We have a special message today instead of our regular one-minute devotion...
If you look at the Bible Love Notes archives, you'll find just about every type of devotion you can think of, many of which are purely encouraging, focusing on things that aren't particularly difficult. (Devotions by Subject 1, Devotions by Subject 2, Devotion Series)
There's nothing wrong with that kind of devotions. And we'll continue to share them from time to time.
But the last few years, my husband and I have felt that God has been laying stronger, harder messages on our hearts, letting us know that the church is heading for trouble if we don't prepare for the battles raging around us.
At times I find myself in tears because of what is happening in our world. Not grieving simply because something has affected someone I know, but burdened in a general sense for the world and the church.
I'm deeply grieved about the evil being promoted and accepted in our world. I'm deeply grieved over the way remnant believers are being silenced and criticized inside and outside of the church. And I'm grieved by the false teachings being accepted by more and more ministries and churches that once held solidly biblical beliefs.
We never address strictly political issues, but we'll address moral issues that are tied to politics, moral issues that involve clear biblical truths. Why? Because we can't remain neutral when politics involves things that break God's heart.
We know these things are not as light and easy to digest as purely encouraging devotions, but we believe they are what we need and what our readers need if we are going to fight the good fight and hold onto the faith (1 Timothy 6:12).
My husband and I are not ashamed of the focus of the Bible Love Notes ministry, and we wanted to take this opportunity to explain our calling and purposes to our readers.
In Christ,
Michael and Gail Purath
Thank you. We need this. 🙏
ReplyDeleteThank you Michael and Gail. We need the truth, whether it is hard to digest or not. We need that truth to keep us from falling into the trap being set around us. I appreciate your willingness to do this, and I look forward to reading your devotions every day.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate this as I seek God's will and direction. Shows I used to watch and books I used to read no longer hold an appeal as I want to strengthen myself in God's word. Thank you for your work.
ReplyDeleteThank you for staying true to your Calling. This will be hard, and hard for readers, but we must be prepared.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your passion to being true and faithful even in the little things. The church needs to be held accountable and warned about deception creeping in or boldly strutting in. Keep fighting the good fight. May He bless you and keep you.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I think that today all believers need guidance in this area more than encouragement - the battles are getting tougher
ReplyDeleteAmen!! Thank you as you continue to proclaim truth!
ReplyDeleteI am so grateful that you are about the truth. So much deception these days, that this is a breath of fresh air to me. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteLove and prayers.
ReplyDeleteDear Michael and Gail,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your dedication and the passion you put into your work. Your messages are clear and deeply appreciated. I’d like to share a gentle suggestion that might help us, especially those of us living outside the USA.
For many of us in countries where Christianity is no longer prevalent, the challenges we face are quite severe. The issues you’re addressing in the USA have already taken a strong hold in our societies, and we often find ourselves overwhelmed.
In these times, we find ourselves in greater need of comfort and encouragement. Simple, heartfelt messages from God’s Word are a vital source of strength for us. While we deeply value the insights into cultural compromise, we also yearn for the kind of supportive, faith-building content that youo, Gail, used to share in your earlier devotionals.
I’m currently seeking out and translating those earlier devotionals because they provide us with the encouragement and spiritual nourishment we so desperately need. They resonate more with our experiences in non-Christian and anti-Christian cultures than the critiques of popular culture.
We would be incredibly grateful if you could continue sharing such encouraging messages. They mean a great deal to us as we navigate these challenging times. Thank you once again for all that you do.
Dear Aritha,
DeleteThank you for sharing your perspective. I do understand that there are some differences from country to country, and that's one reason I've always let my translators choose which devotions to translate and with 2000+ in the archives, each can focus on those things she feels are most pertinent to her country/language group.
There are so many popular devotion sites, and the most popular ones do tend to share mostly encouragement. Some of them don't even mention sin, let alone address the issues we currently face in our world. Bible Love Notes has never been that kind of site. From the beginning, I've written posts to instruct and correct as well as encourage. I need those reminders in my walk with the Lord.
You're right in noting that in the areas of LGBTQ lifestyles and abortion, I'm sharing more content than usual. That's one reason Michael and I shared this post. We wanted our readers to know that we are doing that intentionally.
If you look at last week's devotions (7/22-7/26), you'll find:
Mon: "God Tells Us NOT to Boast & God Tells Us to Boast!"
Encouragement to know the Lord better because that is worth more than any other boast.
Tues: a repost from 2015, Sometimes We Miss Seeing the Heart:
Explaining that God looks on our hearts, not our outward appearance. And we should do the same.
Wed: What We Want to Hear and What We Need to Hear from God
Using 2 Timothy 3:16-17 this devotion explains that Scripture encourages and comforts us as well as correcting and rebuking us.
Thurs: a repost from 2015, No Shades of Grey
A post that warns us to avoid pornographic influences.
Fri: Clever Lies that Defy the Facts
BLN has often shared similar posts about abortion, but we are purposely sharing more in the next few months to help genuine believers divide truth from error and understand what Scripture teaches. We are doing this as the U.S. faces an election where this issue is front and center. And I'm doing it because God has laid it heavily on my heart. Like Jeremiah, if I tried to keep silent about abortion or LGBTQ issues, God's Word would be like a fire in my bones that I could not contain (Jeremiah 20:8-10).
To be honest, these issues are affecting people all over the world. They may not be facing elections (although some are) but Christians worldwide need to be taking advantage of opportunities to speak truth and correct lies when spiritual and physical lives are at stake. Our brothers and sisters are being killed for their faith in some parts of the world because they refuse to be silent. And we must not remain silent either.
If our country votes for Harris, unlimited abortion, surgical mutilation of young children for trans surgeries, and censorship of Christian views about LGBTQ issues may be the law of the land. But with God's help, I will keep speaking against these things.
I've read stories of the faithful from your country, Aritha: Corrie Ten Boom, who spoke up against the majority as risk of her life. And Brother Andrew who risked his life to take Bibles where they were prohibited. They are part of the "Cloud of Witnesses" who encourage us to "run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:1-2