Are You a Two-Faced Christian?

Why do we do it? We always want to have it both ways. - Clint Decker

Why do we do it? We always want to have it both ways. Someone like this we might call, “two-faced.” In the bestselling book, Pilgrims Progress, there was a character called, “Mr. Facing-Both Ways.” This speaks of a person’s character, where they refuse to fully commit in one direction, instead they always play both sides. Regarding someone’s Christian faith, such a person is described like this, “They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.” (Titus 1:16)

The strong statement comes in response to a problem in the human heart, which causes one’s words and actions not to align with each other. This type of living is a lie. It is deceptive and manipulative. It leads to a lack of personal trust and integrity and is a spiritually dangerous way to live.

Jesus addressed this when He asked a rhetorical question to His listeners, “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?” (Luke 6:46) To put this in other terms, Jesus was asking, “Why do you say you believe in me, but do not obey my commands?” The same issue was dealt with centuries earlier through the prophet Jeremiah, “Will you steal, murder, commit adultery, swear falsely… then come and stand before me…?” (Jeremiah 7:9-10)

All this is a life of contradictions, where people profess to know God through their words or Christian activities, but deny that profession in how they live. What they do on Sunday and how they live Monday through Saturday does not match up. Because of this, they give ample reason for others to question the genuineness of their faith – including God.

They say with confidence, “I pray”, “I believe”, or even “I have asked Jesus to forgive my sins.” Yet, their life is a walking paradox when they engage in drunkenness, sexual immorality, anger, bitterness, profanity or other evil. How can such a contradiction be? They may respond with, “No one is perfect.” That is true, but it is no excuse for continuing to do what one knows is flat wrong. It is hypocritical, which means that someone is a religious actor. It is written, “Therefore you have no excuse, O man…” (Romans 2:1)

Why have so many chosen to live this way? Simple. There is no cost to it. It is a vain attempt to have two kingdoms without paying a price. God’s kingdom and their kingdom.

This way of living provides the benefits of religion like engaging in prayer, belief in God, experiencing His blessings, or even enjoying worship and taking the Lord’s Supper. But it also allows their conscience to permit them to live however they choose.

Those who teach or believe this are embracing a dangerous lie. For God strongly condemns it and will not be deceived or mocked. Jesus will one day say to them, “I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.” (Matthew 7:23)

To enter God’s kingdom, you must walk away from your kingdom, and yes, there is a cost. There might be relationships that need to be broken or places you need to stop going. This is repentance and is costly, because it means you are turning away from someone (you) and turning toward Jesus by faith.

If God were to examine your life, what would He see? A two-faced life of empty religion, or a life that is passionately headed in one direction and totally sold out to Christ?

A prayer for you – Lord God, examine our lives. Help us to see what you see. If we have been living for two kingdoms, show us. From this day forward help us to live fully for Christ, the One who suffered, died and rose again that we might truly live for Him. In His name. Amen.

When You Don’t Like Yourself

Do you feel so unhappy with some things about yourself that you are willing to go to extreme measures to change who you are? - Clint Decker

Do you like who you are? I am sure all of us wish we could change a few things about ourselves. Even the most beautiful or handsome among us. But I am asking something deeper. Do you feel so unhappy, so uncomfortable with some things about yourself that you are willing to go to extreme measures to change who you are?

You are not alone. Many are traveling this path. Let me help you. Let me take you back to the essence of who you really are and where you came from. I am not talking about your family. Large numbers of people come from difficult homes. Many were raised by a single parent, their grandparents, or have experienced the trauma of abuse. I want to take you back further than family.

Let us go back to where all of us have come from. “Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness…’ So God created man in his own image…male and female he created them. And God blessed them. And God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it…’” (Genesis 1:26,27-28)

This is where you and I have come from. We have been created by Almighty God. Before you were born, you were fashioned together by Him. You are not a product of science or biology, but a miracle of the one who fills the universe with His presence.

He made you a man or a woman, a boy or a girl, and did not make a mistake. Sometimes it can feel like He did when we look at other people and compare, or listen to the hurtful words of others or the destructive voices in our own mind. Here is the truth. You were made by the one who sits as King of the Earth on His throne in heaven.

What is the evidence of this? You were made in God’s image, and the imprint of His likeness is upon you. Where does your laugh come from, or your ability to love, gain knowledge, be creative, show kindness and a host of other things? It all comes from God. This is who He is and He gave some of His likeness to each of us along with physical life. For it is not just your heart, blood and brain that keeps you going. Ultimately, it was God’s Spirit that breathed life into you that made you come alive! And one day, that life will be withdrawn from you upon death.

Even though we are a wonderful creation of God, there is something not right. Something is amiss. Each one of us was born with a bent towards disobeying our Creator. The bent is called sin. It has touched everything God has created in us and corrupted it all. We love, but only certain people. We gain knowledge, but it may not be good or edifying. We are creative, but not in always creating honorable things.

And sometimes this corruption shows itself in the rejection of what God has made – ourselves. This is the root of why we often want to change who we are. Instead of giving God thanks for how He made us and loving ourselves just as we are, we condemn ourselves and want to change what God has made. God is not pleased when we reject what He has made and called good.

What is the answer? God sent His only Son to rid us of this internal brokenness. If we turn from our disobedience and to God by faith, we will instantly become a new person. Then the wall separating God and us, will be torn down. You will be one with Him. The One who made you, and finally, you will be able to see yourself through His eyes.

A prayer for you. Lord God, I pray for those who look at themselves and want to change who they are. Open their eyes to see how they were created by you. Help them to see how there is corruption within them causing all this. Bring them to turn from their sin, and to faith in Christ. Then lift the veil of darkness so they can see and be made new by the light of Jesus. In His name. Amen.

God’s Caution When Welcoming the Immigrant

Church leaders, politicians and business owners that deliberately enable and justify the ungodly behavior of defiant immigrants, are complicit in their criminal conduct. - Clint Decker

Once a year I step onto an airplane and leave my familiar American soil, fly over the Atlantic Ocean then step off the plane to plant my feet on African soil, specifically, Kenyan soil. When I do, I find myself in a sea of people with a different skin color, language, clothes, food, music and overall culture than mine. And quickly, I find myself a stranger in another land. (Image from unitedmethodistbishops.org)

This is a picture of immigration, where people move from their native land to a different one, sometimes by choice, sometimes by force. Instantly, they go from being a native to a foreigner, from a citizen to a stranger.

We live in a world of immigrants. The United Nations Migration report states that nearly 300 million people live in a different country from which they were born. And the United States receives more immigrants than any nation in the world. The U.S. Current Population Survey reports that America has 53-million foreign-born immigrants (legal and illegal). A record number.

The United States was built on Christian principles that welcome’s the stranger. What are those? The Scriptures say, “When a stranger sojourns with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong. You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God." (Leviticus 19:33-34) The word “stranger” can also be sojourner, alien or foreigner. In a very practical term, it also means “guest.” Anyone who travels to a different county than which they were born, is a “guest” to that host nation.

