gift for a Christian friend, but this mistake is a good reminder that while God is patient, longsuffering, forgiving, and loving, people and nations can get to a point where He justly and righteously removes His protection and we receive what we deserve.

One of the plans God has for each of us is to pray for our nations, for ourselves, and for Christians throughout the world to stand firm against idolatry, injustice, and immorality. Let's do it!

 

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People often misunderstand Jeremiah 29:11. This one-minute devotion explains: Jeremiah 29:11 - Misused and Misunderstood. 

 

Please check out Lies in Disguise, and ask God if there's someone you know who would benefit from the wisdom it provides. 

 

 

 

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3 Elements of Maturity in Christ

“‘The first man, Adam, became a living person.’ But the last Adam—that is, Christ—is a life-giving Spirit ... Earthly people are like the earthly man, and heavenly people are like the heavenly man. Just as we are now like the earthly man, we will someday be like the heavenly man.” 1 Corinthians 15:45-49

Believers are in process of becoming like Christ, moving from earthly to heavenly people. And we achieve that goal by:

1. Knowing God's Word.

God’s Word is perfect, sure, right, pure, true, desirable, and sweet, making us wise, enlightening us, and warning us (Psalm 19:7-11). It is a key element in our growth in Christ.

2. Standing firm in our faith.

 

Growing in Christ means standing firm even when we face difficulty and persecution.

 

“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 

3. Continually seeking to know Christ better.

 

As Paul explained, “Everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ” (Philippians 3:8).

If we ignore these elements of our faith, we'll grow slowly. Let's never do that! Let's seek to draw closer to Christ every day, counting everything that gets in our way as garbage! 

What might you do this week that improves your relationship with the Lord?

Need some help in transformation? These might help:
4 Obstacles to Discipleship
4 Practical Ways to Grow in Our Faith

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