What is expected by God from these guests? Immigrants are to abide by the existing laws of their host nation, “You shall have the same rule for the sojourner and for the native, for I am the LORD your God.” (Lev. 24:22) Immigrants are also expected to assimilate into the host nation’s culture, “Any one of the house of Israel, or of the strangers who sojourn among them, who offers a burnt offering or sacrifice…” (Lev. 17:8)

How is the host nation to treat their guests? Immigrants are expected to receive equal justice in the courts, “You shall not pervert the justice due to the sojourner.” (Deuteronomy 24:17) Immigrants should be treated by the people with a sense of generosity, “When you reap your harvest in your field and forget a sheaf in the field, you shall not go back to get it. It shall be for the sojourner…” (Deut. 24:19) Immigrants should not be taken advantage of, “You shall not wrong a sojourner or oppress him, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt…If you do mistreat them, and they cry out to me, I will surely hear their cry, and my wrath will burn…” (Exodus 22:21-24)

God lays out what He expects from the immigrants and from their host nation, but overall, He urges caution when welcoming the immigrant. He says, “There shall be no strange god among you; you shall not bow down to a foreign god.” (Psalm 81:9) This speaks of how immigrants naturally bring their own values and culture with them from their native land, and in cases where there are nefarious motives with that, it will have a dangerous and dramatically negative impact on the host nation.

For immigrants who seek to assimilate and are respectful of their new nation, God’s laws apply. But for those who intentionally refuse to assimilate, deceive, harm others and blatantly defy laws there is a different response. There is biblical precedent and wisdom to remove them from the host nation. For it is an act of defense of the country and love for its own citizens. And church leaders, politicians and business owners that deliberately enable and justify the ungodly behavior of defiant immigrants, it is no response of love, instead they become complicit in the immigrant’s criminal conduct.

A prayer for you – Lord God, we pray for wisdom and understanding on the divisive and complex immigration issue. We pray you will help us to employ your wise principles in navigating this. Help us to not be deceived while embracing both compassion and justice toward all immigrants. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Thankful, Even When My Banana is Taken

It is easy to be thankful when we get our banana, but what if the banana is snatched from our hands and smashed in front of us. That becomes the real test of a thankful heart. - Clint Decker

Our second oldest great-granddaughter asked grandma for a banana, then after she received it and began to walk off, I questioned her, “Now Avi, what do you say?” Quickly she responded, “Thank you, grandma!” (Image by Pixabay)

Avi is 4 years old. These early years are the times to teach little one’s thankfulness. A National and Religion Spiritual Survey reported how about 60% of Americans experience thankfulness at least once a day. I am sure Avi was among that number when she received her banana.

It is easy to be thankful when things are going well. Right? When we have good health, plenty of money, a strong marriage and family, when business is booming, when everything is sailing along in the right direction. That is when our gratitude meter is off the charts.

But the evidence of a thankful heart is really shown when it is tested.

The Bible speaks of a man who experienced this. “There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job, and that man was blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil.” (Job 1:1) In one day, due to natural disasters and a heartless rogue of bandits, all his children were killed, his entire business destroyed and his personal health ruined by an incurable disease. All he had left was his wife and his own weakened life. Yet, what were some of the first words he was able to say in response? “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” (Job 1:21) As things became worse, it took a toll on his wife. She challenged her husband, “Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die.” But he said to her, “You speak as one of the foolish women would speak. Shall we receive good from God, and shall we not receive evil?” (Job 2:9-10)

It is easy to be thankful when we get our banana, but what if the banana is unjustly snatched from our hands and smashed in front of us, just to make us angry. Then what? That becomes the real test of a thankful heart.

In the face of tremendous tragedy, Job was able to maintain a grateful spirit. That does not mean he was without pain, heartache or deep discouragement. Rather, in the middle of it all, he was able to keep his mind’s eye fixed on God and give Him praise.

Not all of us will go through such horrible tragedies, but we will have bad days at work, the pressure of ever-growing bills, conflict in our marriage or frustration over something. And in those moments, instead of showing gratitude, we blast out anger, impatience or bitterness.

All of us have done this. No one is perfect.

The Bible says about God, “Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!” (Psalm 100:4-5) God calls us to approach Him with thanks, even on bad days. When we do, we will end up treating others the same. Being grateful toward others, even our enemies, is how we love our neighbor, which is one of the Great Commandments of God.

But how? It is hard. We live in an entitled society that is filled with narcissists and arrogant people. We may even be one of those. First, we start with an acknowledgement. “God, I apologize for acting like a spoiled brat sometimes and not being very grateful toward you or others.” Second, we ask for help, “Lord, I do not have the power to live a grateful life on my own. You will have to help me to live according to your ways.” Third, place your trust in Jesus, “God, I believe in what your Son did on the cross. I trust not in myself, but in Him to transform me.”

A prayer for you. Father in heaven, we acknowledge our harshness toward others, especially our family. We are sorry for taking advantage of people and not being more thankful toward them. Change us O God into a grateful people. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Stiff-Necked Sunday Christians

Stiff-necked Christians are deceived. They should know better. Their belief system has blinded them to the truth. - Clint Decker 

We love our dog, Buster. But there are times when he refuses to cooperate. On occasions when we say “come,” he will stay right where he is at. We might even put a leash on him, and he will dig in. Our loveable Buster, at times, becomes “stiff-necked.” (Image by freepik)

Ancient farmers would use the term to describe uncooperative oxen. A team would be harnessed and ready to pull a plow or cart for work, but sometimes an ox would dig in and not go as directed, no matter what the farmer did.

This picture eventually became a spiritual metaphor in the Bible for religious people that stubbornly refused to follow God’s ways. God Himself used the term to describe His own people whom He had a covenant relationship with, “And the Lord said to Moses, ‘I have seen this people, and behold, it is a stiff-necked people.’” (Exodus 32:9) At times, God would direct one of His preachers to confront them. Stephen once boldly spoke before a crowd, “You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you.” (Acts 7:51)

Centuries ago, there were some desperate leaders that came to Jeremiah, a well-known preacher. He had been speaking God’s Word in Israel for decades, and the nation urgently needed to hear from God. They said to Jeremiah, “Let our plea for mercy come before you, and pray to the Lord your God for us….” (Jeremiah 42:2) After Jeremiah agreed, they replied, “May the Lord be a true and faithful witness against us if we do not act according to all the word with which the Lord your God sends you to us.” (Jer. 42:5) Out of love for God and them, Jeremiah hide himself away for 10 days, and sought the Lord on their behalf. Afterward, he called the people together and shared all that God had spoken. He did not hide anything. How did they respond? They gave an immediate and very obstinate response, telling Jeremiah, “You are telling a lie. The Lord our God did not send you to say [those things].” (Jer. 43:3)

This an example of being stiff-necked. God gave them direction, but they did not want to follow. The Bible says, "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts…” (Hebrews 3:7-8) A stiff-necked person is one who has a hardening of their heart toward God’s instructions. It is a stubbornness that refuses to follow God’s ways. And it is interesting that the term is only used of God’s people. Why? Because they should know better.

Professing Christians have the Word of God. They read, study and memorize it, and hear it expounded upon in church. They take the cup and bread in Holy Communion and also step into the waters of baptism. They have what others do not, and with that comes a greater level of responsibility. Therefore, when God speaks through His faithful servants, He expects obedience, but instead what He often sees, is a hardness of heart.

Stiff-necked Sunday Christians are deceived. They should know better. Their dangerous belief system has blinded them to the truth. Their beliefs have a particular narrative that supersedes the authority of Scripture, and is subject to the way they view the world, and how they choose to live.

The most significant display of stiff-necked religious people the world has ever seen, was the cross. Jesus was the Jewish Messiah and fulfilled all the Scriptures foretelling it. Yet, because Jesus did not fit the picture of what they were expecting, they became biblical revisionists and refused to believe in Him. Then they took things a step further, they killed Him. Though their stubbornness was immense, Christ overcome their evil when He rose from the dead. Then despite their crimes against Him, Jesus was graciously willing to forgive all who would repent and place their faith in Him.

A prayer for you – Lord God, I pray you will drop the scales of stubbornness from the eyes of people. Soften their hard hearts. Tender their stiff necks. For the sake of their lives and eternal souls bring them to be made new this hour. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

What’s Inside You? Life or Death?

Death is everywhere. Did it have a beginning, or has it always been with us? - Clint Decker 

Have you ever been asked, “Are you saved?” or heard a variation of that from someone or even a preacher talk about it? What exactly does that mean, and strangely as it may sound, how does it relate to life and death? (Image from livingalignment.com)  

Unfortunately, death is all around us. It is part of our personal lives and the culture of our communities. We see it in the form of tragedy when a school experiences the greatest of horrors, where a sadistic killer takes the lives of innocent and defenseless children.

Death can also come in the form of disease or sickness. Whatever it is, all of us, from the moment of birth, are set on a certain path toward our own end. Obituaries, funerals and beautifully manicured cemeteries all remind us of this.

We also observe death in nature through plants, flowers, trees and in the animal kingdom too. Death is everywhere. Did it have a beginning, or has it always been with us? It first appeared thousands of years ago in the lives of our first parents, Adam and Eve. They once lived on earth’s most beautiful place, the Garden of Eden. After God created them, He laid down boundaries with stern consequences about the fruit of a particular tree, saying, “for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.” (Genesis 2:17)

In history’s most consequential act, they disobeyed God and immediately death entered into our world. Through their sin death came. For God said to man, “By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread, till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” (Gen. 3:19)

Death came upon all of creation, which included more than physical death. It also included a spiritual death, where mankind, who once walked with God, became separated from Him. And since God was the author of life, that spiritual life was lost, where though man was alive on the outside, he became dead on the inside. It took the form of an inner darkness that produced slavery to his evil desires, leading to the weight of shame and guilt for His actions that lay heavy upon him. Emptiness. Hopelessness. It all is part of this curse of sin and death.

Yet, God in His perfect wisdom and love, would not leave us to ourselves. Instead, He sent His Only Son to earth that people might be saved from this curse. Jesus, fully God and man, was a perfect being that never sinned. He willingly took the penalty of death, that was due for you and me. He bore upon His shoulders every evil thought, word and deed of the whole world. He became separated from the life of His Father and died a torturous ending on a cruel cross. Then three days later, He rose from the dead! His resurrection conquered sin and death. Then Christ declared that all who turn from their sin and place their complete faith in Him, would have the curse of sin and death lifted, and the life of Christ poured into them. The Bible says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)

For all who trust in Christ and walk in faithfulness with Him, though one day they will die, yet they will live forever in the presence of God. Gone will be the darkness, and present for eternity will be light and life of Jesus. The Bible says, “…there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12) Have you been saved?

A prayer for you – Lord God, if someone has the curse of sin and death dwelling within them, help them to understand the good news of Jesus today. Bring them to admit their sin before you and call upon you with all their heart. Bring them to fully trust in you and be truly saved. Deliver them from sin and death, and give them the indwelling light and life of Jesus. In His name. Amen.

Violence in Our Land

Escalating crime and violence in society points to a singular issue. We have drifted far from God. We are in a spiritual crisis! - Clint Decker

One news report stated about a horrible tragedy at local church in Michigan, “The man accused of killing four people and burning down a [Mormon church] …reportedly held a long-simmering hatred for [them].” Authorities said that the assassin of Charlie Kirk texted a friend, “I had enough of his hatred. Some hate can’t be negotiated out.” And after a man mercilessly slayed a young Ukrainian refugee in front of onlookers a witness reportedly overheard him saying, “I don’t even know the lady. I never said not one word to the lady at all.” (Image by Pixabay)

Michigan. North Carolina. Utah. What is happening? One recent poll communicated a rising number of people seem to believe violence is the only way, “Three in 10 people now say that Americans may have to resort to violence to get the country back on track.” Professor Jon Michaels of UCLA states, “violence is so great right now, and it’s hard to figure out exactly what is causing it and why [we aren’t] able to turn away from it.” He frames the American mindset, “If we can’t solve things [one way, then] we’re going to solve things through intimidation, aggression and murder…”

Many are wondering about the same thing as the professor, which leads people to ask, “Is it a law enforcement problem?” “Is it a political problem?” “Is it a mental health problem?” Escalating crime and violence in society points to a singular issue. We have drifted far from God. We are in a spiritual crisis!

We are not the first to experience this. Thousands of years ago, after God created mankind, they began to drift from Him. When they did, the earth became a dangerous place to live. History says, “Now the earth was corrupt in God’s sight, and the earth was filled with violence.” (Genesis 6:11) Jesus spoke of the practical effects of rejecting Him when He said, “And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.” (Matthew 24:12) Today, dark and cold hearts are running our streets. This is what happens when a nation turns from God. Our moral foundations are crumbling while any civility that remains is slowly fading away. Right has become wrong and wrong has become right. Evil doers are praised, and the righteous are vilified. Virtuous laws are subjectively enforced or not at all, while immoral laws are drafted and imposed with vigilance.

God is a God of moral and just laws that transforms individual hearts, which then impacts society. His Word tells us not to murder, not to hate, to love our enemies, to forgive and to have loving marriages and families. When we turn from our ways and place our trust in Jesus, He changes our hearts and enables us to live this way. When that happens, it affects our family and community.

We must return to the Lord God, our Creator, or continue to face the violent crisis at our doors. We have a choice to make. The Bible says, “…if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15)

Today, I hope and pray you and your family will choose Jesus. He died, was buried, then rose again as a sacrifice for the sins of all humanity. He willingly took upon Himself the judgment you deserved. He took your anger, hate, unforgiveness and bitterness. He did it so you could be free and transformed into a new person. Turn from those poisons and place your full commitment in Christ.

A prayer for you – Lord God, we confess, we have fallen from you. We have looked to the gods of pleasure, money and power and become their slaves. In return they have given us violence, death and chaos. Forgive us, O God. Cleanse our hearts, we pray and save us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

You Need to Read This Book!

The Bible has been the Book that held together the fabric of Western civilization. - H.G. Wells

George Washington, the first President of the United States, said about God’s Word, “It is impossible to rightly govern the world without the Bible.” The legendary General Douglas MacArthur commented regarding the Scriptures, “Believe me, sir, never a night goes by, be I ever so tired, but I read the Word of God before I go to bed.” Famous author H. G. Wells observed, “The Bible has been the Book that held together the fabric of Western civilization... The civilization we possess could not come into existence and could not have been sustained without it.” (Image by Unsplash)

The first book printed on the Gutenberg press in 1455 was the Bible. Since then, it has become history’s best-selling book. Over 100 million are printed each year with over 6 billion currently in print around the world. It also is the world’s most widely translated and distributed book. Out of 7,394 languages spoken across all seven continents, 3,658 have either a full Bible or some portion of it.

It is without debate. The Bible has been and continues to be, the world’s most influential book by every measure. And that is against all odds. There is some level of restriction on Bible use in 33 nations, like North Korea, Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan. Historically and even presently, people have been jailed or killed for translating, printing, distributing, reading or even owning a Bible.

Why all this about the Bible? Because you need to read it! It is urgent. It will change your life, like it has millions of people down through the course of history. Here are seven reasons you need to start reading the Bible today.

1. The Bible reveals who your Creator is. “I made the earth and created man on it; it was my hands that stretched out the heavens…” (Isaiah 45:12) You did not come from a tadpole or a big bang. You were hand crafted by Almighty God. The Bible helps you to know who you are and who God and His only Son is.

2. The Bible answers your greatest questions. “Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13) The Bible answers questions like, “What is my purpose in life?”, “Is there life after death?”, “Why is there so much suffering and evil in the world?” and many more.

3. The Bible uncovers your supreme struggle. “For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander. These are what defile a person.” (Matthew 15:19-20) The Bible teaches how you have a heart problem, and it shows how you can get a new heart through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.

4. The Bible teaches you how to live. “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16) The Bible teaches about marriage, family, relationships, conflicts, justice, finances, government, confronting evil, doing good to our neighbors and a wide range of other subjects.

5. The Bible is reliable. “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness…” (2 Timothy 3:16) When you open the Bible, you can trust it. It does not lie.

6. The Bible is your source of truth. “The sum of your word is truth…” (Psalm 119:160) God’s Word tells us what is right and wrong and good and evil. There are no guessing games when it comes to morals. God’s Word lays it out straight.

7. The Bible is your source of hope. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” (Romans 15:13) When you read the Bible and discover your Creator, find answers to big questions, receive forgiveness for your sins, learn how to live in difficult circumstances and encounter what is true and good – it inspires hope.

A prayer for you – Lord God, I pray you will bring people to read their Bible today. May they open its pages and discover the abundant riches of your grace and truth you have waiting for them. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

The Alarming Decline of Christianity in America

Even though we have massive mega churches, incredible Christian ministries, highly organized Christian political activism, anointed and powerful pastors and evangelists. Nothing has been able to reverse America's spiritual decline. - Clint Decker

Since the 1940s and 50s America has been on a slow, but steady decline of Christianity. When one looks at all the metrics it is troubling. Stats on those who believe in God, identify as Christians, pray regularly, read their Bible, church membership, church attendance, a Christian worldview and on and on. Every year we hit new historical lows. All this despite amazing movements of God that have taken place. And even though we have massive mega churches, incredible Christian ministries, highly organized Christian political activism, anointed and powerful pastors and evangelists. Nothing has been able to reverse the decline. (Image by Unsplash)

Are you familiar with Isaac Newton’s 3rd law of motion? It states that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. Since Christianity has been on the decline, what has been the equal and opposite reaction? Nearly every data point surrounding morality, crime and mental health is concerningly high. Divorce, suicide, alcoholism, drug abuse, abortion, depression, sexual immorality and more. There has also been a steady rise of the “nones.” Alan Cooperman, the director of religion research at the Pew Research Center commented, “We've had rising shares of people who don't identify with any religion — so-called 'nones' — and declining shares who identify as Christian, in all parts of the country, in all parts of the population, by ethnicity and race, among both men and women, and among people at all levels of the educational spectrum." And deeply troubling is the surge of interest in the occult. Pew research found there are historical levels of Americans identifying as Wiccan or Pagan, additionally, 30% of adults consult astrology, tarot cards or fortune tellers.

The slow decline of Christianity for the last 60+ years is alarming. The deadly slide continues the expanding moral decay of America with each passing year. The problems we face are not from the broader culture alone, but also from the American church. Here are four things I am calling the church toward…

1. Call out sin and evil. “Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.” (Ephesians 5:11) Rather than the church condoning poisonous immorality and injustice through silence or outright approval, the church must boldly expose it and call people to repentance.

2. Call for more than a profession. “Israel groaned because of their slavery and cried out for help. Their cry for rescue from slavery came up to God. And God heard their groaning…” (Exodus 2:23-24) The church must go beyond leading people to agree to a set of gospel truths. Rather, we must guide precious souls to humble themselves before Christ the King in sorrowful repentance and urgent faith, while earnestly leading them to cry out to Almighty God for the salvation of their soul.

One biblical encyclopedia put it this way, “The concept of crying out for salvation is deeply rooted…the human recognition of sin, the need for divine intervention, and the hope for deliverance. Throughout Scripture, the act of crying out to God is portrayed as a sincere plea for help, often arising from a place of desperation, repentance, or faith.”

3. Call for change. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17) Instead of the church living like the world, it must live a life of spiritual and moral transformation, that is distinct from the world.

4. Call for a life of holiness. “…you shall remember and do all my commandments, and be holy to your God.” (Numbers 15:40) To be holy is to be separate. The church must walk in complete surrender and holy obedience to our Lord’s commands, because of love for Him. Then consequently, the church will walk in holiness of heart and life, while being a shining light in a culture of darkness.

A prayer for you – Lord God, I pray for our nation, that we would turn from our sinful ways. Not just those outside the church, but inside too. For collectively, we have allowed such great evil to grip our land. Forgive us O God, and come save us. Save our country, O Lord! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

God, Sorcery and Witches

Between 24% and 29% of Americans believe in telepathy, communication with the dead, clairvoyance, astrology, reincarnation and witches. - According to Gallup

In 1948, 91% of Americans identified as Christians, while in 2023 that number declined to 68%, according to a Gallup survey. In 1948, there were no surveys about where Americans stood regarding the supernatural, which means it was statistically insignificant. However, in 2025 Gallup said, “Nearly half of U.S. adults, 48%, believe in psychic or spiritual healing. Slightly fewer, 39%, express a belief in ghosts, while between 24% and 29% say they believe in six other supernatural phenomena, including telepathy, communication with the dead, clairvoyance, astrology, reincarnation and witches.”

Clearly for decades America has been on a downward spiritual slide, slowly moving away from the things of God, and replacing Him with dark and evil things. It is a dangerously predictable and common trend in human history. We were created by God to be spiritual beings (even atheists), so if we are not heading in the direction of God, then we are shifting toward other places, like the dangerous but intriguing world of the supernatural.

Israel was a nation formed by God and were given laws directly by Him in which they were to be governed. For centuries they were ruled by kings, who were to lead the people according to the ways of God. Manasseh led Israel for 55 years, the longest of any king, and he is known as one of Israel’s most evil kings. Why? Because he took the nation on a downward spiritual slide, away from God, and replaced Him with the supernatural. History says of King Manasseh, “And he burned his sons as an offering in the Valley of the Son of Hinnom, and used fortune-telling and omens and sorcery, and dealt with mediums and with necromancers. He did much evil in the sight of the Lord, provoking him to anger.” (2 Chronicles 33:6)

God strongly condemned the practices of Manasseh, and the king knew it. For God had laws directly addressing what he did. For God said, “There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering, anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord.” (Deuteronomy 18:10-12)

Spiritualism. The supernatural. Whatever you want to call it, is an enemy of God. And we can include wicca, paganism, white and black magic, spell casting, witchcraft, satanism, devil worship and more. God so condemns these that He declares, “Outside [of heaven] are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.” (Revelation 22:15)

What is one practical reason why God rejects the pursuit of the supernatural? Because it violates God’s Great Commandment through exalting the supernatural above God and by doing harm to our neighbor, whom we are supposed to love. It is built on the deception of oneself and others. There is no truth in it. Instead, the supernatural is rooted in lies and comes from the father of lies himself and leads toward evil and immorality of all kinds.

How should we respond? 1) Stop these practices! If you are involved in reading horoscopes, using Ouija boards or anything else like this, stop. Furthermore, get these items out of your house and off your smart phone. 2) Trust in God. Rather than putting your trust in a fortune teller or worshipping nature, come to the one true God for wisdom, truth and forgiveness.

Centuries ago, Jesus came from heaven to earth as the living God in the form of a man. He is the way, the truth and the life. Pursue Him alone, separate from all other ways.

A prayer for you – Lord God, we pray for those caught up in the practices of the supernatural. Open people’s eyes to see the deception and danger. Lift their attention toward you, the source of all truth. May they be delivered and place their trust fully in you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Can Holy Communion and Baptism Forgive Sins?

Can helping the poor, taking Holy Communion, being baptized or engaging in other worthy activities make us acceptable before God? - Clint Decker

Jesus was constantly at odds with the religious leaders of His day. They regularly tried to entrap Him to disobey their laws and turn the public against Him. Each time though, Jesus masterfully refuted their words, amazing the people with His wisdom. (Image by freepik)

On one such occasion, they observed His disciples were not following their tradition of hand washing. A form of religious cleansing. There were also other such traditions Jesus and His disciples did not observe, which drew strong criticism from the religious leaders. Jesus responded by publicly rebuking them through quoting the Old Testament Scriptures, “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written, ‘This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’” (Mark 7:6-7)

Jesus was pointing out how they put so much effort into following their outward traditions, they neglected the inward condition of their heart. Jesus called this hypocrisy, which means – acting. He accused them of being religious actors, focusing on their outward acts, and that of others, but overlooking what is most important.

Are we any different? It is easy for us to do the same by strictly focusing on the outward. There have been entire religious systems built on this. Spiritual leaders have gathered large followings telling people if they do such and such then their sins will be forgiven, they will have the assurance of heaven in the afterlife, be granted physical healing or given financial provision. Is that true? Can helping the poor, taking Holy Communion, attending religious services, praying several times a day, observing specific moral standards, being baptized or engaging in other worthy activities make us acceptable before God?

Read what Jesus said to His own followers in clarifying where the religious leaders got it wrong, “What comes out of a person is what defiles him. For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.” (Mk. 7:20-23)

Jesus stated the problem of the human condition is within. It is a problem of the heart. This is what makes us unclean and unacceptable before God. But mistakenly, we engage in outward religious acts believing they can inwardly cleanse. In other words, we believe we can save ourselves.

The things in your heart that defile you is what leaves you condemned before God. No religious ritual or tradition of any sort, done as perfectly and consistently as possible, can cleanse your heart. God has told us what it takes, “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1) Justified by faith means you can obtain cleansing and good standing with God only by faith in His Son. You cannot save yourself, only Jesus can. If you will turn from trusting in yourself, your religion, your good works, and trust wholly in Christ, then you can be cleansed and have peace with God. Christ came to suffer, die and rise again for you. Only His blood that was shed on the cross can cleanse you from within, and nothing else.

A prayer for you – Lord God, we confess our efforts at focusing on the outward, believing that through those we can make ourselves acceptable to You. We turn from that belief and trust in Christ alone. We admit we are not good enough, but agree that Jesus is, and that He alone has the power to save us. In His Mighty name. Amen.

Do You Kneel Before the Sport’s God?

Has sports become your golden calf? - Clint Decker

Is Sunday football a casual interest or something more? Does your love for sports go beyond a form of entertainment, recreation or exercise to an obsession? (Image by freepik)

Thousands of years ago the people of Israel escaped their Egyptian slave masters for freedom. As they fled, Moses often spent time with God seeking Him for guidance in governing the people. Once he was alone with God for 40 days, and as the time passed the people began to doubt if Moses would return, so they looked to Aaron, Moses’ brother. He became their new leader, and they sought his help in finding a new god. He led them to craft a golden calf, where the leaders of the people said, “These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!” (Exodus 32:4).

Israel replaced the Lord God with a golden calf because of their impatience. What they once looked to God for, they quickly cast aside for something of their own creation.

This illustrates the human condition. Without realizing it, we are constantly looking to somewhere, something or someone else besides the Lord God, to satisfy us and give us what only God can provide.

Sometimes sports can become one of those replacements. It is a multi-billion-dollar world-wide industry that is a deep part of the fabric of our culture. This is evidenced by how much time and money it consumes for millions of families. From a form of entertainment to passionate participation, from sports gambling to investing in it as a business, or having it the centerpiece of an entire community.

Has sports become our golden calf?

Do you look to sports for happiness, success, financial gain or meaning? The answer can be different for each person. Let me clarify, it is not about sports itself, but the attitude with which you view it. Similarly, the problem was not the golden calf itself, but how the people of Israel viewed it. They looked to it as a god, to give themselves what only the Lord God could give. The golden calf, like sports, is a creation of this world. We built the games. We built the teams. We built the industry. The Bible says, “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.” (1 John 2:15-17)

There is a difference between enjoying and loving. Loving refers to a dangerous obsession, where something becomes like a god to us. Have you crossed that line with sports?

The Scripture says, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.” (Proverbs 16:25) The things of this world deceive us. They draw us along into thinking that what we need is found in them. However, Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life…” (John 14:6) Though we may find short-term happiness in our team winning or success in sports betting. True life, the kind we were created for, is only found in Jesus.

He came to suffer, die and rise again to show us where life is. It is found in Christ. Every other way outside of Him is a fake, and cheap replacement, no matter if it is sports or something else. Today, experience forgiveness for all the wrongs you have done, and discover who you were made for. Jesus.

A prayer for you – Lord God, I pray that you will examine our hearts. Show us if we have a misplaced priority of sports in our life. May we seek you for forgiveness if we do, and may Jesus become our consuming passion. Whether our teams win or lose or our child excels or not, may our eyes always be fixed on you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

A World Seeking God in the Face of Evil

Why would someone kill another person just because he did not like their ideas? - Clint Decker

“What do think about what happened to Charlie Kirk?”, I asked an employee of the venue where I had just spoken. And to my surprise, his eyes immediately began to swell up with tears as he quietly spoke, “How could someone do that? He was a husband and father. Just because they disagreed with him?” (Photo by Kevin Luke on Unsplash)

Charlie was a globally known figure whose death happened before an audience of thousands of college students that was also live-streamed and video recorded. Rarely, if ever, has a person been killed in cold blood as millions watched. Even as time has passed since his tragic death, it does not remove the questions. Why would someone kill another person because he did not like their ideas? Why would multitudes celebrate his death? How could this be done to someone so young, just 31, and married a few years with young children? A husband and a father. It has left millions shocked, horrified, grieved and angered, leading to genuine soul-searching. What does someone’s atheism, agnosticism or lukewarm Christianity have to say about this? The gruesome tragedy has left people searching for answers.

God declares murder a violation of His holy law. He also states that, “Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil.” (1 John 3:8) The assassination of Charlie Kirk was a sinful evil act that was of the devil.

Death, suffering, unexplainable tragedy and appalling evil, there is a mystery to it all where we are left with unanswered questions. In light of this God says, “Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:6-9)

This is what scores of people are doing following Charlie’s death. In the face of incomprehensible evil, they are turning to seek the Lord while He may be found. One taxi driver told a passenger, “After learning about what happened to Charlie Kirk, it was a wake-up call. I’m getting baptized this Sunday.” Today, come to Jesus and turn from your disobedient ways. Put away the pornography, alcohol and drugs. Put away the pursuit of riches and success at the expense of your family. Put away selfishness and pride. Then turn to Christ with all your heart. For He died a sacrificial death for you. He took all your failures and destructive choices upon Himself. Then He triumphantly rose from the dead, defeating death, sin and evil. Because of that, you can be pardoned and set free from chains that have entangled you. Jesus is ready to have compassion on you. He is ready to show you grace and mercy. Come to Him by faith!

When you do, He has a mission awaiting. He changes you to send you. He says, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” (Mark 16:15) Why was Charlie on the Utah campus when he was killed? Doing just that. He was sent by God to share His glorious gospel with those precious college students through debating ideas. Do you know what his first question was about? Christianity versus another religion. Before he was killed on the second question, he shared the good news of Jesus Christ on the first.

Be courageous like Charlie. Go and share the truth of God’s Word. Stand for what is wise, right and good at school, work, in the church, in government and among friends and family.

A prayer for you – Lord God, I pray for those who are left searching for answers following Charlie’s death. Help them to forsake their ways and come to the foot of Jesus’ cross for your forgiveness.

Charlie Kirk’s Death: Will The Church Rise Up?

Church leaders, Charlie Kirk's death has affected your congregation and community. Will you rise up to capture this moment for the furtherance of the gospel? – Clint Decker

Experts say on average, approximately 150,000 people die daily across the world. On September 10, 2025, Charlie Kirk was just one of those thousands that were lost. However, the evidence is overwhelming that the impact of his death rises to monumental levels like that of 9/11 or the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, his brother Robert F. Kennedy or Martin Luther King, Jr. Before I began my message on Sunday I asked the church, “How many of you have heard of Charlie Kirk?” Nearly every hand went up. However, prior to September 10th, just a few in the church knew who he was. Pastors, this current event has affected your congregation and community. Are you capturing this moment for the furtherance of the gospel? Are you providing a pastoral and biblical response to the tragedy? (image from Charlie Kirk's funeral where the gospel was preached)

When Jesus began His public ministry, every day He worked at getting His message out through preaching, teaching and doing signs and wonders that people might believe and follow Him. However, as He went about each day, there always seemed to be interruptions.

On one occasion we see where Jesus was given the news about a terrible event, “There were some present at that very time who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And he answered them, ‘Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.’” (Luke. 13:1-5) Jesus did not ignore the event, but directly addressed it, along with a second one. Look at how He did it. He rose above the politics, which they may have been trying to draw Him into, and spoke to the spiritual side, using it as an opportunity to preach the gospel. We see this repeatedly in Jesus’ ministry.

Church leaders, prayerfully observe the impact of Charlie Kirk’s death. Take some time. When you do, you will see the hot embers of revival and awakening are there. Do not miss this moment to preach the gospel and strengthen the church through it.

Yes, Charlie was deeply involved in politics. Yes, he took strong positions on a number of moral, cultural and political issues. For that alone, some church leaders may steer clear of him, but please do not be among those. He was also a committed Christian that publicly and privately lived for Christ and openly talked about Him before college students and powerful politicians.

Read these comments from just a few people, which are all over social media by the thousands, “I am 40 years old, and have five kids ages 20 to two and haven’t been to church in six years. This past Sunday we all went and will be going every Sunday from now on.” “I'm a 14-year-old girl and Charlie changed my life.” “I came off my faith, but the day he died I turned to Jesus.” “I think Jesus is knocking at my heart after Charlie's death.” “God has not been spoken so much in my house before Charlie died. His sacrifice has re-ignited in our household a love for God.”

Sarah Holliday, from The Washington Stand, succinctly wrote about Charlie’s death, “Across social media and news outlets, a groundswell is emerging. People are confessing ‘I’ve never been to church, but I’m feeling a pull to attend a Sunday service.’ Friends and family have shared with me that their churches were overflowing…a phenomenon echoed nationwide. Alongside this, lifelong atheists and skeptics are turning to prayer and seeking out Bibles…” Additionally, over 200,000 people attended Charlie’s funeral with over 100 million watching around the world, where the gospel message was given repeatedly with a call to Christ.

A prayer for you – Lord God, I pray for church leaders that you would open their eyes to see how the fields of people’s souls are ripe for harvest. May you give them wisdom and courage to embrace this moment for the sake of the Kingdom of God. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

I Doubt You REALLY Believe in God

If 83% of people believe in God, then why do we have so much crime and immorality? Shouldn’t their belief impact their behavior and communities? – Clint Decker

83% of U.S. adults believe in God, according to a Pew Research article published this year. Despite numbers declining over the decades, it is still very high. During 30+ years of ministry in rural areas throughout the Great Plains, I have met many people who are a part of the 83%. Regulars at the local bar, businessmen, county jail inmates, greeters at the church, friendly neighbors across the street and politicians - they all believe in God. (Image by Freepik)

I have an honest question. If that many people believe in God, then why do we have so much crime and immorality? I think I have a point. Should not this belief make a difference in people’s lives, impacting their behavior and thereby their communities?

If I am right, then we are left to conclude one thing. There must be a misunderstanding about what it really means to believe in God.

The Bible is the original source for understanding the whole idea of belief in God. It did not originate from a pollster or rise from philosophical thought. A casual reading of the Bible reveals where it came from. The famous John 3:16 states this idea, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” Additionally, Jesus said, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.” (Jn. 6:35) Then in another place, a man is told to, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved…” (Acts 16:31)

When we look at what the Bible says on the subject of belief, five truths surface. 1) Believing in God is synonymous with a belief in Jesus. Since He is God’s Son, to refuse to belief in Jesus becomes a pointless belief, for Jesus said, “And whoever sees me sees him who sent me.” (Jn. 12:45) 2) Believing in God is the recognition of Jesus, and accepting by faith His deity, virgin birth, death and resurrection, though you may not understand it all. 3) Believing in God is to trust in Jesus, meaning you are willing to entrust your whole life into His care and come under His authority. 4) Believing in God is to follow Jesus, meaning you are willing to do what Jesus and His Word says, no matter the cost—even unto death. 5) Believing in God is union with Jesus, meaning Christ is in you and you are in Him.

Too often when someone says, “I believe in God”, they are talking about an intellectual belief, or more accurately, it could be called an “acknowledgement.” They acknowledge God’s existence, and some details about who He is. And the same could be said about Jesus. This type of strange belief is far away from the Bible’s correct understanding of it.

People like the 83% were directly addressed in the Bible, “You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder.” (James 2:19) The Devil himself and the demons of hell acknowledge the existence of God, but they go no further. They refuse to accept the supreme authority of Christ and come under His Lordship. They refuse to turn from their sin and place their full trust in Jesus. They refuse to reorder their life according to the ways of God.

The belief most have is a mere acknowledgement which does not lead to a changed life and a moral transformation, where the old has gone, the new has come because of the Jesus’ death and resurrection.

Today, move past a mere acknowledgement of Jesus and embrace a full-on, radical belief in Christ. Go beyond the superficial words of religion, and by faith, yield yourself totally to Him.

A prayer for you – Lord God, I pray you will bring people to move past the acknowledgements of Christ, and to a true biblical belief in you. May they humble themselves and come under your Lordship and follow you as their supreme authority in all areas of their life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Admit it. None Of Us Are Good Enough

Millions are convinced the good things they have done for the church, others, or their efforts at trying to do right, should mean something to God. – Clint Decker

Jesus once told a story about two men who went to pray. One was a high standing religious man, while the other was a despised tax collector that had extorted money from many. The religious man prayed, “God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.” (Luke 18:11-12, Image by Jill Wellington from Pixabay)

However, the other man prayed much differently. “The tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’” (Lk. 18:13)

Jesus was widely known for telling stories. They were not told just to entertain, illustrate nor to communicate some generic spiritual truth. Instead, they often had a hidden or very direct meaning. His stories (parables) would point out evil in the hearts of some in His audience which revealed God’s judgement upon them.

His story began with this statement of explanation “[Jesus]…told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt.” (Lk. 18:9) Then the story concluded with Jesus saying, “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Lk.18:14)

The differences between the two men are clear. The religious man saw himself as a good person because of the good things he did. He was not like everyone else. He was better. Meanwhile, the tax collector saw himself as nothing. There was anguish in his soul, while shamefully admitting all the wrongs he had done. He believed he was so undeserving of God’s forgiveness that he felt he could do nothing but plead for His mercy.

Today, there are millions just like this religious man. Multitudes feel good about themselves because of their efforts at doing good things. They counter the wrongs they have done with imaginary moral insurance to soothe their conscience. They are convinced the good things they have done for the church or others, or upright moral behaviors they have tried to live by, should be pleasing and acceptable before God.

And like the religious man, they view themselves as better than the other guy, or even better than they once were. They are not like the drug dealers, like the ones convicted for indecent liberties with a child or like the slimy and corrupt politicians. They see “those people” as the ones who need help, not themselves.

These attitudes are dangerous! They produce an annoying and obnoxious sense of pride that rouses the anger of God. He hates it! This is why the spirit of the tax collector pleased God. Because he had a humble heart. He recognized the true condition of his soul, “None is righteous, no, not one…no one does good, not even one.” (Romans 3:11,12) The tax collector could have pointed to some good things he did in his life, but he chose not to. His sin. His failure before God was so overwhelming, he could not. One million good things could never wash away the dirtiness of his eternal soul. He believed that his only option was to plead for the mercy of God and hope He would hear and respond.

Praise God! This story from Jesus, points to His glorious cross. For the prideful, God will give them what they deserve, but for the humble of heart, He will graciously grant them what they do not deserve. His unmerited kindness will grant complete and total forgiveness for all their wrongs.

Walk in the humble spirit of the tax collector, call out for God’s mercy upon your soul. Then because of Jesus death and resurrection, freedom will be yours.

A prayer for you – Lord God, examine our hearts. If we have an ounce of pride, point it out that we might turn from it. And let us have the spirit of the tax collector. Bring us to humble ourselves before you and plead for your mercy upon our souls. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

What Are You Searching For?

What burden are you carrying? If you want to find the peace you have been searching for, it is found in a person. Jesus. – Clint Decker

There are millions of people carrying heavy burdens across our world. They cannot sleep at night and wake up tired. They have regular appointments with their counselors. Their attempts at hobbies and exercise are strategies to find relief. What burden are you carrying? If you want to find the peace you have been searching for, it is found in a person – Jesus. (Image by Freepik)

Once He was invited to dinner at a religious leader’s home. Other leaders also came, and together they sat down at the table and began visiting. Jesus’ fame as a preacher had risen quickly, so word had spread where He was. A certain prostitute who was impacted by Jesus and His ministry learned of His whereabouts. She made her way into the house and found herself standing before Jesus and the other guests. She stood without saying a word, then began weeping. So much, that her tears fell on Jesus’ feet. Seeing that, she bent down and began wiping the tears off with her hair.

During the whole process, the religious leaders were incensed at the woman and Jesus. Noticing this, Jesus spoke to the dinner host and addressed his attitude toward her, then eventually turned back to the woman and said, “Your sins are forgiven.” (Luke 7:48) That incensed the leaders even more. Then He spoke one final word before she humbly slipped out, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.” (Luke 7:50)

This prostitute was looking for something, just like all those preachers in that room, along with all the people in her city, and those like you and me. Her life’s search took her into prostitution, but for others it goes in different directions.

When the prostitute heard of Jesus, something awakened in her that no doubt said, “This is it!” And she overcame the barriers before her to get to Jesus and when she got there, He did not disappoint her.

She found forgiveness for all the wrong she had done! The guilt and shame she had been trying to outrun was finally washed away. How did that happen? Faith. Jesus said, “Your faith has saved you.”

It was her faith that provided forgiveness. It is interesting to note, what Jesus did not say. He did not say anything about religion, morality, goodness or education. Just faith. He did not refer to anything about personal willpower, having a positive attitude, perseverance or working hard. Just faith. And what is faith? It was her belief, trust and confidence in Jesus.

We are all naturally wired to be independent and achieve. We want to earn what we have. Our culture is set up that way, from our parents and high school coaches to our professors and bosses. “Work hard and succeed,” is what we are told. Faith in Jesus is opposite. This woman simply had faith, and her life was instantly transformed. She believed Jesus was the Son of God. She believed she had done wrong and needed forgiveness. She trusted that Jesus had the power to forgive. She was confident Jesus was sufficient for all she needed.

Then Jesus said, “go in peace.” No doubt the immoral life she had led weighed on her. She not only needed forgiveness, but peace. Often the foolish things we do cause great amounts of stress and anxiousness. In one moment, her simple faith brought forgiveness and peace. Lay your burden down at the feet of Jesus. Have faith in Him.

A prayer for you - Lord God, I pray you will help people to end their search. Bring them to lay down their burden at the cross, and find forgiveness and peace in Christ through simple faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Tonight, Your Soul is Required of You

As we talked to person after person, we witnessed how the disaster became a pivotal moment toward the real priorities in life. – Clint Decker

Have you ever read The Parable of the Rich Fool? It is an ancient story Jesus once told. Crowds would often follow Him, and people would ask questions. A young man once asked Jesus to get involved in a personal matter and make his brother divide the family inheritance with him. In response, Jesus made a profound statement, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” (Luke 12:15, image by Freepik)

Jesus laid His finger on the real issue with the young man. He loved the “stuff” of life too much.

Jesus illustrated His point with a story. He told about a wealthy farmer that had a tremendous harvest. As a result, the farmer said to himself, “‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’ And he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.” (Lk. 12:17-19) But in the midst of his reasoning, Jesus tells the crowd how God spoke to him saying, “‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.” (Lk. 12:20-21)

The story communicated that life is more than the possessions we own. Jesus effectively made the point when He told how the farmer was confronted with his own mortality, and how that all he worked for and owned would stay behind when he entered eternity.

My wife and I witnessed the devastating losses people faced following one of the worst hurricanes in American history. While doing relief work, we saw families who lost everything. All their possessions were suddenly ripped away. As we talked to person after person, we witnessed how the disaster became a pivotal moment toward the real priorities in life.

Why wait to discover this when facing a crisis? Our stuff can sometimes become a distraction. As a result, we may live for today and neglect tomorrow, or in other words, live for what is important to us, rather than what is important to God.

Maybe we do not live for God because we do not know Him. The farmer got a wakeup call to that when God declared, “This night your soul is required of you.” Since He has power over life and death and the present and future, we ought to heed His warning. Let us make knowing God through Jesus our highest priority.

A prayer for you - Creator God, we are sorry we have made things more important than people. We are sorry we have put more trust in the things of this life, rather than you. Take our heart. Wash it clean of all our sin. Become the number one priority in our life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Gambling Away Your Paycheck

Gambling is portrayed as a fun recreational activity that also provides needed public funding for education or other worthy causes. It is deceptively framed as good for society, but at its core gambling is a morally wretched vice. – Clint Decker

“Until my mid-30s, I went to casinos every now and then, maybe once a year. It was fun. But then…” This is the story of a single mom with two kids who was working as a medical professional but had a severe gambling problem. She managed to do it okay until a life crisis, then she started gambling more. Then with the rush of an occasional win, she would go deeper. (Image by Freepik)

During her lowest points, she writes, “I spent a six-figure court settlement in the span of three months and lived in seven places in less than a year. I dated men and essentially had sex for money so that I could continue to gamble. It got to the point where every time I drove back to the casino, I’d think about ways I could hurt myself. The wanting to die consumed me. I thought, ‘If I win, I’ll live. If I don’t, then I can always commit suicide.’ I tried to commit suicide three times.”

Nerd Wallet found that in 2023, 62% of Americans engaged in some form of gambling. In 2024, people forked out $172 billion dollars of their paychecks and retirement savings at casinos, on sports betting, scratch-off lottery tickets and other forms of gambling. Today, the scale of gambling is at a level like never before due to technology and public acceptance.

The gambling industry in partnership with government and business conspired together to produce a masterful public relations strategy. Together they portray gambling as a fun recreational activity that also provides needed public funding for education or other worthy causes. Consequently, it is deceptively framed as good for society, so it is given more access and acceptability. And through it all, the church remains silent.

On the surface it all seems innocent, but at its core gambling is a morally wretched vice. This evil is built on a flashy, well-orchestrated scheme of stealing. Mesmerized by the “get-rich-quick” idea, gamblers give the card dealer, the convenience store clerk or the online website their hard-earned money in return for a false hope, or an occasional jackpot.

This devilish vice is destroying millions of lives. One report I read stated that gambling costs the American economy $14 billion dollars annually, that includes court and healthcare costs along with credit losses to businesses due to gamblers unpaid debts and more. Additionally, gambling can lead to job losses, bankruptcies, fraud, depression, suicide, alcohol and drug abuse. Do you get the picture? Ask any family member of someone who has a gambling problem if they think gambling is just a harmless recreational activity that is for the good of the economy and jobs.

The Scripture is spot on when it comes to gambling saying, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.” (1 Timothy 6:10). The love of money drives this evil of gambling, and its misplaced love has caused people to wander away from their jobs, families and God.

Stop saying, “Just one more time,” or “Just a little bit more.” Admit you have a problem and need help. And the first person you need to go to, is God. He is waiting for you to turn to Him. He sent Jesus to die and rise again for you. However, your love for money and “the rush” from gambling has pushed Him aside. If things remain as they are, then one day you will have to answer to God for what you are doing. But there is still time, and according to His grace and mercy, He offers you forgiveness through the cross of His beloved Son. Receive Him now. Then after you do, look up Gamblers Anonymous to get the additional help you need.

A prayer for you – Lord God, open the eyes of the public to see the dangers of gambling. Let them see the harm it is doing to people’s lives. I pray as well for those caught in its grasp. Deliver them this day. Do a miracle and rescue someone from its tentacles through the power of Jesus. In His name. Amen.